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About Us Our Core Values We believe that design engineers are an investment in our futures. That engineers are interesting people who are motivated to produce something from nothing, or to produce something better from what we already have available. We believe that engineers deserve to have fun at their jobs, to enjoy technology, and to express their creativity in ways many people never get the chance to. Entertainment Engineering magazine was created as a magazine for engineers. Our goal is to provide technological pieces that provide ideas for tech transfer across all vertical markets from aerospace to semiconductor and from off highway to medical. While providing interesting information, we want engineers to ‘enjoy the ride’, to feel good about their jobs and themselves. And to enjoyably educate themselves along the way. Our Team Co-Founder Terry Persun For over thirty-five years, Terry Persun has been working in the B2B world in senior marketing and editorial positions. He has also taught physics and electronics at the college level. He has written and published literally hundreds of technical articles in over thirty different vertical markets for design engineers of various disciplines including electrical/ electronics, mechanical engineering, fluid power, machine tools, 3D printing, and more. Terry holds a BS and MA and applies his learning to everything he does. Co-Founder Bruce Wiebusch Bruce Wiebusch grew up in a family that was involved with B2B marketing, from strategic planning to sales, to editorial. Bruce has worked in senior marketing and editorial positions for over thirty years. He uses his business degree to enhance every aspect of his work life, including with Entertainment Engineering magazine. He has worked with several marketing agencies and has written and edited hundreds of technical articles for all of the major OEM publications in the B2B market. Bruce is also the author of a book on maximizing your PR. Content Production Nicole Persun Nicole Persun has worked with several online publications and businesses to provide everything from marketing strategies to editorial selection and delivery. An expert in content production, she continues to expand the capabilities of whatever business she is working with. Her services have been instrumental in helping online businesses to thrive and grow even in tough markets—as well as adapt to the ever-changing shifts in internet marketing. Nicole has both BA and MFA degrees that she uses in her everyday work. Editorial Advisor Joe Gillard After serving as Editor-in-Chief in several major business-to-business magazines, Joe Gillard brings a high-integrity approach to the editorial requirements of whatever magazine he works with. Joe comes from a strong background in the marketing agency business and has handled some of the largest online accounts for a number of companies. His approach to business and market development will help the magazine push into new markets and broaden its reach. Joe's years of experience is key to our growth plans. Our History An idea is a funny thing. If talked about, it gains momentum; if researched, it gains structure; and if acted upon, it manifests. When first created, Entertainment Engineering was the very first online-only B2B publication. We were ahead of our time and competing with traditional print magazines that were not ready to change to meet the times. We even considered moving to print to better compete directly. For years, we interviewed hundreds of design engineers in multiple disciplines in the OEM and MRO markets. Those engineers were adamant about what they were looking for in a magazine. We listened! Every month, these same engineers and more returned to Entertainment Engineering because the magazine was interesting and fun to read. We also learned that whenever engineering professionals read about a product or service, they instantly consider how that product or service relates to the projects they are presently working on. Our articles might be of general interest, but they have wide engineering applicability. We call that technology transfer, and it is how engineers learn about new technologies. What better place to learn than in fun and interesting entertainment applications, which provide an emotional component to their experience. Entertainment Engineering grabs their attention emotionally and feeds their curiosity with new technologies. Our readers are from over 24 different industries from aerospace to machine tool and from construction to semiconductor and from broadcast to medical. These engineers purchase a broad range of products in the OEM world. In fact, we reach engineers who decide and influence the purchase of products and services in most component- and device-level categories. The right magazine with the right articles and stories brings a targeted audience to its pages. And the best magazines bring readers back again and again, delivering motivated purchasers to you.

