Showcomms

Building Bridges

2012-01-17T18:30:00.000Z

Sales techniques keep reminding me to Build Bridges with our Customers.
After many months I have literally got the message, this week has been all about Bridges!

Bill Boley moves bridges, in Chislehurst!
Bill Boley is one of our earliest wired and wireless communications customers from outside the Broadcast Industry. Bill uses a Tecpro wired Beltpack system to communicate clearly with his team of skilled operators as they use hydraulics to lift large objects! Bill's team is in nearby Chislehurst and today I dropped in to deliver an 8 way Intercom system they will be using whilst they install a safety skirt under the current bridge. The old bridge has been weak for some time and is to be replaced by the Fourth Bridge between the Petts Wood and Chislehurst sides of the railway line. Bill Boley's Website.

Staying with Bridges Connect Plus Services have placed an order for Peter Jones High Visibility Klickfast Cases for the Dartford River Crossing.

The cases and accompanying belt docks will prevent damage from drops to their Tetra Sepura STP8000 radios. The Klickfast Docking system can only be removed from it's holding Dock in one position at 180 degree making it quickly accessible when needed and otherwise safe & secure when not!
The Dartford River Crossing Crossing is another local famous bridge and we are pleased to be able to include another Area of Highways operations in England and Wales to our list of customers.

First Impression of Constant Carrier Digital Radio Talkback

2011-09-06T18:55:00.003+01:00

The Barbican Centre have been investigating different solutions to replace their BTR wireless Beltpack system in the main hall. Today we tested a Kenwoood Nexedge Digital Base station with some dual mode Digital/Analoge capable radios. The base had the required Tx enable button and audio in and audio out on a trial version inteface panel. The radio system was interfaced to the backstage RTS 2 wire intercom using an RTS 2 wire to 4 wire interface.

The Nexedge radio system was operating in 6.25khz bandwidth offering a possible saving in licence cost as opposed to the normal 12.5kHz OFCOM/JFMG licence. There was some work to do on the interface to improve the audio levels and litlle of noise however overall it was better than Bruce expected and it was nice to not have that background noise present on Production Radio Talkback. There is a delay, albeit very small, and the infinite echo of an open radio through an open mic in production sounded like a not longer clean feed coming back to some poor presenter's IFB earpiece from a remote studio, studio, studio ,studio, studio (I guess you get the drift)!

This was the first Digital radio talkback sytem Showcomms and Bruce had tested as runner for a possible replacement to the present analogue UHF basestations. The clear improvenent in range running 5W through some little mag mounts was the biggest surprise. Certainly the in-house production team were impressed by the lack of black spots. If you have been to the Barbican you will know it is a concrete steel jungle and good rf coverage from backstage to FOH foyez and upper levels can be a struggle.

In short the Benefits appear to be:

reduced bandwidth and possibly therefore lower licence fees. Ineed to ask JFMG in this respect to booking a licence.
increased range especially in 6.25kHz
Private audio, the audio cant be scanned by other users
Base station and handset transceivers can be used in Analogue or Digital mode

A little work is required on our interface box to the Kenwood Nexedge 810 and certainly it wont be long before Bruce can bring anyone who wishes a demo unit to try out!

Come and meet us in London Brussels and the Hague

2011-08-29T14:26:00.000+01:00

I have been busy organising some new exhibition dates including one in London and one in both Brussels and The Hague.

London 29th September 2011 - ADS 3rd PSE one day event.
Invitations to attend as a visitor are extended only to officers of the police service, Home Office, HM Revenue and Customs, UK Border Agency, SOCA and the prison services, as well as other relevant government departments.
We would like to meet as many of our customers as possible. To attend as a visitor please follow the below link and complete a registration form.

PSE Visitor Registration

Brussels 23rd November 2011 - UKTI Benelux Security and Defence Roadshow
Brussels at the conference facilities of Autoworld for a one-day tabletop exhibition

The Hague 24th November - UKTI Benelux Security and Defence Roadshow
Location The British Ambassador’s Residence. This is our first visit to The Netherlands and I promise to bring as many new products as possible with me!

Both of these events are by invitation only. Please contact me if you would like to receive an invitation for either of the European events.
bruce@showcomms.co.uk

SEPURA TETRA RADIO ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED TO NWTRA

2011-07-11T17:20:00.001+01:00

(NWTRA) The North Wales Trunk Road Agency manage and maintain
the trunk road network in North Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government
In June 2011 we supplied a range of products including Peter Jones Klickfast accessories, Lowe Headsets and Sepura branded Chargers to be used as part of the communications solution for the Welsh Government’s Traffic Officer service on the A55

BG-THR Headsets for Zuiderkempen Police

2011-06-29T08:12:00.001+01:00

At the end of May (2011) we made our second visit to the Infopol exhibition.

Westerlo, a Province of Antwerp and Lokale Police Zuiderkempen was the first Force to place it's order for Nokia THR 880i headsets following the show.

A new Nokia covert headset based on the popular TC4 headset has been designed based on the suggestions of a team from the VSSE who visited us at the exhibition. The new headset has minimal cable with a BG style PTT mic and a short lead to a 3.5mm jack socket allowing quick change of leads from Covert Wireless to Acoustic Tube Earpiece.

Kent County Council Emergency Planning Headsets

2011-05-30T15:47:00.004+01:00

Showcomms owner Bruce Cocks, who was born in Tonbridge, Kent and lived most of his life in the county, was very pleased to recently receive an order for 19 BG-F headsets for Motorola MTH800 Tetra radios from Kent County for their Emergency Planning Unit.

The Rampant White Horse of Kent

"Our headsets are worn all over Europe and further afield. Our headsets have been purchased by several International bodies including part of the UN.
"I travel a lot in Belgium and every town is always proudly flying their local and; regional flags so there is always something special in receiving an order from your own local region."

Amey - Area 9 Highways Agency

2011-05-30T15:25:00.001+01:00

180 Headsets for use with the Sepura STP8000 radio

Amey Area 9 Highways Agency

We have provided 180 headsets with earpiece and PTT microphone to Amey the Oxford based support services company.

Amey maintains more than 650 miles of road in area 9;

including one of the busiest stretches of motorway in the UK – the M6 through Birmingham.

It is one area achieved, 13 more areas to go!

Planes Trains and Buses

2011-04-16T09:40:00.002+01:00

April 2011 has seen a succession of Transport Industry related orders

Our new Sales Adminstrator, Amanda Yangin, has been busy sending orders all over the UK and Europe

DHK Air Leipzig

London Transport Buses

BTP London Underground


DSB Danish State Railway

Showcomms will be in Europe on 23rd, 24th and 25th May at Infopol Belgium

BG-Tracker-Thr Proprietary headsets for MiddelKerke Police

2011-03-22T19:00:00.002Z

Middelkerke Police Department first contacted Showcomms with a requirement for 75 proprietary earpieces at a trade fair being attended by Showcomms in Belgium with the assistance of UKTI.

Earlier this month, March 2011, Showcomms supplied the acoustic tube earpieces for connection to Middelkerke's THR880i radios. The new earpieces complete with comfortable ear inserts will be used by Middelkerke Police during the region's busy summer season. Middelkerke is a seaside resort and the holiday season attracts a large influx of tourists to the area popular for it's long sandy beaches.

