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If camera cranes are not operated safely, people can be injured or killed. |
Camera Crane Operator's Handbook |
The Camera Crane Operator’s Handbook is an illustrated booklet that outlines safe practices and good advice for a variety of camera cranes in a variety of situations. The recommendations greatly reduce the risk of accidents with camera cranes. |
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Analog control systems are relatively simple, but there still are some variables in their design that can affect how well analog controlling and controlled devices work together. Deciding the values for those variables takes time and money in the development of a product, and if the values chosen for controlling and controlled devices don't match, the products will not work well together. |
ANSI E1.3, Lighting Control Systems - 0 to 10V Analog Control Specification (Free download) |
ANSI E1.3 specifies particular values or ranges of values for the important variables that can affect the operation of an analog control system. This reduces product development costs, and helps assure that products from different manufacturers will work well together. |
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There are lots of handy tips for designing and servicing analog control systems that practitioners often learn from older colleagues or by experience. This is a slow, inefficient way to learn. |
Application Guide for ANSI E1.3 - 2001, Lighting Control Systems 0 to 10V Analog Control Specifications |
The Application Guide makes handy tips for designing and troubleshooting analog systems available at a low price in printed form. |
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The original USITT DMX512 standard for controlling lighting equipment was detailed enough to allow most conforming equipment to work together, but it left out some details which made some equipment incompatible. |
ANSI E1.11, USITT DMX512-A - Asynchronous Serial Digital Data Transmission Standard for Controlling Lighting Equipment and Accessories |
ANSI E1.11 adds details to the requirements of the original USITT DMX512 standard and takes care of omissions that have proven to cause problems in the field. Thus, E1.11 simplifies equipment interoperability. |
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Ethernet is a very handy way to move data around a performance venue with relatively low-cost data distribution equipment. However, different entertainment lighting manufacturers devised different and incompatible ways to move the data and to control devices using Ethernet. |
ANSI E1.17, Architecture for Control Networks |
ANSI E1.17 offers a suite of documents that specifies an architecture, including protocols and language, which may be configured and combined with other standard protocols to form flexible, networked audio, lighting, or other control systems. It is a common suite of protocols, so equipment made by different manufacturers can be connected together and work together. |
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USITT DMX512 and ANSI E1.11 are uni-directional control protocols that allow a controller to control another device, such as a dimmer or automated light, but it offers no way for the controlled device to return information, and limited means to change basic operating parameters for the device. |
ANSI E1.20, Remote Device Management over USITT DMX512 |
ANSI E1.20 allows bidirectional communication over a DMX512 dataline between a controlled device and a controller. This makes it possible to get status reports from the device (e.g., temperature) and to change basic operating parameters, such as the starting address, without having to get on a ladder, go to the device and physically change the address with controls on the device. |
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The original USITT DMX512 standard left out what constitutes good portable data cable. As a result, some cables simply won't work, and some cables can create ground loops. |
ANSI E1.27-1, Standard for Portable Control Cables for Use with USITT DMX512/1990 and E1.11 (DMX512-A) Products |
ANSI E1.27-1 standardizes the wiring and labeling of portable data cable so it can be used with fewer problems. |
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Ethernet networks are widely used for distributing show control data, but the systems must be structured differently than office network systems to perform well under show conditions. |
Recommended Practice for Ethernet Cabling Systems in Entertainment Lighting Applications and the Supplement to the Recommended Practice for Ethernet Cabling Systems in Entertainment Lighting Applications |
The Recommended Practice for Ethernet Cabling Systems in Entertainment Lighting Applications, together with the Supplement to the Recommended Practice for Ethernet Cabling Systems in Entertainment Lighting Applications are an informative packet about preferred system topologies, hardware, and labeling practices for Ethernet systems used in entertainment lighting. |
