X-ARRAY™ CONCERT SYSTEMS Flying Manual and Structural Ratings
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems RIGGING-SAFETY WARNING This document details general rigging practices appropriate to the sound industry, as they would apply to the rigging of Electro-Voice X-Array™ loudspeaker systems. It is intended to familiarize the reader with standard rigging hardware and techniques for suspending X-Array™ loudspeaker systems overhead. Only persons with the knowledge of proper hardware and safe rigging techniques should attempt to suspend any sound systems overhead.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES RIGGING-SAFETY WARNING 0. INTRODUCTION 1. X-ARRAY™ RIGGING SYSTEM 1.1 Overview of the X-Array™ Flying Systems ............................................................................ 1-2 1.2 Loudspeaker Enclosure Details ............................................................................................. 2-5 1.3 Rigging Hinge Details ............................................................................................................
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems 3.4 Complex Structural-Rating Analysis .................................................................................. 19-20 Rear Rigging Point Structural-Strength Rating .................................................................. 19-20 (Xrhg, Xrhp, Xrhl & NH32102-2) Xrhg (grid hinge) Xrhp (pick-up hinge) Xrhl (linking hinge) NH32102-2 (New Haven double-stud swivel-ring fitings) Front Rigging Point Structural-Strength Rating ...........................................
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems 0. INTRODUCTION The X-Array™ product line represents important advancements in concert-sound-reinforcement technology. The design goals called for the highest acoustic-output capability with the highest fidelity, in lightweight, compact enclosures that were easy to array. The development began with a clean sheet of paper and took an integrated approach.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems primary support for the loudspeaker enclosures, while the front rigging hardware is mainly for aiming the enclosures vertically. (The front does provide some secondary support, however.) Figure 1a illustrates an array column suspended with a grid. Like the loudspeaker systems, the grid utilizes horizontal rigging-track hardware at the back and vertical rigging-track hardware at the front.
O 9.0 TYP O 9.0 TYP 733.2 mm (28.87 in.) 758.8 mm (29.88 in.) CL 584.2 mm (23.00 in.) WEIGHT: 87.1 kg (192 lb) 733.2 mm (28.87 in.) WEIGHT: WITHOUT 87.1 kg (192 lb) WEIGHT: EXTERNAL RIGGING: 87.1 kg (192 lb) WITH EXTERNAL RIGGING: 90.2 kg (199 lb) WEIGHT: WITHOUT EXTERNAL RIGGING: 87.1 kg (192 lb) WITH EXTERNAL RIGGING: 90.2 kg (199 lb) 758.8 mm (29.88 in.) CL 584.2 mm (23.00 in.) 384.1 mm (15.12 in.) 409.2 mm (16.11 in.) 914.4 mm (36.00 in.) 914.4 mm (36.00 in.) 441.3 mm (17.38 in.) 457.