Showcomms will be exhibiting at Infopol in Belgium in May 2011.

It is along stay at the Savoy Hotel London for our Vocera concierge headsets

2011-02-24T18:43:00.002Z

London's celebrated Savoy Hotel recently placed an order for our new headsets to use with their Star Trek name badge wireless communication system made by Vocera.

Concierge for Vocevera

The Vocevra wireless communication system allows mobile workers to stay instantly contact each other using simple spoken commands.

If a concierge wants to get in touch with a colleague somewhere in the Savoy Hotel they simply say the name of their colleague into their lapel microphone and a specially-developed voice recognition system immediately connects them to their colleague.

John Bishop Sunshine

2011-01-28T18:28:00.000Z

Sunshine again and everyone is beaming.
John Bishop has started the 2nd leg of his Stand Up tour Sunshine Tour around the UK. Showcomms are providing backstage radio comms following a successful hire last year

12 New Motorola CP040 radios and a Kenwood Base Station with constant carrier will provide 4 simplex and 1 duplex feed. The licences were booked via JFMG's online system and we were able to co-ordinate the same frequencies at all the venues for continuity of use.

Cancer Research UK - Recent events break records

2010-12-19T19:24:00.001Z

It’s been a full on very busy couple of months for Showcomms, Drive Productions and their client Cancer Research UK. Showcomms provided wired and wireless comms for their 3 events at Battersea Park. Rachel King and Jim Hudson, Producers at Drive Productions contacted us early in the year to see if we could provide a wired and wireless solution.
Showcomms provided a standalone comms system comprising of an Altair Wireless Intercom System with 4 wireless belt packs. The Altair base also directly provided power to 10 wired Tecpro BP111 and BP511 belt packs
.
.
Rachel wrote to us following the final event:

"Having you on board has really helped us deliver the events successfully and as a result we have happy CRUK clients who have broken previous fundraising levels at each of their events".

Trying to keep business going

2010-12-03T23:33:00.000Z

Yesterday we got 3 days post to the sorting office when Bruce was given a lift in the neighbours Range Rover, though we are not sure it went any further!
Today, Darren our trusty Interlink collection driver came early and cleared the backlog.
We fight on! Here is a picture out of our gate today.

Phones lines restored - now the snow!

2010-12-01T00:45:00.002Z

Phonelines in our area have been restored by BT, well done and thank you to the BT engineers who worked in sub zero temperatures at night and today in the snow. Thank you from Showcomms.
Showcomms are now snowed in and orders may be delayed slightly as couriers and Royal Mail can't get to us.

Contact information

2010-11-29T22:57:00.001Z

Due to the theft of the main telephone cable in Chelsfield Village on Saturday there is no phone service. We do have internet access using our contingent 3G mobile connection and internet sales are being processed normally.The best method of contacting us presently is by email to bruce@showcomms.co.uk

Strictly Showcomms

2010-10-28T16:54:00.000+01:00

The millions glued to Strictly Come Dancing may have noticed the great shots from camera crane operator Kevin French.
BBC Studios are hiring one of our hire Jelibox crane intercom talkback and tally systems so that Kevin can communicate with his grips and the gallery.
So next time you see a high sweeping shot as Ann Widdecombe descends to the ground, think of Kevin.

Sign up for news from Showcomms

2010-09-22T16:50:00.006+01:00

Busy in the Park

2010-09-16T17:01:00.000+01:00

This time last year we said:

Showcomms are providing backstage show and lighting communications equipment and crew to SIS LIVE for this weekend's Proms in the Park... This is the 5th year running that Showcomms have provided backstage comms for Proms in the Park (previously to BBC OBs before they were bought by SIS). As they say, happy customers come back!

Well, this year, we returned to Hyde Park for the 6th year of Proms in the Park, plus Elvis Forever and this weekend's Papal Vigil.

As before, we supplied the backstage and lighting comms. Bruce took this picture of the heart of the comms system.

Tattoo again

2010-08-30T19:04:00.001+01:00

Viewers now on BBC1 watching the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are again enjoying it after we have again supplied Otto ear defender headsets for the BBC coverage.

GP300s for Kent Wildlife Trust

2010-08-24T21:52:00.002+01:00

Showcomms staff are quite big on our green credentials and Bruce has over the years been active with Kent Wildlife Trust, though a busy office means he can't do as much as he used to.
This year, as in previous years, we have provided the Trust with Walkie Talkie Radios for their Festival of Wildlife in Sevenoaks.
We are in the proccess updating our hire stock from GP300s to newer CP040 radios and this year after the the event Bruce presented Amanda Hamley, the Trust's Community Fundraising & Events Manager with 4 GP300 radios, spare batteries and a charger for them to use at future Trust events.
Amanda wrote

"Thank you once again for the donation of the 4 radio’s. It will enable us to have far better communication on many of our events".

Chelsfield Team Three Peaks Challenge radios for Help for Heroes

2010-08-20T16:42:00.001+01:00

We are pleased to say that the Chelsfield Team successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge.
The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks, respectively, in England, Wales and Scotland, within 24 hours.
Showcomms loaned the Chelsfied Village team some of our hire Motorola Walkie Talkies and a mobile Alan Transceiver for the crew transport and support vehicle. The team told us that they managed to hold a conversation between the support car in the car park at the bottom of Ben Nevis, and the peak of the mountain!

Demonstration STP8000 heavy duty throat mic with massive PTT!

2010-07-27T16:00:00.001+01:00

Occasionally our factory supply us with demonstration items to try out on customers.
Recently we have taken delivery of two throat mic kits for the Sepura STP8000.

They consist of a "Whisper-ER" throat mic with curly tube earpiece which plugs using a Nexus style plug into a massive 2.5" (63.5 mm) rubberised orange PTT suitable for use in demanding environments.
As these are specially made demonstration models we can say how much production models would cost (they are likely to be custom made to order). But if you are a serious user of STP8000 radios in demanding situations and wish to arrange a loan, drop Bruce an email SP3 Whisper HM

Jon Gwillym of Peter Jones demonstrates how Klickfast works

2010-07-21T15:29:00.002+01:00

Jon will be starring in the next 007 movie (or so he tells us)

We sell a wide range of genuine Peter Jones Klickfast products for Tetra radios, PMR and PBR radios, and Blackberries. If we don't list what you want, ask us!

2010-07-19T22:46:00.000+01:00

Marco Soares, a marshall at this weekend's IRC Azores Rally gives the "thumbs up".
Marco recently purchased a new Peltor mic element from the Peltor Racing and Rally spares section on our website.
Thanks to Marco for the pictures below.

On Site give new Peltors a Try

2010-07-15T02:36:00.002+01:00

Somewhere at the top of this 60 metre crane lurks some brave camera operator covering the Springboks v All Blacks Test match last weekend for OnSite Broadcasting OBs New Zealand at Eden Park Stadium, Auckland.
You can't see it at this distance but they are wearing one of two pairs of Peltor MT7 low profile earshell camera headsets from Showcomms provided last week.

