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By-Wire Newsletter - Issue 1
February - March 2007 |
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Welcome to By-Wire
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Delivered direct to your desktop with each issue bringing you the latest News, Technical Info, Deals, New Stuff, plus of course some great Jokes and Videos. Give us two minutes of your time to fill in our WIIFM Survey and you could also bag yourself some great prizes……!!
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| VDC TRADING LENDS ITS SUPPORT TO THE CHARLIE JONES SCHOLARSHIP VDC Trading is delighted to support a new live audio training initiative... More info |
JOKES AND VIDEOS FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT Possibly the best letter ever to come out of the Inland Revenue.... More info |
AUDIO PATCH BAY NORMALLING A patch bay is normalled when the top jack socket and bottom jack socket of a vertical pair are connected together... More info |
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 All the latest products from cable and connectors to patching and racking, if it’s new it’ll be in here. |
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 Visit our Ebay store for deals on an extensive range of VDC and Van Damme clearance stock. |
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VDC Trading Ltd. VDC House. 4 Brandon Road, Kings Cross, London N7 9AA
Tel +44 (0)20 7700 2777 Fax +44 (0)20 7700 3888
Email sales@vdctrading.com Website www.vdctrading.com
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VDC TRADING LENDS ITS SUPPORT TO THE CHARLIE JONES SCHOLARSHIP
UK cable specialist VDC Trading is delighted to support a new live audio training initiative being established by Wigwam Acoustics in conjunction with the School of Sound Recording in Manchester. The Charlie Jones Scholarship Scheme, which was launched at the end of 2006, is in memory of Wigwam engineer Charlie Jones who died earlier this year.
Charlie played an important part in the growth and development of Wigwam over the past twenty years and was widely regarded as one of the industry’s
best live sound engineers, as well as a teacher and mentor to many young, up-and–coming engineers. Charlie not only recognised the importance of education in the industry, but also enjoyed investing his own time to inspire and develop trainee engineers. The scholarship has been created in Charlie’s spirit.
The Charlie Jones Scholarship is linked to SSR’s Audio Engineering Course and is intended for young people who would otherwise not be able to afford this type of training. Helen Jones (Charlie’s sister) is funding a place at SSR, while the college and Wigwam are funding two more places and working together to
develop real-world live sound training through which students will benefit from direct contributions from the most respected organisations working in the UK industry today.
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The new live sound module will be integrated in to the Audio Engineering Techniques and Technology course from March 2007.
As part of the scheme, SSR and Wigwam are equipping a 2000 sq ft live room within the SSR complex for reality training.
VDC Trading is supplying all of the necessary cable for the installation.
The room will incorporate a db loudspeaker system with a Digidesign console. Wigwam is installing 48 ways of active splitter to feed FOH/monitors and also 48 ways of mic split into two of SSR’s nine existing studios for recording purposes. There will be 16 tielines and eight AES lines between the live room and the studios, plus Cat 6 and digital coax lines throughout the school.
VDC is also supplying mic cables, jacks and speaker cables for the main PA, the Martin monitor system and the L Acoustics delay speakers.
Niall Holden, managing director of VDC Trading, says: “This is a very worthwhile initiative and one we are delighted to support. The live sound industry needs properly trained engineers who understand the technological developments that have been taking place in recent years. This course, with its emphasis on practical training by experts, will go a long way towards addressing those needs.”
Chris Hill, Wigwam’s director, adds: “Wigwam has already secured the participation of some of the industry’s major manufacturers and individuals to provide demonstrations, lectures and training on the latest products and techniques used within the live sound industry. We feel confident that the training these young people will receive will benefit the entire industry.”
FOR MORE OF THE LATEST NEWS... CLICK HERE
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POSSIBLY THE BEST LETTER EVER TO COME OUT OF THE INLAND REVENUE...
Taken from the Guardian, an actual letter sent by the Inland Revenue:
Dear Mr Addison,
I am writing to you to express our thanks for your more than prompt reply to our latest communication, and also to answer some of the points you raise. I will address them, as ever, in order.
