Argosy Launch New Fibre Assembly

Argosy is launching a new fibre assembly of its own design and manufacture at IBC2015. The multiple tactical fibre assemblies are designed for outside broadcast applications where cables are roughly handled on a regular basis.

Tactical fibre is used for a range of signals in outside broadcasts, carrying multiple signals over long distances. Installation on site means dragging the cable through ducts or across open ground. This inevitably leads to damage to the terminations and affects signal integrity. Broken connectors means expensive repairs, and a gradual shortening of the cable which makes it less useful and eventually unusable.

The new solution from Argosy aims to deliver high return on investment and longer service life by protecting the fibres from damage. The solution is to make up multiple fibres – as many as 24 – to suit the customers' needs. The fibres are protected in a breakout which prohibits them from rotating under use, and the entire end of the cable is protected with a captive heavy duty pulling sock. This solution together ensures that the load under deployment and recovery is transferred directly to the aramid in the tactical cable, and when laying on the floor protects against crushing of the breakout.

"We have worked with the outside broadcast and touring industry, and this is what they are asking for and require," said Chris Smeeton, sales director of Argosy. "We design, specify and manufacture these assemblies from scratch in house to the specification of our customers. Yes, they are more expensive than simply bundling fibres together, but the cost of ownership tumbles because the constant repairing and chopping of ends disappears. And you need fewer assemblies because you can always rely on them to be in full working service."

IBC will also see the launch of a stackable, enclosed cable drum. The drums, again manufactured in house by Argosy, can carry any type of cable. They are lightweight, suitable for regular outside broadcast work, and stack to minimise the space occupied on site.

As well as the new assemblies and cable drums, Argosy will be showcasing an alternative solution to fibre for high-resolution applications: the new Neutrik 4K/8K BNC connector and barrel. While a new Belden cable, the Easy Connect Pro, designed for price sensitive AV installations, and the ATEN range of KVM products will also be available at IBC2015.

www.argosycable.com

(JP)