Lanta Orion Trico 7

File:Trico 7.jpg

One of the two Lanta Orion Trico 7's

These are YSTV's first foray into the exciting world of LED lighting. Being LEDs, they don't work in quite the same way as our other lanterns and are a little more fragile

Set up

Unlike for traditional tungsten lanterns, the power and data signals for the Trico's are separate. Power is provided through a normal IEC connector and can be supplied from pretty much anywhere - as long as it's 200 - 240VAC and constant supply. E.g, a normal 13A wall socket. Don't run them off a dimmer unless you want funny things to happen. The data (to tell it what to do) is supplied via DMX using 3-pin XLR connectors. Try not to plug the Trico into audio stuff unless you like large repair bills. Otherwise it works like the Par Cans - point it at the thing you want to light.

Usage

There are two ways of controlling the Trico's:

• Via DMX - requires running extra cables, usage of a lighting desk/DMX control software with dongle
• Via the buttons on the back - Fiddly and limited in what you can do, but doesn't require any extra hardware

Via DMX

If you've got the ability to run cables and the required hardware, this is the easiest way to control the Trico's. This is the primary way of controlling them in the studio. Follow the guide on the DMX page for how to wire up the DMX. To set the Trico's up for DMX, plug them into power and press the 'mode' button until the screen shows a 3-digit number. The 'up' and 'down' buttons are then used to set the address.

Via arse buttons

This is the way to set up the Trico's if you have limited time/cables/hardware. The mode button cycles through all the different modes. Unless there's reason to use different modes, the best way to use them will be with one LED in Dimming mode and the rest in Slave - the solid colour can then be set on one and everything else will match.

Programs

The screen will show "P01" or something similar. On "P01" different solid colours can be selected by pressing 'Setup' and cycling through CL0 - CL7. On "P02" - "P10" different programs are outputted. The manual describes each program and colour.

Auto Run

According to the manual, it "will auto run between built-in programs P02 - P10". Not worth using unless you really want random lighting. Screen shows "AUT".

Slave

This is almost similar to DMX, but not quite as versatile. For it to work, all the LEDs need to be connected together like in DMX, but don't connect a lighting control system. Then, put all the LEDs except the first one in the chain on slave mode. They will then all do what the first LED is doing. Useful if you want to run several LEDs on the same mode but don't want to put the mode on each one individually.

Sound Active

The LED does stuff in response to sound. Kinda useful if you want an impromptu Willow for some reason. Screen shows something like "SE0" - "SE9" with 0 being least sensitive and 9 being most.

Dimming

Probably the most useful of the modes, this allows a certain colour and brightness to be set on the LED. Pressing 'setup' will cycle through red, green and blue, with the 'up' and 'down' buttons changing the value for each.

Rigging

The Trico's can be rigged just like any other lantern - indeed they should be rigged exactly like the other lanterns, with complete clamp set and safety chain. Although do remember they need considerably more cabling.

Manual

Located here: File:Trico7 handbook.pdf or here Lanta Website