On Site will be providing coverage of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year, and are using the headsets in the Tri Nations in their build up for their RWC 2011 coverage. Duncan at Showcomms is a big Rugby Union fan and watched the match while eating his breakfast, and was very impressed by the quality coverage.

As well as selling these Peltors we recently hired comms to Omni OBs (NEP Cymru) for the England Rugby Tour of Australia and New Zealand.

More pictures below of the Eden Park match courtesy of Nick at On Site, thanks Nick.

Well done Hannah!

2010-07-13T14:47:00.002+01:00

All of us at Showcomms would like to wish Hannah Chambers, our former student engineer, congratulations on getting a First Class Honours in Broadcast Technology from Ravensbourne College, and we all wish her every success in her new job at QVC as a Broadcast Engineer.

Pairs of complete Alan HP450 radio kits for only £230

2010-07-02T15:02:00.004+01:00

Until the end of July we can offer sets of two complete Alan HP450 radio kits for £230 + VAT + delivery. This is the high capacity battery (2200mAh) version not the 1100mAh version commonly found elsewhere.

You get 2 radios with batteries, 2 cases, 2 dual slot chargers, 2 belt clips and holders.

We think this is a brilliant deal! We work it out as £38 cheaper than a pair of kits with low capacity batteries from the major High Street source...

We are Alan main dealers.

Dartford Community Safety Team choose Showcomms

2010-06-29T21:11:00.003+01:00

Last week we supplied a range of accessories for Dartford Borough Council Community Safety Team's Motorola DP3600 and DP3400 Trbo radios, consisting of Messenger G earpieces, Peter Jones Klickfast cases and Peter Jones Klickfast beltloops.
Colin Newmarch from Dartford's Community Safety Unit says:

"Dartford Borough Council's Community Safety Unit has invested heavily in a new digital radio system for its staff, but what it lacked was quality accessories like, headsets and pouches, which were supplied very quickly by Bruce and his team, who managed to source exactly what we wanted in no time at all, thanks Bruce"

And thank you Colin for picking Showcomms!

CMU21 commentary box for European Men's Elite Boxing Championships

2010-06-23T17:08:00.003+01:00

It is a busy time for sport, and Showcomms kit is on hire for sports broadcasts from the UK to New Zealand.
Our Prospect CMU21 commentary boxes are especially busy, and one has just returned from the European Men's Elite Boxing Championships, where they were being used by Queensbury Media for Sky Sports.

Centurion SP3 for STP8000

2010-06-17T11:43:00.002+01:00

We promise this is the last "new product" plug for a while. Back to where in the world our Broadcast and Events kit is shortly...

The rugged new Sepura STP8000 Tetra radio is proving popular with Police, Fire, Ambulance and Emergency services. The Centurion headset is an ideal combination with the radio, due to the Kevlar cable, large PTT designed for high noise environments and strong strain relief. So we have recently launched the Centurion SP3 for the STP8000.

Our Centurion 2 wire covert headset is made with Kevlar reinforced cable and will withstand a breaking force of up to 20kg at the connector strain relief.

LARGE FRONT FACING PTT
The shape of the PTT has been developed in response to the request for a larger, front facing PTT. This gives it 2 distinct advantages

It is easier to locate with gloves on
It can't be accidently operated by body armour or kit knocking against it.

The switch is tested to 2 million presses.

HIGH NOISE MICROPHONE
The Microphone is suitable for High noise environments and is worn a hand's distance from the mouth on the chest. The cable is made with Kevlar reinforcement.
Fitted with secured plug for the side connector on the Sepura STP8000 and STP8100 radiosThe Centurion headset was previously only available in the USA for the law enforcement.
A coiled section of cable just after the radio connector acts as a damper should your radio fall or be accidentally dropped and allows unbroken radio contact in the rest room without the need to remove tucked and loomed cabes or the radio!

FEATURES:

Flat larger front facing PTT with built in microphone.
Postive feel PTT when pressed
High noise microphone.
Sprung Microphone clip for lapel or covert, inside a shirt / jacket sleeve
Acoustic tube curly earpiece with clip.
The earpiece attaches to a collar and is worn in the ear in the same way by TV presenters and Security services operatives.

1 year NO QUIBBLE warranty
If your Centurion headset should get broken and you return it to us within 1 year of purchase we will replace it with a new headset.

NEW Sentinel headset for Kenwood multipin radios

2010-06-17T00:16:00.001+01:00

We have recently introduced our Sentinel-S2 earpiece headset for Kenwood Multipin radios.
It has a large PTT with microphone for high noise environments, the same as on our Centurion 2 wire models. But in other aspects is the same as our BG range, which have sold over 3000 models to British and European Police forces, fire services, ambulance services, councils and security personnel.
It has Kevlar cables, and has a one year no quibble warranty. Here is the full specification:

Fits all Kenwood multipin radios (see list below). As used by prison service, doormen etc
Kevlar Cable
Bigger front facing PTT microphone
Reduced cabling
Acoustic tube earpiece
1 YEAR no quibble warranty.
A coiled wire leaves the radio and goes to a large, water-resistant, push to talk and microphone which is designed to perform well in the loudest atmospheres. The second wire goes from the mic/PTT unit to a discreet clear coiled tube earpiece. With this earpiece you can talk into your radio at a conversational tone and have crystal clear communication even if you can't hear yourself talk!

This unit uses Kevlar reinforced wiring and top quality strain reliefs which withstand a breaking force of up to 20kg, so it will survive in even the roughest work environment.

WARRANTY
If you break this headset, including damage caused during work, within 1 year and return to to us we will replace it.

Kenwood multipin plug: TK190, TK2140, TK280, TK290, TK3140, TK3160, TK3170, TK3180, TK380, TK390, TK480, TK481, NX200, NX300, TK2180

Please call us on +44 (0) 1689 876620 or email bruce@showcomms.co.uk for more details

Website maintenance

2010-06-09T10:21:00.003+01:00

Please note that our website is moving servers today. This also affects our mail server.

To contact us please call +44 (0) 1689 876620 or email brucec@clara.co.uk

Thank you

BBC Northern Ireland Election coverage

2010-06-09T10:00:00.002+01:00

We previously posted how we had supplied the BBC Election coverage in Westminster and Belfast with kit.
Our thanks to Norman Watkins for these pictures of the BBC Northern Ireland Election Studio, which use two of our Altair wireless systems for studio talkback.

Norman tells us he is the good looking one!

Reverb 2010

2010-05-21T16:15:00.003+01:00

Every year Stratford upon Avon College HND Media students put on a massive one hour music show. Being held at Stratford Civic Hall, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
Showcomms have donated radio comms with Otto eardefenders for Reverb 2010, which takes place next Wednesday, 26 May.
This year brings a whole new edge to the show as for the first time it'll be streamed LIVE, including here on the Showcomms blog.

Theatre comms starter system: Under £1000 including VAT!

