Old (Interesting) Lighting Desks Wanted

[Ken Coker]

Dear All

 

Given that the restoration of the Avolites 8/100 was such a success I'd like to offer the project again AY 2005-06.

 

So, does anyone have an interesting desk that is just filling up space and they want to get rid of? The desk needs to me reasonably transportable - no MMSs thank you- but it does not have to work. Having said that, if there is real physical damage to the console - a small fire for example- I may have to refuse that too.

 

The idea of the project is to give a student insight into fault finding, problem solving and diagnosis, and to give the student a grasp of how things were done and the process of engineering a console. It is also likely that the student might wish to create some form of DMX output module for the console.

 

Email me for more details. I can collect from almost anywhere in the UK especially if you have nice rocks to climb nearby!!

 

Thanks

 

Ken

[swampman]

Did anybody make offers to this request?

 

Has anybody else done restoration work on vintage Avolites?

Problems, sources of parts...etc of interest.

Does Avolites (anybody) still have OLD SERVICE MANUALS manual on pre DMX desks available in any forma?

 

In context: I have a Rolacue 60 and while one channe misbehaves a bit till it's "warmed up" it serves to run dimmers and 4 wobbly mirrors FX (via analogue!) !

Programming shows the slowness of the orginal processors but is STILL simpler that some economy FX desks around !

And because of the British workmanship (wood cheeks etc) it still feels like driving a Rolls Royce!!!

 

What it the use of the D32 connector on the back ?

 

PS I would offer it but don't think you would pay to have it shipped from where I am!

(PPS sorry about the capitals but today my java script is not working)

[Grum]

No rock to climb in Norfolk but I do have a Celco Navigator if you're interested. Not sure if it works or not as I've never used it. It's been in my parents garage for a few years now and I'm sure they'd like the space its taking up.

[Andrew C]

40 ways of AMC; unfortunately on chalk. I could throw in some Mini II racks to go with it...

[James]

I've also got about 40 ways of AMC in dismantled bits along with the documentation and circuit diagrams somewhere.

 

Chalk and London Clay

 

(It has been 4 years since Ken asked the question though)

[gareth]

Errr ... folks, Ken's post that you're replying to is four years old ....... <_<

[J Pearce]

But the Avo desk that was repaired is still around in a monstrous case taking up space in the studio store room, though Mr (Dr yet?) Coker has moved on to explore new fields.

[swampman]

Apologies for digging out the old thread though I am still looking for a service manual for my "British Rock Museum" piece Rola 60.

It remains easier to program than the infuriating DMX disco desks that now cost less than what you will charge for 2 days programming of the lighting!!

 

The main gripe is the loss of the values of parameters when trying to adjust a new DMX setting after changing pages since the faders are not motorized and a nudge send heads&beams all over the place - it becomes vital to WRITE down each position etc etc... On the old Rola or any decent desk you can nudge using a +/- button or wheel RELATIVE to the last position.

This leads to "a very unprofessional" image being given to the hotel director wondering why you keep on blinding him as he checks that you are indeed "working" not "playing" with his precious new discotheque.

 

Can anybody remember the thread which described "Chinkolite" aZüR€ desks? I just hope a new "cultural revolution" will at some stage recover quality, finish, varnish, veneer etc to what we buy!

[TomHoward]

Just as there may be interest in the topic I'd like to point out that the 5A dimmer I posted a while back is still available - clicky