Firstly, I must take issue with your description of our last as a "begging letter". It might perhaps more properly be referred to as a "tax demand". This is how we at the Inland Revenue have always, for reasons of accuracy, traditionally referred to such documents.
Secondly, your frustration at our adding to the "endless stream of crapulent whining and panhandling vomited daily through the letterbox on to the doormat" has been noted. However, whilst I have naturally not seen the other
letters to which you refer I would cautiously suggest that their being from "pauper councils, Lombardy pirate banking houses and pissant gas-mongerers" might indicate that your decision to "file them next to the toilet in case of emergencies"
is at best a little ill-advised. In common with my own organisation, it is unlikely that the senders of these letters do see you as a
"lackwit bumpkin" or, come to that, a "sodding charity". More likely they see you as a citizen of Great Britain, with a responsibility to contribute to the upkeep of the nation as a whole.
Which brings me to my next point. Whilst there may be some spirit of truth in your assertion that the taxes you pay "go to shore up the canker-blighted, toppling folly that is the Public Services", a moment's rudimentary calculation ought to disabuse you of the notion that the government in any way expects you to "stump up for the whole damned party" yourself.
The estimates you provide for the Chancellor's disbursement of the funds levied by taxation, whilst colourful, are, in fairness, a little off the mark. |
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TAKE 5 WHILE THE BOSS ISN'T AROUND AND CHECK OUT SOME VIDEO FUNNIES
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Less than you seem to imagine is spent on "junkets for Bunterish lickspittles" and "dancing whores" whilst far more than you have accounted for is allocated to, for example, "that box-ticking façade of a university system."
A couple of technical points arising from direct queries:
1. The reason we don't simply write "Muggins" on the envelope has to do with the vagaries of the postal system;
2. You can rest assured that "sucking the very marrows of those with nothing else to give" has never been considered as a practice because even if the Personal Allowance didn't render it irrelevant, the sheer medical logistics involved would make it financially unviable.
I trust this has helped. In the meantime, whilst I would not in any way wish to influence your decision one way or the other, I ought to point out that even if you did choose to "give the whole foul jamboree up and go and live in India"
you would still owe us the money. Please send it to us by Friday.
Yours sincerely, |
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AUDIO PATCH BAY NORMALLING
A patch bay is normalled when the top jack socket and bottom jack socket of a vertical pair are connected together, allowing the signal to pass through the patch bay when no patch cords are inserted.
There are three methods of normalling a patch bay: half normalling, full a.k.a. single normalling and double normalling.
Patchbay layout convention is to have the top row of jacks as outputs (sources), and the bottom row as inputs (destinations). As an example channel outputs from a recording console could
appear on the top row of a patchbay normalled to digital audio workstation (DAW) inputs Patchbay jacks, also called 5 point jacks, have 5 contacts – tip, ring and sleeve,
to make connection with the line plug, and 2 switching contacts. When no jack plug is inserted these switching contacts are connected to the tip and ring contacts of the jack socket;
inserting a jack plug forces the switching contacts to disconnect from the tip and ring contacts.
There are a variety of terms for the contact structure of a patchbay jack socket. Commonly the tip and ring contacts are called make contacts and the switch contacts are called break contacts;
another alternative is to listen for the tip and ring contacts and disconnect for the break contacts.
Bantam patchbays in particular are sometimes sold as “3 over 5” types where the top row of sockets has no switch contacts, and the bottom row does.
This saves on cost and enables the patchbay to be half normalled but not fully normalled.
Half Normalling
(Make (of the top row) to Break (of the bottom row))
When no patch cord is inserted, the signal passes from the top jack (output) to the bottom jack (input) of a vertical pair.
When a patch cord is plugged in the top jack, the signal still passes to the bottom jack allowing you to parallel the output to an additional input.
Inserting a patchcord into the bottom jack only will break its connection to the top jack,
Example:
2 track output of a recording console.
