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Clearwing Productions Chooses Technomad for Phoenix Zoo Audio Improvements

Technomad loudspeakers enliven “water lagoon experience” for visitors while giving zoo long-term outdoor audio solution

BOSTON, October 16, 2013 – The systems design and integration experts at Clearwing Productions last year overhauled the Phoenix Zoo’s annual seasonal spectacular “ZooLights,” transforming a linear roadside display into an immersive, 360-degree audio and lighting experience that encircled the zoo’s central water lagoon. The advanced audio system from Technomad performed so well that zoo officials opted to use the system year round, delivering multi-zone background and event music to visitors across the lagoon area.

In addition to the Paris loudspeakers, each pole includes two PowerChiton weatherproof outdoor amplifiers and one Chicago subwoofer at the base. The complete solution eliminated lengthy cable runs by co-locating amps with the loudspeakers.

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The Phoenix Zoo initially hired Clearwing Productions to increase the production value of the annual lighting show, though the two teams quickly determined that the audio system was underperforming – not to mention falling apart.

“The Phoenix area is inundated with sun and UV rays, which is very tough on outdoor products,” said Nick Pitman, service and systems engineer, Clearwing Productions. “The previous speakers were dry rotted or full of water, and most had cracks from UV rays. They wanted something that would produce great audio and last more than a year. That’s when we looked at Technomad.”

Technomad delivered an advanced outdoor audio solution comprising 24 loudspeakers, 12 subwoofers and multiple wired power amplifiers, all fully weatherproof to protect against UV rays and other outdoor elements. The Clearwing design included 12 speaker poles surrounding the lagoon, each with two Paris weatherproof loudspeakers pointing in opposite directions from a height of 16 feet. One Technomad Chicago subwoofer and two PowerChiton amplifiers were added to the base of the pole.

The PowerChiton amplifier modules simplified the installation for the Clearwing team and ultimately reduced project costs for the Phoenix Zoo, eliminating lengthy complex underwater wiring jobs to connect traditional indoor amplifiers to outdoor loudspeakers.

“We knew that we wanted an outdoor amplifier that was simple in design but offered longevity,” said Pitman. “This solution gives us 120 volts and a speaker line output in a compact, outdoor-rated package. One PowerChiton feeds the Paris loudspeakers and another feeds the subwoofer on each pole. Most importantly, the PowerChiton design has no fans, eliminating any heat-related performance problems. They just keep working.”

The end-to-end distributed audio architecture includes Harman or BSS equipment to route, zone and delay signals for everyday use or special events as required. Network protocol signals are converted back to balanced audio en route to the PowerChitons. From there, the Paris loudspeakers deliver full-range musical reproduction with broad dispersion across the entire lagoon, with the Chicago subwoofers filling in the low end with additional bass output.

“The zoo had previously used rock speakers, and after the lighting upgrade they made it clear they wanted to add real audio,” said Pitman. “The Paris loudspeakers cover the area thoroughly, while the subs emphasize specific points in the music or dramatic show scenes without pushing the bass to nightclub levels. Everyone involved agrees that this was the most effective outdoor audio solution for the job.”

ABOUT TECHNOMAD

Technomad 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 nine models ranging in power from 60-watt loudspeakers to 1250-watt subwoofers — most available in Turnkey PA System packages featuring amplifiers, mixers and other signal processing equipment in pre-wired racks. The company also manufactures a variety of audio infrastructure and communications equipment including playback and recording systems, weatherproof power amplifiers and turnkey remote audio systems. Contact Technomad at 617-275-8898 or visit http://www.technomad.com for more information.

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Technomad PowerChiton Amplifiers Revive Stadium Audio at Excelsior Springs High School

Compact, efficient design allows installation team to seamlessly integrate PowerChiton amplifier modules into existing scoreboard

BOSTON, July 30, 2013 — Students rooting for the home team at Excelsior Springs High School in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, can now enjoy vibrant, crystal-clear sound as they take in football games and other events at their school’s outdoor stadium. As part of a long-overdue audio upgrade, the school has installed two Technomad PowerChiton modules at the stadium to drive its loudspeakers, significantly improving sound quality.

