Generic Fixture Rigging - Revision history

Alistair at 11:25, 9 June 2013

2013-06-09T11:25:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:25, 9 June 2013
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	'''Don't leave fixtures lying around the stage/venue!'''		'''Don't leave fixtures lying around the stage/venue!'''

			==SIX BARS!==

	==Safety Guidelines==		==Safety Guidelines==

Alistair at 11:23, 9 June 2013

2013-06-09T11:23:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:23, 9 June 2013
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	==Safety Guidelines==		==Safety Guidelines==
	* Always ensure you use the correct clamp for rigging point used.		* Always ensure you use the correct clamp for rigging point used.
			* Do not use the fixture as a counterweight for you to abseil from the roof, this will always end in tears.

	[[Category:How To]][[Category:Unfinished]]		[[Category:How To]][[Category:Unfinished]]

Alistair at 22:37, 8 June 2013

2013-06-08T22:37:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:37, 8 June 2013
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	'''MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO PEOPLE STANDING UNDER THE FIXTURE WHEN DE-RIGGING IT.'''		'''MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO PEOPLE STANDING UNDER THE FIXTURE WHEN DE-RIGGING IT.'''
	===Prepare Fixture===		===Prepare Fixture===
	Unplug the fixture, but '''make sure it is not powered/live.''' Remove any gels/gobos that are not secured and would be hazardous during de-rigging. Fold the barndoors on the fixture.		Unplug the fixture, but first '''make sure it is not powered/live.''' Remove any gels/gobos that are not secured and would be hazardous during de-rigging. Fold the barndoors on the fixture.

	If possible, tip the fixture nose-down (front end of the fixture pointed down), as this allows the fixture to be placed safely on the floor.		If possible, tip the fixture nose-down (front end of the fixture pointed down), as this allows the fixture to be placed safely on the floor.

Alistair at 22:34, 8 June 2013

2013-06-08T22:34:47Z

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	Generic fixtures are not connected to DMX directly, instead they are powered by a dimmer through 15 A cable with round-pin plugs. The dimmer is connected to DMX and controls the brightness of the fixture by varying the voltage/current of the supply.		Generic fixtures are not connected to DMX directly, instead they are powered by a dimmer through 15 A cable with round-pin plugs. The dimmer is connected to DMX and controls the brightness of the fixture by varying the voltage/current of the supply.

	'''Rigging requires 1-2 people'''		'''Rigging/De-rigging requires 1-2 people'''
	__TOC__		__TOC__

Alistair at 22:33, 8 June 2013

2013-06-08T22:33:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:33, 8 June 2013
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	Once you've secured the fixture and are happy with its position/appearence, perform a final check of the clamp and safety chain. If the fixture is fully secure, you're done!		Once you've secured the fixture and are happy with its position/appearence, perform a final check of the clamp and safety chain. If the fixture is fully secure, you're done!
			==De-Rigging==
			De-rigging a fixture is the opposite of rigging it - removing it from a rigging point for maintenance or storage.

			'''MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO PEOPLE STANDING UNDER THE FIXTURE WHEN DE-RIGGING IT.'''
			===Prepare Fixture===
			Unplug the fixture, but '''make sure it is not powered/live.''' Remove any gels/gobos that are not secured and would be hazardous during de-rigging. Fold the barndoors on the fixture.

			If possible, tip the fixture nose-down (front end of the fixture pointed down), as this allows the fixture to be placed safely on the floor.

			As when rigging the fixture, a rope should be used for derigging if the fixture is heavy or is rigged at height. If a rope is used, loop it over the bar and attach it to the yoke of the fixture using a figure-8 knot.

			If the fixture is particularly heavy, the rope can be looped around the bar twice to help control its descent.

			'''Ensure the rope is fully secured to the fixture and bar before proceeding!'''

			The other end of the rope should be held by a person at ground level.
			===De-rig===
			Remove the safety chain, then loosen the clamp bolt and unhook the fixture from the bar.

			If a rope is used, lower the fixture slightly to allow the rope to take the strain, then the person(s) at ground level can lower the fixture.

			If a rope is not used, lower the fixture yourself, with your hands (or feet).

