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Set moves smoothly via wireless motion control

A Parker Bayside product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 3, 2002

A novel wireless motion control system that permits seamless set changes for television and stage productions has been introduced by Visual ACT of Stockholm.

A novel wireless motion control system that permits seamless set changes for television and stage productions has been introduced by Visual ACT of Stockholm.

The remotely controlled system can be employed for both compact floor-travelling trucks and for lifting winches and has been employed successfully for the "Eurovision Song Contest" 2000 and 2002 and the Stockholm production of "Chess".

In addition to the elimination of all cable connections between the control console and the motive unit, compactness is all-important for the radio-controlled trucks and winches, minimising visibility and weight.

A low profile is particularly important for the miniature "low-loaders", which have a maximum height of just 185mm and can provide both programmed choreographed, omnidirectional travel or run along recessed trackways.

The remotely controlled units are based upon a totally integrated package comprising the driving wheels, a AC servomotor, 120V DC battery power supply and a specially engineered servo drive with CAN open interface.

According to Niklas Philipson of Visual ACT: "The servo drive, from Bayside Motion Group, is ideal for this application.

It is very compact, only palm sized, is compatible with sine/cos encoder feedback and has CAN open bus capability that offers opportunities for developing our remote control systems.

Customised features of the drive include separation of the normally integral control panel with LCD display and input buttons, and an extended 50-pole flat cable that permits interface with the encoder and CAN bus".

Philipson emphasised the importance of encoder feedback for safety reasons, enabling operators to always know exactly the position of set components as scenes are changed, particularly while cast are still on stage.

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