User manual

Effects 27
Followspot mode
The MAC III Performance fixture software from version 1.6.0 features a followspot mode in which the fixture
ignores any pan, tilt, or pan and tilt commands sent via DMX or the control menu, releasing the head for use
as a followspot.
In followspot mode, the pan and/or tilt motors can be engaged or disengaged from the control menu as a
brake to pan, tilt, or both pan and tilt movement to prevent the head from moving when it is not being held in
place. in this case DMX or menu-based control over pan and tilt is still disabled (see “Personality – tailoring
performance” on page 16 and “Control panel menus” on page 55).
Followspot handles can be custom-made by the user to suit the user’s own preferences and requirements.
Followspot handles safety precautions
Warning! It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the followspot handles and any mounting
brackets are safe and that the fixture is kept in followspot mode at all times while handles are
installed to avoid collision between the followspot handles and the yoke.
Warning! Intermediate brackets for permanent mounting on the back of the MAC III Performance
head must be constructed so that they will not touch the yoke at any point in the head’s tilt range!
Warning! Screws used to fasten any item to the rear of the head may only be fastened into the holes
(arrowed in Figure 15) provided in the rear head cover. Do not attempt to fasten any item to the rear
of the head by any other method. Screws must not protrude more than 15 mm (0.6 inches) into the
rear head cover, or there is a danger that they may damage electrical insulation inside the head and
create a risk of serious or lethal electric shock for the operator.
Warning! Followspot handles must be thermally insulated so that it is impossible for the operator to
suffer discomfort or a burn injury.
Followspot handles use and construction
The MAC III Performance’s rear head cover is a magnesium alloy casting. Magnesium alloy is prone to
galvanic corrosion when steel screws are fastened into it and has a relatively low resistance to mechanical
wear on threads. Self-tapping screws fastened into magnesium alloy should be left there permanently.
If you are going to switch between using the MAC III Performance as a manually-controlled followspot and
as a DMX-controlled moving head from time to time, you will need to install and remove followspot handles.
In this case, we recommend that you fabricate two intermediate mounting brackets in a suitable material for
repeated installation and removal of screws, fasten the brackets permanently to the rear head cover, and
use these brackets as mounting points for the followspot handles.
If followspot handles are going to be installed permanently, there is no need for intermediate brackets.
The design of the brackets and followspot handles is left up to the user to match user requirements, but the
following points must be noted:
• Intermediate mounting brackets must be as light as possible in order to minimize the effect of their extra
weight on the balance of the head. It may be best to make them in aluminium.
• Four holes (arrowed in Figure 15) are provided in the fixture’s rear head cover for fastening followspot
handle mounting brackets.
• On most MAC III Profile fixtures manufactured before August 2009, the four holes are drilled but not
threaded. If you have reconfigured a MAC III Profile as a MAC III Performance, check these holes. If they
are not threaded, use M6 thread-forming screws (DIN 7500) to fasten mounting brackets. Torx head
screws are recommended because considerable force will be required to tighten the screws into the rear
cover. If the four holes are threaded, use regular M6 machine screws for attachment.