The first thing the 12 attendees saw when they walked into PCM’s special training room, was Lodestars stripped down on the benches, waiting to be reassembled. The students worked on two-tonne motors for their two-day course. The conversion of these motors into higher speed one tonne units, and into faster still half-tonne units was covered in the course, illustrating what a straightforward task this is. Attendees also completed a challenging fault-finding session, featuring 12 ailing motors. PCM’s John Jones explained: "The Advanced course takes the standard course to new levels. It covers motors and lifting equipment in more detail - traditionally PCM’s area of expertise - in addition to the more complex issues of computerized motion control."
The computerized motion control module was taught by Ibex’s Adam Pulley. Ibex manufacture a computerised control system for Lodestar for which PCM is the UK agent. This section also covered Lodestars compliant with VBG 70/BGV C1 German safety standards and the special motor controllers which enable these features to be monitored. The students also looked at the Lodestar FX motor, a vari-speed unit that has all the VBG 70 features enabled when used with special VBG 70 controllers. (These motors were recently used by PCM for the Brits and Smash Hits, to lift very heavy LED video screens at variable speeds).
Course tutor was PCM’s Tony Dickson, who comments: "The aim of the Advanced Course is to promote the safe use of multiple motors and controllers, and to ensure people have an understanding of VBG 70 and the safety implications. VBG 70 is a German specification, but it can be applied anywhere in Europe where additional safety is required." He adds that a further course dealing with the more esoteric aspects of motion control itself is planned for the future.
The response from the students was overwhelmingly positive. One of the attendees was Bowie Ebril, technical director of Outback Rigging. Coincidentally, he’d also attended the first ever PCM Lodestar Motor School, back in 1993 and now regularly sends his staff on PCM’s Motor Schools. "The Advanced School is excellent," he enthuses. "It takes the regular School a step further, offering more insight into the equipment and its daily use." Ebril also commented on how impressed he is with PCM’s new training facilities and the effort the company has put into developing a coherent training strategy. PCM has spent much time and resources on expanding the teaching facilities and space at their Wirral HQ. This now includes a fully mocked up flying space to illustrate first-hand the various methods of flying and rigging. In typical PCM fashion, The Riggers Arms bar is an integral part of the new training facilities - for after school enjoyment.
(Lee Baldock)
