camplex
A few weeks ago, on my first live shot at the station, the live truck guy came running up to me and handed my this crazy box-thing. It had all kinds of cables and cords hanging from it. I was all, "What the hell is this thing?" But, he was all, "Just plug into it" and ran off.
Later, I was to learn that it's called a: Camplex. [Although with all the stuff hanging off it, I prefer to call it "Technopus"]
Everywhere I've ever done a live shot, there's just a multi-cable reel that you plug one or two cords into. But, the Camplex is a handy device that handles video, audio, IFB, and a bunch of other electrickery in one easy to use box.
The Camplexes (or is it Camplexi?) at our shop are some really durable, older models. But, I was thinking about how I'd trick a brand-new Camplex out if I had a chance. [see illustration below]
It'd have all the features shown above, as well as: wireless internet, car keys locator, emergency sewing kit, and slot to store Starbucks gift cards.
I'll be heading to NAB next month, and maybe I'll unveil my new Camplex-like invention to the guys at their booth and see what they think.
11 Comments:
I've used a Camplex at the Super 12. It's quite good, yet I've always felt it sounded a bit too much like Tampax. Yes they do look very old and durable, but hey... when a single, cheap, BNC cable is all you need, then that's all you want.
There's times when Camplex is exactly what you need...and there's times when it's not quite right.
You need a long-ass cable run, and wanna limit the sheer number of cords ya gotta go through? Camplex is your friend, dawg.
But...
Need 2 lines of audio or video going back w/o a field mixer? Need quality program video for the "talent's" (and we use the term loosely) monitor? Need adjustable IFB so your ears don't get blown out through your Walkman headphones w/ no inline volume control? Just going a short distance from the truck and don't need a powered cable? Go old-school scoop cable.
And BTW, important safety tip (thanks, Egon): NEVER, EVER, EVER connect or disconnect any Camplex cables (truck to reel, reel to Camplex box) while the remote power from your truck is on. You'll get some arcin' and sparkin' that will GUARANTEED fry the many circuit boards that comprise that Camplex box. (Oh yeah...don't drop it, either. Engineers hate that.)
Rock on, soldier...from a fellow live truck warrior.
Wait. You've been to work at a new station for a couple weeks and they're already giving you time off to go to the NAB? Must be nice! :)
Yeah, but it's time off without pay - only two days, since I couched it around my days off.
I felt guilty asking for it off, but they were really cool about it.
Yeah, but it's time off without pay - only two days, since I couched it around my days off.
I felt guilty asking for it off, but they were really cool about it.
Camplex.. Nice.. Maybe I can convince management to invest in your new design.
That beer tap would certainly come in handy during those eight hour standoffs in the middle of bfe.
Keep on rollin'!
Smitty
robot, Your ideas were recently formally presented to the chief design engineer.
After some feasabilty studies his team has found another possibility. By taking advatage of som new CAD software and using some new pick and place technology in the manufacturing process, they beleive they can also incoporate a condom in a glass case labled "Break Glass In Case of Emergency". Unfortunatly it was determined by manufacturing such breakage would invalidate the warranty. A view wich was strongly supported by the Technical Service engineers.
We will keep you informed of further developments in this area.
The lastest word from engineering is they hope to have a prototype soon, but are experiencing some delays due to an intermodulation problem that has recently surfaced. They beleive the interference may be a caused by a spurious harmonic, somehow related to the 5 mghz carrier and the DC current. The problem only appears when the beer is applied to the coax, making it difficult to troubleshoot. They have requested a barrel of english ale which they claim may be necessary to solve the problem. Personally I am wondering well it is going though. They seems working more late nights locked in the engineering lab. I cannot tell if they are arguing or but it tends gets loud in there about 45 min after the start working on that problem! Personally I think they are experiencing some difficulty finding the problem, but they have assured us the solution may be found by simply changing the molecular weight of the liquid and feel it will only take a little more reasearch to solve.
Take care out there, and do stop by. The stand number is SU 10226 in the South Hall. If you make it towards the end of the day we will have a cold beer waiting for you.
Digger at
Camplex Corp.
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LOL.
I'll drop by your booth at NAB!
No problem on the multiple postings - it happens.
/robot
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