What used units might I consider?

[Paris MkVI]

We have mostly ETC setups in two auditoriums. Basic descriptions as follows:

A1 - ETC 4896, with DMX running to stage and all bars (DMX single universe, not currently in use; there for the future) and Sensor dimmers. Barbizon install in 2008. All fixtures ETC SOurce 4 PARs and lekos. Plenty of channels yet available.

A2 - ETC SmartFade 1248, six SmartBars with 20 ETC Source 4 PARs. Recently we added four used Elation LED 36 Tri-Bricks for wall wash. They are all addressed identical, operating in six-channel mode. Barbizon install in 2009 (except for the Elations). About 18 channels still available.

I am investigating options for additional intelligent lights for the two auditoriums. We are not looking at extensive programming or elaborate fx. Here's what I am thinking in the two auditoriums, with worship style and demographics in mind.

A1 - predominantly baby boomers, and lots of previously unchurched visitors. Video cameras in use. We do not want anything flashy. We generally use eight preset cues every service, only one, occasionally two cues in a worship song. Nothing exotic or elaborate at all. I am considering a couple of spot movers to give more options for color and gobos on back wall, but again we would only see a couple of changes during worship, so the built-in gobo/color library in the mover could last quite a while before repeating. Also might add a couple of the Elation LED 36 Tri-Bricks for wall washes, but these would be on wall space beneath the screens, so would have to be very careful about spill. Might have to rig some flags on them to help control it. To see this stage, go to this page on our web site.

A2 - mostly young adult and teens, so a more active lighting approach can be considered. No video cameras at this time, but always planning assuming they will be there in the future. Thinking of a couple of used movers, on the same DMX channel, so they would mimic one another. Probably spot units.

What units, used would you consider for these purposes?

[james tucker]

For the money.... you can't beat a set of Technobeams for a smaller stage like that...

>Super quiet fans
>parts still readily available
>great tech support from high end or lightparts
>pretty bright
>Lamp cost at $75ish

Cost $600ish used... lightbroker regularly sells them.

The factory gobos are kind of "techno-ish" you may need to spend $50 on some metal gobos that will suit your style.

[Esoteric]

Would you be interested in nee units in that price range? Possibly with LED sources?

[Paris MkVI]

Thanks for that idea James. I will research those. Mike, I am open to all suggestions. I want to see what is out there in good quality used units, but would not close my eyes to new units.

Since these are not going to get a Genesis-style concert workout, and throws aren't long, I figure some used units might be a good idea.

I expect movers to cost more than the Elation bricks did, of course. Let me know more of what you might be suggesting.

[james tucker]

is nee a lighting company or a typo?

Only thing I worry about the cheaper movers (in general) is long term use.... will parts be readily available 2 years after the fixture has been discontiniued. Talk to folks that have owned Elation Design Spots.

I can still get parts/tech support for my cybers, studio colors, and even Martin 518s

[Esoteric]

It was supposed to be any. Yeah, you can still get parts for Elation Design Spots, they just aren't Elation Design Spot parts. Just like most of the Cyber, SC, etc parts you get these days weren't originally meant for those units.