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Audio Review: Technomad Schedulon

Solid scheduling-enabled audio player and recorder that fits the simplicity bill.

By John McJunkin

Technomad, manufacturer of military-oriented audio equipment (particularly PA systems) has introduced its Schedulon scheduling-enabled audio player/recorder. This device is nearly identical to Technomad’s SuperConductor, which is the purely military version of the device. As a manufacturer of military-grade technology, Technomad is known to make its products figuratively bulletproof, and the Schedulon was developed with this notion in mind. It records to and plays back from RAM, so there are no moving hard-disk parts to cause problems. It’s distinguished from similar computer-based solutions by the fact that it is a standalone device, immune to viruses or operating system crashes or hang-ups. I’ve always been a great believer in over-engineering, which helps avoid embarrassment and, more importantly, the potential loss of clients that can be caused by equipment failures. The Schedulon very much appeals to my sensibilities in this regard.

The military recognizes that much of its equipment is destined to be operated by 18-year-olds who have little experience with technology, so simplicity is the key word. The Schedulon’s 1RU front and rear panels very clearly fit that bill. There are just five features on the front panel: From left to right, there’s an LCD display, a data-input knob, a removable thumb-drive access panel, an RJ-45 Ethernet port, and a large bat-handle power switch. The LCD displays 32 characters on two lines, and it is very reminiscent of the old-school Yamaha processors and synthesizers. The data-entry knob is of the large variety colloquially described as “chicken-head”; it spins continuously for data input and can also be depressed as a pushbutton switch. It doesn’t get much simpler than a single knob and a basic LCD display for control and feedback.

The Technomad Schedulon automatic mp3 player and recorder, adapted from Technomad military technology

The rear panel is also simple. From left to right, you’ll find a fuse holder, the unit’s integrated AC power cord, a Neutrik 1/4in. TRS output jack, a second RJ-45 Ethernet port, and two stereo RCA pairs representing audio in and rec in. Again, the Schedulon sports a very straightforward, no-nonsense design, which is right in line with the requirements you’d expect from the military.

The Schedulon is essentially designed to do one thing: automatically play audio at prescheduled times or immediately under human control if desired. There are obviously numerous applications for such a device. In an educational setting, specifically a school, the Schedulon can be used to play tones or recorded speech intended to alert students that class begins in 10 minutes, again 5 minutes later, and then a final alert 1 minute prior to the start of each class hour. The minimum time resolution of the scheduling is 1 minute, so countdowns that update every minute are possible. Additionally, emergency messages can be delivered, alerting students of a fire or other dangers. For numerous applications, the ability to play hourly chimes to indicate the time is nice, particularly since a specific number of chime strokes can be played or even a pleasant voice can announce that it’s 10 o’clock, for example. Up to 100 scheduled playback events can be programmed into the system. In military settings, the device can be used to play Reveille in the morning, Taps at dusk, and other military-oriented sounds. As a matter of fact, the device ships from Technomad with quite a number of military sounds, including alarm sirens and bugle calls. Among other applications, the Schedulon would also be useful in subways, airports, hospitals, or other public buildings, even to provide BGM. For that matter, this system would be useful for any application in which you would otherwise use a flash-drive-based recording/playback system.

In addition to scheduled automatic playback, immediate manual playback is easily accomplished by the Schedulon, which would be useful in the case of an emergency or other situation that necessitates immediate, spontaneous playback of certain messages or alerts. The unit allows a maximum of 99 slots for audio. The maximum length of the audio is determined by the size of the removable flash thumb drive. The unit ships from the factory with a 1GB drive, but larger drives can be installed. The unit compresses audio into .mp3 files, with resolution ranging from 32kbps to 320kbps. Audio is recorded by the unit at 192kbps, which is difficult to distinguish from CD quality by most listeners without the benefit of an A-B comparison. At the nominally standard rate of 128kbps, hundreds of songs could be stored on a system with a 1GB thumb drive. Technomad says that a future version of the system will support the recording and playback of uncompressed 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV audio. The unit’s thumb drive is upgraded very easily by removing the front access panel, pulling the original drive out, and replacing it with the new one. Also, all system parameters, scheduling, and audio are stored on the thumb drive, so it can be transferred into another Schedulon unit — in effect cloning the original.