A new sound system injected new excitement into football and other stadium events for the student body

Kansas City, Missouri-based systems integrator Harvest Productions, which performed the upgrade, housed the new PowerChiton modules inside the stadium’s scoreboard. The compact PowerChiton design enabled the unusual installation, ensuring they are not visible to spectators. The PowerChiton amplifiers now deliver 1100 watts at four ohms, with excellent sound quality across the stadium.

The old amplifiers were a mess; we found insects nesting inside the amplifier casings…

The weatherproof design also ensures better outdoor protection than the school’s previous amplifiers, which were damaged from years of exposure to the elements. PowerChiton modules are built with an integral IP66-rated, NEMA weatherproof shell, and can be installed anywhere without concern about moisture or dirt.

“The old amplifiers were a mess; we found insects nesting inside the amplifier casings, which were standard electrical boxes without any weather sealing,” said Martin Pilewski, Corporate Business Development Manager at Harvest Productions. “Plus, the casings would cause the amplifiers to overheat. Every time this happened the staff would turn up the volume, which caused the speakers to blow. The PowerChiton was right in line with the school’s need for compact, weatherproof outdoor amplifiers. Not only were they ideal for outdoor audio use, but they also fit within their budget.”

The efficient PowerChiton design requires only a passive radiator for cooling, so there is a lower chance that the system will overheat. The amplifier unit is also fuse-protected for maximum operational efficiency.

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$The IP66-rated, weatherproof design of PowerChiton ensures that the amplifier won\'t fall into disrepair upon long-time exposure to outdoor elements$

“We have one of the most sophisticated high school stadiums in the area, and it was embarrassing when our speakers blew out during a football game,” said Roger Siegel, assistant director of activities at Excelsior Springs High School. “We’ve been up and running with the new system for a year now and the sound quality is a monumental improvement. The audio is crisp, clear and perfectly leveled across the stadium. We are absolutely thrilled with our new system.”

The PowerChiton is available in both wireless and Ethernet options. Pilewski chose the Ethernet version as the most cost-effective configuration for Excelsior Springs High School.

“The system was easy to set up and install,” he said. “There were already solid line level feeds in the scoreboard, so there was no need to overhaul anything just to install wireless units. We just screwed the amplifier to a wall, connected the input and output through compression fittings and plugged in the unit. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.”

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Technomad Brings New Energy to Texas School Athletics

Covenant Communications relies on Technomad’s all-inclusive, outdoor audio solution for batting cages; installation follows several previous sports audio upgrades

BOSTON, May 28, 2013 — Houston-area systems design and integration firm Covenant Communications has gradually transformed sports audio for the Alvin School District in southern Texas in recent years, installing Technomad advanced audio loudspeakers across baseball and softball fields, a large football stadium and other athletic venues to improve quality and coverage.

Covenant Communications exclusively installs Technomad for Alvin School District athletic fields, including Yellowjackets Stadium at Alvin High School

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$Covenant benefited from Technomad\'s yoke mounts to simplify installation and angle the Nohos for the best possible directivity$

Covenant Communications extended those audio benefits to the new batting cages at Manvel High School this spring, injecting fresh energy into the arduous drill of batting practice. The Technomad solution here covers all the bases, bringing together two full-range loudspeakers, an outdoor amplifier and a flexible audio control system. All components are completely weatherproof for protection against the heat, humidity and moisture of the harsh coastal-area climate.Click for current weather in Alvin!

“Technomad is the only choice for us in the weatherproof loudspeaker category, but we weren’t sure how to power a system in this situation,” said Shawn Mullins, President, Covenant Communications. “The batting cages are typically designed as a metal structure with a roof, open sides, a chain link fence and nets to catch the balls. We knew whatever we put out there would be exposed to moisture, severe thunderstorms and occasional hurricane-force winds and rains. We wanted to find something we could bolt down, plug in and leave alone.”

Mullins quickly discovered the Technomad PowerChiton, a series of compact, weatherproof outdoor amplifier modules that contractors can install outdoors and close to loudspeakers. The series also now includes the PowerChiton BreakoutBox, a similarly designed module offering accessible microphone and media player connections, audio control and device storage. The solution removes the need for a separate equipment rack and power source, with a single cable providing direct connection to the amplifier module.

