JR Clancy Makes “Hiding” Rigging Chain Easier with AlphaChain

We have all been there. We have needed to rig something to hang and had to use some trim chain. But the standard trim chain is a shiny silver surface so we had to spray paint it black to help mask it. Talk about time consuming!

JR Clancy has heard your cries for help and has introduced AlphaChain. It is designed specifically for theatrical and entertainment rigging. At first glance you’ll see the difference between AlphaChain and regular trim chain… AlphaChain is black!

Key Features of AlphaChain:

• Black chain eliminates glare and reflection
• Hardened alloy chain, meeting OSHA requirements for sling usage, OSHA 1910.184(e)(5)
• 3.250 lb. working load limit (based on manufacturers 4:1 safety factor)
• 7mm chain
• used with standard 1/4″ hardware
• Marked with JRC on every link
• Date code on every 10th link for traceability

There are three options when ordering the AlphaChain from JR Clancy

• 36″ Black Trim Chain with 5/16″ shackle and 1/4″ thimble (015-1191B)
• 36″ Black Trim Chain with 1/4″ shackle and 1/4″ thimble (015-1192B)
• 36″ Black Trim Chain with 1/4″ shackle and 3/6″ thimble (015-1193B)

Learn more about JR Clancy’s AlphaChain by visiting their web site at www.jrclancy.com.

TOMCAT Announces 2011 Hoist & Rigging Workshop

TOMCAT is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2011 Hoist & Rigging workshops on February 16-19 in Midland, Texas. A team of world-class instructors has been assembled to deliver the Hoist & Truss workshop and the Rigging & Truss workshop. This ETCP recognized training program will provide a unique, hands-on-learning experience for participants interested in receiving both basic and advanced training in their area of specialization: hoist or rigging.

“With the Hoist & Rigging workshops, TOMCAT has established a reputation as a worldwide leader in safety training. The curriculum is regularly enriched in response to the changing needs of the industry as well as the feedback provided by participants,” stated TOMCAT’s instructor Will Todd.

The hoist segment of the Hoist and Truss workshop features complete teardown and rebuild of a one ton Lodestar and a quarter-ton Prostar. Dave Carmack of Columbus McKinnon will provide detailed instruction on inspection, standards and hands-on segment of advanced troubleshooting. There will also be instruction on control systems and load testing. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to take CM’s certification exam.

In the Rigging & Truss workshop, G. Anthony Phillips, an ETCP certified rigger and instructor of RigRider Rigging Services, will teach about safe rigging practices and principles while Morgan Neff will instruct on fall protection practices and equipment. Participants will also have the opportunity to put these principles into live practice in a segment working on a TOMCAT ground support system session.

In addition, both workshops will include a full day of truss instruction with Will Todd. The class includes basic and advanced concepts in truss usage, grid design, applying loads, ground support system considerations, structural design concepts, and inspection techniques.

The 2011 Hoist & Rigging workshops are an excellent educational opportunity for those new to the entertainment industry as well as veterans of the business. Registration is now open and further information can be found at www.tomcatglobal.com.

GripLock – Hang With Peace of Mind

One of the neat things that I had a chance to play with at LDI had to be one of the simplest products on display, the rigging hardware from GripLock.  GripLock has been around for some time now but I have only recently been turned on to their products.

Think about this.  When rigging a hanging point, you would need to correctly measure and crimp your cable for you desired height.  There is some guess work and a whole bunch of math involved in that.

GripLock Systems has done away with the guess work. Rig your cable from the ceiling and run your cable down and then use there wide assortment of grippers to quickly and easily set you trim height with almost any type of connection you need.

Here’s how it works:

• Insert the cable into the plunger and slide the gripper to the desired position. Where it stops it locks®
• To re-adjust, simply depress the plunger with your fingertip and move the gripper to a new position. Release the plunger to lock.

The 3- or 6-ball gripping mechanism is spring-loaded and allows the gripper to move freely up the cable. It cannot move down unless the plunger is depressed.

While there is any weight at all on the gripper, the plunger cannot be depressed. An optional “safety nut” or “safety cap” can be added to completely lock the mechanism in both directions. The Greater The Weight, The Stronger It Grips.