2010-05-15T15:26:00.002+01:00

Get in fast before the VAT increase.
We are listing a 4 way Theatre system with Tecpro power supply, Altair beltpacks and ASL headsets for under £1000 including VAT! Take a look here http://snipurl.com/theatrecomms

BBC Election coverage communicates with Showcomms

2010-05-14T15:02:00.003+01:00

The excitement of the election coverage on the BBC over the past few weeks has seen Showcomms supply Prolink Outside Broadcasts with walkie talkies and base stations for coverage at College Green, Westminster (some great pictures here), and at the London Eye. This included arranging licensing with JFMG (not an easy job with all the radio activity in the area), and arranging an extension for College Green for the period while coalition negotiations took place.
In addition BBC Northern Ireland hired two 4 way Altair wireless systems off us for their Election

More spare parts - this time from Telex

2010-05-13T16:01:00.001+01:00

We are pleased to announce that we are now official dealers for Telex spare parts, including RTS parts.

We try to keep a reasonable number of items in stock, but give time can get just about any parts.

Alan HP450 spare parts

2010-04-27T12:08:00.000+01:00

Just a small announcement... we are now able to sell spare parts for the Alan HP450 radio. See this page on our website. Note that the prices on the website for very small items are for small quantities. Give us a call or send us an email if you are looking for larger quantities.

Guns and Tackle Trophy

2010-04-04T13:27:00.004+01:00

We have donated a pair of custom camouflage sided Peltor Sportac Ear Defenders for the Guns and Tackle Trophy - English Sporting Championships at Southdown Sporting Gun Club tomorrow.
More information on the website of the Greater London branch of the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association.

UPDATE: The winner of the Sporttacs was veterans winner Allan Flight. Allan is pictured holding his new pair of ear defenders.

HP450s for St James Facilities/Jarrolds

2010-04-01T16:37:00.000+01:00

Some time back we supplied some Alan HP450 radios to St James Facilities/Jarrolds in Norwich.
These were originally supplied in PMR446 mode, but to get higher power and thus greater coverage across Norwich, St James obtained a licence and we were able to reprogramme the radios onto licensed frequencies.
The Alan HP450 is unique in our experience in being so adaptable at such a low price.

WE CAN ONLY PROGRAMME LICENSED IN FREQUENCIES ON SEEING THE APPLICANTS LICENCE!

Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain Conference

2010-03-27T20:14:00.000Z

Bruce and Duncan made the short trip to the Miller Centre Theatre in Caterham today to attend the Little Theatre Guild of Britain Conference today, exhibiting Tecrpo wired intercom, Altair Wireless intercom, Alan HP450 radios and our Motorola radio hire kit.
We are pleased to be exhibiting at events such ast the Little Theatre Guild (LTG) conference and the Schools Theatre Support Group (STSG) Conference - giving a support to the smaller theatres on a tighter budget.

HOSDB

2010-03-18T23:07:00.001Z

Bruce has been at the Home Office Scientific Branch Exhibition (HOSDB) for the past few days. He was joined by the owner of our US headset manufacturer for our BG, Centurion, MSG and Tetra ranges for police, security and other emergency services.
In adition to headsets Bruce was exhibiting the FriskerPro hand or wrist worn metal detector and a range of other items including Tecpro and Peltor items.

Put the wood in the hole Bruce!

2010-03-11T13:58:00.000Z

In the second stage of the slow taking over the empire by Showcomms, well our small office expansion, Bruce leant a hand to the positioning of a huge heavy oak door frame yesterday.

The nieghbouring room used to be our store/workshop. This has moved one unit down, and the original store/workshop is becoming a demonstration, meetin and training area.

At the moment it is causing a bit of disruption to the office (and a fair bit of cold air!).
The picture is taken from the office into where the new room is being fitted, Bruce (left) is helping to lift the door frame into hole that has magically appeared!

Astrid user days

2010-03-03T14:44:00.004Z

Bruce will be exhibiting our Tetra headsets and accessories at the Astrid User Days in Brussels on 20 & 21 May.

Visit ASTRID User Days 2010, the two-day conference where you can learn about the very latest ASTRID network and TETRA developments.

Kom naar de Astrid User Days, het tweedaags congres waar u kennis maakt met de recente evolutie van het ASTRID-netwerk.

Bienvenue aux ASTRID User Days, un congrès de deux jours au cours duquel vous découvrirez les dernières évolutions du réseau ASTRID.

Showcomms gives you wings

2010-03-01T13:30:00.001Z

It isn't usual to blog about hiring somebody just three headsets, but this one is just a little different and shows how we will go that extra mile to get a client out of trouble.
Last week we sent three DT108 headsets for use at the Red Bull Music Academy by Pulse Films.
Unfortunately, when they arrived they discovered a small error meant they had asked for male instead of female plugs, any easy mistake.
Bruce was going to be in the London Bridge area today, so decided to drop off some replacements himself this morning.
However we normally supply ASL headsets with female plugs, and Pulse wanted the extra noise exclusion of the DT108s. Our DT108s are fitted with male plugs for cameras and RTS, not female plugs.
Nevermind, on Saturday Bruce got three bare ended DT108 cables out of our sales stock and fitted the right plugs to take up this morning and swap the cables.
This also means we can supply a few of our DT108s in future to use on ASL/Tecpro/Altair/Clearcom/Stonewood systems which require 4 pin female XLRs on the headsets.

Bristol Fairwear Fashion Show

2010-02-26T15:45:00.000Z

Sounds Commercial have been using a couple of our Duplex wireless kits at the Bristol Fairwear Fashion Show

at Bristol Cathedral. They used our Telex BTR24 Standalone Duplex beltpack system, and one of our Altair wireless 4 way Duplex kits.
The really clever bit is they were coupled together with a single XLR cable to make a seemless 6 way system!

Sounds Commercial have had a busy week with us this week, our other Altair system is also with them working at another event in West London.

Bafta Red Carpet coverage

2010-02-23T14:36:00.001Z

In addition to the 32 sets of eardefenders supplied to CTV for the BAFTAs, Showcomms also supplied 6 JFMG licensed walkie talkies to World Television for Red Carpet Coverage.

New Dual Channel Duplex Wireless Theatre System for Baylis Court School

2010-02-22T13:52:00.000Z

We have just supplied the latest Altair dual channel duplex wireless theatre system to Baylis Court School, Slough.

The new Altair WBS-202 wireless base station doubles the capacity of the single channel WBS-200 maintaining full compatibility.

The unit features a complete double channel radio link with a capacity of up to 4 wireless beltpacks per channel, or 8 on a single channel.

Directly compatible with Tecpro, Altair, ASL, Clearcom, Stonewood loop systems.
This really is the unit that many theatres have been looking for to add to their wired intercom.
Bruce and Duncan were demonstrating this unit, alongside Tecpro wired intercom and Motorola CP040 radios at the Schools Theatre Support Group Conference in Rugby at the weekend.

32 pairs of eardefenders to CTV for BAFTAs

2010-02-21T13:34:00.000Z

Our supplies of camera eardefenders have run out, on top of some other big hires, we have no less than 32 pairs of eardefenders at the BAFTAs for CTV OBs, a mix of double sided Peltors, Double sided Telex PH10s and 1.5 sided Peltors for hand held cameras!

Tour Guide hire price reduction

2010-02-04T13:37:00.001Z

We now offer our wireless tour guide system to hire for 4 days at just £6 per channel for up to 60 channels.

