Following introductory concept discussions with Peter Fairhurst, it emerged that the system was to be used by the current President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni for the current national election campaign.
Fuzion's Jimmy Potter and Edmund Draycott combined their expertise to create a powerful, easy-to-rig PA system that could be assembled and dismantled in less than an hour.
They decided that Nexo Geo S was answer. The rig comprised nine Geo S805 and one Geo S830 mid/high cabinet arrayed per side with two sets of four CD12 cardioid subwoofers ground-stacked beneath. Each array was neatly suspended within Fuzion's Uni Tower, designed by Fuzion in conjunction with James Thomas Engineering for just such a touring array.
Four NXAMP4*4 controller amplifiers provide power for the whole system, backed up by Furman P-6900AR voltage regulators to filter power fluctuations. The racks were designed for full Geo S8 system capability in the event of amplifier failure.
Also featured as part of the final system was Mipro's ACT-82 digital wireless radio system, specified both for its outstanding digital audio quality and 128-bit encryption capabilities. The 32MHz bandwidth will allow plenty of room for manoeuvre wherever the president goes.
Custom-built Kelsey power distribution units and a full Kelsey cable infrastructure bring the whole system together.
Comprehensive testing at Shepperton Film Studios ensured the whole rig could be set up and running in 45 minutes which met with full approval from Uganda's State Department.
In addition, Okello State House also purchased a car PA system, based around the idea of a Toyota Landcruiser with a built-in horn PA for touring more remote regions. This required something much smaller. After much deliberation a Camco Q6 amplifier was specified along with a compliment of Quest mixers and amplifiers and nine Turbosound TCX12 speakers, coupled with radio mics.
(Jim Evans)