After stopping by the GripLock booth, walking around the show floor, I noticed that a number of exhibitors had been using the GripLock products to help demonstrate their own products.  Check out GripLock and their entire product line.  There is some neat stuff there!

Side note: While at the GripLock booth, they gave me a couple key chain samples.  I have two to give away.  The first two to email me at info@isquint.net wins.  Just put in the subject line, “I heart GripLock”.

TOMCAT’s New QU & Curtains Track Truss

TOMCAT displayed new products at its booth at LDI: QU Truss Series, as well as its new Curtain Track Truss. The QU Truss Series products stand out for its simple tool free connection, fast assembly and disassembly, and multiple configurations. The products were designed for specific applications including exhibits, audiovisual equipment support, ballroom/conference environments and soft goods support.

The QU Truss Series includes 2 news products: The QU-212 Batten Ladder has a 20 ft span UDL capacity of 1000 lbs., 4’’ wide top chord for stability, and requires minimal truck/storage space with the availability of storage carts. The QU-312 Triangle Truss with 840 lbs. UDL over a 30’ span, and 400 lbs UDL over a 40ft span also has the availability of storage carts.

TOMCAT’s new Curtain Track Truss has the following features: An integrated track which accepts readily available carriers, includes self aligning connection plates, and its 2’’ members accept commonly used mounting hardware. It also offers a single and double track configuration with a 30ft. span UDL capacity of 1000 lbs., is available curved or straight, and is perfect for walking curtains/screens.

#LDI2010 Preview: XLNT CyberHoist & Solid State Motor Controllers

On display in the XLNT Stand will be the DS8 Pro and Pro Plus Series Solid State Motor Controllers for rental and install applications, designed to provide the ultimate in practicality with all requirements of leading riggers built in as standard.

Powerful assets include the rigging industry’s highest standards of safety, protection and maintenance-free reliability. DS8 series controllers provide every essential option for controlling all brands and types (low voltage or direct controlled) standard electrical entertainment chain hoists, with advanced options in the Pro Plus version including power- and remote link through and the optional DSR8 8- or DSR8x8 64-motor hand remote, including all of the DS8’s indicators and control buttons.

The DSR 8 is a new eight-channel handheld wired remote control panel for the DS8 Pro Plus Series of Solid State Motion Controllers. It can control up to eight electrical chain hoists connected to a single DS8 Pro Plus Motion Controller. Its compact control surface features switches and indicators for motor status, phase detection and correction, limits, Go and Emergency Stop.

XLNT’s CyberHoist intelligent, millimetre-precise hoist system will also star on the booth. Featuring non-stop operation for hours, the ultimate in safety standards, fast and intuitive graphical programming and whisper-quiet operation, CyberHoist continues to be specified by international top designers for productions including Madonna, Britney Spears, Rammstein, Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You, Tokio Hotel, Sensation, Pur, Rihanna, James Taylor and Carole King, Volkswagen, Smart and DJ Tiësto.

Make sure to stop by XLNT’s stand, #600 while at LDI to learn more.  You can also visit their website at www.xlnt-at.com.

J.R. Clancy Hosts Raynok Motion Control System at #LDI2010

Visitors to the J. R. Clancy, Inc. booth (#1227) at LDI this week will see a special guest: an exciting motion control system offered by Niscon.

Niscon’s Raynok MK2 Motion Control System can be configured to control a virtually unlimited number of axes from a variety of manufacturers’ equipment, including J. R. Clancy’s PowerLift and custom hoists. Raynok simplifies the collaborative efforts of the creative and technical teams to create fluid scenic imagery—from the simplest chain hoist system to the most complex turning, pushing or pulling application. Dual processors with live backup, a solid state hard drive, and redundant power supplies provided added reliability and safety.

In addition to Raynok, J. R. Clancy will showcase its own Altus theatrical rigging controller, designed for mid-level backstage rigging systems with up to 48 hoists.  Altus provides touch-screen programmable capabilities that allow users to create up to 200 cues with different speeds and targets for each hoist.

