Last Updated 58 minutes ago
Overview
The Type 7281 is the 12 kW tungsten Spacelite, with a 45-inch head and a 54¼-inch silk target. On a high grid, the full black skirt gives 36 fc at 20 ft and 16 fc at 30 ft. Removing that skirt lets the white cylinder light the surrounding set as well as the area below.
Key specifications
| Specification | Type 7281 |
|---|---|
| Full lamp load | 12 × 1,000 W with FCM lamps |
| Rated supply | 120/240 V AC or DC, with lamps matched to the supply |
| Combined current | 100 A with a full set of 120 V FCMs |
| Circuit arrangement | Six 2 kW circuits on a panel-mounted male Socapex in the head specification |
| Head diameter | 45 in. |
| Weight | 30 lb bare head, 56 lb with black skirt, silk and target |
| Mounting and reflector | Attached chain hanger, Alzak aluminium reflector |
Replacement lamps
The head takes double-ended T-3 quartz lamps with recessed single contacts and a 4 11/16-inch overall length. Mole specifies horizontal operation within 4°. The ratings below are per lamp. Look up the FCM lamp code.
| Lamp | Power | Voltage | Rated colour | Finish | Rated life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCM | 1,000 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Clear | 300 h |
| FHM | 1,000 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Frosted | 300 h |
| EME | 800 W | 240 V | 3,200 K | Clear | 250 h |
| EMF | 800 W | 240 V | 3,200 K | Frosted | 250 h |
| EMD | 750 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Frosted | 400 h |
| EJG | 750 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Clear | 400 h |
| FDF | 500 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Clear | 400 h |
| FDN | 500 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Frosted | 400 h |
| FCL | 500 W | 120 V | 3,000 K | Clear | 2,600 h |
| EHM | 300 W | 120 V | 2,950 K | Clear | 2,000 h |
| EHZ | 300 W | 120 V | 2,950 K | Frosted | 2,000 h |
Strengths and limitations
- The full skirt keeps much of the spill off nearby walls. With the outer skirt removed, the glowing white cylinder can act as a broad source for both the subject and background.
- The dressed fixture weighs 56 lb before cable or additional rigging. The 43-inch black skirt and its 56¾-inch diameter also take up space below and around the head.
Practical uses
Over a large interior or stage floor, the 30 and 40 ft readings give a starting point for a high trim. Include the actual skirt when metering the set. The exposed white silk can put a large reflection into glass or polished scenery outside the shot.
Output and photometrics
Mole tested the head with 1,000 W, 120 V FCM globes rated at 3,200 K. The lux figures are converted from the published foot-candles and rounded.
Black skirt, white silk and bottom target
Throw is measured down from the fixture. Mole gives centre readings at four throws. Its diagram has no numerical field widths.
| Throw below head | Centre (fc) | Centre (lx) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 144 | 1,550 |
| 20 ft | 36 | 388 |
| 30 ft | 16 | 172 |
| 40 ft | 9 | 97 |
White silk and bottom target, outer black skirt removed
Mole labels its open-silk diagram by diameter. Choose the diameter marked on the diagram when looking up an intensity. The skirted table uses vertical throw below the head.
| Chart diameter | Illuminance (fc) | Illuminance (lx) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 144 | 1,550 |
| 20 ft | 36 | 388 |
| 30 ft | 16 | 172 |
| 40 ft | 9 | 97 |
Exposure at a measured setup
Select a measured position. Set the ISO, frame rate and shutter angle to estimate the incident-meter aperture.
Chart reading and exposure
Select a configuration to calculate.
The chart uses 1,000 W FCM lamps at 120 V. Different fabrics, lamps and dimmer levels change the output. Mole-Richardson photometric sheet.
Power and controls
The Type 7281 head sheet specifies six 2 kW circuits on a male Socapex. With twelve 1 kW, 120 V FCMs, that is about 16.7 A per 2 kW circuit and 100 A across the head. Mole’s rental catalogue describes a twelve-circuit package for the same type number. Confirm the socket grouping and supplied breakout on the actual unit before assigning circuits.
Skirts, target and mounting
The white skirt diffuses the light around the sides. The target stretches across the bottom. The outer black skirt cuts the side light while leaving the bottom opening. Mole specifies these parts for the Type 7281.
| Accessory | Mole part | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Full black skirt | 728-35 | 56¾ in. diameter × 43 in. long |
| White silk skirt | 728-36 | 51¾ in. diameter × 36 in. long |
| Silk target | 728-37 | 54¼ in. diameter |
Comparable fixture
The six-light Type 7291 draws 50 A total with 120 V FCMs. It weighs 34 lb dressed and gives 16 fc at 20 ft with the black skirt fitted. 6 kW Spacelite (Type 7291).
Field coverage
Mole’s rental catalogue lists a twelve-light Type 7281 package with globes, white silk, black skirt, target, frame and bag. Its circuit description differs from the head sheet. Mole-Richardson rental catalogue.
Rental and used-fixture checks
Get the connector and circuit schedule from the rental house. Check that the package has the 54¼-inch target and its matching frame. The 6 kW target is substantially smaller even though both black skirts are 43 inches long.
Documentation
- Mole-Richardson model and accessory specifications
- Type 7281 lamp table and photometric diagrams (PDF)
- Mole-Richardson catalogue, Spacelite family (PDF)
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