Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Sourcing And Buying Moving Head Lights

By Walter Robinson


Most bars and night clubs will at some point install colored lighting on stages and dance floors. A relatively cheap and impressive way to improve a light set up is to buy and fit moving head lights. The range of colors and rotation options make these units very flexible and appealing to many owners.

Many variations of moving units are now offered for sale with many colors and patterns to choose from. This lighting can be used as a stand alone controlled only by sound but the majority of them will be connected to a DMX box to enable them to be remotely operated. After connecting them to the box they can be pre programmed into sequences or operated by a technician.

When choosing disco lighting it is important to take some time to think about what the lights will do and where to fit them. From single lights to rigs with multiple units attached the effects can be stunning. Also with the addition of a gobo lens customized patterns, bar insignia and writing can be projected onto any wall, ceiling or floor.

Prices of moving lighting can differ vastly due to the many combinations and different models on the market. A simple plastic cased light will come in at approximately 200 dollars and can be set up in just a few minutes. The control boxes to enable programming start at around the 120 dollar mark and this is a better option as it gives more variation.

A better quality metal cased light with superior quality components will be more expensive at approximately 2000 dollars. Due to the larger size and multiple lens configuration a larger more complex controller is needed at around 500 dollars. As well as the light and box specialized plugs and wiring will need to be purchased to complete the installation.

Another option for those with a smaller budget is to source pre owned lights and accessories. This can be a very cost effective way of owning a lighting rig but it is essential to have them checked out before buying to ensure they meet safety standards. Thousands of these can be found advertised for sale online for as little as 50 dollars including cables and plugs.

If buying brand new equipment the best place to go is to a reputable retailer who specializes in stage lighting and accessories. A large stock of lights, controllers and cables can be found in these stores and they will be happy to offer advice on the best gear to buy. When choosing to buy from a store the owner also gets the peace of mind that all equipment is covered by a guarantee and after sales service is also on offer.

After purchasing and deciding where to install the lights it is advisable to always use the services of an expert. Due to the complexity of wiring some of these units and the time it can take it is better to use a qualified technician. It is also very important after fitting to have the lighting inspected and serviced from time to time to ensure that it operated efficiently.




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