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At its world premiere at Plasa, Merlin showed off unique features that put it ahead of the pack and that will enchant an entire population of rental suppliers and followspot operators: a zoom ratio of 4:1, a reinforced frame, a cooling fan and, on top of that, it talks…
Ludwig Lepage and Merlin…
At the stand hosting Ambersphere Solutions (Robert Juliat’s distributor in Great Britain), Robert Juliat Product Manager, Ludwig Lepage explains to us, “Up until now, our spotlights have been developed for theater applications and, for years, they have been touring around the world in road trunks where they were dragged and manhandled from trucks and containers, damp as can be…
We carefully noted all the feedback from users of Lancelot, Cyrano and Aramis… and took it all into account when we developed Merlin, a follow spot that is truly suited for touring”.
Reinforced frame
Whereas, in a conventional spotlight, the whole body serves as a frame, Merlin has two aluminum rails with intermediate plates that make up the load-bearing frame. The French manufacturer has built in four lifting points (marked in pink), and four carrying handles. The cover is hardly more than a finish and, if it takes a blow, it can be easily replaced.
Another new feature is that that this cover is now made out of stainless steel (and so is the hardware), therefore it is more resistant to shocks and, especially, to humidity. Merlin is therefore fit for humid countries.
The switching power supply is incorporated, ultra-low profile and attaches to the spot via an electrical interface and two screws; therefore, it is easy to remove for service. When Merlin comes out of its custom flight case, it plugs into a 16 A line via a powerCON TRUE1.
Ludwig tells us that Merlin will be produced only in a flicker-free version with electronic ballast, as every concert is now subject to video recording. What’s more, even with all this, it is no heavier than Cyrano: 80 kg.
The ballast is secured and connected to the device. Above the iris control, note one of the four pink lifting points and, left, one of the handles. At the top right of the image, you can see that a viewfinder is incorporated, to the delight of spot operators.
3°–12° Zoom
Merlin’s Zoom is unique. It covers a range of 3°–12°, without having to change the module. This is the first time that a zoom features a ratio of 4:1 with only two groups of lenses.
The 3–12° range is particularly useful, as artists now often use thrust stages or even “B” stages in the midst of the audience, on which they are not at the center of the room on the main stage – a situation that requires being able to significantly open the beam.
For the record, the zoom range of Cyrano is 3°–8°, while that of Aramis is 4.5°–8°.
Double shutter
Merlin has a manual, two-blade mechanical dowser/dimmer that ensures minimal deviation from the color temperature with dimming. The dimming level has dual indicators: on the mechanical control, and on the display of the ballast.
An optional dimmer/dowser accessory can be added – motorized and controlled by DMX – that allows synchronized blackouts. Everything is pre-wired to accommodate this without modifications.
La commande de l’iris, à la fois souple et précise.
The position of the iris has changed, and has a convenient control used to manipulate the iris while moving the spot. Vertical and a horizontal shutters are available to avoid spilling onto the front row (especially the horizontal) or for picking out a line of singers. The gobo holder can be removed. It locks on in perfect safety, without risk to the audience just below the spotlight.
Like Cyrano, Merlin has a variable frost and Robert Juliat’s proven color changer. There is also a cool accessory – a gooseneck lamp to illuminate the barrel of the spot, which is powered via USB (also convenient for charging smartphones).
Control
Merlin has a built-in electronic monitoring system connected to sensors. Placed in the lamp house and in the power supply, they allow intelligent temperature control by the fans. At Plasa, the display read 33° C in the lamp house. This is new: Merlin remains cool.
But that’s not all… the spotlight displays other fault messages and protects itself. In case of danger, for example an unsuitable supply voltage like 380 V, the power turns off.
The dual lamp-hour timer also indicates when it is time to re-lamp the spotlight. Lamp strike can be controlled via DMX or wireless DMX, as you choose. The wireless antenna is well protected in a small housing. Merlin is also RDM compatible.
An “Eco mode” feature
If either the iris or the dowser is closed completely, Merlin goes from 2500 W to 1500 W after an adjustable preset time. The Eco mode is also controllable using a button on the spot. This feature allows the lamp to be stuck before the show with reduced consumption.
Merlin has many advantages that should ensure it worldwide success. Availability is scheduled for February 2015.
