Parcan

PAR56

Parcans are an extremely simple type of generic light. Essentialy, they consist of a metal tube, the can, housing a Parabolic Aluminised Reflector (PAR) lamp - hence parcan.

Nomenclature

The lamps are often referred to with a number after their name - eg "PAR64". This number corresponds to the diameter of the lamp, in 1/8ths of an inch.

The smallest of these is the PAR16. These are often referred to as birdies - because they are one below par.

Lamps

CP62 lamp

PAR lamps are available in a range of sizes, powers (wattages) and flood levels.

Typically, the lamps we use are rated as 1kW, and are either CP60 (very narrow spot, glass is clear), CP61 (narrow spot, glass is frosted) or CP62 (medium flood, glass is blocky). Some of the lanterns on the octagon use Raylight Reflector lamps - essentially a reflective disc with no glass covering at all.

Note that any Parcan can use a lamp of any power or flood, as long as it is the correct diameter.

Gelling

Parcans have gel frame holders attached the front of their barrels. Gel frames can be slotted in to hold a single gel, or scrollers can be attached to allow changing the colour from a lighting desk.

Historic Uses

Within Venue 1, we have parcans rigged in a variety of places.

Many are attached to an IWB (Interally Wired Bar) in sets of either four or six - a "4-bar" or "6-bar" respectively. Many of these are rigged to the octagon, whilst more still live understage and can be attached to the stage rig for back lighting or as audience blinders.

Each of the bars running up the side of the venue also have 6 parcans with gel scrollers attached. These are a staple of Bop lighting, with chase sequences programmed for them.

Parcans are also to be found at the rear of Venue 2, where they are each gelled with a different colour. They are often found on an unmanned Sound-To-Light chase.