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Many HID lamp ballast manufacturers make ballasts with removable power cords, usually using the same connector for mating the power cord to the ballast. However, that connector has no designation for which contact does what. If the power cord for a ballast that uses one contact for power is connected to a ballast that uses that same contact for the protective ground connection, the chassis and housing of the ballast will become electrically live. This is a serious shock hazard. |
ANSI E1.16, Configuration Standard for Metal Halide Ballast Power Cable (Free download) |
ANSI E1.16 specifies which contact on the commonly used connector must be used for the protective ground, enhancing operator safety. |
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Pin connectors from different manufacturers don't always plug together securely. Sometimes the males and females don't fit together at all. Other times they fit together but so poorly that the connector overheats and melts. |
ANSI E1.24, Dimensional Requirements for Stage Pin Connectors |
ANSI E1.24 sets dimensional requirements for stage pin connectors, so that connectors conforming to this standard will mate reliably with other connectors of the same size made by other manufacturers. |
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A performance floor that is unyielding can injure performers, but one that is too soft can tire performers and make it hard to do leaps. How do you specify how firm or springy a floor needs to be? |
ANSI E1.26, Recommended Testing Methods and Values for Shock Absorption of Floors Used in Live Performance Venues |
ANSI E1.26 describes a method for measuring how stiff a performance floor is. It also suggests some ranges that have been found to be acceptable--neither too stiff nor too springy, and offers an objective standard for comparison across floors. |
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Theatrical fogs made with glycol and glycerin are safe when the exposures are kept to reasonable levels, but what is a reasonable level? |
ANSI E1.5, Theatrical Fog Made with Aqueous Solutions of Di- and Trihydric Alcohols (Free download) |
ANSI E1.5 sets reasonable exposure levels for fogs made of commonly used glycols and glycerin mixed with water. It offers assurance to people making theatrical fog and to people exposed to the fog that they will not have health problems from fog if the fog is kept below the limits specified in the standard. |
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Some fog machine manuals were so thin that they did not tell the equipment user all that was necessary to know to use the equipment safely. |
ANSI E1.14, Recommendations for Inclusions in Fog Equipment Manuals (Free download) |
E1.14 specifies the minimum information for user instruction manuals so that the equipment can be used safely and effectively. |
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Theatrical fog effects are made by injecting aerosols into the air. The effects need to be planned so that the aerosols don't exceed the exposure limits for them or set off fire alarms. Furthermore, fire marshals or other safety officials sometimes want to see proof of such planning. |
ANSI E1.23, Design and Execution of Theatrical Fog Effects |
ANSI E1.23 offers guidance on planning and carrying out fog effects so that recognized exposure levels are not exceeded, fire and egress hazards are not created, false alarms don't summon the fire brigade, and fog effects are executed as they are designed, performance after performance. |
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People may fear theatrical fog because they don't know what is in it, and sometimes the fog is used poorly because the effects technician does not understand the technology.
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Introduction to Modern Atmospheric Effects, 4th edition |
The Introduction to Modern Atmospheric Effects, 4th edition is gives the entertainment industry a factual presentation on all types of popular atmospheric fog effects. The section on using fog offers tips on putting fog where it will do the most good, lighting it effectively, working with fire alarms, and limiting exposure. The relative advantages and disadvantages of using time/distance tables and aerosol meters to assure that exposure limits are not exceeded are discussed. |
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Theatrical luminaires are frequently sold by how much light they put out, but the specifications published for luminaires often are misleading and do not tell the full story of how much light is emitted in what distribution. |
ANSI E1.9, Reporting Photometric Performance Data for Luminaires Used in Entertainment Lighting |
ANSI E1.9 defines the minimum photometric data to be presented on documents claiming to accurately describe the photometric performance of stage and studio luminaires. This helps a buyer or specifier make an informed decision when buying or recommending lighting equipment. |
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Most lighting equipment manufacturers use the same photometric devices for measuring luminaire output, but don't necessarily get comparable ("apples to apples") measurements because the basic testing conditions are not the same. |
