Motion control system goes on tour with Orbital

Micromech Systems has upgraded a motion control system for Orbital, the electronic music band, originally designed in 1999 for a gruelling world tour

In 1999, Micromech Systems Ltd was asked to design a motion control system for Orbital the electronic music band.

The system originally consisted of 12 white screens onto which sophisticated video images were projected.

During the performance, the screens were rotated in complex sequences to achieve a new, exciting visual effect.

The system has held up remarkably well, having been on a gruelling UK and World tour, something of a tribute to the build quality of the components and the overall system design.

Two years later and Orbital were about to start a new promotional tour for their new album 'The Altogether' and contacted Micromech to upgrade the system with increased axis, new mechanical 'radar' dishes, and bespoke software.

The lessons learnt from the original design were that weight was a major consideration, motor cables needed to be more flexible and a modern approach was needed to the system software.

From the outset, these points were taken onboard and solutions found.

Much of the original hardware was used but in addition two sets of larger stepper motors were required, plus extra stepper drives and gearboxes for the new larger radar dishes.

Under an extremely tight deadline of only 4 weeks Micromech Systems came up with a modern drag and drop approach for creating motion sequences.

The design used an Icon based system that allowed the user to build sequences without having to learn a motion control language.

Micromech Systems Engineer Jason Clark explained "I wanted the software to allow the operator more creativity for the display and just because say three axis were already in motion should not preclude other screens performing different sequences.

The set designer also requested we built in the facility to 'save' complete stage sets of sequences, this was integrated into the software and has proven to speed up the set-up time of the system".

Jason added " I am extremely pleased with the outcome of our software, and the resultant live effects on stage is stunning." The system was also designed to allow remote operation of the system using a second computer and an Ethernet cable.

This enables the operator to control the system with a PC from a distance of upto 100 meters from the stage.

Testing was initially carried out in the Micromech workshop, with all 12 axes being put through their paces but without the large white panels attached.

Once thoroughly tested and with time ticking away the system was transferred to Elstree Studios for the tour rehearsals.

Micromech staff was on hand to ensure minor modifications were quickly implemented and the tight time scale was met.

'Orbital' was pleased, the audiences enjoyed the music, the stage set was wonderful and Micromech staff had a great night out!.

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