http://www.controlbooth.com/forums General tips, tricks, and rules that every technician should know. en Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:48:46 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/general-advice/http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/images/cb_feeds_trans.gif http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/SVfEdFIKb7w/showthread.php Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:50:07 GMT So I am running the lightboard for The Phillistines at my university. I have been doing tech since 6th grade and I'm a freshman in college now. My main interests is stage tech and lighting design, but I understand I have to put my time in running shows and such. Here my problems begin.

For the last couple of years when I have to run a board or even SM a show, I just get board during the show no matter how much I try to pay attention to the show. I'm curious how you guys stay entertained for the various runs of the show? ]]> General Advice skienblack http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16234 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16234 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/ZCfJ6_-jPTg/showthread.php Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:38:41 GMT I got myself sick by working too many 16-hour days in a row, not getting enough sleep, and not eating properly or regularly. (This sound like anyone... I got myself sick by working too many 16-hour days in a row, not getting enough sleep, and not eating properly or regularly. (This sound like anyone else's life?) I'm taking today off, but I've got five more long and full days ahead of me before my next day off. I'm hoping I'll clear up this bronchial infection by tomorrow morning, but I'm worried that with my body's immunities weak, it won't get a chance to really heal.

The nature of our industry is that it's very physically demanding. Hours are long, meals can be irregular, and we're very physically active. It is what it is. So how do you keep yourself healthy? What steps do you take to keep your body healthy and prevent illness and injury? And once you do get sick or injured, how do you get yourself healthy again while staying *so* physically active? ]]> General Advice MrsFooter http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16206 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16206 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/XdUuSTp6u-k/showthread.php Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:31:55 GMT Bought on PO #xxxxxx and part number 2556A112.

Really dislike common split adjustable 1" round threading dies as opposed to solid 1" hex dies, such hex dies are hard to get in general or from this and all suppliers. Can’t figure this out in me liking them better. Re-tapping verses tapping and finishing aside in the concept of a little set screw so as to make a round die into both or neither if out of adjustment - this as opposed to buying three separate dies pre-set for the situation when needed as normal with a tap for plug, verses taper, end tap or a re-threading tap choice. Harder to install and retain with what pressure you put on them in tapping this screw in addition to those set screws for the tap handle having an effect also on the thread class tapped in retaining that round die that tends to want to rotate with the work and even get tighter with tension.

Just bought a 1/8-27 round 1" die and it don’t fit into the die handle so I need to set screw it to adjust to fit a 1" die handle a lot. What’s the current thread class of fit for this factory 1" OD. set screw in fitting into a 1" die holder, and additional tension die handle adjusted die ability do do before it explodes in your hands? A 1" hex die would fit inside a 1" die handle as a given - only a question of what die in thread class I was buying. This one just to fit into the 1" die holder in adjustment exploded in my hand so as to fit into the die handle well before it attempted to screw up the threads on what I was attepting to tap.

OOPS! Just broke in my hands in attempting to fit to the size of the die holder this 1" round adjustable die for 1/8-27 NPT - parts shot everywhere. 1" round die holder this die holder would fit in my rear! Expect for a high carbon steel die, that I in attempting to tension it to fit an economy grade but bought from the same store McMaster Carr die holder - it was my mistake. McMaster don’t sell much in hex dies and over the years I have been forced to buy the round tap dies say especially for this 1/8-27 NPT verses 1/8-28 BNPT die also bought that won’t also fit and is also needed for some applications of NPT verses BNPT.

