Hello,
Just wanted to ask about rigs and attaching lights. probably pretty basic stuff, but wondered what you attach them with? At present we have only really used a table and usually put the light on there some how pointing up. I don't have too many lights really, just a blitzer (DICHROIC FLOWER EFFECT) which is quite effective with my smoke machine, two sets of rope lights and a strobe, which we hardly use really. We also use a projector to project images on the wall with which also helps light up the dance floor as it were.

my brother used to have a market stall which he took around various craft shows etc. we are thinking of using a cut down version of this to build some kind of rig and table and this could have a bar going accross the top over or heads etc. This would be where i would attach the lights etc. What do you attach them with, so you buy special brackets or something?

There are all sorts of stands/bars/rigging/trussing to attach lights too.. and to suit plenty of budgets. I use lots of different types of things to hang lights... sometimes I just take a T-bar out, sometimes a length of astralite and hang lights to it with "G" clamps,..... Perhaps consider buying a frame which has a goal post over the top, these are not expensive and not only will it look a bit better, but you will be able to hang your lights securely. Perhaps crispy can give you a quote.. I cant remember where I got my original frame with goalpost over from.. or exactly what it is called...but its a bolt together frame which you use to put your mixer and decks on and hang lights over.. Hope this helps

cool thanks,
the market stall thing i have is a bit like a goalpost with a table under to put mixer and stuff on. I think we might take that with us to our first "proper" gig this friday. So i just need some "g" clamps then to attach my blitzer to it? I'll be able to coil my rope light around this to make it look a bti more attractive aswell.
cheers

yes or if you dont have any g clamps get some cable ties! as a short term thing then pick some g clamps up

Kathy... get some retractable cable ties for your rope light.. make sure your market stool thingamebob is capable of holding the weight of your lights

One handy idea with Ropelights which makes it look a whole lot better is this.

Get some electrical plastic trunking/conduit from your local DIY store. Plastic trunking is basically sold in 1 and 2 metre lengths (typically) and is like a squared-off "U" shape. The idea being that you place (or glue) the Ropelight into the trunking so that the ropelight is held straight along poles, or floors etc, instead of looking like "illuminated barbed wire coils"

For a slightly upmarket approach, some DIY stores sell the same U-shaped stuff, in wood, in the Woodern Mouldings section.

Hi,

Only use the market stall thing if it can take the weight of your lighting rig and doesnt sag in the middle. I currently use G-clamps for my lights and I ALWAYS use SAFETY ROPES to give the lights a second chance if the clamp comes away.

Daniel

I use lighting clamps the correct size for the bar with safety cables or chains, (this makes setting up a lot easer).
I had a problem getting safety cables at short notice when I got my last 2 lights, so I popped into my local DIY store & got 2 lengths of chain cut to size & 2 clips.
I always use the safety cables or chains, don’t fancy one of those lights coming down & hitting me on the noggin.

My advice would be to make sure you do have safety chains, as these will form part of the Health & Safety. If a light were to fall, then you have protection. As they say, "better safe than sorry".
As mentioned, if you can't get hold of any, things like bike locks/chains may be a good substitute.

I use "G" Clamps when I take Ladder Light out and 2 stands.
I now use a neon blue ropelight, and i find to position it well take it into the hall or venue 1st and plug them in. They then get warm and when you set lighting up ropelights will stay moreless wherever you put them.
If not Radiator pipe holders hold ropelight firmly to lighting screens or stands etc. They are really cheap and most DIY shops well em.
Hope this helps

So do cable ties and these are really cheap to buy

.......oh yeah!! Fogot them!! At only about 12p each I think you win ADS

12p each, you're being robbed !!

At a certain main car dealer garage I worked for charged £2.50 plus VAT each

..... and don't forget the reel of Velcro double sided Hook and Loop material, which act just like re-usable cable ties, and are ideal for wrapping around lighting bars, support poles and stands, to secure and neaten your wires!.

A reel cost's between £9 and £14 depending on where you shop, but converts to around 30 or 40 "ties" when cut into strips, and i've never had one wear out yet!. They are also available in lots of different colours!.

So is insulating tape, which as Chris know I use miles of it just to tie my cables up.

Your cables are part of the reason why it takes you 2 hours to set up .

But if I didn't have them nothing would work

i use the goalposts as mentioned but i use lighting brackets cost bout £2 each they bolt to lighting handle and then hang off the crossbar with a small retaining bolt, short off a meteor hitting and causing a rather large bump they'll never fall off and makes for quick set and dismantle, plus them there posts take a fair bit o weight i got 6 lamps 2 scanners and a bubble m/c on mine, aint fallen yet

I wouldn't advise a bubble machine at ALL. The fluid is a detergent which can make polished wooden floors like ice skating rinks and guess who'd get the blame if some little old lady fell over and broke her hip, or some kid slipped and broke their leg??. When I first bought and used one, it was like spilling fairy liquid on stage - never used one since.

Not to mention the fact that they drip, so used alongside electrical equipment on a lighting rig is not a good idea. Drip, Drip, BANG .

If you must use one, use it at floor level, put a thick towel under it, and try and keep it off wooden floors (Far better to soak the carpet than risk a claim!).

In the days on no win, no fee solicitors, one accident caused by your liability could cost you £1000's. Make sure your PLI is upto date!.

I have a wedding coming up in August 2005 and the bride (who I know well as I do all her family functions,) wanted a bubble machine, I told her I wouldn't use one and I didn't have one, she was adament she wants one, so I have told her the extra charge is £75 to 'go and buy one, and extra insurance cover' I have also told her I want her to sign a copy stating that I am not responsible for the bubble machine. I am even thinking of buying one for her (she would pay in the disco costs) and giving it to her BEFORE the gig, then if she puts it up, and it is hers, it is not my problem if anything happens.

Sure, she wouldn't prefer a Snow Machine??? - Far more fun, especally around a white wedding dress!.

I can't 'hire in' **cough cough** a snow machine !!

I use a bubble machine. Mine has never leaked. I dont fill it up to the top. Just about half way and keep it flat. I then dont let anymore bubbles out until the area blowing them onto is dry, which I test by walking on it myself.

Let us know how your project goes and how your first ''proper'' gig went kathyshack!