Adding colour to a Gold Coast icon

    The brief was to add programable colour with the option to create one-off moods at the click of a button to the iconic Marina Mirage Sails.

    SPOILT FOR CHOICE, BUT AT WHAT COST?

    The existing system to light up the sails was comprised of older styled mono mercury vapour lamps, these were large, expensive to run, and due to their proximity to the ocean, prone to corrosion. There were several options available to light up the sails. The price of projection would only allow for the West side of the sails to be lit, and Philips RGB was outside of the budget.

    THE VALUE IN OUR LIGHTING SYSTEMS

    After surveying the area and discussing the client's needs, we were able to recommend the AQL-912 (50W) RGBW and the AQL-913 (100W) RGBW lights. Controlling the system were the tech DMX decoders, Meanwell power supplies, with the whole system run on a Nicolaudie Stick DE3+ DMX Wall Controller, allowing for independent lighting effects.

    THE INSTALLATION

    Illuminating the sails took 27 x AQL-912 for the East facing small Sails, and 27 x AQL-913 for the West facing large Sails. To control the lights and their effects we used, 9 x 24ch DMX decoders, 9 x Meanwell Power Supplies, and 1 x Stick DE3+ DMX Controller. Powder-coating prevented galvanic corrosion between the aluminum body and stainless steel bolts, making them perfect for the environment.

    A couple of years ago we had tested this combination, they look as good as the day they were installed. The reliable Ltech decoders have been our go-to decoder for years, as are the Meanwell power supplies. The Nicolaudie Stick DE3+ offered a wall mount controller that was used in the Centre Management office in the center of the complex.

    Calendar set events were programmed to change the colour and lighting effects. An override manual triggering option for configured for special events and scenes.

    UNFORESEEN ISSUES

    There were no unforeseen issues, Aqualux supplied the lighting layout, wiring diagram, powers supply placement, decoder location, as well as programming the system.

    The installation and commissioning went off without a hitch.

     

    CLIENT RESPONSE

    The client was very happy with the final result and has had positive comments from the Gold Coast Broadwater Community on how amazing the iconic Marina Mirage Sails look.