If your facility has upgraded to LED stage lighting, you already know the challenge: traditional dimming systems weren't designed to deliver the constant power that LED fixtures and drivers require. Running LEDs through an unmodified dimmer can shorten the life of your fixtures and cause performance issues on stage.

Knight Sound and Lighting now carries the solution: JSI Manufacturing Non-Dim/Relay Conversion Kits for the full iSeries and iSeries e dimmer family — including the iSeries Quad and iSeries e Quad dimmer lines.

What Are iSeries Non-Dim/Relay Conversion Kits?

These conversion kits transform your existing iSeries or iSeries e dimmer modules into non-dim/relay modules allowing you to deliver constant power to your LED fixtures while still maintaining full DMX control for on/off switching.

This means:

• ✅ No more LED flicker or incompatibility from dimmer-sourced power
• ✅ Extended life for your LED drivers and fixtures by eliminating voltage fluctuations
• ✅ Full DMX on/off control without needing a separate constant power module
• ✅ Cost-effective upgrade repurpose your existing dimmers instead of replacing them

Who Needs This Conversion?

This kit is ideal for:

• Schools, universities, and performing arts centers that have transitioned from tungsten/halogen/incandesent to LED stage lighting
• Houses of worship upgrading to LED wash and ellipsoidal fixtures
• Theatres and event venues looking to maximize the lifespan of their LED investments
• Any facility running iSeries or iSeries e dimmers that now powers LED loads

Two Kit Options Available

• Colortran iSeries Dual or Colortran ISeries Quad Dimmer Conversion Kit — Shop Now
• Colortran iSeries e Dual or Colortran I Series e Quad Dimmer Conversion Kit — Shop Now

Installation Options: DIY or Let Us Do It

Knight Sound and Lighting offers two ways to get converted:

1. Purchase the kit directly — if you're comfortable with the installation, order the conversion kit and do it yourself.
2. Free professional conversion — Not confident in the install? Ship us your existing dimmers and we'll handle the conversion at no labor charge. (Customer is responsible for shipping to and from our repair facility.)

Have Questions? Talk to a Real Expert — Free.

Our technical support team is available to answer any questions about compatibility, installation, or ordering.

Call us free: (866) 457-5937

For decades, lighting control systems have played a crucial role in schools, churches, and theatres. These systems bring life to performances, enhance worship services, and set the stage for learning environments. However, as many of these systems surpass 30 years of use, finding reliable support for repairs and upgrades can be a challenge. That’s where we come in.

Experts in Legacy Systems

We specialize in maintaining and repairing older lighting control systems, including models like Colortran ENR, Colortran i Series and i Series E, Strand A21 or C21, Strand CD80-SV and CD80-AE, EDI, Leviton A2000, and NSI.* While other companies have moved away from these legacy systems, we’ve leaned in—offering unique technical expertise and maintaining a stock of older parts that are often difficult to find elsewhere. Our experience is backed by decades of field work coupled with factory-certified training for each technician.

*Don't see your system listed? Email us at info@goknight.com - we work on too many systems to list them all here!

Why Repair or Retrofit?

For many facilities, the cost of installing a brand-new lighting control system is simply out of reach. A new system can be 100 times more expensive than a repair and 10 times more expensive than a retrofit. That’s why we offer tailored solutions for repair or retrofit of existing systems, allowing each organization to make the most its available resources.

Modernizing for Today’s Needs

One of the biggest challenges with older systems is their incompatibility with modern LED lighting. We’ve developed solutions to bridge the gap, ensuring that your legacy system can control LEDs effectively—saving energy and reducing costs while maintaining compatibility with your current setup.

The Importance of Support

Lighting control systems do more than turn lights on and off. They manage critical fixtures that enhance the experience of everyone in the room, whether it’s illuminating a sacred space, spotlighting a performer, or creating the right ambiance for a learning environment. Our commitment is to keep these systems running smoothly so they can continue serving their purpose for years to come.

How We Can Help

• Repairs: From diagnosing issues to sourcing rare parts, we ensure your system operates like new.
• Retrofits: Modernize your system without the high cost of a full replacement.
• LED Integration: Update your lighting while retaining your trusted control system.

