Newbie

[Jem]

Hi Woody

PM sent

You must live very close to me. I can possibly help you.

Jem

[Doc]

i dont know the seller personally but i believe he is based in the york area, i am based in wakefield, but the gig will be at the gallery in york, i have never been but im told its in the basement and VIP room, i would guess the basement would have a low ceiling and i know the laser needs to be at least 3m high.

It would be grossly negligent to take a laser to a venue you've never seen, then simply set up and go.

I always go and survey first, I take my (ironically) laser tape measure, note book and camera.

You are not going to be able to produce a method statement and risk assessment without knowing exactly what you are going to do.

Where and how will you mount the projector? Where and how will you mount your fogger/hazer, or indeed; does the venue even allow their use (laser will not be visible without)?

Where will you run the cables and how will you prevent people from tripping over them?

Where will you sit when operating the projector?

Then you will need PL insurance and PAT certificates.

All of the above is assuming that you are performing a basic show, keeping the beams 10 feet from the audience.

Audience scanning is far more involved and requires carefully selected show elements, fast scanfail system, specialist measuring equipment, mathematical calculations and very careful planning.

Download this and have a read through, it covers the basics.

[Jem]

It would appear that Woody lives very close to me. I think he needs some good information and a bit of tuition... I've sent him a PM asking him to contact me.

I have also dealt with York City Council on several occasions so i'll put him on the right course

Jem

[Doc]

It would appear that Woody lives very close to me. I think he needs some good information and a bit of tuition... I've sent him a PM asking him to contact me.

I have also dealt with York City Council on several occasions so i'll put him on the right course

Jem

Cool

Sorry Jem, I was busy writing war and peace when you posted that

[norty303]

It would be grossly negligent to take a laser to a venue you've never seen, then simply set up and go.

I always go and survey first, I take my (ironically) laser tape measure, note book and camera.

I wouldn't necessarily agree with this statement - it is simply impractical to do a site visit in many situations. however, that implies that you already have some experience of what sorts of things to expect when assessing a job.

Certainly some detailed photos of the performance area would be in order however for initial planning, and the rest of the assessment done on the day.

[Doc]

I wouldn't necessarily agree with this statement - it is simply impractical to do a site visit in many situations. however, that implies that you already have some experience of what sorts of things to expect when assessing a job.

Certainly some detailed photos of the performance area would be in order however for initial planning, and the rest of the assessment done on the day.

Some larger venues have all of the required info available either on line or in brochures; which negates taking photos and measurements; many small night clubs do not.

I would be happy to accept a photo and measurements from a venue owner; if you turn up and they've told you a crock at least you have some recourse.

[Woody07]

thanks for your help everyone, ive just spoke to jem, i know i have a lot to learn and the gig is in 3 weeks, so im gonan keep reading these forums and health and safety stuff aswell. im going to the venue next week to have a look at it, but wayne says the ceiling isnt much higher than 3m. ive told him we cant do any crowd scanning, so i just need to learn how to project graphics, logos and such safely above the crowd.

im going to check for reflectives in the club while im there to make sure nothing will reflect lasers into the crowd. hopefully over the next 3 weeks i can learn enough to use the laser safely and please the crowd at the same time.

id just like to say thanks to everyone whos posted and helped me out, its only been 1 day but ive learned loads already, and im sure youll be hearing from me soon, thanks everyone.

woody

[Doc]

It's still possible with that ceiling height if you collapse the Y axis, so long as there's no way for punters to climb and invade that airspace.

If they can it may still be possible if you physically mask off that portion of the output window.

You will be limited to a 2D show, but that can still look fantastic if done right.

Just listen to Jem he is a wise man, do exactly as he says and you'll be safe.

You have a nice projector there, do things right and respect your audience.

Never forget that a 3W laser is not a toy and must be operated with due care and attention.

When all of this H&S stuff is taken care of and in check (it will become second nature to you) you will have fun, then the disease starts to eat your wallet like a kind of photonic parasite

Ian

[Jem]

Just listen to Jem he is a wise man, do exactly as he says and you'll be safe.

HeHe... Thanks for the kudos Ian... reminded me of the Blackadder sketch about the wise woman

We've had a long chat on the phone and Woody seems very keen and willing to learn. If he continues to follow the correct path, the one he's taken thus far, we're gonna get some good foundations laid for a safe laserist . I've tried to offer some sage advice and we're going to get together sometime to chat some more, i've also put him in touch with Rob regarding the FB3.

So, hopefully he's in safe (ish ) hands now.

Cheers

Jem

[Phredy1]

Kudos to Doc, Jem and Norty303! IMHO this thread is the bottom line of what this forum is all about.