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Mounting moving head lights in accurate positions is important to ensure their smooth performance and safety in tight schedules and recurring event bookings. The LED moving head lights play a crucial role in the stage lighting setup. These fixtures utilize a motorized pan and tilt to create dynamic visual effects using beams, wash, and spot effects either in separate units or in single hybrid models. Whether it's a DJ setup, event houses, rental companies, venue owners or touring productions, proper mounting and positioning of moving head lights make a striking impact on safety, performance and the overall lighting design. Imagine a scenario where a moving head light improperly positioned or mounted can disrupt the show if it slips out suddenly. Therefore, to install moving head lights with accurate positioning is not optional but an essential aspect of modern stage lighting rigging and event safety. This moving light installation guide will help you provide stable and safe performance with optimal lighting effects. So, let’s get started.
In contrast, if technicians do not rig the moving head light accurately, the light can fall, causing damage to equipment and posing a major safety concern for the crowd present at the event. Additionally, faulty mounting of the moving head fixtures affects the audience wash at the event, creating unwanted shadows and a poor visual experience.
Therefore, stage lighting rigging should be done with professional expertise to ensure adequate safety of event attendees. In addition, a properly positioned fixture prevents audience glare, produces a predictable beam angle, and has precise focus.
The lighting fixture setup in any stage event or diverse setup needs to be done with consideration to the safety of the crowd, the technical crew and the equipment itself. Therefore, rigging hardware installation in a precise manner makes certain that your investment in LED technology fixtures is safe and will provide returns in the long term.
Below are the tools and equipment needed for mounting moving head lights in a proper manner.
Mounting Bracket: It is an L-shaped or clamp-mounted bracket that comes packed with a fixture. There are adjustable brackets that help you in positioning moving head lights. You can use it with the Rasha clamp moving head lights adapter to attach the fixture to the stage truss or pipe.
Clamps: This category includes C-clamps and Omega clamps, which are essential for truss-mounting lighting. It is important to have the clamps provide tight metal-on-metal contact.
Safety Cables/Chains: It is recommended to use one safety cable per moving head fixture as a backup support. The cable should be attached to the fixture on one end and to a separate truss lighting support on the other end for optimal safety.
Level/Measuring Tools: A bubble level or laser ensures that your stage lighting fixtures with LED technology are aligned horizontally. A measuring tape ensures that all the moving head lighting fixtures are placed at a consistent mounting height and with adequate spacing.
Hand Tools: Wrenches or Allen keys that are often included in the moving head lighting fixture packages. You can also opt for the cordless drill for quick tightening if allowed.
Other: If your technicians are working with overhead stage lighting rigging work, they need to be supported by a second person or ladder for reaching the tough areas and wear protective gear like a hard hat for safety.
Select the Location: To mount moving head lights, start by locating a truss structure or stand that meets the load weight limits specified by the fixture requirements. Make sure to keep the space for complete pan/tilt movement of the moving head fixture free of obstruction.
Attach the Mounting Bracket: The next step is to fix the bracket securely to the moving head’s base. If it can be removed, then slide it into position, and if it is integrated into the system, then make sure to cross-check all screws.
Secure Clamps to Truss: Carefully mount the clamps to the stage truss and verify that they are tight enough and secured, and if the moving heads are heavier in weight, then you can use dual clamps.
Add Safety Cables: Make sure to create a safety cable loop through the moving head light’s handle or bracket and around the truss. This serves as a backup to prevent the LED moving head from falling if the clamp fails.
Level and Align the Fixture: It is suggested to use a particular level to ensure that the light is positioned perfectly and not tilted. Make adjustments to the clamp or bracket to ensure the fixture is in perfect alignment and the pan/tilt coordinates along with positioning angles are accurate.
Connect Power and Signal: Plug in the power supply and verify their ratings for the LED load, as well as the DMX control cables. You need to follow color-coding or labels for DMX channels. Avoid tripping hazards by covering or taping loose cables.
Initial Power-Up & Calibration: Switch on the power button and you can easily use the desk/fixture to “home” or reset pan/tilt to make perfect alignment. It is important to ensure the stability of the fixture to ascertain its safety and performance.
Below are the different types of mounting for LED moving head lights.
