Quality control is an important part of how we work at Canto USA. Our customers come first, and that includes making sure our products are checked, tested, and ready for use before they leave our facility.
The specific steps and tests vary by product. RETRO LED retrofit units go through extended rack stress testing; followspots (both LDR-sourced and in-house builds) receive visual, electrical, mechanical, and functional checks according to their configuration.
RETRO Series: 24-Hour Rack-Based Stress Testing
For the RETRO LED Series, we built two dedicated test racks. Each rack can test up to 120 RETRO units simultaneously.
The units are connected to an ETC SmartPack dimmer and run through a 24-hour stress test. During that period the LEDs continuously dim up and down while heat-sink cooling fans cycle on and off.
Repeated dimming and thermal cycling helps reveal problems that might not appear during a single power-up. Technicians also visually inspect LEDs for possible chip damage caused during manufacturing, shipping, or handling. A double layer of R80 gel/filter is used as a welding-style visor so LEDs can be inspected safely while operating.
Units are checked again during the boxing process. Each shipment includes a card identifying the employee who completed the final quality-control inspection.
LDR Followspots: Multi-point Inspection and Configuration
For LDR’s followspots received from overseas, we perform a multi-point inspection upon unboxing to maintain continuity of quality before shipping to clients. The process includes a visual inspection of the followspot and ballast, powering up to verify feature functionality, fine-tuning adjustments as required, and installing the specific power connector the customer requested.
LDR Followspots: Multi-Point Inspection Before Shipping
After unboxing, we visually inspect both the followspot and ballast, then power the unit so technicians can confirm features are working and make any necessary adjustments. We also install the customer’s requested power connector before the unit leaves our facility.
This inspection step gives us another chance to catch issues and ensure the followspot is configured properly for the customer’s application.
In-House Arc Lamp and LED Followspot Testing
Followspots built in-house go through their own series of checks.
Each arc lamp or LED followspot receives a minimum four-hour burn-in period followed by repeated power-up/power-down cycles. These cycles let us observe electrical operation as fixtures heat, cool, and restart.
Mechanical components are checked as well, including:
- Irises
- Shutters
- Choppers
- Gel changers
- Lens assemblies
Each component is operated, inspected, and adjusted so controls work smoothly and consistently before the followspot ships. For operator-focused guidance and safe operation tips, see The Art of Followspot Operation — Canto USA Followspots.
You can also explore Canto USA’s current followspot product line for product specifications, manuals, and support documentation.
Final Quality Control Before Shipment
Testing does not end with initial checks. At the end of production, each order receives a final hands-on operation and fit check. The technician signs the shipment card so the final verification has a responsible name attached before the order ships.
That extra verification helps maintain consistency from testing through packing and shipment and provides traceability for follow-up support if needed.
Why We Put RETRO Fixtures Through Extended Testing
LED retrofit products need to do more than simply turn on. RETRO fixtures are often installed in auditoriums, theaters, schools, houses of worship, arenas, and other spaces where dependable dimming and consistent operation matter.
Running units through repeated dimming and thermal cycles before shipment gives us a better opportunity to find issues before installation. The same approach applies to followspots: burn-in, mechanical adjustment, and functional inspections let us check fixtures under operating conditions.
RETRO Series Projects in the Field
For examples of RETRO installations, see these Canto USA projects:
- Canto USA’s RETRO Series Goes International With Its First Project In Australia
- Die RETRO-Serie von Canto USA wird zum großen Star im Charleston Gaillard Center
Quality Control From Testing to Shipping
Our quality-control process combines extended RETRO stress testing, followspot burn-in cycles, visual inspection, mechanical checks, functional testing, and final shipment verification. The goal is straightforward: find and correct problems before equipment leaves Canto USA so the customer receives a product that is ready to install and put to work.
