YET *another* venue change for SELEM 2007

Ok guys - we've got just over 6 weeks to plan, and now that PARI is out (too expensive) we really need to pull together to make SELEM happen this year.

One good thing is that if we're not going to use PARI, then there's no minimum number of guests required. So, since we've already got 6 or 7 confirmed members that can attend, all we need to do is pick a place and do this!

I know I can get a room at the Hayward Convention center, but it's probably going to cost in the neighborhood of $400 per day. (So we'd be looking at 800 bucks for a 2 day event, plus hotel rooms. Ugh.) I know we can do better than that. (Heck, if we can get into a school we should be able to do it for free.) I'm going to burn up the telephone lines tomorrow and see what I can come up with. (Got a few contacts to check with yet...)

Adam

Adam @ work...

http://www.technfun.com/smilies/icon_superdoh.gif

Good luck man. http://photonlexicon.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

Heh! Yeah, that's about it. Welcome to my world, man...

Still, I think we can manage this. I just need to get hustling again.

Adam

PS: *love* the smileys dude...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Buffo

PS: *love* the smileys dude...

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I found a new well to dip from... http://www.technfun.com/smilies/icon_nuke.gif

OH- That's a GREAT one!!!

Adam--Can any of us help in some way?

I have contacted 2 local community colleges today and they gave the business more or less. They said that only state or enrolled students are able to use their facilities. The guy at Wake Forest here in W-S has called me back....will get hold of him in the morning. I am still looking...for even a warehouse or climate controlled storage.......chat soon w/ updates There has to be a big church with a fellowship hall or community bldg. for rent somewhere.....

Steve-o;

Possibly... I've contacted quite a few places in North Carolina. Trying to concentrate in the southern part of the state. So far the Auditorium in Newton looks like a winner, but it's still going to be $500 + 10 bucks an hour for however many hours we use it for over the two day event. Potentially $700... That's not out of the question, but it would be nice if we could get a place for less money.

MechEng3 is looking into a few places that are closer to Charlotte. He should have some information in a day or two. But if anyone has an idea for a location that would be cheaper/better/more convenient that is still in the general area we're looking in, by all means jump in here. I have no problems if people want to make phone calls on behalf of the group to inquire about rates, availability, etc... I'm not the king here - I'm just a worker bee trying to make this happen. This isn't my show, it's OUR SHOW, OUR MEETING.

I've basically been introducing myself as a representative of a group of laser enthusaists / hobbyists that are looking to hold a small gathering to share information and ideas while displaying laser shows with our projectors. I explain that we need a dark room, roughly 20ft x 40ft in size (or larger), that has several 110 V outlets. I explain that we need to run a Theatrical Fog Machine in the room, and that we'll have some comptuers and fans set up in the room as well, along with a sound system. Then I usually have to field a couple questions about what a laser show actually is before I can continue.

I tell them that we're on a *very* tight budget because none of us are doing this professionally. It's just a hobby, so the entire cost is coming directly out of our pocket. (This carries a lot of weight with community arts centers, but doesn't mean jack shit to a convention center, BTW.) I also explain that for liability and CDRH issues we don't want the general public to be invited, though I do tell them that their own staff and family or friends are welcome to drop in and see what we're about. I usually have to insert some laser safety info here, and end up explaining that it's not the case that our shows will be unsafe, but rather that because most of us don't have a CDRH variance, we create a liability issue even if the show is otherwise safe. (IE: it's not about the safety, it's about the piece of paper.)

I also ask about 220V power, then 3 phase power and water cooling, and explain why these might be needed. (A good solution to water is a mop closet with a floor sink, or a nearby bathroom.) 200 ft away is what I've been using as the max distance for water... I also ask if they'll need to have a member of their staff present when we hook into their switchgear for the 3 phase power, or if they can just let us do it ourselves.

There's a million other details to iron out with any venue (even things like smoking, alchohol, number of guests, food, tables, chairs, and other nit-picky stuff), but by the time you get to those things you've got a pretty good idea as to whether the place will be in our price range or not. Plus you can get a good read off the person you are talking to and see if they're really interested in helping you make it happen, or if they're just out to rent a room and couldn't care less who actually gets it.

Adam

Well Ive got 30 acres of land waaaayyyout in the sticks y'all can pitch tents its pretty cool in the mountains and i can absolutely guantaree ne member of the cdrh fda or police of any kind will invade our little gatrhering///hows that? zipcode 24072>:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by steve-o

Well Ive got 30 acres of land waaaayyyout in the sticks y'all can pitch tents its pretty cool in the mountains and i can absolutely guantaree ne member of the cdrh fda or police of any kind will invade our little gatrhering///hows that? zipcode 24072>:)

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You know Steve-o, that might be something to consider for the future... I think it's a bit late to try and move SELEM that much further north, but we might try to schedule another event up at your place sometime. Sounds like you've got a lot of space. Only problem I can think of might be power and water cooling. But it's something we can work on. We'll have to talk it over a bit at SELEM and see if there's enough interest for a "camping trip with lasers" amongst the group.

