Globe Theatrical Supply Resource Center 712/255-0972

Return to PRODUCT CATEGORIES directory. View a partial listing of LIGHTING INSTRUMENTS or LAMPS.

PERFORMANCE LIGHTING CONTROL

For combo, touring show, club, theatre, school, or "house and road" use, the GTS selection includes the price and capability you need. Units are compact, many portable, easy to install and use, many priced with 2 grounded "Edison" sockets per channel (other connectors available). GTS offers a very wide range of analog and digital systems in many fixed and portable configurations. Listed units we have found most suitable for most needs and budgets. Other systems information is available on request.
Excepting Scenemasters all are modular expansion systems which permit growth and change with YOUR NEEDS, avoiding expensive replacement. Most are digital systems using small diameter DMX control cable and allowing pre-programming of a few scenes to major productions for selective cueing with the push of a button. If you use repetitive lighting sequences, more than 3 dozen dimmers, or require fast scene changes, you need digital storage. If your analog equipment includes 12 or more dimmers and is showing its age, consider an interface control module to upgrade your console with minimum cost. All listed dimmers are suitable for incandescent, quartz, and simple inductive lamps. Request assistance with fluorescent, neon, display and architectural applications.
Begin your research by printing a copy of this file for each person involved with production or finance decisions, then contact GLOBE THEATRICAL for planning assistance and product brochures. GTS does no installations, however, your local electrician will have no difficulty installing current modular units and we're here to discuss optimal layouts. When most likely modules selections have been made, request installation/operation manuals for a detailed understanding and comparison of the equipment. Request information regarding integrated or separate architectural lighting or other purpose control systems.

            POWER DISTRIBUTION  <LD>

Outlet Types
Clockwise from top-left:
PBG = Parallel Blade Grounded, usually 20 amps = 5-20R
GSP = Grounded Stage Pin, usually 20-30 amps = 2P-20G or 2P-30G
TS = Terminal Strip, wire ends screw locked between mounting strips
GTL = Grounded Twist Lock, usually 20-30 amps = L5-20R or L5-30R
Other connector types available.
Distribution Strip
Most stage distribution "outlet" (also called "power") strips or boxes are custom made per venue. Planning requires strip length, outlet quantity and type, and whether flush mounted outlets or outlets on drop cords (usually 18" long). See UNDERSTANDING STAGE LIGHTING, Power On for an introduction. For portable applications, consider standard or mini outlet boxes which mount with C-clamps.
ESCS12 DvDM406U
Combination DMX dimmer (priced with one PBG outlet per channel) Scrimmer Stiks or Mini-boxes also serve well with low ceilings or other limited space applications. Other outlets available.
LODESCS6/PBG    (D4x6) SCRIMMER STIK 600  4 channels at 600 watts.    855.00
LODESCS12/PBG    (D2x12) SCRIMMER STIK 1200  2 channels at 1,200 watts.    740.00
LODESCBS12/PBG    (D6x12) SCRIMMER BIG-STIK 1200  6 channels at 1,200 watts.    2,640.00
LODESCBS24/PBG    (D2x12) SCRIMMER STIK 1200  3 channels at 2,400 watts.    2,115.00
LODDvDM406U (D4x10) MINI-BOX 4 channels x 1,000w, yoke $500.00
Ask about LITErig dimming systems or low power switched strips. Standard outlet boxes, whether hung or in floor "pockets" are custom designed.
GTSAID: For those interested, the light control units are coded as follows:
CATEGORY CODE KEY: LO- light contoller, LOM multiplexer or demultiplexer, LOD dimmer, LOR relay, LOC control console, LB control cable
CLASSIFICATION CODE KEY: (A analog, D digital, preset scenes / channels x 100 watts per channel)
Examples: (D2/24) describes a 2 scene, 24 channel console which issues digital (most commonly DMX) control signals.
(D24x12) describes a 24 channels dimmer pack, with 1,200 watts per channel light powering capacity, which responds to digital control signals.

