Outback Invests In Kinesys
Leading UK rigging specialist Outback has purchased a Kinesys automation system for it’s busy hire stock.
The system consists of eight Kinesys Elevation 1+ control units and Kinesys’ proprietary Vector motion control software, an Array PD-ES power distribution system and a Rigger 8 Remote handset controller.
They also purchased eight ½ tonne 20 metres-a-minute double-braked Liftket hoists and eight 1 tonne 10 metres-a-minute double-braked Liftket hoists from Unusual to complete the system, along with eight Eilon Engineering wireless loadcells and a 16-way wireless load cell receiver.
Outback has been using Kinesys products on numerous projects for some time and decided the time was right to purchase their own system rather then keep sub-hiring. “The Kinesys system plays an integral part of the future of rigging and motion control in the entertainment industry,” says Conrad Ryan, Outback’s operations manager.
The main reasons they selected Kinesys are for its millimeter accuracy and user-friendly operation. “The ‘Soft Start Stop’ ramp feature is also very useful when raising and lowering very heavy loads,” explains Ryan, which eliminates big dynamic loads on all elements of the lifting operation.
Three key Outback technicians have had full training and show experience on the system. They also set up a working demonstration of the rig at their warehouse in west London to give all staff (both office and warehouse) a practical illustration of the kit and its capabilities.
So far, Outback’s Kinesys system has been in action on the Royal Variety Performance in Liverpool and at The London International Horse Show – which is where the Outback technicians received training from Kinesys and then ran the system for 15 performances over a 10-day show schedule.
It was also used at the 2008 Brit Awards in Earls Court, where it raised and lowered an 8-tonne video screen backdrop for the Punk Stage, which was also flown in at different set heights for the various live performances on that stage. More Kinesys was used to rig a lighting truss upstage of the video screen that was dropped in and out to different positions, operated by Ryan.
He adds: “We’re extremely happy with the service, support and backup we are receiving from Kinesys – they have eased us very efficiently through the whole process of getting acquainted with the system.”
The system has already proved such an asset that Outback is looking at expanding their stock of Kinesys motion control products.