Adam

Sorry 'bout the lousy post, I've got to keep myself off the internet after hours (toddy-time). oh well. Lets seee--how about a club house? Some apartments and condos have club houses they rent for 1-2 days for minimal fee for residents. Anybody live in (or got a friend who lives in) one of these?

Hey guys, whats the word on the venue? I'm wondering, Buffo, if knowing how much you have to work with would help in the decision on the venue. So, if its going to be on a weekend that I can attend, I'd like to pledge $150 for the event. Anyone care to match my offer?

David

Hi David!

That's a generous offer! At this point we're close enough that by the end of next week I need to have the venue confirmed. While a free venue would be nice, I think the auditorium in Newton will be pretty cool. I also think that the price for the auditorium is doable for our group. (Especially in light of your offer!)

With the current list of people that are talking about attending, we are looking at roughly $80 per person to rent the auditorium in Newton. (That's based on a flat fee of $500 for the venue for the weekend plus $200 in hourly fees <10 bucks an hour> for 12 hours on Saturday and 8 hours on Sunday.) Of course, if more folks sign up, the cost per person comes down.

I need to speak to Mike (MechEng3) this weekend - he had some info on possible venues in the area that would be free. But if those don't pan out by mid week next week, I was planning to go ahead and book the Newton Auditorium. (We already have it reserved for the 18th and 19th of August, BTW, so no one can take it away from us.) They're still checking on exactly how much 3 phase power is available. Looks like 208 volt 3 phase, but not sure how many amps per leg we can source.

Right now here is the list of people that want to attend. A "C" means they're confirmed for the 18th and 19th of August, a "W" means they want to come but aren't certain if they can make it yet. Past that I've just put down what sort of projector the person is considering bringing.

Astroguy ------- C --- RGB DPSS
Buffo ----------- C --- RGB DPSS
Dreambeamz --- C --- RGB DPSS, Single phase Argon?
Dzurcher ------- W --- RGB DPSS + Lumina/Grating effects ?
MechEng3 ------ C --- RGB DPSS
Mixed Gas ------ C --- DPSS?, Single phase Argon, 3 Phase Kr/Argon
Spec ----------- W --- ?
Steve-O -------- C --- RYG DPSS
Pangolin ------- W --- ?

Did I miss anyone? If so, let me know and I'll add your name to the list. Of course, everyone is free to bring guests if they want.

BTW, barring some unforseen tragedy (Hurricane, etc), the date is FIRM. So you can take August 18th and August 19th to the bank...

Adam

Outstanding! I can't wait for SELEM, and seeing the list of stuff that will be there, no doubt it will be a blast! Glad to see Mixed Gas on the list, always wanted to meet THE SR. Anyway, I see you have me listed with a DPSS +?. I'm still trying to figure out what the hell I'm building also... I think Allthat would be proud of my "ghettofabulous" special effects projector! Speaking of which, how come his name isn't on the list?? And Marconi?? You guys not going to be able to make it?


Here's a preview of my ghetto special effects bench, I had just enough parts on the shelf to throw something cheesy together!


David

"Ghetto fabulous" looks waymorecool than the shape mine's in at the moment...
Yes Adam I've had cocktails tonite but I'm behaving myself:D
You got me down for RGB:confused:
Really one is a small argon 488 and the diode laser is a RGY which will have probably no blanking and no galvos unless I can build something up rrreally quick.. but who-knows..
maybe I'll glue some mirror chips on a cd ..:) hehe
Anyway I'm glad to see it is a firm done-deal and we're gonna make it:) :) :) -- I'll chip in 100.

Hi Guys;

Glad to see a few of us are up late tonight! Steve-o, I edited my post above to reflect the RYG status of your rig. BTW, blanking isn't nearly as important as the galvos are. The argon rig we had at FLEM back in January didn't have blanking either, but it still looked great!

David: I see now where you were going with the "home-built" idea you had. I wasn't really sure exactly what you had in mind at first. I like the look of it though. Should be fun to play with. I edited my post again to reflect the effects bench you made.

I'll probably bring a few other doodads as well. I've got an old-school MWK lissajous box that I'll probably bring just for grins and giggles. I know that at FLEM we had lots of people that brought extra items just for fun.

And re: the cost... Yeah, I'm not worried. If we're close I can always kick in a bit more to get us over the top. I think we're on the way though. And who knows, maybe Mike managed to turn something up that is cheaper. (Tried calling him tonight but he's out...)

