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Designing the Perfect Truck

31 replies [Last post]
Lou Delgresiano
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I know in so many different threads many have contributed their ideas as to what would make the TD work area better.

With many TDs being very demanding I'm interested in this thread to see what ideas folks would have for the perfect truck. Especially in an era where truck companies are cutting what we see as essentials.

For me, I like a switcher with all the options in good working condition :), comfortable chair and place to put a laptop.

Silvio Bacchetta
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[quote="sahonen"][quote="Rolf Grzibek"]in Europe many of the directors in sports cut the show themselves. Sometimes with a special effects person for the more advanced stuff.[/quote] Is that the purpose of the "auxiliary video control room" in the super-truck posted above?[/quote] For what I can remember from the presentation, it allows either the control of a secondary program feed or directing slow motions, that are a sort of sub-feed of the main program. [quote]What about the lack of graphics areas or equipment? Do graphics tend to come in from separate trucks or are graphics just less necessary for european football shows?[/quote] I have never seen on board graphics in Italy, there is usually a graphic operator hired by the broadcaster who uses his stuff (usually one or two PCs). OB vans are, of course, wired for graphics output, but they haven't equipment of their own if it is not required. More recently, graphics is generated by the broadcaster directly: the operator on the OB van has a notebook which generates graphic data and a raw preview: the data are then inserted as a VITS and rendered by the broadcaster's dedicated engine by his site. This also allows multi-lingual graphics from the same source, and allows a clean feed to be recorded by the broadcaster itself.
Les
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I am a big fan of the idea of having a track that will not allow the Producer/Director or any AD/AP that is in the front row to push their chair back past a certain point. This would really help with the whole sitting on the edge of the chair but taking up all of the "crawl" space we get to slip by.
Mike Cumbo
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I have heard a story about an English "vision mixer" who moved to the States. This person was then crewed as a TD for a soccer game in the US. From what I heard that person was in for the surprise of their life when they got there and was expected to cut the show and do replays. That was several years back, anyone else here that? CBC had a truck that used two TDs for their big NHL shows. The switcher was a beast of a CDL and it had no E-Mem type capabilities. There was a second TD who ran the still store and the A53 or A-51, they also controlled the aux buses for the DVE and SS in. On that truck the TD, not sure which one, also patched all video sources and the monitor wall. (BBC style.)
sahonen
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[quote="Rolf Grzibek"]in Europe many of the directors in sports cut the show themselves. Sometimes with a special effects person for the more advanced stuff.[/quote] Is that the purpose of the "auxiliary video control room" in the super-truck posted above? Like I said before, I simply couldn't imagine cutting my own show with that many sources. I'd have to spend too much time looking at the switcher and not enough time looking at the monitor wall unless I only really used 6-7 cameras in my line cut and everything else was just for replay. Maybe if I put both hands on my M/E3 A bus I could go up to 10-12 cameras, but 34? What about the lack of graphics areas or equipment? Do graphics tend to come in from separate trucks or are graphics just less necessary for european football shows? [quote]The director sits in the middle cutting the cameras and the "vision mixer" sits on the right side, doing the replay wipe.[/quote] Two guys running one switcher? Weird! Maybe the next logical step is to give the producer a remote panel for M/E2 so he can cut his own replays. =D
- Stephan Ahonen
Carl Johansson
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Yeah. It is the standard in central and southern Europe. The director sits in the middle cutting the cameras and the "vision mixer" sits on the right side, doing the replay wipe. The graphics is keyed on all the time from what I have seen. The replay wipe is done from a channel of profile with chroma key. And executed with a macro. This is it! That's way the DD35 is popular in central Europe. It is easy to do a macro for the replay wipe.? In northern countries like Sweden, we use the american style with a producer, director and a TD. And the broadcasts are copycats of American sportsshows. That is why the SONY switchers are popular here in Sweden, it is easier to do advanced shows with them than the DD35, although some trucks has DD35's here as well.
