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Remote Possibilities in Acoustic Music & Location Recording Jazz, Classical, Choir, Acoustic Music environments & beyond + Live Performance, Mobile & Location Production & Broadcasting Moderated by Steve Remote of Aura Sonic Ltd. NYC, NY USA

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Old 10th November 2006, 08:42 AM   #1
Remoteness
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Cool The Power Within Elroy

A work in progress...

Here's a few shot before the dual (Main & Aux) power XFMR installation.
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Old 10th November 2006, 09:01 AM   #2
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XFMRS installed! Part I

We still have plenty to do. Cam-Lok input panel; Driver's side AC/DC panel; AC/DC metering and switching; HVAC power; DC distro panel with individual relayed circuits and NKK LED tipped switches. AC to DC Converter with additional batteries and suching; Monitoring system for the DC system...

On and on... But our power department shall be done very soon. While we wait for some of the above parts -- Next on the list is installing all the 18 DC circuit runs throughout the (inside & outside) mobile studio enviroment.
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Old 10th November 2006, 09:02 AM   #3
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Part II
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Old 11th November 2006, 03:35 PM   #4
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Looking great, Steve!

Got a specific project driving your completion date?

Hope you're doing well. I"m hobbling back from a gig in Florida...foot still hurts like hell.

JvB
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Old 11th November 2006, 04:12 PM   #5
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Oh, isn't it beautiful?

Look at all those tie wraps... :-)
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Old 11th November 2006, 07:13 PM   #6
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So, you like all those tie wraps...

Here's some shots of the clean up.

We still have plenty to do -- We ARE very close to the completion and THAT'S very nice!
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Old 11th November 2006, 07:25 PM   #7
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Here are a few pictures of the driver's side rollup access door and panel.

For the most part, additional AC/DC metering, the XFMR tap switches, DC circuit switches & distro fuse box, the HVAC breakers and XFMR exhaust fans will live here very soon. We are patiently waiting for the parts to arrive.
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Old 11th November 2006, 07:47 PM   #8
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Man! That's gorgeous. You are a continual inspiration Steve. I wish my tiny little remote and home rig were as clean. That's it. A new project, when I gots 'da time.
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Old 11th November 2006, 07:53 PM   #9
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In these photos you will find the passenger's side rollup door and panel.

As you can see, here's where we installed three UPSs for our sensitive devices. The open space to the right of the UPSs shall house the input Cam-Loks for the main and aux XFMRs. Each input shall have a through port to power other vehicles and such. The loop through shall be rated at 400 amps. We expect to use under 100 amps per XFMR.

This panel shall also have the input and XFMR metering. The meters will provide VOLTS; AMPS and FREQ. The main circuit breakers for the XFMRs shall be at the bottom of this panel. Individual power distribution is handled via eight blocks of three circuit breakers that are housed in four modified rackmounted ETA distro boxes that are spread around the mobile unit. One is below the UPSs. The blocks are labeled Utility I & II. Another two blocks are racked in the studio's video wall. They are labeled UPS I & Group I. UPS II & Group II are located and mounted atop the "Outside Universe" rack at the right rear of the studio space. As you may have guessed, UPS III & Group III blocks are located at the top of the "Other Universe" rack which lives (left rear of the studio space) across from the "Outside Universe" rack. Some of the AC circuits feed rackmounted power strips. The rest go directly to Edison and L5-30 plugs.

We are installing LEDs above the individual Cam-Loks to show when the panel is energized or not. Single banana plugs will also be wired to the Cam-Loks and chassis mounted above each and every Cam-Lok (Like the LEDs) for external metering when applicable. It's a simple way to test the permanently mounted meters in this panel.

A few more things will be installed in the opening below the UPSs...

I'm still working out the details.
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Old 11th November 2006, 08:31 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henryrobinett View Post
Man! That's gorgeous. You are a continual inspiration Steve. I wish my tiny little remote and home rig were as clean. That's it. A new project, when I gots 'da time.
Thanks so much Henry!

I work very hard not only to make things sound good and work properly but to look good as well. Thanks again for noticing.

Hey, I'd be more than happy to help you design and/or brainstorm ideas for your "New Project."
Just give me a jingle.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim vanBergen View Post
Looking great, Steve!

Got a specific project driving your completion date?

Hope you're doing well. I"m hobbling back from a gig in Florida...foot still hurts like hell.

JvB
Man, I still cannot believe what happened to you. Damn, how long do you have to wear the cement?

I projecting first quarter 2007 for the completion of this long arse project.
I want to finish the power and bullet proof smart glass entrance door project before I get the word out that we're ready to take on bookings.

In any event, confidence is high for early 2007! We are smoking through the various assignments. We are down a (build) person so, it's a bit of a strain on us. I'm looking for one or two more technicians to help finish this on time.

