Column-wrap cylinder installs follow a clear sequence: site survey → sectional steel frame around the pillar → magnetic flexible modules → cylindrical content mapping. On the Absolutus Lisbon project (P1.5 GOB, Ø1.53m × 3.2m), the frame bolted in under one hour and full-height module mounting took under three hours with two technicians. This guide covers that sequence, outdoor IP65 notes, and a pre-install checklist for AV integrators. Specs: Cylinder LED product page.
- Confirm finished diameter clears module minima (Ø764mm for 240×120; Ø815mm for 320×160) before the crew arrives.
- Absolutus Lisbon timing benchmark: frame <1 hour; magnetic modules across 3.2m height <3 hours; two technicians typical for mid-size wraps.
- Frame ships in sections for container loading — bolt sequence and plumb check come before any module hang.
- Load RCFG / cylindrical mapping files on the processor before install day — do not invent 16:9 stretch on site.
- Outdoor IP65 adds cable gland, enclosure, and wind / foundation checks — not a module swap after indoor shipment.
Before You Start: Site Survey Requirements
Cylinder installs fail at survey more often than on hang day. Collect this before the factory ships the frame:
- Pillar diameter and height — multiple heights; note ovality. Finished wrap must clear 764 / 815mm minima (min diameter guide).
- Cladding and services — plaster, fire wrap, risers, access panels, sprinklers.
- Power — dedicated circuit capacity for full cylinder load; entry point at base or ceiling chase.
- Data — Cat6 or fiber run length from control room to column; processor location.
- Access — scissor lift vs scaffold; floor protection in retail environments.
- Form factor — wrap vs can-shape confirmed (comparison).
Discovering on install day that cladding pushes finished Ø below the module limit means the frame does not fit as drawn. Measure finished diameter during survey — not bare concrete alone.
Tools and Crew
- → 2 technicians
- → Scissor lift or scaffold to full height
- → Torque tools matched to frame fasteners
- → Spirit level / laser for plumb
- → Laptop with Novastar (or compatible) software + RCFG files
- → Sectional steel frame parts labelled by ring / height
- → Flexible modules (GOB if specified)
- → Power supplies / receiving cards per BOM
- → Structural drawing + mapping files
Installation Sequence (Column Wrap)
Standard sequence for a mid-size indoor wrap:
- Protect and mark: Floor protection in retail. Mark centreline and height bands on the pillar from the factory drawing.
- Dry-fit frame sections: Confirm labels match drawing. Check clearance around services.
- Bolt frame: Assemble sectional rings / verticals around the pillar. Torque to spec. Check plumb and roundness before modules.
- Route power and data: Pull cables through planned chase. Fit PSUs and receiving cards per BOM. Leave service loops.
- Hang modules: Magnetic front-service modules from bottom up (or per factory note). Maintain seam alignment around the circumference.
- Map and power on: Load RCFG. Run 360° test patterns. Correct dead modules before demobilising lift.
- Document: As-installed photos, torque sheet if required by venue, spare module count.
Full buying decisions before this day: Cylinder Buying Guide.
Absolutus Lisbon Timing Benchmark
On the Absolutus Lisbon column wrap — P1.5 GOB, Ø1.53m × 3.2m:
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Steel frame bolting | Under 1 hour |
| Magnetic module mounting (full height) | Under 3 hours |
| Crew | 2 technicians (typical mid-size) |
Use this as a planning benchmark, not a guarantee. Taller outdoor structures, irregular pillars, and can-shape base works add time. Product reference: /cylinder-led-screens/.
Mapping and Power-On
Cylinder content is a cylindrical UV map — circumference × height in pixels. DOIT VISION ships a pre-mapped RCFG / calibration file for the exact diameter, height, and pitch.
- Load mapping files on the processor before install day.
- Run seam continuity and colour uniformity tests around the full 360°.
- Do not stretch a 16:9 master around the column as a temporary workaround — logos will warp and seams will show.
Content designers need canvas dimensions from the factory BOM early. Flexible module behaviour is the same family as Flexible LED curved walls.
Outdoor IP65 Notes
Outdoor and rain-exposed plaza cylinders need IP65 modules, sealed cable glands, and weather-rated power enclosures specified at order — not field-upgraded from indoor stock.
- Wind and foundation: Freestanding can-shape and tall plaza wraps need site-specific load calculations.
- Brightness: Outdoor pitch is often P3–P4 with higher nits; confirm viewing distance.
- Service access: Front-service magnets still apply; plan weather windows for module swap.
If the brief is a ceiling halo instead of a vertical column, use the Ring installation guide — different rigging entirely.
Can-Shape Differences (Brief)
Can-shape totems share module hang and mapping with wraps, but add:
- Base plate / floor anchor setting and plumb of the freestanding frame before modules
- Tip-over and public-access protection for activations
- No pillar survey — floor load survey instead
Decision guide: Column Wrap vs Can-Shape. Creative family overview: Creative LED Display.
Pre-Install Checklist
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Finished diameter cleared vs module minima≥764mm (240×120) or ≥815mm (320×160). Feasibility signed off if borderline.
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Factory structural drawing and labelled frame on siteSections match drawing. Fastener torque values available.
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RCFG / mapping files loaded on processorCylindrical map for exact Ø × height × pitch — not a flat 16:9 stretch.
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Power and data at column readyCircuit capacity confirmed. Cable route clear of frame bolt path.
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Lift / scaffold booked; two technicians minimumHeight covers full wrap. Floor protection in retail.
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Indoor vs outdoor IP65 kit matches environmentNo indoor modules on rain-exposed plazas.
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Spare modules and service plan documentedFront-service magnetic swap procedure handed to venue ops.
Specification: Cylinder Buying Guide. Case: Absolutus Lisbon.
Send pillar diameter, height, pitch, and indoor/outdoor. We return CAD within 72 hours and a line-item quote within 24 hours of confirmed specs.