In line with the military aversion to computer viruses, complete control of all system parameters can be accomplished from the front panel, but computer control via Ethernet is indeed an option; this is the only way that externally recorded .mp3 files can be introduced to the Schedulon. It’s possible that the system would be loaded with all desired audio files and then installed with the intention of only front-panel control. On the other hand, since the system can be controlled remotely via IP, it is beneficial to maintain a network connection — particularly if you’re practicing good network security. Password protection prevents a malicious user from making changes, both from the front panel and via the network. Another major benefit to maintaining a network connection to the unit is that it can connect to a time server, keeping its internal clock precisely correct at all times. On a related note, the Schedulon has an optional backup battery available, which is again in line with the military notion of ongoing technology performance regardless of external circumstances. I discovered this battery feature when I jokingly flipped on the power switch before the unit was plugged in. Imagine my surprise when it fired up.

Among other advantages over similar audio-streaming-over-IP solutions is a network interruption that will not halt playback of critical audio from the Schedulon, since all the audio is stored internally. Additionally, IP bandwidth is not expended by audio streaming. I was prepared to announce that my only criticism of the unit was the somewhat unorthodox 1/4in. TRS audio output. I would normally expect Euro-style or barrier strips or a stereo pair of 1/4in. TRS jacks. As it transpires, however, I was shipped a beta unit. The production version will actually have stereo RCA pairs for input and output, which is a little more orthodox.

In spite of these minor inconveniences, this unit is very solid and would be a great choice for any application in which good-quality scheduled audio playback is necessary. I’d recommend taking a look at it.

John McJunkin is the principal of Avalon Podcasting in Chandler, Ariz. He has consulted in the development of studios and installations, and he provides high-quality podcast-production services.

PRODUCT SUMMARY

Company: Technomad
http://www.technomad.com
Product: Schedulon
Pros: Very tough and bulletproof.
Cons: Network implementation requires pretty solid IT skills.
Applications: Military, educational, and public-building scheduled announcements.
Price: $1,879

SPECIFICATIONS

Audio playback: MP3-format audio, 32kbps to 320kbps, stereo or mono, fixed or variable bit rate.
Audio recording: MP3-format audio, 192kbps, fixed bit rate, stereo.
Dimensions: 19″×1.75″×10″ (W×H×D)
Weight: 4lbs.
Data input: RJ-45 Ethernet jack
Audio input: 1×1/4in. TRS (stereo)
Audio output: 1×1/4in. TRS (stereo)

This review initially appeared in the December 2008 issue of Sound & Video Contractor.

Technomad Loudspeakers Provide Game Day Audio Coverage at Jamsil Baseball Stadium

Technomad announced that C.I.C. Electronics, a Technomad dealer located in South Korea, installed a variety of Technomad weatherproof loudspeakers throughout Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. C.I.C. Electronics, a global supplier of professional audio and public address systems selected Technomad loudspeakers for their outstanding audio quality and projection, weatherproof design, and durability.

Jamsil Baseball Stadium, built in 1982, seats 30,265 people and is home to both the Doosan Bears and LG Twins, both professional teams of the KBO Baseball League. C.I.C. installed Technomad Berlin, Paris616 and Vernal-15 loudspeakers in various areas depending on the amount of power required for each specific location. The Technomad Berlin, part of the company’s AS Series of loudspeakers, is the largest of the three models. TheBerlin offers unparalleled projection, fidelity, and power to disperse intelligible voice and music throughout the stadium while maintaining an even pattern.

The Technomad Paris 616 and Vernal-15 models, part of the company’s MP Series of loudspeakers, offer more compact designs for all-environment installations, distributed systems, and sound reinforcement applications. Like the Berlin, both the Paris and Vernal offer unmatched fidelity as well as very broad dispersion to ensure that clear audio is hitting the most difficult-to-reach areas within the stadium.

Jamsil Baseball Stadium comprises part of the Jamsil Sports Complex along with nearby Seoul Olympic Stadium, and was host to baseball events during the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

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Technomad Introduces New Products: High-Q Versions of Berlin Loudspeakers

Narrower dispersion pattern gives more options to Technomad customers for controlled output patterns in venues of all sizes

BOSTON, December 3, 2008 – Technomad Associates, LLC, a leader in weatherproof loudspeakers and audio systems since 1995, will begin shipping the next generation of its popular Berlin weatherproof outdoor loudspeakers this month.The two new Technomad Berlin loudspeaker models offer a narrower dispersion pattern than previous generations.These new pattern control configurations are ideal for design engineers, contractors and consultants seeking a more controlled output pattern while retaining the high-audio quality and rugged design that are benchmarks of all Technomad loudspeakers.

