Tag: PowerChiton

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.”

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 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 Powers Audio for Multimedia Artist Doug Aitken’s ‘Song1’ at the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum

Weatherproof loudspeakers and amplifiers provide high-quality audio soundtrack to accompany the massive visual projection designed by WorldStage

BOSTON, June 20, 2012 — WorldStage, the company created by the Scharff Weisberg and Video Applications merger, recently staged a unique and awe-inspiring audiovisual project in cooperation with the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden that brought multimedia artist Doug Aitken’s ambitious “Song1” piece to life — across the Washington, DC museum’s 725-foot wide circular, outdoor façade.

Worldstage required pristine audio to accompany the striking visuals of Song 1 -- and selected Technomad to do the job

Song1 recently closed a two-month run at Hirshhorn, where the spectacle drew up to 3,000 visitors a night to the museum grounds. The non-narrative, multimedia piece centers on the smoky 1950s doo-wop classic “I Only Have Eyes For You” — and the various humans and inanimate objects that seemingly react to the song’s mesmerizing effect.

The massive video projection required exceptional audio quality to create a truly engaging multimedia event worthy of both the museum and Aitken’s artistic vision. WorldStage selected Technomad for the job, strategically placing 20 of the company’s weatherproof loudspeakers to ensure uniform audio patterns over long distances and at close range. The company also specified and installed Technomad PowerChiton waterproof amplifier modules to power the audio projections.

“We specified Technomad because we wanted fully water-proofed, full-range boxes — and wanted to preserve some amount of stereo imaging,” said Joshua Weisberg, president of WorldStage. “Using full-range boxes at specific locations allowed this to happen.”

Weisberg and his team installed the loudspeakers on a perimeter wall that encloses the Hirshhorn Museum property. The coverage area included the streets, sidewalks and surrounding park, as well as the interior museum plaza. WorldStage installed 12 Technomad Berlin loudspeakers — the largest, most powerful Technomad model — around the wall, arranged and zoned to preserve left/right orientation. The company also installed eight Technomad Vernal loudspeakers — the most compact loudspeaker in the Technomad arsenal — where very short-distance projection was required. This included entry areas and the south side of the property.

Weisberg adds that the PowerChiton amplifiers were configured to drive two loudspeakers apiece — using the 1600W PowerChiton4 models for the Berlins and the 500W PowerChiton3 models for the Vernals. PowerChiton amplifiers are compact, IP66-rated modules that allow integrators to co-locate amplification with loudspeakers to simplify installations — while also offering maximum protection from rain and other outdoor elements with its robust and durable design.

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“The piece was up for eight weeks in all kinds of weather, and the equipment did not sustain any degradation,” said Weisberg, whose team also designed and fabricated custom mounts for the loudspeakers to ensure exceptional operation during inclement weather.

Most important to WorldStage, Hirshhorn and Aitken when it came to audio was the quality delivered to the ears in the audience. WorldStage provided and programmed Pandora music servers and simply let the Technomad system handle the “last mile.”

“Sound quality was a very important element of this artwork, as the piece used ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ as its narrative basis,” said Weisberg. “Doug Aitken was pleased with the performance of the sound system, and we are looking forward to using the equipment on future projects.”

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Technomad Expands Integrator and End User Options for PowerChiton Amplifiers

Localized control and connections, streaming audio support offer progressive solutions to enhance outdoor audio installations

BOSTON, May 15, 2012 — Technomad introduces several new product accessories at InfoComm 2012 to complement its advanced audio solutions range. The innovative tools give systems integrators and end users flexible new options to simplify Technomad installations in stadiums, on college campuses and across other indoor/outdoor facilities.

Installers typically set the controls on the PowerChiton amplifiers and screw them shut for permanent installations - while the PowerChiton breakout box is made for end users for ongoing local audio control

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$Technomad\'s new stainless steel wallmount allows installers to hang AS Series loudspeakers horizontally or vertically while avoiding erosion from the outdoor elements$

At InfoComm (June 13-15, Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth C12033), Technomad introduces a weatherproof breakout box and Apple AirPort Express audio streaming compatibility for its range of PowerChiton amplifier modules. The company will also show a new stainless steel mounting solution for its high-power weatherproof loudspeaker models.

“Technomad is always seeking ways to increase the range of applications for our products, and make life easier for systems integrators by innovating solutions that address installation challenges in the field,” said Rodger von Kries, vice president, Technomad.

PowerChiton Breakout Box

The PowerChiton range of passively-cooled, IP66-rated weatherproof outdoor amplifier modules — available in four power levels up to 1600 watts — have grown increasingly popular in outdoor audio projects where installers wish to co-locate amplification with loudspeakers, from athletic field complexes to university campus mass notification systems. The compact and low profile of PowerChiton amplifier modules — along with the rugged, weatherproof design — enables sound contractors to easily install the modules on light poles and other surfaces at any height.

Technomad now introduces a specialized PowerChiton breakout box that enables local audio control at user-friendly locations in the same NEMA-style protective enclosure. Contractors can install the breakout box at eye level, for example, allowing end users to adjust volume and connect a handheld microphone or an iPod on the fly.

The PowerChiton breakout box, which begins shipping July 1, includes mic and line level inputs, a four-channel mixer, an accessory cord and mounting hardware. The breakout box also enables remote installations, such as athletic fields without a press box or other protected location, to benefit from permanently-installed, PowerChiton-based PA systems. A coach or announcer can walk up to the breakout box, open it and be speaking through the PA or playing music within seconds.

“Installers typically only open PowerChiton amplifiers to hard-wire connections and set levels, and then screw the box shut for dependable, permanent installations,” said von Kries. “The PowerChiton breakout box is designed for ongoing user adjustments, with easy and direct access to controls and the capacity to store an audio player and microphone. It also provides a local audio source to make announcements and connect an iPod or other playout device.”

Technomad also now supports AirPlay capability from PowerChiton for Apple AirPort Express users. This allows commercial and residential customers to wirelessly stream iTunes audio files and playlists to an AirPort Express unit within a PowerChiton amplifier or breakout box. Users require only the hardware and a basic network or Wi-Fi connection to wirelessly stream audio from a computer or playout device to the PowerChiton — reducing costs and infrastructure associated with traditional wiring and cabling.

New Wall Mount Solution

Technomad is now shipping a new stainless steel wall mount for its AS Series of weatherproof, advanced audio loudspeakers. The AS Series consists of the largest and most powerful Technomad loudspeakers, including the Noho and all Berlin models (broad and narrow-dispersion).

Unlike older styles, the new Technomad wall mount accessory allows installers to position any AS Series loudspeaker vertically or horizontally. The stainless steel design prevents weather-related erosion over time, and pole-mount adaption simplifies lighting and telephone pole installations.

Technomad will also show a range of existing advanced audio solutions, including its ultra-lightweight DragonFly remote audio system; and its Schedulon audio playback and recording system.

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