Image by John Benitez via Unsplash.com
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1. Don’t tilt it – Divert it
A common mistake is trying to tilt your haze machine to direct the flow of haze. This is a bad idea because it causes a lot of excess wear on the fan. If you need your haze to be directed, use the diverter! This handy tool is readily available and will save you from a breakdown and possibly even voiding your warranty with a simple mistake.
2. Don’t duct a hazer
A Haze machine cannot be ducted. The fluid is designed to behave in a completely different way to fog, so if you use tubing to try and create an effect, it will condense and flow back into your machine, causing damage.
The Look Solutions Unique 2.1 hazer delivers continuous, adjustable water-based haze. It’s maintenance-free and DMX compatible.
3. Don’t skimp on your fluid
Every machine needs a specific fluid. Look Solutions machines are only compatible with Look Solutions Fluid; using anything else will cause a malfunction, so keep it Look Solutions all the way.
4. Don’t try to clean a Look Solutions Machine
Many other machines require a regular maintenance cycle or flushing-out to keep the fluid path clean. Look Solutions machines are built to look after themselves. You should never run anything except Look Solutions fluid from the reservoir into the machine, it might seem like a safe idea, but corrosive fluids like vinegar, bleach, or even water could change how your machine operates, even voiding the warranty.
5. Don’t use a fog machine when you need a haze machine
Fog and haze machines are designed to do very different things. In a word, the difference is evaporation and no amount of tinkering with settings is going to make your fog machine turn into a hazer or vice-versa.
6. Do keep your tank clean
Haze fluid has a shelf life. It will depend on your environment and how you store your fluid, but topping up your tank when it is not completely empty is going to mean you always have a little old fluid mixed in with the new liquid. With the tank safely disconnected, it is a good idea to occasionally give the tank a good shake, or even rinse-it out, so you can be sure your fluid is as fresh as it can be.
7. Do use your rigging
The Universal Hanging Set means you can use your haze machine correctly, without worrying about orientation. Using the correct rigging means you can be sure your machine is going to be safe and secure while also being out of the way of crew, performers and volunteers.
8. Do use haze effectively
There are some moments that require more haze than others. Finding out what works can involve some trial and error, and making a note of what works best can be a great tool when you’re adding atmospheric effects to your show. If you don’t have the opportunity to rehearse, why not go and see a show in your local area? By building up your experience and your judgement, you can work out what’s going to be best for your application ahead of time, saving yourself disappointment on show day.
9. Do keep playing
Carve out time to practice in your venue. Use haze in different lighting states and at different times in the day. Things you never noticed before, like drafts, humidity and even the amount of people in the room can have a huge impact on your show atmospherics.
10. Do Collaborate
Speak to your colleagues and find out what they think. Everyone brings something to the table and often the solution to a problem could be closer than you think. Failing that, get in touch with the experts, our team is always happy to help, and we have some great case studies on our website, so it’s easy to get expert opinions.
