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B
BALLAST
A unit used in conjunction with discharge lamps containing capacitors, inductors and other start-up circuitry. The inductor is initially used to develop a high potential (voltage) to strike the discharge and is then used to limit the current flow while the lamp is lit.
BALLYHOO
- A followspot move in which the operators continuously move the beam in a figure-eight motion around the stage or audience. This term is also used to describe similar movements performed by moving lights.
- (US) Swinging a followspot beam around in a figure of eight pattern. A more random effect is sometimes known as an RKO (after the searchlights used in the RKO Pictures movie logo.
BAR
The horizontal metal (steel or alloy) tube (usually 48mm in external diameter, but can be up to 60mm) hung from flying lines (or forming part of a grid) from which lighting equipment and scenery etc. may be suspended. Also known as a BARREL. When vertical, known as a BOOM. Sometimes known as a PIPE in the US.
BARE ENDS
Term to describe an electrical cable which has no connector at one end (for example, a SPEAKON to BARE ENDS cable is used to connect the terminals of a speaker cabinet to a speakon socket, and a 63A socket to bare ends might be used to wire in a temporary supply from a power distribution board before connecting equipment. Any installation work of this sort should only be carried out by a qualified electrician, and should never be done "live".
BARE-ENDS
An electrical term referring to the ends of a feeder cable set which do not have any permanent connector attached to them. Bare ends are often used to tie dimmer feeder cable into a house power supply or company switch.
BARNDOOR
Metal panels used in front of fixtures to control light spill.
BARNDOORS
A rotatable attachment consisting of two or four metal flaps (hinged) which is fixed to the front of a Fresnel or PC type lantern to cut off the beam in a particular direction(s). Profile lanterns use SHUTTERS to achieve a greater degree of control and accuracy. Barndoors are also available for parcans and birdies. BLACKWRAP can be used to reduce additional light spill where barndoors aren't doing the job.
BASE PLATE
A metal plate which prevents damage to floors when using scaffolding or trussing.
BATTENS
- Timber at the top and bottom of a cloth. A Sandwich batten is used to carry a hanging cloth. It comprises two flat pieces of timber screwed together with the edge of the cloth between them.
- Timber used for joining flats together for flying.
- Compartmentalized floodlights set up so as to allow color mixing. Low voltage battens are commonly used as light curtains & for color washes. Known in the US as a STRIPLIGHT.
- US term interchangable with PIPE for a flying bar.
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