The latest in a series of ocean-observing radar altimetry missions. Ocean and Atmospheric Data Improves Hurricane Forecasts The latest in a series of ocean-observing radar altimetry missions. EE Staff Mini Story Jan 19, 2026 NASA and its partners launch a US-European satellite to monitor Earth’s oceans. The project is meant to provide ocean and atmospheric data for a number of purposes. According to Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, “Understanding tidal patterns down to the inch is critical in protecting how we use our oceans every day on Earth.” Two satellites make up the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission, which is the latest in a series of ocean-observing radar altimetry missions that have monitored Earth’s changing seas since the early 1990s. Key information includes wind speeds, wave heights, atmospheric temperature, and humidity. Get more informative details from the full article here . *Artist’s concept courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of wearable sensors hinges on robust manufacturing processes. Precision Dispenser Provides Nontoxic Adhesive to Wearable Sensor Technology Ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of wearable sensors hinges on robust manufacturing processes. Anthony Buzzerio, Venkat Nandivada, Rohit Ramnath Cool Stuff Dec 9, 2025 From smart watches to fitness trackers to smart clothing, the growing field of wearable technology relies heavily on miniaturized sensors capable of providing accurate and continuous physiological data. This is especially true in the medical field where all types of demanding conditions including physical stress, thermal fluctuations, and exposure to bodily fluids can create a harsh environment. One of the keys to operational superiority includes biocompatible adhesives for encapsulating these delicate sensor components. Images courtesy of Nordson EFD and Master Bond. Here we’ll examine the selection and implementation of a non-cytotoxic adhesive chosen for its ability to encapsulate sensors from harsh environmental factors such as humidity, dust, and mechanical impact. We’ll also explore the automated dispensing equipment used to achieve the accuracy and consistency required for production. To ensure that the manufacturing process was optimized, Nordson EFD partnered with specialty adhesive manufacturer Master Bond. The product selected for this encapsulation process needed to meet several key requirements to ensure its effectiveness and compatibility with the wearable sensor, including a low-viscosity epoxy with capillary flow characteristics for precise dispensing, the material needed to be curable below 80oC to protect heat-sensitive electronic components from damage, and it needed to be a non-cytotoxic encapsulant to ensure safe use when used against a human body. Finally, the dispensing process had to be automated and capable of dispensing approximately 3cc of the material per sensor consistently. Material Solution Master Bond’s EP21LSCL-2Med, a two-component epoxy adhesive, met the overall application requirements. The product has an ISO 10993-5 non-cytotoxicity rating, which qualifies for wearable sensors. EP21LSCL-2Med was specifically engineered for low-temperature heat curing, which was instrumental in protecting the integrity of the sensitive electronics within the device. Important was the adhesive’s low mixed viscosity—measured at 500–1000 cps at room temperature—making it highly suitable for capillary action, which ensured that intricate spaces were properly filled with no voids. The Master Bond EP21LSCL-2Med has a working life of 6-8 hours. The working life of a fluid is the amount of time before the epoxy becomes too thick to be applied. An additional consideration for fluid dispensing technology selection was that once the Master Bond compound was thawed to room temperature from the -40° C freezer in the manufacturing process, it could not be re-frozen. This fact informed the dispense solution selection for the application. Images courtesy of Nordson EFD and Master Bond. The material was packaged in pre-mixed and frozen syringes (stored at -40oC until use), delivered in 3cc Nordson EFD syringes, making the process highly efficient and reducing waste. Operators could simply thaw and load the syringes into Nordson's dispensing system, streamlining the workflow and minimizing handling errors. Dispensing and Packaging Nordson EFD offers several fluid dispensing solutions for effectively encapsulating wearable electronics. The company’s broad selection of fluid dispense solutions enables manufacturers to choose the right technology for their unique application needs. To meet the requirement for the material to flow easily around the sensor components and fill the intricate spaces without leaving voids in the application, a fluid dispenser, valve, automation, cartridge, and tip technologies were required. To maximize the usage within the Master Bond EP21LSCL-2Med’s working life, Nordson EFD engineers recommended using the Ultimus V high precision dispensers, which provided a benchtop fluid dispensing control for the manual or automated application of fluids. As the viscosity of the epoxy changes, the full electronic press regulation feature keeps the critical fluid dispensing processes consistent from