“The PowerChiton was the only option we found outside the conventional mindset,” said Mullins. “It blends in well with other electrical equipment boxes; most people don’t even realize it’s there. It also completely eliminated the need for a portable PA system. We didn’t want to force coaches to roll in an equipment rack every time students wanted music.”

And the students are certainly getting music. Two Technomad Noho loudspeakers are positioned to the left and right sides, splitting the distance to the center of the cages. The broad dispersion provides even coverage throughout, immersing batters in the auditory experience.

Mullins used Technomad outdoor yoke mounts to hang the Nohos, citing ease of angling as a major benefit. “The yokes allow us to tilt the loudspeakers to whatever point we need, and it also saves us the time of custom fabricating mounting equipment,” he said. “It’s a simple point-blank hang, reinforced with a safety cable.”

Ultimately, the many Technomad installations across the Alvin School District are representative of an organization that takes pride in its sporting programs. Alvin Memorial Stadium is the showcase of these installations, featuring five Technomad Berlin outdoor loudspeakers – the largest in the company’s portfolio – spreading even coverage of intelligible voice and full-range music across the large venue.

“Sporting programs are very prominent in Texas, and this school district has been aggressive with integrating technology into their venues,” said Mullins. “And the Technomads have performed very well. We have had some of their loudspeakers outside in a hostile weather environment for seven or eight years, and we’ve never had any performance issues.”

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Technomad Expands PowerChiton Series for InfoComm 2013

Compact outdoor amplifier and “breakout box” series adds new model, more features

BOSTON, May 20, 2013 — Technomad comes to InfoComm 2013 with new upgrades to its PowerChiton series of outdoor, weatherproof outdoor amplifier modules and breakout box accessories, giving end users and systems integrators more audio options for stadiums, resorts and other outdoor venues and facilities.

New filter options are selected or changed by moving the pre-amp-to-amplifier cable from one pre-amp output to another

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$Technomad\'s stainless steel mount is ideal for outdoor mounting of loudspeakers, with flexible options for sound directivity$

The compact and low profile of PowerChiton amplifier modules — available in four power levels up to 1600 watts — enables sound contractors to install the modules on light poles and other surfaces at any height for co-location with loudspeakers. A new balanced input provides customers with a choice of balanced and unbalanced connections, and three new integrated crossover filter options (350Hz high-pass, 85Hz high-pass, and 85Hz low-pass) allow installers to optimize amplifier performance for the assigned speakers. Filter options are selected or changed by moving the pre-amp-to-amplifier cable from one pre-amp output to another.

Technomad last year introduced the PowerChiton BreakoutBox, a companion product that enables local audio control at user-friendly locations in the same NEMA-style protective enclosure. Contractors wire the PowerChiton amplifier modules direct to the BreakoutBox, typically installed at eye level so end users can adjust volume and connect devices on the fly.

This year, Technomad introduces BreakoutBox XL, a deeper enclosure offering three expansion bays for use with up to three Technomad wireless microphones and/or custom Technomad Schedulon master audio playout systems. The BreakoutBox XL offers extra storage space so end users can lock and leave devices following an event, and adds a mic/balanced line input channel that combines into a single jack.

“The expansion slots allow customers to truly have a complete PA system for permanent outdoor installation while adding several integrated source options,” said Rodger von Kries, vice president, Technomad. “For applications such as athletic fields and resorts, audio systems can now be installed anywhere with power.”

Technomad will also demonstrate PowerChiton-integrated Apple AirPlay capability for iOS devices. This allows commercial and residential customers to wirelessly stream iTunes audio files and playlists to any iOS device in range within a PowerChiton amplifier or breakout box, reducing costs and infrastructure associated with traditional wiring and cabling.

Technomad will also show the latest design upgrades to its advanced audio loudspeakers, notably redesigned ports to its popular Noho model to enhance bass response. The new design reduces port compression and turbulence at higher SPL levels, and provides low-frequency output of +3dB at 85Hz.

Noho loudspeakers are available standalone or as part of complete Technomad Turnkey PA System with a powered amplifier, six-channel mixer, microphones, cables and more in a 6RU protective equipment rack. Mounting options include outdoor yoke mounts to simplify hanging, and Technomad’s recently-introduced stainless steel mount. Both are specifically built to survive long-term outdoor conditions, with the stainless steel mount able to tightly lock in Technomad loudspeakers from multiple fly points.

