We use a powerful industrial PLC with a high-performance graphical interface. This allows us to eliminate the need for a PC, which is traditionally used to communicate with the user.

The significant advantage is that the control becomes independent of any Windows updates and support.

We chose not to use proprietary circuit boards. Although this might be an easy solution for the manufacturer, it would force the end customer to remain loyal to that specific manufacturer forever.

Given the industry’s demands, these components are supported for many years.

For the actual motion control, the system utilizes the firmware provided by the PLC manufacturer, which is also used for robot arm controls. This approach enables precise control and ensures synchronization between fly bars is not an issue.

Essentially, the fly bar control system is a robot control system but with as many axes as there are fly bars

Great effort has been made to make the programming as intuitive as possible. The layout is kept minimalistic yet powerful. The goal was to minimize operator actions, both during setup and performance. The most complex presentations can be controlled smoothly and calmly.

The control system has the capability to import and export Excel files containing both the grid layout and the cue list.

This allows for easy customization and programming of a presentation in advance according to the theater’s specifications. In demo mode, it can even be tested while another presentation is in progress, significantly reducing workload during setup/preparation.

In ‘Demo Mode,’ the console can simulate the movements of the fly bars.

The entire presentation, including parameters, speeds, and cascade operations, is faithfully reproduced.

This allows testing a presentation while another one is in progress in the grid.

Control can be customized to meet customer needs The control system is continuously updated, and specific adaptations are possible.

The required safety level for the fly bars is SIL3.

We have been guided by an external impartial agency in this matter.

If mechanical adjustments need to be made, we can handle that.

The control system uses frequency converters to control the motors. Most brands are eligible as long as they can be controlled by the latest communication bus: EtherCAT.