[SML] Touring LD workboxes...

[Jason C]

Great list, and ideally, they would be separate boxes.  But the nature of
the cost  vs. the fact that my job requires that I do have to do both jobs
(thankfully almost never on the same gig), means I need to take the best of
both worlds and build them into a hybrid box.

Thankfully, most shows ship with a well stocked Lx workbox that has 90% of
the spare cable, parts, etc. I could need... I am really looking mostly for
that extra 10% plus personal tools, and creature comforts for those awesome
20 hour days.

Curious about computers.. I already have a company provided macbook... but
often have need of doing work in GMA2onPC and GMA3d which both are PC
only... so I need to have a PC... Has anyone done (or seen any value in) a
rack mount machine permanently mounted into the box with some monitors that
I can drop on top of the case?  Or is this likely to cause more trouble
than it is worth and I should just pony up for another laptop?

Howabout other rackable gear?  Spare opto?  Network Switch?  WAP?

Thanks for the ideas so far!


On Tue, Aug 4, 2015 at 10:40 AM, Dale Farmer <dale at cybercom.net> wrote:

> An LD work box is quite a different critter than an ME workbox.
>
> LD workbox would have a laptop with whatever design program the LD uses
> installed.
> Backup copies of all their current shows, in case the laptop gets dropped
> and run over by a scenery cart.
> Paper, writing sticks, post its, tape, etc.
> Reference materials, swatch books, and a good thick novel to read during
> downtimes.  (I know, I know, but it is theoretically possible)
> Some snack and meal replacement bars, for when you don't have time for a
> proper meal break.
> Spare charger and cable for your cell phone.
>
> The ME box is much larger and heavier.  Paper, writing sticks, tape,
> sharpies and so on.   Long measuring tape 300 ft or 100 meter, 100 ft
> measuring tape.  Calculator.
> Repair tools and materials.
> Tools and supplies for doing power tie-ins.
> Cheap loaner wrench for the guy who forgot his.
> Multi cell phone charging station for all the crews cell phones during
> work times.
> Box of disposable earplugs, in case of noisey carps or whatever.
> Extra tape, tie line, gel, blackwrap.
> Small first aid kit, wooden broomstick handle, 100 foot rope with two
> caribiners.
> Spare batteries, small trash bags and some zip lock bags for small parts
> containment.
> Couple of cheap flashlights.
> Roll of engineers flagging tape.
> Roll of tape with "BROKEN" printed all along it.
> Small stock of connectors for repairs or creating special power cords.
> A known good DMX cable.
> DMX dongle
> DMX tester
> couple of spare adapters, twofers, etc.
> Small folding camp stool.
> Box should have a means of making a table big enough for a blueprint lay
> on and storage spot for rolled up blueprints.
>
> Lots of variations on this due to individual preferences and localized
> conditions.
>
> Dale
>
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Jason C via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
> Date: 08/04/2015 09:27 (GMT-05:00)
> To: Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
> Cc: Jason C <jasonclights at gmail.com>
> Subject: [SML] Touring LD workboxes...
>
> Hey all, Looking to put together a LD/ME workbox and was curious what all
> you touring ME's and LD's find to be essential features in your boxes. For
> the LD side, I am especially curious about building a box to sit out with
> me at front of house... Potentially with a small MA3d machine racked into
> it? What do you all find useful, essential, a waste-of-time? What do you
> all wish you had in your boxes?Thanks!Jason Cowperthwaite
>
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