The Wired Remote VAC, designed for the Pro Series, allows technicians to move hoists, set or modify cues from a variety of onstage positions. The walk around, full-function work station (along with up to 100ft of cable) gives the technician freedom to see the hoists clearly during movement.
"Theatrical rigging requires precise movements, in close proximity, at very high speeds. You need to be able to see the equipment moving," said Ted Paget, Vortek central region sales manager. "The Wired Remote VAC allows for a clear line of sight between the technician and the equipment when it is moving."
Other features for the Wired Remote VAC include: plugging in wherever VAC connectivity has been installed (wings, galleries, hoist decks), operating in conjunction with, or independently of, full-function VAC work stations, and the ability to control any Vortek Hoisting System manually.
"We were nominated for one of the new product awards; there's been an awful lot of interest during and after LDI," said Paget.
The other new innovation showcased at LDI is the M Series product line, including the M Series Controller - a free-standing controller designed for the new Vortek M Series Hoist. "There is a demand in the marketplace for a controller that would fit between our Pro Series, fully automatic show-control system, and our S Series; which is a simple push button," said Dave Lane, controls engineering and service manager. "The M Series controller is a sophisticated, cost-effective solution."
Featuring a touch screen for easier navigation, the M Series Controller allows operators to create, save and modify presets. Operation is through the 'dead man' button control and the control system is based on the latest PLC technology. The base model M Series controller can support up to 15 hoists, with expansion capabilities to 30 hoists, and has the ability to run up to four hoists simultaneously. All M Series hoist models are variable speed and have capacities as high as 2000 lbs.
(Jim Evans)
