Theatrical Flash with Loud Report

[alanhj]

In January a local group near Truro will be performing the Panto "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" This panto has been written by Alan P Frayn and is published by Stage Right Creative Limited.

In one of the scene's there is some business with a vacuum cleaner and I quote "As the vacuum cleaner is "plugged in" there is a bang and a flash from the vacuum cleaner. Ideally, this is achieved by firing a "Theatrical Flash with Loud Report" cartridge mounted on the vacuum itself. Such pyro's can fire from a PP3 9 volt battery and this can easily be wired to a switch via the vacuum cable. The swich being activated as the character bends down to plug the vacuum in"

So my question is where do I purchase this pyro from? Is it as easy as it sounds to wire up and more importantly is it safe? or has anyone any other ideas on how to cause this effect?

[Andrew C]

No, not safe. These things go with one HELL of bang. They also produce shrapnel. I used them outdoors for an 1812, and wouldn't do it the same.

[rossmck]

Theatrical Flash with Loud Report is one of LeMaitre's Pyroflash range. If you're not familiar with pyro then please contact a company or specialist in your area who will be able to offer further advice. I would suggest that a normal Theatrical Flash would be suitable in all but the largest venues - the "Loud Report" are exceptionally loud.

 

Certainly mounting them in anything other than the approved holder and firing them with an approved controller (which is most definitely NOT a 9v battery with a (presumably performer controlled) switch) would be out of the question in most situations.

[Brian]

Hi Alan,

 

as the others have said the TF Loud Reports are over the top for the effect you want and even if you did decide to use them they would be a PITA to mount on the vacuum cleaner.

 

I'd look at using a 'Robotic'. These are small devices designed to simulate electrical short circuits which is, I guess, the effect you want to achieve.

[alanhj]

Thanks for the info. I will not be using that device and may well go for a simple loud bang sound effect and then go the B.O. as if the vacuum cleaner had blown a main fuse.

Thanks again for your help

[paulears]

Brian's suggestion is the simplest and works well, they're also small enough to be put behind the grill, and operated from a simple press to fire button and a concealed battery which is what you wanted to achieve. They make a pop, and a puff of smoke - great things - can be built into props and all sorts.

[andy_s]

another vote for robotics; I've used them for an exploding washing machine, and they are effective without being overwhelming.

[kitlane]

Another vote for Robotics (although it looks like the OP is moving away from Pyro). If you do use a pyro on the vacuum cleaner then perhaps you should have 2 switches in series requiring two hands or a hand and a foot to operate, or maybe an toggle switch to 'arm' the device. It strikes me that it would be very easy to accidentally set of the pyro with only one switch. Or maybe the switch could be protected by a cover of some sort.

[themadhippy]

As the vacuum needs to be "plugged in" it would be very simple to adapt the wiring so the "sokcet" provides the firing volts,via a suitale controler,with the switch on the vacuum being a secondry saftey switch

[adam2]

As the vacuum needs to be "plugged in" it would be very simple to adapt the wiring so the "sokcet" provides the firing volts,via a suitale controler,with the switch on the vacuum being a secondry saftey switch

 

Agree, but dont use a standard 13 amp plug and socket, or someone WILL eventually plug it into a normal socket.

Obtain any socket and matching plug that is not used in the venue.

Connect the output from a standard pyro controller to the non standard wall socket, and wire the non standard plug, via flex, to the pyro via a second safety switch on the prop.

 

As is normal, the pyro operator should have a good view of the area and not fire unless certain that it is safe.

Note that connecting the exposed pins of the plug to a battery would fire the pyro, perhaps with unfortunate results. Therefore a keyswitch on the prop would be desireable to ensure that it is only armed just before use.

[Nekura]

Just to add my view. I use quite a lot of the 1200C's. To me I have come to view them as the "safer alternative" for generating a Soundtrack during a Hit.

 

You can use them fairly close prox, however the thought of mounting to such a portable object doesn't sit too well.

 

You could get the desired effect from locating the pod down-stage and cueing the hit off-stage.

 

Of course, if your really not sure then Strobes, Fog and Sound can re-create the effect. :-)

 

@Andrew C : I've never had shrapnel whilst firing 1200C's. Burners every now and then but not shrapnel.

 

Regards,

 

Nekura

[Brian]

I use quite a lot of the 1200C's. To me I have come to view them as the "safer alternative" for generating a Soundtrack during a Hit.

Could you explain what you mean but that last bit? 'Safer' than what? And what do you mean by 'Soundtrack' and 'Hit'?

[Nekura]

Well I see them as Safer alternatives to Effects such as Maroons, also a lot easier to plan for logistically. Note the term Safer though and not safe.

 

By "Soundtrack" I mean sound generating effects. ie. making a bang.

 

I actually cannot remember where I took the term "Hit" from. Maybe from an American documentary, but I have grow fond of it and use it. I refer to it as a cue of Pyro effects, either multiple or sequential.

 

Hope that clears it up.

 

Nekura