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[GlennRussell]

Hi All-
     Recently our church went from incandescent lights (which would cook people on stage!) to LED lighting. 

Our Setup:
     Main Bar = 6 Chauvet Pro COLORdash Par-Quad 18 RGBA Par -And-
                      4 Chauvet Intimidator Trio's
     Side/Spot = 4 Chauvet DJ EVE E-100Z 100W Warm White Ellipsoidal Spot
     Wash = 6 Chauvet DJ EVE P-130 RGB LED Wash
     DMX Controlled by LightKey
     4 NDI PTZ cameras for streaming.

Our Problem:
     Our problems is with the 4 Intimidator Trio Moving heads.  We really like the ability to point these anywhere where we need light.  This is especially nice for the streaming cameras.  We re-orient them each week based on the stage layout, and then make slight adjustments during the service using LightKey (positional) cues.  We have plenty of light now, and they work great.  But, we have two issues with them:
     1.)  The fans are noticeably loud.  This isn't a problem during the worship time.  But, there are other times during the service where we would really rather not have the fan noise.  I haven't found any moving heads that don't have fans.  (I'm pretty sure our pars, which are just as bright, don't have fans... which is nice.)
     2.)  According to Chauvet support, the Intimidators must be powered down after each use.  In talking with them, I believe this is to prolong their lifespan due to fan wear.  Powering them down each time is a problem because they are on their own circuit on a bar that is 23' in the air.  Also, the power to the bar does not go near our sound/light booth.  Currently we're using a fob/remote switch.  But, it's not reliable and people can forget to turn them off.  It bothers me that I can turn off all the other lights using LightKey, but not these Intimidators which actually need to have their 110v circuit cut.  According to the manual, there is a 'auto' fan setting which 'Sets the fan according to temperature', but I see no results when I use that setting.  The fans come on full when the lights come on, and sound the same until we cut the power.  I've thought about having an electrician come in an install an 8 hour countdown timer (link below).  And, if all else fails, I'll do that.  But before I do....

A crazy/sketchy idea:
    We have a couple of cheap Lixada lights that we are currently replacing the fans in.       
    We have a talented electrical engineer on staff. 
    What if we were to have him install a (40C = 104F) thermostatic switch to both the light and base fans of the Intimidators?  Then, the fans would shut down after we turn the bulbs off.  And, because we reorient the fans so infrequently, I suspect the base fans wouldn't likely even need to come on.
    Yes, I know this would void our warranty.

Are we crazy?  Thanks!
   -Glenn (& Gary)

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000LWIGU8/?coliid=I34TSQ1S9521LQ&colid=JPNOGNUYJRT1&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[Scott Hofmann]

One common solution is a DMX-controlled AC relay. Install the relay where you have access to the circuit you need to switch off.
Run a DMX line to the relay or use wireless DMX. You can then program your controller to switch the relay on and off. Perhaps program a macro to park the relay on when the console powers up and off on shutdown so people don't even have to think about it.
The simple solution is the ETC Foundry Relay, about $200.
https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Architectural-Systems/Foundry/Zone-Controllers/Relay-Controllers/Features.aspx

[Jeff Lelko]

Hi Glenn, Scott's suggestion of using a DMX relay is also what I'd suggest for solving this problem. 

Regarding the installation of a thermostatic switch in your lights - bad idea.  Not only does this void the warranty of the lights as you already mention, you're now also liable for any faults or insurance claims resulting from the units such as fire.  While I have used equipment beyond its intended purpose including some DIY adjustments this isn't one that I'd personally consider to be acceptable.

There are plenty of "silent" or nearly silent moving lights on the market, but you're not going to find ones worth owning at Chauvet DJ prices.  Hope this helps!

[GlennRussell]

Hi Jeff & Scott-
   I was unaware that a DMX relay device existed, but of course, now that you mention it, it makes sense!  That might just do the trick for us.  Thank you very much for your help!  This newbie is very grateful! :-) 
     -Glenn
P.S.  If you have any fan-less moving head names/links, I'd still be interested in those... even if I can only dream.  :-)

[Brian Jojade]

There are and have been silent fixtures available. It’s common in the higher budget items. Rare in the low end though, since a fan costs a lot less than designing equipment that can otherwise get rid of waste heat.
Eg, high end system studio color lights are a 575 watt arc lamp light that is convection cooled and silent unless moving. These were released back in 1998 and sold for the price of a small car...

Messing around with the fans in the devices would not only void the warranty, but also any UL listing.

[Daniel Levi]

Also search for a DMX switch pack, there are quite a few of them cheap in the lower end, primarily designed, I believe, for "dumb" disco lighting.

[Erik Jerde]

Also search for a DMX switch pack, there are quite a few of them cheap in the lower end, primarily designed, I believe, for "dumb" disco lighting.

You need to be careful here.  Some switch packs or switch/dimmer packs don’t have true relay function.  They slide in and out of line voltage or near line voltage and as a result can under power and damage moving lights.  Stick with true relay devices and you’ll protect your lighting investment best.

[Caleb Dueck]

Hi Glenn, Scott's suggestion of using a DMX relay is also what I'd suggest for solving this problem. 

Regarding the installation of a thermostatic switch in your lights - bad idea.  Not only does this void the warranty of the lights as you already mention, you're now also liable for any faults or insurance claims resulting from the units such as fire.  While I have used equipment beyond its intended purpose including some DIY adjustments this isn't one that I'd personally consider to be acceptable.

There are plenty of "silent" or nearly silent moving lights on the market, but you're not going to find ones worth owning at Chauvet DJ prices.  Hope this helps!

What Jeff said is spot on, just want to add one detail to why cheaper quality light fixtures need to have power 'hard cut' between use.  Cheaper lights use cheaper components, that have fewer thermal cycles before failure.  When asked, Chauvet said this was one of the differences between their DJ and Pro lines, and why with cheaper fixtures - you always want relays to cut power.

For larger systems, IE more than just a couple circuits - look at Lyntec panels.  Their basic 10-circuit 120V panel has a great price per circuit.  Lyntec LCRP-10. 

[Daniel Levi]

You need to be careful here.  Some switch packs or switch/dimmer packs don’t have true relay function.  They slide in and out of line voltage or near line voltage and as a result can under power and damage moving lights.  Stick with true relay devices and you’ll protect your lighting investment best.

I understand that, there is a 4 channel showtec product on Thomann that advertises itself as a relay pack.

https://www.thomann.de/gb/showtec_rp_405_mkii_relay_pack.htm

[Scott Hofmann]

Hi Jeff & Scott-
   I was unaware that a DMX relay device existed, but of course, now that you mention it, it makes sense!  That might just do the trick for us.  Thank you very much for your help!  This newbie is very grateful! :-) 
     -Glenn
P.S.  If you have any fan-less moving head names/links, I'd still be interested in those... even if I can only dream.  :-)

Glenn-- I forgot to mention there is a portable version of the ETC Foundry relay, the ETC ColorSource CSR-D, which can be mounted next to the fixtures and has 5-pin XLR DMX jacks and Powercon AC connectors. About $230. This might work better for you.

[ProSoundWeb Community]