Utilizing state-of-the-art LumenRadio CRMX technology, these products include RC4 LumenDim4 4-channel low voltage dimmers, RC4 LumenData receivers and the SuperNova software from LumenRadio.
Production scenic lighting electrician, Mike Ward, has been responsible for technically realising the creative concept of Wicked, touring and venue based, for some years now: "I've worked on more than nine Wicked productions," Ward explains. "In that time we've transitioned from a fully hardwired system, used for the permanent house productions, to a predominantly wireless one for touring."
The transition became necessary when the depth of the stage had to be reduced for the US tour, rendering the original hardwired deck and set wiring impossible. After working in close collaboration with Wicked's associate designers, Edward Pierce and Nick Francone, and having previously used RC4Magic and RC5 wireless systems in other Wicked tours with resounding success, Ward specified RC4 LumenDim4 4-channel low voltage dimmers and RC4 LumenData receivers to gain DMX control of many of the more complex moving set and set lighting elements.
"I contacted RC4 Wireless founder and chief product designer, James Smith, to discuss the show and he was extremely accommodating," Ward explains. "For most scenarios we created a number of powerful and flexible systems that were small enough to fit into small spaces yet also robust and easy to use. The system has been totally stable from day one."
Ward chose the RC4 Wireless LumenDim4 - a low-voltage DC four-channel wireless dimmer that utilises LumenRadio's CRMX wireless DMX receiver. "The unit can fit almost anywhere in the set," RC4's Smith explains. "This has enabled Mike to use wireless dimming on everything from battery-powered lamps, motors, relays, solenoids and hand-held props to moving sets pieces, and other hard-to-reach locations, all of which are in abundance on Wicked."
Another advantage of using LumenDim and LumenData devices is compatibility with LumenRadio's award-winning SuperNova control software - a full RDM suite that enables the addressing and monitoring of the system remotely.
"This is one of the first times that RDM has been utilized on a major production in the UK," Smith notes. "The team can address set electrics in a matter of seconds using SuperNova software to visualise and manage all the CRMX, RDM, and Art-Net compliant devices involved. Colour coded lines and icons indicate the health of the system and they can monitor signal strength, DMX information and device sensors. Alarms and warnings can be sent out through e-mail, push notifications to smart phones or even saved in an SQL database."
And, Ward adds, "Most importantly, of course, the wireless link has been stable since day one- rock solid."
Wicked, which prefaces the story of the Wizard of Oz, continues to be a global hit since it first opened in New York. The show has won multiple Tony and Olivier awards for resident productions in New York and London.
(Jim Evans)
