What should your church expect from a lighting control system? Each and every church will have a unique answer to that question, but the most critical considerations are certainly practicality and cost-effectiveness.
Unlike sound, video, and other high-tech equipment, lighting systems are expected to perform in a practical and economical manner on a daily basis. Lighting plays a continuous role in the operation of any facility. Your video projection equipment may be used only a few hours per week and your sound system only hours a day; however, some portion of your lighting will be used every hour your facility is open.
What makes a lighting system practical? First, it must be easy to use. What good is an elaborate, state-of-the-art lighting system if it takes a rocket scientist to operate it? Look for a user-friendly system that works at the touch of a button, the flip of a switch, or the movement of a slider. To be sure, modern dimming and control systems are capable of much more, but it's smart to make sure they work in an uncomplicated manner as well. Ninety percent of the time, pastoral staff or laypersons will be operating the lighting system, so keep it simple.
It is also wise for your church to purchase a dimming system that will control both house lighting and presentation lighting from one control point. This arrangement provides versatility in both simple and advanced lighting applications.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, the good news is that dimming systems are natural cost-saving devices. Reduced electrical consumption and longer lamp life will ultimately help pay for equipment costs.
Churches actually pay for their lighting twice. First, they pay to produce the light, then they pay to remove the heat that the light generates. A dimming system will help reduce the amount of heat to be removed.
Fixtures and Dimmers
We've covered some basics, now let's look at three important parts to any lighting system: lighting fixtures, a dimming system, and a control console. The type and number of lighting fixtures in a system determine the type of dimming system needed. If you intend to dim incandescent lighting only, then there's no need for more expensive specialized controls, such as those for dimmable fluorescent or neon lighting. If you're interested in a nondimmable fluorescent lighting control, look for one with relay mode, which will allow for on-and-off operation.
To determine the total needed capacity of your dimming system, you'll need to first determine the number and size of all your lighting loads. Dimmers are normally available in channels, which can be thought of as electrical circuits capable of handling a rated load. Standard dimming channels are offered in 600-, 1,200-, and 2,400-watt capacities, which correspond to electrical loads of 5, 10, and 20 amps. By determining the capacity of your lighting circuits, you also can determine the size of the electrical service it will require.
In addition, dimmers can create electrical interference in a sound system, so you want to be sure your dimming system has adequate filtering and is on separate electrical phases. Finally, look for a dimming system that offers a minimum rise time of 350 microseconds or more. The slower the rise time the quieter the dimmer.
As for the control system for the dimming system, today's industry-wide lighting protocols are multiplex and DMX-512. Multiplex is known by a variety of names by different companies; it may be called microplex or LMX-128. This communication signal is normally transmitted from your lighting console to your dimmer via a standard microphone cable. Multiplex can offer a maximum total of 128 channels, and the distance between the console and the dimmer should not exceed 125 feet. If your application can accept these limitations, then multiplex is a valid option.
DMX-512 can offer up to 512 channels. And the allowable distance between console and dimmer is considerably greater. I have tested a DMX signal over 5,000 feet of cable and have not had a problem. Most intelligent lighting (or moving theater lights) requires DMX, so if your church uses drama in its services, you will probably need to choose DMX. Multiplex is less expensive, but DMX will allow you to do more and should fit into a carefully planned church technology budget.
There are also other types of system control, such as multi-scene remote and contact closure. Multi-scene remotes work with dimmers that have memory capability. Certain lighting scenes or looks can be programmed into the dimmer system memory and then those scenes can be recalled with the touch of a button or the flip of a switch. This is particularly helpful when the lighting director or lighting console operator can't attend a service. With a multi-scene remote, the pastor can touch a button and have the correct lighting environment for a Saturday wedding, or the choir director can touch another button and call up the correct lighting levels for an evening choir rehearsal.
The person installing your church's system will program it with direction from the church staff. After the programming is complete, all users need to know is which button goes with which look.
Also, it is important to look for a dimmer that has nonvolatile memory. This type of memory is stored on a microchip that has a built-in power source to avoid memory loss in case of a power outage.
Contact closure control is great for automated lighting operations. A momentary contact signal is sent to the dimmer to turn lights on and off at preset times. This type of control also can be set to trigger lights to full capacity in an emergency. Finally, a contact closure switch can be installed at the main entrance to the church, so that all the lights can be turned on at once for the cleaning service.
Choosing a Console
The last piece of equipment to consider is the lighting control console. A DMX-512 console is most appealing due to its superior capabilities. However, DMX consoles can range in price from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. So, some hard decisions must be made.
If your church makes regular use of dramatic lighting, you'll want to look at a console that provides scene memory with multiple pages. This feature allows you to store scene information for different plays or pageants and keep them on separate pages. Smaller consoles with minimal scene memory will prove adequate, if you just want to lower the lights for video presentations, moments of quiet meditation, or to highlight the choir during performances. More elaborate productions require a more advanced console. This does not mean you need to spend $10,000 or more on a lighting console. In most cases, careful comparison shopping will yield a console that meets your needs and costs less than a couple thousand dollars.
Closing the Sale
After evaluating your options, the next question is: Whom do I buy from? Obviously you want to pick a manufacturer that's been in business long enough to prove its viability in both a booming economy and a recession. Second, you want to work with a company that will stand behind its equipment, so look for a manufacturer that offers more than just a one-year warranty. Third, ask around. Most churches have used a lighting company at some point, and they should be happy to tell you about their experiences. Fourth, use the Internet as a research tool. Finally, choose a local dealer with whom you feel comfortable. If you ever need help, you will be relying on that company.