ANSI E1.25, Recommended Basic Conditions for Measuring the Photometric Output of Stage and Studio Luminaires by Measuring Illumination Levels Produced on a Planar Surface |
ANSI E1.25, describes the basic conditions--temperature, power supply voltage, et cetera--for measuring the output of stage and studio luminaires for comparative purposes. |
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How do you tell someone how good a lighting instrument is for projecting gobo patterns? How do you quantitatively say that one lens does a better job than another lens? |
ANSI E1.35, Standard for Lens Quality Measurements for Pattern Projecting Luminaires Intended for Entertainment Use |
ANSI E1.35 describes a method for measuring stage and studio luminaire lens quality with particular emphasis on contrast and sharpness. It also offers a way for presenting these results on a datasheet in a format that is readily understood by a typical end-user and that allows the end-user to directly compare lenses in a meaningful way. |
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The staff of at least one major convention center decided that tungsten-halogen lamps and stage and studio luminaires present an unacceptable risk and have moved to ban their use at trade shows. |
ANSI E1.36, Model Procedure for Permitting the Use of Tungsten-Halogen Incandescent Lamps and Stage and Studio Luminaires in Vendor Exhibit Booths in Convention and Trade Show Exhibition Halls |
ANSI E1.36 is a model set of procedures that can be used by convention center and trade show exhibition hall staff to mitigate the risks perceived to be associated with the use of tungsten-halogen lamps and stage and studio luminaires in convention centers and trade show exhibition halls and to allow their use. This standard helps promote the use of the lamps and luminaires in a safe manner. |
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Wire rope ladders are useful tools, but they are hard to climb, easy to slip from, and the floor is often far below and very hard, leading to a high mortality rate among those who fall from wire rope ladders. |
ANSI E1.1, Construction and Use of Wire Rope Ladders |
ANSI E1.1 describes the construction and use of wire rope ladders in the entertainment industry so the ladders are strong enough to hold a worker and stabilized against excessive swaying so they are easier to climb. E1.1 also requires the use of a personal fall arrest system, so any worker using a ladder and slipping will not fall to the floor. |
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Aluminum trusses and towers occasionally fail and may be weakened through improper care or handling. |
ANSI E1.2, Design, Manufacture and Use of Aluminum Trusses and Towers |
ANSI E1.2 describes the minimum requirements for the design and manufacture of aluminum trusses and towers to ensure that they are as strong as claimed and will perform as specified. It also describes minimum requirements for the use of the products so they aren't weakened by improper care or handling. |
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Loudspeaker arrays are commonly suspended above audiences and performers. If the loudspeaker enclosures are not strong enough, they could break and drop heavy parts on the audience or performers below. |
ANSI E1.8, Loudspeaker Enclosures Intended for Overhead Suspension--Classification, Manufacture and Structural Testing |
ANSI E1.8 describes the minimum structural requirements for loudspeaker enclosures intended for overhead suspension, including enclosure construction, component part security, enclosure suspension hardware, manufacturing control systems, structural testing, and product representation. The standard helps the safety of overhead speakers at concerts and other public performances by helping to ensure that the speaker enclosures and their connections to the rigging hardware are suitably strong. |
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Boom and base assemblies (i.e., lighting trees) are simple suspension devices, usually assembled by a stage electrician from parts and standard construction supplies. They can be stabile and safe, or quite unstable and dangerous. What makes a safe assembly? |
ANSI E1.15, Recommended Practices and Guidelines for the Assembly and Use of Theatrical Boom & Base Assemblies |
ANSI E1.15 gives advice on boom and base assemblies so that the risk of injury from using one on stage is reduced or eliminated. |
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Sometimes temporary roofs over outdoor stages blow over or collapse under heavy rain or snow loads, always with considerable property loss and sometimes with personnel injury and death. |
ANSI E1.21, Temporary Ground-Supported Overhead Structures Used To Cover Stage Areas and Support Equipment in the Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events |
ANSI E1.21 establishes minimum design and performance parameters for the design, manufacturing, use, and maintenance of temporary outdoor stage roofs. E1.21 helps ensure that roof structures are strong enough for the most likely loads, and, in the event of strong storms, that there are safe procedures for lowering the roof or evacuating the area. |
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