People with foggers, got a quickish question!

[DJ Higgumz]

Lookin to buy a fogger, what brands to stay away from? I've been prancing around YouTube so I understand the power of quality fluid, cleaning and placement, but what size would I need? Workin in a venue no larger than a gym, and I don't think I need the whole gym filled, maybe 2/3 full. How many watts/ cu.ft./min? What duration and reheat times should I shoot for buying? Is there a problem with buying used good brands? Maybe that wasn't such a quick question!

[doncolga]

Lookin to buy a fogger, what brands to stay away from? I've been prancing around YouTube so I understand the power of quality fluid, cleaning and placement, but what size would I need? Workin in a venue no larger than a gym, and I don't think I need the whole gym filled, maybe 2/3 full. How many watts/ cu.ft./min? What duration and reheat times should I shoot for buying? Is there a problem with buying used good brands? Maybe that wasn't such a quick question!

Have you considered a hazer? I looked into all this a few years ago and decided that even though it makes lights look great, it wasn't worth it for me and the jobs I do.

[nastyford77]

Def go with a hazer instead of a fogger. The fogger has great coverage, but the fog doesn't last. It dissapates (sp) quickly. It can also set off fire alarms. A hazer runs continuously, and you can't really see the haze, but the lights set it off really well. I bought a fogger, didn't even use a tank of fluid, then sold it.

[88h88]

Yup. From what I've read hazers are the way to go, they can be rigged to kick out the haze in a really light output which makes the lights pop whereas smoke or fog tends to just cloud for a few minutes and then dissipate.

[DJPhatman]

Check with your local venues, and even the fire marshal. Most fire marshals have barred their use, and even where it is not barred, a lot of venues don't allow them.

With that said, +1 on the hazer over a fogger.

[doncolga]

Check with your local venues, and even the fire marshal. Most fire marshals have barred their use, and even where it is not barred, a lot of venues don't allow them.

With that said, +1 on the hazer over a fogger.

+1 That's why I decided it was way too much potential hassle. No client has ever complained that I didn't have one.

[DJ Higgumz]

I've considered hazers, but they seem so expensive. I'm all for them, but my budget is 150$, and ive looked on craigslist and eBay and there isn't any hazers. Everyone wants to keep them! Could I do a diy one with like a ball pump (electric)? Stupid idea, but doesn't hurt to ask. Where could I find one in my range?

[nastyford77]

If a hazer is out of your price range, don't even worry about a fogger. A waste of money. I do remember reading something about running compressed air through some type of oil, and getting a diy hazer. BUT the people who used it constantly had people falling down from the oil condensating on the floor. So don't do that. Save up for a hazer. Also a fazer is just a fogger with a fan, to distribute the fog.

[DJ Higgumz]

What about the hazer at cheaplights.com? It's 150 I thought, and 1200 watts. Now is this really a hazer? I thought they were power friendly? I believe it's not a true hazer, but maybe someone with more knowledge could say for sure. Does the brand rule for amps work for hazers? Where used good brands are better than cheap new ones?

[wallywally]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMERICAN-DJ-HAZ ... 145wt_1059

The least expensive hazer I've been able to find. They have problems with the PCB but it's supposed to be and easy fix. I don't own one yet so all this is from my online research. YMMV

[guitarkeys.com]

What about the hazer at cheaplights.com? It's 150 I thought, and 1200 watts. Now is this really a hazer? I thought they were power friendly? I believe it's not a true hazer, but maybe someone with more knowledge could say for sure. Does the brand rule for amps work for hazers? Where used good brands are better than cheap new ones?

Generally speaking, when watts are listed it's describing the heater used to produce the fog. If it uses heat it is not a hazer.

Save up for the Hazer - they are worth every penny.

Jamie

[CoronaOperator]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMERICAN-DJ-HAZ ... 145wt_1059

The least expensive hazer I've been able to find. They have problems with the PCB but it's supposed to be and easy fix. I don't own one yet so all this is from my online research. YMMV

They are the least expensive hazer out there and the pcb does break down so you might be able to find a broken one for cheap. Then what? Well you then downoad this guide to fixing it and fix it for about $10-$15. All very easy, heck I even know the guy who wrote the guide! (me)

If you want to try DIY then this is about the best design going right now. You'll need an air supply (compressor, co2 cannister, etc)

If your looking for a hazer and it has a heater on it then unless it says "Le Maitre Radiance" on the side (expensive but the best) then it is just a regular fog machine with a dc fan scattering the fog around instead of a stream like a fogger. They arn't that bad, the fog is a bit uneven and a touch heavy but it'll get the job done. Biggest problem with fog is that it is hydroscopic, meaning that it sucks moisture from mucous membranes. People will start complaining that they have trouble breathing, eyes watery, allergic, sore throats (singers), etc.

Whether you want fog or haze is up to you. They are two different animals. Fog is a thick and heavy effect, you can completly white-out a room with fog, it is short lasting, smelly, hydroscopic, heaters in machines WILL burn out, fairly cheap to buy but you"ll go thru juice like no tomorrow. Haze is very fine, almost invisible no matter how thick until a light beam hits it, long lasting, expensive reliable machines (except the pcb on the above machine, reliable after the fix), cheap to run (sips juice, 1-2oz per night tops). Constant haze in a room will require monthly cleaning of oily dust bunnies from fans in amplifiers, stage lights, etc as they will plug up.

Before you buy anything check with building managers if you are allowed to even use either! Most bars are ok, large hotels with guests sleeping and not wanting to wake up to a fire alarm not so much!

Haze




Fog

[bassmonster]

Very informative post CoronaOperator. +1 and thank you for such useful information.

[Tom Smit]

+1.
Thanks for starting the thread, DJ Higgumz.

[DJ Higgumz]

+1.
Thanks for starting the thread, DJ Higgumz.

Haha sure thing! I will hunt down one of them broken ones!