I've got a system (srx 728's, 725's, stx 725's) set up in a rodeo arena for a large rodeo this weekend. Forecast is looking menacing. I've ran my gear with tarps before, but does anyone have any tricks to make it passable? Different type's of tarps?
Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
- Thread starter Lance Richens
- Start date
Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
On the tops I've used the 55 gallon trash bags, the clear ones.. You can put the monitors in them as well.
On the tops I've used the 55 gallon trash bags, the clear ones.. You can put the monitors in them as well.
Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
Get 9x12 3 mil or better plastic sheets and place them over the 728s before stacking the 725s. Should be enough left over to cover the speaker cables. Roll the long sides up and gaff, pull the gaff and drop the sides down and gaff the short sides if the rain starts. Gaff down to taste if it's windy, but too tight to the enclosures and they will buzz.
Get 9x12 3 mil or better plastic sheets and place them over the 728s before stacking the 725s. Should be enough left over to cover the speaker cables. Roll the long sides up and gaff, pull the gaff and drop the sides down and gaff the short sides if the rain starts. Gaff down to taste if it's windy, but too tight to the enclosures and they will buzz.
Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
Don't tarp the PA until all hell breaks loose? A little rain never hurt anyone.
Evan
Don't tarp the PA until all hell breaks loose? A little rain never hurt anyone.
Evan
Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
We always used Scotch Guard spray on the paper cones, great in the rain and for fake blood (GWAR), nothing on poly with rubber surrounds. Horns were never an issue, extra deep in those days.
The cabinets were painted in an automotive enamel paint. We would baggie connections and use shrink wrap on monitors.
We used black speaker cloth that would block 95% of straight rain, and about 70% of the stuff at an angle.
We always used Scotch Guard spray on the paper cones, great in the rain and for fake blood (GWAR), nothing on poly with rubber surrounds. Horns were never an issue, extra deep in those days.
The cabinets were painted in an automotive enamel paint. We would baggie connections and use shrink wrap on monitors.
We used black speaker cloth that would block 95% of straight rain, and about 70% of the stuff at an angle.
Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
Weather resistant covers from UnderCover NYC: http://www.undercovernyc.com/news (they'll even make them for line arrays)
This is very similar to what we treat our loudspeaker cones with on the production floor (keep it off the surround so it doesn't affect compliance): http://www.parts-express.com/wet-look-4-oz-black--340-513
Weather resistant covers from UnderCover NYC: http://www.undercovernyc.com/news (they'll even make them for line arrays)
This is very similar to what we treat our loudspeaker cones with on the production floor (keep it off the surround so it doesn't affect compliance): http://www.parts-express.com/wet-look-4-oz-black--340-513
Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
What Bennett said. We have these and we put them on the PA when the forecast looks menacing or if we are setting up for several days for a festival.
What Bennett said. We have these and we put them on the PA when the forecast looks menacing or if we are setting up for several days for a festival.
Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
+1 on the UnderCover solution. Very professional looking covers. We use them for any outdoor shows. In a rodeo, I'd use them even if there wasn't bad weather forecast, as they also do a great job of keeping sand and grit off of the speakers. When I get done with the event, simply take the covers and hose them off. Speakers stay sparkling clean and ready to go.
Having them on monitors is great as well, especially on stages where there is potential of spillage.
Using plastic bags to cover your gear screams unprepared and tacky to me.
+1 on the UnderCover solution. Very professional looking covers. We use them for any outdoor shows. In a rodeo, I'd use them even if there wasn't bad weather forecast, as they also do a great job of keeping sand and grit off of the speakers. When I get done with the event, simply take the covers and hose them off. Speakers stay sparkling clean and ready to go.
Having them on monitors is great as well, especially on stages where there is potential of spillage.
Using plastic bags to cover your gear screams unprepared and tacky to me.
Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
As your byline says "Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart..."
After climbing up stacks to fit tarps for almost 40 years, often after the rain has started, last year finally had a "Smart Idea". So simple, it had never occurred to me until I got old enough where I started to dread climbing up a wet stack with a tarp clenched in my teeth, enough of that pirate crap.
I made a "goal post" using 3/4" EMT (electrical conduit) bent a bit over 90 degrees on two ends (a bit over the stack width), with 10 foot uprights made from 1/2" EMT which sleeves inside. Tie the tarp to the center post while the post is on the ground, and around the base of the stack, then stand the uprights up and let the center bar go over the top of the stack with the tarp attached. In light wind, the weight of the goal post will keep the tarp in place, and allows the tarp to be quickly removed again at any time. For long term coverage, tie off the tarp to secure points.
The whole operation can be done in a minute, the stack can be covered and uncovered without having to step off the ground.
Art
Lance,
As your byline says "Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart..."
After climbing up stacks to fit tarps for almost 40 years, often after the rain has started, last year finally had a "Smart Idea". So simple, it had never occurred to me until I got old enough where I started to dread climbing up a wet stack with a tarp clenched in my teeth, enough of that pirate crap.
I made a "goal post" using 3/4" EMT (electrical conduit) bent a bit over 90 degrees on two ends (a bit over the stack width), with 10 foot uprights made from 1/2" EMT which sleeves inside. Tie the tarp to the center post while the post is on the ground, and around the base of the stack, then stand the uprights up and let the center bar go over the top of the stack with the tarp attached. In light wind, the weight of the goal post will keep the tarp in place, and allows the tarp to be quickly removed again at any time. For long term coverage, tie off the tarp to secure points.
The whole operation can be done in a minute, the stack can be covered and uncovered without having to step off the ground.
Art
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Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I'll definitely try the scotchguard & check into the covers. I like what you've come up with too Art.
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I'll definitely try the scotchguard & check into the covers. I like what you've come up with too Art.
Re: Playing Through The Rain....(aka, the show must go on)
Don't forget that there's quite a bit more gear to get wet than just speakers. Power drops in particular need to also be kept dry and stage power drops need to be GFCI protected.
Don't forget that there's quite a bit more gear to get wet than just speakers. Power drops in particular need to also be kept dry and stage power drops need to be GFCI protected.