Let’s Keep the Lights On

We understand how important these systems are to your mission, and we’re here to provide the expertise you need to keep them running. Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or looking for a complete retrofit, we’re ready to help.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your legacy lighting control system. Toll-free at 866-457-5937 or info@goknight.com. Let's Keep the Lights On!

If you own a Colortran I Series E dimming system, you might be aware that Leviton, the brand's owner, has stopped all repairs and support as of January 2024. But don't worry—there’s a solution!

Knight Sound & Lighting, Inc. has teamed up with Johnson Systems to create the i96e-3000+, a state-of-the-art retrofit module that brings new life to your aging dimming system without the need for a costly replacement.

Why Choose the i96e-3000+ Retrofit?

Cost-Effective: Replacing your entire dimming rack can be expensive and disruptive. The i96e-3000+ retrofit is a more affordable option that involves simply installing the new module and possibly upgrading your wall stations.

Easy Installation: The retrofit is designed to be installed quickly, often without the need for a licensed electrical contractor. This makes it a perfect choice for schools, houses of worship, and theaters on a budget.

Sustainable Solution: Instead of discarding your old equipment, you can repair or refurbish components, reducing waste and promoting recycling.

What Does the i96e-3000+ Offer?

• Modern Compatibility: The i96e-3000+ features a digital interface that works with today’s lighting communication protocols.
• User-Friendly Design: It has an intuitive LCD user interface and a modular design that makes it easy to install and service.
• High Performance: Enjoy fast, high-resolution dimming with 96 digital outputs and dual DMX512 inputs.
• Future-Ready: The retrofit includes a USB-C port for easy firmware updates and is compatible with existing Colortran wiring.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in upgrading your dimming system, please reach out to us! To help us assist you better, please provide the following information:

• Your site name and address
• Your contact details
• Photos of your current dimmer rack (both with the door open and closed)
• A close-up photo of the control module
• Photos of all wall stations
• Any additional equipment related to your system (like converters or splitters)

Once we receive your information, our team will review it and provide you with a quote.

Why Choose Knight Sound & Lighting, Inc.?

For over 30 years, we’ve been the trusted service provider for Colortran systems. Our technicians are experts in both Colortran and Johnson Systems retrofits, ensuring you receive top-notch service.

Ready to learn more? Contact us via email or fill out the Retrofit Form.

You MUST replace all of the wall control stations at the same time.

LIGHTRONICS WALL STATION, REQUIRES A MASTER & REMOTE STATION(S) WHEN USED WITH DMX CAPABLE DIMMERS OR LIGHTS

A great option for replacing NSI 400/800 CP stations is the Lightronics Control System, which could use a 4-conductor digital control wire. The Lightronics control stations fit into standard 1-7 gang back boxes.

The Lightronics Control System is capable of controlling up to 512 dimmers or a full universe of DMX.

The Lightronics Control System would have one (1) Lightronics Master Control Station that would do three things:

A) Take in DMX from a Desktop Lighting Console for DMX snapshot of dimmer values to scenes on the master station (passing through the DMX to the dimmer rack).

The Master Station then shares its scenes with the Lightronics Remote Control Stations.

B) Take in/out the communication to the Lightronics Remote Control Stations.

C) Output DMX to the DMX Controllable Dimmers and/or lights in the system.

The Lightronics Remote Control Stations will activate the scenes on the Lightronics Master Control Station.

The Lightronics System will allow you to have as many control stations as needed (within power supply limit), all working together on the same system.

For example, you might have one Lightronics Master Control Station and five Lightronics Remote Control Stations.

MASTER CONTROL STATION - JUST ONE IN A SYSTEM - NEXT TO DIMMER RACK

The Lightronics Control System would have one (1) Master Control Station (typically).