LDI attendees can also see PowerAssist, the Clancy hoist that turns manual counterweight rigging into motorized linesets. Now in use in dozens of schools and colleges as well as in professional theatres, PowerAssist takes the guesswork out of balancing manual rigging, making it easier and safer for people with limited experience to use these linesets.

Sapsis Rigging to Announces ProPlus Rescue System at #LDI2010

In keeping with its leadership role in Fall Arrest equipment and technology, Sapsis Rigging, Inc. is proud to introduce the ProPlus Rescue System. The ProPlus Rescue system is designed to work anywhere a fall hazard exists: on a truss, steel beam, catwalk or grid. The ProPlus Rescue System allows for the safe and rapid assisted rescue of a victim.

Bill Sapsis, President of Sapsis Rigging noted “This is the first system to come on the market that is truly designed for the entertainment industry. The System is designed to meet the very special needs of all who work at height. The system can be safely attached to a truss, beam, catwalk or grid and can be deployed in less than a minute. The ProPlus Rescue System meets the requirements of OSHA regulations for assisted rescue.”

The ProPlus Rescue System comes complete with the lifting/lowering equipment, rescue pole with clips, carabiners, additional rope and a descent device as well as gloves and a T-shirt. The ProPlus Rescue System comes with its own carrying bag with velcro straps for attachment to a truss, beam or catwalk. The ProPlus Rescue System will make its debut at LDI in booth number 1428. Are you not heading to LDI this year, head over to www.sapsis-rigging.com to learn more about the ProPlus Rescue System.

Bouncing Balcony – Scary as Scary Can Be!

I follow Erich Friend’s blog, Theatre Safety Blog and you should too.  Erich writes about some pretty scary things that he finds in theatres and venues.  The Theatre Safety Blog really opens your eyes to some major issues that can cause serious problems.

I am re-posting a very scary video from Erich’s blog from a Phish Show at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis.  I have never seen a balcony bounce like this, and if I do, I’ll be the first one running for the emergency exit!

Thanks Erich for sharing this video! Here is the original post from the Theatre Safety Blog.  Be sure to add his RSS feed to your reader!

JR Clancy’s Factory – There’s ALWAYS Something Exciting Happening

Just about every day, there’s something unusual in production at JR Clancy’s plant in Syracuse, NY. Today, for example, they have got a gear motor that’s over five feet high – going into a new performing arts center. There’s also a new self-climbing truss being assembled this week.

At other times, they might be building stage lifts, custom hoists, or doing destructive testing – there is always something interesting going on there!  When I visited the plant early last spring, I was FLOORED!  I personally have never been up close and personal with rigging equipment of this size, but this is nothing new for JR Clancy, just another day at the office for them.  But they don’t treat that way, each project is special and gets just as much love and attention as the small stuff like header blocks or any other rigging component that JR Clancy fabricates in-house.

Off the factory floor, JR Clancy is always trying to destroy something that they make.  Their philosophy, it’s better to break it here then on stage.  They do this for a very good reason, to find the safe working load for all of their products then they take it to the extreme, let’s see what it takes to have a failure, in a controlled manor of course.  Destructive test as just another way that JR Clancy ensures that their products and services hold up to the demands of the entertainment industry.

Rumor Mill: Tyler Truss to Announce New Truck Pack Friendly Truss at LDI With SPY PHOTO

Just when you thought that there couldn’t be any new developments in truss design, Tyler Truss says think again.  While Tyler Truss is hush hush about this one, a little birdie snapped a photo of a their new stackable truss design.

Looks like the design is about 20″ x 16″ with a center cord for even hanging of the truss.  This is totally a Tyler Truss design with the center cord.  No more having to even out the span set bridle every time you change the load to level the truss. Pretty innovative when you think about it.  Super simple solution to a long time “issue” when dealing with truss.

Since LDI is right around the corner, I guess we’ll have to wait till then to hear more. Maybe Tyler Truss will say more before then on their up coming blog.  Stay tuned, information should hit the street soon.

J. R. Clancy Becomes an ETCP Training Provider

J. R. Clancy has been approved to become an official Training Provider in rigging, as designated by the Entertainment Technician Certification Program.

