The reputable haze and fog manufacturer, Look Solutions, has created a new category in atmospheric effect products. Foggers are readily accessible and used on most shows, events and effects. Low smoke is a bit more complicated and typically uses one of the following methods: dry ice, liquid CO2, or a refrigeration system. Until now, you would need two discrete units for each of the two effects. Let’s have a closer look at this unique device.
How It Works
The CryoGate is a compact device (23.6 by 7.9 by 7.0 inches, LxWxH) that mates up to any professional fogger. It enables the user to temporarily transform their existing fogger into a low smoke generator. The CryoGate sits in front of the fogger’s nozzle. A high-pressure dip-tube siphon CO2 tank connects to the unit and allows the user to add a variable amount of CO2 and air to the fog’s output. The result is a cold fog that stays low.
In my testing, the fog dissipated quickly and looked more like a horizontal CO2 jet. I tried the fogger’s standard fluid, quick dissipating fluid and even the low smoke fluid. I saw some differences on how long the smoke lingered, but was still not able to produce the low smoke I expected. I then attached the optional 8” ducting hose to see if that made any difference and had a huge “AHA!” moment. The output was incredible. Thick flowing log fog poured out of the end of the hose and it crawled on the floor. I thought about it for a minute and realized the length of hose allows the fog and CO2 to mix longer and create a cooled down fog, which will stay low. Just like what a cooling chamber does on typical low fog machines.
Operation
On the front of the unit — the black side — is the touchscreen in portrait orientation, output area, angled side panel for 3-pin analog remote in, 5-pin DMX in/out and RJ-45 for Ethernet (sACN and Art-Net) connectivity. On the rear — silver side — is the CO2 inlet, PowerCON True1 in/out, 5-pin DMX out to fogger and 3-pin analog remote out to fogger.
The CryoGate can be controlled in a variety of methods. It can be controlled by DMX which, in turn, can control the fogger by DMX, if it has the capability. Or 0-10v analog remote, like Look Solution’s “XLR Remote,” which outputs the remote signal to also control the fogger. Or directly from the intuitive touchscreen, which doesn’t even require a manual to use. There are also recordable presets to recall desired settings.
There are (4) settings for the CO2, which are named 0-4, which I’d call off/low/medium/high. The air is via a valve, which is adjustable from 0-100 percent. It draws in room-temperature air to warm up the fog/CO2 mixture to create a less dense, less low-lying fog. And the fog machine can, and should be, controlled from the CryoGate. If using DMX, as I did, set it to address 001.
Since the PowerCON True1 connector is still a newly adopted industry connector, I suggest creating a True1 power out to female Edison adapter so the fogger can get its power from the CryoGate. It consumes only 65 watts and is auto-ranging from 90-240VAC. That means there is still plenty of room to add the fogger onto the same circuit.
The CryoGate has a digital meter that measures the output of CO2 used, but the readout is in Kg, which isn’t particularly useful to the U.S. market. We order our tanks in pounds — i.e., 20-pound and 50-pound tanks. As with any CO2 device, remember to purge the line before disconnecting the hose.
Conclusion
If you’ve used Look Solutions’ products before, then you know they are easy to use, well built and come with a one-year warranty. And their Viper NT fogger would go great with the CryoGate. As a matter of fact, Look Solutions hinted that a road case for this scenario is coming soon. Low smoke generators are slowly getting smaller and more portable, but this product definitely advances that trend and even one-ups it because it allows regular foggers to be used as low lying foggers.
It’s not the quietest unit, but no louder than any other low smoke machine on the market. Any device with a solenoid connected to pressurized CO2 is going to be a bit noisy. Know that it has no cooling chamber, so the hose is critical in allowing the CO2 enough time to cool the fog (and this helps the unit to keep the noise down). Be sure your CO2 tank is a dip tube siphon style and is appropriately sized for the event. Include enough time for testing the effect and a little extra for showing it off, because everyone loves low lying fog! The CryoGate comes with a 16.4-foot hose and the CGA 320 fittings you need for a one tank setup. It’s compact, only weighs 23 pounds and does its job extremely well.
At a Glance
Low Fog Conversion Unit
Low smoke generators are slowly getting smaller and more portable, but this product definitely advances that trend and even one-ups it because it allows regular foggers to be used as low-lying foggers. Although this unit can be put in front of any regular fogger, attaching the optional 8-inch ducting hose can make a big difference in how the unit performs. This unit should prove to be a particularly good match with Look Solutions’ Viper NT foggers. —B.C.
CryoGate from Look Solutions
PROS: Multiple control methods; compact and lightweight; can measure CO2 usage; transforms foggers into low-smoke generators.
CONS: Doesn’t work as well without optional hose.
Features
- Color touchscreen
- 5-pin DMX connectors
- Ethernet port
- Neutrik PowerCON True1 connectors
- Variable CO2
- Variable air
- Works with any standard fogger
- User recordable presets
MSRP: $4,500
Manufacturer: Look Solutions
More Info: www.looksolutionsusa.com