-------------------------------

Any thoughts or questions out there? I'm all ears!
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Old 12th November 2006, 12:05 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Remoteness
I projecting first quarter 2007 for the completion of this long arse project.
I want to finish the power and bullet proof smart glass entrance door project before I get the word out that we're ready to take on bookings.
Bullet proof door? Are you planning on recording in some rough neighborhoods? Or is the President doing voice-over work in Elroy?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Remoteness
We are down a (build) person so, it's a bit of a strain on us. I'm looking for one or two more technicians to help finish this on time.
If I knew anything about what you are doing (I'm far from being an electrician, or a carpenter) I'd offer my help.
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Old 12th November 2006, 01:02 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Remoteness View Post
Man, I still cannot believe what happened to you. Damn, how long do you have to wear the cement?

I projecting first quarter 2007 for the completion of this long arse project.
I want to finish the power and bullet proof smart glass entrance door project before I get the word out that we're ready to take on bookings.
Fortunately its an air cast so it's not that bad...I can take it off and shower (or ALL my location work would be gone) and I hope to have it off within weeks. For the live album I have booked for December, I got the band to agree to hump my stuff for me, so it won't be as bad...

Suggestions: your patchbays look cool (they looked even better in person when I saw the new truck last at your field shop) but Larry's patchbays at Deepwave are such high quality...did you ever think about having that super talented guy get involved in your patchbays? LOL... maybe everyone here doesn't know yet, maybe I let the cat out of the bag!

In all seriousness, Elroy looks super sexy and the "open room floor plan" makes for a really homogenous production area- NO mobile unit has ever tried to consider, let alone ACHIEVE the interactive floor plan and flexibility your design has. I'm in awe....

But hey, anyone who wonders about the diamond plate or bullet proof glass, maybe you don't know Steve. For him, the BEST is usually not good enough, he has to design something superior to whatever is the best and raise the bar for everyone. he never stops thinking "What If" and has done some really BRILLIANT things as a result. It's seriously inspiring!

Best regards!

JvB
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Old 13th November 2006, 11:06 PM   #13
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Ah, an air cast and you couldn’t make the NY GS gathering…. Oh, I’m just joking!!! You did say, you were getting that placed on your foot the day of the shindig. I’m glad it’s not a cement cast. You ARE a lucky fellow for sure.

You should keep that air cast around when you don’t want to carry your heavy gear – Sympathy for the bad foot and stuff. Heh

As you already know, IMO, all the wiring work we do is second to none. I like to over engineer that sort of stuff.

Thanks Jim, I too believe the "Open Room” floor plan makes for a really homogenous production area. It IS a one of a kind mobile unit. It’s truly a multi-functional production vehicle for all. I designed this mobile studio to interface with every type of production venture. And it’s a perfect companion to other remote trucks or location situations. No compition here!

Thanks again Jim!!!
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Old 14th November 2006, 09:31 PM   #14
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Bullet proof door? Are you planning on recording in some rough neighborhoods? Or is the President doing voice-over work in Elroy?

If I knew anything about what you are doing (I'm far from being an electrician, or a carpenter) I'd offer my help.
Yes, a bullet proof door with Smart Glass...

For your information, I've recorded in some of the best "bad" neighborhoods in the country. I cut my teeth doing Gospel music in the late 70s and early 80s -- I've heard gun shots ringing out down the street while we were setting up at the church. And, I'm proud to have done those recordings. I meet some talented and wonderful people on those dates but, that is not why I'm going with an armored glass door...

I want to have a mobile studio with a view. I really didn't want to install a studio window so I decided that the entrance door was going to be completely made of glass. The simplest way for us to protect the glass door was to build it like you would for a bank or high-end storefront structure. The Smart Glass will be installed over the bullet proof glass for privacy when necessary.

PM me and I tell you more about it. We can also talk about your offer.
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Old 3rd December 2006, 08:46 PM   #15
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Guys do yourself a favor and set up a go see with Steve. You have to see his facility and the new truck. Its about to revolutionize the recording business.
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Old 26th December 2006, 09:13 PM   #16
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Very cool to see this thing so near its completion... I know this has been a long time in the "cooker" so to speak... I cant wait to see it done!
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Old 27th December 2006, 02:45 PM   #17
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great stuff i've been off for a while but i'm back now.
I'm chucking my remote biz for the moment but it'll be back some time soon.
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Old 28th December 2006, 12:37 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Smith View Post
Very cool to see this thing so near its completion... I know this has been a long time in the "cooker" so to speak... I cant wait to see it done!
Little by little; inch by inch...

The continuation and finalization of the carpentry is next on the list while I bring in Dave Wilkerson after the New Year to look over and finish "The Power within Elroy."
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great stuff i've been off for a while but i'm back now.
I'm chucking my remote biz for the moment but it'll be back some time soon.
I'm glad to see you back. Where have you been and why are you chucking the remote recording work?

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Quote:
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Guys do yourself a favor and set up a go see with Steve. You have to see his facility and the new truck. Its about to revolutionize the recording business.
Thanks Larry, And I really mean that my man!
Yeah, if any of you folks want to see my field shop and the trucks, send me a PM and we'll schedule it in!
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Old 13th February 2007, 07:57 AM   #19
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Well, we just finished the driverside AC and DC panels for the rack...

