They incorporate a radio studio, an AoIP Dante network and communications equipment, to broadcast live from events, or as a mobile studio. It can even cast on the go.
AEQ develops temporary or permanent audio and communications systems.
The feedback between product development and its testing and practical implementation in complex environments is vital to design increasingly useful and reliable equipment. In addition, the support of the factory gives security and peace of mind to the clients who entrust us with their project.
That is why, sometimes, in collaboration with our distributors or integrators, we prepare temporary systems on a rental basis to cover sporting or social events. We also develop turnkey program production centers and other audio or communications systems, especially integrating our equipment into the solutions, and in the same way, we equip OB Van units.
OB van radio units
For an international station with an outdoor vocation, with continuous broadcasts from anywhere in its territory, simultaneously with the deployment of its studios, AEQ has built three mobile units, adapted to the special requirements of producing live radio.
The requirements to produce radio outdoors, live and eventually on the move are very special: infrastructures, both roads and telecommunications, sometimes and due to possible catastrophes and emergencies, can present deficiencies that can make operations difficult. The design requirements have therefore taken into account these particularities:
The vehicle has to be spacious as a studio and serve for the movement of reporters and technicians. Also resistant and easy to maintain. As a basis, Mercedes Vito 114 Cdi long vans with 138 CV (5.14 meters) were chosen, their suspension was reinforced, and they were transformed by dividing the space into two parts:
• The operating area, in the same compartment as the driver
• Technical area and warehouse. At the rear of the vehicle located behind the operating area
Operating area
The driver and passenger seats in the front row were prepared so that they could rotate at 180° and the 3 rear seats were fixed about 60 cm backwards from their normal position.
This has created a large area where the work table is, with the foot of the table in the area behind the front seats and more to the right of the passenger next to the driver. This foot incorporates a 19" rack to place the equipment that we can´t put in the warehouse because it needs to be manipulated.
In addition to the driver, the vehicle can accommodate up to four people, one of them operating the control console rear-facing, and the other three in front of it. Each of them will have its own microphone and headphones.
If he is not working, the front passenger can turn its seat towards the direction of travel. When the vehicle is stationary, the driver's seat can be turned backwards, and can be used for a guest.
The table has a retractable wing in front of the three guests so that the space in front of them is free during the trip if they are not broadcasting.
On the table were installed: the control surface of a CAPITOL digital audio console, connections and support for microphone and headphones, keyboard, mouse and PC monitor, audio monitoring bar and ON AIR signal pilot.
At the foot of the table, there is a rack format space to place the headphone distributor, the tuner and multimedia player, the PC with the automation system and the control applications of all equipment, ... and a drawer to store microphones when not in use.
Windows have been opened on the sides of the vehicle with darkened glass and practicable for ventilation.
Technical area and warehouse
At the rear is the technical area of the vehicle and warehouse, which includes audio and network connection panels, an AEQ Mercury audiocodec, a dual-SIM 3G/4G Wifi router, two basic GSM routers for making and receiving voice calls, a satellite transceiver suitable for data, AoIP and voice services, a 1.6 KVA inverter, with its batteries, an electrical distribution panel, and a 3.2 KVA generator.
Also traveling in the back are coils of cables, a kit with a wireless system and AoIP Dante to transmit from inside the buildings, a ladder, a fire extinguisher, outdoor mic stands, a ground pike and other carefully selected accessories.
Also behind is the compact AC air conditioning boost unit, which will distribute the air between the technical area and the passenger compartment when the vehicle stops to broadcast stationarily over long periods of time.
Antennas
In the upper part, two roof racks have been installed with sufficient separation to avoid interference: In the previous one, two 3G/4G antennas, two GSM antennas and an FM reception antenna were mounted. In the back, the satellite antenna. All antennas were chosen low height to facilitate vehicle access to garages.
Operation
On the one hand, it is a radio studio with console and automation system similar to those that the client has in his production center. Through an interchangeable hard drive, files with music, masks, spots, callsigns, etc. can be taken from the station to the vehicle and in the opposite direction, the mounted program.
On the other hand, it is possible to send the program and receive return by terrestrial or satellite internet, receive calls by GSM phone and satellite phone, all with the vehicle running or stopped at an event.
They can use their own “in-house” studio with five participants (four on the move), or use a Netbox 4MH equipment with mic pream, line and line return and headphones, accompanied by a wireless microphone, to enter a building and with a single IP cable of 90 meters communicate the interior in high quality with the console and communications systems of the vehicle.
With this, we trust that our client will be able to develop comfortably and efficiently their exciting reports and external broadcasts.
Info: www.aeq.eu & Calavitis SA *
* Distributor for Hellas
Notes: Press Release - AEQ - 05/07/2023
