TFS-780 Flashlight System
User Manual
Turbosound Ltd.
Star Road, Partridge Green
West Sussex RH13 8RY England
Tel: +44 (0)1403 711447 Fax: +44 (0)1403 710155
web: www.turbosound.com
Issue 1.4 © Turbosound Limited, October 2000
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CONTENTS
Contents............................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 4
Turbosound Flashlight & Floodlight System Concepts .................................................... 4
The Loudspeaker Management System (LMS) Concept .................................................. 4
TFS-780 ................................................................................................................................4
TFS-780L .............................................................................................................................. 5
TFS-780H.............................................................................................................................. 5
TFL-760H .............................................................................................................................. 6
TFL-760HM and TFL-760LM downfills................................................................................ 7
TFS-780HF long throw ........................................................................................................7
LMS-D6 ................................................................................................................................ 7
Flashlight Flying System..................................................................................................... 7
Flying and Stacking.............................................................................................................8
Overview.............................................................................................................................. 8
Setting Horizontal Angles................................................................................................. 12
Tilting................................................................................................................................. 12
Setting Vertical Angles ..................................................................................................... 15
Arraying ............................................................................................................................. 16
Procedure for flying a Flashlight array ............................................................................ 17
Bass Enclosure arraying ................................................................................................... 23
Aiming - directivity of the stack ....................................................................................... 23
Ground Stacking................................................................................................................ 25
Vertical Dispersion Considerations.................................................................................. 25
Flown Systems .................................................................................................................. 26
LMS-D6 Loudspeaker Management System ................................................................... 27
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 27
General features & facilities ............................................................................................. 27
Unpacking.......................................................................................................................... 27
Mechanical Installation..................................................................................................... 27
Front Panel functions........................................................................................................ 28
Rear Panel functions ......................................................................................................... 29
Mains Power...................................................................................................................... 29
Voltage Setting.................................................................................................................. 30
Safety Earthing.................................................................................................................. 30
AC Power Fusing............................................................................................................... 30
Powering Up...................................................................................................................... 30
Audio Connections............................................................................................................ 31
Input and Output Connector Wiring................................................................................. 31
Time correction for loudspeaker driver placement......................................................... 31
AMP-780 - Flashlight System Amplification Rack ........................................................... 32
Racking, Cables and Connections .................................................................................... 32
Options .............................................................................................................................. 33
Input Connections ............................................................................................................. 33
Output Connections .......................................................................................................... 34
Remote Control Connections ........................................................................................... 34
Extension Cables............................................................................................................... 35
Mains Connections............................................................................................................ 36
TMC-750 and TMC-1250 High Efficiency Audio Power Amplifier .................................. 37
General Features & Facilities............................................................................................ 37
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Front Panel Functions TMC-750 ....................................................................................... 38
Front Panel Functions TMC-1250 ..................................................................................... 39
Rear Panel Functions ........................................................................................................ 40
Mechanical Installation..................................................................................................... 41
Mains Power...................................................................................................................... 41
Powering Up...................................................................................................................... 41
Safety Earthing.................................................................................................................. 42
Internal Fuses .................................................................................................................... 42
Voltage Setting.................................................................................................................. 42
Voltage Range ...................................................................................................................42
Current Consumption ....................................................................................................... 42
Audio Connections & Controls......................................................................................... 43
Polarity............................................................................................................................... 43
Input Impedance................................................................................................................ 43
Muting................................................................................................................................ 44
Sensitivity .......................................................................................................................... 44
Attenuation & Gain Setting .............................................................................................. 44
Signal Metering.................................................................................................................44
Output Connections .......................................................................................................... 45
Damping Factor................................................................................................................. 45
Which speaker impedance?.............................................................................................. 45
Long Speaker Lines........................................................................................................... 45
The Cooling System.......................................................................................................... 46
Filter Inspection & Maintenance ...................................................................................... 46
Temperature Metering & Protection................................................................................ 46
Fan Speed Setting............................................................................................................. 47
Fault Modes....................................................................................................................... 47
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................ 48
Maintenance...................................................................................................................... 50
Gaining Access..................................................................................................................50
To withdraw one of the amplifier modules ..................................................................... 50
Cleaning............................................................................................................................. 50
Routine Checks..................................................................................................................50
Cleaning heatsinks ............................................................................................................ 50
Spare Parts & Accessories................................................................................................ 51
Specifications .................................................................................................................... 51
Warranty............................................................................................................................ 52
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INTRODUCTION
Turbosound Flashlight & Floodlight System Concepts
The TFS-780 has been designed as a complete system, with integrated loudspeakers, flying
hardware, amplifier racks, cabling and digital control system. It is designed for use in all
indoor and outdoor venues, from a small club audience up to the largest arena or stadium.