Here are the options for a Lightronics Master Control Station (choose just one):

1) Lightronics SR517W Master Control Station (11 Buttons, Wall Mount, 2-gang) 

2) Lightronics SR517D Master Control Station (11 Buttons, Portable Desktop) 

3) Lightronics SC910W Master Control Station (10 Sliders, 11 Buttons, Wall Mount, 5-gang)

4) Lightronics SC910D Master Control Station (10 Sliders, 11 Buttons, Portable Desktop)

The manual for the Lightronics SR516(7)W/D can be found at the following link: https://www.lightronics.com/manuals/sr517m.pdf

The manual for the Lightronics SC910W/D can be found at the following link: https://www.lightronics.com/manuals/sc910m.pdf

**All of the Control Stations on the same control wiring MUST be replaced at the same time.**

You cannot leave some of the control stations as one manufacturer and then have other control stations as another manufacturer. This will not work.

REMOTE STATIONS - ALL BUT ONE MASTER CONTROL STATION

The Lightronics Control System would then have as many Lightronics Remote Stations as you want (within the limit of the power supply, can add more power supplies).

The Lightronics Remote Control Stations would connect to the Master Lightronics Control Station through a 4-wire digital control cable (such as the existing Lumanet I control wiring).

You could purchase any of the following Lightronics Control Stations as Remote Stations:

1) Lightronics AF2104 (4 Faders) Architectural Remote Station (2-gang) 

2) Lightronics AK1002 (2 Buttons) Architectural Remote Station (1-gang)

3) Lightronics AK1003 (3 Buttons) Architectural Remote Station (1-gang)

4) Lightronics AK1005 (5 Buttons) Architectural Remote Station (1-gang)

5) Lightronics AC1109 (9 Buttons) Architectural Remote Station (1-gang)

6) Lightronics AC2116 (17 Buttons) Architectural Remote Station (2-gang)

7) Lightronics AF5113 (13 Faders) Architectural Remote Station (5-gang)

8) Lightronics AF3107 (7 Faders) Architectural Remote Station (3-gang)

9) Lightronics AI1001-Architectural Infrared Remote Station (13 scenes) (1-gang)

10) Lightronics AI1001-Port01-Architectural Infrared Remote (with optional Port01) (13 scenes) (1-gang)

11) Lightronics AX0009-8 Scene Remote Interface (8 scenes, hardwired contact closures) 

The Lightronics Remote Control Stations can use the existing Lumanet I wiring that is either going directly to the dimmer racks or a Leviton NSI IF501, assuming the cable is daisy chained and is the correct cable.

If the Lightronics Remote Control Stations are 2 gang, then they just use the existing back box.

If the Lightronics Remote Control Stations are 1 gang, then you can use a reducer ring, such as the Johnson Systems PA-2A1 2 Gang to 1 Gang Adapter Plate.

LIGHTRONICS CONTROL STATIONS CAN USE 12-16VDC POWER SUPPLY

You can use the existing power supply for the NSI 400 or 800 CP Control Stations to power the new Lightronics Control Stations.

OR

You can use the Lightronics Power Supply.

LIGHTRONICS REMOTE CONTROL STATION WIRING TO THE LIGHTRONICS MASTER CONTROL STATION

You will need to lift the existing Lumanet I control wiring off of the dimmer racks and move to the Lightronics Master Station's Remote Wiring location.

The Lumanet I wiring would connect to the Remote Input Port on the Master Control Station.

Here is the manual for the Leviton NSI 2408 Dimmer Pack (typical dimmer): https://goknight.com/leviton-nsi-cd2408-manual/

If you go to page 6 of 10 on the manual, you will see the Power Supply I/O Card.

With existing Lumanet wiring, the control wires will be on Rem+, Rem-, +15v, and Common. The control wire should be a 4-conductor with a shield.

1) Lumanet I REM+ from the Dimmer Rack is lifted and goes to REM+ on the Lightronics Master Station.

2) Lumanet I REM- from the Dimmer Rack is lifted and goes to REM- on the Lightronics Master Station.

3) Lumanet I DC Common gets extended from the dimmer rack to the DC Common on the Lightronics Master Station.

4) Lumanet I +15vdc gets extended from the dimmer rack to the +12v on the Lightronics Master Station.

The manual for the Lightronics SR516(7)W/D can be found at the following link: https://www.lightronics.com/manuals/sr517m.pdf

The manual for the Lightronics SC910W/D can be found at the following link: https://www.lightronics.com/manuals/sc910m.pdf

On page 4 is a wiring diagram between the Master Station and the DMX (out) going to the NSI 2408CD Dimmer Pack, lower left-hand corner of the page.

