It showed video playback and live camera action, but also allowed for quick between-band changes by raising and lowering very rapidly. The hire to Outback is the first of PCM's new Motion Control division, which has been set up to serve all the rigging rental companies, and carries a stock of non-standard equipment, available for specialist requirements.
PCM's John Jones explains that the decision to launch the division was to "Explore other areas of the market, and also to help our clients to do things they can't normally do, equipment-wise, at the moment." He says that there's not currently the demand for any one company to keep a full range of non-standard gear. Now they can come to PCM and have easy access to the technology as and when they need it for special projects.
For Smash Hits, Outback hired eight Columbus McKinnon FX Star motors which are variable speed with ramped start and stop, and a top velocity of 12 meters a minute. The FX Stars also offer all the strict German VBG Standard safety features, including a double safety braking system, special overload protection and load sensing. PCM has devised and built a computer control system for the FX Star motors, enabling them to be run synchronously with very precise motion control, and for all the VBG 70 features to be 'detected' and functional.
Outback’s Stuart Cooper commented: "With a total changeover time of just two minutes per act, the screen had to shift up and down in 20 seconds - it was very tight!" The screen motors were operated by Mylan Lester working for PCM on the event that was broadcast live on Channel Four. All went like clockwork on the day, and everyone was suitably impressed with the performance of the screen.
(Lee Baldock)
