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[dave moldover]

What are the practical height limits for mounting light weight fixtures on pipe & base. Is there some calculation for this? I'm considering hanging 2 s4lecos on a Tbar. I have 50# base that will be loaded with sandbags, 1.5" steel pipe. Trying to estimate how high this can go safely without any tether.

It will light a step/repeat photo backdrop from 20' for an adult event.

thank for any guidance.

[DanGlass]

The way to properly calculate the safe working height of any given setup is to know the specifics.  Since we know some of the specifics already we can make a few rough guesses.  If you are only hanging (2) S4 lekos I will make a dangerous assumption that your Tbar is around 2' long.  Considering the fact that I have no idea if you are trying to avoid lighting anything inbetween the lights and the backdrop (i.e. people, tables) I woould say that the best angle for the lights are 40 to 45 degrees so if you use a 15' upright pipe you should be ok with a couple of sandbags.

The dislaimer here is for all of the unknown variables:  If people will be walking around your setup, you need it be alot higher, you are lighting it from the side, etc.  Be safe, use good judgement, never ask strangers for advice when a potential outcome is death,

[dave moldover]

The way to properly calculate the safe working height of any given setup is to know the specifics.  Since we know some of the specifics already we can make a few rough guesses.  If you are only hanging (2) S4 lekos I will make a dangerous assumption that your Tbar is around 2' long.  Considering the fact that I have no idea if you are trying to avoid lighting anything inbetween the lights and the backdrop (i.e. people, tables) I woould say that the best angle for the lights are 40 to 45 degrees so if you use a 15' upright pipe you should be ok with a couple of sandbags.

The dislaimer here is for all of the unknown variables:  If people will be walking around your setup, you need it be alot higher, you are lighting it from the side, etc.  Be safe, use good judgement, never ask strangers for advice when a potential outcome is death,

I think the ceiling in this space is only about 12' total. I would be using a 2' Tbar at the top. It might be possible to find an anchor point for tethering these too. I used a 10' truss totem for this last time and it's just too bulky and intrusive. A black pipe would be less intrusive. Thanks. It sounds like this plan is viable....

[DanGlass]

Sounds like you answred your own question then.  Without knowing the details is seems like a 10' stick of truss with a baseplate would about as intrusive as a pipe with a 50# base, at least in regards to how much floor space they take up.  Remember the basics, these lighrs get hot so keep them away from fabric, walls, ceilings, and use plenty of sandbags.  Have a great event and post a pic of what you come up with.

[dave moldover]

Sounds like you answred your own question then.  Without knowing the details is seems like a 10' stick of truss with a baseplate would about as intrusive as a pipe with a 50# base, at least in regards to how much floor space they take up.  Remember the basics, these lighrs get hot so keep them away from fabric, walls, ceilings, and use plenty of sandbags.  Have a great event and post a pic of what you come up with.

What about using 1.5" aluminum pipe VS black iron for the upright pipe?

[Ray Cerwinski]

What about using 1.5" aluminum pipe VS black iron for the upright pipe?

What would the advantage of this be, other than the color? Black pipe is more readily available and if the color is the concern, just wrap it with white (or a color matching the decor) fabric after you cable it all up. If you start at the top and have enough fabric, puddle it over the sandbags to dress the base. Pretty much the industry standard in the private event and wedding world.

Also, a 10' pipe on a 50# base with two lekos up top requires a pretty decent shove to get it to topple, and with the addition of sandbags is near impossible if the force is from 5' or less above the base. I've lit hundreds of events this way and I have yet to encounter any issues.

[Brian Bolly]

I think the ceiling in this space is only about 12' total. I would be using a 2' Tbar at the top. It might be possible to find an anchor point for tethering these too. I used a 10' truss totem for this last time and it's just too bulky and intrusive. A black pipe would be less intrusive. Thanks. It sounds like this plan is viable....

Or skip the crossbar and just sidearm the lekos off the vertical if that's all you're hanging.  It would reduce your weight up top by a few pounds, and potentially move the COG back in towards the center mast a little bit.

[Thomas Bishop]

I would (and have) also skip the cross section of pipe, no need.  I've never done 12' but do 10' all the time.  Last month I hung 4 S4's and a pair of shoebox dimmers off a 10' pipe/base with a few sandbags at the bottom.  I wouldn't stress about it.  Just pick a good spot for the base to live.

[dave moldover]

What are the practical height limits for mounting light weight fixtures on pipe & base. Is there some calculation for this? I'm considering hanging 2 s4lecos on a Tbar. I have 50# base that will be loaded with sandbags, 1.5" steel pipe. Trying to estimate how high this can go safely without any tether.

It will light a step/repeat photo backdrop from 20' for an adult event.

thank for any guidance.

Thanks... I was hoping to hear from someone who has done this. If 2 fixtures at 10' hung without the T bar is stable then I'm in good shape. I have some aluminum schedule 40 we use where weight loading is an issue. I was thinking we could use that for the pipe & base since they are shiny and light colored vs. the black iron pipe. Dressing them up is a good idea but probably more work than this situation justifies.. thanks for the input.