I'm sure this is on here someplace but I can't turn it up in a search. We have an older clearcom system (RS501 beltpacks, etc.). In a few locations it would be advisable to split the clearcom signal to get to beltpacks in different locations, rather than linking each one to the previous. I have seen a 3-way splitter from ClearCom (the SP3 -- https://www.clearcom.com/product/sp-3/), but I'm told there actually might not be any electronics inside. Can anyone confirm this? I've also seen folks using a regular line level audio splitter, especially from Whirlwind (the Split 6 -- http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/bla...rs-boxes/split-6-line-level-parallel-splitter). Is this safe/acceptable? Thanks!
Splitting Clearcom Signal
- Thread starterjds10011
- Start date
teqniqal
Well-Known Member
You can T-Tap or Y the Clearcom type partyline systems anywhere along the line with no ill effect. Just parallel the connections. Many theatres have large screw terminals strips in the rack with multiple lines from various stations all tied together. The biggest concern is using large enough gauge of wire so the current to power the beltpacks / wall stations doesn't cause an excessive IxR voltage drop. The shield conductor on many cables is a smaller gauge than the + / - conductors, so this is usually the limiting factor. Using 18 gauge cables in lieu of 22 gauge mic cables is a prudent move.
@jds10011 If you're speaking only of original ClearCom RS501 stainless steel packs and clones thereof, not any multi-channel or Telex variants, connectors and shielded 18 gauge twisted pair wiring is all you need with the shield connected to all contact #1's, one of the 18 gauge twisted pair soldered to all contact #2's and the remaining conductor soldered to all contact #3's. If your system is that simple, so are the splitters and interconnections.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard
themuzicman
Well-Known Member
There are no electronics in that Clearcom splitter. You can go to town plugging in XLR F-MM Y's to each other. The only thing you really have to worry about is current draw on your main station.
macsound
Well-Known Member
This was my go to for clear com splitting. If nothing else, it made it easy to trace cables because we would label the split.
http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/bla...rs-boxes/split-6-line-level-parallel-splitter
http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/bla...rs-boxes/split-6-line-level-parallel-splitter
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