The Flashlight system concept benefits from the availability of a variety of purpose-designed
loudspeaker box types, forming a flexible kit of parts that are used to build up loudspeaker
arrays to cover specific audience spaces with precisely controlled high-fidelity sound
coverage.
The Turbosound TFL (Floodlight) loudspeaker system can be used on its own as a side or
front fill, as well as being part of the Turbosound Flashlight System. The Turbosound TFL-
760HM high-mid downfill and the TFL-760LM low-mid downfill enclosures contain the same
components as the TFL-760H, and are used to further enhance a Flashlight array, providing
near-field coverage for the nearest audience rows.
The TFS-780HF long-throw high-mid contains the same components as the TFL-760HM, and
is used for high end far-field coverage of the furthest audience areas.
The Loudspeaker Management System (LMS) Concept
The LMS-D6 Loudspeaker Management System is more than just an electronic crossover. It
provides full digital time alignment of all components in the Flashlight/Floodlight enclosures,
to ensure a coherent acoustic output. It also incorporates a number of features which
contribute to overall system reliability and ease of setting-up.
Because the power amplifiers are included as part of the Flashlight system, the LMS-D6 is
able to utilise output limiters which are precisely matched to the system requirements, being
pre-set to prevent the amplifiers from clipping. Inputs and outputs are fully balanced,
providing isolation between the LMS-D6 and the amplifier inputs. These factors contribute to
high reliability in the adverse circumstances often encountered under arduous touring
conditions.
Flashlight TFS-780
The Turbosound Flashlight system is a complete, fully integrated sound reinforcement
system comprising loudspeakers and all necessary drive and control equipment in an
extremely compact and manageable form.
By supplying the Flashlight only as an integrated package, Turbosound has ensured absolute
compatibility between users. All Flashlight systems are identical throughout the world, and
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equipment from different sources may therefore be freely combined without difficulty. This
provides Flashlight system owners with a considerable competitive advantage in servicing
the requirements of international touring productions, and in co-operating with other
Flashlight suppliers within the worldwide network.
The system is supplied as multiples of a unit package comprising 12 enclosures (6 bass and 6
mid-high), a single rack of four dual-channel power amplifiers, two loudspeaker management
system controllers, flying hardware, and all the requisite cables and connectors. Two of
these packages (or 24 bass and 24 mid-highs) will provide a formidable system for distant
audience coverage in large arenas, and can be integrated with Turbosound Floodlight
enclosures for short and medium range coverage. This set of components also forms a
standard building block for the construction of spherical arrays.
The controller functions as an electronic loudspeaker management system, comprising a
24dB per octave crossover, with factory preset limiters matched to the power amplifiers,
digital time-alignment and electronically balanced inputs and outputs. The power amplifiers
are supplied as a set of four in a 19" rack with all necessary wiring and multi-pin connectors.
The loudspeakers are of six types, of compatible dimensions but with differing frequency
ranges, projection capabilities and dispersion patterns:
TFS-780L low frequency enclosure
The TFS-780L low frequency enclosure covers the sub-bass and bass ranges up to 150 Hz. It
contains a single 21" drive unit with a 6" voice coil, loaded with a TurboBass
device. The
TFS-780L combines relatively compact dimensions and low weight with the ability to provide
beneficial low frequency coupling when used in multiples. The enclosure may be ground-
stacked or flown.
TFS-780H mid-high enclosure
The TFS-780H enclosure covers frequencies above 150 Hz and contains three drive units. A
large TurboMid
device containing a very powerful 12" driver covers frequencies from 150Hz
to 1.3kHz. A smaller TurboMid
device containing a specially developed 6½" cone driver
covers the range from 1.3kHz to 8kHz. The remaining frequencies above 8kHz are covered by
a 1” compression driver on a waveguide horn specifically designed for this purpose. All three
drive systems are designed to have a narrow dispersion angle of 25º horizontal x 25º vertical.