You know, when you stop and think about it, at FLEM we really only had three RGB projectors (and one of them ended up loosing the green fairly early in the evening, while the other one was switched off most of the time). Then we had the big argon in the back, and my monochrome green projector, and that was it. So this time 'round we've got a *lot* more lasers... Should be a sight to behold! (I'd love to have all the projectors being run "live" as everyone plays along in real-time to whatever song is playing on the sound system. I think that would make for some incredible video!)

Adam

Mine wont be music synced, but like U said- more lasers - be a sight to behold! I'm also bringing a small 30mW 488blue Argon (with homemade beam show) if you want to add that to the list, Adam:)

OK the poeple I have been trying to keep from finding and choking.......ahemm...clears throat... No one allows fog machines in fear of contaminating of the interior paints,A/C system. No 3-phase at all. And to make it even better the places I have contacted have lots of windows! Prices range from $1200/Day and up. Any takers? I just laugh and tip my hat to Adam for all of his hard work....that paid off. I have found quite a few viable places...some more obscure than others. I think this has been the hardest part of the whole laser thing that I have been up against. Maybe for next year we need to start planning now and a search for the best place that can be found to suit all involved. I am sorry that I didn't come through. I really didn't know what I was up against at the time of initial contact with the task. Now I have acquired a statement for openers that goes over into a simple yes or no from someone. Count me in for showing and contributing to the cause at hand. I do hope that Spec ,Bill B., Marconi and Max can make it.

So Newton it is, then?

That's affirmative - It's Newton or bust. I'll start another thread in a day or two for folks to sign up.

I still want an answer re: 3 phase power, and also re: the windows that are clearly visible in the picture on the NCCPP website. (Scroll down to the second picture and you can see the windows to the right of the stage.) According to Reggie the auditorium doesn't have windows... I'm hoping that the picture on the website was taken before the renovation was completed. But if not, then we're going to need some window treatments to cover those windows!

As soon as I get a response from Reggie I'll start the new SELEM 2007 thread. I expect the cost will be right at $700. That's $500 for the rental fee for the weekend, plus $10 per hour for the time we're actually in the building. (I figured 12 hours Saturday and 8 hours Sunday, for a total of 20 hours or $200.) Reggie said we were welcome to show up Friday afternoon and start setting things up - at least until around 5 or 6 in the evening when everyone goes home. That should save us some time. (Note that we can always run later on Saturday and cut things a little shorter on Sunday if people want to get out early so they can get on the road...) The auditorium people are willing to be flexible...

Mike: Thanks for all the help. Too bad nothing panned out, but it really is hard to find a venue. I appreciate the effort you put in! As far as next year is concerned, I've actually been thinking about trying to set something up for Charleston for 2008. Like you said, early planning is the best idea. I think we'll also try to do something in Florida later in the fall or winter... (Assuming that Clandestiny can hook us up with that union meeting room again!) <please, oh please?>

Steve-o: lasers is lasers dude... Bring whatever you have and we'll have fun with it! :D

One other thing: Marconi and Maxine may not be able to attend. They've got a lot going on right now, and it's something like a 9 hour drive from their area to Newton... While it would be great if they could attend, the last time I spoke with Chuck he said didn't think they'd be able to make the trip. (Don't forget that his back is still giving him fits too. The last thing he needs is a long car ride right now.)

Bill Benner is still interested in attending, and Hayden Hale may also be able to attend. Details to follow soon re: those two gurus from Pangolin. (Bill needed to check his schedule to make sure he can attend...)

Steve Roberts is very interested in attending, and even volunteered to bring some larger ion lasers if we can get the proper power hookups! (Woot!) He was planning on bringing a Kr/Ar mixed gas whitelight (not sure exactly what make or model though) in addition to a Lexel 88 Argon. (Which is the same size laser we had at FLEM. If you saw any of the video of that event, it was the laser in the back of the room.) Should be awesome! (Hope we can get the power issue worked out; I *really* want to see these lasers!)

Dreambeamz has also volunteered to bring an argon laser, in addition to his 1.7 watt DPSS projector. Not sure yet which argon he's thinking of, but probably something similar to a Lexel 88. (Though I think he's got a Lexel 95 too... (BIG!) I need to call him and find out.)

When I put up the new thread I'll make a more detailed list of what folks are bringing and what sort of power requirements everyone needs.

Everyone should plan on bringing extension cords, etc. It might be a good idea to bring a small folding table too, though the venue may also have those. (Yet another thing I need to ask Reggie about...) Like I said - I'll put all this in a new thread as soon as I get the details ironed out.

Adam

MAN!! --:) This is sounding better and better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D

The UK chaps may not be having all the fun after all ;)

Well, those UK chaps will certainly have their OWN fun, but by golly we're going to have one hell of a good time over here as well! (As long as I have anything to say about it anyway!)

