Tips working on the show as a technician

[Beach Bear]

Hey guys, like I told you before I am getting a job at CEC soon as a showroom tech. I have a pretty solid understanding of how the show works.


DVD SIGNALS > PLUGS AND MAC VALVE PICK UP THE SIGNALS AND ACTIVATE THE PLUG/VALVE THAT THE SIGNAL IS ASSIGNED TOO.


I just need to ask you guys what are the dos and don't when working on Chuck. Also, how would I avoid being shocked from the Mac Valve because I heard you can get shocked if your not careful and is it possible for a broken back cylinder/mechanism to interfere with Chuck's head up, head tilt left, etc movements?

[ChuckEZone]

Ooh, it's been awhile since I've worked on a CEC show. They have a training course specifically for techs, so everything you'll need to know should be covered. Spend a good amount of time with your show and study up on the manuals. Once you know how everything is supposed to work, it'll be real easy to identify a problem.

It sounds like you're talking about a Studio C? About your quote.. the signals come from the computer instead of the DVDs which only provide video footage and audio. I've never heard of anyone getting shocked by a valve. Generally for Studio C, you won't even have to mess with the valve bank. There's a little remote called a tech term that you'd use to trigger a function/light manually.

As for the "broken back cylinder", did the cylinder just wear out or is the metal actually fractured? The cylinder can easily be replaced (although I remember that being an expensive one). A nice thing about Studio C is there are many individual parts so a broken plate, for example, can be ordered and switched out without much trouble besides a tight squeeze in some places.

And of course if you should run into a problem, there's always your tech manager or CEC tech support (..in addition to many people around here, haha)

[chucki233]

you're going to become a showroom tech working part time? How did that come up?

[CECExtravaganza]

you're going to become a showroom tech working part time? How did that come up?
Yeah, I was wondering the samething....

[Beach Bear]

Ooh, it's been awhile since I've worked on a CEC show. They have a training course specifically for techs, so everything you'll need to know should be covered. Spend a good amount of time with your show and study up on the manuals. Once you know how everything is supposed to work, it'll be real easy to identify a problem.

It sounds like you're talking about a Studio C? About your quote.. the signals come from the computer instead of the DVDs which only provide video footage and audio. I've never heard of anyone getting shocked by a valve. Generally for Studio C, you won't even have to mess with the valve bank. There's a little remote called a tech term that you'd use to trigger a function/light manually.

As for the "broken back cylinder", did the cylinder just wear out or is the metal actually fractured? The cylinder can easily be replaced (although I remember that being an expensive one). A nice thing about Studio C is there are many individual parts so a broken plate, for example, can be ordered and switched out without much trouble besides a tight squeeze in some places.

And of course if you should run into a problem, there's always your tech manager or CEC tech support (..in addition to many people around here, haha)

Ahh, I remember hearing about some sort of remote or something that activates movements, lights, and such manually.

Do the manuels cover correct lighting connections? Because the light all the way to the left is connected as a beat-keeping light and is aimed at the blue-screen and that light is supposed to be the blue-screen lighting light I believe.


you're going to become a showroom tech working part time? How did that come up?

Yeah I guess, I told the managers what I want to do and they didn't say anything like, oh I'm sorry but your hours are unsuitable for this position or something plus, they need a LOT of help on thier show. It's got hours of defurred mantenence on it.

[CECExtravaganza]

Oh, ok. Welp, atleast you got the position, and thats all that counts.
Hope you learn a lot and good luck to ya!

[Beach Bear]

Oh, ok. Welp, atleast you got the position, and thats all that counts.
Hope you learn a lot and good luck to ya!

Thanks! I will try to make some B&A photos.

[CEC_Tech]

Sounds like you got a sweet deal. If it's a Studio C you shouldn't have any problems at all. They are way easier to work on than say, a three stage.

As far as training, there really aren't any "courses" anymore. Haven't been for quite some time, but your District Tech. Should come in and give you the proper training on the show and all of it's workings.

Feel free to ask me any questions once you've settled in!

[junebug09az]

I wish I was old enough to be a tech. :(

[Beach Bear]

I wish I was old enough to be a tech. :(
Just be patient. It won't be too long. You only have to be 16. I felt the same way untill today. (Which is my bday, my age is 1 year ahead.)

Sounds like you got a sweet deal. If it's a Studio C you shouldn't have any problems at all. They are way easier to work on than say, a three stage.

As far as training, there really aren't any "courses" anymore. Haven't been for quite some time, but your District Tech. Should come in and give you the proper training on the show and all of it's workings.

Feel free to ask me any questions once you've settled in!

Will do. Hopefully parts don't take long to come though.

[CEC_Tech]

Parts will come as quick as you need them. Next day air is always avialable if you order befor 12:00 dallas time. It's pricey though.

[franzyland]

The number one thing to do is DRAIN THE COMPRESSOR EVERY DAY. And use white lithium grease to lube the mac valves with. I always hosed my bots down with WD-40 when I stripped them down. Slow Pasqualy's arm movements down so that he doesn't bash the roller bearings in his shoulders. Don't forget to check all the colored lights in the background. It is a cheap way to keep the show looking fresh if you have a less than perfect stage.

[Beach Bear]

The number one thing to do is DRAIN THE COMPRESSOR EVERY DAY. And use white lithium grease to lube the mac valves with. I always hosed my bots down with WD-40 when I stripped them down. Slow Pasqualy's arm movements down so that he doesn't bash the roller bearings in his shoulders. Don't forget to check all the colored lights in the background. It is a cheap way to keep the show looking fresh if you have a less than perfect stage.

Well, thanks for the tips but our show is a Studio C(rap) beta. Does the compressor thing apply for a beta? What about Chuck's hand lift movement? I noticed at our show, it hits the stop point hard but disengages slowly. What could that be?

[CEC_Tech]

replace both flow restrictors. They do get clogged after awhile. If that doesn't solve the problem, then replace the cylinder.

The compressor "thing" does apply. The air compressor at any locations should be drained daily by a tech. manager or assistant tech. Many locations have an automatic drain, but they go out after a couple of years, so it's best to manually check the compressor daily.

A very light coating of white lithium grease should be applied to the cylinder shaft at every P.M. this will keep the o-ring around the shaft pliable and keep the seal good. Just make sure you clean the old grease off first. I like to use paper napkins for this. They seem to leave the cylinder shaft's cleaner.

[junebug09az]

What location are you working at???

[CEC_Tech]

I work at location #852 in el paso, tx. That's my home store. Since I'm a District Tech.though, I travel quite a bit. Right now i'm training a new tech. in Albuquerque. It only has a 15 movement Chuck E. though. I posted a couple of links that show you what kind of condition my show is in.