J. R. Clancy offers a training program that can assist ETCP Technicians in acquiring ETCP Renewal Credits towards recertification.  Rigging professionals who take courses offered by J. R. Clancy earn one renewal credit per hour of instruction.  The Clancy program began with one course; now, as an ETCP Training Provider, Clancy has expanded its program with multiple courses.  Those interested in taking an industry certification examination may find these courses helpful in preparation.

Candidates who wish to sit for an ETCP examination must meet eligibility requirements.  A total of 30 credits are required to qualify for the certification exam, with points awarded for work experience and college-level degrees earned.  If you are interested in becoming certified, please visit http://etcp.esta.org.

“We were the first company to offer financial support for the ETCP rigging certification program when it was in its formation stage,” said Mike Murphy, J. R Clancy president.  “We believe in the program’s goal: to create a more knowledgeable industry of highly skilled professionals, and a safer working environment for everyone backstage and onstage.”

J. R. Clancy also encourages ETCP rigging professionals to maintain their certification. In addition to paying the first-time testing fee for the employees of its dealer partners, the company now pays the recertification fee as well. To arrange for payment of the recertification fee, dealers can contact Jenn at J. R. Clancy at (800) 836-1885.

Several programs are now in development; topics and dates will be announced on the ETCP news page. More information about J. R. Clancy is available at www.jrclancy.com.

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MILOS Trussing Launching 5 New Products at PLASA

Trussing manufacturer MILOS launches 5 innovative new products on Stand 1-G50 at the PLASA Light & Sound Show, Earls Court, London.

MR2 8x6m

MR2 8x6m is the latest roofing product from MILOS, which is now available as part of their renowned MR2 range of roofing systems.

MR2 8x6m meets the demand for a smaller, heavy duty stage for those projects requiring compact roofs with greater weight loadings. It can cover 48 square metres and is ideal for clients wanting a structure that can take more weight than MILOS’ popular MR1 series, bit not needing anything as substantial in size as the MR3, MR4 or MR5 series.

The roof is supported by MILOS MT1 towers and the frame constructed out of MILOS M290V Quatro trussing beams. All the wires required for wind stabilization are part of the standard package supplied with MILOS roofing systems.

A tough PVC canopy is available in a wide variety of colors, and the roof comes with all certifications and an easily comprehendible set-up manual.

MR Sloping Roof

This is a cost effective roof for end users seeking a structure with fast assembly and  break down. The attractive aesthetics make it an eye-catching centerpiece for all occasions – from music festivals to political to corporate presentations.

The shape of the slope covers a maximum stage area of 48 square metres and is constructed from MILOS M290V Quatro trussing, ensuring excellent stability and weight loading for hanging sound, lighting, AV and other production equipment. MR Sloping Roof comes complete with safety wires, a PVC canopy and user-friendly set-up manual.

Party Tent

MILOS new Party Tent is for all types of outdoor events wanting a handy weatherproof space with no fuss. It can be used for providing catering facilities or spaces for private parties, weddings and any other social occasion.
Designed for quick, straightforward installation and break down, convenient transportation and low volume storage, the Party Tent comes with a PVC canopy, available a choice of colours. No specialist requirements are needed for construction, it is highly versatile and can be erected on any surface –  asphalt, grass, concrete, etc.
Custom dimensioned Party Tents can also be supplied

Safe Ballasts

The Safe Ballast is an invaluable accessory for the MILOS S4 xStage or Layher staging, eliminating the need for additional water tanks or concrete blocks to ensure the stage platform is stable.  Safe Ballast is also designed to integrate with MILOS MR1 and MR2 Roofing systems and will therefore save costs for any additional work needed to deal with ballasting issues when these products are also being used.

Loading Ramps OV50

The latest in ramp technology from MILOS is the OV50 ramp, designed as an ideal solution for the loading of any equipment up to 1000 Kg on wheels onto stages or into trucks.
It offers an extremely cost-effective solution for handling equipment with the maximum ease and safety. A special anti-slip surface ensures safe operation in all environments and weathers. OV50 is designed for flight case transportation, and can be utilised by any business involved in removing and transporting goods and equipment.
Custom versions to suit specific applications are available on request.