Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Turning on an amp rack remotely

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Posted by James Crowley (Member # 7299) on 01-29-2013, 07:35 AM:

How would you go about turning on an amp rack remotely? Just looking for some ideas. I have seen the IMAX system come on automatically but how would you apply that to a standard sound rack that had been previously for 35mm.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 01-29-2013, 07:53 AM:

How remote? You could use a bunch of relays (or, better, a power sequencer with a remote switch) if you just want to have a pushbutton for it somewhere else in the building. If you want to be able to do it over the Internet or something, you could get network-enabled PDUs (power distribution units) of the type that are used for data center operations (APC and others make them).

Or you could just leave everything powered up at all times. There have been discussions here in the past of the relative merits of power-cycling sound equipment vs. leaving everything powered up 24/7.

I know of one theatre that has its sound system on a timer (using a standard Intermatic industrial timer switch) so that, with an auto-play CD player and correctly set time, the non-sync music will start an hour before the first show of the day, even though the projectionist does not typically arrive until a half-hour before showtime.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 01-30-2013, 07:39 AM:

Yep, a power sequencer is probably the easiest way to do it. It will also make sure that simultaneous power-on of all amps will not blow the fuses.

You could either hard-wire a power-sequencer to your booth, or use something more elaborate, like a network-operated switch.

One example is the Furman PS-8R/E II - it does have a flexible remote option.

Of course, on critical devices like this, you always need a fall-back option, by-pass-switch, etc. You don't want to rewire your amp-rack 5 minutes before a show.

- Carsten

Posted by James Crowley (Member # 7299) on 01-30-2013, 04:44 PM:

Thanks for those suggestions. I'd like to be able to build it into a TMS macro so the "power up amp rack" was in an opening playlist for the day. Of course I haven't yet figured a way of powering a projector (NEC in my case) up from stand by remotely. I know that couldn't be a playlist because the server would be in a disconnect state. So I am still looking at a member of management visiting the projection room first thing. They don't have access to DCC or the projector web access from their PCs so that's not a possible option.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 01-30-2013, 05:19 PM:

If you want it network controled, you should probably choose one of the APC Switched PDUs Scott mentioned.

e.g. http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=AP7900

Of course you could wire the Furman PS' remote switch to a server/automation GPO, but the APC PDU then offers more for roughly the same price.

If it is network controlled, I'm sure you can issue a start command from the TMS software/desk directly, you don't have to wait for the server playlist to be active.

Servers can have GPIO makros issued without a playlist being loaded, but I think this is of no use for you, they have to be boot-up or cron issued, I don't see how this could help you.

- Carsten

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 01-30-2013, 07:19 PM:

Of course, YOU would need the 230V version, e.g. http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=AP7920 ;-)

- Carsten