Intercom wall-mount panels

[EustaceM]

We are going to purchase wall-mount clear-comm stations (XLR4, volume knob, talk/call button). 1 for stage left, 1 for stage right, 2 for booth, 1 for house, 2 for our dressing rooms ,1 for green room, 1 for our scene shop "area".


How does one connect and wire these to the 4 channel clear-com main station?
(the main station is a switchboard and has 4 channels and 10 lines)


How do we wire them to XLR3 cables and plug them into the main station?


We want 2 or more stations on a single channel. ( at least 3-4 max) Do we need mic splitters? Or do we simply solder the wires (hot, grounds) of one station to the wires of another?


We do not wish for bare cables or expensive electricians and equipment. That way it will be easier for us to move and daisy-chain cable to move the main station if needed.

 

[museav]

We do not wish for bare cables or expensive electricians and equipment. That way it will be easier for us to move and daisy-chain cable to move the main station if needed.

You may not wish for these but you may need them. You seem to need someone to help design the system and someone to make sure it is installed properly and legally. It really sounds like you could benefit greatly by developing a relationship with a local consultant and/or contractor that is familiar with venues like yours and could help you with all the projects you seem to be implementing.

 

[avare]

You may not wish for these but you may need them. You seem to need someone to help design the system and someone to make sure it is installed properly and legally. It really sounds like you could benefit greatly by developing a relationship with a local consultant and/or contractor that is familiar with venues like yours and could help you with all the projects you seem to be implementing.

A big +1 to what Brad wrote. Every manufacturer of intercom systems that I am aware of have manuals available online. Telex also has an intercom manual that covers many makes of systems and their technical aspects.

Andre

 

[teqniqal]

The ClearCom Partyline type equipment can be parallel wired with multiple stations on each leg. Regular 3-Pin microphone cables (22 gauge) will work fairly well unless you get many stations at a great distance, then you will need to use a larger gauge cable (typically an 18 gauge). You should use shielded, twisted pair cable. If the cable has a smaller gauge shield / drain wire, this may cause problems as the signal ground is a DC current carrying conductor, not just a shield with just the noise current on it. With too small a gauge of wire, you may experience drop-outs or pops when the call button is pressed.

You must make sure that the mic cables are properly wired, if you reverse pins two and three, or any other pins for that matter, then the system will not work. (HINT: a ClearCom belt pack station is a great way to check mic cables for proper wiring . . . bad wiring - no workie.)

You say you "don't want bare cables or expensive electricians" - you can't have it both ways. Either you run the cables exposed (cheap), or you install it in conduit (not cheap). Backstage is a rough environment for exposed wiring. Installing conduit is actually cheap insurance against the cables being tripped-over, snagged, or otherwise damaged just as you are trying to do a show. The last minute trouble-shooting can cost you dearly. A single intercom cable can typically be pulled through 1/2" or 3/4" EMT conduit, so this is fairly cost-effective to have installed. If you install the wire in conduit you should use a code compliant plastic jacketed cable designed to be pulled through conduit, not a rubber jacketed microphone type portable cord.

A side suggestion: Purchase a UPS for your intercom power supply. Your show communications are a vital safety tool in the event of an power outage. You should be able to justify the expense as a safety measure so that you can maintain communications at ALL times.

 

[JJN]

We are going to purchase wall-mount clear-comm stations (XLR4, volume knob, talk/call button). 1 for stage left, 1 for stage right, 2 for booth, 1 for house, 2 for our dressing rooms ,1 for green room, 1 for our scene shop "area".


How does one connect and wire these to the 4 channel clear-com main station?
(the main station is a switchboard and has 4 channels and 10 lines)


How do we wire them to XLR3 cables and plug them into the main station?


We want 2 or more stations on a single channel. ( at least 3-4 max) Do we need mic splitters? Or do we simply solder the wires (hot, grounds) of one station to the wires of another?


We do not wish for bare cables or expensive electricians and equipment. That way it will be easier for us to move and daisy-chain cable to move the main station if needed.

What you have described is a wall-mount station and since you referenced the brand, Clear Com means a KB or an HB unit depending on what you intend to use them for. These units generally should be thought of as a beltpack in the wall, the KB has a loudspeaker and depending on the model either a microphone or microphone jack on the face. The HB units are new and do away with the loudspeaker (you need a headset). The XLR 4 is for the headset--the unit will wire up with a standard 3-wire per channel terminal strip on the back (pin 1s are daisy chained/parallel, pin 2 is power (unit only needs 1 of these) and pin 3 is your channel) . In general these units should be daisy chained together--i.e. one unit wired to another--remember they are essentially belt packs but in the wall. The HB704 unit will allow you to have all 4 channels available--although only as discreet channels--you cannot combine (hear 2 channels at once)at the wall the way you can with some beltpacks. Check the Clear Com site for installation details.

 

[museav]

I think this may be getting too much "can't see the forest for the trees" and overlooking the big picture...

You apparently plan to purchase and install wall mount stations for stage left, stage right, booth (2), house(?), Dressing Rooms (2), Green Room and Scene Shop. And you apparently have a SB-704 or similar 4x10 switchboard master station. Before getting into the details of how to wire things you might want to consider:

• Is there any existing Clear-Com system or components? If so, how are they used and wired?
• Is the master station already in use? If not, do you really need a 4x10 switchboard master station? There may be a reason for it but that device would typically be a bit overkill for the quantity and type of comms locations noted and especially in light of the comment regarding wanting multiple stations that would always be on the same channel.
• What related infrastructure such as cable paths, conduit, junction boxes, etc. exist?
• What about comms for the Box Office, house entrances, Manager's office, and so on?
• What do you mean by "wall mount station"? Do you mean a wall mount beltpack jack, a wall mount headset station, a wall mount handset station or a wall mount speaker station?
• Would all of the locations noted have the same "wall mount station" or might you have a mix such as speaker stations in the Dressing Rooms and Green Room, beltpack stations at the Booth, etc.?
• Who will be designing, installing, testing, etc. this system? What is their related knowledge and experience?
• Is someone going to document the system so that people later on can know what is there and how it is wired?

I think some of these types of questions need to be considered to be able to develop and understand the overall system concept and approach. Then you can get into details.

It's also worth reiterating that the ultimate success and effectiveness of the system, both initially and long term, may be as much if not more a factor of planning and execution than it is of the equipment. The best equipment improperly applied will still yield poor results, so don't underestimate the value of good system planning and design along with proper installation.