Rolf Grzibek
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Stephan, in Europe many of the directors in sports cut the show themselves. Sometimes with a special effects person for the more advanced stuff. Rolf
sahonen
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Do European directors tend to TD their own shows? That's the only explanation I can think of for that switcher placement, though I can't imagine calling/cutting a show that big by myself. Ditto for not giving any room for ADs/APs, you'd think you'd need a much bigger production staff on a show that big. And where's graphics? I know a lot of Euro soccer shows tend to just cut video and leave graphics to the regional networks that take their feeds... But seriously no graphics at all? Is this truck just built for soccer and nothing else?
- Stephan Ahonen
Lou Delgresiano
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With how big trucks are beginning to be (ND3/4, SS24/25, etc...) I'm really amazed that there's yet to be a push in the US for trucks that can connect. I know parking is always an issue, as well as potentional energy/air conditioning losses where the trucks would connect. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics I've heard of SS-8 parked next to another MU and connected at the porches with plywood, but no truly connected trucks for one giant control room. I think the idea's in the right place with the European truck, but like Rick said, many placement of equipment just doesn't make sense.
Rick Tugman
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[quote="Rolf Grzibek"]I am curious on what you TDs think of this truck: (not involved in it at all)[/quote] Rolf: One of the 1st problems I see with this a truck and other trucks that I have worked in on in Europe is the placement of the switcher. Why in the world is it centered on the console? There is little room for Producers and Directors who in most cases sit on the same bench so the space is limited. The other issue is the switcher... isn't that thing a little outdated!! :-) Audio & Tape all look nice as well as Vision. I'm currenty in a truck with a similiar monitor wall for production.... but it's doesn't wrap around like this one. But it looks nice none the less.
EIC-Jeff
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News9TD - The GUI computer tied into the Lance is a great idea. It pains me to give credit to the Mira boys, but I'm going to have to see if that's doable with my setup. Perry My Cat - I'd rather not say what truck I'm on. My presence her is not necessarily sanctioned by my employer. Speaker placement is always an issue, but again it comes down to the person sitting next to you; for most sports shows your idea is fine, but as soon as I do an entertainment show in stereo or surround, speaker placement becomes critical for proper balance. One of the better ideas I've seen is the production crew that uses in-ear monitors to listen to program and keeps the production volume very low. It's kind of surreal to walk into production in the middle of the show and be greeted with silence! And as I've said, I have a SpotBox and don't have to worry about those infernal damned Fast Forwards! On my death bed I want to see two pieces of equipment obliterated - an Infinit! and a Fast Foward.....
Michelle S.
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EIC Jeff What truck do you EIC on??? If you don't want TD's on your computer tell them no. This is a thought from a TD friend of mine. Have the speakers mounted on the monitor wall so they are next to the Director and Producer not next to the TD's. If it was more in the middle they wouldn't have to turn it up as loud and blow out the TD's ear. My perfect truck is one with Fast Forward drives already clipped and cued and all I have to do is put them in the timeline. Typically my problems stem from waiting to get the monitor wall filled and getting someone in the tape room to give me elements before they give them to the EVS guy. They have to build prepros. I do too!! How come I never get lunch!!!! Michelle
News9TD
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[quote="EIC-Jeff"]-PULL YOUR LABELS!! I know that everyone on this board does so, but do you have any idea how long it takes to get all the goo off a full-size Kalypso panel?? -Travel with your own laptop. I have a couple of regular TDs who think that my backup laptop is their's to keep cues and moves on. It's not....it's there to save my ass in case my main computer takes a dump.[/quote] Labels: UGH I can not stand that!!! I don't know how many set days I've spent on Kalypsos with GooGone, WD40, Windex, Clorox Wipes, you name it. Honestly, who needs to label the M/E3 A Bus buttons? Travel your own laptop: I agree, but would suggest adding the Lance Cueman software to the pc you run your Kalypso GUI on. I saw this in a Mira truck and I could see where it would be quite handy. EIC had the cable run so that it was normaled into the Kalypso computer, but you could pull apart the 9pin connection for TD laptop. Basically anything that they would need to snag your laptop; should be able to be done on the Kalypso computer.
