Automated Luminaires, LED Systems, and Dimming Infrastructure

This course delivers comprehensive technical instruction on the setup, maintenance, and power distribution systems for automated moving luminaires and solid-state LED fixtures. Students examine the electromechanical architecture of automated lighting, focusing on stepper motor drives, optical trains, cooling systems, and internal addressing protocols. The curriculum covers legacy and contemporary dimming infrastructure, comparing forward and reverse phase-cut methods against constant-power digital distribution. Practical diagnostics emphasize power quality, phase balancing using standard electrical calculations like $I = \frac{P}{V}$, and component-level troubleshooting using multimeters. In dedicated laboratory sessions, learners disassemble, clean, calibrate, and bench-test multi-parameter fixtures to ensure show-readiness. Additionally, the class explores color science, pulse-width modulation dimming curves, and thermal dissipation metrics essential for reliable theatrical and event production. By the end of the term, technicians gain the mechanical dexterity and diagnostic methodology required to maintain, repair, and deploy modern entertainment lighting rigs.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

STG 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Automated Luminaire Mechanics: Chassis, Pan/Tilt Drives, and Stepper Motorslecture

02Lesson 2: Internal Optical Systems: Gobos, Color Flags, Prisms, and Lens Assemblieslecture

03Lesson 3: Solid-State Light Engines: LED Arrays, Color Mixing, and Phosphor Technologieslecture

04Hands-on Lab: Hands-On Lab: Luminaire Disassembly, Optical Cleaning, and Drive Belt Calibrationlab

05Lesson 5: Power Supply Topologies: Switch-Mode Units, Constant Current, and Constant Voltage Driverslecture

06Lesson 6: Dimming Architectures: SCR Forward-Phase, Reverse-Phase, and Sine-Wave Systemslecture

07Lesson 7: Mains Power Distribution: Branch Circuits, Neutral Sizing, and Automated Relay Panelslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Hands-On Lab: Dimmer Rack Maintenance, Module Servicing, and Electrical Load Testinglab

09Lesson 9: Thermal Management Systems: Convection Cooling, Fans, Heat Sinks, and Thermal Sensorslecture

10Lesson 10: Electronic Feedback and Sensors: Hall Effect Sensors, Optical Encoders, and Motor Driverslecture

11Hands-on Lab: Hands-On Lab: Electro-Mechanical Troubleshooting, Fault Isolation, and Sensor Replacementlab

12Lesson 12: Control Response Dynamics: PWM Frequencies, Dimming Curves, and Camera Flicker Mitigationlecture

13Lesson 13: Preventative Maintenance Routines, Firmware Flashing, and Rig Inspection Standardslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Luminaire Fleet Overhaul, Alignment, and Bench Qualificationassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Automated Luminaire Mechanics: Chassis, Pan/Tilt Drives, and Stepper Motors", "Week 2: Lesson 2: Internal Optical Systems: Gobos, Color Flags, Prisms, and Lens Assemblies", "Week 3: Lesson 3: Solid-State Light Engines: LED Arrays, Color Mixing, and Phosphor Technologies", "Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Hands-On Lab: Luminaire Disassembly, Optical Cleaning, and Drive Belt Calibration", "Week 5: Lesson 5: Power Supply Topologies: Switch-Mode Units, Constant Current, and Constant Voltage Drivers", "Week 6: Lesson 6: Dimming Architectures: SCR Forward-Phase, Reverse-Phase, and Sine-Wave Systems", "Week 7: Lesson 7: Mains Power Distribution: Branch Circuits, Neutral Sizing, and Automated Relay Panels", "Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Hands-On Lab: Dimmer Rack Maintenance, Module Servicing, and Electrical Load Testing", "Week 9: Lesson 9: Thermal Management Systems: Convection Cooling, Fans, Heat Sinks, and Thermal Sensors", "Week 10: Lesson 10: Electronic Feedback and Sensors: Hall Effect Sensors, Optical Encoders, and Motor Drivers", "Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Hands-On Lab: Electro-Mechanical Troubleshooting, Fault Isolation, and Sensor Replacement", "Week 12: Lesson 12: Control Response Dynamics: PWM Frequencies, Dimming Curves, and Camera Flicker Mitigation", "Week 13: Lesson 13: Preventative Maintenance Routines, Firmware Flashing, and Rig Inspection Standards", "Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Luminaire Fleet Overhaul, Alignment, and Bench Qualification"]