Overhead Truss: The overhead truss mounting lighting is the recommended choice for concerts. You can opt for dual clamps for long durations. Make sure the truss lighting support is provided by professionals.
Floor or Tripod Stand (Ground Stacking): It is recommended to opt for stable tripod bases that are wide and have safety straps. Using sandbags or stands rated for the load helps provide additional stability. It is suggested to use a safety cable for lighting even on a stand to help prevent the fixture from falling.
Ceiling/Wall Mount: Using specific hardware like an eyebolt anchor is recommended to attach the truss or fixtures securely. You need to follow local building safety rules to align with local processes for maximizing safety of fixtures and audience.
Audience Wash vs. Stage Key: It is recommended to position the front wash at a 45° angle that brings the required highlight to performers. Positioning the front lights at a 45° lighting rule with a vertical or horizontal angle helps to control audience wash if it causes glare while highlighting acts on stage.
Side Fill: Positioning the LED moving head lights at the sides of the stage enables lighting technicians to add dimension, focus light to performers and make the stage look more balanced.
Beam Angles: Use the focused beam for narrow angles and wide-angle lights, such as a 50-degree wash, which helps cover areas from a close distance. Verify the throw distance by understanding the beam angle to put long-throw lights to cover large venues and short-throw lights for small stages.
Avoiding Glare: Position the moving head so that it does not directly result in impacting the visibility of the audience. Make adjustments to the tilt to avoid glare and take care of wires to prevent trip hazards.
Symmetry & Layering: To create a perfectly lit ambience, position the lighting fixture setup evenly on the left/right of the stage. Different LED moving head fixture types like spot, wash, and beam, when combined, create a layered look.
Backlight & Silhouettes: Positioning a few moving head lights behind or above the performers that are aiming forward helps stage lighting professionals to create depth and make them appear more prominent from the background.
When professional DJs and rental setups, production houses, and event planning companies plan to install moving head lights, they need to follow safety guidelines and regulations for optimal visual outcomes. Following are the safety parameters and regulations mentioned below.
Weight Limits: Ensure that the load of moving head fixtures is checked against the load ratings of trusses and clamps to achieve even weight distribution and ensure the safety of the fixture. It helps prevent overloading and any possible damage to truss or rigging hardware.
Certified Hardware: The use of rated trusses, clamps, and cables helps lighting professionals create a perfectly safe environment for events by ensuring the protection of the entire stage crew, performers, and audience.
Safety Cables: Every moving head fixture needs to be installed securely with the use of safety cables to prevent the sudden fall of the fixture. Rigging moving heads with safety cables adds a preventive layer for the fixture's protection.
Electrical Safety: Electrical safety maintenance is equally important with the use of proper gauge cables, grounded outlets, and circuit breakers. It is important to not go beyond the recommended wattage. If the fixture supports RDM/DMX compliance, it should be clearly mentioned.
Regular Inspection: Every time rigging hardware and cables are used, it is suggested to inspect them properly. It helps to avoid any possible damage to the fixture and ensure that all the events go smoothly.
Standards: Make sure to comply with OSHA 1926 for stage lighting rigging guidelines or ESTA/PLASA guidelines. It ensures that the entire setup is completed in accordance with local regulations to prevent any damage to the moving head fixtures and to maintain optimal safety standards.
Misalignment: If the beam appears to be misaligned, then the best option is to relevel the fixture and reset pan/tilt home positions.
Wobbling Fixture: If the moving head fixture appears unstable, it is suggested to examine if the clamps and bolts are securely tightened. If the fixture still appears wobbly, immediately secure it with another clamp or safety cable.
Dark Spots or Flicker: If there are flickers or dark spots, it implies power issues or loose cables. Make certain that the power supply is stable and secure and there are proper DMX control connections.
Overheating: The moving head fixtures, particularly with halogen units, must have proper ventilation. It is mandatory to clean dust from vents to maintain proper functioning of the unit.
Maintaining the LED moving head fixtures is important to increase their lifespan and performance. Below are the pointers for the same.
Routine Checks: Once the event is over, a thorough check of the fixture is important to clean dust, tighten loose parts, or check for cable wear. Clean lenses and update firmware for LED moving head fixtures to maintain their performance.
Proper Handling: To keep the fixture from gett