EIC-Jeff
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Hi guys, I'm a sometimes lurker and this thread caught my attention. Here's some of my responses as a truck EIC. -While I'd love to give you an escape hatch or other means of easy egress, the fact is that the person sitting next to you and the person sitting next to them ultimately pays my salary. You're lower on the food chain and therefore must suffer a little more. For this I am truly sorry. -I have a working, fully optioned switcher. And instead of a shock-mount system, the entire trailer is on airbags. Unfortunately when you move something, things DO break. That's why I'm there. If it all worked perfectly I'd be out of a job. And keep in mind that if you're having a bad day, I'm probably having a worse one! -At the TD position I have space for a laptop, the TDC serial port is right next to the laptop counter, the Kalypso and DVEous are on the same network so you can FTP into the DVE (again with an ethernet port right there), there's a USB hub into the switcher mounted right there, I have plenty of slack on the TCD remote, wired and wireless internet and UMDs. I have the plumbing for a TD Wohler but have yet to actually steal...err, acquire a box to mount there. -I have the best solution to a Fast Forward - a SPOTBOX!! -Sorry, no scope. The fact is that they are incredibly expensive anymore and the fact is that levels in the HD world aren't like they are in the analog world. -ahhh, the cup holders. The director and producer both have them, but I haven't put one in for the TD for a couple of reasons. First, there really is no good place that wouldn't rob space from something else you want (i.e. laptop space). Second, I won't mount one to the wall because I think it would look tacky. And third, I'd almost rather you keep it on the floor behind you because then if you spill it I have to grab a mop instead of a patch cord to make a router become the transmission path!! -The reason my router panels aren't labeled is because some guys like returns on top, some like them on the bottom, some put one over two, some put them the other way around, some like TX in their routers, others don't like TX anywhere near them, etc, etc. I have two panels that control 8 outputs. If you need more than that I'll gladly bring a one M/E baby panel. ;-)> -I leave plenty of floor space for bags. Not the easiest access but it is close. And there are NO power switches anywhere near the floor. Not to hijack this forum, but here's my wish list for TDs; -PULL YOUR LABELS!! I know that everyone on this board does so, but do you have any idea how long it takes to get all the goo off a full-size Kalypso panel?? -Travel with your own laptop. I have a couple of regular TDs who think that my backup laptop is their's to keep cues and moves on. It's not....it's there to save my ass in case my main computer takes a dump. -Clean up after yourself. The drawers that I store the CD drive, ZIP drive, ethernet cables, paper and pens is NOT a store house for napkins, menus, packets of ketchup, creamer, sugar, tea, your damned sticky labels or microwave popcorn (yes, the last one actually HAS happened). -Please, know your equipment. If you've never used a SpotBox, or a Lance, or a Kalypso, I AM NOT the person to ask. I can tell you how it's wired, where inputs are, and what options I have, but I unfortunately killed too many braincells to keep up with every bell and whistle on every piece of equipment. I have enough trouble with the EVSs, the router, the audio mixer, the up/down/cross/sideways converters, 5 different flavors of tape machines, AND making sure the internet and DSS are still working! But I carry every manual you will ever need and if I have the time, I'll always work with you to make it right. Who knows, I might even get a few braincells back!! -Jeff
Mike Cumbo
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Rolf, that unit doesn't look like it is used for sports. It does look nice, not sure if I would want to be stuck being the person who cleaned the toilets... Perhaps things are done differently over there, but I could see most American producers and directors complaining that there isn't enough space for them and the AD or AP. It would be nice if Game Creek had their "FX HD PRODUCTION SYSTEM" included in the web site.