The new Berlin loudspeaker models offer constant directivity to maintain a consistent dispersion pattern of 60×40 or 90×40 dependent on the needs of the venue.The two options give systems designers more flexibility when working in tightly controlled acoustic environments or in outdoor installations where long distance projection is required.

The new Berlin loudspeaker models are ideal for design engineers, contractors and consultants seeking a more controlled output pattern

“Technomad customers have often requested a loudspeaker design that is ideal for targeting specific parts of a venue as opposed to blanketing a very wide area. The new Berlin configurations achieve this without sacrificing the qualities and features of the Technomad brand,” said Rodger Von Kries, vice president of Technomad. “The narrower dispersion allows our products to be used in arenas and stadiums where installers want more pattern control to target sound in each specific area. They are also ideal in smaller outdoor venues where long audio throw is desired, such as a high school football field, while ensuring that the audio is localized to the audience and not spilling outside of the venue.”

The latest generation of the Berlin loudspeaker reflects the company’s philosophy of refining its established range of loudspeakers instead of continually introducing new loudspeaker products to the market. For optimal flexibility, design engineers and contractors can plan Technomad installations featuring both the new narrower dispersion Berlin models and other Technomad loudspeakers with wider dispersion patterns.

“The ability to offer a full range of loudspeakers with various dispersion patterns is ideal for contractors and design engineers since a one-size-fits-all approach is a rare situation in larger venues,” said von Kries. “Our wide dispersion products, including the Technomad Vernal 15 and Noho C loudspeakers, give our customers the wide variety of options they need for professional installations. Every situation is unique dependent on the total coverage area and the amount of control required.”

Technomad Berlin loudspeakers are part of the company’s AS Series of IP56 weatherproof loudspeakers, offering unmatched controlled projection, fidelity and power for the most demanding fixed installations and mobile applications. Both the 60×40 and 90×40 Berlin loudspeakers come standard with passive network and bi-amp configurations, and are available in 8-Ohm and 70-volt versions.

» View Berlin 6040 and Berlin 9040 Product Page

Technomad Introduces Schedulon Playback and Recording System for Commercial Security Applications

Military technology adapted for commercial markets ideal for message repeating in airport and transportation centers

Technomad Associates, LLC, a leader in weatherproof loudspeakers and audio systems since 1995, introduces the Schedulon™, a new automatic mp3 player and recording system designed for integration into commercial security systems for airports and transportation centers of any size.Unique to the commercial market for its flexible scheduling and recording features, the Schedulon is a sibling of Technomad’s popular SuperConductor™ player/recorder used in military and homeland security applications.

The Schedulon is ideal for commercial security applications in airports and other transportation centers, for manual or scheduled playback of critical or non-critical messages and audio files

The Schedulon provides instant playback of up to 99 knob-assigned, user-loaded audio files from a front-panel screen, and allows automatic playback on a user-defined schedule based on an internal clock or synchronized network time server.Operators can interrupt automatic messages and play a knob-assigned siren or emergency announcement from an internal sound library in critical situations.The Schedulon is a reliable, standalone system with few moving parts and Flash RAM storage, and no computer is required for automatic playback.A hardware-based embedded system, the Schedulon does not use Windows or Linux “under the hood” and is therefore not susceptible to typical PC security risks.

The Schedulon can function as the audio source for a single PA system (in the same way a CD player or iPod can), or it can be used to feed audio to large scale paging / BGM systems in airports or transportation centers.The unit can integrate with a single set of loudspeakers for indoor/outdoor playback of voice, sound effects and background music to a concentrated area, including a specific airport terminal or underground train or subway tunnel; or within a networked PA system to cover entire airports or ground transportation centers.

Scheduling can be as straightforward or complex as desired, down to the exact time of day.Airports and transportation centers can connect the Schedulon to existing facility paging systems to broadcast automatic announcements.Operators can also use the Schedulon to record new announcements for instant or future playback via the user-defined schedule.All recording and uploading tasks can also be achieved without the need for a computer or web browser to minimize the risk of crashes and viruses.