FIGURE 2f - Xcb SYSTEM FIGURE 2 (cont’d) - X-ARRAY LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS 292.1 mm (11.50 in.) 595.9 mm (23.46 in.) 584.2 mm (23.00 in.) FIGURE 2e - Xcn SYSTEM 301.6 mm (11.88 in.) 595.9 mm (23.46 in.) 584.2 mm (23.00 in.) 391.2 mm (15.40 in.) WEIGHT: 60.8 kg (134 lb) C L 733.2 mm (28.87 in.) 758.8 mm (29.88 in.) 9.0° TYP 353.8 mm (13.93 in.) 433.6 mm (17.07 in.) 758.8 mm (29.88 in.) C L 353.8 mm (13.93 in.) 9.0° TYP 733.2 mm (28.87 in.) WEIGHT: 55.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems CUTOUT FOR LOCKING DOUBLE-STUD FITTING HOLE FOR RIGGING HINGE LOCKING PIN 48.0 mm (1.89 in.) the chain near the ends of the track, as shown in Figure 5a. (Note: If one grid hinge is installed incorrectly with the chain at the center of the track, the second grid hinge will not fit into the track cutout.) Key dimensions for the Xrhg grid hinges and the enclosure are presented in Figures 4a and 5a.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems arms at the center of the track, the second linking hinge will not fit into the track cutout.) Key dimensions for the Xrhl rigging hinges and the enclosure are presented in Figures 4b and 5b.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems as shown in Figure 5c. (Note: If one pickup hinge is installed incorrectly with the chain at the center of the track, the second pickup hinge will not fit into the track cutout.) Key dimensions for the Xrhp rigging hinges and the enclosure are presented in Figures 4c and 5c.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems ring. When locked, the fitting will be immoveable in the track and the locking ring of the fitting may not be lifted. To remove the fitting, reverse the procedure. ALWAYS CHECK TO MAKE SURE THAT THE DOUBLE-STUD FITTING IS SECURELY LOCKED INTO THE TRACK, AND THAT THE SAFETY PIN IS EXTENDED OVER THE LOCKING RING BEFORE LIFTING ANY LOUDSPEAKER ENCLOSURE OVERHEAD. 1.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems FIGURE 8 - ATM FLYWARE MEGS 4000-T X-ARRAY-COMPATIBLE GRID 2. X-ARRAY™ FLYING TECHNIQUES The X-Array™ rear-hinge/front-strap flying system makes constructing vertical arrays easy, predictable and repeatable. The enclosures utilize rigging hinges that allow them to pivot at their rear corners. The relative vertical angles, from one enclosure to another, are set by the position of the front rigging straps.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems badge is right side up, maintaining a consistent appearance. In addition the high-frequency horn may be rotated, offering the choice of a 60°H x 40°V pattern or a 40°H x 60°V pattern. All of the half-size X-Array™ models – the Xcn, and Xcb – also have identical dimensions and appearance with grilles on, and have rigging that is identical to the full-size models.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems Angle = 7.2°- (Holes Showing) x 1.8°for the Xrss where negative (“-”) angles indicate downward angles and positive (“+”) angles indicate upward angles. For example, if the fittings of the short Xrss straps are inserted into track cutout #2 on both the upper and lower enclosures (position “2-2”), as shown in Figure 11b, the resulting angle between the enclosures is 7.2° - (4 x 1.8°) = 0° with a total of 4 holes showing.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems angles between enclosures also applies to the Xrss when determining angles between the top enclosure and the ATM grid: Angle = 7.2°- (Holes Showing) x 1.8°for the Xrss where negative (“-”) angles indicate downward angles and positive (“+”) angles indicate upward angles. For example, when the short Xrss straps are used between the ATM grid and the top enclosure for 0° relative angle between the two (position “0-4”), there are 4 holes showing as illustrated in Figure 12b.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems each piece of rigging hardware to determine how much total weight may be suspended. Distributing the majority of the weight of an array column to the rear is desirable because of the higher strength of the grid hinges and linking hinges.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems detailed discussion of the structural strength of the rigging hardware. Balancing the Grid: When using a grid, as shown in Figure 14, the pickup point on the grid (the hanger) must be positioned directly above the combined center of gravity for the entire column of enclosures so that the grid will be balanced and hang level.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems This configuration cannot be implemented with a grid like that shown in Figure 8 because the grid cannot be balanced. To attach a pull-up line to the bottom enclosure in an array column, a long Xrsl rigging strap (or other similar strap) may be attached to the two round cutouts in the rear rigging track as shown in Figure 18. A variety standard rigging hardware components (such as shackles, threaded chain connectors, carabiners, etc.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems cies call for a minimum safety factor of 5:1. When an X-Array™ loudspeaker system is installed where local regulations only require a safety factor of 5:1, Electro-Voice insists that the working-load limits of the X-Array™ components never be exceeded, resulting in a safety factor of 8:1 still being maintained for the Electro-Voice components. The user is cautioned that some local regulations may require safety factors higher than 8:1.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems immediately determine on site whether or not an array is safe without having to make weight-distribution calculations. The structural strength ratings of the individual rigging points and the overall X-Array™ enclosures are also presented below so that a complex structural analysis can be made for any array configuration. The reader should consult an experienced structural engineer to perform the complex structural analysis. The reader is directed to section 5.