start to finish. The Ultimus V fluid dispensing solution shot size stays consistent regardless of changes in viscosity of the epoxy. This solution also offered electronic control of the dispensing time, air pressure, and vacuum. Once programmed the air pressure automatically adjusts as the fluid gets thicker. If larger volume is required (30cc or more), an xQR41V Series needle valve can be an alternative to avoid full-to-empty variation issues. The design of the xQR41V allows for quick fluid change-over and easy cleaning of wetted parts at the end of the shift. The needle valve features a patented quick release clasp, enabling fast and easy servicing in the field. In addition, the low level of fluids retained in the fluid body reduces fluid waste, and the reduced form factor of the solution increases production capacity. Images courtesy of Nordson EFD and Master Bond. After benchtop testing was successful, in order to meet the longer time requirement for automated dispensing, Nordson EFD advised that the customer use the EV Series of tabletop automated dispensing systems for easy integration into the manufacturing operations. The consistent application of the fluid was maintained by using Nordson EFD for general purpose orange or red stainless-steel tips. The orange tip is 23 gauge and has an inner diameter of 0.33 mm/0.013-in. This tip is most optimal when the material is applied manually. The red tip is 25 gauge and has an inner diameter of 0.25 mm/0.010-in, which is more suited for automated processes. Nordson EFD uses a laboratory-focused approach to recommending fluid dispensing technologies—evaluating fluids, substrates, application goals, and production needs to provide a consultative approach to selecting the right solution. Minimizing Air Bubbles for Pre-mixed and Frozen Packaging One of the most common challenges in dispensing epoxy adhesives is the presence of air bubbles. To address this, Master Bond implemented rigorous degassing protocols during the packaging process. After mixing the two components of the EP21LSCL-2Med, the formulation underwent centrifugation at 2000–3000 rpm for 1–2 minutes. This critical step effectively removed entrapped air and reduced the risk of voids during application. Using a centrifuge system like the ProcessMate 5000 Universal Centrifuge is a proven way to ensure no air pockets exist after thawing the epoxy used in this application. This approach only eliminated the need for on-site mixing, a process prone to variability and contamination, but also dramatically improved production uptime and consistency. The collaborative application of Master Bond’s innovative pre-mixed and frozen epoxy alongside Nordson’s best-in-class dispensing technology proved instrumental in the customer's success in manufacturing their wearable sensor solution. For more information: Nordson EFD Ultimus V Dispenser xQR41V Needle Valves 3-Axis EV Dispensing Robot ProcessMate 5000 Master Bond EP21LSCL-2Med About the authors: Anthony Buzzerio is the Application/Systems Engineer II at Nordson EFD; Venkat Nandivada is the Manager of Technical Support, Master Bond; and Rohit Ramnath is the Senior Product Engineer at Master Bond. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The Axceleron LED lighting fixtures bring unprecedented flexibility to theater, museum, convention center, and industrial/commercial settings. Axceleron LED Lighting Fixtures The Axceleron LED lighting fixtures bring unprecedented flexibility to theater, museum, convention center, and industrial/commercial settings. Terry Persun Stage Events Jun 16, 2025 Aquarii, Inc. offers customized LED lighting solutions as showcased in their Axceleron, broad application LED down light fixture. Axceleron is a tested and recognized ETL, DLC, LM79, and LM80 down light designed for facilities that need an energy efficient fixture for high performance or round-the-clock lighting. Four wattages are available up to 150W. At 150W, Axceleron delivers up to 15,000 lumens, with color rendering indexes (CRI) of up to 90. By mating a state of the art LED printed circuit board and heat sink, the unit manages thermal loads without the need for fans, making it the ideal light for environments that require quiet operation. Customers can select one of four different color temperatures—from 3,000 to 5,000 degrees Kelvin. The units can be mounted in pendant, flush mount, C-clamp, yoke or recess configurations, making it easy for them to fit into any new or existing building. Six different lens configurations include 14, 18, 28, 36, 70 or 110 degrees, allowing facilities to select the angle that suits their specific application. Photo: Aquarii LED light. By using an 8-bit to 16-bit processor that is RDM ready, the Axceleron emulates the smooth dimming curves of incandescent without any visible dimming steps while using only one channel for control. Users have the option of on/off operation, 0 to 10V dimming, or operation of their Axceleron fixtures using DMX—but with fewer addresses to manage per unit. While off-white and black are standard offerings for the outer housing, essentially any color, pattern, image, or logo can be provided to