How to Use the LNX Rigging System

Before using the LNX rigging system please read the following instructions and safety precautions.

What is the LNX Rigging System?

The LNX Rigging System is a first-of-its-kind rigging system that takes the guesswork out of creating arrays of Creamsource Vortex fixtures. The system is comprised of LNX Pins, which slot into the Vortex fixtures, and LNX 4-Way mounts, which accept the pins and serve as the building blocks of the array. The mounts then attach to industry standard pipe, such as Speed-Rail®, ensuring that the LNX system is a seamless addition to existing grip gear. The arrays can be as small as two units and as large as you can fit on a soundstage or construction crane. The LNX system leverages unique stainless steel mounting features integrated into each corner of the Vortex to be able to "link" one unit to the next, only requiring the yoke to first be removed. The arrays that are created using LNX are nearly gapless, with only about 7/8 in. (22.23 mm) separating adjacent fixtures, meaning that considerably more light can be packed into a given area. The quality of the light output is also more uniform, as the LNX system ensures uniformity of the spacing of the array.

Ensure that your Vortex units are equipped with the new rubber corners that accept LNX pins; older models of Vortex do not have these upgraded corners and will require upgrading. Contact your nearest authorized Creamsource Service Center for assistance. 

Be sure to adhere to best practices when installing any electrical lighting and rigging equipment. 

What's in the kit?

  • 24x LNX Pins 
  • 6x LNX 4-Way Mounts

What's not in the kit?

  • Pipe and/or truss 
  • Cheeseboros (grid clamps) and other grip hardware 
  • Chain motors 
  • Safety cables 
  • Tools, such as a crescent wrench 
  • Aerial lifts, cranes, etc 

Serious harm both to personnel and property could result from improperly rigged LNX systems. The LNX system is intended for use by experienced professionals only.

Before Rigging...

  • Perform a physical examination of all components of the LNX system.
  • Ensure that all mechanisms of the LNX system are free of dust, debris, sand, and other particles that would otherwise inhibit the free movement of these mechanisms. 
  • Ensure all compatible equipment is inspected, certified, tested, and rated for the load. 
  • Ensure that all manufacturer’s instructions for third-party equipment are being adhered to. 

When in doubt, contact your nearest Creamsource Service Center or Creamsource Technical Support!

Environmental factors - such as the ingress of water during freezing weather conditions and/or the ingress of sand and debris - may cause mechanisms in the LNX hardware to jam or otherwise become inoperable. In this event, contact your nearest Creamsource Service Center or Creamsource Technical Support, and avoid using any hardware that may be compromised.

Basic Guidelines

  • To install LNX PINs…
    1. Match the orientation of the LNX PIN KEY HEAD on the LNX PIN with the orientation of the LNX RECEIVING SOCKET in the rubber corner of the Vortex fixture. 
    2. Insert the LNX PIN into the hole while pushing down into the Vortex unit. 
    3. While pushing the LNX PIN into the Vortex unit, rotate the LNX PIN clockwise 90 degrees. Successful mating of the LNX PIN to the LNX RECEIVING SOCKET will be indicated by the retraction of the LNX PIN RELEASE followed by a subsequent engagement of the LNX PIN RELEASE and a clicking sound. The LNX PIN will no longer be able to rotate freely in the corner. 
    4. Check to make sure a secure connection between the LNX PIN and the Vortex fixture has been established by pulling on the LNX PIN

The orientation of the LNX RECEIVING SOCKET in the corner of the Vortex unit is offset by 90 degrees relative to its adjacent corner.

