Technology

 

A summary of the technology that supports these projects is as follows--

--A standard or industrial PC holds control cards that take the motor's position input from  a digital encoder and outputs a standard industrial control voltage as illustrated as below

--The control system takes advantage of off-the-shelf components to allow access and cost appropriate for a wider variety of theatre venues. These include standard PCs, and AC 3-phase motors and drives.

--The control hardware and software is also supported by industrial standards.

--The software can be modified to take advantage of any variety of performance conditions. Examples of different control panels include:

--the clock in the Alley Theatre's Christmas Carol
--the 9-axis setup for the Automated Body, as well as
--the revolve controller as used in Steppenwolf's Mother Courage

 

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© Fritz Schwentker -- 26 August 2004