Researching A/V Equipment for SVPB - Lighting
This article is part of multipart series: Researching A/V Equipment for the Silicon Valley Prayer Breakfast (SVPB).
Summary
The requirements for our lighting application is the following:
- Flood lighting for entire stage because there may be multiple people on stage simultaneously.
- Light coverage for stage roughly 15’ to 20’ wide.
- Floor-mounted solution because we can’t mount on the ceiling.
- Position of lights must be unobtrusive - not blocking audience’s view of stage and speakers (15’ to 50’ from stage) - slim form factor.
According to the numbered requirements above, the two scenarios in the next section are covered as follows:
| Requirement # | Coverage Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arri 650 fresnel lights provide flood-to-spot capability (52°/14.5°) up to 50’ away |
| 2 | Covered by #1 |
| 3 | Impact Steel Roller C-Stand with Braking Wheels is a portable, floor-mounted solution |
| 4 | Covered by #1 and #3 |
Capabilities that are out of the budget or not possible:
- DMX for remote dimming capability with dim board (over $2000/light).
- Truss of lights can only support around 10’ wide, otherwise would require additional ceiling support.
Scenario 1 - 2 Lights ($1,996.92)
| # | Item | Price | Qty | Total | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arri 650 Watt Plus Tungsten Fresnel | $484.50 | 2 | $969.00 | fresnel flood-to-spot capability (52°/14.5°); up to 50 ft. throw |
| 2 | General Electric FRG Lamp (500W/120V) | $33.95 | 4 | $135.80 | 150 hours lamp life; commonly used in stage and studio lighting fixtures |
| 3 | Impact Steel Roller with Low Base and Braking Wheels (9.5’) | $184.00 | 2 | $368.00 | 4’ - 9.5’ height; 27lb load capacity; locking wheels; 5/8” c-stand stud |
| 4 | Impact Saddle Sandbag - 15 lb | $21.95 | 4 | $87.80 | 2 per c-stand |
| 5 | Impact D1000 1,000W AC Dimmer Control | $42.95 | 2 | $85.90 | 1-100% attached dimmer power control |
| 6 | Setwear Hothand Gloves | $49.95 | 2 | $99.90 | heat-resistant leather gloves for working with hot-lights/rigging |
| 7 | ProTapes Pro Gaffer Tape (3” x 55 yd, Black) | $29.95 | 3 | $89.85 | secure lighting, wires, power cords, etc. |
| Subtotal | $1,836.25 | ||||
| Tax | 8.75% | $160.67 | |||
| Total | $1,996.92 |
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Scenario 2 - 4 Lights ($3,811.36)
| # | Item | Price | Qty | Total | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arri 650 Watt Plus Tungsten Fresnel | $484.50 | 4 | $1,938 | fresnel flood-to-spot capability (52°/14.5°); up to 50 ft. throw |
| 2 | General Electric FRG Lamp (500W/120V) | $33.95 | 6 | $203.70 | 150 hours lamp life; commonly used in stage and studio lighting fixtures |
| 3 | Impact Steel Roller with Low Base and Braking Wheels (9.5’) | $184.00 | 4 | $736.00 | 4’ - 9.5’ height; 27lb load capacity; locking wheels; 5/8” c-stand stud |
| 4 | Impact Saddle Sandbag - 15 lb | $21.95 | 8 | $175.60 | 2 per c-stand |
| 5 | Impact D1000 1,000W AC Dimmer Control | $42.95 | 4 | $171.80 | 1-100% attached dimmer power control |
| 6 | Setwear Hothand Gloves | $49.95 | 2 | $99.90 | heat-resistant leather gloves for working with hot-lights/rigging |
| 7 | ProTapes Pro Gaffer Tape (3” x 55 yd, Black) | $29.95 | 3 | $89.85 | secure lighting, wires, power cords, etc. |
| Subtotal | $3,414.85 | ||||
| Tax | 8.75% | $298.80 | |||
| Total | $3,811.36 |
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Research
Here is one of my in-depth chat transcripts with a B&H lighting specialist:
Matt C: Hello Justin. My name is Matt C and I will be glad to assist you. Please give me a few moments to begin working on your inquiry.
Matt C: The 26° ETC Source Four Junior Zoom 575W Black Ellipsoidal Spotlight with 3-prong Edison plug combines the energy-saving power of the patented HPL lamp, with a dichroic reflector and optical-quality lenses. Source Four technology provides a clean white beam for unequaled imaging, crisp pattern projection, and a bright, even field.