“The Schedulon gives operators the freedom to flexibly schedule and record sounds that match the environs of the venue or installation site,” said Rodger von Kries, vice president of Technomad.“For commercial security, the Schedulon can interface with audio distribution equipment to trigger alarms and pre-recorded emergency messages over PA loudspeakers, serving as a powerful message repeater and campus-wide alert system.Although manual operation is a benefit for instant playback of audio, the scheduling feature ensures that operators are not tied down to monitoring the playback operation.”

The Schedulon offers a feature set that makes life easy for the operator.The Local Configuration Mode feature set provides front-panel access to all functions, as well as password protection and management of audio files without the assistance of a computer.Or, an easy-to-use web interface allows rapid configuration of Schedulon functions via any standard browser.

Remote control capabilities allow operation of the system from a distance via CGI command, and the Lockout feature ensures that only scheduled or remotely-triggered files can be played when the unit is unsupervised.Users can upload sounds and modify the schedule remotely via web browser as well, greatly simplifying maintenance.

The Schedulon is ideal for critical applications — because audio is generated locally by the unit (not streamed over a network), network interruptions will not stop critical sound playback, and network bandwidth is not consumed by streaming audio.Permitted staff can remotely or locally interrupt scheduled playback to play important messages or sound effects as needed.The unit’s internal clock keeps scheduled audio on track even when network time servers aren’t available.

The Schedulon can be purchased separately or as part of a Technomad Turnkey PA system, a full range of complete, pre-integrated, fixed or mobile audio solutions featuring Technomad weatherproof loudspeakers, cables, mounting brackets, a dynamic microphone with cable, and a 6RU rack enclosure featuring a two-channel amplifier and a six-channel mixer.Additional rack space allows for inclusion of the Schedulon and other equipment such as power conditioners and limiter/compressors.

Technomad Switches to Recycled Plastic for Loudspeaker Manufacturing Process

Technomad Associates, LLC, a leader in weatherproof loudspeakers and audio systems since 1995, today announced it has introduced recycled plastic into its loudspeaker manufacturing process as part of the company’s developing green initiative in an effort to reduce waste. The company will continue to manufacture all loudspeaker products at its Massachusetts facility, where each loudspeaker is bench-built and tested by small teams of craftsmen.

“We want to take advantage of the opportunity presented by our manufacturing process to reduce waste,” said Rodger von Kries, vice president of Technomad. “This also benefits our customers by allowing us to minimize our manufacturing costs compared to using new plastic, a petroleum product that is subject to cost increases along with rising oil prices.”

The switch to recycled plastic reduces waste without altering the manufacturing process or lessening the rugged durability that is a hallmark of Technomad loudspeakers. The recycled plastic is processed, dyed black for color conformity, and used in the place of the new plastic formerly used for Technomad’s black loudspeaker cabinets.

Technomad is the recognized leader in weatherproof loudspeaker systems, featuring integrated, IP56-rated weatherproofing for outdoor and indoor systems that does not compromise acoustic performance. Technomad loudspeakers are available separately or as part of the company range of Turnkey PA systems featuring a signal processing rack with a powered amplifier, six-channel mixer, a dynamic microphone, cables, and additional rack space for external source and power equipment.

The company recently introduced two new non-loudspeaker products to its inventory: the Schedulon a new automatic mp3 player and recording system for themed entertainment, high-quality music playback, simulated environments, and commercial security applications; and PowerChiton, a series of compact, durable and weatherproof modules that unite a high-performance, passively-cooled amplifier with an IP56-rated, low-profile enclosure.

ABOUT TECHNOMAD

Technomad Associates, LLC, founded in 1995, designs and manufactures loudspeaker systems for the professional audio and security/military technology industries. The company invented the first reliable full-range weatherproof loudspeaker and now offers eight models ranging in power from the 60-watt Vernal 15 to the 1250-Watt OSLO subwoofer. In 2000, Technomad introduces its range of complete Turnkey PA systems that have turned previous complex integration jobs into simple, one-line orders. Please contact Technomad at 617-275-8898 or visit http://www.technomad.com for more information.