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There are over 1300 channels of
lighting controlled by a Dynalite "ControlSoft" system. A central
computer controls all building lighting uses a Dynalite Dynet-DMX
Bridge Node to interface the two system requirementsThis system is
unique as the NMA required not only overall control from a central
location, but also multiple interface points throughout the galleries,
with the many localised AMX systems that are controlling a variety
of audio visual shows throughout the building. To facilitate this
the system was broken down into a high-speed data trunk with slower
speed spurs using the Dynalite network bridges to filter network activity
and stop congestion. Some areas allow dual control via standard DMX
when required. This was particularly important
in the Main Hall & Temporary Gallery as they are ever changing.
Day to day operation is scheduled via ControlSoft utilising Planview
which gives a quick visual indication of the status of all galleries.
Display lighting in the Museum
comprises Selecon Aureol Beamshapers and Beamspots, Selecon Astral
PC's, Fresnels, Zoomspot's and Wall Washers. All fixtures are finished
in a custom chrome finish and supplied with UV filters.
The Circa Theatre is a rotating
theatre, divided into four sections, where visitors are introduced
to the Museum's three main themes of Land, Nation and
People.
"One of the more interesting and
complex areas is the Circa introduction," said Norman Korte, managing
director of Sound Advice Australia. "This is a ride-on turntable holding
a total of 120 people. Visitors are loaded into seating at the main
gallery's entrance and then rotated through 90 degrees into three
introductory AV theatres before spilling into the main gallery of
the NMA."
The first theatre, entitled Land,
uses four Martin MiniMACs as well as four Martin CX2 colour changers.
The Martin MiniMacs are used to mimic the MinMin phenomena - a weird
natural night-time effect that happens in Northern Australia that
looks like a floating orange rockmelon. They are also used to highlight
emotions as part of the Eternity exhibit.
Also in the Land section
are Selecon Cycs, and motorised Plasma Screens that float over a rear
projection screen with full surround sound. Simultaneously the Nation
and People quadrants use multiple visual displays such as LCD
projectors, TV's and Plasma Screens with mood lighting via multiple
channel HF Ballast Controllers colour mixing colour wrapped fluorescent
tubes. All of the lighting is dealt with as one show using Showcad
software linked to the SMPTE time code supplied by the AMX control
system.
"A few sleepless nights went into
this one!" said Norman. "All of the programming of the Circa Theatre
was by Brett Fraser from Sound Advice Australia."
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