First Impression of Constant Carrier Digital Radio Talkback

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/Analogue capable radios.  The base had the required Tx enable button and audio in and audio out on a trial version interface 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 system Showcomms and Bruce had tested as runner for a possible replacement to the present analogue UHF base stations.  The clear improvement 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 foyet and upper levels can be a struggle.

In short the Benefits appear to be:

• reduced bandwidth and possibly therefore lower licence fees. I need 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!

Busy in the Park

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.

More spare parts - this time from Telex

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.

Last night in the jungle

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.

Anyone for Tennis?

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.

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

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...

Making a splash at the Worthing International Birdman

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).

Read about our past projects here

Broadcast Projects

R.N.L.I. AGM 2006 2007 2008



Backstage wired and wireless communications for the R.N.L.I. AGM at The Barbican Centre


BBC Proms in the Park 2005 2006 2007 2008



Stage Showcaller and separate Lighting Communications with Interface to BBC OB truck
3 Jelibox Camera Crane Talkback systems for the Technocranes
LD Turbo's comms to his 2 Spot Op Towers are kept seperate, even his truck 4 wires are sent over an Adder Fibre Optic circuit.



Live 8

In London we provided a Clearcom Easyspeak dual channel wireless intercom system for Streaky, the TV Stage Manger.
At Murrayfield we dry hired all the backstage wireless and wired beltpack communications for the show.


Industrial Communication Projects

DSTL Farnborough / RAF SpadeAdam 2006



Interface of an RTS system to a vehicle now stationed at RAF Spadeadam.
The system included repair of then interface to a Spadeadam Intercom (shown in image) plus duplex connection to 2 x Air Traffic Control radio systems and a further small system in another vehicle.



F1SuperAguri 2008



8 way Peltor Dect-com beltpack system for Car Refuellers supplied with Microm III noise cancelling microphone in-ear headsets worn under fire saftey equipment and integrated into their suits.


Eye Power Station

Lone Worker Radio System for this Suffolk Power Station


MSV Express

Setcom Radio Controller allows Operator to speak to more than one radio system (crane) on different bands using only one unit.


Isle of Man TT

Customer drops by to test and purchase2 headsets for passenger Police operators with Motorola Tetra Airwave radios
The microphone on the Mckay 3 Wire headset was found to pick up the least twin squirrel engine noise.


SPONSORSHIP

Rushden Firefighters 2006
Around the UK in 8 days - Showcomms supplied 2 VoiceVests and a small donation

The Rushden Firefighters visit Essex

2007 Metropolitan Police Fishing Team
The MPAS A team came 2nd in the National Championships
Showcomms sponsored the all Tee shirts for their teams