			Place the fixture on the ground nose-down. This is the easiest and most stable way to store the fixture.
			===Storage===
			The majority of generic fixtures in Venue 1 are stored in the catwalk area above the stage. The fixtures are either hung from a lighting bar or stored on the floor, nose-down.

			'''Don't leave fixtures lying around the stage/venue!'''

	==Safety Guidelines==		==Safety Guidelines==

Alistair at 22:04, 8 June 2013

2013-06-08T22:04:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:04, 8 June 2013
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	Generic fixtures are not connected to DMX directly, instead they are powered by a dimmer through 15 A cable with round-pin plugs. The dimmer is connected to DMX and controls the brightness of the fixture by varying the voltage/current of the supply.		Generic fixtures are not connected to DMX directly, instead they are powered by a dimmer through 15 A cable with round-pin plugs. The dimmer is connected to DMX and controls the brightness of the fixture by varying the voltage/current of the supply.

	'''~~Requires~~ 1-2 people'''		'''Rigging requires 1-2 people'''
	__TOC__		__TOC__

Alistair at 22:03, 8 June 2013

2013-06-08T22:03:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:03, 8 June 2013
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	Generic fixtures are not connected to DMX directly, instead they are powered by a dimmer through 15 A cable with round-pin plugs. The dimmer is connected to DMX and controls the brightness of the fixture by varying the voltage/current of the supply.		Generic fixtures are not connected to DMX directly, instead they are powered by a dimmer through 15 A cable with round-pin plugs. The dimmer is connected to DMX and controls the brightness of the fixture by varying the voltage/current of the supply.

			'''Requires 1-2 people'''
	__TOC__		__TOC__

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	==~~SAFETY GUIDELINES~~==		==Safety Guidelines==
	* Always ensure you use the correct clamp for rigging point used.		* Always ensure you use the correct clamp for rigging point used.

	[[Category:How To]][[Category:Unfinished]]		[[Category:How To]][[Category:Unfinished]]

Alistair at 22:00, 8 June 2013

2013-06-08T22:00:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:00, 8 June 2013
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	'''ALL fixtures MUST have a correctly rigged safety chain. A falling fixture can lead to damage and serious injury!'''		'''ALL fixtures MUST have a correctly rigged safety chain. A falling fixture can lead to damage and serious injury!'''

			Once the clamp and safety chain have been removed, the rope can then be detached from the fixture. The rope can be dropped back to the floor (avoiding dropping it on people) or used to rig more fixtures.

	'''Ensure both the clamp and safety chain are fully secure before detaching the rope. If in doubt, check with a senior member of the crew before removing the rope.'''		'''Ensure both the clamp and safety chain are fully secure before detaching the rope. If in doubt, check with a senior member of the crew before removing the rope.'''

	~~Once the clamp and safety chain have been removed, the rope can then be detached from the fixture. The rope can be dropped back to the floor or used to rig more fixtures.~~
	===Power Fixture===		===Power Fixture===
	The fixture can then be connected to the power supply.		The fixture can then be connected to the power supply.
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	Once the fixture is rigged and connected, it can be focussed (pointed in the right direction).		Once the fixture is rigged and connected, it can be focussed (pointed in the right direction).

	~~This is done by loosening~~ the relevant bolt(s) on the yoke or clamp and ~~positioning~~ the fixture. At this stage it may be useful to illuminate the fixture so it can be more accurately positioned. However, the fixture will become hot if it is illuminated for a period of time, so care should be taken. Gloves can also be worn, to help reduce the risk of burns from the fixture.		Loosen the relevant bolt(s) on the yoke or clamp and position the fixture. At this stage it may be useful to illuminate the fixture so it can be more accurately positioned. However, the fixture will become hot if it is illuminated for a period of time, so care should be taken. Gloves can also be worn, to help reduce the risk of burns from the fixture.

	Any gels/gobos/barndoors can be fitted at this stage, if they were not fitted earlier. They can also be adjusted as desired.		Any gels/gobos/barndoors can be fitted at this stage, if they were not fitted earlier. They can also be adjusted as desired.

	Some ~~fixture~~, such as fresnels and profiles, have adjustments such as focus and zoom on the fixture itself. These can also be adjusted as desired.		Some fixtures, such as fresnels and profiles, have adjustments such as focus and zoom on the fixture itself. These can also be adjusted as desired.