On page 5 is a wiring diagram between the Master and Remote Station with the 4-conductor wiring (already have that wiring).

**All of the Control Stations on the same control wiring MUST be replaced at the same time.**

You cannot leave some of the control stations as one manufacturer and other control stations as another manufacturer. This will not work.

LIGHTRONICS DMX INPUT WIRING TO MASTER CONTROL STATION

You will want to route the DMX from your Desktop Lighting Console to go into the DMX input on the Lightronics Master Control Station.

This will allow you to use your DMX capable Desktop Lighting Console to program the scenes on the Lightronics Master Control Station.

We can provide options for cost effective Desktop Lighting Consoles. This is the easiest way to program a Lightronics Master Control Station.

LIGHTRONICS DMX OUTPUT WIRING FROM MASTER CONTROL STATION TO DMX CAPABLE DIMMERS/LIGHTS

You will want to route DMX from the Lightronics Master Control Station to the DMX capable dimmers and/or lights.

This will then allow both the DMX Capable Lighting Console and the Lightronics Master Control Station to control the same dimmers and/or lights.

The Lightronics Remote Control Stations will route their scenes through the Lightronics Master Control Station and to the dimmers and/or lights.

LIGHTRONICS SIMPLE CONTACT INTERFACE - MASTER STATION INPUT

The Lightronics Master Control Station also has simple contact inputs 1-3 that allow any dry contact switch to operate scenes 1-3.

This is a very simple control system and does NOT have a digital control signal, but rather has an analog control signal.

You will just need 2 wires to trigger each scene. So that if you have a control station with 3 dry contact buttons, you would need 4 wires (common and 3 scenes). The 3 three dry contacts trigger the 3 scenes on the Master Control Station. Each dry contact input will need 1 wire, which would be 3 wires for 3 dry contact inputs. Then you can run either 3 separate common wires, one for each dry contact input or you can run a “shared” common wire. This means that you could have a total of 4 or 6 wires, depending upon a shared common wire or a separate common wire for each dry contact input. This can be confusing, so that, if you want to use the dry contact inputs, please contact us for additional assistance.

1) Lightronics APP01 Architectural Simple Remote Station (1-gang)

Please feel free to reach out to us for additional information about replacing your NSI Lumanet Stations with the Lightronics Unity control system.

Astera started their journey in 2007. Since then, they have been specializing in wireless LED lighting technologies. Astera is both owned and run by German engineers and product designers who strive for excellence. The fields of entertainment that Astera’s products are primarily used in television, video, and special events of all types including concerts. Astera’s mission is to develop “straightforward to use and sustainable tools to enhance creativity.”

A great example of a product that is both straightforward to use and enhances creativity would be the NYX Bulb. The NYX Bulb is the first color-tunable LED bulb for professional film and event productions. The NYX Bulb can be screwed into and powered by a lamp socket just like any other LED light bulb. Where Astera sets themselves apart with this product as well as many others is how easily the light can be controlled through a wireless Astera DMX controller or Astera’s app.

In 2018 Astera made the decision to enter into the film industry with their release of the Titan Tube. The Titan Tube emits not only tunable white light but also colored light which can be applied to different pixels in the tube. Not long after the Titan Tube was released many people started to see both the ease of use and the never-ending options of how the Titan Tube could be applied. This led to the Titan Tube becoming a staple in the film industry and also winning numerous awards such as the 2021 Pro Moviemaker ‘Gear of The Year’ in the innovation category.

Astera has continued to both grow and develop innovative products throughout the years. In 2019 Astera made the decision to move into a factory in Shenzhen in addition to their two other offices in Munich and Hong Kong to keep up with the increasing demand for their products. Astera has been a true trailblazer in the lighting industry and it is great to see them continuing to grow while also providing innovative products of excellent quality.

Astera’s products can be found at www.goknight.com. If you have questions on any of Astera’s products our technical support staff and customer service team are available to help via chat or phone. For free, insightful technical phone support please call 866-457-5937 or chat with us at www.goknight.com. Knight Sound & Lighting is the best source for commercial lighting control, theatrical lighting, and professional sound products. We pride ourselves in great customer service and excellent technical support. 

