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  • 1.  Basic Lighting Questions

    Posted 03-28-2025 13:10

    Hey all!

    I am a relatively new theatre teacher with minimal lighting experience, and I am at a new school, so I have a rambling series of newbie lighting questions:

    1) On the electrics, there are these standard outlets (like wall outlets), marked ND. What are those, and how do I control them from the light board?

    2) I have a few Chauvet LED fixtures, but there are no DMX ports on the electrics. However, there is a place backstage (interface? splitter? controller?) that is labeled Chauvet with DMX ports. To use these fixtures on the electrics, do I just plug them into the standard outlets and control them wirelessly somehow, using the (interface? splitter? controller?) backstage?

    Apologies for the semi-coherent question, but I am very green and very confused. I am grateful for any advice!



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    Austin Bennett
    Yelm High School
    WA
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    Austin Bennett
    Yelm High School
    WA
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  • 2.  RE: Basic Lighting Questions

    Posted 03-29-2025 07:23

    1) Those circuits are most likley switched or relays, for you to determine that please look at your dimmer rack for the circuit number and determine the module in the rack, if a dimmer set to switched, it can be changed back to dimming hrough the system, if on a relay controllable via the lighting console, if always on possibly you have a constant module in the rack that can not be turned on/off by the board.

    2) These fixtures are plugged in to the power on the system using their connector type, the fixture may be direct dimmed through the circuit, not enough information in the question to determine.

    Overall, I would ask the administration at the school to have them schedule you a system training for your system, yes you were hired for the program, but they can not expect you to know everything about every aspect of theater. Have the school request a quote to train you and some of your tech students on the system and lighting console. This should be a standard procedure when a new staff member is added to the school, you can't expect everyone to know how the space is designed and it's capabilities without having at minimum a walk through if you are a tech instructor vs a Director/music/performer instructor.

    Good luck, would be happy to discuss further but would need further information to discuss.

    Jerry Onik



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    Jerry Onik
    V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
    Heartland Scenic Studio
    NE
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Basic Lighting Questions

    Posted 04-02-2025 09:43
    Hey Austin,
     
    As Jerry says, those ND outlets are for switching, not dimming.  "ND" stands for "non dim".   If you were to patch one of those circuits into a channel, when you bring up that channel it won't dim up and down, it will just switch on and off.  Useful for many things, as Jerry mentions – also, a 'practical' perhaps?
     
    I'm also not sure about your DMX port issue either, but one way to control your LEDs is with a Showbaby system.  You hang one unit on your electric (maybe plug it into one of your NDs) and the other is plugged into your board.  They talk to each other remotely. Although, if you already have a built in system, that would save you some budget.
     
    Agreed – get your admin to pay for some of your training!  What light board do you have?  ETC are great at answering questions and helping out.  Their help line is (800)688-4116/(608)831-4116/service@etconnect.com
     
    I also wonder, who else uses your theatre?  The music department, other departments, school events (such as a talent show, talks, meetings), is it rented out to outside events?  Invest some time – if there isn't one already – in hanging a Rep Plot that is versatile for everyone to use with little effort.  And most importantly, won't mess with your lighting system that you need for your productions.  At the risk of tooting my own horn and providing you with some lighting training, check out my step-by-step book 'The High School Theatre Lighting Rep Plot' at www.presett.org/hstheatrebooks
     
    And, as I see you're in WA and not too terribly far, reach out to the Theatre Manager at NPAC (Bothell High School campus).  I'm not sure who it is any more, but they have an extensive lighting set up and host a lot of events all year 'round!  I'm volunteering them to give you some tips!!


    ------------------------------
    Lyz Rand, EBMS

    CruiseTechies blog https://www.cruisetechies.com/cruisetechies-blog

    8 FREE Action Steps: Level Up Support and Funding for your school theatre
    https://www.presett.org/8actionsteps.html

    www.CruiseTechies.com
    CruiseTechies@gmail.com

    Land lubbers:
    www.PRESETT.org
    Conifer, CO
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Basic Lighting Questions

    Posted 04-11-2025 16:24

    Thank you so much for all of your help!



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    Austin Bennett
    Yelm High School
    WA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Basic Lighting Questions

    Posted 04-14-2025 11:56

    Hello Austin,

    It's great that you're diving into the technical aspects of theater lighting. Let's address your questions step by step.​

    1) ND Outlets on Electrics: The "ND" labeling on your electrics likely stands for "Non-Dim." These outlets provide constant power and are not controlled by the lighting console. They're suitable for powering devices that require uninterrupted power, such as certain lighting fixtures or equipment. ​

    2) Controlling Chauvet LED Fixtures Without DMX Ports on Electrics: If your electrics lack DMX ports, but you have a Chauvet-labeled device backstage with DMX ports, it's likely a DMX splitter or controller. To control your Chauvet LED fixtures, Remember to assign unique DMX addresses to each fixture to prevent channel conflicts. ​

    Feel free to ask if you need further clarification


    Regards

    Nora pinosa

    ​



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    Nora Pinosa
    CA
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    Original Message


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