Autodisco ! FAQ
Is the Autodisco ! software available ?
No, there is little point in making the software available, since it's sole function is to control external hardware, and will not run unless the hardware is connected. Since the hardware was designed and built by Stan, it is not available elsewhere.
What lighting is available in the Autodisco ! hire package ?
There is a sound to light unit (four 60 watt coloured spotlights), a multicoloured revolving "flower" (100 watt power) display that changes direction according to the music, a unit that sends out multicoloured light beams that move in time to the music (250 watt power), and "stroboscopes" that give the appearance of dancers moving in "slow motion". Further lighting includes a 50 watt power multicoloured "flower effect, and (exclusive to Autodisco!) an LED sound to light unit that is aimed at a mirror ball, to give gentle lighting for those slow tracks. The 50 watt effect is also aimed at the mirror ball to give interesting effects that are not too bright.
The 250 watt light beams are programmed to run for approximately 30 seconds, during fast disco music (although the exact timing, and off period, are random). The stroboscopes flash rapidly, again at random periods during fast tracks, but for periods of between 2 and 8 seconds. All these lighting effects are common for "mainstream" discotheques. A laser lighting unit is included that will be aimed at the ceiling, as the light from this unit cannot be allowed to enter people's eyes. For some installations, it is possible to add the "Plasma Plate", and the "Plasma Spindle". (For safety reasons, not all installations may have these effects provided, as these effects are made of glass and need to be placed where they are unlikely to get knocked, being either heavy, or very fragile).
In addition is a small "blacklight" fluorescent tube that is programmed to light during slow dance music, giving very low lighting, and a main "blacklight" tube that is useful in the "bar" area, where more (but not too much) light is desired. ("blacklight" tubes produce ultra-violet light, which make white objects shine brightly, but provide little general illumination). Finally, a small "Plasma Ball" light is supplied which may be useful on the buffet table. Although fragile, it is lightweight, and in the centre of the table is not likely to get any worse treatment than a knock with a paper plate, or plastic spoon etc! This effect is not controlled by the computer, neither is the large blacklight tube.
What sound quality is provided by Autodisco ! ?
Difficult question ! Sound quality is subjective, meaning that different people hear things in different ways. However, Autodisco ! uses amplifiers to Hi-Fi specifications, and high quality loudspeakers. If the customer is a Hi-Fi "buff" who has spent a very considerable sum on equipment, they MAY be able to tell the difference, but will be glad it is not their equipment being abused with loud dance music ! It is accurate to say that the sound quality available from Autodisco ! is at least the equal of other discos, with the accent on quality. The maximum volume will be more than needed ! For the technically minded, the amplifier is capable of 150 watts RMS, at 0.004 THD. The output is limited to 50 watts by the drive level from the computer, and hence the amplifier cannot clip (or distort), and gets an easy life, for reliable operation.
Is the unit easy to control ?
All Autodisco ! requires is to be switched on. After the computer has started, it will be necessary to input the password and hit the "enter" key. A short while later, all the software is automatically started, and it will begin playing dance music, and controlling the lights. It will usually be best to have a low volume at the start of the party, then a louder period. As it gets late, a reduction of volume will be appropriate. The amplifier has a "left" and a "right" volume control that allow easy adjustment.
What sort of "music mix" is normally provided ?
Normally, it is appropriate for "fast dance" music to play for about an hour, followed by two or three slow (romantic !) tracks. Further "fast" tracks follow, and this pattern repeats for a total of about 6 hours play time. The supplied tracks will be suitable for most age groups, as popular "disco" music from the last twenty years is included. Because Autodisco ! is intended for house parties, where the music will be familiar to most, it does not include the very latest "club" tracks. Customers may specify different periods for "fast" and "slow" music as required, and may also supply their own music. (Although there is an extra fee for setting up playlists to individual requirements, and two weeks notice is required due to the extra work involved).
How long does it take to set up Autodisco ! in the customer's premises ?
This takes about one and a half hours, and includes placing all the equipment, running the interconnecting cables, and testing. Whilst it may be convenient to set up Autodisco ! just before the party, the host may well be busy with other arrangements at this time, and for no extra charge, Autodisco ! could be set up the previous evening.
When is the equipment collected ?
We will collect Autodisco ! the day following the party, at a mutually convenient time. This takes about one hour, during which the equipment will be briefly checked, then dismantled and removed. There will be a further charge of £20 per day after that, if we are unable to recover the equipment due to the customer not being available.
Why is there a £100 returnable deposit ?
As you may appreciate, the Autodisco ! equipment is complex and expensive. The deposit is required to offset accidental damage that may happen during the hire period. Electrical failures of the equipment are not the responsibility of the customer, of course.
What technical support is available if I have difficulties during the party ?
A comprehensive set of instructions is supplied with Autodisco ! which should help with most difficulties, and telephone support is also available. The worst that is likely to happen is that the electricity fails, in which case, Autodisco ! will not restart normally. A couple of key presses will get the equipment working when the power is restored, after which the first track will start. Subsequently, a few mouse clicks will select an appropriate track to play, and Autodisco ! then continues from that track onward.
Can I use the Autodisco ! equipment to make a "public announcement" ?
Yes, a microphone is available on request. BUT....... You don't need to do this, because you can have an announcement, pre-programmed in your own voice, made available within Autodisco ! and even have a period of silence programmed in if you wish. An example of this would be sometime in the early evening, when you may wish to announce that the buffet is available, and then have no music for, say, 15 minutes, followed by normal Autodisco ! operation. All we need to know is the time you will be starting Autodisco ! and the time you wish the break to start. You will need to supply a cassette tape containing your announcement, of course. The whole point of Autodisco ! is that ALL of the sound and lighting effects for your party can be set in motion with no user intervention whatsoever (except volume adjustments). There is no extra charge for incorporating up to two announcements, and two "silence" periods.
Can I manually DJ Autodisco ! ?
Yes, although the whole point of Autodisco ! is to enjoy your party, and forget about the sound and lighting. Nevertheless, if you wish, you can manually select the music tracks that are recorded inside Autodisco ! or play tracks from CDs. (A CD player is part of Autodisco !). You can also control the lighting manually, as the control box has front panel switches that allow ON, OFF, or computer control of each lighting display. If you do manually control the lighting, remember that some people may find certain effects distressing if used for long periods, notably the stroboscope. (Autodisco runs this effect on fast dance tracks, for random, strictly limited periods).
How can I obtain further details of hiring Autodisco ! ?
Mail me: Stan White