Vintage Tech: Sencore DVM-56A Microranger

A better title for this month's technical missive might be "Found on the Workbench", because that's where this item has lived for the past 30 years. When it was introduced in the early 1980s, the Sencore DVM-56 was a milestone device. It was one of the first DVMs to feature autoranging, thanks to the marriage of voltmeter and microprocessor technologies. No more constant fiddling with the range switch, remembering units of measurement, or where the decimal point goes. Other nice features were a programmable dB function, peak-to-peak, average and true RMS AC ranges, peak and null indicators and switch-selectable resolution of 3, 4 or 4 ½ digits. Resistances could be measured up to the unheard of range of 100 megohms and greater by paralleling a 90 meg resistor across the input terminals and using the Hi Power Ohms function.

Engineering for Non-Engineers with Skip Pizzi

For most of us engineers, our jobs would be easier if our colleagues understood a bit more about broadcast engineering. Skip Pizzi has finished updating the fourth edition of “A Broadcast Engineering Tutorial for Non-Engineers.” He joins us for a fascinating look at this updated book, and how both engineers and non-engineers benefit from broadening their engineering horizons.

AoIP: It’s the Ecosystem, not just the Technology

When Steve Church unveiled IP-Audio, the technology which became our Axia brand, at NAB in 2002 he told everyone his vision: all broadcast equipment speaking a common language of networked control and audio, finally doing away with soldered, single-destination audio circuits and the stupefying array of connectors that accompanied them. Steve’s desire – and ours – is that all broadcast gear should interoperate. And not just operate together, but do it easily, seamlessly and without drama.

Fast-forward to 2014: our customers tell us that we’ve made a bit of progress! We’ve come to refer to this synergy, this co-operation of broadcast gear, as an ecosystem – all parts working together in harmony, with the sum of the parts being greater than the whole.

War Stories with Mark Jensen

OK, it’s “War Stories Lite”.  Mark Jensen is well-known among podcasters as the go-to guy for solid reviews of equipment for home and small studios.  His web site, NewMediaGear.com, is a resource for studio-makers and other gear-heads seeking a professional’s take on items from microphones to mixers. Mark shares his wisdom and years of experience with Chris Tobin and me on this episode.

TOTAL Support - 24/7 and Beyond

Good help is hard to find. Unfortunately, this familiar adage seems to ring true even more today than it used to. As companies look to cut costs, it seems once you make a purchase and step outside the store or have your item delivered, you’re on your own. There’s no guarantee you’ll receive quality service and support. Even with a big ticket item, support can come at a premium.

At The Telos Alliance, we realize how important follow-up support is… and how reliable you need your broadcast gear to be to keep your facility humming. That’s why when you purchase gear from Telos Systems, Omnia Audio, Linear Acoustic, 25-Seven Systems, or Axia Audio, we’re here for you.

Vintage Tech: GE BM-1-A FM Monitor

During the golden age of radio, all of America's largest electronics manufacturers were engaged, as there was lots of money and prestige to be had building broadcast equipment. RCA, Raytheon, Westinghouse and General Electric were all big players. By the 1960s, the AM and FM expansions were pretty much over. One by one, these big firms got out of broadcasting, often to pursue more lucrative government contracts as the war in Vietnam escalated.

Disaster Planning for the Transmitter Site

Of all the components of the broadcast facility, the transmitter may be the most important in a disaster. That site can be pressed into service as a combination studio/transmitter location, especially if a backup generator exists. Back in the days of cart machines, we removed a rack of three decks, relocating them to the transmitter, to stay on the air when the studio flooded. It wasn’t the most glorious of 'studios', but we stayed on the air and covered all the spots. Nowadays with backup hard drive systems or even an iPod® for source material, a station can usually stay on the air during a disaster.

How Do You Measure Up?

Over the past several years, the worldwide attention of audio loudness in television broadcasting has grown and it’s now common knowledge that both proper audio measurement and loudness control are required in all aspects of content delivery. Today, there is a new international standard for measuring loudness. Knowing what it is, and understanding how to use it, are critical steps in making reliable and useful loudness measurements.

Alaskan Engineering with Rich Parker

What’s it like to maintain broadcast stations in Alaska’s rough geography? Richard Parker joins Chris Tobin to talk about adjusting to life in Alaska after 17 years in Vermont. As Director of Engineering for CoastAlaska, Richard says he stands on the shoulders of some great Public Radio Engineers. Ever wonder what it takes to ship equipment  or emergency spare parts to your station in Alaska? Rich explains what not to do and how to avoid the 1000 mile several day detour your package will take. Plus Rich explains how the new AoIP and other IP technologies at his stations keeps the station staff happy while he is several hours away at other studios and transmitters.

Vintage Tech: Pioneer SR-202 Spring Reverb

From the earliest days of high fidelity in the 1930s, the goal of equipment designers was to create a listening experience almost like having a front-row seat in a concert hall. As technology evolved, frequency response was extended to the theoretical limits, noise and distortion were reduced, and recording technologies were improved. Another avenue for recreating a live listening experience is reverberation; this month's Found in the Attic looks at a 1971 Pioneer SR-202 spring reverb.