Here you may have your 2 track output half normalled to a DAT recorder but you may also want to dub the recording to an additional device.
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Full (Single) Normalling
(Break to Break)When no patch cord is inserted, the signal passes from the top jack (output) to the bottom jack (input) of a vertical pair,
but when a patch cord is plugged in the top jack, the signal doesn’t pass to the bottom jack it re-routes it to wherever you plug your patch cable,
Example: Insert Points. Your insert remains “unseen” (i.e. the channel insert output and input are connected) until you patch it over to a unit then return it, back to the channel insert input.
Double Normalling
(Make to Break & Break to Make) When no patch cord is inserted, the signal passes from the output to the input, but when a patch cord is plugged into both the top jack and the bottom jack AT THE SAME TIME, the signal routing is broken,
Example: Broadcasting output feeds. This type of Normalling is for critical circuits and a good example would be the link between a master output and transmitter feed.
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SOMETHING YOU NEED TO LOOK UP, OR JUST HUNGRY FOR TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE?
Visit the VDC TECHNICAL FORUM to read more, or maybe
post your own question for our experts to answer. |
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Van Damme 268-675-000 Serial Digital Video low loss 6 way dynamic multicore cable
Van Damme 268-675-000 is a 6 way highly flexible low loss serial digital video multicore cable. Electrically and mechanically identical to the Van Damme 278-175-000 single coaxial but with a PVC individual outer jacket and black PVC outer jacket,
this remarkable multicore cable is already being used both in installations and in the field.
In the video domain it is an ideal cable for carrying multiple SDI signals and is also capable of HD-SDI transmission up to a length of around 70 metres.
It is extremely flexible, especially for a multicore low loss solid conductor cable, and is therefore ideal for interconnecting cables in broadcast and presentation applications.
This cable has also been tested and approved by Digidesign for use with their groundbreaking digital console, The Venue. This multicore cable has already been in use on major tours in the UK and Europe and has been proven in the field as well as by Digidesign for main multicore runs of up to 150 metres.
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Solder contact VDM connectors
VDC Trading are now stocking pre-loaded solder contact versions of the industry standard VDM multipin audio connector.
These are available in all sizes of VDM from 25 pole to 85 pole and feature silver plated contacts with properly scalloped solder bucket.
They are time saving in that pins come pre-loaded in the connector and do not have to be inserted before soldering,
and the generous solder bucket makes for quick, tidy and efficient termination.
Please contact VDC sales directly on 020 7700 2777 or sales@vdctrading.com for availability and any other information required.
Please contact VDC sales directly on 020 7700 2777
or sales@vdctrading.com for availability and any
other information required.
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RHINO PRO 3000 & 5000 KIT
An installer's dream: all the features you could need in an indispensable tool that's easy to handle and cost effective.
With user-friendly hot keys for common applications like wire wrapping, flagging and distribution panels and with their intuitive simple interface,
the Rhino PRO series will save you both time and effort every time you use them.
Both kits include a rugged carry case to offer protection while out in the field.
Rhino Pro 5000 Features
• Meets ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A labelling standards.
• "Hot keys" provide automatic label formatting for wires and cables, terminal blocks, patch panels, vertical and fixed length labelling.
• Advanced wire gauge function. Just select the wire gauge or cable size and RhinoPRO sets up the label precisely.•
Features common datacom and electrical symbols: ohm, ground, phone, data and fax
• Prints up to 12 characters for vertical wraps.
• Automatically underlines 6's and 9's for wire and cable marking.
• Smear-proof thermal printing resists solvents, heat and moisture.
• Ten-label memory for fast results.
• Prints five text sizes.
• Includes impact-resistant rubber bumper.
• Automatic shut-off saves battery life.
• Bright yellow colour means this tool won't get lost.
• Fits in the palm of your hand.
• Uses 6 AA batteries (included).