This high Q provides the projection necessary for true
long throw
applications such as large
arena and outdoor productions.
The TurboBass
and TurboMid
devices are unique to Turbosound and are covered by
principle patents world-wide. They utilise specialised forms of horn loading which provide
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exceptionally low distortion and high efficiency from cone-type drive units. The subjective
effect of these devices is greater clarity and transparency of reproduction when compared
with conventional compression drivers and horns. All the cone drive units have been
designed specifically for the Flashlight system and are manufactured exclusively for
Turbosound.
The TFS-780H is fully equipped for all touring applications with a hinged rear access door,
integral multi-way speaker cable, keyhole flyplates, removable wheel board, ergonomically
placed flush handles, weatherised birch plywood construction and optimised truck-pack
dimensions. The TFS-780H enclosure is exactly the same size as, and of very similar weight
to, the TFS-780L.
TFL-760H mid-high
The TFL-760H is a three-way medium dispersion mid-high enclosure that gives outstanding
transient ability over a 50
°
horizontal coverage angle.
The use of specialised cone-type transducers, in combination with unique Axehead™
technology, results in high efficiency, accuracy, very low levels of distortion, even dispersion
and exceptional intelligibility, enabling it to be considered for a multitude of near and mid
field applications.
The TFL-760H is fully equipped for touring with a hinged rear access door, integral multi-way
speaker cable, heavy duty wheels, ergonomically placed flush handles, weatherised birch
plywood construction and optimised truck-pack dimensions. The TFL-760H shares the same
height and width as the Flashlight TFS-780H, and the positions of the keyhole fly plates allow
use of the highly advanced and well proven Flashlight flying systems. All of these features
combine to give a system unsurpassed in simplicity, ease and speed of handling and long
term durability.
The TFL-760H covers the frequency range from 180Hz upwards. The loudspeaker
complement consists of a very powerful low-mid 12" cone loudspeaker which, combined
with the Axehead
wave guide, handles frequencies between 180Hz and 1.3kHz. The high-
mid band between 1.3kHz and 8kHz is covered by a similar combination based on a
specialised 6.5" loudspeaker. The remaining high frequency band, 8kHz to in excess of 20kHz,
is handled by a 1" HF compression driver. Perfect time alignment is achieved by the careful
positioning of these three components and their waveguides within the enclosure. The TFL-
760H is used to augment Flashlight systems where certain sections of a venue dictate wider
coverage and shorter throw.
The TFL-760H also makes an excellent flown or ground stacked stage side fill system due to
its tight vertical coverage.
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TFL-760HM and TFL-760LM downfills
The downfill versions of Floodlight are used to provide near-field coverage as part of
Flashlight or Floodlight touring systems. The TFL-760HM is a trapezoidal high-mid section
incorporating the 6.5” and 1” components, whereas the TFL-760LM contains only the 12”
unit. Both downfill cabinets are exactly the same size and are fitted with Flashlight ‘keyhole’
flying points allowing these units to be flown as the bottom row of a PA cluster. A TFL-
760HM combined with a TFL-760LM contains exactly the same loudspeaker components as
the TFL-760H enclosure and is therefore electrically and acoustically equivalent. These two
units are also extremely useful as front fills or ground fills, either singly or combined
together.
TFS-780HF long throw mid-high
The TFS-780HF is a dedicated long-throw high frequency unit that is used to selectively boost
the high end at a distance without the need for an extra row of Flashlight boxes. It will
normally be flown as the top row of a Flashlight array. It is supplied in pairs with a
removable wheel dolly, matching the dimensions of a TFS-780H Flashlight enclosure. The
TFS-780HF is equipped with keyhole flyplates and hinged rear access door.
LMS-D6 Loudspeaker Management System
Use of the LMS-D6 loudspeaker management system ensures accurate time-alignment of the
system drive units and also provides a facility for users to select additional delay, either to
compensate for physical displacement of ground-stacked bass enclosures relative to flown
high packs, or to provide full range delay for correct image localisation or use in
distributed
systems. It should however be noted that the high-Q, and therefore long throw, properties of
the Flashlight generally eliminate the need for distributed delayed systems, even for very
large audiences.