            ANALOG DIMMERS  <LOD>

DvSM1DUG DvSM6DUG back

                Scenemaster

Economical, yet solidly built 6 channel x 1,000 watts analog units. Scenemasters are self-contained dimmers with face-plate controls. Controls include channel "bump" momentary buttons (full light output while button is depressed), channel, scene, and master dimmer faders (for dimming), and black-out switch. Scenemasters include 2 input power sockets which accept common PBG (parallel blade grounded) power cords, 12 PBG outlets (2 per channel), fuses. For moderate duty, easy portability operation, low budget applications. Twelve or fewer 500 watts units are suitable for classroom demonstrations, portable photo/video, club, church or outdoor lighting.

DvSM1DUG (A1/6x10) SCENEMASTER I $660.00
Non-expansion single module, single-scene, 1000w/ch {6000w capacity}.
DvSM6DUG (A2/6x10) SCENEMASTER II-Plus $850.00
Two-scene version of Scenemaster I, timed cross-fade, slave expandable to add lighting units.

Also other analog consoles, including several of the following DMX listings, analog to digital interfaces, and other analog light control components.

            DMX DIGITAL UNITS

                    SMALLER / STARTER SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Systems utilizing 12 to 24 channels, 14,400 - 57,600 watts (120 - 480 amps), 24 - 96 lighting units.

                        Consoles <LOC>

EMCC12 DvIQ512
12 channels, master 512 dimmers addressable per block of 12. Excellent for small venues, television or rehearsal studios.
EMCC12 (D1/12) 1-SCENE MANUAL $525.00
DvIQ512 (D1/12) I. Q. 1-SCENE MANUAL $760.00
12 scene memories, pile (add to) or crossfade (changing) scenes, blackout, suitable for remote control lighting instruments, more. Also available for wall or 19" rack mount.
DvTM24 DvSB24
Techmasters include 2 manual scenes and crossfaders, per channel momentaries, master fader, 255 step programmable chase.
Sublimes add 24 submastered memory scenes.
DvTM12:SB12 (D2/12) TECHMASTER 12 : SUBLIME 12 12 channels $950.00 : $1,525.00
DvTM24:SB24 (D2/24) TECHMASTER 24 : SUBLIME 24 24 channels $1,525.00 : $1,900.00
EML12
Minstrel Lites include 2 manual scenes with time adjustable crossfaders, channel momentaries, master and blackout, 18 submastered memory scenes, 48 step timed and dimmable chase.
EML12 (D2/12)    MINSTREL LITE 12 12 channels    1,390.00
EML24 (D2/24)    MINSTREL LITE 24 24 channels    1,960.00

                        Dimmer Packs <LOD>

For overhead mounted dimmers, see Scrimmer Stik and Mini-box listings with POWER DISTRIBUTION above.
DvDM1224
Dimmermasters include switch (full power) mode, DMX terminator, and PBG outlets, other outputs on request.
DvDM624U (D6x24) DIMMERMASTER 6x2 6 channels x 2,400 watts $2,175.00
DvDM1224U (D12x24) DIMMERMASTER 12x2 12 channels x 2,400 watts $3,325.00
DvDM2412U (D24x12) DIMMERMASTER 24x1 24 channels x 1,200 watts $4,475.00
Also wall mount and other Dimmermaster configurations.
 EMVP12
High reliability dimmers include several self-protection circuits, in compact floor/on wall/in wall mountable cabinets, terminal strip output, optional worklight/emergency remote switching available. Other dimmer wattages and output connectors on request. 14¼" wide x 47½" high x 4" deep.
EMVP6/TS (D6x24)    MVP 6x2  6 channels x 2,400 watts.    2,225.00
EMVP12/TS (D12x24)    MVP 12x2  12 channels x 2,400 watts.    3,400.00

                    MEDIUM SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Systems utilizing 36 to 48 channels, 43,200 - 86,400 watts (360 - 720 amps), 72 - 192 lighting units.