This has some of our customers asking “should I worry about the new ban?”

The short answer is “probably not.”

Inefficient lamps that pull only 45 lumens per watt (or less) are the target of the new ban.

Some examples of the inefficient lamps being banned are:

• A19 lamps (like the traditional lightbulb you screw into your lamps or fixtures at home)
• PAR30 lamps (smaller-sized par lamps used as small flood lights around homes or businesses)
• Décor lamps (lamps that look like candle flames or chandelier-style lamps)

For most of our clients (theatres, house of worship, schools, universities, convention centers, arenas), these types of lamps are not widely-utilized and, therefore, the ban is not a point of concern.

The ban will mostly target lamps used for residential lighting. Don’t worry – if you have a closet-full of these newly-banned lamps, you can still use them (they just have to be purchased before August 2023).

Most retail stores like Target, Walmart, Home Depot and Lowe’s carry plenty of LED options that will work in place of the newly banned lamps. They’re a little more costly, but will also last longer and lower your energy bill.

Don’t love LED’s? Here are some tips to make them more palatable:

• If you are dimming your LEDs, make sure to visit the manufacturer’s website. Not every LED dims smoothly with every dimmer. Most residential dimming manufacturers like Leviton and Lutron will have a cross-reference on the best LEDs to use with their residential dimmers.
• An LED’s color-temperature can be toned down with LED corrective gel sheets. For example, if your light is too “blue-white” and you’d like it to be more “warm-yellow,” you can use a Lee 806 to warm-up the color.

The Department of Energy estimates that this new law will save each American family approximately $100 annually and $3 billion dollars collectively. Carbon emissions will be reduced by 222 million metric tons over 30 years.¹

If your organization needs help switching to LED, contact the friendly techsperts at Knight Sound & Lighting. Although we don’t work with residential lighting, we do specialize in retrofitting the lighting controls found in institutions like churches, theatres, schools and more – especially those systems tied to older “legacy” lighting control systems.

We also recommend checking out our Blog Library to learn more about choosing the right LED (color temperature, CRI and more!)

1.https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/11/2022-28072/energy-conservation-program-energy-conservation-standards-for-general-service-lamps#p-25

Let’s start by figuring out what everything is:

Receiver – this is usually a rectangular “box” that sits away from your performance area (usually near your sound board or other controls). It “receives” the signal from the transmitter and then sends it out to the sound system to be amplified and reproduced. The receiver will be geared to look for a specific signal that matches the transmitter. If the signal does not match, the receiver will not be able to find it.

Transmitter - this one’s a little tricky. For some wireless systems, the “transmitter” is a beltpack. The user plugs a microphone (usually a small microphone like a lavaliere or a microset) into the beltpack, but the pack itself (not the microphone) has all the electronics and is doing all the work to send the signal to the receiver. In other cases, a full-size handheld mic is the transmitter. This is because the handheld mic is big enough to house all of the electronics and a beltpack is not needed. Whatever type of transmitter is being used, it needs to send a signal out that “matches” what the receiver is looking to find.

KEY FACT: The frequency of the transmitter MUST match the frequency of the receiver.

Microphones – There is some leeway with microphones that plug into a beltpack transmitter. Most wireless manufacturer’s have proprietary connectors (So a Shure connector is different than an Audio-Technica connector). You can, however, use a Shure beltpack style microphone with an Audio-Technica beltpack as long as you have the correct connector style or an adapter (and vice versa). (Note: This is NOT the case with handheld microphone transmitters where the frequency has to match exactly.)

Antennae - A receiver will always come with some type of basic antenna that helps it to find and receive the signal from the transmitter. However, sometimes extra antennae may be needed. This is usually when there are multiple systems in place or when the distance from the transmitter to the receiver is longer than desired. Sometimes, antennae are used in “busy” locations where there may be signals from fire, police, other churches, or venues like a nearby local theatre. In other cases, antennae are used in locations where the audio signal traffic is “unknown.” This could be for touring speakers or performers who travel from location to location.

KEY FACT: Antennae can be critical to making sure your wireless system operates with minimal interference, but they are often overlooked. Most dealers (like Knight Sound & Lighting) or even the audio manufacturers themselves will gladly evaluate your wireless system plans to let you know if additional antennae are needed.

Frequency: The term “frequency” has been mentioned quite a bit. This describes the format (speed/size) of the radio waves that are sent from the wireless transmitter to the wireless receiver. Usually, they are grouped together in “bands.” Most wireless audio manufacturers will assign letter codes to their wireless frequency bands (I Band, D Band, K Band, H10 Band, J11, etc.) and these correspond with different frequency ranges.

KEY FACT: Some manufacturers have tools to help you find the best frequency for your area based on existing wireless systems (based on the type of wireless system and your zip code). Here is a good example: Shure Frequency Finder. They are easy to use and will help you to find the cleanest signal for your system.

Multiple Systems Together: Different wireless systems can have limits in terms of how many systems will work together at one time. Some wireless will not allow more than 2-4 systems to work in the same environment. Other models of wireless systems will work with over a dozen units. This is usually tied to the internal bandwidth and frequency agility allowed by each type of system. Added bandwidth and agility are amazing features, but usually come with a much higher price tag.

KEY FACT: It is important to determine how many wireless systems will be required to work together at one time. Buying a cost-effective system now may prevent you from expanding your system later. If you only need 1-2 wireless and you aren’t in a busy area or working with long distances, then the less-expensive systems can be a great option.

Replacement Parts: If you need a replacement part for your wireless system, the information above should be helpful! For example, if you lose or damage a beltpack for your system, you can usually get a replacement beltpack – just be sure that it matches the frequency of your receiver (if you need to find your receiver’s frequency, it is usually on the back or bottom of the receiver). Replacement microphones for beltpacks do not have to “match” any frequency, but they do have to use the right connector for the beltpack. Replacement handheld transmitters need to match the frequency of the receiver.

We’ve had many schools, churches, auditoriums, and theatres ask us about upgrading their aging incandescent lighting to energy-efficient LED lighting. This can be a daunting process, but Knight Sound and Lighting strives to make it as easy as possible for you to switch to a modern and easy to use system. In this post, I would like to walk you through the steps in the process, from when you first reach out, to many of the benefits you’ll see post-installation.

1. The Reach Out

The process begins with your team reaching out to us at Knight Sound and Lighting, whether it be by phone (866-457-5937), email or online request form. We will work with you to identify your facility type (school auditorium, church, community theatre etc.), your location, and your basic needs (that is, what you’re generally looking for in your lighting system upgrade).

2. The Site Examination

Once we have your basic information, our team will work with you to gather information about your existing lighting system (both the lighting controls and the fixtures). Depending on your facility’s location we could either visit the site in-person or request detailed photos. We usually need the following information to provide an accurate quote:

• -Dimmer pack or racks (or relay panels)
• -Wall control stations (architectural stations)
• -Lighting control console (theatrical console)
• -Any peripherals (converters, splitters, etc.)
• -Lighting fixtures

3. The Estimate

Armed with this information, our technician and our quotations team will generate an estimate for your lighting upgrade. Typically, this estimate will go through several revision phases as we work with you, your team, and any administration involved in the approval process. Depending on the system design, upgrades may sometimes be split into “phases” in order to meet budgetary requirements.

4. The Logistics Begin

Once all parties have come to an agreement, we will typically accept a deposit from your facility and begin the process of ordering all of your new equipment. Depending on supply chain status at the time of your order, the time for delivery of your equipment could range anywhere between a few weeks and several months.

After an estimated arrival date for all of your ordered gear has been established, we will work with your team to schedule a time for equipment delivery and installation.

5. The Installation

Depending on your budget and skill set, you may choose to install the new equipment with your team, or you may choose to have our trained technicians install your new lighting system.

If you are installing the new equipment with your team, we will provide you with recommendations on where and how to install each new piece of gear and connect it all together to form the new lighting system.

If Knight Sound and Lighting technicians will be installing your equipment, we will arrive at your facility on the scheduled dates, and will take care of installing, connecting, and programming your new lighting system. We will usually request as much uninterrupted access to the space as possible.

