VDO Sceptron Creative Accessories

The first product in a brand new line of creative video products has just been released by Martin Professional.  The VDO Sceptron family of products are a series of robust and water-proof LED video "sticks" designed for the rental market.  Each one is fully pixel-level calibrated to ensure perfect color and intensity matching.

The three versions are as follows:

10 mm pixel pitch (now shipping)

20 mm pixel pitch (shipping soon)

40 mm pixel pitch (shipping soon)

Each is available in 2 different lengths (1.05 foot/320mm or 3.28 feet/1000mm) and can be controlled either from the P3 System Controller or via DMX.  If you have not seen the VDO Sceptron products yet, contact your Martin dealer as they are really cool.

But there is much more to know.  There are many different accessories available for the Sceptron units.  First is a wide variety of diffusers available in either white or smoked.  The smoked (grey) diffusers are great when you want the units to "disappear" into the set when not in use.  There are different shapes available too.  The options are: Square (included), Flat, Round, and Tube.

Round Diffuser

Furthermore there are also two lens options: A Narrow Lens for 20 mm and 40 mm units and the Asymmetric lens that fits all models.  The Asymmetric lens is great for washing a wall or part of a set and it allows the unit to be placed very close to the illuminated surface.

The VDO Sceptron units also have a range of attachment devices to allow for quick installation of creative setups.  First is the Sliding Bracket that allows addition of a clamp or half-coupler at any position within the unit.  In addition, a Linear Coupler allows fixtures to be easily linked end-to-end while the Parallel Spacer allows the units to be hung parallel to each other.  Two different models easily adjust between three spacing options: 30/40/50 mm or 60/70/80 mm.

Additionally a specialized VDO Sceptron Accessory & Test Tool is available to assist with two important functions.  On one end it has an embedded magnet that is used to activate an internal "test button" on the VDO Sceptron units.  The other end it has a point on the front to assist in removing diffusers or lenses.

Many exciting stage designs and looks can be created with the new VDO Sceptron products.  With unparalleled brightness, calibration, easy of installation, and the power of the P3 System Controller the VDO Sceptron units are the perfect choice for any production. 

Check out this video featuring Wouter Verlinden, Product Manager LED Video, as he further explains the products and possibilities:

New Accessories for MAC Quantum Wash

You may not have known this, but Martin has a special lens available for the MAC Quantum Wash luminaire.




The Soft Lens Accessory (P/N# 91611600) easily attaches to the front of the unit and adds a softening lens and small snoot to the light.  This is great for theatrical or other uses where a even softer than normal wash is desired.






In addition, City Theatrical is now offering two custom accessories for the MAC Quantum Wash luminaire.  Both are also specialized front lenses designed to eliminate the stray light coming from the lens in narrow zoom and also give a more discrete look as they hide the lens itself from audience view.

The first is the Hexcel Louver (City Theatrical P/N: 2794) and the second is a Concentric Ring (City Theatrical P/N: 2795).  Both units are currently in stock and shipping from City Theatrical.

Mac Viper Pan/Tilt Speed Settings

Did you know that you can assign the default movement abilities of the Mac Viper products by making a change in the menu system or via DMX?  There are three options: Normal, Fast, and Slow.

The Normal setting is the default and the one that most people will use as it works well for most shows with combinations of fast and slow moves.  However, there may be specific cues or sequences where you choose to change the pan/tilt speed.  The Slow setting is optimized for smooth movement and is best when performing slow movements at a long throw.  The Fast setting is optimized for speed and is handy when building fast chases and ballyhoos.

Using the control channel, you can change the pan/tilt speed setting as needed, just remember to restore it back after the required instance.  Otherwise you might find subsequent cues reacting differently.  Also note that the pan/tilt speed will revert back to the Normal speed setting after a power cycle (when changed via DMX).  To lock the pan/tilt speed to a particular setting, make the change directly in the Speed section of the fixture menu instead of via DMX.

 It is also a good idea to confirm that all your fixtures are set to the same pan/tilt speed setting before starting a programming session.  Otherwise you might find some fixtures moving differently from others!


To make pan/tilt speed changes via DMX use the following values on the control channel.  Note that the value needs to be held for 1 second for the change to take affect.

DMX 80-84 - Normal pan/tilt speed

DMX 85-89 - Fast pan/tilt speed

DMX 90-94 - Slow pan/tilt speed

Have fun with the settings and experiment with how you can optimize your Vipers for whatever movement task you give them!