Expect that McMaster in being a good supplier will immediately ship out a replacement die for no charge in that it was advertised as 1" but didn’t fit into a 1" die holder (I have most of the broken parts able to return), but still a question of wasted time and this is the first time I ever broke a die. Tooth’s broken sure never a die a total dangerous parts everywhere explosion of the die. This especially if just attempting to get the thing into the handle. Not happy!!! ]]> General Advice ship http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16114 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16114 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/U1_0Daxj4hw/showthread.php Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:53:25 GMT Well I have $40 in gift cards to spend at barns and noble. Does anyone have recommendations for a book that I can obtain to teach me more about... Well I have $40 in gift cards to spend at barns and noble. Does anyone have recommendations for a book that I can obtain to teach me more about either power distribution (genny, camlock, big rigs) type stuff or in general lighting for events / concerts. If all else fails a general lighting book to further my knowledge? ]]> General Advice Edrick http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16094 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16094 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/7eEs2qtH3wY/showthread.php Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:33:21 GMT Does anyone know of a retractable lanyard I could use on my Gerber that would allow me a full range of motion with it but would retract back into... Does anyone know of a retractable lanyard I could use on my Gerber that would allow me a full range of motion with it but would retract back into it's holster when I don't need it? The wrench "two-biners-and-a-phone-cord" style is too big for the little lanyard loop on the Gerber. The retractable lanyards designed for keys are too short. The ones for ID cards are too flimsy to withstand the force exerted by dropping the Gerber. Any ideas? ]]> General Advice qlarity http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16087 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16087 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/wPPLR1F-LRo/showthread.php Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:27:15 GMT Well I want to get more into repairing, creating, and making my own cables. I have a basic radio shack two heat level solder iron, and some solder.... Well I want to get more into repairing, creating, and making my own cables. I have a basic radio shack two heat level solder iron, and some solder. So next I want to practice my skills and figure out what other supplies I should get. So for you guys who repair, maintain and make what does your "soldering kit" consist of. Also where's a good place to buy cables and ends? ]]> General Advice Edrick http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16051 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16051 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/xEgOz7uVKd0/showthread.php Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:21:13 GMT So what is everyone's favorite DMM? I am finally ready to step up from my analog one and I was wondering if anyone has a meter they just love or if anyone who has worked with a lot of meters has a particular preference. I am also looking to add a clamp meter to my kit. Any advice/opinions?

I am looking at the Fluke 113, 115 and 117 and the 175/7/9 series of multi-meters. As far as a clamp meter I am looking at the Fluke 322 clamp meter.

I'd like to keep the bill around $200 but can go up to $300.

As a side note, I am looking at Flukes because they are familiar towards me, suggestions do not need to be a Fluke. ]]> General Advice Arez http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15965 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15965 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/eJtE7WsaJGE/showthread.php Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:25:47 GMT I just wanted to know what everyone's view on jerry rigging was cause I know I've had to do it a few times because there really wasn't anything else I could do with the things I had to work with. Is it appropriate to do when there really isn't anything else you can do? Should it be avoided at all costs even if it means changing around plans and parts or even purchasing something else that would work in place of the jerry rigging? Let me know what you think. ]]> General Advice CrazyTechie http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15875 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15875 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/nLaoX3Y0CGE/showthread.php Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:21:53 GMT Our maintenance department is filtering all lift rentals that take place in our auditorium. The Supervisor of Plants & Grounds has stated that according to the company's insurance policy all lift users must be trained by the rental company on the equipment and wear a harness at all times while using the lift.

I have two questions in response to this:

a) Doesn't the law require any operator to be 18 years of age? In our case all operators would be students as was in the past.

b) Wouldn't a harness in an aerial lift make it more dangerous than it already is. (i.e. if the genie falls, its pulling you with it)

Thanks ]]> General Advice midgetgreen11 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15848 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15848 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/QnHGT4Oh4oM/showthread.php Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:36:24 GMT Hey, I have a small black box stage, and I am trying to find a musical that will suit a small stage, approx 15ft Deep, and 25ft wide. This is... Hey,

I have a small black box stage, and I am trying to find a musical that will suit a small stage, approx 15ft Deep, and 25ft wide. This is going to be a youth show, and i would like something with real life songs. I was looking at something like Disco Inferno or Back to the 80's.

Any Ideas? ]]> General Advice martinty http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15803 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15803 http://feeds.controlbooth.com/~r/cbforums/16/~3/0vb6fwRtt-U/showthread.php Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:40:18 GMT How long do you think it will be before our industry as a whole is mandated to wear hard hats? I know many venues require hard hats/bump caps out of... How long do you think it will be before our industry as a whole is mandated to wear hard hats? I know many venues require hard hats/bump caps out of either necessity or insurance issues, however, it's by no means universal. Personally I won't be surprised that if in the next five years we see serious talk about mandating hardhats. ]]> General Advice gafftapegreenia http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15524 http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15524