The special effect generates four walls of rain with varying intensities around the singer while she performs her hit song "Set Fire to the Rain".
The work required the programming and on-site commissioning of the complete system including a graphical touchscreen control desk and a networked safety system.
Pre-defined cues can be configured and saved allowing a seamless change of rain intensity throughout the performance. Ease of operation, flexibility and reliability were paramount.
Video of Q:Rain Graphix system in action
Applied Controls UK Ltd. also developed the control system for Quantum Special Effects Ltd. "SpitFire" flame system. This was supplied to Arcadia in 2015 to complement their Glastonbury visual effects.
The "Spitfire" system comprised three towers each incorporating three liquid fuel flame heads. The control system included a graphical touchscreen control desk allowing firing cues to be pre-programmed and triggered manually or in time with the music using a DMX interface.
The control system operated the fuel pumps and ignition systems, with fuel usage being monitored in real time. The integrity of the flame ignition was monitored by a networked safety system.