Summer 2002
THE ENLIGHTENMENT OF ST. CORNELIUS
With lights that delivered as little as two foot candles (FC) to the pews, some parishioners couldn't read their hymnals. The choir had trouble seeing sheet music. Even Father Michael Reardon, of the Long Beach church, found referring to printed materials difficult. It was time for a little illumination.
"Too many lights doing too little work," is how Bridget Williams LC, the lighting designer hired by the Long Beach church described the problem.
Williams wanted her design to have a "clean look" to compliment the church's style, so she used hidden and recessed fixtures wherever possible. LVH was brought in to implement the brighter, energy-saving design, helping to create award-winning results.
"Out with the old," was the first order of business. LVH removed the old fixtures, while the center aisle or nave, was painted a lighter color to increase the amount of reflection down onto the parishioners. Next, nave chandeliers were relamped from 500W to 250W and 100HIR Pars. Also above the nave, the T12 fluorescent strips were replaced with dimmable 50W BIAX cove lighting. Recessed 2-26W CFL replaced the 150W lensed downlight in the transepts. The result was an even 20+ FC in the pews.
Over the sanctuary or chancel, 240PAR56 and 120PAR64 spots were installed to create accent lighting, while providing an average 100 FC for each liturgical station. At the side altar and devotional station, recessed MR16 wall wash and spot lighting were used to bring out the tones in the wood paneling, and to highlight the statue of the Virgin Mary.
On the rear wall just inside the church's vestibule, low voltage 240PAR56 WFL spots now highlight the large mural, and mixed with the 4' 30K 50W BIAX hidden covelighting indirectly light the rear pews. Finally, an ETC dimming system was installed to handle all the new lights. It allows for preset effects, and control over predetermined areas, like the baptismal font, altar and ambo, for special services.
"LVH cares," Williams said upon completion of work. "So many installers just want to get in and out, and if there's a problem, it's mostly out. LVH stayed until everything was done to the satisfaction of all."
[click here for pictures...]
SUMMERTIME CHORES
Just because students are taking a break doesn't mean you should. Now, while they struggle with summertime blues, while the halls are empty and the school yard quiet, it's the perfect chance for you to get caught up.
It's time to inspect your equipment and perform annual maintenance. Not only do you need to correct the wear and tear those sweet, departing students might have caused, you also want to ready everything for the next onslaught.To keep your equipment up and running, do these electrical and rigging inspections. Before performing any task always make sure all power is off and all instruments are unplugged.
An electrical inspection should include:
- Going through all your instruments
- Checking lamps - replacing bad
- Cleaning each lens
- Inspecting all plugs
- Checking connectors - replace bad
- Inspecting the C-clamps and ensuring that each instrument has a safety cable
The rigging inspection should include:
- Inspecting all soft goods for tears or missing ties
- Checking for bent pipe
- Removing leftovers still hanging from pipes
- Running each pipe to ensure smooth travel
- Checking the condition of purchase lines and removing slack
- Checking for proper counterweight storage on the loading bridge and pinrail
- Inspecting the grid, loading bridge, and pinrail for loose hardware
- Inspecting all cable terminations
To help you out, we're offering a free "sales call inspection." Contact us to find out when our salesperson will be in your area, and we'll sign you up for your free inspection. For facilities eight years or older, we recommend a professional inspection/report. Contact us to discuss those details and the fees involved.
Remember, if you're not absolutely sure about your equipment, you need to have a rigging inspection.
