Tips, Tools, & Resources Archives - Page 4 of 6

16 Jun 2016

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7 Tips for Perfect File Preparation – Custom Softgoods & Banner Printing

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On June 16, 2016

A creative and bold graphic theme can elevate an event into an experience that not only sounds great, but visually looks just as appealing. Festivals such as Lollapalooza, Hot 97 Summer Jam, and The Governors Ball as well as universities including Wake Forest, Rutgers, and U Penn all utilize custom softgood branding for their event staging. Brainstorming possible ideas, selecting a theme, and then executing all of the graphic work for any event is an impressive and laborious task. The last thing you want is to end up with production issues with your submitted artwork, sometimes only days before your event. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating artwork for large format banner printing. Be aware of these essential points in the design process to avoid last-minute fire drills in production.

01 Jun 2016

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Mobile Stage Softgood Spec Sheets

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On June 1, 2016

Here’s some quick guides for your art department. These printouts are great references of the recommended softgood banner sizes for each of our mobile stages. Use this when you’re setting up your design files to make sure your banners fit appropriately. Keeping your files accurate and to the right measurements and scale helps speed up the printing process immensely. (Click here to read additional tips for custom softgood printing.)

Enjoy!

20 May 2016

Sticky Post By mountainproductions Posted in Tips, Tools, & Resources Permalink

How to Attract More Shows and the Audiences that Follow with an Arena Reduction System

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On May 20, 2016

Venue installation systems are designed to help optimize your venue and make the most out of your arena in terms of ticket sales, labor costs, tours, shows and more. One of the install services Mountain Productions can provide is arena reduction. Using a Mountain Productions’ Arena Reduction System can greatly bring down maintenance and labor costs while increasing your ticket sales and variety of shows your venue can fill.

Arena reduction systems are modular solutions involving electric chain hoists, truss and curtains. A reduction system will reduce the size of your venue space, allowing you to bring in smaller scale shows that might skip over your large seating arena space.

12 May 2016

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10 Lanyard Hook Styles from DBI-SALA

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On May 12, 2016

DBI-SALA® has perfected the design and construction of safety lanyards. Their offering includes shock absorbing lanyards, positioning lanyards, tie-back lanyards, arc flash lanyards and more in single and twin leg options and in an assortment of materials. No matter what scenario you find yourself in at height, DBI-SALA has you covered.

An important element of safety lanyards is the hook. DBI-SALA’s patented snap hooks are ANSI Z359 compliant and are sought after for their one-handed easy operation. (No more pinched thumbs or fingers!) These hooks are tested and proven to provide superior strength and security—2 things you’re going to want when working high up in the air.

28 Apr 2016

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Gear Inspection Tips – Part 2: Rigging Hardware

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On April 28, 2016

We’re back with more inspection tips and procedures, but this time we’re focusing on rigging hardware, including CM shackles, LiftAll’s slings (Steelflex and Tuflex) and wire rope, CM trolleys, and Chicago Hardware turnbuckles. All of these essential production items can be found at our online shop for easily stocking. Let’s jump in!

gearinspection-pt2-shackles

CM Shackles

(Carbon Steel Shackles, Theatrical Shackles)

Shackles should be visually inspected before each use in line with ASME B30.26 regulations
Shackles must be properly used to avoid damage and wear. Remember, the WLL is reduced depending on the angle your hanging load is pulling. Always refer to a competent and skilled rigger if there is any doubt on proper installation.

25 Apr 2016

Sticky Post By mountainproductions Posted in Tips, Tools, & Resources Permalink

[INFOGRAPHIC] Why Go Mobile?

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On April 25, 2016

Mobile stages have re-invented the entertainment production industry, and have benefits that many production coordinators and event planners prefer over a full scaffold or tower stage system. Like everything, mobile stages also have their cons. When planning your next event, give mobile staging a consideration, but before making a decision, be sure that a mobile stage will deliver everything you’re looking for. Check out our infographic below on some questions to ask yourself when looking for your event’s staging:

14 Apr 2016

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Gear Inspection Tips – Part 1: Fall Protection & Safety

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On April 14, 2016

Manufacturers require it and we greatly encourage proper inspection of equipment. We’re in an industry that requires countless tools, systems, products, PPE, on-site safety systems, and more. With all of these moving parts it’s important to make sure everything is in working order before bringing it to a job site.

Here are a few of the essential items that we encounter on a day to day, and the inspection tips that can keep your gear working day after day. As recommended, all inspections should be documented for future reference. In our first post of this 2-part series, we’ll focus on fall protection and safety equipment.

gearinspection-pt1-pics_SRL

Self Retracting Lifelines (SRLs)

[Nano-Lok, Protecta Rebel, Sealed-Blok]

05 Feb 2016

Sticky Post By mountainproductions Posted in Tips, Tools, & Resources Permalink

Common Cable Pinouts [Printable Chart]

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On February 5, 2016

Manufacturing cables on-site has given us a wide range of capabilities in offering different types of cable connectors and pinout configurations. We’ve put together a quick, printable resource on some of the common pinouts we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Check it out below!

Please click on the image above for printable PDF.

For information or assistance on any other type of cable connector or pinout configuration, just let us know. While these are our most common pinouts, our rigging team can help you find exactly what you need. Visit our cable collection at our Rigging Shop to view our online cable inventory, send us a note with our contact form, or give us a ring at 570 826 5566. We’re here to help!

13 Jan 2016

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IP Ratings Explained

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On January 13, 2016

We work outside all the time. Although the spring/summer festival season usually brings warm weather and sunshine along, there are certainly times when we find ourselves and our equipment out in the rain or inclement weather. How can you make sure that your equipment is protected from the elements?

Leica’s E7400x DISTO is IP65 Rated

The IP Code (IEC standard 60529) classifies and rates the degree of protection provided against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures. This standard was defined in order to further identify equipment as not simply “waterproof”, but to clearly state exactly what level of protection a piece of equipment has. CM’s newest hoist model, the IP66 Rated Lodestar, is named after its newly added weather-proofing features. But what exactly does “IP66” mean?

10 Dec 2015

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Understanding the Lodestar Serial Number System

Sticky Post By mountainproductions On December 10, 2015

People have been trusting in CM’s legendary Lodestar chain hoist for years. Some of the oldest Lodestars ever manufactured are still in use today. Alot has changed over the years in terms of the Lodestar assembly and specific parts required.

It’s important when re-ordering chain hoist replacement parts to know which year your hoist was manufactured, as some parts have been outdated, updated, replaced or have been assigned a new part number. There’s an easy way to identify what year your hoist was from, and it’s all in understanding your Lodestar’s serial number. Take a look: