Types of Scrollers
– Single string scrollers: commonly used, with one string of color
– Dual string scrollers: use two strings for CMY mixing
– CYM color-mixing scrollers: utilize three independently controlled gel strings
– True CYM mixing scrollers: allow cross-fading between any colors
– Dichroic systems: used in most moving lights for smooth color transitions
Sizes
– 4 Inch: for smaller PAR 36 units
– 6 to 7.5 Inch: fits ETC Source 4 19°, 26°, 36° and 50° units
– 8 to 10 Inch: fits PAR 56 & 64 units
– 12 Inch: fits large-sized Fresnel units like 2 KW tungsten units
– 15 Inch: fits bigger Fresnels, like 5KW tungsten or 2.4 KW HMI units
Control
– Most scrollers use DMX512 addressing protocol
– Scrollers are given an address or identifying number
– Power supplies receive the DMX control signal and distribute it to each scroller unit
– Daisy chain connection: limited by head-feet restriction
– Some scroller systems do not permit daisy chaining, such as the Morpheus ColorFader
RDM Protocol
– Some scrollers are moving towards the RDM protocol
– Small LED screens are used for addressing and other settings on the unit
– Allows for easier addressing and the ability to receive diagnostic information
– More options are available with RDM, such as light sensor and temperature sensor
– Few manufacturers have implemented RDM features into existing products
Colour Strings and Dichroic Colour Changers
– Most companies offer two standard types of gel strings: theater and rock and roll
– Gel strings are used to change the color projected by stage lighting instruments
– Color density variation is achieved by perforating the gel sheet or dichroic glass
– Gel strings can be controlled using DMX channels
– RDM protocol provides additional options for gel string control
– High End Systems introduced the colourmerge unit as an alternative to a color scroller
– The colormerge unit provided CMY color mixing via dichroic glass plates
– The SeaChanger line by Ocean Thin Films accomplishes similar functions with patented dichroic color wheels
– The SeaChanger line features a wide range of patented dichroic color wheels and offers an array of saturation levels for added color possibilities
– Morpheus Lights introduced the PacificFader line of dichroic color changers specifically developed for use with the modular Selecon Pacific ellipsoidal fixtures
– The PacificFader line offers versatility and control options and is compatible with different types of fixtures and light sources. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_scroller
A colour scroller or colour changer is an electro-mechanical lighting accessory used in theater, film, dance and concerts to change the colour projected by stage lighting instruments without the need of a person to be in the vicinity of the light. A colour scroller moves plastic "gel" colour gel [actually dyed polyester and/or other base materials coated with dyes] into the beam of the light. It is generally attached to the gel frame holder at the transmitting end of a lighting fixture, so colour is introduced after the beam characteristics have been defined by the optics of the lighting instrument. Most scrollers are controlled via DMX512 protocol, but some models (e.g. Wybron's Colouram IT) also utilize the RDM protocol. When colour scrollers were first introduced around 1980, a number of companies produced them, including: Avolites, GAM Products, Morpheus Lights, Rainbow, Rosco Laboratories and Wybron Inc. Now the main manufacturers are: A.C. Lighting, Apollo, Morpheus Lights and Rainbow (in alphabetical order).[1]