SIMPLIFIED RIGGING-RATING GUIDELINES RIGGING INSTRUCTIONS TOTAL WEIGHT (LB) 1000 1400 1200 1600 200 400 600 800 REAR VIEW ±10° MAX TYP WORKING-LOAD LIMIT VERSUS ANGLE FOR EACH ENCLOSURE SIDE VIEW 15° MAX Xrhg OR Xrhp RIGGINGHINGE-ANGLE LIMITS FOR TOP ENCLOSURE 15° NOT ALLOWED 10° UP 5° 0° -70° -80° -90° 91 181 272 363 454 544 635 726 OPTIONAL PULL UP FIGURE 19 - SIMPLIFIED RIGGING-RATING GUIDELINES -10° -20° -30° -40° -50° -60° ABSOLUTE ENCLOSURE ANGLES DOWN HINGE LOCKING
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems +θ −θ θ θ θ +θ −θ θ 7. When using pull-up lines, never pull up enough to allow the chains to go slack on the rear Xrhg grid hinges or Xrhp pickup hinges. 8. When using a grid, always make sure that the grid is balanced and hangs level ±5°. 9. Only use New Haven NH32102-2 doublestud swivel-ring fittings on the Xrss rigging straps, Xrsl rigging straps or any custom rigging straps. 10.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems mathematical calculations. All of these forces must then be compared to the working-load limits detailed below for each of the rigging points and the overall enclosures. The reader should consult an experienced structural engineer to perform the complex structural analysis. WHEN SUSPENDING ANY X-ARRAY™ LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM OVERHEAD, THE WORKING-LOAD LIMITS MUST NEVER BE EXCEEDED FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL RIGGING POINT, AND THE OVERALL ENCLOSURE.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems pull. The Xrss short wire-rope rigging strap, Xrsl long wire-rope rigging strap and New Haven NH32102-2 fitting have identical structuralstrength ratings as shown in Figure 21. The ratings vary with both the side-to-side and frontto-back angles and, therefore, are illustrated with two graphs. The rigging straps and/or fittings have a side-to-side range of 360°; however, the frontto-back range is only 270° because the enclosure prevents a full 360° rotation.
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems page 22
X-Array™ Loudspeaker Systems ging track when custom wire-rope rigging straps are required. The standard Xrss and Xrsl wirerope rigging straps use the NH32102-2 fitting. The Xrhp pickup hinge is typically recommended in applications where no grid is used, however, custom wire-rope assemblies using the NH321022 double-stud fitting may be substituted in light duty applications where the total weight suspended is 454 kg (1,000 lb) or less.
for grid assembly design. Never exceed the limitations or maximum recommended load for the grid assemblies. [4] ATM Fly-Ware™, Riggermeister Production Rigging Guide, ATM Fly-Ware™, Carson, CA, USA (1995). Chain Hoists: Prior to each use, inspect the chain hoist and associated hardware (including motor, if applicable) for any cracks, deformation. broken welds, corrosion, missing or damaged components which could reduce the hoist strength. Replace any damaged chain hoists.
assembly, place the spring on the pin, insert the pin into the hinge base and screw the knob on the pin. Check to make sure the spring is under tension, then screw the locking nut on the end of the pin until it is tight against the knob. For repair, use the following kit: Hinge Knob/Locking-Pin Repair Kit: 84982 Electro-Voice, 600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA, 616-695-6831 B.
600 Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI 49107 Phone: 616/695-6831, Fax: 616/695-1304, www.electrovoice.com X-ARRAY-Flying Manual ©Telex Communications, Inc., 1998 • Litho in U.S.A.
