Cinematographer
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Motorized accessory inserted into a profile spot's gobo slot that rotates one or two gobos to create dynamic light effects.
Overview
A gobo rotator is a motorized accessory for profile spotlights (ellipsoidal/profile spots). Instead of a static gobo, the rotator is inserted into the gobo slot of the spotlight; a motor rotates the inserted gobo, causing the projected pattern to move. This creates animated lighting effects such as flowing water, fire, clouds, rain, or light reflections.
There are single (one gobo) and dual versions. In a dual gobo rotator, two gobos are fed over each other and rotated in opposite directions (counter-rotation); the superposition of two rotating patterns makes the effect appear more organic and less uniform.
Construction and Function
- Design: flat housing the size of a gobo holder, which fits into the accessory/gobo slot of the spotlight.
- Drive: stepper motor that rotates the gobo via a gear or friction wheel ring; gobo holder usually secured by a retaining ring or spring clips.
- Control: depending on the model, manual (potentiometer on the unit), via the dimmer console, or by DMX. High-quality models offer DMX control with indexing, meaning the gobo can be moved to an exact angular position and recalled reproducibly.
- Gobo Format: the B-size (round) is common; the specific accepted format and outer diameter depend on the respective rotator.
Technical Data (Example Models)
| Model | Rosco SimpleSpin (Dual) | Chroma-Q Twin FX DMX |
|---|---|---|
| Gobo Size | B-size, two gobos | B-size, one or two gobos |
| Rotation Speed | 0.5–24 rpm | 0.25–20 rpm |
| Control | Potentiometer / Dimmer Remote Control | DMX with indexing, Stand-alone |
| Counter-rotation | yes (opposite directions) | yes (opposite directions) |
| Power Supply | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz | external power supplies (e.g., PS02/PS08), XLR4 |
| Weight | approx. 630 g | approx. 1.2 kg |
Note: The Chroma-Q Twin FX is discontinued but serves as a typical DMX example here. Values according to manufacturer specifications; at the upper rotation speed, sources differ (product/data sheet states 0.25–20 rpm, technical specification table up to 24 rpm).
Use on Set
Gobo rotators are used in common profile spotlights, such as ETC Source Four, Strand SL, Altman Shakespeare, or Selecon Pacific. They are employed when a static gobo is not sufficient and movement is desired in the background or lighting mood – for example, water reflections on a wall, flame glow, moving clouds, or foliage in the wind. On newer LED profile spotlights, a dual gobo rotator is sometimes already integrated.
When selecting, pay attention to the correct gobo format (size and outer diameter), the permissible material thickness, and the type of control (manual, dimmer, DMX). Glass and metal gobos should be approved for the heat development in the spotlight.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Diese professionelle Lösung erhöht die Produktionseffizienz und reduziert Post-Production-Anforderungen. Sie ermöglicht flexible, schnelle Anpassungen während des Drehs.
Gaffer
Als Gaffer ist dies ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug meines täglichen Handwerkszeugs. Es ermöglicht mir professionelle Lichtkontrolle und schnelle Anpassungen auf Set, was Zeit spart und Qualität sichert.
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1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Gobo-Rotator"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?