Rolf Grzibek
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I am curious on what you TDs think of this truck: (not involved in it at all)
Lou Delgresiano
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[quote="Mike Cumbo"]Make sure the TD has enough router heads near them. Never know when a router becomes transmission or the client needs a screen or two switched.[/quote] The most powerful trucks are ones with the best routers, and plenty of router heads for all that need them.
Dan Berger
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Cup holder, behind works, with a shelf area for other stuff, pens, note books, etc. Arms on a chair are OK, after sitting for 3+ hours plus a pre-game show, plus a post game show, my arms need some place to rest other than the switcher. Sometimes they do get in the way, so make sure they can be lowered & raised to a desired height, then can go down below the panel so the chair slides in. The chair itself is very important, I was on a truck a few weeks ago with very big nice looking "ergonomics" type chairs... by the 3rd inning the producer, director, and I were all complaining about our backs, and how we could not find a comfortable position, we couldn't wait for the 9th inning, then it got tied up in the top of the 9th... thankfully a walk-off bottom of the 9th. The biggest switcher that you can afford, and will fit. Everyone comes in hoping to do a big FOX, ESPN, CBS type show, and then you tell them that you can't key the internal DVE down stream, so you can't do half the stuff they want to (NMT SBS1). Quad splits, yes, you never know what they might be used for, 4 EVS inputs in one monitor, DVE ins, etc. I was just on a truck with the FF in front of the TD, GREAT idea, never saw it before, with a Wohler, and a router. But the FF didn't work, so the engineer was climbing all over the switcher trying to figure it out, which meant that I couldn't touch the switcher to map, build, etc. A new one was installed about 1 hr before show time. I hate standing on top of the desk, over computers, switchers, cables, etc. to label the monitors at the top of the racks. I'm not that tall, and the reach over the desk makes it worse. UMD's are very important. Since I'm used to making the labels anyway, I don't mind typing those in instead of the EIC, but it's a great time saver when the EIC does do it, so maybe both have the ability. Routers... YES! More. But label them, (VF1, VF2, FF1, FF2, XMIT, etc.). I hate when there's a bunch of routers next to me and they are labeled B12, B13, B14... are those monitors, just a generic router name...? An arm for the switcher GUI, up down, sideways, rotate, etc, not just pull out from the side of the wall. Just a start. --- Dan
Mongo
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I was half-joking about the cupholder...but on my home truck there's a little ledge between the counter and my router sidecar that is a great spot (no electronics underneath). No arms on the chair. They just get in the way. Ethernet ports, definitely. In fact, all ports should be in one area (USB, Lance RS232, ethernet, maybe even a firewire if a device uses it). Get the most switcher you can afford, however you have to configure the panel. I don't think there's a lot of difference in the size between the 2 ME and 2.5 ME Kayak panel. It's deeper, but if you put the router and intercom in the sidecar (which is how I prefer it) you should have enough space for the 2.5 panel. Never put anything with exposed buttons or switches in the racks at your feet. That's a disaster waiting to happen. I don't care much for quad splitters, but they are very cost effective.
Curt
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I am on trucks on average a few times a year.....but I can say ease of getting to and from the TD area is a top priority. This is especially true when I am also ingesting clips etc if there isn't a tape op and I have to go back and forth to the tape area.. I also like the pass through design..where you can walk to all areas. How about a KVM station where you have a local PC that could be your laptop? Might not work for all laptops..but might be an option to keep stuff out from around the TD area. The KVM would have any other gear the TD would need...like the VDR panel for profile, EVS GUI..etc.. Could be on an arm that swung out w/ a keyboard underneath. Tim the rack you mentioned could be used for the TD to put their laptop and plug in. KVM' station would also save on space. I like the trucks where the director is to my left...since this is what I am used to...but I get used to the other way when the truck is setup that way. UMD monitor software is great..like the "writing on the wall " on NEP trucks. I have been on the Corplex truck also that has the FFWD in front of the TD...LIke that idea b/c I am the one loading in a lot of times...and I can see what is going on w/ the device. Definitely liked the Wohler speakers for the TD. This way I don't have to bother the audio op to track the FFWD etc when I am building. Just a few thoughts...I am sure there will be more! Curt
Mike Cumbo
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Tim, I know it sounds strange in today's world but there are some production types who have laptops that do not have wireless capabilities. Having a few network ports nearby can help. I agree with having a networked printer. Please get something that is common, one of the MTVG trucks has a Brother or other less common printer and the engineer spends more time helping a producer print promos then he does patching the truck. Make sure the TD has enough router heads near them. Never know when a router becomes transmission or the client needs a screen or two switched. By "Multiviewers", do you mean quad splitters? If you are talking quad splitters the need varies based on the monitor wall and it's size and will there be an external DVE? Depending on price, a quad split box can be used anywhere, production, tape, audio or at a lighting position. If you need one, buy two. You probably will use it 33-50% of the time.