Flashlight Flying System
To take full advantage of the precise dispersion properties of the Flashlight, a
complementary flying and lifting system has been developed. This is safe, flexible and
simple to use. It allows the creation of clusters and arrays with full control of the angles
between enclosures and of their vertical inclination, to suit a wide variety of requirements.
Adjustments may be easily made by one person whilst the system is in the air, with the array
always remaining in perfect physical balance.
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FLYING AND STACKING
For Flashlight and Floodlight enclosures
Overview
The Flashlight system flying hardware is specifically designed to allow a wide range of
adjustment of the horizontal and vertical angles between adjacent enclosures, as well as the
overall vertical inclination of each column of enclosures. This means that arrays can easily be
optimised to suit the coverage requirements of any situation.
Sound radiating from adjacent cabinets will successfully blend over a range of included
angles, and this results in the ability to tailor both the overall coverage and the SPL at a given
distance. Most of the adjustments can be easily made whilst the system is in the air.
The flying bars consist as follows:
♦
Single bar - supports a vertical column of cabinets up to 5 deep.
♦
Twin bar - supports two single bars.
♦
Main bar - supports two twin bars, and may be lifted by either one motor (for arrays up
to three deep) or two motors for larger systems.
♦
Spacer bars - used to join and maintain the distance between flying bars.
Configurations of these flying bars and spacers can be seen in Figure 3.
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Figure 1. Flying Bar Assembly
Figure 2. Exploded Parts List
Lifting Point Safety Point
Tilting Strap Point
Flying Chain Suspension Point
To suspend four columns of Flashlight
enclosures with indexed horizontal adjustment.
FC-780 FLYING CHAINS
one pair required
for each enclosure
to be flown.
TS-780 TILTING STRAP
one required
for each column
of enclosures.
(These are handed
left & right, the
left ones have RED
Shortening Hooks,
the right ones BLUE
Shortening Hooks).
FB-780A MAIN BAR
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Figure 3. Flying Bars and Spacer Bar Configurations
Figure 4. Flying System Main Components
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Figure 5. Flying System Small Components
Figure 6. Adjustable Chains
6mm Eye
Safety sling hook
6mm CONNEX
Connecting link
6mm
Shortening hook
6mm UNILOCK
'D'-Ring
6mm
Grade 80
Chain
Righthand
Chain (with
blue shortener)
Lefthand
Chain (with
red shortener)
Both Chains are
40 links long
Assembly examples
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Setting Horizontal Angles
The Single Bars are pivoted on the Twin Bars which in turn are pivoted on the Main Bar. The
pivots include a nylon spacing washer to eliminate free play and allow for smooth operation.
A spring loaded Index Pin locates in one of a series of holes to secure the pivot at the desired
angle. A particular advantage of this pivot arrangement is that the horizontal splay of the
array may be adjusted whilst the system is in the air, and because the Single and Twin Bars
pivot about their centre points the array remains in perfect balance.
A secondary chain bypasses each pivot point to comply with safety requirements.
The Index Pin allows angles between columns of 0º to 40º to be set in 5º degree increments.
A minimum of 10º in the horizontal plane is recommended between Flashlight high packs to
ensure even coverage at the higher frequencies. Increased coupling is best achieved in the
vertical plane, as described in the next section.
Tilting
A high density white plastic locating tab
(biscuit)
is secured inside the door of each TFS-
780H. This is placed in the tilting bar slot at the top rear of the enclosure, and locates in the
enclosure above. These tabs act as simple and efective hinges, and ensure that the backs of
the enclosures stay in alignment with each other.
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Figure 7. Tilting Strap Operation
The tilting strap, TS-780, is in two parts. The longer part is attached to the stirrup in the
centre of the flying bar at "A" using the hook at its end. The hook should face towards the
front of the cabinet. The other part of the strap with the ratchet is hooked into the lower slot
of the bottom enclosure at "B". The free end is then threaded through the ratchet and the
strap tightened to achieve the desired tilt.
WARNING
WARNINGWARNING
WARNING
If the strap is released suddenly, the row of enclosures may tend to swing violently forwards
and care must be taken to avoid danger to persons in the vicinity. It is essential to check that
nobody is standing immediately in front of the column, and to give a suitable warning,
before the strap is released. Ideally, two persons should support the row from the side whilst
the strap is released, or alternatively the bottom row may be returned to the ground before
release. In any event it is essential that all personnel in the vicinity are aware that the system
is about to move and that they must keep clear.
