Teatro Galli in Rimini, Italy, originally constructed in 1857, has a troubled past. Bombed by the Allies during the Second World War, looted in the immediate post-war period, and subjected to partial reconstruction in subsequent years, it could only reopen to the public in 2018 with a completely new and technologically advanced infrastructure.
In the most recent renovation and modernization work, all terminations and wiring were assigned to Link, an Italian company based in Rome, Italy, and Middleton, USA, which celebrated its 30th anniversary just over a year ago. Although Link participates in many projects across the globe, it is most known for its Eurocable and LK Connectors brands.
Link’s involvement in the project proved to be an almost obligatory choice because, given the strict specifications demanded by the client, most of the requests could only be met by the use of its innovative technologies and customized solutions.
“Among the critical requirements was the need to concentrate a large number of cables in the smallest possible space,” stated Daniele Naldi, Technical Director of the Municipal Theatre of Bologna and project consultant. “LINK was the only company able to provide a single cable that could integrate both power and data signals, significantly reducing the number of cables and optimizing the installation,” added Daniele.
Wiring and Patching
LINK designed all outlet panels, junction boxes, and rack cabinets with extreme attention to detail, featuring colors and finishes that diminish visual impact while making them easily identifiable with laser-engraved labels.
All electrical distribution was developed to be equally clear and easy to use, with full compatibility with the Sensor3 dimmer system by ETC, which also provided most of the light fixtures. For this reason, a QR code has been printed alongside the CEE sockets to allow the ETC app to directly switch the socket from “dimmer” to “direct” and vice versa. This automated patching solution provides a significant advantage in terms of setup time and flexibility for the end user.
Flexibility and Connectivity
Since the venue needed to support many forms of live entertainment, flexibility was a key concern in the design of the power and data infrastructure. The grid and truss structure needed to support both conventional and automated luminaires with multiple types of power and data.
LKS Data
For the distribution of power and lighting control in the boxes and the grid, innovative connectors from the LK Connectors brand called LKS Data were used, drastically reducing the number of cables and connections required.
This new hybrid cable/connector combination provides a 6-circuit Socapex-style connection, mechanically identical and backward compatible with traditional connectors, but with the additional feature of integrating microcoaxial contacts in place of the grounding pins while preserving the earth continuity of the electrical circuits. The internal contacts of the coaxial pins are able to transmit two DMX signals or digital audio pairs on the same cable, eliminating the need for separate power and data cables.
Recently, the LKS Data range has been enhanced to transport a 1000Base-T signal or four digital signals that could be used for any subsequent upgrades. Luca Opizzi of LINK further underscores the importance of backward compatibility by stating: “If a troupe decides not to use DMX in the truss, the cables and connectors of Galli can still be used normally, just as if it were a traditional 6-circuit Socapex connector.“
Hybrid LKS Data Cable
Another critical requirement was the use of a flat version of the hybrid LKS Data cable so it could easily fit in the baskets positioned above the trusses in the scenic towers. An obvious challenge when retrofitting an older venue is the limited space available to pass new cabling. Although there are several 6-circuit flat cables on the market, none were commercially available to transport both power and data in a flat, low-profile manner. For this specific requirement, LINK developed a modified connector and cable leveraging the LKS Data hybrid technology capable of transmitting the DMX signal in the flat cable, preserving all the features of the original round cable design. This means that the trusses can support flexible lighting designs while significantly reducing the number of cables in the field.
“Unbreakable” Fibre Optic Cable
To future-proof the Galli, 120 optical patch points were installed in the grid, niches, and stage house. In addition to providing low-profile patch boxes, LINK introduced and provided “unbreakable” fibre cable. This new ruggedized optical cable tolerates extreme radius bending, making it suitable for patching to boxes in tight spaces.
Company Switch
Among the other solutions proposed for the Galli Theatre is one of the first Company Switches installed in a theatre in Italy. This electrical infrastructure will allow touring or rental companies to connect their equipment to the theatre’s electrical system through commonly used connections such as Power Lock or CEE sockets.
Conclusions
The Galli Theatre is a classic example of how, through meticulous and careful selection of suppliers and materials, it is possible to create a power and data infrastructure that is both flexible and future-proof. LINK was selected among the various players in the sector by virtue of the technology and solutions it is able to offer.
