Infra red remotes

[Andy!]

Can you get some type of Infra-Red Remote for the lighing desk so that you can press go from the stage :) thanks

[Ellis]

I believe the ADB I/R remote can do that, but from what I have seen of it, you want something more reliable for a performance.

 

If you think about when you are using your TV or sky remote, you have a visual feedback that you have pressed a button.

 

Try selecting a channel and a level without feedback! I have seen experienced users get frustrated.

[Andy!]

Ok well apart from using a remote is very any other way you could make lights change without an operator?

[Wilf dLampy]

Quite a few desks offer MIDI control over their chases, or small (usually wired) remotes. The best example of this I have seen is at Pulsars demo room in Cambridge. They press a "Go" button on the wall of reception, music starts playing in the demo room next door, the house lights fade and a lightshow starts. That's running from a (well a couple of) Masterpiece(s), not the most Theatre orientated desk, but the principle applies to other consoles.

[Light Console]

IR range is about 6 metres, less under bright light conditions. Zero88 Frog range have a remote control option which can trigger go or go to a memory. You can also have multiple buttons. I am going to use this feature this season, and will post my findings in a few months!

They also have a realtime function which I use loads, at 8:00 house lights & preset come on. 8:15 ballroom lighting on dance floor, 8:25 house lights up, dance floor off, I come in from dinner, and the shows get underway!

HTH,

Rob

[themadhippy]

I believe the ADB I/R remote can do that, but from what I have seen of it, you want something more reliable for a performance.

can it,must give it a try tommorow,must agree though the adb remote is the most sworn at piece of kit our theatre owns, threats of violence,treats of new batterys,gentle words of encouragment have little effect,if its having a bad hair day nothing will make the little barsteward behave itself

[Martin]

What about a standard wired riggers remote. The stage electrics remote for Strand desks has a 'go' button and IIRC a 'stop/back'. It also tells you current and next cue.

 

I've never used it to run a show though. You really need an operator in case things don't quite go to plan :)

[robloxley]

We've occasionally had the DSM run the lights (albeit for a simple show) from the prompt desk using the rigger's (and occasionally sound too!). Strand apparently have got a new, backlit one now (catching up with StageLX who've made one for over 5 years!).

Going back to the original poster who asked about IR - i.e. wireless - remotes, what's really good is the Strand wireless rigger's: once worked in a venue that was all catwalks and it made focussing the lights by ones-self a doddle.

[P. Funk]

would that be the iPaq thingy?

 

...can't help thinking that its a bit overpriced for what it is...

[peter]

I have an iPAQ h5450 (with built in WiFi) which I use for other things, and should I be in a situation where I required a wireless riggers remote, I think it would be a reliable solution. I would however not want to use it in a 'rugged' situation, but I think you can get more rugged palmtops... for much more money. You could probably buy a small desk, or hire a desk op & wireless cans, for the same price as one.

[robloxley]

would that be the iPaq thingy?

 

...can't help thinking that its a bit overpriced for what it is...

No, I was thinking of the original R120 418Mhz remote.

[david.elsbury]

Theatrelight desks (not that anyone would have any over in the UK) have a 1/4" TRS Jack on the back. Short Tip to Sleeve, go a Q forward. Ring to Sleeve, go a Q back. Very handy. You could wire it to 1 or 2 guitar footswitches. Maybe other desks have a similar feature, dunno. Just my $0.02

-david-