Hey Dude's,

I noticed the feeling around towards strobes, but I'm wondering if UV strobes or canons are dangerous?

Cause I have noticed that clubs use them instead of white light and I have to say there pretty trippy.

Worth Getting?

Cheers,
Adrian

U.V Strobe?? - never used / seen one so I can't comment, most strobes have a large precentage of UV - hence why white objects pick up clearly with each flash , however a 100% UV Strobe??, no idea, although I would think that standard Strobe policies and safety information would apply.

With regard UV canons, there was a big outcry over these 5 years or so ago, however the wavelength of the UV used is no more dangerous than that used in stage applications and at theme parks. Alton Towers uses several 1000W types on various sideshows so I wouldn't expect them to be using them if there were any health scares related to them. UV comes in different "wavelengths", the ones used in entertainment are the lowest end of the spectrum. They won't give you a Tan or Skin Damage through exposure.

It depends on what application you intend to use strobes in. However other than the poster it seems that on the original strobe thread that 100% of D.J's were against using them, myself included. - a little overwhelming to be anything other than GOOD advice . Don't forget that most of these D.J's have been in business for 10 or 20 years and do have a little knowledge on the subject. Usually opinion on this forum can be mixed, however a 100% against is a very strong opinion indeed. Remember being a D.J is about what the AUDIENCE want and what will work well with them, and not what the DJ wants.

Ever seen somebody collapse and suffer an epileptic fit??, No?, well its extremely frightening, not only for the victim but for those around them, and should anybody suffer one at your gig, then I would say that the atmosphere would be ruined and the night pretty much over. Although epileptics tend to avoid clubs by their own choice, they do attend all manner of mobile functions and whilst most standard lighting effects will not usually trigger a fit, strobes always WILL.

I tend to disagree that people dont like strobes, what puts punters of strobes is that
very far and few clubs/mobile outfits dont have a clue on how to use or install them
correctly.
1. Cover the original lense with a red film, 2 layers of standard red is great.
2. Install directly overhead facing down, nothing worse than lights in your eyes..
3 Use sparingly and with a remote flash button/ speed controller whereby you
have to hold down the remote button for it to work, once released its off.
4. High flash rate = very short burst, I tend not to go more than 1sec.
5. Very low flash rate = varied time bursts, I go 2 flash per sec. max for about
5sec.
6. Dont use more than 3 to 5 times in any 3 hour run and you'll have no complaints

Why Im adding this reply and use of strobes is my sister used to suffer from
severe fits from flashing lights let alone strobes and her main complaint was that
lighting was most of the time angled instead of pointing down and I learnt by
hearing what she had to say, I went on to do a few parties for her and friends
with great results where many times she would ask for more strobe, which I
declined.
The bottom strory is use very wisely and will provide many a great comment on
your lighting set up, these T bar lighting stands as far as Im concerned are a waste of money and effort and are downright dangerous.

Its intresting hearing both sides of the story. I think that if strobes are used sensible and with great care they can be a real asset to your light rig, especially when you do raves and play lots of tecno, dance, or rock music. Ive seen strobes used properly in clubs, and the affect us great, altho not a cool as a mega strobe going 15fps, but use them right and they can only be a good thing.

uv strobes are waste of money, if you want UV strobing just order a sheet of congo gel from lee filters and shove that in front does the job well enough. on the response to are strobes safe, as chrismk said, as long as they are positioned right and not over-used they are alright.

Ste