[SML] Automated linesets

[Ben Thoron SML]

Thanks for all the responses.
Bill, what got installed at the Alley?  What are the specs?  Speed,
capacity?  are these the stage tech and Navigator systems?
8" centers is what I'm used to.  It does seem to limit the ability to kick
a line set a few inches..
Dave Vick, there is something so simple and responsive as a stagehand
bringing in a line set, it's hard to imagine replacing that human touch and
the simplicity of asking the rail, can I have line set 3 at head high?  But
I can clearly picture the automation operator asking me "do you want that
at 60 " or 72"?"  Then hearing... "Oh wait, the computer just went BOD...
Stand by... Restarting.... Ok now what did you want?..."
Stuart, I totally understand your concerns, in our case, we're producing 6
new production in the venue each year with 4-5 week runs, adequate tech
time and a trained crew.
The thought of spending 43  x $50,000 is scary.
Thanks again for the responses,

Ben Thoron
Technical Director
The Old Globe

On Thu, May 28, 2015 at 10:05 AM, Stuart Wheaton via Stagecraft <
stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
> On 5/28/2015 3:04 AM, Ben Thoron SML via Stagecraft wrote:
>>
>> I am interested in hearing from folks with permanently installed
>> mechanized line sets.
>>
>> I'm curious about usability, speed/capacity, and ease of adaption. I'd
>> also be interested in the software/ cuing effectiveness under show
>> conditions.
>
>
> I think the length of  the run, the tightness of the tech schedule, and
the
> size and quality of the talent pool, combined with budget are the biggest
> factors.
>
> On cruise ships, the rigging is largely automated,  the shows run for
years,
> the budgets are big, the tech is comparatively long, and the pool of
> operators can be highly variable.  And the shows are designed specifically
> for that sort of set-up.  Typical Large ship install that I see is about
> 8-12 flying battens, some are box truss some are flat or skinny triangles,
> about 10 travellers, 2-3 roll drums, 3 fixed, full stage  lighting
catwalks
> (stable, but space eaters)  and 1-2 Austrian curtains out front.   Getting
> enough scenery for 2-3 shows in rep can be a serious challenge.
>
>  If you do short runs, one nighters, quick tech periods, and have a pool
of
> skilled operators, then use automation only where and when it actually
> solves a problem.
>
> Stuart
>
>
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