[SML] Touring LD workboxes...

[Herrick Goldman]

On Aug 4, 2015 11:10 AM, Jason C via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
>
> 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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