Distro Design Ltd, the UK-based manufacturer of bespoke power distribution systems, has been working with long-standing customer BBC Studioworks to upgrade the dimming system for Studio D at BBC Elstree Centre.
BBC Studioworks selected Distro Design’s most advanced dimming system for the project, which features GEN VI lighting controls from LSC Control Systems. This state-of-the-art technology provides greater flexibility for the user, plus flawless results on camera.
A permanent 400A Powerlock output panel, with variable and switchable RCD and rotary 400A MCCB, was designed by Distro Design for the initial installation to provide a new, clean power supply to the six dimmer racks on the gantry.
Over two kilometres of new cables were supplied, with various connectors, from the incoming supply, via the dimmers right out to the lighting fixtures. The cables were built to BBC Studioworks’ exact specification by Distro Design.
The system features 4 x 24 ways of LSC Control Systems’ GEN VI 5kW with 7-pin, 3-phase and 32A/single-phase sockets, and 2 x 48 ways of the GEN VI 2.5kW with Socapex outputs. All the dimmers have been built to BBC Studioworks’ exact specification by Distro Design, using only the highest quality components.
A further dimmer has also been supplied for the floor package. This consists of 1 x 48 ways of LSC GEN VI 2.5kW with Socapex outputs, with fully patchable bay on the top, along with 12 extra 16A/single-phase sockets for local power.
All the dimmers were supplied in customised cases with hex-grip board and client’s logo on the side, all of which were designed and manufactured by Custom Cases, part of Distro Design.
Distro Design would like to thank LSC Control Systems, AC Entertainment Technologies, CSE Electrical, Phase 3 Connectors, KES Power and Rayleigh Instruments for their support and technology.
Photo: © Distro Design