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The Turbosound TFS-780 system has been designed and constructed to a high standard of
safety and tested to the most demanding of specifications. However, anyone involved in
flying ANY sound system, especially in a touring capacity, should take note of the following
advice:
The rigging of a flown sound system may be dangerous unless undertaken by qualified
The rigging of a flown sound system may be dangerous unless undertaken by qualifiedThe rigging of a flown sound system may be dangerous unless undertaken by qualified
The rigging of a flown sound system may be dangerous unless undertaken by qualified
personnel with the required experience to perform the necessary tasks. Fixing of hanging
personnel with the required experience to perform the necessary tasks. Fixing of hangingpersonnel with the required experience to perform the necessary tasks. Fixing of hanging
personnel with the required experience to perform the necessary tasks. Fixing of hanging
points in a roof should always be carried out by a professional rigger and in accordance with
points in a roof should always be carried out by a professional rigger and in accordance withpoints in a roof should always be carried out by a professional rigger and in accordance with
points in a roof should always be carried out by a professional rigger and in accordance with
the local rules of the venue. The house rigger and/or building manager must always be
the local rules of the venue. The house rigger and/or building manager must always bethe local rules of the venue. The house rigger and/or building manager must always be
the local rules of the venue. The house rigger and/or building manager must always be
consulted.
consulted.consulted.
consulted.
When initially ratcheting a column of speakers it is good to bear in mind the expected angle
of inclination so as to avoid ending up with too much of the strap left on the ratchet. This is
important because the ratchet can only take three complete turns before it releases itself.
It is recommended that you connect the hook to the bottom box, take up the slack in the
strap, and then fit the biscuits working up from the bottom. Initially when the system is hung
and the straps have been tightened just enough for the backs of the cabinets to touch, the
top box should point upwards as shown in Figure 7. When you increase the tension on the
strap the whole column will tilt around the centre of gravity of the column.
The system has been designed around an optimum setting so you must be aware that at
some point the backs of the bottom rows of cabinets will meet and limit any further
adjustment. To stop this you could try one or more of the following:
♦
Reduce the number of rows of cabinets.
♦
Use a smaller amount of horizontal splay.
♦
Use a smaller amount of vertical kelp.
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Setting Vertical Angles
Vertical connection between enclosures and to the flying bars is achieved using the Q-D
Flying Plate and D-ring system originally developed for Turbosound's TMS-3 flying systems.
However, instead of fixed-length steel connections, an adjustable length chain is used.
(Figure. 6)
The vertical inter-cabinet angles available are as follows:
Chain
ChainChain
Chain
link in
link inlink in
link in
hook
hookhook
hook
780HF
780HF780HF
780HF
to
toto
to
780HF
780HF780HF
780HF
780HF
780HF780HF
780HF
to
toto
to
780H
780H780H
780H
780H
780H780H
780H
to
toto
to
780H
780H780H
780H
780H
780H 780H
780H
to
toto
to
760H
760H760H
760H
760H
760H760H
760H
to
toto
to
760H
760H760H
760H
Usage
UsageUsage
Usage
0 20º 22º ‡
!
4 3
°
17º 19º ‡
!
5 6
°
14º 14º 28º More
6 9
°
10º 10º 20º Vertical
7 12
°
6º 6º 12º Coverage
8 15
°
4º† 2º† 6º†
!
12 1.5
°
"
13 5
°
Higher Q
14 8
°
More
15 10.5
°
Coupling
16 15
°
"
17 17
°
"
† fit biscuit before chains ‡ greater than maximum length
The top chain from the flybar to the first cabinet can be adjusted to gain more height on the
system and also improve the looks. Alternatively if you are flying four or more cabinets deep
with a lot of kelp it is good to give the top chain some additional length as this makes
racheting easier.
When flying four Flashlight boxes deep the top biscuit can be difficult to fit depending on
how much vertical separation you have on the boxes. However if the top row consists of
bass cabinets where no vertical separation is required then you should use eight links
between the top two rows of cabinets, which requires you to fit the biscuits before fitting the
chains, thus locking the biscuits in place.