  • To install in LNX 4-WAY… 
    1. Ensure that the LNX 4-WAY is unlocked and able to accept LNX PINs by checking that the MASTER LOCK WINDOW shows orange
      1. If the MASTER LOCK WINDOW shows green, press and hold the MASTER LOCK BUTTON while sliding the MASTER LOCK past the LOCKING MECHANISM until the MASTER LOCK WINDOW shows orange
    2. Ensure all GRID CLAMPs are aligned. 
    3. Align the LNX PINs with the LNX 4-WAY, and press the LNX 4-WAY firmly down onto the LNX PINs. Alternatively, you may insert the LNX PINs firmly into the LNX 4-WAY. In both scenarios, the sound of a click will confirm a secure connection between the LNX PINs and the LNX 4-WAY
    4. Lock the LNX 4-WAY by sliding the MASTER LOCK past the LOCKING MECHANISM until the MASTER LOCK WINDOW shows green

The LNX PINs must be connected to a Vortex fixture before being connected to a LNX 4-WAY.

Ensure that all nuts and wing nuts on the GRID CLAMP are firmly tightened when in use!

The PIN RELEASE mechanism serves a dual purpose: This mechanism will prevent the LNX PIN from accidentally disengaging from the LNX 4-WAY and will not allow engaging with the LNX 4-WAY if the LNX PIN is improperly installed in the Vortex unit.

Be sure to use one safety cable per LNX 4-WAY mount!

  • To uninstall from LNX 4-WAY… 
    • Individual LNX PIN 
      1. Press and hold the MASTER LOCK BUTTON while sliding the MASTER LOCK past the LOCKING MECHANISM until the MASTER LOCK WINDOW shows orange
      2. Press and hold the PIN BUTTON while removing the LNX PIN from the LNX 4-WAY
    • All LNX PIN
      1. Press and hold the MASTER LOCK BUTTON while sliding the MASTER LOCK past the LOCKING MECHANISM until the MASTER LOCK WINDOW shows red while removing all LNX PINs from the LNX 4-WAY

The MASTER LOCK should be re-engaged so that the MASTER LOCK WINDOW shows green if there are still LNX PINs that will remain in the LNX 4-WAY.

  • To uninstall LNX PINs… 
    1. Slide the PIN RELEASE away from the Vortex fixture, and maintain this position while rotating the LNX PIN counterclockwise 90 degrees. 
    2. Pull the LNX PIN out of the hole in the rubber corner of the Vortex fixture. 

Be mindful of your fingers when removing Vortex units from a rig! 

Maintenance and Care

  • Before storing gear, perform a physical examination of all LNX hardware to ensure future operability. 
  • Remove any dust and/or debris that may have accumulated during normal operation of the LNX system. 
  • Upon passing physical inspection, all LNX hardware should be returned to its case and stored appropriately. 
  • Handle all LNX hardware with care; do not drop or throw any LNX hardware. 
  • Any and all repairs should be carried out by an authorized Creamsource Service Center. 
  • Creamsource cannot guarantee or endorse any modifications to the LNX system, including, but not limited to, the replacement of the grid clamp for another third-party mounting mechanism; contact an authorized Creamsource Service Center or Creamsource Technical Support with any questions.

Not sure how many LNX 4-Way mounts or pins to use? No problem! Find this and other information by checking out our LNX Calculator by visiting the following link: https://knowledge.creamsource.com/lnx-calculator 

Specifications

Load Rating 68 kg (150 lb) per LNX PIN; 272 kg (600 lb) per LNX 4-WAY
Weight (LNX PIN) 0.2 kg (0.45 lb)
Dimensions (LNX PIN) 20.3 x 18.5 x 147.5 mm (0.8 x 0.73 x 5.81 in.)
Weight (LNX 4-WAY) 2.07 kg (4.57 lb)
Dimensions (LNX 4-WAY) 160 x 147.1 x 184.2 mm (6.3 x 5.79 x 7.25 in.)
Pipe 38.1 mm (1.5 in.) (inner diameter), minimum; 48 mm (1.89 in.) (outer diameter), minimum

All third-party equipment must be properly rated for use with the LNX system, including, but not limited to, the total rig weight and external and/or environmental factors, such as wind loading.