match the color palette or theme of the facility. Axceleron provides outstanding durability, is designed for maximum service life, and requires virtually no maintenance. Eliminating bulb changes and the hazards of servicing fixtures in difficult locations can greatly increase the savings beyond those found with its energy efficiency. Adding to the savings, Axceleron comes with a 10-year warranty. For more information: Aquarii Inc Home Aquarii LED Products Aquarii LED Controls Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Games for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch are becoming more fun. Free-to-Play Zombie Stampede Games for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch are becoming more fun. EE Staff Games Jun 4, 2025 Bandai Namco Games has launched Zombie Stampede©, a free-to-play tower defense action game for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. In Zombie Stampede players are immersed in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a devastating virus. Facing waves and waves of flesh-eating zombies through intense action sequences, the game proposes users to take control of a team of ferocious hunters with a variety of unique combat abilities and destructive weapons. Beyond the action, the game offers a powerful cocktail of strategy and collectability with multiple in-game commodities such as the Card Box filled with common and rare hunters and items to be added to one's game. Players also have to be tactical in their use of the precious Zombie Juice collected from slaughtered zombies on the battlefield and that helps unleash hunter skills. Bandai Namco Games America Inc. is a global publisher and developer of interactive content for platforms including all major video game consoles and computers, with marketing and sales operations in 50 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia. The company is known for creating games like PAC-MAN©, Tekken©, SOULCALIBUR©, NARUTO©, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN©, Dragon Ball©, GALAGA©, RIDGE RACER© and ACE COMBAT©. For more information: Bandai Namco Games Home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas uses SKF giant main bearings and related technologies. World’s Tallest Observation Wheel Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas uses SKF giant main bearings and related technologies. SKF Home Cool Stuff Jun 4, 2025 Theme Parks The High Roller observation wheel expected to soar at the heart of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip in late 2013. The 550-foot-tall wheel, eclipsing the famed 443-foot-tall London Eye, will be equipped with two SKF spherical roller bearings, the largest ever produced at the SKF manufacturing facility. The two custom-designed spherical roller bearings (one within each side) will be virtually unprecedented in weight and size. Each bearing will weigh approximately 8,800 kg and be designed with 2,300mm outer diameter, 1,600mm inner diameter, and width of 630mm. Specially engineered features will include W26 lubrication holes in the inner ring, SKF NoWear®-coated rollers, and PTFE coating in the bore. The company will additionally incorporate advanced lubrication, sealing, and online condition-monitoring systems and take the lead in monitoring the bearings once the wheel is up and running. SKF was awarded the contract by American Bridge Company (Coraopolis, PA, USA), which is responsible for constructing the 143m-diameter tension wheel. In addition to the two SKF bearing assemblies, the structure will consist of four steel support legs, a single braced leg, fixed spindle, rotating hub, 2m-diameter tubular rim, and 112 locked coil cable assemblies as spokes. The High Roller wheel is the centerpiece of The LINQ, a planned $550 million, open-air retail, dining, and entertainment district situated between Imperial Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas. Each of the wheel’s 28 supersize cabins (which themselves will revolve) will accommodate up to 40 people during a 30-minute ride. The wheel turns out to be the latest SKF big-wheel project in a growing portfolio of expertise. The Navy Pier® Ferris wheel in Chicago similarly operates with two SKF spherical roller bearings and SKF Reliability Systems retains responsibility for ongoing proactive maintenance programs. For more information: SKF Home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