My buddy Dave Wilkerson is coming in next week to finish the DC distro and tie in the tap switches, meters and such.
He was delayed in getting to the shop so we have to start later than expected, but it's all good since his work should be done by the end of next week as long as nothing else slows us down.

Here's a picture of the two panel that will be installed into the rack above.

Next week I finalize my passenger Cam-Lok / meter panel and get sent out for fabrication unless we deside to do it in house.

If you folks want me to explain what's on these panel below just ask, but it would be cooler if you can guess what they're going to be attached to...

.
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Old 15th February 2007, 04:49 AM   #20
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Wow, no questions or thoughts about these new panels...
And, they're so purdy lookin' too.
I guess this thread got lost in the sauce.
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Old 15th February 2007, 05:09 AM   #21
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Nah, I love looking at build out pictures and your stuff ALWAYS looks amazing!

I just have NO CLUE whats going on there.. I see the 110/220 switch, but other than that.. OK, I'll take a total shot in the dark, un-educated guess...

To tap into outside power anywhere in the world?

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Old 15th February 2007, 05:14 AM   #22
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It's a 208/240 switch. I don't have a clue, just waiting for some smarter people than I to throw out suggestions.
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Old 15th February 2007, 05:34 AM   #23
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AC XFMR Tap Switch panel:
Well, the top panel shall handle the XFMR taps for Elroy's two AC power transformers.
The main and aux XFMRs both have three input voltages -- 208V, 240V and 480V.
We shall remote two of the three input voltages to the (tap) switches on this panel.
Depending on the location and type of power we need we can switch to either 208V or 240V.
The two meters shall be wired directly to each XFMR (main & aux) Cam-Lok input panel; once they are connected to a power source and voltage is on the line, the meters will show what voltage range is present.
The large pilot light in between the tap switches shall also be connected to both Cam-Lok input panel as a warning light for the tap switches.
We shall also install a sign that shall say something like…
DO NOT SWITCH TAPS WHEN LIGHT IS ENERGIZED.
The two chassis mounted fuse holders next to each meter shall be connected between the meters and power input panel for the obvious reasons.

Does this stuff make any sense? Heh

Hey, but what about the bottom panel? What gives?
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Old 17th February 2007, 10:26 PM   #24
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We took a picture when I did a dry run (install) of the driverside power panels...

I do this to get a visual image of my original idea and design.

Okay, it was taken with Adam's camera phone and it's over exposed.
I hope you can see the big picture in any event.

When we complete the driverside panel bay, I'll take a more serious picture of the sucker.

You likey? I likey.
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Old 18th February 2007, 02:02 PM   #25
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Your power delivery system looks awesome. I think you're not getting too many comments about it because folks just don't know what it all is or exactly what it does.

After studying the pictures carefully I think I'm beginning to understand, it's part of your never ending process of "reinventing" yourself. You'll be able to power several vehicles so besides being the sound recording guy, you're the power company too, brilliant!
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Old 18th February 2007, 06:39 PM   #26
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For me it's about options and more options.

It's funny when you said, "After studying the pictures carefully I think I'm beginning to understand..." That's how I've done it in the past, especially before the Internet and with people like me that seem to give away all their secrets.

When I didn't coming up with it in my head I took photos or if I didn't have a camera I drawn what I was looking at on the spot and analyzed the material with loops or large magnifying glasses later. Plus, I checked out every brochure out there trying to figure it all out since no one back then (and even now, really) wanted to give up the goods. I still have a serious magnifying glass and work light on two goosenecks living on my office desk. Its part of my mindset -- Investigate and gather as much intelligence as possible. Even my own stuff; you know, part of the "reinventing" side of me...

You’re right; it is part of my never ending process of "reinventing" myself. That is one of the reasons why I can take so long to finish a build project. I can spend thousands on a design and build out and redo it because I figured (or someone pointed out) a better way to do it. Hey, I rather have the better situation than be stuck with something I have to work around.

Elroy will be able to power other vehicles and support equipment, even backline gear when necessary. There are three power systems in the mobile unit. A transformer isolated main and auxiliary AC system and a 100 amp DC system.

Well, if you folks don’t have too many comments because they don't understand what it’s all about exactly, ask specific questions and you’ll get an answer. Hey, who else is going to do that? Many years ago I asked somebody (a top tier remote guy) what kind of HVAC (air conditioner system) they were using and I got a smart arse answer back.

Listen: NO ONE WANTS TO GIVE UP THE GOODS.
You folks better start asking some questions before I wake up and stop answering "all these" questions!
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Old 2nd March 2007, 09:09 PM   #27
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I have questions but I need to look these threads over when I am not at work.
Sufice to say that just this week a moble recording idea occured to me and I was stuned to find my wife totaly suportive.
I will give your stuff a good looking over and then will have plenty of questions.
Thanks too for posting all this stuff. It is truly great!
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Old 2nd March 2007, 10:53 PM   #28
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I am ready to hear what you have to say and ask...

Maybe even suggest something different or better than what I have happening!

I'm all ears!