File puptcrit/puptcrit.1001, message 380


From: Fred Greenspan <greenspan-AT-earthlink.net>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:01:28 -0500
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Foot pedal flash?


Thanks for the in depth reply Joe. In between messages I determined  
that I have parts on hand to assemble a triggering cable with  
momentary button switch on one end and appropriate mini plug on the  
other. This would allow me to experiment with several of the flash  
units I have on hand. You might be right regarding the effects not  
matching what I get from the flashpots, but it's worth trying. I'm  
going to look at the LED link you included out of curiosity, although  
I probably need to stick to battery powered possibilities due to the  
nature of most of my venues. Thanks!

Fred

On Jan 21, 2010, at 8:43 PM, Joe Dunfee wrote:

> Are you certain that a single flash from a camera flash will be good
> enough?  While flash cotton is very fast for a flame, it is certainly
> longer lasting than a camera flash.  Flash cotton also makes a rising
> flame, so that it is visible above the base you inserted it into.  A
> strobe won't do that.
>
> It might be good to manually trigger a camera flash on stage to test
> it out before you build anything. Also, at least some of the flash
> circuits I have seen will continuously draw power from the battery,
> regardless of whether the capacitor is charged or not.
>
> You might consider purchasing an extremely bright LED, and simply
> wire it to the foot switch.  Then, by tapping your foot on the
> switch, you can trigger it.  This also gives you more control over
> the pulse duration and allows multiple flashes in rapid succession,
> such as for lighting.  The small size of the LED's make it easy to
> hide in set pieces.  Also, there is now a class of "High Flux" LED's
> used in household lighting. The individual LED is mounted on a 1" dia
> circuit board as a heat sink, and uses a separate reflector. One
> source for these extremely bright LED's is, www.superbrightleds.com
> their part No
> <http://www.superbrightleds.com/pdfs/XLamp7090XR-E.pdf>XRE7090WHTP3
> is one possibility.
>
> Alternatively, you  might use a small strobe light and set it to
> strobe very quickly. Then use a momentary switch rated for 120v to
> activate it.  However, test out the strobe you are considering first,
> because some strobes take a moment before they actually start  
> flashing.
>
> As for a foot switch, if you are using a keyboard pedal, it may not
> be rated for the voltages and current  you are going to need
> regardless of the  method.  I am uncertain what the initiator circuit
> for a camera flash will see in terms of voltage.  My electronics
> training is over 20 years old, but I seem to recall that they do
> actually see some high voltages.
>
> If you visit mcmaster.com, and do a search for "foot switch" a page
> will come up with many choices.  But, for puppeteers, a good
> momentary foot switch that handles 120v is their item 7717K13 for
> $20.  It comes with a wall plug at the end of the cord.  You simply
> plug the item to be switched into that same plug. They also have
> on/off toggle switches that puppeteers may find useful for other  
> things.
>
>
> Joe Dunfee  joe-AT-dunfee.com
> Gordonville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
>
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