Riggers remote - but which one?

[AndrewE]

I am looking to buy a rigger's remote for use with our lighting system, but I am not sure which one to get. We have a Zero 88 Illusion 500 desk which connects via DMX to an Arri Demux, which drives Permus dimmers.

 

Usedlighting.co.uk has an ETC Obsession RFU - would that connect to the Arri Demux, or do I need a remote that interfaces with the desk? Zero88 don't make a riggers remote for the Illusion, though they do make the Linebacker, but I don't know whether this would be suitable.

 

I know I could invest in an ELC FocusHand, or something similar, but it's rather expensive, so any option that would work with my existing equipment would be preferable.

 

Advice welcome! :)

[Tomo]

Usedlighting.co.uk has an ETC Obsession RFU - would that connect to the Arri Demux

No. That unit is only compatible with Obsession desks.

 

If Zero88 don't make an RFU for the Illusion, then you're stuck with in-line DMX devices like the ELC FocusHand etc.

[broadcast_techie]

I have never managed to use a riggers remote, well not directly, my guess is that if you just want to call up channels to focus then a simple DMX desk (will find out what college have just put in the TV studio) will do, presumably can connect into DMX in of desk (if exists) or patch into the dimmers.

 

I notice the illusion has a remote trigger input, I've used this on a FatFrog to be able to run the show from the bar... a remote keyfob kit from maplin or cpc, a couple of relays, 5pin din, psu, and you have your remote. just setup cues in the desk and cycle through them...

 

hope this hasn't been a waste of time...

 

Kirs

[niclights]

Another option is to use DMX testers that have memory capability.

[tokm]

Elc Focus Brain XL gets my vote.

 

Simple to use and can stand a few bangs (falling off belt) and falls (nothing high, just off table height to floor). So quite durable compared to the likes of the strand R120 or SLX made Strand remotes.

 

Tom

[AndrewE]

Elc Focus Brain XL gets my vote.

 

I like the ELC remotes too - was just trying to save a bit of cash. I'll put the case to the powers that be and keep my fingers crossed! :)

 

Thanks for the ideas.

[tokm]

Good stuff.

 

I notice in your profile that your at a school.. Im assuming this purchase would be for use at it?

 

My point for saying is.. the remotes are pocket sized/small and with it being wireless and all, its nick-able or prone to being lost if just left somewhere after a focusing session one day. And while I'm not insinuating anyone at your school would intentionally steal the remote, I'd suggest you make sure you find somewhere where you could maybe lock the remote away when its not in use (a cupboard in your control room maybe?) Make it clear to all users/technicins that it should be returned to that place when their done using it.

 

Just a tip someone told me in the past.

 

Tom

[GRisdale]

Perhaps not the ideal solution for the OP, but Enttec make a software product called Vocus that, when combined with one of their dongles, a laptop/PC and a radio mic/walkie talkie, potentially offers a very affordable solution (assuming you already had a laptop/PC...)

 

I've just got my copy which we are trying out at the moment. A previous post on the BR suggested that no one else seems to have used it, so am planning to write a review of sorts once we've had a proper play...

 

Gareth.

[AndrewE]

Make it clear to all users/technicins that it should be returned to that place when their done using it.

 

Thanks for the advice - yes I would most definitely keep it in a safe place when not in use.

 

Now to see if I can convince Whitelight to give us a nice "education rate" price :)

[tokm]

Your a school, I'm sure they'll give you some sort of discount.

 

I'd suggest you look around, there a few companies that sell this bit of kit, AC, SLX and a few smaller retailers come to mind. Or has your school some tight a$$ policy that they'll only buy from W/L because they have an account with them.. or a worse excuse, because their big :)

 

Know this is getting off-topic, just thought I'd ask, as I've seen what schools are like before hehe.

 

Tom

 

*edit - added names of companies, AC, SLX etc*

[AndrewE]

Or has your school some tight a$$ policy that they'll only buy from W/L because they have an account with them.. or a worse excuse, because their big :)

 

No, actually the school are quite prepared to let me source from anywhere, so long as the price is right! I was under the impression that Whitelight were the UK distributor of ELC kit though, so they would be my first call.

[tokm]

Yes, they are. Doesn't mean they'll do the best price for you tho :)

 

You seem pretty clued up, I'm sure you'll work a deal with someone, good luck!

 

Tom

[henny]

how about http://www.digitallightingsolutions.com/

 

Home of the dmxPHONE.

 

· Use nearly any cordless phone as a wireless focus remote.

 

· For DMX512 stage lighting systems.

 

· Less than half the cost of a typical focus remote.

 

 

if you loose the phone just nip to argos and pick up a new one for less that £20