This is a very common light in the entertainment industry. It's basically a very high quality moving yoke light with a well engineered optical path to maximise its light output.
Unlike cheap disco lights, this type of light is specifically designed for continuous touring and is extremely heavy and rugged. (a two person lift)
Because these lights were engineered to withstand the abuse of being toured they cost in the region of about $20,000 each when new. You can buy working used ones for closer to $4000 now, but they are still good workhorses in the industry, so it's not that easy to source them. The spares are also quite expensive due to their complex and proprietary nature.
One of the most notable features is the way that their colour and beam-shaping "bulkheads" can be swapped quickly in-situ. One of the less desirable features is the mount of case disassembly to change the electronic lamp ballast!
One of the many notable features of these lights is that they reduce the power to the discharge lamp when the shutter is closed to prolong its life.
Unlike cheap disco lights, this type of light is specifically designed for continuous touring and is extremely heavy and rugged. (a two person lift)
Because these lights were engineered to withstand the abuse of being toured they cost in the region of about $20,000 each when new. You can buy working used ones for closer to $4000 now, but they are still good workhorses in the industry, so it's not that easy to source them. The spares are also quite expensive due to their complex and proprietary nature.
One of the most notable features is the way that their colour and beam-shaping "bulkheads" can be swapped quickly in-situ. One of the less desirable features is the mount of case disassembly to change the electronic lamp ballast!
One of the many notable features of these lights is that they reduce the power to the discharge lamp when the shutter is closed to prolong its life.
I was lucky enough to be able to use VL3500q spots from prg at college this year, and jesus they're heavy and slow but the optics really are something to admire considering how old these are now.
I have been working as a stage hand for a few years now, oddly enough, I have been enjoying your Vids for a few years longer. This is a treat actually. I just wanted to know what was in the lights I have been hanging and I get a breakdown from Bigclive..
I’ve had the pleasure of smashing one of these during a load out back in the late 2000’s. Make sure all wheel leg pins are secure before taking the slide hammer to the truss pins!
How does it do in the rain? 😂
Man, I'm jealous… Everywhere I've worked with lights has had old fashioned mechanical lights that have to be hand operated…
Haha! I love watching your electronics videos, then while researching VL3000's your buttery voice starts up, and my face lit up! Pardon the pun 😉
I used to build lights like these at High End Systems in Austin. We had a demo room that was filled to the max with lights and could blow your mind.
@bigclivedotcom – if you ever get the chance to tear into an LSD Icon, I would be eternally grateful. (also, have you ever SEEN an Icon desk? they were BONKERS)
Thank god genesis decided to fund the creation of these. I couldn't imagine the entertainment industry without them. I really wouldn't want to have to gel lekos and manually focus/aim for every single show for the rest of my life.
What a privilege to see! Thanks!
in the bottom are nema stepper motor?
A nice lighting fixtures. Vari*lite used to be industry standard for moving lights but I think Martin and Robe are the new industry standards.
I am a old VL op and tec for VL and it's nice to see the inside again
uau omg