All our hire kit is hired out in 4 day blocks. Shipping days are not counted in the hire period!

We also sell Tour Guide systems

Fifteen cases of kit to new Davina McCall show for Sky 1

2010-01-20T18:41:00.002Z

Today we have sent no less than 47 Motorola GP300 and CP040 radios, lightweight headsets, Otto Ear defender headsets and earpieces as well as an RTS talback system and a Jelibox Camera Crane talkback and Tally light system to Maidstone Studios for the series of Got To Dance, the new Sky 1 live prime time show presented by Davina McCall. Our other Jelibox is at Celebrity Big Brother, Davina's other big show!
Here is the promo that everybody is talking about...

Schools Theatre Support Group Conference

2010-01-18T18:24:00.001Z

Showcomms are joint sponsors of the Schools Theatre Support Group Conference at Rugny School on Saturday 20th February at Rugby School.
We will be holding a workshop, particularly focusing on wireless theatre communications, interfacing with wired systems and other aspects of radio and wireless communications.

Low price on top of the range covert earpiece for Motorola MTH800 MTH650 CEP400 and MTP850 Tetra airwaves radios

2010-01-06T22:07:00.003Z

For a limited period we have top of the range Centurion headset / earpiece for Motorola Tetra radios at the much reduced price of £23 + VAT and delivery.
This headset features a secured plug with long kevlar lead for either sleeve or lapel worn microphone.. Includes a clear acoustic tube earpiece. The microphone in this headset is a close working mic for use in high noise environments. It is a 2 wire system, this means the cabling splits into 2 at a joiner block with one lead going to the transducer/curly tube to go in your ear and a second cable going to the microphone and Push to Talk switch. This means your radio can be worn under your clothes at waist level, with one cable feeding up to the clear plastic ear tube and the other going down your sleeve to the press to talk button for covert use.
This headset comes with a one year no quibble warranty, including free return postage within the UK
Similar earpieces sell for over £60.

Aladdin will be happy!

2009-12-31T16:52:00.002Z

Yesterday we received an order for a Beyerdynamic DT100 ear insert.
It arrived with the customer by recorded delivery today, and was up and working in 15 minutes.
As the customer said "Aladdin will be happy", especially given the speed of turnaround between Christmas and the New Year.
We like happy customers
Having said that we are now closed until Monday!
Happy New Year.

Our nice new flightcase labels

2009-12-17T15:07:00.000Z

Hannah has been busy this week, including sticking our lovely new flightcase labels onto all our hire cases!
Up to now our cases have tended to have a note stuck on them, but now we have our super sticky, won't come off, wipe clean labels with spaces to write all the important details of the job.

The labels came from local Kent firm UPG, and were very reasonably priced!

Big in Belgium!

2009-12-16T16:40:00.002Z

Back in May we reported that we had supplied 150 BG-THR headsets for the THR880i to Politie Aalst in Belgium.
Sales to Belgium have continued to be strong, and this week we have shipped 100 more BG-THR headsets to AEG TranzCom, Belgium's biggest supplier of Tetra equipment and 70 BG-M9 headsets with bottom connectors for the MTH800 to Politie Maasmechelen. Belgian police officers will clearly be opening lots of little packets from Showcomms for Christmas.

Last night in the jungle

2009-12-04T16:23:00.002Z

Tonight is the last night in the jungle for I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of here! and it will be the last night in the jungle for our RTS hire kit that forms part of the talkback system on the show for Gearhouse Broadcast... now is it going to be Gino, Kim or Jimmy.

New Tecpro system for St Edmund's School goes straight into use

2009-11-28T14:48:00.000Z

A new 6 beltpack Tecpro 2 system was delivered to St Edmund's School, Canterbury on Thursday, and within 24 hours it was in use in the school hall, as part of a busy schedule of events.
The system consists of one of our Tecpro 2 Theatre and College starter systems. Plus 2 extra beltpacks and headsets.
We sponsor the Schools Theatre Support Group.

75 radios for Royal Film Premiere

2009-11-25T13:22:00.000Z

We supplied 75 Motorola Walkie Talkies and headsets to Steve Bonich at Video Europe for the premiere of Peter (Lord of the Rings) Jackson's The Lovely Bones, last night at the Royal Film Performance in the presence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Odeon Leicester Square.
The radios were used for production and security at the event.

Anyone for Tennis?

2009-11-18T16:46:00.001Z

This weekend sees the start of the ATP World Tennis Finals at the O2 Arena, and we have supplied
14 RTS beltpacks with headphones, 10 CP040 radios and a base station to the venue for the duration of the 8 day event.
Here is Andrew Murray's preview of the tournament:

Peltor Dectcom with Tactical XP ear defenders being used by Colas Rail

2009-11-13T14:55:00.001Z

We are hiring 6 Peltor Dectcom beltpacks, complete with headset mount versions of the Peltor Tactical XP ear defenders with active listening and acoustic awareness to Colas Rail for use by the team operating their RM90 ballast cleaner. This equipment is now part of our hire kit. Two of the beltpacks have push to talk facilities. These beltpacks and headsets supplement their existing system over the next 4 weekends, allowing them to keep the cleaner running on shift changes.
Working around the RM90 is a very high noise environment, with it picking up ballast, processing it and relaying back onto the track and disguarding the waste. The crew must have a system that allows clear, safe, communication between them while excluding the noise of the cleaner but maintaining their awareness of waht is going on around them.

Ex Demo wireless system ready for interface to Tecpro

2009-11-05T16:19:00.002Z

We are selling an ex-demo wireless intercom with 2 beltpacks.

This Quail system comprises of 1 base station, 2 beltpacks, 2 headsets and the drop in 4 way charger.
It is an Ex Demo system, we no longer sell this system it is replaced by the Altair system.
Included in the price are the VMIU Interface which provides an analogue audio input and audio output for connection to external systems such as Tecpro.
Also included is the Tecpro AD903 interface and lead to then get the communication into and out of Tecpro and similar loop systems.
The Quail system is used by Sainsbury and Fast food chains. It operates at 1.9GHz, away from most DECT phones on 2.4GHz.
It is full duplex and the beltpacks have 2 mic switches. Internal (wireless to wireless ) and external (wireless to wireless and wireless to Tecpro) which acts as a on/off mic switch.
The base station will support up to 6 beltpacks
This Quail system is ideal for a wireless stage manager or front of house communications in a hall or small theatre interfaced to the house Tecpro or other intercom system. (the signal willnot pass through walls) All Full Duplex systems involve a constant carrier transmitter worn on the user. In the same way body worn radio mics are limited in power output to 10mW, to ensure we dont cook the celebrity over a long period of use, the same is true for Wireless Beltpacks. As such rule of thumb, coverage is limited to the same as a radio mic range or less!
The Quail base station has the facility for detachable DECT antennas to help improve coverage. This really assists coverage where the base is located in the bottom of a racked system.
The system will be supplied tested and set for connection to a Tecpro system.
We can supply this also immediately in time for your Xmas production rehearsals.
The price includes delivery but not installation or a site visit.
Please call Bruce or Duncan for more info 01689 876620

Yours for £1300 + VAT (or £1100 + VAT without AD903 and lead)

Price reduction on ASL headsets

2009-11-05T16:11:00.000Z

We have reduced the prices on ASL HS1D headsets for Tecpro and other intercom systems. We now list them at only £52. Supplied boxed it is already factory fitted with a 4 pin XLR female plug.
We can also change the plugs in our workshop to XLR4M for RTS beltpacks, XLR5M for CTP talkback, TP120/Nexus for Peltor or just about any other connector...

