The unique and versatile Vortek Point is lightweight, self contained, portable and rugged, and ideal for theatrical and entertainment type applications, says the company.
Features include a speed and lifting capacity of 0 - 180 ft/min at up to 1200 lbs of lifting capacity or 0 - 90 ft/min at up to 1400 lbs of lifting capacity - with additional load/speed combinations available. A standard travel distance (for vertical and horizontal mounts) of 65 and 100 ft is available, and the wire rope is available in both 3/16" (5 mm) & 1/4" (6 mm) gauges.
Vortek Point Hoist modules can be attached to a single I-beam (replacing chain hoists), or wheeled to a position on the grid, with dual zero fleet angle lift lines dropping directly out of the unit. The modules can be positioned or mounted in either of two directions, and each Hoist module has two lift lines - for different configurations.
Modules can be integrated into the Vortec Automated Control's (VAC) sophisticated Pro-Series control system. This allows the hoists to accomplish full grouping, cueing, load profiling and all the other Pro-Control functions, along with the rest of the Vortek rigging system.
Point Hoists can also be set up quickly in either single or multiple hoist module configurations, and controlled through Vortek's basic "push button" S-series control system.
Advantages of the Vortek Point Hoist include greater safety than competing chain hoist or point hoist systems because the Vortek Hoist modules all come complete with Vortek's patented load brakes as standard.
Load profiling is available for all Pro-Series Point Hoists. For S-Series point hoists, simple total overload and underload detection is available as an option.
Vortek Point can be used as a chandelier hoist, and it is portable enough to be taken on the road for numerous types of event rigging.
Additional Safety features include a glass filled Nylatron or aluminum drum with helical grooves that guide the lift lines carefully and ensure positive tracking, avoiding "pile winding" wire rope.
Every Vortek hoist system is built to lift line standards of a 10:1 design factor, and there's two levels of limit switch protection in both 'up' and 'down' directions. In addition to multiple user-configurable soft limits (Pro-Control only), every Vortek Point Hoist module delivers Redundant (2) upper hard struck limit switches and Redundant (2) lower hard struck limit switches.
All Point Hoists are equipped with dual braking systems. There's a continuously engaged, strictly mechanical Vortek load brake, plus an electro-magnetic motor brake rated at a minimum of 150% of the motor's rated torque
I-Batten technology for overload and underload detection detects weight imbalances as low as 3 lbs of variance between pre-set, "profiled" loads and actual loads. The control system reads individual or grouped batten weight to avoid picking up unexpected loads (e.g. snagged curtains) or driving scenery into the floor and potentially crushing an object below. I-Batten technology also reports collective batten loads as seen by the entire field of hoist moduleson the building structure. (Available on Pro-Series controlled modules only).
Slingco has a series of technical folders available for Consultants and Dealer/Installers, detailing drawings and technical information for multiple configurations - these are downloadable from the website. It is also currently seeking to set up a series of UK based Vortek dealer/installers.
(Chris Henry)