Sophisticated lighting control from Ex-Or Ltd is at the heart of one of the most spectacular lighting displays of 2006 – the relit Clifton Suspension Bridge which marks an historic 200th anniversary.
The illuminated historic bridge was the centrepiece of major celebrations in Bristol to mark the birth of the designer of the bridge, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, in 1806.
Ex-Or was commissioned by Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust to provide SceneSelect II, its scene-setting and dimming system. It will be employed to control the thousands of LEDs, fluorescent tubes and lamps which will deliver the spectacular lightshow throughout the commemorative year and for many years to come. The Trust was advised by Bristol engineering consultants Silcock Dawson.
Thanks to Ex-Or’s SceneSelect II, Bridgemaster John Mitchell will be able to summon up a variety of pre-programmed lit displays simply by using a touch screen control situated in the main control office.
For most of the time during the year, the lights on the bridge will come on after dark in a fixed pattern. But for special events, including the ceremonial switch-on of the lights, New Years Eve, and special festivals, the lights can be set up in a selection of patterns to make dramatic alterations to the lit appearance of the bridge. Rather than having to individually switch on separate lights or groups of lights to create a desired lit scene, it requires just one press on the Ex-Or touch screen control to summon the already programmed scene.
Ex-Or SceneSelect II controls the 3,000 one watt LEDs adorning the chains from which the 214 metre, grade 1 listed bridge is suspended above the Avon Gorge; the fluorescent tubes beneath the handrail along the complete length of the pedestrian walkway; and the lamps concealed within the arches of the two 26 metre high towers at each end of the bridge.