Lou Delgresiano
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Tim, to go along with WiFi and ethernet I find people LOVE trucks with networked easy-to-use, color laser printers. I know it's an expense, but it really does go a long way with the production types. Don't know what intercom you're going with, but I find it annoying that everyone will have a KP-32 in a truck, but the TD is left with a KP-12, MMT is famous for this. Mike, that's so true about finding trucks with the FFV not ready to go. By now you'd think if every show it took them 15mins to patch the FFV for record, that they'd have some easier way of doing it. Or worse yet, trucks that don't have a permanent engineering input for BUG and TELE. On screen bugs have been a staple in TV sports for nearly 15 years now, and there are still trucks out there that have to patch the bug into either a position for a frame sync or a camera every show!
Tim@YVR
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This is a very useful and timely thread as I'm in the process of building a 26' digital truck right now. Obviously this isn't a major league truck, but I'm trying to make it as capable and ergonomicaly friendly as possible. A couple of questions: - Would you prefer your intercom panel in the angled pod across the switcher from you with the router panels, or in a sidecar type rack beside you? (we are probably talking a 2 M/E Kayak panel in this case, though a small config Sony 8000 is still being talked about). - 2.5 M/E Switcher with a 2 M/E panel.....bad idea? or still better than 1.5 or 2 ME only given the small size of the truck? - Does it make any real difference if the TD is on the Lfft or Right on the front bench? In this design the production bench will be facing the front of the truck, so TD on the left is the natural. - Multiviewers? Love em? Hate em, ? Don't care as long as there is a decent full resolution QC monitor and a scope? "For me, I like a switcher with all the options in good working condition , comfortable chair and place to put a laptop." Check. I'm figuring space for a personal laptop at most working positions as everyone seems to bring one these days. Also planning WiFi and ethernet ports at every station. Comfy chair: with arms, or not? "And a cupholder would be great..." What's a good spot for that? On the counter seems fraught with peril! Mounted on the wall beside you or behind you? "Oh, how about space to put your bag. Some trucks have so little space." Would a cubbyhole box mounted in the unused rack space at your feet at the bottom of the monitor wall be useful? Thanks All! Tim
Mike Cumbo
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Crosscreek V7 is so narrow that when we used it I left the first eight crosspoints unmapped. (it is a straight truck with a Kalypso) If I didn't do that then the director would have had no space at all. I agree that the FF should be in tape, not at ankle height. BTW, is it too difficult to have a router that switches audio and video feeding that thing?? Timecode should be clearly marked and not require an engineer and 15 minutes to feed TC or break TC.
Lou Delgresiano
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[quote="Mongo"]I'd like to see USB ports mounted by the switcher, and an RS 232 port for the lance there, too. I'd like the Fast Forward mounted in the rack in front of me, so I don't have to go back to tape to check settings, swap drives, etc. I'd also like the lance on an Israel arm, so I can place it wherever I want. Most of all, enough space so I don't have to worry about the director accidentally hitting program black or the run button. And a cupholder would be great...[/quote] Ergonomics of the whole TD area go virtually ignored. Corplex has a truck with the FFV in front of the TD, I like that when there's nothing to load. Though when I have to load from tape I like having a Fast Forward that's easy to get to that way I can crash into record at the machine. I agree with needing some personal space between TD and DIR. As for hitting black, I've always put black on the shift side. It's so rare I have to hit black on air. That way, at worst they take camera 1.
