VSFX System Components
A standard VSFX system consists of:
In addition, a range of accessories are available to solve particular projection problems. Please see the side menu for information on discs and lens.
Projectors
The most common projector in VSFX systems is now the White Light Toccata EP 2.5kW effects projector. However, VSFX drive units are compatible with older products including the Strand Cadenza EP and Patt 252, the CCT Starlette projector and the new Robert Juliat 325LFX.
ETC’s Source Four Par MCM with a clear lens fitted also works well as a VSFX lightsource, giving a good output while being more compact than traditional projectors. Adaptor plates allowing VSFX drive units to be fitted to Source Four Pars are available.
VSFX Drive Unit
The VSFX drive unit consists of a spun aluminium case fitted with a turntable backplate allowing an effect to be rotated 360 degrees about the optical axis of the effects projector. A glass effect disc is fitted inside the case and rim-driven, ensuring compatability with existing effect discs from the older Strand Patt 252 projector range.
The unit requires an independent, non-dim power supply, and the speed and direction can then be set using controls on the side of the casing.
Older VSFX units can have their speed and direction remotely controlled using an analogue 0-10V signal, or can be coverted to DMX control using the FX/DMX adaptor which bolts to the side of the VSFX housing, is powered from the VSFX drive unit and has 5-pin XLRs for DMX In and Out.
The new VSFX3 drive unit includes on-board DMX control while also retaining on-board controls for manual speed control. VSFX3 also includes support for RDM, allowing units to be discovered and addressed from the lighting controller, and allowing units to report faults to the lighting controller.
The front of the casing contains a double runner. The front runner is normally used for the objective lens, while the rear runner can contain colour or accessories such as an adjustable mask, used to cut an image to a particular shape. A safety retaining spring secures the lens as the effect is rotated
The WaveFX is similar to the VSFX, but creates linear ripple type effects, for creating waves or effects such as fluttering flags.
Glass Effect Disc
A wide range of glass effect discs are available. The standard range of discs includes storm and fleecy clouds, flames, smoke and several new cloud designs. A wide range of more esoteric, older designs (including ghosts, planets and falling leaves) are available and custom discs can be created if required. All VSFX drive units will also accept disks from older Strand Patt 252 moving effects without any modification.
Lens
A lens is required to focus the moving image onto the desired projection surface. A range of lenses are available to suit different throws.
An adaptor plate is also available allowing the full range of ETC Source Four lenstubes to be used with the VSFX system, which is particularly useful where an effect needs to be in sharp focus or projected over long throws.
