Telex->clearcom base

[Diggits5]

So I help with a completely outdated HS theater. They have an old 2ch telex system but it's been acting up. Power on=screeching then shutdown.

I have a clearcom base but everytime I power up, it shorts.

My question, is the wiring of the panels causing it to fault or is there possibly a legit short in the wiring causing the issues?

Second, can I convert to use a clearcom base with telex packs? TIA

 

[TimMc]

Without any other connections, with either the Telex or ClearCom stay on? No headset, no mic cable, nothing...

If either/both stay on, I suspect that you have a bad connecting cable or defective installed intercom wiring.

ClearCom and Telex are not directly compatible.

Edit ps: more than you want to know about intercom -

Keep Comm with Pete: In the Beginning, 2 Tin Cans and a String (Part 1) – PST #079 — Practical Show Tech

On PST #079, we go over the history of comms from the basic 2-wire intercom with tips, tricks, and workarounds for Clear-Com and RTS. Joined by guest Bob Tourkow, we discussed several past 2-wire comm shows like the Brooklyn Bridge Centennial, the Super Bowl, Presidential Inauguration, and more!

practicalshowtechcom.squarespace.com

Keep Comm with Pete: How to Make Comm Useable (Part 2) – PST #080 — Practical Show Tech

On PST #080, in the second of a multi-part series on comms, Pete shared “How to make comm usable” and discussed Clear-Com and RTS, master stations, hybrids, and interfaces—joined by guest Bob Tourkow from his home base in London. Streamed on July 24, 2020, at 12:00 PM

practicalshowtechcom.squarespace.com

https://products.rtsintercoms.com/binary/Handbook%20of%20Intercom%20Systems%20Engineering.pdf

 

[Diggits5]

Thanks for the input. With the telex power, it starts squealing but the beltpack does work when its directly hooked up to the PS. The clearcom straight goes to short when a beltpack/headset is connected. I did see a cable that was under a case wheel that looks squished. Hopefully it's not that. If I find a way to utilize the clearcom base, do I need to then use clearcom packs only? We also have the 2ch selectable telex wall plates if that matters. Thanks!

 

[DaveySimps]

Your best bet would be to go through the system cable by cable. Power up the base station by itself with no cables or packs plugged in. Keep adding components until the undesirable outcome you list occurs. That is the component you need to look at for a short. It is very common to have a mic cable that got run over or caught in a door to cause this. I always make sure to moved the cables and connectors around when I add a component. Often times a connector is fine until pressure is applied to it. If you have the old RS series beltpacks, one could be missing the cardboard inside and faulting out on the metal housing. I have had to fix these two issues more times than I can count.

There are a few other brands that are compatible with Clearcom, but I do not think you can use the Telex on a Clearcom base station.

~Dave

 

[Diggits5]

Thank you! The cable that looks run over is coming out of a wall port and I need to trace it. I also asked for construction drawings but I'm not holding my breath for those.

Thanks for the help. If I make any progress I'll post about it.

 

[TimMc]

For your Telex problem - and likely your ClearCom - the answer is in the RTS link I provided.

 

[Jay Ashworth]

Indeed; that RTS intercom handbook is *excellent*.

Try to make an hour to just sit outside and read it.

 

[gafftaper]

@Diggits5 If you need to add any gear to your system, I encourage you to check out Pro Intercom LLC (Formerly known as Production Intercom). They make rock solid gear that is more durable (aluminum belt packs), lower in price, more comfortable headsets, and compatible with the big manufacturers. I've owned a lot of their gear over the last 10 years and it's all great. @Diana Mullis is a CB member and the owner. Drop her a private message if you need any help.

 

[Diana Mullis]

@Diggits5 If you need to add any gear to your system, I encourage you to check out Pro Intercom LLC (Formerly known as Production Intercom). They make rock solid gear that is more durable (aluminum belt packs), lower in price, more comfortable headsets, and compatible with the big manufacturers. I've owned a lot of their gear over the last 10 years and it's all great. @Diana Mullis is a CB member and the owner. Drop her a private message if you need any help.

Thank you for your support and kind words. All our products are Clear-Com compatible so we can help you get that system up and running. The Telex/RTS is a different story as it is a balanced intercom system whereas Clear-Com and Pro Intercom are unbalanced. Give us a call or email via www.prointercomllc.com if we can help.

 

[Jay Ashworth]

Clearcom is... unbalanced.

How am I getting 200ft between boxes and base and no noise pickup?

 

[DonAllen]

The Production Intercom power supplies has a line termination switch the switches an RC network across the unbalanced line. Jands talkback master stations also have this line termination feature. Some talkback belt packs with "take off" or howl if the line is not terminated.

 

[Jay Ashworth]

The Production Intercom power supplies has a line termination switch the switches an RC network across the unbalanced line. Jands talkback master stations also have this line termination feature. Some talkback belt packs with "take off" or howl if the line is not terminated.

Yeah, but I'm not talking about feedback. I'm talking about the environmental hum you don't pick up with balanced lines...

 

[FMEng]

Clearcom is... unbalanced.

How am I getting 200ft between boxes and base and no noise pickup?

Luck and the semi-effectiveness of the cable shield. It also helps that beltpacks have floating grounds.

 

[RonHebbard]

Luck and the semi-effectiveness of the cable shield. It also helps that beltpacks have floating grounds.

Plus ground at ONLY one point: The power supply. Guard against ground loops similarly to guarding against Corona. Ground loops ARE your enemy.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard