Denmark-based entertainment automation specialist, Motor Stage Automation (MSA), has made a substantial investment – over 100 pieces – in equipment from Moveket, comprising 125 Kg and 500 Kg Moveket VMK-S C1 variable speed silent hoists, 125 Kilo Moveket VMW-S high speed winches, Moveket I-Motion Expert-T III and I-Motion Basic control consoles, together with Moveket V-Motion Drives – both E40 and E75 units. This was supplied to MSA via Danish distributor Matrix Sales and has been added to MSA’s rental stock to help meet current trends and demands in the busy and wonderful world of performance automation.
“Moveket is a premium name in automation, their products are known for their quality and versatility, and as MSA is a truly independent business dedicated to delivering the very best and most innovative solutions for our clients, it is important to have this kit available,” stated MSA’s Christian Vigsø. His words were echoed by MSA’s technical and rigging specialist, Jimmy Johnson, noting that “the speed, efficiency and general user friendliness of the products and systems is impressive.” Moveket control desks have the added functionality of being able to interface with third party software and systems, and therefore most of the other commonly used automation elements, which was a huge plus for MSA.
The I-Motion Expert-T III show controller is a state-of-the-art console offering touch-screen control of up to 240 drives simultaneously – with live backup. It is DGUV 17 / EN 61508 and SIL 3 compliant. The Expert-T III System Controller controls and supervises the Moveket MPC-4ID8/C1 and V-Motion Power Controller via an I-Motion network together forming a closed safety network. An error in one unit is analysed centrally, represented visually and – depending upon the system configuration – can immediately shut down an individual hoist / drive, the group to which it belongs or even the entire system if necessary.
The I-Motion Basic controller is a compact system controller for running up to 120 moving drives with other features like an ergonomic armrest, integrated dynamic control lever with a ‘dead-person’ function, speed and ratio control, a high-resolution rotary encoder with a button function and 24 and 12-inch touch screens. These consoles are also able to control other regularly used MSA brands like Alpha Systems and DST Tracking, as well as all the other stocked elements like the M:Revolve, M:Track and M:Lift. Whether you have a video screen flown on four points, a trussing circle, a more complex object, a set piece on 9 points or a stage lift, etc. … all aspects can be controlled from the same user interface.
Typically, MSA’s projects for music shows, theatre tours, corporates, etc. will involve a combination of several different elements. The VMK-S SIL 3 / EN 61508 hoists are BGV C1 compliant, have an innovative feature set and flexible handling combined with the highest safety standards. Two independent noiseless brakes are a major feature – ideal for noise sensitive environments – an integrated real-time load module ascertains the real collapse load / excess and insufficient load values – while a thermo-sensor continuously monitors the motor operating temperature. The VMK-S hoists do not require a friction clutch as protection against overload, so closed linkage and positive locking between the motor and the load are always guaranteed.
The hoists and all these associated elements are ideal for MSA’s project work across multiple sectors. The VMW-S 125 Kg high speed winches have been built for entertainment, touring and event applications. The winches are BGV C1 / DGU V 17, DIN 56950-1 and DGUV Principle 315-390 and approved for use above people as well as conforming to EN 61508 SIL 3. V-Motion Variable Motion Powerpacks are designed for use with Moveket drives. They facilitate intelligent and safe kinetic setups supporting variable speeds, meeting the highest technical standards, and complying with BGV C1. The power packs can be configured for multiple different V series drives: from V-Motion 15 for drives up to 1.5 kW, V-Motion 75 for motors rated up to 7.5 kW. This allows MSA to have modular automation systems on the shelf that can be used for many scenarios and are good-to-go with straightforward configuration.
Some of the new Moveket kit was used on a recent Danish production of Another Brick in The Wall at the Østre Gasværk Theatre in Copenhagen, and another system will be going out for a 2-month summer tour with U.S. rock band TOOL, among several other projects.
Further information from Motor Stage Automation: www.motor-stage.com
