Located between the cities of Mustasaari and Vaasa, Raippaluoto's bridge spans across an impressive 1.045 meters and peaks at 82,5 meters above sea level at its highest point. Being a part of Finland’s coast line, you can imagine challenging cold winds and extreme humidity, let alone the salty sea atmosphere. All this guarantees extremely difficult installation and programming.

A total of 76 DMX controlled RGBW luminaires light the bridge from different angles, being controlled by a CueCore3, located in the middle of the bridge, and 8 RdmSplitters.

The actual installation started back in December 2023: Luminaires were shipped to Vaasa, checked if these were all OK and the DMX addresses were set before installing on the bridge. Preprogramming started in January and February 2024: an external lighting console was used to create static lighting scenes and dynamic effects. These scenes and effects were then recorded into the CueCore3 over sACN. After that, the yearly scheduled automations, basic colours for every evening and special colours for special days were added to the programming. In February 2024, after installing all RdmSplitters and about half of the luminaires, the system was tested. At this time the CueCore3 was installed in the bridge. The system was working right away, with only little adjustments. The remaining lights were installed during spring and summer.

During winter time temperatures were sometimes so low, that the cables froze - there was no way to install them. Also the wind near sea was at times so strong, that it was not safe to work under the bridge.

In September 2024, the final programming was done in Vaasa, including all dynamic effects and some small adjustments to the static lighting scenes. The project was completed just before summer cottage-season, ending with a party weekend. A fabulous light show was created for that party.

CueCore3 and RdmSplitters supplied by Electro Waves Oy (www.electrowaves.fi), CueCore3 programming by Atte Pukero, images by Rurik Ahlberg and Camilla Andersson.

Visual Productions products in use:
CueCore3
RdmSplitters