Lightning Effect

[ScubaVinny]

Hey Guys,

This is my first year using LOR and was hoping I can get some input. I am thinking of adding a lightning effect for my Halloween setup. I was wondering what I should use? I have some flood light stakes and was thinking of using a very bright bulb. But I think it may not flash fast enough. Does anyone have any suggestions on what lights to use for a lightning effect? Thanks ahead of time for the help.

Greg

[dstevens]

Have you looked into using strobes?

[DownTown]

I use a Martin Atomic Strobe... 3000 watts of blinding beauty...

http://www.youtube.c...bed/C_0nzzAA35A

It isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for.

D.T.

Edited September 25, 2012 by DownTown

[MtDew4me]

WowLights sells a lightning sequence here: http://www.wowlights.com/ProductDetail.asp?Category=31&Product=274

I DIY'ed a similar set up last year using:

• 5 100W Flood lights (bought at either HD or Lowes for a few $ ea)
  
• 3 Chauvez TechnoStrob 2000s (bought off Amazon or eBay for about $30 ea)
  

It looked just like the WowLights video when put into play.

[ScubaVinny]

The Atomic Strobe looks awesome. But too pricey. The flood lights would be the cheap way to go, but I can tell that they don't flash as fast as they should. It may work for this year. I just didn't know if anyone had any tricks other than the obvious. Thanks for all of your info.

[viennaxmas]

Have you tried LED flood lights or LED bulbs? You could try to get a "streetlamp" size bulb, which is actually pretty bright.

incandescent lights have the "Ramp up / Ramp down" problem and hence are perceived slow. LED is pretty much instant on / instant off and they can actually handle quite a frequency. However - there is nothing better than a real strobe, especially if it is DMX controllable. Then you can tie it straight into your show.

[ScubaVinny]

Thanks for the input. I am not using the DMX controller. This is my first year, so I am starting of with the basic 16 channel controller. I saw the LED flood light bulbs. They aren't as bright as the incandescents. I may just have to try a few different kinds out. Thanks again.

[Orville]

I just use a strand or several strands of pure white LED's and use a .05 timing, then I use a single full on, empty cell, 50% on. I also use a full on, 50%on, full on, empty cell, a 50% on and full on. Then I intermix these settings along a section where a thunder sound may be, and depending on the thunder effect, if it slowly fades out, I will use a slow fade out as the thunder fades. This year I'm using Warm White because they were already in place for my garden lighting. That and I've misplaced the pure white LED strands I had been using. Must've put them in the wrong tote.

But that has worked great for me for the last several years with the White LED's around the perimeter of my cemetery scene. I stake the LED strand down using those small green yard light holder stakes.

[columbus27]

Orville do you have any video of that 50% led

[Cray Augsburg]

Thanks for the input. I am not using the DMX controller. This is my first year, so I am starting of with the basic 16 channel controller. I saw the LED flood light bulbs. They aren't as bright as the incandescents. I may just have to try a few different kinds out. Thanks again.

Scuba:

A couple of things to consider:

- A mixture of floods (for the output) and strobes (for faster portions of the lightning flash) might be more realistic for a lightning effect.

- Instead of going solely for "brightness", use a couple of floods on different channels and aimed in an overlapping pattern. Flash them repeatedly in sequence. I think a good lightning effect has to do with the "randomness" of the flashes rather than how bright the burst is. Timing this appropriately with the lightning soundtrack enhances this effect.

- If you really want a bright flash, maybe try a medium wattage (300W) Halogen fixture (or two) aimed toward the viewers.

- Maybe drop a PM to EARL W. TALLEY (a member of this Forum) - he has some pretty good ideas 'bout lightning.

- For flood bulbs, consider color. Lightning usually has a bluish tint rather than warm white. You might use a few blue floods.

Edited September 26, 2012 by Cray Augsburg

[Santas Helper]

Scuba:

A couple of things to consider:

- A mixture of floods (for the output) and strobes (for faster portions of the lightning flash) might be more realistic for a lightning effect.

- Instead of going solely for "brightness", use a couple of floods on different channels and aimed in an overlapping pattern. Flash them repeatedly in sequence. I think a good lightning effect has to do with the "randomness" of the flashes rather than how bright the burst is. Timing this appropriately with the lightning soundtrack enhances this effect.

- If you really want a bright flash, maybe try a medium wattage (300W) Halogen fixture (or two) aimed toward the viewers.

- Maybe drop a PM to EARL W. TALLEY (a member of this Forum) - he has some pretty good ideas 'bout lightning.

- For flood bulbs, consider color. Lightning usually has a bluish tint rather than warm white. You might use a few blue floods.

I did this exact thing as Cray mentioned. Several halogen fixtures in different locations and at slightly different times. Having the lights come on briefly before the thunder sound and then some flicker during makes for great effects.

Orville also had some very good points on how to attempt lightning although I didn't do the 50% thing.

Have a fog machine blow fog in the area blowing around to give that extra spooky touch.

[ScubaVinny]

Great info guys. I am definately going to look into multiple floods. Thanks again for all of your help.