Showing Tag: "tool" (Show all posts)

Tool Tip: Android Apps for Theatre

Posted by Michael Erwin on Thursday, October 20, 2011, In : Tool Tips

If you are one of the approximately 190 Million Android device users, you may want some apps that you can use for your work in theatre. In this article, I will round up several for you to try.

LD Tools
Android Market
Free

This app is made for lighting techs, and has the following features:

-Calculate numeric DMX address from DIP switch configuration.

-Calculate DIP switch configuration from numeric DMX address.

-Calculate universe number from DMX addresses over 512.

-Calculate ArtNet universe (sub...

Tool Tip: Colour Changing Cable Wraps

Posted by Michael Erwin on Sunday, October 2, 2011, In : Tool Tips

I'm not to proud to say that I have made the mistake of using too small a gauge of cable to plug something in before. If you have ever done the same, or left too much cable coiled, and returned to find your cable very hot, these cable ties could save the day!

Colour Changing Ties

This product, available at Inventables.com is as simple as it sounds. Just attach the clip or wrap to your cable. If it stays blue, all is well. If it starts to turn orange or red, then the cable is heating up.

If you would rather be sur...
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Tool Tip: Remove Security Screws with a Screwdriver

Posted by Michael Erwin on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, In : Tool Tips

Instructables contributer MattHatter shares his hack for removing security screws by cutting a slot into the head and using a standard screw driver.

Security Screw Hack

Obviously, it is much less destructive and more efficient to use the proper tool for the job, but I am sure many of you have been in an "emergency" and found yourself without the required kit.

Head on over to the original article to see step by step guide to this hack.

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Tool Tip: Switchable Magnets

Posted by Michael Erwin on Friday, September 2, 2011, In : Tool Tips

This is one of those products that I wish I knew about years ago when I was still working in the shop! I would have used these thing on virtually every set, and in a lot of props. A switchable magnet uses 2 or more magnets that are aligned with their poles cancelling each other out. A physical knob or lever changes the position of them so that the fields work together and stop cancelling the magnetic force. These products are often used as guides for wood working, material handling, clamps a...

Tool Tip: Ultimate Flat Focus Tool

Posted by Michael Erwin on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, In : Tool Tips

Many of you have probably seen the Ultimate Focus Tool (Available at Stage Junk ), but I never did by one due to the price. It was more than I want to spend on a tool that I am so likely to loose. It's little brother, the Ultimate FLAT Focus Tool has much of the same functionality at a fraction of the price. You can order one directly from Stage Junk for about $20 US.