                        Consoles <LOC>

DvTM36:SB36 (D2/36) TECHMASTER 36 : SUBLIME 36 $1,900.00 : 2,375.00
DvTM48:SB48 (D2/48) TECHMASTER 48 : SUBLIME 48 $2,375.00 : 2,850.00
EML36 (D2/36)    MINSTREL LITE 36    2,455.00
EML48 (D2/48)    MINSTREL LITE 48    3,010.00
DvSTARPORT
DvSTARPORT (D0/512) COMPUTER INTERFACE $950.00
Compact printer port module allows DMX in & out to dimmers through your computer using Windows 95 (or later) and the enclosed software. Up to 512 channels, 512 dimmers, 512 cues may be stored or transported on disk and may be used in conjuction with a separate console. Also USB version, same price.

                        Dimmer Packs <LOD>

 EMX24 
MX dimmer racks are available with space for 12, 24, or 48 dual-channel dimmer modules. Select as many modules as required. The following pricing is for 2,400 watts dimmers. Lower wattages and 6,000 watts dimmers are also available. Cabinet size varies with contents.
EMX24/TS    (D24x24)    MX 24x2  12 dual-dimmer modules provide 24 channels x 2,400 watts.    10,250.00
EMX48/TS    (D48x24)    MX 48x2  24 dual-dimmer modules provide 48 channels x 2,400 watts.    13,650.00

                    LARGE SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Systems utilizing 60 or more channels, 72,000 or more watts (600 or more amps), 120 or more lighting units.

                        Consoles <LOC>

DvTM60 (D2/60) TECHMASTER 60 $2,850.00
EML60 (D2/60) MINSTREL LITE 60 $2,725.00
EBJ36
EBJ24    (D2/24) BIJOU 24    from 5,700.00
EBJ48    (D2/48) BIJOU 48    from 7,100.00
EBJ72    (D2/72) BIJOU 72    from 8,050.00
Bijou is the system for most larger venues. Capable of controlling and linking with nearly every available type of remote controllable performance unit, including several dimmers linked to each control channel.

Includes (partial list):
512 channel output (2 patch tables allow 1024 DMX devises)
2 dual crossfaders and GO/STOP/REV sets
2500 programmable macros, 50 100-step submaster effects
288 submasters, 1000 cue capacity
SVGA monitor port, 31/2" disk drive, printer port
Options (partial list):
MIDI, SIMPTE, RS232, remote control (including wireless), remote video
Bijou Plus trackball programming expansion for remote control lighting and effects units

                        Dimmer Packs <LOD>

EMX96/TS    (D96x24)    MX 96x2  48 dual-dimmer modules provide 96 channels x 2,400 watts.    24,170.00;    21" wide x 84" high x 21" deep
Request specfications and pricing for 6 kw, 12 kw, and 24 kilowatt dimmers. Request specification sheets for review of many additional and unique features.

INTERFACE & MODERNIZE <LO>

Have an old system that is dying, in need of expansion, or ready for conversion to digital control? Here is an easy way to turn the corner without scrapping serviceable components. A digital to analog interface permits a new digital console to control old analog and/or new digital dimmers in just about any combination while allowing capacity for further dimmer or other digital units expansion.
Add a DMX console or Starport (with your computer) and you're ready. (Also Mantrix, and Colortran-192 decoders to 192 channel capacity. Virtually any combination of analog, AMX, DMX, CD80, MIDI, etc. is possible. Request assistance including custom inputs and/or outputs.)
Multiple units may be series connected. Request information about other decoder protocols (languages) and analog to digital encoders.
MDvMTXDE48 (DD48A) DMX to ANALOG DECODER 48 channel adjustable 0-28v DC output, 252 channel selection. $760.00
This unit interfaces to every analog dimmer model we know. For -28 to 0 negative output add $285.00

                HOUSE LIGHTING CONTROL

 LOCED100, LOCED300, LOCED400 LOCETWILITE
For auditorium, church, ballroom, or club, various wall consoles can be parallelel linked with the performance console to provide convenient or emergency houselight control. Request details.

