Look Solutions Viper NT
The Look Solutions Viper NT, or just the Viper, is a high power smoke machine which can be operated manually, through a timer or over DMX.
Unlike hazers, such as the ZR24/7, smoke machines produce dense bursts of vapour similar in appearance to smoke or fog. These bursts do not last as long as those from a hazer.
The viper is often the main smoke machine used during full-venue club events such as the bop or sinners and in combination with intelligent lighting can be used to create a number of interesting and impressive effects.
The viper is currently positioned on the west wall of the stage behind the martin speaker stack on the floor. This is a change (Nov 2017) from the previous setup where the viper was positioned on top of the stacks. This new position allows the smoke to travel further and last longer as it isn't as close to the air-extraction fans. It also stops the issue previously where the viper would cause a large release of smoke at just above head-level which meant that during events people could be 'blasted' with a large amount of smoke. This change is still being tested and other options such as mounting the vipers in a slightly raised position but not facing straight out or being mounted under the stage are still possibilities that need to be considered and possibly tested.
The viper like all smoke machines requires viper fluid to produce smoke. The machine should never be used when the tank of this fluid is empty. The fluid is usually stored back-stage and is marked as viper fluid. Haze fluid cannot and should never be used in the place of viper fluid.
Operation
Like our hazer, the Viper is usually one of the last things to be remembered to get rigged when setting up for a bop, but because it only needs connecting to the mains via an IEC lead, it doesn't take long.
To operate manually, simply press the key with the "Enter" arrow on to start, and again to stop. When not connected to DMX, a program number will be displayed on the LCD - this relates to the automatic timer programs. If DMX is attached, the address is displayed. In almost all cases the viper is operated using DMX and a lighting control.
Care should be taken when near the viper if it is on or may have been on recently as it can become very hot and cause burns. For this reason, if you are operating the viper (or any other smoke machine) remotely you should always check that no-one is in close proximity to the machine.
Troubleshooting
- If no smoke is being produced, check (if appropriate) the DMX cable run. Check the fluid bottle is not empty and that the "Ready" light is lit. If the ready light is flashing, the unit needs to heat up. Wait for the light to go steady, then try again. Heating up can take between 5 and 10 minutes.