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RNLI Memorial Opening and open days

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

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

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

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.

Otto ear defenders at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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 ear defenders for the event.

Adjusting your earpiece

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

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).

Tecpro systems selling fast

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 beltpacks 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

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

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...

Radio parts for NLV Pharos

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!

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

New Talkback returns from Isle of Man TT

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... )

International Academy Amman - Showcomms supply another educational theatre

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

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.

BBC South presenter to open new University of Winchester studio

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 win major Belgian Police order

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 KlickFast Docks and Skeleton earpieces.

Bruce meets Belgian Minister of the Interior

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

Dive, Dive, Dive

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 our website  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 independent communication rings.
4 x BP111 belt packs 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 advice or assistance in designing your intercom system.
As part of our support and services we offer an onsite 1st line maintenance including a belt pack, headset refurbishing & repair service. The system shown on our website is a saving of over £140 and comprises of:

4 x BP511 single channel belt packs.
4 ASL HS1D single sided headsets
1 x PS751 intercom power supply

The picture below is now out of date (08/12/2012) and shows our original listing.

National Police Dog Trials: Day 4

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!

National Police Dog Trials: Day 3 - gadgets everywhere

This fine figure of a dog is former Kent Champion Police dog (now retired) Gadget.



... and while on gadgets ... several officers asked us yesterday if we sold Klickfast clips to hold Peli VB3 torches. Well we didn't, but we were straight on the phone to Peter Jones, and now we do. It is on our website here (torch not included).

National Police Dog Trials: Day 2 (come and meet the puppies!)

If you are looking for something free to take the kids to this weekend bring them along to the National Police Dog Trials at Leeds Castle, and let them meet the Metropolitan Police puppies!


Licky time!


Cuddle time!


The end of a long tiring day of play!

National Police Dog Trials: Day 2 (waiting for the woofs)

Another glorious day here at Leeds Castle and the dogs have just started to arrive and compete. After a fantastic first day we are back on the Showcomms Stall again and ready for action!
We are looking forward to day 2 of the event and seeing more these wonderful working dogs in action. If you are in the South East why not come down to Leeds Castle and watch the events and come and say hello? We have a wide range of both police and other communications equipment with us that you can come and see in action and it really is a very interesting event.
As promised yesterday here is the much awaited first picture of the brand new Showcomms display tent!

National Police Dog Trials: Day 1

Today was the first day out for the new Showcomms outside exhibition tent at the National Police Dog trials at the beautiful Leeds Castle in Kent. Pictures of the tent over the coming days.
Showcomms are exhibiting Police radio accessories, Klickfast, PMR446 radios, the FriskerPro, the Under Car Camera and Peltor SportTac shooting active eardefenders.
We also had the VoiceVest on display, Leeds Castle already have one they purchased off us. And the Clock Audio Tour Guide system, which raised some promising interest.
Anyway, enough of the products. Here is Kent Police Dog "H" getting waggy and sniffy at finding some drugs in a case during one of the displays:

Bruce returns from Infopol

Bruce has returned from Infopol at Kortrijk XPO in Belgium.
He came back with tales of how it all started as a meeting of police over Belgian beer but has now grown into a major European police exhibition. Bruce returned most excited over a possible very large order of EADS Nokia headsets for a police force...
We have also, as the result of enquiries at the show, now added a Peter Jones Klickfast case for the EADS Nokia THR880i to our range.

New Broadcast talkback system coming soon

Wednesday saw a scheduled power outage in Chelsfield for the day, so Bruce and Duncan set off to see Chris Thorpe at CTP Systems in Staplehurst to see a new system being assembled for Showcomms' line of broadcast dry hire kit. Chris, Bruce and Duncan used to work together at VMTV (Visions Mobiles/Molinare).

The new system will have a number of panels centred on CTP Systems' Talkback 24 PC programmable 24 square matrix. They were very impressed at how easy it was to set up, making it excellent for trouble free dry hire.

More news soon on on the first job for the kit scheduled for May.

Bruce goes to Paris

Yesterday Bruce headed off by Eurostar for Paris to show at the Public Security Exhibition at the splendid British Ambassador's Residence. Taking the full range of Motorola, Sepura and EADS Nokia Tetra accessories, the under car camera and the FriskerPro.
He enjoyed himself so much he seemed reluctant to return to a busy office today!

Dect-Com system "shipped"

Today we have shipped (excuse the pun) a 4-way Peltor Dect-Com digital wireless beltpack system to a yacht racing team in Spain. We had previously sold a system to the ill fated Super Aguri Formula 1 team for their pit refuellers.
We are told the system was originally designed for troops operating outside of tanks!
But you don't have to be in the high speed worlds of F1, yacht racing or driving tanks to get the best of this system. It is ideal as a line of site system for use in theatres.
We have a 4-way system we can hire you to try, and will knock the hire cost off the bill if you then decide to buy.

FriskerPro proving popular with police

Following the Home Office Scientific Development Branch 2009 Exhibition a number of police forces are now using the FriskerPro hand or wrist worn metal detector with silent detection.
They particularly like the fact you can tuck it up your sleeve.
Others interested in the product include local councils for night clubs.
It is a really useful tool for doormen to stop knives etc. But our stocks are getting low at the current price, because of the $ exchange rate they will be going up from £120 to £142 when present stock runs out.