leon9892 Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 Hello All. I have been reading this forum for a short while now, and have now had the chance to share a small problem.We have a LeMaitre G100 Fog machine at a local theatre, which, by looking at the exterior is fairly old. There is a standard remote with it, with a five metre cable. The problem that I am experiencing is that no Fog is being emitted from the machine - bar a few tiny, light wisps. :) As far as I know only LeMaitre fluid has been used in it, and until recently was working fine. I have checked the output nozzle and can't visibly see any blockages or clogs, however the fluid feeder tube does appear to be blocked. I'm not actually sure if any fluid is actually being drawn from the tank at all. I have heard of various methods of cleaning it out (through specialist fog cleaner, and distilled water and white vinegar). Would this work though? I'm pretty sure it isn't the pump that is faulty - but this may be an issue. The remote connector is a 6.3m jack-type one, and the remote has a five metre cable. Is there a way to extend this, or can longer length ones be purchased/made? Many thanks for your help, Leon
Jivemaster Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 As you are at school, first check whether you have permission to tamper with a machine! Check that the fluid flows freely - old stagnant fluid grows life forms that block the hose and pump, remove the mess and clean the pipes. If the pump then makes fluid flow you are sorted. Before you do expensive repaire check on the cost of a replacement fogger, a new one may be cheaper than a courier and a repair.
leon9892 Posted February 21, 2009 Author Posted February 21, 2009 As you are at school, first check whether you have permission to tamper with a machine! Check that the fluid flows freely - old stagnant fluid grows life forms that block the hose and pump, remove the mess and clean the pipes. If the pump then makes fluid flow you are sorted. Before you do expensive repaire check on the cost of a replacement fogger, a new one may be cheaper than a courier and a repair. Thanks. How would I go about cleaning the pipe? Im pretty sure that it can't be detached from the heating element? We were looking at the Martin Magnum 1200 - a suitable looking replacement. Does this unit work well as a theatrical fogger, or is there a more suitable option. We need decent output, and DMX control is preferrable, but if not can the remote cables be extended? Leon
jonathanhill Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 Thanks. How would I go about cleaning the pipe? Im pretty sure that it can't be detached from the heating element? We were looking at the Martin Magnum 1200 - a suitable looking replacement. Does this unit work well as a theatrical fogger, or is there a more suitable option. We need decent output, and DMX control is preferrable, but if not can the remote cables be extended? Leon Hot soapy water should shift most of the dirt. A pipe cleaner (remember them) could be used for smaller diameter pipes. I would get someone to put a meter across the pump to check continuity. That will tell you whether the motor of the pump is still working. Cannot comment on a replacement as I suspect that the Look! Solutions range is out of price range. In my experience most remote cables cannot be extended.
Ynot Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 In my experience most remote cables cannot be extended.Hmmm... Sorry, Jonathan, but that's not really the case.I can't remember the last machine I used that couldn't be extended - I've used various Martins and Le Maitre foggers with analogue remotes - all of which were extendable. Checking web sites for current machines, the le Maitre G300 remote can be used up to 25m from the machine, whilst the Martin Magnum 850 specs 50m.As you quote the Look Solutions machines, I checked out their web site and although they don't appear to give a maximum length of remote line, neither do they say it cannot be done - and as they use a basic 3-pin XLR I'm sure many Look users will certainly do so. Sorry - just thought I'd clear that up.
leon9892 Posted February 21, 2009 Author Posted February 21, 2009 In my experience most remote cables cannot be extended.Hmmm... Sorry, Jonathan, but that's not really the case.I can't remember the last machine I used that couldn't be extended - I've used various Martins and Le Maitre foggers with analogue remotes - all of which were extendable. Checking web sites for current machines, the le Maitre G300 remote can be used up to 25m from the machine, whilst the Martin Magnum 850 specs 50m.As you quote the Look Solutions machines, I checked out their web site and although they don't appear to give a maximum length of remote line, neither do they say it cannot be done - and as they use a basic 3-pin XLR I'm sure many Look users will certainly do so. Sorry - just thought I'd clear that up. Thanks for that. How would I perhaps go about extending the line? Im not even sure what the cable is, though. It has a 6.3mm pin style-jack connector.
dbuckley Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 I have a (knackered) G100. It uses a standard jack for its remote, and you can certainly extend it to over 50m. Le Maite will email you all the service info you need, sounds like the tube is blocked up, its available as a spare.
Ynot Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 Thanks for that. How would I perhaps go about extending the line? Im not even sure what the cable is, though. It has a 6.3mm pin style-jack connector.If your G100 turns out to work OK, the first thing I'd suggest is checking your manual to see what their recommended max length of control cable is. (Can't find one on-line at the mo). Then all you'd need to do is purchase either a ready made extension cable (note - NOT an audio cable - needs to be decent sized cable) or make one up from a jack plug/socket and a length of decent cable. To be honest most home-brewed smoke extensions I've seen tend to be 0.75 or 1mm mains flex. There's nowt fancy about an analog control line. Oh - and with jacks, I'd suggest you get a locking plug/socket and swap the one on the existing remote cable for the locking plug - saves embarrassment when the line gets pulled in mid-show!
leon9892 Posted February 21, 2009 Author Posted February 21, 2009 Brilliant. Thankyou all so much. I have emailed LeMaitre about a spare tube. Do you think replacing it will be difficult? EDIT: Does anyone have a link for a suitable cable?
Ynot Posted February 21, 2009 Posted February 21, 2009 EDIT: Does anyone have a link for a suitable cable?Like I say - use some basic 1mm mains flex - should be fine.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.