With a little direction and a little knowledge, you'll be equipped to make the right decision when it comes to your lighting solution.
Unlike sound, video, and other high-tech equipment, lighting systems are expected to perform in a practical and economical manner on a daily basis. Lighting plays a continuous role in the operation of any facility. Your video projection equipment may be used only a few hours per week and your sound system only hours a day; however, some portion of your lighting will be used every hour your facility is open.
What makes a lighting system practical? First, it must be easy to use. What good is an elaborate, state-of-the-art lighting system if it takes a rocket scientist to operate it? Look for a user-friendly system that works at the touch of a button, the flip of a switch, or the movement of a slider. To be sure, modern dimming and control systems are capable of much more, but it's smart to make sure they work in an uncomplicated manner as well. Ninety percent of the time, pastoral staff or laypersons will be operating the lighting system, so keep it simple.
It is also wise for your church to purchase a dimming system that will control both house lighting and presentation lighting from one control point. This arrangement provides versatility in both simple and advanced lighting applications.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, the good news is that dimming systems are natural cost-saving devices. Reduced electrical consumption and longer lamp life will ultimately help pay for equipment costs.
Churches actually pay for their lighting twice. First, they pay to produce the light, then they pay to remove the heat that the light generates. A dimming system will help reduce the amount of heat to be removed.
Fixtures and Dimmers
We've covered some basics, now let's look at three important parts to any lighting system: lighting fixtures, a dimming system, and a control console. The type and number of lighting fixtures in a system determine the type of dimming system needed. If you intend to dim incandescent lighting only, then there's no need for more expensive specialized controls, such as those for dimmable fluorescent or neon lighting. If you're interested in a nondimmable fluorescent lighting control, look for one with relay mode, which will allow for on-and-off operation.
To determine the total needed capacity of your dimming system, you'll need to first determine the number and size of all your lighting loads. Dimmers are normally available in channels, which can be thought of as electrical circuits capable of handling a rated load. Standard dimming channels are offered in 600-, 1,200-, and 2,400-watt capacities, which correspond to electrical loads of 5, 10, and 20 amps. By determining the capacity of your lighting circuits, you also can determine the size of the electrical service it will require.
In addition, dimmers can create electrical interference in a sound system, so you want to be sure your dimming system has adequate filtering and is on separate electrical phases. Finally, look for a dimming system that offers a minimum rise time of 350 microseconds or more. The slower the rise time the quieter the dimmer.
As for the control system for the dimming system, today's industry-wide lighting protocols are multiplex and DMX-512. Multiplex is known by a variety of names by different companies; it may be called microplex or LMX-128. This communication signal is normally transmitted from your lighting console to your dimmer via a standard microphone cable. Multiplex can offer a maximum total of 128 channels, and the distance between the console and the dimmer should not exceed 125 feet. If your application can accept these limitations, then multiplex is a valid option.
DMX-512 can offer up to 512 channels. And the allowable distance between console and dimmer is considerably greater. I have tested a DMX signal over 5,000 feet of cable and have not had a problem. Most intelligent lighting (or moving theater lights) requires DMX, so if your church uses drama in its services, you will probably need to choose DMX. Multiplex is less expensive, but DMX will allow you to do more and should fit into a carefully planned church technology budget.
There are also other types of system control, such as multi-scene remote and contact closure. Multi-scene remotes work with dimmers that have memory capability. Certain lighting scenes or looks can be programmed into the dimmer system memory and then those scenes can be recalled with the touch of a button or the flip of a switch. This is particularly helpful when the lighting director or lighting console operator can't attend a service. With a multi-scene remote, the pastor can touch a button and have the correct lighting environment for a Saturday wedding, or the choir director can touch another button and call up the correct lighting levels for an evening choir rehearsal.
The person installing your church's system will program it with direction from the church staff. After the programming is complete, all users need to know is which button goes with which look.
Also, it is important to look for a dimmer that has nonvolatile memory. This type of memory is stored on a microchip that has a built-in power source to avoid memory loss in case of a power outage.
Contact closure control is great for automated lighting operations. A momentary contact signal is sent to the dimmer to turn lights on and off at preset times. This type of control also can be set to trigger lights to full capacity in an emergency. Finally, a contact closure switch can be installed at the main entrance to the church, so that all the lights can be turned on at once for the cleaning service.
Choosing a Console
The last piece of equipment to consider is the lighting control console. A DMX-512 console is most appealing due to its superior capabilities. However, DMX consoles can range in price from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. So, some hard decisions must be made.
If your church makes regular use of dramatic lighting, you'll want to look at a console that provides scene memory with multiple pages. This feature allows you to store scene information for different plays or pageants and keep them on separate pages. Smaller consoles with minimal scene memory will prove adequate, if you just want to lower the lights for video presentations, moments of quiet meditation, or to highlight the choir during performances. More elaborate productions require a more advanced console. This does not mean you need to spend $10,000 or more on a lighting console. In most cases, careful comparison shopping will yield a console that meets your needs and costs less than a couple thousand dollars.
Closing the Sale
After evaluating your options, the next question is: Whom do I buy from? Obviously you want to pick a manufacturer that's been in business long enough to prove its viability in both a booming economy and a recession. Second, you want to work with a company that will stand behind its equipment, so look for a manufacturer that offers more than just a one-year warranty. Third, ask around. Most churches have used a lighting company at some point, and they should be happy to tell you about their experiences. Fourth, use the Internet as a research tool. Finally, choose a local dealer with whom you feel comfortable. If you ever need help, you will be relying on that company.
With a little direction and a little knowledge, you'll be equipped to make the right decision when it comes to your lighting solution.
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