Depending on the size of your facility and the number and complexity of controls in your new lighting system, the installation stage could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

6. The Startup and Training

No matter whether your team or our technicians have installed your new lighting system, a Knight Sound and Lighting technician will come to your site to inspect, test, program, and provide training on your new lighting system.

The typical training session can last up to 8 hours in length, depending on the wants and needs of your team attending the session. All training sessions are performed by a Knight Sound and Lighting technician who is factory-certified for your specific system.

7. The Follow-up Support

While you may be all set immediately after our training session on your new system, we typically find that many of our clients need time to take in all of the information and really “play” with their new lights. Rest assured; we are happy to support you throughout your transition process. You can always reach our technicians via email or cell phone while you are learning about your new lighting system.

Additionally, if something happens to your new lighting system down the line, we will always be happy to help. Phone, email, and Zoom conference support is always free for the life of your system.

8. The Savings

Customers with newly installed systems have all come to enjoy the energy savings provided by LED fixtures. This can commonly be attributed to the fact that LED lighting has a lower power draw and puts out lower heat. There are other savings factors as well, including lower maintenance costs. You can learn more about the cost savings of LEDs at the following links:

• -Cost savings of LEDs over traditional light bulbs
• -Important issues to consider when upgrading to LED stage lighting

9. The Excitement

There is much more to LED’s than just cost savings! They tend to feel “brighter” even at the same wattage and color temperature. Many fixtures provide almost limitless options for color-mixing (no gel sheets required!). Certain system configurations allow for wireless and/or remote control. Tech-savvy customers will enjoy options like programming from a laptop (where the screen shows a map of the fixtures and stage layout) or utilizing app control from a phone or tablet. You will “wow” your audience with your system’s new capabilities (and will secretly be pleased by the ease of operation and control)!

In Closing

We would love to work with you on your theatrical lighting upgrade, from planning through execution. Our team will be happy to answer any additional questions that you have. To get the process started, please contact us at 866-457-5937 or info@goknight.com.

Will snow accumulate on the ground with an atmospheric snow machine? No, snow will not accumulate on the ground with an atmospheric snow machine. The snow is intended to create an “atmospheric effect” meaning that there will be snow flakes in the air. The snow will not however accumulate on the ground. These snow machines are not meant for any outdoor winter activities such as a snowball fight, sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, etc.

How much fluid do I need to run the snow machine?

• Each snow machine will have specifications that indicate the type of snow fluid to be used with that specific snow machine. Please make sure you use the correct fluid.
• You will then need to determine how long you want to run the snow machine and the output desired. For determining how long you want to run the machine, you will want to look at the “output” or the “fan speed adjustment”. For instance, if you run a machine at 100% capacity, then it will generate snow at 100% of capacity. If you run the machine at 50% capacity, then it will generally speaking create 50% of the snow as would 100% output thus doubling the amount of time that the fluid will last.
• Some machines also let you adjust the size of the snow, which can be determined as the “snow adjustment.”

As per the manufacturer, the Elation Crisp Max and the Elation Crisp will run for 30 minutes at 100% capacity or will run for 60 minutes at 50% capacity with 20 liters of snow. You can use the APS-2L (2 liters), APS-4L (4 liters), APS-20L (20 liters), ALS-1LC (20 liters via concentrate), or APS-4LC (80 liters via concentrate) with the Elation Crisp and Crisp Max.

The ADJ VF Snow Flurry Ho will consume 430ml/minute at 100% output. The ADJ VF Snow Flurry Ho uses the ADJ Snow Gal (1 gallon) of snow fluid. The are 3,785 milliliters in a gallon. This means that at 100% capacity 1 gallon of ADJ Snow Gal will run for 8.8 minutes and at 50% capacity will run for 17.6 minutes.

The ADJ VF Flurry will consume 200ml/minute at 100% output. The ADJ VF Flurry also utilizes the ADJ Snow Gal (1 gallon) of snow fluid. At 100% output, the ADJ VF Flurry will run for 18.9 minutes and at 50% output the ADJ VF Flurry will run for 37.85 minutes.