• Package includes hard carry case, RhinoPRO 5000 with impact-resistant bumper, one 19mm flexible nylon label cassette for wire and cable marking, one 19mm permanent polyester RhinoPRO label cassette for a variety of flat and textured surfaces, 6 AA batteries, AC adapter and User Manual |
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Rhino Pro 3000 Features
• Hot keys make it simple to format labels for wire/cable wraps (vertical and horizontal), flagging, fixed length, vertical labels and distribution panels.
• Text Hot Keys help label frequently-used locations and equipment: Location, Audio/Video, Voice/Data and Security equipment.
• 25 memory locations for storing labels• Prints five font sizes, horizontally and vertically• 13 character display
• Serialisation of text and numerical information
• Backlit display for working in dimly lit environments.• Battery requirements: 6 AA batteries (not included)
• Weighs less than one pound
• Includes RhinoPRO 3000, impact-resistant rubber bumper, one 12 mm wide flexible nylon tape and User Manual |
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We currently have available a very limited quantity of clearance stock available by 1 x 100m reel or 10 x 100m reels only.
Please note this limited stock is only available in the following colours listed and is manufactured using only OFC oxygen free copper and not SPOFC silver plated oxygen free copper and OFC combination.
The following stock will be sold on a first come first served basis. |
Van Damme Classic instrument cable is a low capacitance cable for unbalanced audio use, in particular with guitars, keyboards and other unbalanced output musical devices. Great attention has been paid to the capacitance figure and overall screening of this cable type, as the low voltage signals associated with unbalanced audio are susceptible to high frequency losses and environmental noise.
The twin screens of close lapped copper and conductive thermoplastic also minimise any handling noise, making this cable ideal for
mobile on-stage use.
Red - 268-013 / Yellow - 268-074 / Purple - 268-080 / Orange - 268-078 / Green - 268-004 / White - 268-076
Per 1 x 100m reel (RRP £84.00) £33.00 + vat
Per 10 x 100m reel (RRP £84.00) £31.50 + vat
To take advantage of these and our other current offers click here and view the download (excel) by clicking on the 'clearance' icon.
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Van Damme Pro patch cable has specifically been designed as a lower overall diameter braided screen microphone cable. In particular the 4.85mm OD is sized to suit the Neutrik and Switchcraft range of bantam jack plugs. It offers a compromise between the small size of 1 pair and the flexibility and toughness of microphone cable and is ideal for heavy duty applications where a reduced size is required -
for example with shorter microphone cables, robust splitter cables and Preh type din plugs.
Grey - 268-018 / Yellow - 268-010/ Purple - 268-062/ Orange - 268-058/ Green - 268-004/ White - 268-056/ Brown - 268-060
Per 1 x 100m reel (RRP £94.00) £37.60 + vat
Per 10 x 100m reel (RRP £94.00) £35.25 + vat
To take advantage of these and our other current offers click here and view the download (excel) by clicking on the 'clearance' icon.
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| We are delighted to you offer you the opportunity to purchase an extensive range of VDC and Van Damme clearance stock directly through both the VDC website
and our VDC eBay store all at exclusive deal prices! |
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VDC Trading Ltd. VDC House. 4 Brandon Road, Kings Cross, London N7 9AA
Tel +44 (0)20 7700 2777 Fax +44 (0)20 7700 3888
Email sales@vdctrading.com Website www.vdctrading.com |
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THE BORING BIT
Please take a moment to visit the T&C’s page on the VDC website, where you’ll find details explaining everything from how to place an order to
carriage costs, returns and cancellation
procedures, warranties, our data protection policy and all other general customer information. Although it may not make the most interesting of reads it contains all current VDC Trading Limited’s
terms and conditions including current pricing. Thank you.
CHANGE YOUR DETAILS
If we have your details incorrect or have sent this email to the wrong person in your organisation then we apologise.
If you wish to unsubscribe from the By-Wire news letter then please [lunsub:"click here"].
If you have any comments you’d like to share about By-Wire or about VDC, email it now to customerservice@vdctrading.com before you forget
© Copyright VDC Trading Limited 2007. All rights Reserved. |
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