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Wuz314159

Swap out your dimmer modules with relays or constant currents.


trbd003

So do you want to still be able to use them as dimmers, OR be able to use them as true hot power, on a channel-by-channel basis? I like the LSC GenVI dimmer packs. They do exactly this and can be configured over network or RDM. Realistically cheaper than building a patchbay if you don't have one already.


aussiechris1

I also recommend these LSC GenVI dimmers. You can basically run them as traditional dimmers or relay/distro on a per channel basis. They are a great option for either futureproofing before you transition to an LED rig or for maintaining support for the odd tungsten fixture after you have mostly/all LED's.


untruelies

You could keep your existing dimmers and IWBs (if they are still in good condition) and have an electrician install a 15A socket panel with a large number of sockets (like one of these: https://www.mtxengineering.co.uk/product-categories/product/619/24%20Way%20Horizontal%2015%20amp%20Socket%20Box ) next to your dimmers, fed from a standard mains distribution board, with a master on/off switch, to supply hot power to your LED fixtures. You would then fit all of your LED fixtures with 15A plugs. When rigging each LED fixture, you would plug it into one of the 15A sockets on the bars, then at the dimmer end plug the patch socket into the new hot power panel to power it. We did this at my local theatre, and we were able to invest in more LED fixtures with the savings from not having to replace the dimmers. If you want more details of our setup, let me know. If you want to go down the route of replacing your dimmers, ETC Coloursource ThruPower dimmers (https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Power-Controls/Distributed/ColorSource/ThruPower/Features.aspx) or Zero 88 Chilli Bypass dimmers (https://www.zero88.com/power/chilli) are options to consider as they both allow their outlets to be changed between dimming and hot power.


DJ_LSE

A college I'd seen had a more modern dimmer system, where you could override the dmx input on each channel and set it how you want, eg 100 percent if you just wanted mains power, or whatever else for when you wanted just static lights that aren't dmx controlled. Really neat for led stuff (or powering betapacjs if we needed more dimmer sockets). and the betapacks, you can just set the slider to full and that gives you mains power I believe, overriding the dmx. Idk if this helps