Robin D

If no-one here wants it, before you dump it, ask at locals schools, scouts etc as I offloaded some to grateful groups for tug of war games, temporary barrier ropes etc a few years ago.

That's true. From memory we used two r30 reflectors in existing lighting tracks.

Similar problem in a ancient department store a few years ago, but on a smaller scale, we put clear plastic diffuser similar to https://www.cutmyplastic.co.uk/light-diffuser/ hung just on the inside. It did a great job when lit viewed from outside, and was virtually invisible when views from inside during the day as it was only an inch or so off the glass. An unexpected benefit was that we could then project on to it for indoor events at night.

I had a similar device many years ago. The problem was the push button was constantly on. Found a replacement from RS (push to make) and it was all fine.

Project Fear is dead. We now have Project Reality to worry about. In the fullness of time this will be sorted and simplified but in the meantime, the bureaucrats and jobsworths on both sides of the trading divide are having an absolute field day at our cost.

I work in Retail for many years albeit on IT and systems. In your shoes I would call HO and not initially identify myself, and ask to speak to whoever is responsible for health and safety within the organisation. Then share with them your concerns and identity, and the fact that you believe your boss is doing his best in balancing many balls, but clearly needs support and guidance. Point out the impact an outbreak linked to the organisation with have on PR. It may still all go sour, but should get dealt with sensitively.

Just back from the rock and roll panto at the New Wolsey in Ipswich. Very similarto Brian's experience. Smaller cast than usual. I guess about 20% capacity plus a paid for live stream. Somewhat different from the norm with filmed bits blended in, but it was great to be back in a theatre. The rest of the small audience seemed very appreciative. Well done to cast, tech, crew, admin, FOH etc for making it happen. Only a couple of minor tech hiccups, but hey, it's panto and it was live. ?

If you want the same image on both screens use an HDMI splitter. Just remember it will only work at the lowest definition of weakest screen. However, as already said it's relatively easy on most laptops to extend the desktop meaning you can run different content on each screen. If the laptop only has a single HDMI port and either screen supports usb input, you can duplicate the laptop to the usb and extend it to the HDMI. In my experience, this sort of thing rarely works first time, but I have always found a way through with trial and error.

ShowXpress is another. Works with Chauvet Xpress DMX dongles. It's OK for quick things, but works best with a midi controller in my humble opinion.

Never tried it with a video. Did a similar scene with a live actor all in black. Bring the light up on just the face and it works well. I guess a video would work if you can get the black bits black enough, else you would see the hard square edges of the screen. You also need to drop the lighting on the front of the gauze but keep the rest of the door lit for the most effective transformation. If you need to go video, best try it before committing.

I did a 3 day course c25 years ago with Berkshire Fire and Rescue. Nothing better than being trained by the professionals. Getting us to try to put out fires with just buckets of water is a lesson on futility I'll never forget. The smoke, heat and smell you cannot get on-line.

Sadly I wasn't involved when the school was rebuilt. The auditorium cum drama studio was clearly designed by someone who knew nothing about theatre, and wired up by sparkies with similar levels of experience. The 24 ways of dimming and bars came out of the old building, but for some reason the patch was lost!

A 4 year old school venue I go into has LX 1 to 3 from prosc to cyc with outlets sr to sl. Two FOH bars numbered out from the prosc but outlets from sl to sr. Worse still, completely hardwired onto dimmers with no patch. FOH 2 does have clean power but everywhere else I have to run out clean power and DMX for LEDs.

I use it for sound but have never used it for video so rather than guess, I've always found the forum at https://www.showcuesystems.com/forum/index.php fast and informative.

Using flux only stops clean copper from oxidising as you heat it. If the copper is not clean the solder will not bond properly to the copper. Using a small piece of fine Emery or wet n dry used dry until you see clean copper, then use a good contact cleaner (not WD40 as it contains a lubricant That will again stop the hot solder bonding.) Then use multicore solder which has the flux in the core of the solder. You will also need to clean up the contacts in the connector. A needle file can be useful, or a cocktail stick wrapped with a tiny bit of wet n dry.

Mum mum is nearly 93 and had kindness failure years ago! She has been in a care home for almost 5 years with Alzheimers. She was always a very tough cookie, but the disease has now removed any empathy for anyone else, or yet how she is being received, so everything comes over through both opinionated and bigoted barrels. It's terribly sad, and makes visits anything other than enjoyable. The care home has now closed to all but essential visitors. Mum is also registered blind and a technophobe, so all attempts to use video calls fail. Even the DECT phone there she invariably manages to press buttons while talking to her and cuts us off intentionally (I think! :blink: )

Thanks for the clue on search term @Dave m. I've ordered one of these. Reviews are not great but at the price, its worth trying. Hopefully when added to two different density layers of foam under the stand it will make all the difference. Coronavirus apart, I have a kids show do coming up in two weeks that will allow me to try it out. I suspect part of the problem last week was that it was standing on a sprung floor. Will try to remember to post back with results.

I have a vintage style dynamic microphone that fits straight onto a pillar type heavy based stand. It's picking up noise of footsteps etc through the stand. Also very sensitive to the stand being height adjusted by the talent. Partially solved by putting the stand onto a foam tile. However, it really wants decoupling from the stand itself. Does anyone do a rubber stand extension so you screw the decoupler to the stand, and then the mic to the decoupler? Fairly sure it's just a matter of finding the right search term. Thanks ... Robin

It's been 20+ years since I last handled one but they look very like the Furze unit from about 1965. One longer edge is hinged to allow removal of the frame/guard.

I have been looking for ages and seriously considering selling my three 6 channel analogue packs and buying DMX ready units when I bid on a Pulsar 18 channel DMX/PMX/Analogue converter and got it for just shy of £40 with postage. Works fine in test. Using it an anger next week.

I thought you has to buy additional software for midi. Don't they call it a widget or similar.

The powers to be have decided to hire for this show and budget to purchase new next academic year. I will be seeking three quotes after this show. Too much else to deal with before then.

Many thanks all. Will try to remember to update the thread once decisions have been made.

I've told them but don't know the cost off hand.

Many thanks Cedd. Already aware of MLEC as have had to order emergency spares to repair hire kit. No 3D printer here, but I may have access to one elsewhere.