Yeah, it should be a great time. FLEM sure was! (right, guys?) :D

Adam

Yes it was, too bad I cannot join in on this one. I just got requisitioned to be the Best Man at a friend's wedding on Aug 5th... in Calgary. :eek: Anyone know where I can get some cheap plane tickets? :confused:

Uhhh ,, from orbitz or priceline from Bill Shatner or Lenoard Nimoy..;) just kidding -sorry to hear that you cant make it Allthat. Which Calgary; Tex, Canada or ??

Heh, I think I plan on going through Shatner... :rolleyes: It is in Canada. Tickets I found so far are all aroun $500 a piece. I had hoped to pay that for two. :o

Just a quick note:

I got an e-mail from Reggie at the Newton Connover Civic and Performance Place this afternoon. The windows you see in the picture on the website have been bricked over, and that entire wall covered in velvet to hide the work. This was done when the place was remodeled last year. So the auditorium will be *DARK*. (which is cool!)

Also, 3 phase power will be available. Looks like wye-connected 208, though I'm trying to find out exactly how many amps we can pull. (Would be nice to know if we can get two ion lasers running at the same time or not.)

The one hold up has to do with who is allowed to connect 3 phase power. Right now I'm hoping that they will allow us to do it ourselves, but they may require their own electrician to be present when we hook in to their power. Should have an answer in a day or so.

Everything else seems to be falling into place nicely. I'll put up a post formally annoucing the event as soon as I get the power issue ironed out.

Adam

AAhight! Sounds cool:)

Wow, You guys sure are working your balls off for this..
I admire that tremendiously...Seems every time I log-on Buffo is still typing something. A tire-less effort...Applauds :)

Well I still dont know if I can make it yet, too early to tell .
Im still hurting from this darned pinched nerve in my leg, altho the pain is
not as bad as it was. I have yet to get an MRI done , The Doc doesnt
feel I need one just yet..But it could happen if it doesnt go away soon.
Its hard to walk any good distances, but sitting is no problem.
Anyhow, We'll see how it goes..I sure would like to go seeing as I missed the
last get-together due to the day job emergency.
I really dont think Maxy will be able to get time off but you never know.
Things could work out.

I gotta get more meds soon...

Hi Chuck!

Yeah, well, the effort is going to pay off big-time when we all have a blast at SELEM. Given how much fun FLEM was, I decided that SELEM just *had* to happen this summer. (Especially since last summer ended up being a bust.)

Seriously though, thanks for the kudos. :o It's been a long road getting to this point.

Re: your Sciatica. I thought that sitting for long periods made it worse.?. If not, then you might want to seriously reconsider attending. There really isn't going to be a lot of walking involved. If we set everything up on the stage in the auditorium, we'll all be in an area roughly 30 ft by 50 ft, so everything will be pretty close. Later in the day we may decide to point the projectors out towards the audience, but there again, chances are good you'd either be sitting behind the control keyboard of a projector or sitting in one of the seats in the auditorium. That shouldn't be too bad...

Hell, bring a handful of good drugs, and if it starts bothering you, just take a couple percocet/vicoden and sit down and watch the show. (Who knows, with the right pain medicine the show might actually be more entertaining!:D ) If you get so spaced out that you can't drive back to your hotel, I'm sure you can get a ride from one of us! (Remember, this is a 2-day event. Saturday and Sunday.)

We'll have plenty of help available, so if you decide to bring a few toys we can help you unload and setup. (Maybe the prototype 800 mw 4-diode red laser you've been working on? <please, oh please!>)

You know that Steve Roberts is planning on attending, right? Bill Benner should be there too, and even Clandestiny said he'd stop in for the day. (Though this time I don't think he'll be bringing any of his expensive toys with him; they'll be set up at a week-long gig he's got going on in Nashville.)

David Zurcher is going to be there, and will be bringing his RGB DPSS projector plus an old-school effects bench he put together. Fred Blockland will be there with his RGB projector. George Mack will be there with his 1.7 watt monster RGB rig. MechEng3 is working furiously to get his RGB projector re-assembled in time for the event, as am I.

Spec will be there, though I don't know yet if he's planning to bring his setup or not. Steve-o has a RYG rig he's planning to bring, and we may have another visitor from Wisconsin;) , though I don't know yet if he can bring his projector or not. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few other folks that have already confirmed that they'll be coming, but my point is that we'll easily have 2 to 3 times the number of projectors that we had at FLEM. It promises to be one hell of a good time...

So give it some serious thought dude... We'd love to have you there!

Adam

Yep. I have been giving it some serious thought
I usually dont miss getting a chance to get out and meet people
especially events like this ..it hits a nerve (pun-intended) with me.

Sounds like a great crew already with like minds so being there is a priority
on my list.
Of course, if get to go, I will bring some goodies (not-drugs, thats for me as I dont have enough to pass around) for peeps to look at or trade.
Again, I admire your dedication... Great job man.

Definitely hope you and Maxine can make it Chuck!