With factors such as wave quality, energy consumption, water quality, safety, and guest throughput all impacting operations, surf parks are notoriously complex. These smart systems are helping to optimize operations. The Smart Systems and Advanced Aquatic Engineering Behind Surf Parks With factors such as wave quality, energy consumption, water quality, safety, and guest throughput all impacting operations, surf parks are notoriously complex. These smart systems are helping to optimize operations. Edited by EE Staff Theme Parks Mar 13, 2026 Sports Surf parks were once defined almost entirely by their physical engineering—concrete, hydraulics, and mechanical ingenuity working together to recreate the ocean inland. Today, a quieter revolution is underway. Beneath the surface of the water, an expanding digital nervous system of sensors, data platforms, and intelligent controls is transforming how wave pools operate, adapt, and perform. At the same time, these engineered environments are exerting a growing influence on the future of competitive surfing itself. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. From real-time wave optimization to AI-driven maintenance and athlete training, data has become as critical to surf park success as the wave-generating hardware. Together, smart systems and advanced aquatic engineering are not only improving operational efficiency but redefining what consistency, fairness, and performance mean in modern surfing. Data and Surf Park Optimization Operating a surf park is a complex balancing act. Wave quality, energy consumption, water quality, safety, and guest throughput all interact dynamically throughout the day. Historically, many of these variables were managed reactively, relying on manual oversight and fixed operating schedules. Smart systems have shifted this model toward continuous optimization. At the core of modern surf park optimization is real-time data collection. Sensors embedded throughout the wave pool measure water depth, pressure, flow velocity, temperature, and turbulence. On the mechanical side, sensors monitor motor loads, actuator positions, cycle times, and vibration patterns. This data feeds into centralized control systems that allow operators and engineers to fine-tune wave performance with remarkable precision. Adjustments to wave height, shape, peel angle, and frequency can be made dynamically, responding to rider skill levels, session formats, or even weather conditions such as wind and ambient temperature. For guests, this translates into more consistent waves across sessions. For operators, it means fewer wasted cycles, smoother transitions between programming modes, and reduced wear on mechanical components. Rather than running wave systems at maximum output by default, parks can now optimize each wave for its specific purpose—whether that is beginner instruction, advanced training, or high-intensity competition. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. AI and Predictive Maintenance One of the most powerful applications of data in surf parks lies in predictive maintenance. Wave generation systems are capital-intensive assets, and unplanned downtime can be financially and reputationally damaging. By applying machine learning algorithms to historical and real-time performance data, AI systems can identify patterns that precede mechanical failure. Subtle changes in vibration, temperature, or energy consumption—often imperceptible to human operators—can signal early-stage issues. This allows operators to intervene when and where it is needed, reducing maintenance costs and extending equipment lifespan. By analyzing usage patterns, demand cycles, and environmental conditions, intelligent control systems can optimize when and how energy is consumed. Wave sessions can be sequenced to reduce peak electrical loads, while filtration and water treatment systems can operate during lower-demand periods without compromising water quality. Water Quality and Safety Water quality is both a regulatory requirement and a core component of guest trust. Smart monitoring systems allow continuous measurement of key parameters such as pH, chlorine levels, turbidity, and microbial indicators. Automated alerts notify operators of deviations before they become visible or hazardous, allowing corrective action in real time. Safety monitoring is also increasingly data driven. Cameras, motion sensors, and wearable technologies are being tested to track rider movement and detect potential incidents. While lifeguards remain essential, smart systems provide an additional layer of oversight, particularly during high-throughput or competitive sessions. Aquatic Engineering and the Future of Competitive Surfing Beyond day-to-day operations, surf park technology is reshaping competitive surfing in fundamental ways. Engineered waves offer something the ocean never can: repeatability. This consistency is proving transformative for both athlete development and the structure of competitions. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Wave pools are already influencing where and how competitions are held. Unlike ocean venues, surf parks eliminate variables such as swell inconsistency, wind shifts, and tidal changes. Every athlete can surf the same wave, under the same conditions, enabling more objective performance comparisons. For event organizers, this predictability simplifies scheduling, broadcasting, and logistics. For spectators—both on-site and remote—engineered waves offer a clearer narrative, where skill rather than circumstance takes center stage. This means that surf parks are increasingly viewed as legitimate competitive venues. Yet perhaps the most profound impact of aquatic engineering is being felt at the training level. Elite surfers no longer have to travel intensively to chase swells around the globe to prepare for competition. Wave pools compress that process. Engineered