Kinesys
on Fast Track for
“Starlight Express”
Stage
Product Stories Published: 22 July 2005
Automation and movement specialists Kinesys have designed and
built an automation and control system for the new Clear Channel
Entertainment production of “Starlight Express”.
This starts its UK tour at Manchester Opera House
in November, following a lengthy and successful stint in the
US.
Kinesys initially supplied the production two
years ago at the start of its US tour - providing six Elevation
1+ variable speed chain hoist controllers, an Array PD-ES power
and Emergency Stop distribution unit plus a computer system,
complete with proprietary Vector software. This was used to
move the lighting trusses quickly and safely during the show,
greatly enhancing the visual dynamics and flexibility of the
touring rig.
Kinesys supplied the kit via Tomcat US, who provided
the accompanying customised high speed Lodestar JJ Motors to
US production company Troika. Tomcat also undertook to maintain
the system whilst on the road.
As it turned out, the very robust build ensured
that little maintenance work was needed despite a punishing
schedule. However Kinesys did perform a full service before
the UK tour, and also supplied a transformer to allow the US
system to operate on the higher European voltage.
The flying system was designed from the outset
for fast rigging - fusing the chain hoist mentality of rock
‘n’ roll with a theatrical environment – complete
with SwingWing lighting trusses housing all the lanterns and
moving lights
It was always planned to bring “Starlight”
to the UK, and just before this happened, Kinesys was contacted
again – this time by lighting designer Howard Eaton. Eaton
wanted a control system for two tracking and lifting projection
screens that were an addition to the UK show.
The system had to be DMX controlled so it could
be run by the lighting operator. It also needed an interlock
facility to provide programmable ‘dead zones’ where
the screens could not travel, ensuring they will only track
offstage fully once high enough to clear the fly floors.
Kinesys achieved this brief by adding some software
to supplement the positioning system that was already integrated
with the customised Velocity drives. Each pair of drives associated
with a screen (one lifting, one tracking) monitors the position
of its partner.
The range of permitted travel is then calculated
based on the positions of both drives together with preset co-ordinates
that define the forbidden areas. The result is a straightforward
but effective ‘collision avoidance’ system. It also
features hard limits to protect the extremes of travel, and
with ‘Show’ and ‘Rigging’ modes selectable
from the lighting desk, a safe and flexible positioning system
is created.
Kinesys added a “dead man’s handle” facility,
which must be held down before anything physically moves onstage.
The tracking screens control is also linked into the show-wide
Emergency Stop system.