Mongo
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I'd like to see USB ports mounted by the switcher, and an RS 232 port for the lance there, too. I'd like the Fast Forward mounted in the rack in front of me, so I don't have to go back to tape to check settings, swap drives, etc. I'd also like the lance on an Israel arm, so I can place it wherever I want. Most of all, enough space so I don't have to worry about the director accidentally hitting program black or the run button. And a cupholder would be great...
Lou Delgresiano
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[quote="Mike Cumbo"]On top of space for a laptop, how about space for the various control panels we have. (Lance, Spotbox keyboard, etc..)[/quote] Absolutely. I love plenty of cable slack on the Lance TDC-100, and not being permanently mounted in the wall. That way I can even use it in my lap when I have a lot of video to clip off.
Mike Cumbo
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On top of space for a laptop, how about space for the various control panels we have. (Lance, Spotbox keyboard, etc..) A coat hook would be nice as well. A properly calibrated scope, yes I AM a dinosaur in some ways. How about providing access to the monitor wall, if the truck does not UMDs, some trucks make you reachhhh to put labels up and of course the producer and director HAVE to have their laptops out and in the way. Overall Game Creek does a pretty good job with their HD trucks. NCP isn't bad. Oh, how about space to put your bag. Some trucks have so little space.
Lou Delgresiano
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[quote="Dan Berger"]then when you try to walk by he doesn't notice you--- Dan[/quote] It amazes me...how could they not know we're there? I look back the moment the truck door opens and notice everyone in production, let alone someone right behind your chair.
Dan Berger
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Why is it that the Director & Producer sit during set-up, get up once in a long while. But the TD who needs to get up every 5 mins to talk to the tape room to load the FF, get audio to patch something, talk to the EIC about the mon wall that the director just changed, etc., gets jammed in and has to crawl all over everybody. The worst is a producer in the Bay Area who is about 5' 6", 140# (small guy), but sits on the end of his chair, then when you try to walk by he doesn't notice you, then when he does, or you say something to him, he slides in 2 inches. We TD's need to be able to get the hell out! Sometimes I just look over after getting up 10 times in 20 minutes, and just start yelling into the tape room (cause no one headsets on yet). Every once in a while I get in a truck with a wider walk way, but then I'm stuck with the 250+# producer. --- Dan
Lou Delgresiano
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[quote="JohnHowardSC"]Lou, I would agree with those and add a seperate TD escape opening so we don't have to crawl over production everytime we need out of the truck. Oh, and a shock mount system for the switcher frame. How many times have we had problems because the guts of the switcher were rattled to hell and back during transit? That of course could go for any piece of gear on board. I'm just a little partial to the switcher not taking a complete dump because the fan died in the frame as a result of a bumpy ride in (happened yesterday).[/quote] John, I agree. I move around a lot, I'd rather talk to the EIC face-to-face rather than p-p and get up a great deal. Some trucks mid bench is so close it's a tight and annoying squeeze. My favorite with the guts being messed up, is when it took a dump three shows ago, and still hasn't been fixed.
JohnHowardSC
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Lou, I would agree with those and add a seperate TD escape opening so we don't have to crawl over production everytime we need out of the truck. Oh, and a shock mount system for the switcher frame. How many times have we had problems because the guts of the switcher were rattled to hell and back during transit? That of course could go for any piece of gear on board. I'm just a little partial to the switcher not taking a complete dump because the fan died in the frame as a result of a bumpy ride in (happened yesterday).
John Howard Independent Technical Director Columbia, SC