User manual ELECTRO-VOICE XARRAY FLY

[. . . ] X-ARRAYTM CONCERT SYSTEMS Flying Manual and Structural Ratings X-ArrayTM 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-ArrayTM loudspeaker systems. It is intended to familiarize the reader with standard rigging hardware and techniques for suspending X-ArrayTM loudspeaker systems overhead. Only persons with the knowledge of proper hardware and safe rigging techniques should attempt to suspend any sound systems overhead. Prior to suspending any Electro-Voice X-ArrayTM loudspeaker systems overhead, it is essential that the user be familiar with the strength ratings, rigging techniques and special safety considerations outlined in this manual. [. . . ] An Xrss rigging strap is attached at position 1-5 between the ATM grid and the top enclosure, resulting in a relative angle between the grid and enclosure of -3. 6°. (See the sections immediately above for how to calculate the relative angles based on the rigging strap attachment locations. ) Since the grid is level at 0°, the absolute angle of top enclosure is -3. 6° (pointing down). Moving down the array, an Xrsl rigging strap is attached in position 1-2 between the first and second enclosures, resulting in a relative angle of -5. 4° between the two. In other words, the second enclosure is angled down 5. 4° more than the top enclosure, making the absolute angle of the second enclosure -3. 6° -5. 4° = -9. 0°. Finally, an Xrsl rigging strap is attached at position 2-2 between the second and third enclosure, resulting in a relative angle of -7. 2° between the two. In other words, the third enclosure is angled down 7. 2° more than the second enclosure, making the absolute angle of the third enclosure -3. 6° -5. 4°-7. 2° = -16. 2°. Thus, the absolute vertical angle of any enclosure in an array, is the sum of all of the relative angles of the enclosures above. 2. 3 Adjusting Horizontal Angles When using the ATM Fly-WareTM MEGS-4000-T grid, the horizontal shape (the splay angles between array columns) of a loudspeaker array is POSITION 1 - 5 (-3. 6°) Xrss -3. 6° POSITION 1 - 2 (-5. 4°) Xrsl -9. 0° POSITION 2 - 2 (-7. 2°) Xrsl -16. 2° FIGURE 13 - THE RELATIVE ENCLOSURE ANGLES ADD IN A COLUMN page 12 X-ArrayTM 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. If the total weight of a column of loudspeakers is 454 kg (1, 000 lb) or less, the user typically need not be concerned about the weight distribution front to back because the front rigging straps would be capable of supporting the entire weight of the column while maintaining a safety factor in excess of 8:1. If the total weight of a column of loudspeakers is greater than 454 kg (1, 000 lb) ­ but less than the 726-kg (1, 600-lb) maximum ­ the user must be concerned about the weight distribution front to back to ensure that a safety factor of 8:1 is maintained in the front rigging straps. Typically, the most common array configurations used in touring and permanent-installation applications, do distribute the majority of the weight of an array column to the rear. Some common shapes of array columns are shown in Figure 14. The center of gravity of array columns, such as the one shown in Figure 14a, in which there are no enclosures angled upward and there are no pull ups, is located towards the rear of the column. The weight distribution of these types of arrays is always towards the rear of the enclosures throughout the column, resulting in the majority of the load being supported by the stronger rigging hinges than the less-strong rigging straps. In these cases, the user need not have any concern for the weight distribution other than to balance a grid. The center of gravity for array columns, such as the one shown in Figure 14b, in which the top two enclosures are angled upward, is located more towards the front for the top enclosure. This shifts much of the load from the stronger rear hinges to the less-strong rigging straps. In these cases the user must be concerned about the weight distribution front to back to ensure that too much load is not applied to the front straps. As mention before, the user need only be concerned if the total weight of a column of loudspeakers is greater than 454 kg (1, 000 lb). Electro-Voice recommends that no more than the top two X-ArrayTM enclosures in a column be angled upwards, and that the upward angle is no greater than 15° to ensure that a safety factor of 8:1 is maintained in the front rigging straps. The reader should note that the rating examples given above are valid for when the rigging hinges and straps are loaded at nearly 0° vertically. [. . . ] To install a new page 24 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. X-ARRAYTM RIGGING ACCESSORIES The following rigging accessories are available for X-ArrayTM loudspeaker systems from ElectroVoice and other manufacturers: Grid: This ATM Fly-WareTM "T" shaped, all-steelconstruction grid was specifically designed a single column of X-ArrayTM systems. [. . . ]