Technomad will exhibit this year at Booth 513. InfoComm 2013 takes place June 12-14 at the Orange County Exhibition Center in Orlando.

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Technomad Brings Professional Sound to Cowboy Fellowship Arena

Venue attached to worship facility injects excitement into live events with new advanced audio loudspeakers and subwoofers

BOSTON, April 22, 2013 — The Cowboy Fellowship Church in southern Texas is a unique worship facility that preaches evangelism, discipleship and service — with an adjoining 2800-seat live event venue on campus. The church hosts a variety of events in the venue, from all-day rodeos and bull-riding clinics to musical performances.

The Cowboy Fellowship Arena in southern Texas has a roof but is otherwise open air, requiring sustainable loudspeakers to protect against the wind-blown dirt and dust of the local environment

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$Technomad\'s new stainless steel wallmount allows the customer to tightly lock in loudspeakers with an environmentally sustainable, well-protected mount$

$Technomad\'s complete Turnkey PA System includes loudspeakers and a protective equipment rack with an amplifier, mixer and more.$

$The Technomad Oslo subwoofer provides plenty of low-end bass response per the customer\'s wishes$

The venue opened in 2012 without a professional sound system, using standard stage equipment to produce and amplify audio. The church soon hired Buster Burch as facilities administrator, who specified and installed an advanced audio system to cover the entire arena in a more consistent manner. Burch researched various options and purchased a Technomad Turnkey PA System to ensure exceptional audio quality and long-term durability in the local environment. The complete system included four loudspeakers and four subwoofers along with a complete audio headend — an unusual combination.

“I wanted to put together a system that looked good, sounded good and would last,” said Burch. “Our philosophy is that it’s worth putting extra money into something that we know will last a long time. This system isn’t just for us; it’s for future generations.”

The system is unusual in that each Technomad Berlin loudspeaker, mounted 20 feet off the ground, is accompanied by a Technomad Oslo subwoofer mounted 10 feet directly below. The Berlin and the Oslo are the most powerful loudspeaker and subwoofer models in the company’s portfolio.

“I had a real desire for bass in this venue, as bass is what suffers the most when you work outside,” said Burch. “If I am showing a video of a fireworks display, I want everyone in the stands to hear and feel that boom. The Oslo gives me exactly what we needed out of the bass at the low end. I’m very pleased.”

Burch adds that the Berlins produce plenty of power, with intelligible voice and full-range musical reproduction. He notes that the wide dispersion ensures that he can walk the entire length and width of the arena without hitting a dull spot.

“We’ve had several events, and the audience feedback is that the audio is crisp and clear and not overly loud,” said Burch. “I’ve had people tell me that they don’t hear the normal delay and bounceback common in other arenas. The system works together as one giant loudspeaker to deliver audio across the entire bleachers. I have true high-end and plenty of low-end and mid response. And the sound envelope per speaker is incredibly large.”

Typical venue events include team ropings, steer ropings, bull riding clinics, and ranch rodeos featuring men and women. Birch adds that the church plans to hold more live concerts moving forward, as well as special events such as Christmas services.

This means that the church also needed a durable sound system to ensure longevity. Burch evaluated the entire facility upon joining the staff, and quickly realized that weatherproof equipment was required. A roof provided coverage overhead, but open air surrounding the venue raised concerns. The requisite combination of durability and high quality audio ultimately led him to Technomad.

“We’re about 30 miles south of San Antonio in the town of Jourdanton, and we get a lot of dust and wind as well as some cold and condensation,” said Burch. “I like how the drain holes at the bottom of the cabinets expel condensation to keep them dry. I also used Technomad’s new stainless steel mounts, which are very strong and sturdy in addition to being weatherproof. They lock in really well and give us flexibility to accurately adjust the angle and direction of each loudspeaker.”

Burch purchased the Turnkey PA System from ProAudio.com of Grand Prairie, Texas. The complete system included a pre-wired, protective equipment rack with an audio amplifier, six-channel mixer and three microphones; as well as all required cables and connectors to expedite installation. Burch added a Mackie wireless control board for remote audio adjustments, as well as Sennheiser wireless equipment.

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