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Arraying
The concept of arraying the TFS-780 Flashlight system is to create part of the surface of a
sphere. A small part of a large sphere will form a high-directivity
(long-throw)
system with a
high SPL at a distance, whereas a large part of a small sphere will be of lower directivity
producing less SPL at a distance, but having a wider angle of coverage. This approach leads
to the creation of a virtual point source of sound somewhere behind the array.
There are some simple rules to follow to help achieve this goal:
♦
Never point two high packs in exactly the same direction.
♦
Try to obtain a smooth even curve in the horizontal plane.
♦
Use a similar amount of tilt on each column.
♦
Ensure that the bottom corners of each column are in line with each other.
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Procedure for flying a Flashlight array
The following notes describe the procedure for flying left and right Flashlight arrays
designed to provide coverage of an outdoor area for approximately 15,000 people. The
configuration in this example is a six-wide Flashlight array, each side of the PA giving a
horizontal coverage angle of about 90
°
. This is made up of a 4-wide main bar assembly and a
twin bar assembly, requiring three lifting points. A half spacer bar connects the main bar and
twin bar, effectively continuing the curve of the array and setting the distance of the last two
columns, and hence the third lifting point.
1.
Remove the flybars from the fly bar trunk
and set them out on the stage wings
according to the required configuration.
Splay all the bars out to form a smooth,
shallow curve by locating the spring-
loaded index pins on each bar in the bar
locator holes. Normally you will want to
start with all the index pins in the fourth
index hole, giving a horizontal splay angle
of 15 degrees between each vertical
column.
2.
Move the flybars into the approximate position on the stage wing where the PA is to be
flown, and check that the curve of the array is going give you the expected horizontal
coverage. Position the bars such that the break between the first and second on-stage
columns is pointing directly at the mix position – this works best when the mix position
is between 27.5m (90ft) and 43m (140ft)
from the stage – and make sure that the
off-stage column is giving you adequate
coverage of the bleachers or side-stage
seating. Sometimes you may want to
open up the angle of the two off-stage
columns to the next (fifth) index hole to
give a little more coverage of the off-
stage seating if it is particularly wide.
Once you are happy with the splay of the
bars, choose and fix your flypoints such that the chain drops fall exactly above, and in
line with, the pick up points on the flybar. Note:
Note: Note:
Note: the outer holes on the flybar are the
pickup points; the inner holes are the safety points. Take time to get the flypoints
positioned accurately, as it is much easier to do it now than later when the flybar is
under load.
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3.
If space permits, prepare the flown Flashlight high boxes by wheeling them into
position, in two rows six across, behind the flybar position. In this particular
configuration TFS-780HF long-throw mid-high boxes will form the top row of each
column, and for convenience these can be stacked on top of the first row of Flashlights
and wheeled in together. Loosen the camlocks securing the wheelboards to the
underside of the Flashlight cabinets, so that when the cabinets are hoisted the
wheelboards will remain on the ground. Open the access door of each cabinet, take out
the biscuit and allow this to hang outside the box on the captive string. It is better to
leave the EP6 cable inside for now, because once connected later on they should be
stowed inside the box to eliminate any possibility of becoming disconnected.
4.
Attach chain motors to the three fly bar
lifting points with shackles and secure
them. Attach safeties if required. The
flybar assembly is now ready be hoisted
to accept the first row of cabinets. Attach
two 1 metre spansets to the cable drop
points on the flybars with shackles to act
as cable strain reliefs. It is a good idea to
have the bulk of the cables tied directly to
the bar as opposed to hanging below it –
in this way their weight is less likely interfere with the column’s centre of gravity. Raise
the flybar to about shoulder height, ensure that it is is level, and once more check the
horizontal coverage. Make any final adjustments to the flypoints now, if required, as the
weight of the flybars is not excessive and it is quite easy to lift the flybar, taking the load
off the chains as they are moved. A couple of inches forward or backwards may make a
significant difference to the way system hangs, so take time to get this right.
5.