CONTROL CABLES & ROUTING <LB>

Request analog cable information.
--5XLRM/F DMX CABLE 5-pin DIN. Here priced in common lengths with male and female connectors on opposite ends. Other brands and configurations available.
Dv5/-- 2' $45.00, 25' $75.00, 50' $95.00, 100' $115.00
DvDMXTERM DMX TERMINATOR PLUG $30.00
Also splitters, multi-ports, routing isolators, connector boxes, more. Request cable adapter, configuration, and final pricing assistance.

GTSAIDS: UNDERSTANDING STAGE LIGHTING

                Overview

All performance light control systems require a power source, distribution wiring from the dimmers to the lighting units, dimmers, and a control panel. Usually the most expensive portion is the power source and distribution, the dimmers are next, and the control console the least expensive. If a desired system cannot be initially purchased in its entirety, budget for power source, distribution, and console. This enables easy later addition of more dimmers and lights as budgets permit.

                Power On

THIS is where YOUR lighting system begins. Whether permanent, semi-permanent, or portable, the most important question is "Where is the power coming from?" Realize that most stage lamps are in increments of 500 watts which is about 5 amps of power at 110 volts. This roughly equates as 100 to 120 amps per every 25 lighting instruments. This reality usually determines the approach to portable systems, but even permanent installations in older venues may require additional power to the breaker boxes at the lighting location. Simply stated, available power dictates quantity of lighting units which then allows selection of instrument locations.
Open area (non-proscenium) locations permit enormous lighting freedom and commonly require custom power distribution planning. Proscenium stages require minimum three lines (usually four) of lighting (outlet strips): along the back drape (background lighting), one or more inside the proscenium arch (lighting most of the stage), and in front of the stage (lighting the stage between and in front of the proscenium opening). These latter down stage lighting outlets are generally located near the auditorium ceiling and/or along the auditorium back wall and generally include outlets numbered starting with dimmer circuit 1. Although any sequence can be arranged, traditionally the outlets are numbered sequentially from stage left to right and from down stage to up stage with numbers printed by the up stage facing outlets, allowing on stage left to right reading. Multiple outlets per circuit are sequentially repeated; e.g., from stage left for 24 1,200 watts dimmers:
(auditorium) 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
(inside arch) 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 12
(mid-stage) 13 14 15 16 17 18 13 14 15 16 17 18
(back drape) 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24.
This allows plugging 48 500-600 watts lighting units.
Next, it is necessary to decide the number of lights per dimming circuit. Ideally, every lighting designer prefers each fixture be independently controlled; but, since the dimmers are generally the most expensive control unit and are in increments of 1,200 watts per circuit, economics encourages planning minimum two instruments per circuit (like the above example). In small venues this is advisable. Larger facilities should consider 2,400 or 3,600 watts (capable of 4 to 7 fixtures) or larger circuits. Decide which circuits to allocate at which stage depths. This is the final decision necessary to determine the quantity of outlets in each distribution strip.
Other than structural support planning (request assistance), consider outlet type. Anywhere rough handling, including traffic vibration, is projected, use a twist lock. Drop-cords usually include twist lock or stage pin receptacles. Mounted parallel blade grounded ("household") outlets permit easy use with table lamps, holiday decorations, special effects equipment, etc. without an adapter cable, and should be considered for small to moderate sized installations.
When ready for further assistance, contact Globe Theatrical 712/255-0972.

