Lightning effect?

[hoosierdraft]

I need to create a some flashs of lightning for our Easter cantata. Any ideas on how to do this with an ETC Express console? I've never used the console before so a dummies guide would be appreciated.

[Garyb]

Does anyone have a source for wireless light controls. I tried Radio Shack and the ones that they have will not work if florecent lights are in the line.

We have an old building and we have about 10 switches we need to make wireless. And they cannot affect the wireless Mics we use and PA system

Gary

[Gail Rizzo]

Originally Posted by hoosierdraft

I need to create a some flashs of lightning for our Easter cantata. Any ideas on how to do this with an ETC Express console? I've never used the console before so a dummies guide would be appreciated.

the "how to's" on this will be be in the manual, but you can create a macro for that if you do a chase sequence with very short follow times. The manual will give you a step by step on how to do it but basically you are creating light cues with instant up and down times for the flash and then short follow times so that multiple instruments do it. If you can't find the directions in the manual (if you don't have your manual you can download one here http://www.etcconnect.com/products/docschart.asp ) let me know and I'll pull out my manual.
Hope that helps!
Gail

[hoosierdraft]

Thanks Gail, that is exactly what I needed to get started. Now some reading time.

[CCCLights]

can also use the BUMP buttons
--C--

[kingslightproductions]

Go to your submasters and create and effect... #3 I think... create a chase sequence with various lights... use some of the house lights if that works... I would make bright double flash with everything...... then chase the house lights kinda dim accross the ceiling.... kinda gives you the Flash.... twinkle effect.... Then set your submaster so all you have to do is hit the bump button when you need the lightning.

[adamdiehl]

Has nothing to do with your console, but I'm using a strobe light for my lighting (its a pretty big strobe).

[wxrman]

The strobe lights are great, but you may also... if you have one available... use a projector to display a static shot of lightning... but route it through a video switcher and "bump" it in and out on-demand.

shawn

[Gord]

I have never tried this but hear it is very cool. use a piece of PVC pipe with a strobe inside it. It should give you more of a line of light than a big flash. I'll try and find more info on it.

I just did this at the highschool audiorium for a dance concert, one of the songs started with a storm so we did lightning flashes. We just used the BUMP buttons. Just make sure you're random, don't go in a straight line or it will look bad, at least if your lights are focused in a straight line.

[hoosierdraft]

Eric,

Can you give me the "dummies" explanation of this statement?

Originally Posted by NazEric

Just make sure you're random, don't go in a straight line or it will look bad, at least if your lights are focused in a straight line.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by hoosierdraft

Eric,
Can you give me the "dummies" explanation of this statement?
Thanks.

If your lights are focused in a straight line, meaning if light 1 is aimed at the left, then light 2 is a bit more right then that, light 3 is a bit more right, light 4 etc... then make sure you don't use your bumps, or program a chase, light 1>light 2>light 3>light 4, cause then the light will travel in a straight line acorss the stage. Lightning is random, and so your lightning should be too. If your lights are focused in a straight line, then bump/chase them randomly, such as light 1>light 12>light 4>light9>light 3, etc...

That 'dummie" enough?