The COSTACOwin® control system includes the entire hardware and software for controlling all the drives on the stage. It controls all the movements of the machinery above and below stage and the stage technology including on-off drives, regardless of whether these are electrically or hydraulically powered, variable or fixed speed.

General

The overall COSTACOwin® control system, made up of its architecture, components, and software, has been awarded all the necessary safety certificates.

• The control system is characterized by its high availability. The modular design also makes expansions easily possible. It is also downwardly compatible, allowing earlier generations of systems to be integrated at little cost.

• All components – such as the main computer, axis control computers or network – can be designed individually or with redundancy.

• The server level allows external control systems (chain hoist control systems, PLCs, safety equipment etc.) to be incorporated.

• The COSTACOwin® control system can support an unlimited number of integrated user consoles or controlled axes.

• The COSTACOwin® control system is divided into three levels: user level, server level and drive level.

Safety

The COSTACOwin® control system meets Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3) under EN 61508 and been certified accordingly. Regular audits ensure that the high standards are continuously maintained.

Availability

COSTACOwin® ensures the functionality of the system even in the event of failure of individual components. This reliability is based on a consistent modular design, proven standard industrial components and redundant design options. COSTACOwin® allows individual components or the entire control system to be designed as redundant. This applies to the hardware and the network technology.

After-Sales-Service /Maintenance

SBS specialists for maintenance and service are available to help at all times on the 24/7 hotline. The COSTACOwin® installation is fitted with a remote maintenance and diagnostics system. If you need help, the on-line evaluation of log files allows the right decisions to be made quickly. Since all the key components of the network are connected to each other, maintenance work and parameterization on these components can be carried out directly. This is a cost-effective solution for minor interim maintenance work. The data path is also available for updates. Data transmission is via VPN. Firewall and passwords protect against unauthorised access.

Our 3D software VISTOR offers you a realistic early impression of what your upcoming performance will actually look like. VISTOR works with your own stage machinery and lighting equipmentA simple mouse click lets you highlight and alter every technical parameter until all components – from machinery to scenery to lighting – come together to make the specific scenic effect you want. Once you have achieved the optimal solution, transfer the data to your real equipment: to the stage machinery and lighting system.

Advantages of VISTOR visualization

The 3D visualization covers all elements: the stage machinery, the stage design and scenery, the lighting, the stage area and the auditorium. Specific features are:

• real-time visualization

• all details shown with extreme precision

• any viewing angle you desire

• simple management of scenery (scenery import)

• collision recognition between all elements

• physical simulation close to reality

• simple management of complete performance and individual scenes (import of scenes)

• diverse viewing angles

• possibility of overlaying visualization with a real camera image

• optimal integration of stage designs for guest performances and roadshow equipment

Advantages in the planning stage

• Your staging can be completely designed from scratch. All technical elements can be changed to meet your requirements. You are able to experience all scenery movements during the entire performance. You have the opportunity to see and experience the spotlights and lighting effects, making adjustments as you see fit.

• You can see and experience your stage machinery, which you can adjust at any time. This allows you to recognize and avoid any collisions long before the first technical rehearsal.

• When you are satisfied with the results then the programming of your virtual sequence of effects is sent directly to the stage machinery and lighting systems.

Another great help is VISTOR’s virtual monitoring of your control programmes for stage machinery and lighting effects. Without moving a single machine, without switching on a single spotlight, VISTOR offers you a vivid reality check. This double function – in the development of performances and the monitoring of equipment programming – makes VISTOR a truly unique trainer for future operating staff, both of the machine control system COSTACOwin® as well as lighting control systems.

Efficiency gains

This state-of-the-art visualization software brings considerable gains in efficiency, particularly in performance development and the rehearsal period. By improving the quality of your performance, VISTOR guarantees large savings in development time in terms of staff and equipment costs.

At SBS, the maintenance and customer service department renders various services, including the classic tasks of maintenance, damage support and spare parts procurement. Help and support are, of course, available on demand, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Within 30 minutes of your call with the hotline, SBS will answer and set to finding a solution.

One portfolio highlight is replacing ageing control systems with modern ones. That is one particular strength of the SBS customer service. On one hand, new control systems extend the range of ways in which existing stage machinery can be used. On the other hand, they often inspire customers to
replace their stage technology so as to make the most of their new control system.

At the company’s home town of Dresden, the department has training facilities, where customers’ representatives are familiarised with the new control system versions. SBS customer services officers are basically all-rounders. They are well versed and skilled in mechanics, control systems and project management. They are at home in other languages and cultures, and quick to spot problems and offer clearly structured solutions.

As Martin Bauer of the SBS customer service puts it, “When dealing with customers, it is important that they understand and can follow our fault diagnosis. And for us, it is important that we have experts in design, mechanics and control systems at our home town to provide speedy support.
Customers want a good, fast solution. That’s the main point.”

To maintain and even improve the high level of service, training is held regularly, at least every six months.

Engineering know how for custom solutions
SBS Bühnentechnik offers the full spectrum of stage engineering solutions for cultural buildings and venues. The
stage machinery we will develop and build for you will be the best possible solution for your own individual set of
requirements. Our vast experience in terms of the large number of projects and technical solutions that we have
already delivered forms the ideal basis for developing new ideas or for optimising existing solutions.
But even so, there are some challenges that are highly unusual – for example, a 76-tonne, moveable and walkable
ceiling reflector, stage wagon systems with special requirements, requirements to convert an opera house into a
concert hall, or stackable point hoist systems.
What you need here are special, tailor-made solutions. Custom solutions from SBS.