	Once the fixture is in position, the bolts on the clamp and yoke should be tightened, to ensure the fixture doesn't move.		Once the fixture is in position, the bolts on the clamp and yoke should be tightened, to ensure the fixture doesn't move.

Alistair at 21:53, 8 June 2013

2013-06-08T21:53:39Z

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	If working at height make sure you follow the correct procedure.		If working at height make sure you follow the correct procedure.
	===Raise Fixture===		===Raise Fixture===
	The first step is to raise the fixture to the rigging point. If the fixture is light enough, and the rigging point is close to the ground, the fixture can simply be carried and placed on the bar by hand. If the rigging point is at height, or the fixture is too heavy to carry safely, ~~then~~ a rigging rope ~~should be used~~. ~~The~~ rope used ~~must be~~ a rigging rope, which is capable of supporting heavy fixtures and will not snap under the load.		The first step is to raise the fixture to the rigging point. If the fixture is light enough, and the rigging point is close to the ground, then the fixture can simply be carried and placed on the bar by hand. If the rigging point is at height, or the fixture is too heavy to carry safely, use a rigging rope to raise the fixture. Make sure the rope used is a rigging rope, which is capable of supporting heavy fixtures and will not snap under the load.

	~~The~~ rope ~~should be looped~~ around the bar that the fixture is going to be rigged on, then one end ~~connected~~ to the fixture. The safest and easiest way to do this is to use a figure-8 knot around the yoke of the fixture. This is a strong knot used for climbing and rigging that can be untied quickly and easily once the fixture is secured on the rigging point. '''Ensure the knot and fixture are secure before lifting, if in doubt, ask a senior member of the crew'''		Loop the rope around the bar that the fixture is going to be rigged on, then connect one end to the fixture. The safest and easiest way to do this is to use a figure-8 knot around the yoke of the fixture. This is a strong knot used for climbing and rigging that can be untied quickly and easily once the fixture is secured on the rigging point. '''Ensure the knot and fixture are secure before lifting, if in doubt, ask a senior member of the crew'''

	The other end of the rope should also be at ground level, and ~~this should~~ be used to raise the fixture to the rigging point. '''The fixture MUST be lifted by someone on the ground, NEVER by a person at height.'''		The other end of the rope should also be at ground level, and can then be used to raise the fixture to the rigging point. '''The fixture MUST be lifted by someone on the ground, NEVER by a person at height.'''
	===Attach Fixture===		===Attach Fixture===
	Once the fixture is raised to the rigging point, it should be attached. If a G-clamp or space frame clamp is used, this ~~can simply be hooked~~ over the bar. '''Do not untie the rope yet!'''		Once the fixture is raised to the rigging point, it should be attached. If a G-clamp or space frame clamp is used, hook this over the bar. '''Do not untie the rope yet!'''
	===Secure Fixture===		===Secure Fixture===
	~~The~~ fixture ~~is secured~~ to the rigging point by tightening the bolt of the clamp. This should be done by hand, as over-tightening can compromise the strength of the bar. The bolt should be tight enough that the fixture is held securely in position.		Secure the fixture to the rigging point by tightening the bolt of the clamp. This should be done by hand, as over-tightening can compromise the strength of the bar. The bolt should be tight enough that the fixture is held securely in position.

	~~The~~ safety chain ~~should then be attached. The chain should loop~~ around the bar and ~~be secured~~ to the fixture. While some fixtures have dedicated points for connecting the safety chain, for most it can be looped through the yoke of the fixture. The safety chain should NOT be connected to the clamp.		Attach the safety chain by looping it around the bar and securing it to the fixture. While some fixtures have dedicated points for connecting the safety chain, for most it can be looped through the yoke of the fixture. The safety chain should NOT be connected to the clamp.

	'''ALL fixtures MUST have a correctly rigged safety chain. A falling fixture can lead to damage and serious injury!'''		'''ALL fixtures MUST have a correctly rigged safety chain. A falling fixture can lead to damage and serious injury!'''