British Gymnastics World Champion

2009-10-18T19:16:00.001+01:00

As Britain's Beth Tweddle won Gold today at the World Gymastics Chamionships at the O2 Arena it was the same Showcomms Jelibox talkback used last month for the C4 Big brother final by Roll to Record that SIS OBs used for crane talback at their coverage for the BBC. Congratulations to Beth!

Earhangers for Aviapartner

2009-10-07T13:57:00.000+01:00

Showcomms have provided our MSG-1W-THR earhangers for the EADS Nokia THR880i radio to Aviapartner at Düsseldorf Airport. The popular MSG-1W-THR is similar to the Lowe LEP-190xe-THR but with 1 year no quibble guarantee and off duty carrying pouch.
The Aviapartner Group provides full aircraft handling including handling of passengers, baggage, cargo and mail, maintenance, aircraft cleaning at 31 airports in 5 European countries.

Showcomms supply Arthur's Day celebrations in Lagos

2009-09-22T12:02:00.003+01:00

This Thursday is Arthur's Day, the 250th anniversary celebrations of Arthur Guinness signing the 9,000 year lease on the St James's Brewery in Dublin.

Music events are happening in Dublin, Lagos, Kuala Lumpur, New York and Yaoundé and €6 Million has been pledged to the Arthur Guinness Fund by Guinness and Co.

Showcomms have supplied Tecpro beltpacks and headsets to Shell for the Lagos concert, starring Sean Paul.

Across Ireland drinkers will be toasting Arthur Guinness, with countdown clocks across Dublin. Live coverage presented by Cat Deeley and Ronan Keating will be on Sky's Pub TV channel 881. The highlights will be shown on ITV2 in the UK on Sunday 27th September at 12:15am and Tuesday 29th September at 10:00pm

Acts confirmed for Arthur's Day so far are:

  - Black Swan Effect                    - Noise Control
    - Born Blonde                          - OK Go
    - Calvin Harris                        - Oppenheimer
    - Cherbourg                            - Paolo Nutini
    - Concerto for Constantine             - Razorlight
    - D'Banj (performing in Lagos)         - Republic of Loose
    - David Gray                           - Reverend and The Makers
    - David Kitt                           - Richard Hawley
    - Dirty Epics                          - Roots Manuva
    - DJ David Holmes                      - Sean Paul (performing in Lagos)
    - Eoghan Colgan                        - Sharon Shannon
    - Estelle                              - Soul II Soul
    - Fionn Regan                          - Spring Break
    - Fiona Melady                         - Sugababes
    - General Fiasco                       - The Black Eyed Peas (Performing
    - Golden Silvers                          in Kuala Lumpur)
    - Hoarsebox                            - The Blizzards
    - Imelda May                           - The Chakras
    - Jamie Cullum                         - The Chapters
    - Jay Jay Pistolet                     - The Coronas
    - Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club       - The Enemy
    - Johnny Flynn                         - The High Kings
    - Kasabian                             - The Hot Rats
    - Lisa Hannigan                        - The Infomatics
    - Leopold                              - The Kooks
    - Lumiere                              - The Magic Numbers
    - Mick Flannery                        - The Undertones
    - Mongrel                              - The Wombats
    - Nat Jenkins                          - Tom Jones
    - Noah and The Whale                   - White Bell Yellow Tag

STP8000 and MTP850 sales

2009-09-17T15:31:00.002+01:00

We are seeing a big increase in our sales of parts for the Sepura STP8000 radio, including to the Dartford Crossing, which is just up the road from us.
In addition we are shipping large number of accessories for the Motorola MTP850 and CEP400, especially to police forces, and of our BG-F Tetra, BG-F Tracker and Centurion headsets for use on the MTP850.

Schools Theatre Support Group

2009-09-12T22:25:00.003+01:00

Showcomms are pleased to announce that we are sponsoring the Schools Theatre Support Group.
As their website says:

The Group is open to all professionally-employed theatre support staff working in schools, colleges or other educational establishments; primarily technicians and managers, but also anyone with an active interest, such as teachers with responsibility for the technical side of productions, for example.

Proms in the Park and Thank you for the Music for SIS LIVE

2009-09-11T14:04:00.009+01:00

Showcomms are providing backstage show and lighting communications equipment and crew to SIS LIVE for this weekend's Proms in the Park and Thank you for the Music.

The total rig consists of:
2 x crew (Alex Wrigglesworth and James Wilson)
16 x RTS BP325 beltpacks
1 x RTS single channel PS15 power supply
1 x RTS 3 channel PS31 power supply
1 x RTS SAP612 Source Assignment Panel
2 x RTS Biscuit boxes
5 x RTS SSA324 2 to 4 wire converters
4 x CTP 4 wire boxes (1 x 2 channel, 1 x 4 channel, 2 x 6 channel)
1 x Key Radio Base Station
Motorola GP300 radios
1 x JFMG Radio licence

This is the 5th year running that Showcomms have provided backstage comms for Proms in the Park (previously to BBC OBs before they were bought by SIS). As they say, happy customers come back!
Now, where is that Abba CD...

Follow the Showcomms blog on Twitter and Facebook

2009-09-04T18:23:00.002+01:00

You can now follow the Showcomms Blog on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/showcomms
and on our Facebook page

RNLI Memorial Opening and open days

2009-09-04T17:03:00.003+01:00

Showcomms are providing 58 GP300 and CP040 radios for the RNLI headquarters in Poole this week - for the RNLI memorial opening that happened on Wednesday and for their open days this weekend.

Do pop along to their HQ this weekend, they promise:

Discover what it takes to train our crews and how we design and equip our lifeboats.
Also find out how to become a lifeguard, crew member, or fundraiser in the RNLI - where ordinary people do extraordinary things.
What can you expect?
Lifeboat tours
Rescue demonstrations
Lifeguard / lifeboat displays
Sea survival pool demonstrations
Informative talks from the lifeguards and crew members.
Location and times
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2009
10am - 6pm
£2 entrance fee. Under 5's are FREE

Big Brother Final

2009-09-04T14:38:00.007+01:00

Tonight is the Final of Big Brother, and whoever wins out of Sophie, Rodrigo, Siavash, Charlie and David it will be another spectacular show, and the cranes will be using our Jelibox Talkback and Tally System supplied to Roll to Record

Making a splash at the Worthing International Birdman

2009-08-27T16:20:00.008+01:00

Showcomms provided radio and wired comms for Factual Productions last weekend for their shooting of the Worthing International Birdman.
Pictured above is Cameraman Noel Greaves-Lord and Director Andy Roberts.
The winner of the contest Steve Elkins just missed the £30,000 prize for a 100 metre flight with a recorded distance of 99.86 metres.
The video below was edited from Factual's footage (though isn't their cut).