Matt C: These make for good stage lights.
Me: can you please send me a link?
Matt C: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/435426-REG/ETC_7062A1009_0XA_Source_Four_Jr_Zoom.html
Me: Thanks
Me: How many will I need to evenly light a stage that’s about 20-30’ wide
Me: And how should I mount these? and where can I mount them? can they stand on a single tripod, or similar? a truss? how far can they be from the stage?
Matt C: You would need about 6 and these are designed to be mounted from the ceiling.
Me: Oh, ceiling mounting is not an option for us, unfortunately :(
Matt C: One moment please.
Me: ok
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Matt C: Five Arri 650s would be a good choice.
Matt C: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/72020-REG/Arri_531600_650_Watt_Plus_Tungsten.html
Matt C: Let me know if you have any questions?
Me: Looks good - how do i mount these?
Me: and how far can they be from the stage?
Matt C: Those have a long range, at least 50 feet. You should mount them on C stands. I’ll send a link.
Matt C: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/936201-REG/impact_lsp_sw10_9_5_steel_roller_with.html
Matt C: And a 15 pound C stand for each one.
Me: ah okay let me see
Matt C: Can I help you with anything else today?
Me: how can i secure the stands since they will be placed near the guest tables
Matt C: The rolling stands have locking wheels.
Me: Oh okay fantastic
Me: So just one 15 lb sandbag for each?
Matt C: Two would be better.
Me: okay, great
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Me: so the arri light will mount on this c-stand and then I can position these lights 50 ft from the stage as “flood lights” to illuminate everyone on the stage?
Matt C: Yes, that’s correct.
Me: If the lights were closer, like 25 ft: would 5 be too many and make it too bright?
Matt C: Please note the bulbs are not included.
Me: can the lights dim?
Me: oh okay, can you please also link me to the correct bulbs?
Matt C: The lights go from spot to flood with a manual controller on the back and you can attach them to dimmers.
Me: Okay, we’ll want some dimmers too please, can you send me a link to a good one for this purpose/
Matt C: A scrim for each light is also a good idea to cut down on intensity.
Me: ah, great thanks
Me: okay, almost done with this kit
Me: for the dimmer, can I control them from a distance?
Me: like from our sound booth which would be at the back of the room
Me: or is that dimmer you linked me to controlled next to the light
Matt C: That dimmer is connected next to each light.
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Me: okay, is there any way to control from a distance? like a different product?
Matt C: You would have to go to a DMX system which is a whole other animal.
Me: oh, i see. i suppose much more expensive?
Me: can you link me to one just for reference please?
Matt C: One moment please.
Matt C: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1047140-REG/arri_555500tt_l5_tt_5_tungsten_led.html
Me: Thanks - can this also mount on the rolling c stand?
Matt C: Yes.
Matt C: One moment .
Me: how far can I have this light?
Me: is it possible to light the stage from 75’ ?
Matt C: Yes, that would reach 75-100 feet.
Matt C: I have to double check the stands.
Me: oh wow, okay, how many would i need to cover 20’ wide across the stage?
Me: (from 75-100 ft’)
Matt C: I would still recommend 5.
Me: Okay
Me: so is this model remotely operable? dimming and turning? or is turning the light as a spot following the speaker still manual
Matt C: You can remotely dim it if you connect it to a light board.
Me: Okay, please link me to a light board
Matt C: You cannot remotely dim it.
Matt C: Sorry
Matt C: You can not remotely turn it.
Me: No problem
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Me: What is the return policy on these lighting items?
Matt C: 30 days.
Me: Free return?
Matt C: No, you have to pay for return shipping.
Me: Oh okay
Me: How much would shipping be for the lights or cstands?
Matt C: A lot.
Matt C: I honestly don’t know.
Me: Hmm.. understandable
Matt C: Probably a couple or few hundred dollars.
Me: Just want to make sure these lights will be the correct pick for our application
Me: oh okay, thanks
Me: if i get these lights
Me: would they be usable in smaller applications
Matt C: Where do you live?
Me: like interviews?
Me: San Jose, California
Matt C: You might be better off renting lights to be honest.
Me: Okay, that might be true.
Me: Thanks a lot for your help today!
Me: We’ll consider the options
Matt C: I don’t know San Jose but there has to be rental houses there.
Matt C: You’re welcome. Thank you for choosing B&H. Have a wonderful day!
Me: Yes, I’m sure
Me: You too, bye now
Multimedia Services
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