Alistair at 21:41, 8 June 2013

2013-06-08T21:41:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:41, 8 June 2013
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	Whichever type of clamp is used, make sure it is fitted with a bolt allowing it to clamp onto the rigging point. A wingbolt should be used to allow the clamp to be easily tightened by hand.		Whichever type of clamp is used, make sure it is fitted with a bolt allowing it to clamp onto the rigging point. A wingbolt should be used to allow the clamp to be easily tightened by hand.

	Attach the clamp to the yoke of the fixture using a bolt. Use the correct size of bolt - one that slides easily through the hold in the clamp and yoke but does not give any play once tightened. Use a wingnut if possible, as this allows easy adjustment of the fixture when rigged. Note that the clamp should be attached as shown in the image, as this allows full rotation of the fixture when rigged. Finally, the clamp bolt should be unscrewed partially, so that it can be easily hooked onto the rigging point when rigging.		Attach the clamp to the yoke of the fixture using a bolt. Use the correct size of bolt - one that slides easily through the hold in the clamp and yoke but does not give any play once tightened. Use a wingnut if possible, as this allows easy adjustment of the fixture when rigged. Note that the clamp should be attached as shown in the image, as this allows full rotation of the fixture when rigged. Finally, unscrew the clamp bolt slightly, so that the fixture can be easily hooked onto the rigging point when it is rigged.the clamp bolt should be unscrewed partially, so that it can be easily hooked onto the rigging point when rigging.

	'''Ensure that that clamp is attached to the yoke correctly. Failure of the attachment when the fixture is rigged could result in damage and/or injury.'''		'''Ensure that that clamp is attached to the yoke correctly. Failure of the attachment when the fixture is rigged could result in damage and/or injury.'''

	A safety chain appropriate to the fixture is also required. If the fixture is to be rigged at height, it ~~is useful~~ to attach the safety chain to the yoke ~~for ease of transport~~.		A safety chain appropriate to the fixture is also required. If the fixture is to be rigged at height, it's a good idea to attach the safety chain to the yoke to make life easier.

	'''All rigged fixtures MUST be fitted with an appropriate safety chain. Failure to do so could result in damage and/or injury'''		'''All rigged fixtures MUST be fitted with an appropriate safety chain. Failure to do so could result in damage and/or injury'''

	Finally, it is easier to fit any gels/gobos/barndoors required to the fixture before it is rigged. ~~Ensure~~ these are secured and will not fall when the fixture is being rigged.		Finally, it is easier to fit any gels/gobos/barndoors required to the fixture before it is rigged. Make sure these are secured and will not fall when the fixture is being rigged.
	===Test Fixture===		===Test Fixture===
	It is a good idea to flash test the fixture on the ground before rigging~~. This ensures that~~ the fixture functions correctly~~, and any maintenance can be performed~~. It is much easier to change a lamp on the ground than up a ladder!		It is a good idea to flash test the fixture on the ground before rigging, to ensure the fixture functions correctly. It is much easier to change a lamp on the ground than up a ladder!
	===Avoid Surprises===		===Avoid Surprises===
	Make sure that anyone controlling the lights is aware that you're rigging, and they don't shine lights in your face while you're up a ladder. Ensure the UV cannons and strobes are switched off if you're working at height.		Make sure that anyone controlling the lights is aware that you're rigging, and they don't shine lights in your face while you're up a ladder. Ensure the UV cannons and strobes are switched off if you're working at height.
	==Rigging==		==Rigging==
	===Working at Height===		===Working at Height===
	If working at height ~~ensure~~ you follow the correct procedure.		If working at height make sure you follow the correct procedure.
	===Raise Fixture===		===Raise Fixture===
	The first step is to raise the fixture to the rigging point. If the fixture is light enough, and the rigging point is close to the ground, the fixture can simply be carried and placed on the bar by hand. If the rigging point is at height, or the fixture is too heavy to carry safely, then a rigging rope should be used. The rope used must be a rigging rope, which is capable of supporting heavy fixtures and will not snap under the load.		The first step is to raise the fixture to the rigging point. If the fixture is light enough, and the rigging point is close to the ground, the fixture can simply be carried and placed on the bar by hand. If the rigging point is at height, or the fixture is too heavy to carry safely, then a rigging rope should be used. The rope used must be a rigging rope, which is capable of supporting heavy fixtures and will not snap under the load.