Two more Ocean Choice shrimp trawlers being fitted with Showcomms supplied Peltor Dectcom

2009-08-13T15:46:00.003+01:00

At the end of June we reported that we had supplied 2 Peltor Dectcom systems for the Kinguk and the Aqviq, two Arctic shrimp trawlers operated by Ocean Choice of Newfoundland.
On 21 July the Kinguk had been fitted with the system and the Aqviq was awaiting fititng. We are delighted to announce that we have taken delivery of a further two identical Peltor Dectcom systems for Ocean Choice, which they will be fitting on the Cape Ballard and the Mersey Viking.

Alan HP450 for Londis store

2009-08-12T11:59:00.003+01:00

A Londis store contacted us this week looking for a cost effective option to link up their staff (two shifts of 5 people). Up to now they had used fairly basic PMR446 radios. The staff are both in the store and the warehouse.
A Dectcom system would prove too expensive, as would licenced radios.
Our solution has been to supply 5 Alan HP450 radios on PMR446 frequencies, together with BG-S2 headsets, plus 5 extra curly tubes to cover the 10 staff.

Otto ear defenders at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo

2009-08-07T09:42:00.004+01:00

The Edinburgh Tattoo starts today. As everyone knows it is an event of pipes, drums, guns and fireworks!
So Showcomms are supplying 18 sets of our Otto Eardefenders for GP300 radios to BBC Scotland for their Tattoo coverage.
This is the third year running that we have supplied BBC Scotland with eardefenders for the event.

Adjusting your earpiece

2009-08-05T16:21:00.003+01:00

We occasionally get people asking how they can stop their curly tube earpiece popping out.
This little diagram gives you the answer.

Wearing the earpiece get a second person to trim back the tube with a small pair of scissors until the loop rests comfortably on top of the ear with the earpiece in (we strongly suggest they only do a little bit at a time!

When that bit is done, if needed, they can do the same trimming the tube between the curly section and the collar until it just has a small amount of tension.

The other thing you can look it is purchasing a skeleton earpiece upgrade.

Bruce at the Barbican Theatre

2009-07-24T16:43:00.003+01:00

Bruce recently went to the Barbican Theatre with Adrian Richmond of Telex to sort out a problem with their in house Telex BTR700 wireless beltpack system, which was not covering the areas they needed.
They relocated the base station to achieve coverage onstage and in the auditorium.

Pictured left to right: Adrian Ricmond (Telex), Ingo Reinhardt (Barbican Deputy Technical Manager), Bruce Cocks (Showcomms).

New website buttons

2009-07-22T17:11:00.009+01:00

The observant among you will see a set of new buttons across the top of our website covering various (but not all) areas of our business, we hope they will help you find your way around more easily!

Tecpro systems selling fast

2009-07-22T17:02:00.003+01:00

Today has seen orders arrive for a fairly large Tecpro System by the Ruskin Players in Carshalton, a Tecpro starter kit by Trinity University College in Carmarthen, and Tecpro beltapacks are on their way fro the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.
We are told that there will be Tecpro price rises on 1st August - so get your orders in quick if you are about to buy a system!

Bibby Offshore supplied with Bluetooth eardefenders

2009-07-19T14:34:00.004+01:00

Bibby Offshore, part of Bibby Line Group, have been supplied by us with a matched pair of A-Kabel Bluetooth eardefender headsets. Testing them before despatch, Bruce and Duncan could speak to each other 70 metres apart with line of sight, before they ran out of room!
Bibby will be using them onboard the Bibby Topaz. But they would also be excellent or two people on a yacht, for industrial applications, arboriculture, road maintenance and any requirement for 2 way hands free communications between 2 operators where it is too far or too noisy to shout but both persons are in easy view of each other.

Tecpro System for Jacksons Lane Theatre

2009-07-14T16:47:00.003+01:00

We have today supplied a Tecpro system consisting of the new PS751 Power Supply, 2 x BP111 Beltpacks and 2 x ASL HS1D headsets to the Jacksons Lane Theatre in Highgate.
To quote from the theatre's website:

Jacksons Lane is a multi-arts venue in Highgate, North London. Housed in a striking red-brick gothic church conversion, the building is home to a 160 capacity theatre, a striking dance and rehearsal studio, a cafe bar and four multi-purpose spaces.
We are a theatre, a centre for participation with countless courses, a space for companies and artists to create and, above all, a welcoming building open 6 days a week for whatever you decide to do here.
From contemporary circus to artist development, from participation to theatre for young people, Jacksons Lane is unique.
Explore our website, call us, drop in, there's more than likely something for you here, and if there isn't - we may be able to help create it...

Showcomms now selling CTP Systems talkback

2009-07-14T16:24:00.003+01:00

OK. In our last post about becoming Glaensound dealers we did say "We don't usually use the blog to announce new products", but it would be remiss of us to mention that we are selling Glensound products, without pointing out that as well as hiring the CTP Systems Matrix 24 Talkback and Intercom System (as used at the Isle of Man TT) we are now selling the system...
We can of course supply any products in the CTP Systems range on request.

Showcomms become Glensound dealer

2009-07-10T13:04:00.003+01:00

We don't usually use the blog to announce new products, but this week we have started listing Glensound products on our website.
Glensound have been designers and manufacturers of professional audio broadcast equipment since 1966.
They are best known for their commentary systems and their ISDN kit.
We are only showing a few products on the site, but can supply any item from the Glensound range. And as Glensound equipment is made to order we can supply bespoke systems to fit any requirement.
One item we are very keen on is the Broadcaster's Mobile Phone. This device can be used anywhere that you want to carry professional audio over the mobile phone network - such as a reporter on location, a phone in contribution to a corporate event or as a back up 4 wire circuit to an OB.

Radio parts for NLV Pharos

2009-07-06T14:48:00.003+01:00

Continuing Showcomms increasing marine sales, this weekend has seen the Northern Lighthouse Board order spare parts for Motorola GP340 radios used on the lighthouse tender the NLV Pharos. NLV Pharos is based in Oban and works mainly in Scottish and Manx waters, servicing over 200 automatic lighthouses, buoys, beacons. She is also able to carry out hydrographic surveying and wreck finding and other commercial work under contract.

Throw another prawn on the barbie Bruce!

2009-06-29T18:17:00.007+01:00

Showcomms have supplied two Peltor Dect-Com systems to Ocean Choice of Canada for onboard communications.
The two vessels being fitted with the Dect-Com units are the Kinguk and the Aqviq. Both of these are primarily for prawn and shrimp fishing in Arctic areas. They are 50 metres long with onboard processing decks for sorting, cooking and freezing shrimps.
Ocean Choice already had a Dect-Com system on another boat that had been fitted in Iceland, and as they said to Bruce when considering purchasing the further systems:

It works very well and we are thinking of expanding our communications on our other boats to make use of this technology

Anyone for Tennis?

2009-06-26T16:11:00.002+01:00

As Wimbledon heads for its second week, viewers of NBC will be bought the Tennis from a studio equipped with our telex BTR700 Wireless Beltpack system.

