Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Passing of Tony Lautenbach

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Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 07-19-2005, 09:46 AM:

I learned Monday of the passing of Tony Lautenbach, general manager of Ash-Stevenson, formerly of Stanley Ash Theatrical Decorators. Service will be held on Thursday and details can be provided by Alex Stephenson at 416-321-1412.

Tony started his theatre career with Strand Lighting in the 1960's. He became shop manager with Stanley Ash Theatrical Decorators about 1972, and stayed with the firm for 33 years, through its merger and change to Ash-Stephenson Inc, until his recent strokes.

A self-taught rigger, electronics and computer technician, and lighting designer, Tony developed most of the products for the firm, such as the TEC8112 cinema dimmers and the DimPac theatrical dimmers, managed the quotes department, and did much of the purchasing and system documentation. Those of us who knew him well were impressed with his knowledge. I worked with Tony as a supplier of drapes, pipe grids and dimmers for 31 years so I think I knew his as well as almost any of his industry contacts.

He was no doubt a genious in many things, from ham radio, electronics design and repair, to computer programs, and CAD drafting, taking on projects well beyond many of us. He was a consumate entrepreneur, even when he was working as an employee.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 07-19-2005, 01:47 PM:

Sorry to hear of this passing, for these TEC-8112's are great dimmers.

Yet, I have to ask for a little help on the particular dimmer: I have a 8112 that "strobes" during light down and light up and remains steady at full light. Do I have a triac acting up?

thx-monte

Posted by Rick Long Jr (Member # 541) on 07-19-2005, 02:23 PM:

Sorry to hear of Tony's passing. My condolences to his family and friends.

Monte, have you tried swapping the control card to see if the problem travels? My experience with triacs is either they work, or they're shorted! (Usually due to some dumb-ass changing bulbs with the thing on.)

Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 07-19-2005, 04:01 PM:

I am also sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He was indeed one of the truly professional people I had the pleasure of dealing with. He will be missed.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 07-19-2005, 04:12 PM:

Monte try reversing the two power leads on the triac as if they are backwards and with some card vintages you will have odd effects or it will plain not work
If not that and it is the later ones with the optocoupler replace the opto