waves allow athletes to repeat specific maneuvers dozens of times in a single session, accelerating skill acquisition and refinement. Data overlays—tracking speed, line choice, airtime, and landing forces—provide immediate feedback that was previously unavailable in open-ocean training. For younger athletes, access to consistent, high-quality waves can democratize development, reducing reliance on geographic proximity to elite surf breaks. The Olympic Question The inclusion of surfing in the Olympic Games has intensified discussions around fairness, consistency, and global accessibility. Engineered waves address many of these concerns directly. Wave pools offer neutral venues that are not dependent on seasonal swell patterns, making them attractive for multi-sport events with fixed schedules. They also ensure that athletes from landlocked or wave-poor nations can train under conditions comparable to their coastal counterparts. While purists argue that surfing’s identity is rooted in the unpredictability of the ocean, there is growing recognition that engineered waves can coexist with traditional formats. Rather than replacing ocean competition, surf parks may expand the competitive ecosystem, enabling new event formats, skills-based scoring, and hybrid competitions. The rise of data-driven surf park management and advanced aquatic engineering marks a pivotal moment for the industry. Smart systems are making surf parks more efficient, reliable, and sustainable, while engineered waves are reshaping how surfing is trained, judged, and experienced at the highest levels. For operators, the integration of sensors, AI, and intelligent controls is no longer about novelty—it is about competitiveness in a capital-intensive market. For more information: Cloward H2O Wave Pool Directory Read more about water parks >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Video camera and audio accessory boom poles K-Tek TadpoleX Holds GoPro Video camera and audio accessory boom poles EE Staff (pub. 2013) Cool Stuff Jun 4, 2025 K-Tek makes video camera and audio accessories boom poles and microphone support products. Tadpoles have become the popular solution for holding small HD action cameras. The newest member of the line, the TadpoleX, is made of black anodized aluminum. The unit’s three-section camera pole is engineered with the same precision as K-Tek’s market-leading boom microphone poles. With a fixed ¼-20 threaded stud mount, the TadpoleX is ideal for small cameras such as the GoPro. Plus, weighing just 8 ounces, the camera and accessory pole can extend up to 3 feet, 7 inches, yet collapses to an easily storable length of 19 inches. Designed for efficiency, the TadpoleX is quick and easy to use in an extreme sports environment. The sections securely lock in place with a simple twist. The pole also features a padded handgrip, made of closed-cell vinyl, to help insulate and cushion vibration. In addition, the comfortable-to-wear woven wrist lanyard cord, also adjustable, ensures that the camera attached to the K-Tek TadpoleX is secure. For more information: K-Tek Home Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The SaxaVord Spaceport recently received a high-tech cloud-based voice communications system for their ground control center. The First Vertical Launch Spaceport in Europe Gets Cloud-Based Comm System The SaxaVord Spaceport recently received a high-tech cloud-based voice communications system for their ground control center. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff May 4, 2026 SaxaVord Spaceport is located at Lamba Ness on the island of Unst in the Shetland Islands and is developing infrastructure and critical services to support future orbital test flights. The site has secured Spaceport and Range licenses from the Civil Aviation Authority and is designed to support small rockets delivering payloads into low Earth orbit. Images courtesy of SaxaVord. “Reliable communication is essential to safe and efficient launch operations,” said James Withey, Senior Systems Consultant Engineer, CC Sales UK, Clear-Com. “Gen-IC® lets SaxaVord’s teams and visiting payload operators to connect instantly from any location, while giving administrators the control and scalability needed to support evolving mission requirements.” Gen-IC includes a 32-user license supporting PCs located within the control center, mobile devices operating on-site and off-site, and remote access for operators who require connectivity beyond the facility. The system allows range administrators to remotely add, manage, and remove users, as well as assign voice loop communication keys as needed. This enables rapid reconfiguration of user interfaces to support visiting payload teams and changing operational requirements. Images courtesy of SaxaVord. An on-premises voice recording system is also included, capturing audio from eight dedicated voice loops via a Clear-Com LQ eight-channel interface. The system provides storage and playback capabilities to support operational review, health and safety requirements, and training. Maintaining proper and accurate communications is a mission critical capability that the SaxaVord