The ADJ Entour Snow will consume 500ml/minute at 100% output. The ADJ Entour Snow also utilizes the ADJ Snow Gal snow fluid. At 100% output, the ADJ Entour Snow will run for 7.5 minutes and at 50% output will run for 15 minutes.

The Chauvet SM250 uses the Chauvet DJ SJU snow machine fluid, which is a 3.8 Liter container. The Chauvet SM250 will consume 580ml/minute so at 100% capacity. The 3.8 liter SJU contains 3800 milliliters of fluid so will run for 6.5 minutes at 100% capacity and 13.1 minutes at 50% capacity.

How do I clean a snow machine?

Do not allow the snow machine to become clogged. After every 40 hours of continuous operation, use clean water through the system to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter in the pump. The recommended cleaning procedure is as follows. 

1. Unplug the product from power. 

2. Empty all snow fluid from the machine.

3. Add clean water to the tank. 

4. Connect the product to power and allow it to warm up. 

5. Run the unit in a well-ventilated area until the tank is almost empty. Do not allow the pump to run dry. 

6. Refill with snow fluid to continue using the snow machine. 

Run the machine briefly to clear any remaining water from the pump. Before storing the snow machine, run clean water through the system as described in the cleaning procedure above; however, only follow steps 1 through 5. Do not refill the tank with snow fluid if storing the snow machine. Cleaning the system prior to storage will help prevent any particles from condensing inside the pump while not in use. Do Not operate the machine without fluid at any time.

How high in the air will the snow project?

Please check the manufacturer’s specifications to see the snow height output and the snow distance output. Not all manufacturers will post this information. The Elation Crisp Max, Elation Crisp and ADJ Entour Snow have the best snow height output (32.8ft/10meters) and snow distance output (39.3ft/12 meters) of the snow machines discussed in this article.

Will the snow stain the carpet? Or create a slipping hazard?

The snow is a water-based fluid and should not stain carpeting. This being said, please test the machine in a small area first to make sure that you are okay with the results. The snow fluid, when it lands on the ground, will create some moisture which could generate a slipping hazard. The snow fluid does dissipate fairly quickly.

Will the snow coming out of the machine be cold?

No, the snow generated from the snow machines is not cold. The snow is generated from a water-based formula.

Can I use the snow machine outside?

Warning! To prevent or reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Also, most of these machines can be used up to a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, but please check your exact machine for temperature specifications.

Are the snow machines noisy?

The sound levels produced by each specific snow machine do vary. This being said most of the snow machines make a quiet noise akin to the sound of a hair dryer being used at a high setting.

Hopefully you have enjoyed this recap of atmospheric snow machines. Please feel free to visit us at Knight Sound & Lighting (www.goknight.com) to discuss your snow machine needs. We offer a full line of products for commercial lighting control, theatrical lighting, and pro sound. 

Aviom was founded in 2002 by experts in the musical instrument and pro audio fields and specializes in personal mixing products and tactile systems. Aviom personal mixers are the worldwide industry-standard for studio and stage. Aviom products can be used for live sound reinforcement, broadcast, recording studios, houses of worship, theaters, schools, cruise ships, and post-production facilities. Their mission is to “create innovative, technology-based products that address real-world needs of audio professionals and musicians working in a variety of environments.” All Aviom products are designed and manufactured in the USA. 

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One great example of a problem-solving product created by Aviom is The Boom System. The Boom System was designed to enhance the in-ear personal mixing experience. The vision behind this product is to allow in-ear monitor users to feel their music. The tactile transducer processor produces a bass feeling onto the stool/platform/bench in order to mimic the feeling of a live amp performance. This system adds realism to the mix without having to purchase bulky and expensive speaker cabinets. It also promotes long-term hearing health.

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From personal mixers to A-Net distributors, all Aviom products needed for personal mixing can be found at www.goknight.com. If any questions about the products arise, our excellent technical support staff and customer service team are available to help via chat or phone. For free, insightful technical phone support please call 866-457-5937 or chat with us at www.goknight.com. Knight Sound & Lighting is the best source for commercial lighting control, theatrical lighting, and professional sound products. We pride ourselves in great customer service and excellent technical support.