Multi-head scanners

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rickryan.com

rickryan.com

Mac Daddy DJ
ODJT Supporter
Dec 9, 2009
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Hendersonville, TN
www.rickryan.com
I saw ducky posted a 4-head scanner on facebook last week. I believe she said the heads were 12-watts each. Just wondering, does anybody here have any knowledge on these type units? After last weekend, I'd like to start taking scanners back out but don't want the hassle of having to rig up 4 separate units. Have also seen some 6 and 8 head units and would love more insight if anyone has used them.
 
Ausumm said:
Please share Ducky's find with us.
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Well crap, what's Ducky's real name again? I can't seem to find her post anywhere.

DUH, Anna McDonald. Why couldn't I remember that? The fixture was an Omnistream Retroscan G Pro. I believe she said they used it at a bridal show. My biggest question on these multi-head units is, do the heads operate independently or are they using the same gobo and sweeping the same direction? When I'm using my 4 separate scanners, I have some scenes that will have a unified gobo and still other scenes where all 4 units are doing their own thing.

http://omnisistem.com/products/retroscan-g-pro/

I believe the price was around 3 bills. Alibaba looks like they've got a no-name of this fixture for $200.
 
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Proformance said:
They are very heavy.
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Not really, especially when considering what you're getting in that single housing. Also, the Omnisistem one we bought isn't exactly the cheap plastic or thin metal housing that you find on a lot of lights from the major manufacturers (Chauvet, American DJ).


rickryan.com said:
Well crap, what's Ducky's real name again? I can't seem to find her post anywhere.

DUH, Anna McDonald. Why couldn't I remember that? The fixture was an Omnistream Retroscan G Pro. I believe she said they used it at a bridal show. My biggest question on these multi-head units is, do the heads operate independently or are they using the same gobo and sweeping the same direction? When I'm using my 4 separate scanners, I have some scenes that will have a unified gobo and still other scenes where all 4 units are doing their own thing.

http://omnisistem.com/products/retroscan-g-pro/

I believe the price was around 3 bills. Alibaba looks like they've got a no-name of this fixture for $200.
Click to expand...

Yup, each head has it's own led, gobo and will do it's own thing in sound active or can be independently controlled via dmx. I'd also be careful when looking at the knockoffs; they're knockoffs for a reason. In this case, it looks like Alibaba doesn't use the same leds as Omnisistem and that can make a huge difference in the proformance of the light.
 
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DJ J Mac said:
Not really, especially when considering what you're getting in that single housing. Also, the Omnisistem one we bought isn't exactly the cheap plastic or thin metal housing that you find on a lot of lights from the major manufacturers (Chauvet, American DJ).




Yup, each head has it's own led, gobo and will do it's own thing in sound active or can be independently controlled via dmx. I'd also be careful when looking at the knockoffs; they're knockoffs for a reason. In this case, it looks like Alibaba doesn't use the same leds as Omnisistem and that can make a huge difference in the proformance of the light.
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So, have you guys had it out on a gig yet? Would love to see some video, if you have it.
 
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rickryan.com said:
So, have you guys had it out on a gig yet? Would love to see some video, if you have it.
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Not yet, we don't start up our season for another month. So the bridal show was the only live experience we've had using it so far. I can see if my camera will do video, otherwise we won't have any video of it (no camcorder).
 
There are online Videos from both Omnisistem and You Tube
 
DJ J Mac said:
Not yet, we don't start up our season for another month. So the bridal show was the only live experience we've had using it so far. I can see if my camera will do video, otherwise we won't have any video of it (no camcorder).
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Thanks just the same. I'm still sold on my acrobats but having the scanners, combined with them makes for a potent combo. I just hate the notion of having to carry and rig 4 separate units. If this punches hard enough, I think it'd look very cool to hang it on the center pole and put the bats on the t-bar.
 
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rickryan.com said:
Thanks just the same. I'm still sold on my acrobats but having the scanners, combined with them makes for a potent combo. I just hate the notion of having to carry and rig 4 separate units. If this punches hard enough, I think it'd look very cool to hang it on the center pole and put the bats on the t-bar.
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Hanging this guy on a center pole would depend on how you hung it. We tried using some of the Chauvet "O" clamps we had and the unit actually dragged them down the pole and when we tried tightening up the clamp, the plastic couldn't hold and the clamp broke (thank goodness for a toolbox full of extra odds and ends to fix that problem).
 
DJ J Mac said:
Hanging this guy on a center pole would depend on how you hung it. We tried using some of the Chauvet "O" clamps we had and the unit actually dragged them down the pole and when we tried tightening up the clamp, the plastic couldn't hold and the clamp broke (thank goodness for a toolbox full of extra odds and ends to fix that problem).
Click to expand...

One trick I've used is to wrap a few layers of Gaffers tape around the pole just below a clamp if it doesn't bite. Usually it will keep it from sliding down.
 
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Get some Friction Tape and line the inside of your O Clamps. I prefer to use Metal O Clamps especially for the heavier Units. I have also made short sleeves from the inner tubes of Bicycle Tires. those work real well. Slide them down to the spot, attach your O Clamps and viola, it is snug. Best of all no stickiness on the Pole.

Friction Tape: http://www.filmtools.com/frictiontape34.html?gclid=COfnoKLR97UCFQGCnQod6xAALQ

Friction Tape. http://www.fullcompass.com/product/...ign=googleps&gclid=CNPFp-jP97UCFQHnnAodJBsABA
 
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rickryan.com said:
Put a bolt thru the post. I have the same thing happen my bats. O-clamp slides right down to the stop.
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You can compromise the integrity by putting holes in the posts.
It can become a safety issue .
 
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