Spaceport will rely on, while future expansion may include integration of tactile control hardware and the site’s radio network through additional interfaces. For more information: Clear-Com Gen-IC SaxaVord Spaceport Read more about space >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The ride required energy supply and data transmission capabilities for every vehicle along the track, operating both indoors and outside. Steel Roller Coaster Hybrid Ride Uses Advanced Conductor Rail System The ride required energy supply and data transmission capabilities for every vehicle along the track, operating both indoors and outside. Edited by EE Staff Theme Parks Dec 1, 2025 The steel roller coaster dark ride hybrid “ARTHUR—Minimoy’s Kingdom” offers attendees an immersive as well as dynamic adventure, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor sections for a one-of-a-kind ride experience. Designed as an Inverted Powered Coaster, the ride maintains smooth acceleration, precise motion control, and an engaging journey for riders of all ages. With its innovative design and seamless integration into the themed environment, “ARTHUR—Minimoy’s Kingdom” sets increased standards for themed entertainment. Image courtesy of Europa Park and Conductix. Conductix-Wampfler supplied the advanced Conductor Rail System, ensuring a reliable energy supply and data transmission for seven ride vehicles along the track. The system includes anti-condensation heating in outdoor and adjacent indoor areas, guaranteeing optimal performance under varying conditions. Image courtesy of Conductix. The SinglePowerLine 0812 conductor rail system is used as a standard product to power bridge-, portal- and process cranes, but can also be used on a wide variety of other applications, such as amusement rides and people movers, where higher amperages are needed. The safe, refined connector system and clip-on rail holders, in combination with optional mounting brackets, permit fast, economical assembly. Image courtesy of Conductix. Available with different rail materials, suitable for most industrial as well as theme park environments, this single pole conductor rail offers easy expandability, simple and precise installation, clip-on rail holder for easy and economical assembly, and a finger-safe design with high-quality insulation. The SinglePowerLine 0812 provides IP21 (vertical installation) and IP23 (horizontal installation) ratings to the user. The device is okay to use in multiple indoor and outdoor environments in temperature ranges from -15 to +55 o C. From engineering and supply to installation and commissioning, Conductix-Wampfler played a crucial role in enabling the ride’s smooth and efficient operation. For more information: Conductix-Wampfler Single PowerLine 0812 Read more about theme parks >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Reykjavik City Theatre recently underwent a major intercom system upgrade — with minimal disruption — to deliver flexibility within a unified production network infrastructure. How Iceland's Renowned Theatre Seamlessly Upgraded Its Intercom System Reykjavik City Theatre recently underwent a major intercom system upgrade — with minimal disruption — to deliver flexibility within a unified production network infrastructure. Edited by EE Staff Stage Events Feb 24, 2026 Since opening in 1989, the Reykjavik City Theatre (RCT) has been a cultural hub for Iceland’s theatre community, hosting a diverse range of productions in its three performance spaces which share foyer and backstage dressing rooms. During its operations, RCT has gone through multiple intercom system upgrades to meet growing demands. Most recently, RCT transitioned to a unified production network infrastructure. With this high-speed architecture in place, the move to the Arcadia Central Station proved ideal, seamlessly leveraging the new network to launch the theatre into a modern era of communication—ready for immediate needs as well as long-term expansion. Images courtesy of Clear-Com. “This project demonstrates how existing customers can take a stepwise approach to upgrades without replacing entire systems,” said Gunnar Gunnarsson, General Manager at Atendia, Clear-Com’s distributor in Iceland. “Arcadia delivers scalability, performance, and effortless live configuration while minimizing disruption, a perfect solution for a busy theatre like RCT.” The Arcadia upgrade included FreeSpeak® high-capacity IP transceivers and 24 FreeSpeak II wireless beltpacks, alongside HelixNet® networked partyline speaker stations to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout all shared performance spaces. By making extensive use of Clear-Com’s virtual Role configuration, the team effectively deploys this shared inventory across different venues and tasks. Additionally, Dante® connectivity was added to the production audio network and paging system. This allows any audio input or output to be assigned within the intercom system while still retaining existing V-Series® keypanels, FreeSpeak beltpacks and analog partyline system components, now powered by Arcadia. Images courtesy of Clear-Com. According to Steinar