Attach flying chains to each of the single
bars. The chains are colour coded blue
for left, red for right, looking at the
enclosures from the front. It is a good
idea to count out and hang or lay the
correct number of flying chains out
beforehand in an easily accessible place –
such as on the edge of a fly bar trunk -
according to their colour: reds together
and blues together. This is a good
opportunity to remove links from the clutch and check their condition. All the hooks
should point outwards from the boxes, with the clutch facing to the front, since this
makes it easier to de-rig later on. This orientation is preferred because if during rigging
or de-rigging the box should come up and into contact with the hook, there is no
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possibility of the safety clip being pushed open. Most importantly, all the chain hooks
must face the same way for an even hang.
6.
The length of the top row of chains naturally determines the height of the PA, but also
affects the way it looks. A short top chain length results in a neater looking PA, with the
boxes flying closer to the flybars, albeit at the expense of more tension on the tilt strap.
Do this if you want to be able to point the top boxes upwards, i.e. to cover high
balconies. If left long, i.e. completely open, there will be minimum tension on the tilt
straps but the system will not look as neat. Leave the top chains long if you want a large
downward angle on the column. A good compromise and starting point for the top row
is with link number 9 in the clutch. Choosing an odd link number is very desirable
because the chain will automatically hang straight, without the possibility of a 90
°
twist.
This will also ensure the PA flies fairly close to the flybar. NOTE:
NOTE: NOTE:
NOTE: When on a long tour
and when the PA is flown repeatedly the same way for multiple shows, use tie wraps to
secure links in the shortening clutch to save time.
7.
Position the first row of Flashlights,
with the long throw boxes stacked on
top, directly under the flybar assembly.
Open the access door of the long throw
box, fit the biscuit in to the kelping
brackets, and connect the cable. Stow
any excess cable inside the cabinet.
Allow the flying chains to hang freely
down the sides of the boxes. If the D-
ring does not naturally face the right
way,
do not rotate it
(which will cause a twist in the chain) to force it to face inwards,
simply flip the D-ring over so that it points in towards the fly point. NOTE:
NOTE: NOTE:
NOTE: later flying
chains, shipped after September 2000, are re-designed with two separate apertures in
the D-ring so that it cannot accidentally flip over; in this case simply allow the the chain
to hang freely and then rotate a quarter turn clockwise or counter-clockwise as
appropriate to point in towards the box. Snap the D-rings into the flyplates on the
cabinets by inserting and lifting sharply until you hear a solid click.
8.
Attach the long part of the tilting straps
to the stirrup at the centre of each
single flybar, with the hook facing
forwards. Rather than letting the tilt
straps hang at the back of each box, it is
better to gather three to one side and
three to the other, to hang down at the
sides of the array until it is time to kelp
the boxes. This will avoid uneccessary
user manual
TFS-780
TFS-780 user manual
Page 20
clutter when fitting biscuits and cables on subsequent rows of boxes.
9.
Snap on the next row of flying chains, hooks facing forward, again observing the colour
coding – red for right, blue for left. The length of the flying chain will determine the
vertical angle between the first row and the second row of boxes. You will want the first
row of Flashlights to couple with the long throw boxes on the top row, so place link #27
in the clutch. This will result in a vertical angle of 3.5º between boxes.
10.
Raise the PA about a further metre to
allow the third row of Flashlights to be
wheeled in underneath, having first
loosened the camlocks on the
wheelboards. Snap in a third row of
flying chains, again observing the colour
code. Shorten the chains by placing link
#7 in the clutch, which will result in a
vertical angle of 5
°
between boxes.
11.
Raise the PA another metre or so, and
position downfill boxes face down on the
ground, or face down on a Flashlight
wheel board and roll into place
immediately below each column. There
are two types of downfill, a low-mid
(identified by the EP6 connector) and a
high-mid (identified by the XLR
connector). It is common to ‘chequer-
board’ the downfills so that you end up
with a high-mid, low-mid, high-mid, low-mid, high-mid, low-mid arrangement left to
right across the PA.
However there is often an exaggerated coupling of low-mid energy
from the PA and coming from the stage which, combined with the wider dispersion
created at lower mid frequencies, is sometimes undesirable. In this case try using all
high-mid downfills on the bottom row instead to clean up these frequencies close to the
stage.
12.
Shorten each chain by placing link #10 in
the clutch and snap the D-rings into the
flyplates on the downfill boxes. Open the
access door, and take out the tilting strap.
The downfills are angled independently of
the main part of the array by means of
their own tilt straps, which are simply
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