https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/271f340c-9345-4fa2-9568-95a5eef0f37a This video was inspired by Maximum Ironthumper, who made a video featuring books he found useful. I thought I'd show the small selection of books in my own technical library. Unlike the pre-Internet era when books were the only way to get condensed knowledge, it's easy to find information on demand now. But there are some books that I regard as technical bibles. All the required information in a single block. I'd just like to clarify that there is a 1-day version of the BS7909 course aimed as a simple refresher for long-term experienced electricians already fully competent in the area of outdoor electrical work. My issue is with the "training companies" who present it as a box ticker for general casual labour in the event industry, and in doing so put them at risk by giving them false confidence in their electrical skills. (The Dunning Kruger effect.) The books I look at are:- Neon techniques and handling. (Samuel C. Miller.) A very old, but still completely valid book that is the definitive guide to neon lighting. You can find it at your local amazon site by searching for 0944094279 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=0944094279 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=0944094279 Show networks and control systems. (John Huntington.) A complete guide to the myriad of network systems used in show control in live events and theme parks. The book also provides information about the design of attractions and tips to avoid awkward moments. John has been in the industry for a very long time, and teaches the subject. You can find it at your local amazon site by searching for 0692958738 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=0692958738 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=0692958738 Set lighting technician's handbook. (Harry C. Box.) An old book, but one that provides so much technical information about film and television lighting equipment that it is valid for all current and future lighting technologies. It also gives an insight into the older (heavier) equipment. Thanks to eBay it's never been easier to set up a decent small studio yourself. This book gives a lot of information about lighting angles and tricks for best results. You can find it at your local amazon site by searching for 0240810759 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=0240810759 https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=0240810759 Temporary power systems. (James Eade.) An essential book if you're involved in temporary power at events and other applications in the United Kingdom. It's a thorough guide to BS7909 which relates to event power and the way it's installed and tested. Just a UK link for this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=1849197237 James Eade also runs courses in BS7909 to bring existing electricians up to date. These courses are not a replacement for a proper formal electrical training. I always recommend you try to get a real (not college based) apprenticeship in a relevant trade (electrician, joiner, plumber, painter, metal fabricator etc.) before attempting to get involved with the entertainment industry. That way you'll have a real trade to fall back on when the novelty wears off, and you won't get trapped in an industry which is notorious for exploitation. If you work in the industry then you may find local courses hosted by the BECTU union. https://eade.uk.com/ Maximus Ironthumper's YouTube channel is at:- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5iNSo8ml7fq31t3K6m5Vgw He's a blacksmith and general tinkerer who lives in an off-grid workshop/home. Art-net was originally presented by a UK lighting technology company called Artistic Licence who are firmly up there in the hall of fame with Mode Lighting and Pulsar as being an iconic British lighting company. https://artisticlicence.com/ If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:23:28 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://stream.echo6.co https://stream.echo6.co/client/assets/images/icons/icon-512x512.png https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/271f340c-9345-4fa2-9568-95a5eef0f37a All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://stream.echo6.co/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.