Snæbjörnsson, Technical Director at RCT, “Clear-Com’s Arcadia system proved to be the perfect fit for our new production network infrastructure. Its flexibility and ease of use transformed our communication workflow, providing the clarity and control that made a real difference during this season’s major productions such as Moulin Rouge .” Flexible, Full-Scale Capabilities The upgraded system provides RCT’s teams with the mobility, capacity, and ease of use needed to adapt effortlessly to dynamic production demands. Some of the new capabilities include venue-wide coverage of intercom support across multiple performance spaces, featuring wireless coverage that leverages the facility’s production network. Here are five additional benefits of the new system: Flexible Role Configuration — Efficient management of shared equipment inventory using agile Roles, allowing for task-, persona-, or location-centric setups. Dante® Integration — Integration with the venue’s audio infrastructure where any microphone or monitoring output can be routed to the intercom, while providing a flexible paging interface for front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Efficient Intercom — High-density V-Series keypanels that provide efficient access to channels, direct point-to-point communication, program audio, and paging. Live Management — Effortless Central Configuration Management (CCM) accessible from any web browser, facilitating live Role and label changes to adapt to user needs instantly, while providing real-time monitoring of transceiver loads to optimize system deployment. Unified Control — Custom API control integration with the Q-SYS back-of-house audio system. This upgrade is a model example of how modern intercom solutions can enhance efficiency, performance quality, and creative collaboration in live theatre environments. For more information: Clear-Com Arcadia Central Station FreeSpeak II Wireless HelixNet Partyline V-Series Keypanels Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Simulating brain-controlled flying at the Institute for Flight System Dynamics Brain-Controlled Flight Simulating brain-controlled flying at the Institute for Flight System Dynamics EE Staff Cool Stuff Jun 4, 2025 Pilots of the future could be able to control their aircraft by merely thinking commands. Scientists of the Technische Universität München and the TU Berlin have now demonstrated the feasibility of flying via brain control – with astonishing accuracy. The pilot wears a white cap with myriad attached cables. His gaze is concentrated on the runway ahead of him. All of a sudden the control stick starts to move. The airplane banks and then approaches straight on toward the runway. The position of the plane is corrected time and again until the landing gear gently touches down. During the entire maneuver the pilot touches neither pedals nor controls. "A long-term vision of the project is to make flying accessible to more people," explains aerospace engineer Tim Fricke, who heads the project at TUM. "With brain control, flying could become easier. This would reduce the workload of pilots and thereby increase safety. In addition, pilots would have more freedom of movement to manage other manual tasks in the cockpit." The scientists have logged their first breakthrough: They succeeded in demonstrating that brain-controlled flight is indeed possible, with amazing precision. Seven subjects took part in the flight simulator tests. They had varying levels of flight experience, including one person without any practical cockpit experience whatsoever. The accuracy with which the test subjects stayed on course by merely thinking commands would have sufficed, in part, to fulfill the requirements of a flying license test. "One of the subjects was able to follow eight out of ten target headings with a deviation of only 10 degrees," reports Fricke. Several of the subjects also managed the landing approach under poor visibility. One test pilot even landed within only few meters of the centerline. The TU München scientists are now focusing in particular on the question of how the requirements for the control system and flight dynamics need to be altered to accommodate the new control method. Normally, pilots feel resistance in steering and must exert significant force when the loads induced on the aircraft become too large. This feedback is missing when using brain control. The researchers are thus looking for alternative methods of feedback to signal when the envelope is pushed too hard, for example. In order for humans and machines to communicate, brain waves of the pilots are measured using electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes connected to a cap. An algorithm developed by scientists from Physiological Parameters for Adaptation of the Technische Universität Berlin allows the program to decipher electrical potentials and convert them into useful control commands. Only the very clearly defined electrical brain impulses required for control are recognized by the brain-computer interface. For more information: Technische Universität Münche Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next