New Talkback returns from Isle of Man TT

2009-06-15T16:03:00.004+01:00

Showcomms CTP 24 x 24 Matrix Talkback intercom system has returned from its first job - the coverage of the Isle of Man TT for ITV.
ITV featured nearly 50 hours of programming from the TT on ITV1 and ITV4 presented by leading ITV sports anchor Craig Doyle with commentary from former racers Steve Parrish and Jamie Whitham, who both competed at the TT.
The Showcomms hire system, used to connect production areas, features:
A Talkback 24 twenty four square 1U matrix, four wire talkback system. It is PC programmable, includes full IFB facilities, and can support any combination of talkback panels and four wires, up to a maximum of twenty four.
7 x 12 key panels. Each key has it's own volume control, automatically assigned to the reverse of the key destination(s).
Jackfield with 8 RJ45 ports and 16 audio 4 wire i/p, o/p & IFB XLRs.
Panels connect by CAT5 or CAT6 cable (cable not included).

(P.S. Motorcyclists reading this may be interested in our ProGuard Custom Motorcyclists earplugs... )

ABTT

2009-06-10T15:29:00.001+01:00

For those who make it to ABTT despite the Tube strike, a reminder that we have a draw on our stand for a pair of Midland G7E radios with a headset.

Showcomms Job Vacancy - New Position, Equipment Hire Co-ordinator

2009-06-02T13:39:00.002+01:00

To manage and organise hire department. Knowledge of hire and stage communications equipment required.
Based in Chelsfield Village outside Orpington.
For more details contact Bruce on 01689 876620 or bruce@showcomms.co.uk

International Academy Amman - Showcomms supply another educational theatre

2009-06-01T10:45:00.009+01:00

Showcomms have supplied a Tecpro system for the 450 seat Conference Centre/Theatre at the International Academy, Amman, Jordan.
The IAA is a non-profit making ‘Model School of Excellence’ opened by her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, as part of the Jordanian Education Society (JES).

Rave on Air 09 sponsored by Showcomms

2009-05-22T13:16:00.005+01:00

Showcomms are pleased to sponsor Rave on Air 09

In it's 39th year, every year for one day in June Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication is transformed into one of the country's most exciting and innovative broadcasters, as the students go "ON AIR" for 5 hours of live broadcast.
Rave on Air is a perfect chance for students to showcase their work to delegates from the broadcasting and creative industries as well as
giving the students "live" experience of creating and delivering a wide spectrum of content. This is the last year of Rave on Air at the Chislehurst campus before Ravensbourne moves to Greenwich Peninsula by the O2.
Showcomms Director Bruce Cocks took part in Rave on Air in 1990 in his last year at Ravensbourne.
To watch promotional videos for this year's Rave on Air click here.

Peli VB3

2009-05-19T11:38:00.003+01:00

We said how interest at the Police Dog Trials had meant we had started listing Peter Jones clips for the Peli Versabrite VB3 torch. Well we have now added the torches to our range. In yellow or black.

BBC South presenter to open new University of Winchester studio

2009-05-17T12:34:00.013+01:00

BBC South presenter and journalist Sally Taylor is formally opening a new TV studio with a linked newsroom at the University of Winchester on Wednesday 27 May. She will cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony in the presence of students, staff and journalists from local and national media.
Showcomms supplied and installed the Tecpro wired and Trilogy wireless intercom talkback system for the studio.

From the Spring 2009 inspection report produced by the Broadcast Training Journalism Council:

"The new studio is a high grade three camera digital TV studio.
"The studio has a good height – probably a double floor height and an extensive and highly flexible lighting rig. In addition, there’s a green screen area, and potentially this studio will be able to do a great deal more than just run an evening news magazine programme.
"In addition, there is a live studio facility in the newsroom, with a number of inject points around the campus, which should prompt some highly varied and imaginative treatments of news and current affairs programming.
"Portable equipment is easily available to the students and includes Marantz and Sony PD170 cameras.
Technical support is good and the technical team are very helpful."
In addition the university has a dedicated multimedia newsroom with work stations provided for all students producing weekly and daily radio and television bulletins, news and features websites.
The studios and newsroom are used by students on BA and MA courses and are part of the university's focus on careers in the television and multimedia news and journalism industries. Both UK and international students take part in courses that use the studios to produce regular scheduled TV and radio news bulletins, magazine work and multimedia production.

Showcomms at the RNLI AGM

2009-05-16T16:05:00.005+01:00

For the fourth year running Showcomms has this week provided backstage communications at the RNLI AGM and Awards at the Barbican.
Alex went along as guarantee engineer with our wired and wireless kit for this prestigious event.

Showcomms win major Belgian Police order

2009-05-14T17:08:00.004+01:00

Showcomms have won two major orders from Aalst Police in Belgium following Infopol.
We will be supplying 150 of our BG 1 wire covert earpiece for the EADS Nokia THR 880i plus Peter Jones Klick Fast Docks and Skeleton earpieces.

Bruce meets Belgian Minister of the Interior

2009-05-08T16:26:00.004+01:00

We have received this picture taken at Infopol a couple of weeks ago of Bruce demonstrating some of our Tetra Airwave products to the Belgian Minister of the Interior Guido De Padt.

Picture by info@Myriade.be

ABTT Theatre Show

2009-05-05T22:14:00.008+01:00

Advanced notice that Showcomms will be at the ABTT Theatre Show, 10-11 June, Royal Horticultural Halls, SW1. Visitors leaving their business card at our stand will be entered into the draw for a pair of Midland G7E XT PMR Radios and a headset.

Dive, Dive, Dive

2009-04-30T12:23:00.008+01:00

Showcomms latest plunge into the marine market is to ship a Tecpro system to Eastar Offshore of Singapore for a Subsea Robotics Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).
Who says we don't like getting into deep water!

P.S. we are selling complete Tecpro Theatre starter kits on ebay for just £999.99!
This 4 user system will get you up and running in most Theatres, Schools and Colleges. It is simple to use and all you will require is XLR 3pin cable (standard microphone cable).

The PS711 power has the capacity to double and double again the number of belt packs in use and when productions become more complicated you can operate up to 3 independant communication rings.
4 x BP111 beltpacks is enough for most small theatres and if you only need an additional user on the odd occasion it is easy to hire in additional equipment from us at minimal cost.
Please call 01689 876620 and we will be pleased to offer you further information, technical advce or assistance in designing your intercom system. As part of our support and services we offer an onsite 1st line maintenance including a beltpack, headset refurbishing & repair service. The system shown on Ebay is a saving of over £140 and comprises of:

4 x BP111 single channel belt packs.
4 ASL HS1D single sided headsets
1 x PS711 intercom power supply

National Police Dog Trials: Day 4

2009-04-26T20:49:00.003+01:00

Today's picture is not of a dog, but of one of Leeds Castle's splendid peacocks, who have been strutting their stuff for the crowds over the course of the trials. It has been a busy week for Showcomms, out thanks to Kent Police for organising the event. The winners, who received their prize from Princess Michael of Kent, were PC Dave Buckley and Chaz from Nottinghamshire Police, but the Showcomms tent was too busy for us to get down to the presentation to take a picture!