[SML] Quiet solenoid?

[Greg Bierly]

I have always wanted to work on a home built kabuki drop system like this.  I have never been able to find a good solenoid but have seen people use quick release rigging hooks to do the actual holding of the drop and use a solenoid or pneumatic cylinder to pull the pin.  (See below). I have always resorted to home made manual pin release drops out of a c-clamp, piece of plywood or steel city, some eye screws or bolts and pinwire attached to tie line.  I built a set of these 20 years ago and have been using them ever since.

https://www.amazon.com/Shackle-Release-Bracelet-Sailboat-INCH-2PCS/dp/B09SF2MDP7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2XBM9Z1I6UNR8&keywords=sailing+quick+release&qid=1689886531&sprefix=sailing+quick+release%2Caps%2C487&sr=8-5

Greg Bierly

> On Jul 19, 2023, at 2:41 PM, Jon Ares via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
> 
> Greetings, tiny group of Holdouts on the SML.... it's been a long time
> since I've dealt with solenoids on a set - basically re-teaching
> myself on this, for a couple of needs this next season. Basically, I
> usually looked for some other solution, because any solenoid-rigged
> gizmos I worked with were freakishly noisy... I don't need s BLAM
> gunshot-sound when I want a solenoid to activate. Kind of takes folks
> out of the moment on stage.  And, one application is in a black box
> (having a fake beam "fall" about 2 inches, and have some sand/dirt
> dribble down onto the floor).
> 
> Thoughts?  Experiences with "quiet" solenoids? Sources?  TIA...
> 
> - Jon
> 
> -- 
> Jon Ares
> www.arescreative.com
> 
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