                Lights Up

Excepting limited power Scenemaster analog portable dimmers, dimmer "packs" or rack cabinets include several remote controlled dimmers in a single unit which is separate from the control console. For easy input and output wiring, generally the dimmers are located on or near the stage and the power source breaker panel. Unless the packs are to be used portably, the input cables are normally "hard-wired" from the breaker to pack terminal posts. For portable applications the pack wattage usually determines the input connections - request assistance. The distribution wiring may also be hard-wired from dimmer terminal strips to the lighting locations. If portability or manual patching is desired, various types of outlets may be mounted on the pack. (Note: Manual patching is the act of physically removing a distribution cable plug from a dimmer outlet then "patching" by plugging it into an outlet controlled by a different dimmer. Many digital dimmer/console systems now permit digital patching to reassign lighting outlets to any console channel without physically moving any wiring.)
A basic system includes a dimmer for each distribution circuit, and a console manual control channel for each dimmer; i.e., 24 dimmers need a 24 channel console. Large complex systems may be configured to allow several electronically assignable dimmers to be controlled by any console manual channel. The exception is computer monitor "full channel" (512 or more channels) preprogrammed cues consoles which require "writing a script program" of cues to be stored then selected on screen and activated when needed.
There are many combinations of dimmer and console capabilities. The following terminology should prove helpful when analyzing component capabilities.

LIGHTING CONTROL CLASSIFICATION: Lighting dimmers (and other electronic controllers) can be initially classified by several key design characteristics which determine specific application suitability. Consider first:
MODULAR: A component system including minimally a power-pack/cabinet-dimmer, usually with no controls, and a control console which remotely controls the dimmers via cable(s).
EXPANDABLE: Modular system allowing periodic addition of power-packs, more sophisticated controllers or other components, such as video monitors, disk drives, keyboards, audio sources, etc.
MANUAL OPERATION: Manual control required. All switches and channel faders (dimming controls) must be preset before each scene is required. 1-scene control requires dimming modification as the scene is changed; 2-scene consoles permit pre-setting the next dimmer settings before cross-fading to that scene.
MEMORY STORAGE: Built-in computerized control circuits. Many scenes may be preset and saved to memory for extended storage and rapid recall. Most systems include one or two sets (scenes) of manual faders allowing manual console operation by temporary users wishing to avoid learning memory programming.
ANALOG REMOTE CONTROL: A separate set of 2-3 wires is needed to carry variable low voltage (usually 0-10v) control to each dimmer.
DIGITAL REMOTE CONTROL SIGNAL: Many linked dimmers (up to 1,000) may all be computer addressed (multiplexed) through the same 3 to 7 wire control cable.
MULTIPLEX: Digital control signal code systems (languages). Available formats include DMX512, AMX192, CD80, CMX, CDM, FOM, Micro-Plex (MPX), and others. Some dimmers can be set to read different codes or communicate via fiber-optic cable.
ELECTRONIC PATCHING: The capability of a dimmer to accept control channel assignments from the control console, thus eliminating the need for a manual patch board to reassign control channels to output destinations.
INTERFACE: Electronic circuit which allows electrical connection or electronic communication between different devices. Most common are DA (digital to analog) decoders, SMPTE, MIDI or RS232 ports, audio inputs, serial jacks, and various computer hardware ports.
INTERCOMPATIBLE: All expandable systems GTS lists minimally use analog 0-10 volts, DMX512, or MIDI control signals, allowing mix-&-match use with any components using the appropriate same of these increasingly most common standards. Many of the listed components utilize more than one control format, allowing greater expansion or system revision adaptability, including effects, motorized light units, and powered stage mechanicals to be controlled from the light board.
HYBRID SYSTEM: Mixed system including analog & digital modules. Usually such systems include a demultiplexer which converts digital control signals to analog outputs allowing inexpensive control conversion using a digital console while retaining older analog dimmers.
KEEP IN MIND that GTS handles many unlisted brands of light control and associated equipment. No matter how old or new your current equipment check with GTS for conversion/expansion assistance.

Return to PRODUCT CATEGORIES directory. View a partial listing of LIGHTING INSTRUMENTS or LAMPS.
This file was last partially updated 9/17/08.