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Innovative tools help to make NASCAR manufacturing of parts faster, more efficient, and of higher quality. How NASCAR's R&D Group Optimized Its Machining Processes with Next-Level Components Innovative tools help to make NASCAR manufacturing of parts faster, more efficient, and of higher quality. Edited by Terry Persun Sports Dec 1, 2025 Lead image courtesy of Depositphoto.com . NASCAR’s Research and Development (R&D) facility relies on premium innovation to create the right solutions to manufacture next-level components ensuring speed, precision and above all, safety at all stages of development. According to Bob Duvall, Managing Director of NASCAR’s Competition Partner Program, “NASCAR teams are always looking for the best in class, and Kennametal aligns perfectly with that standard.” Behind every racecar, there's a team of dedicated professionals ensuring that each component is machined to perfection. This involves using reliable tooling solutions in a prototyping environment where parts need to be designed, programmed, and manufactured within tight tolerances—and tight deadlines. Increasing Material Removal Rates Recently, NASCAR upgraded its CNC machinery to enhance its manufacturing capabilities. To fully leverage this new technology, Hank Fowler, NASCAR’s Manager of Manufacturing turned to Kennametal which has been instrumental in optimizing NASCAR’s machining processes. “Upgrading our machines has significantly sped up my cutting processes,” said Fowler. “With the addition of flood coolant and Kennametal tools, I’ve been able to increase my material removal rates as well as improve surface finishes and reduce the need for post-processing operations like deburring.” Image courtesy of Kennametal. Fowler also mentions that once he has a part number, he speaks with his rep for additional insight as to whether or not a better option may be available. Shipping tools on time is also critical for success on timely projects. For example, when Fowler was working on a manual turning job that had a .094” groove in chromoly steel, he made a simple phone call and was able to get the tool holder and inserts on time to deliver parts. This reliability is essential for NASCAR’s fast-paced manufacturing needs, where even a slight delay can impact testing and development schedules. As part of NASCAR’s R&D group, Fowler and his team handle a wide variety of tasks. Their most common machining projects include creating inspection tools for their competition group and fixturing for various types of testing within the R&D team. Recently, the team worked on an inspection tool made with 303 stainless steel which featured a tight tolerance slot. In the past, they would have been nervous about this job, but after ordering a 3/16” HARVI™ I TE, they completed the task effortlessly. Kennametal's HARVI I TE high-performance solid end mills are designed with an innovative twisted end face that allows for ultra-aggressive cutting capabilities while also promoting stability in any type of cut. It also offers a number of proprietary features such as a precision faceted eccentric relief reducing vibrations and friction for excellent cutting conditions in multiple materials, and an innovative flute design with chip gashes within the flutes to reduce cutting forces, promote tool cooling and support efficient chip evacuation. The HARVI I TE design also features asymmetrical divided flutes and a variable helix, which enables vibration dampening even at the highest feed rates. Image courtesy of Kennametal. The partnership between NASCAR and Kennametal is a perfect example of how precision tooling can be successful in high-stakes environments. With Kennametal’s reliable and versatile tools, the R&D team can meet the demanding requirements of NASCAR’s manufacturing processes. For more information: Kennametal HARVI I TE NASCAR Read more about racing >>> 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

Entertainment Engineering co-founder Terry Persun shares his thoughts on innovation and failure for December 2025's editor's note. Editor's Note: You Can't Have Innovation Without Failure Entertainment Engineering co-founder Terry Persun shares his thoughts on innovation and failure for December 2025's editor's note. Terry Persun Editor's Note Dec 1, 2025 I’ve always been interested in how innovation happens and how problem-solving often leads to success. There has been a lot of research completed about learning from failure in order to eventually turn a creative approach into a success. We all know the stories about Walt Disney (we are still running articles about that company’s innovations), Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and as far back as Thomas Edison. For all of these people, multiple failures—often significant failures—eventually led to something innovative and successful. By giving your engineers the space to fail, you also allow more space for innovation, which can eventually carry your company to the forefront. In order for a company to be innovative, for a company to branch out and do more with their products and services, even to find new avenues for sales, some measure of failure must happen. But here’s the rub: how do you know when to stop and when to continue forward? How do you know when it’s just not the right time for the idea, or the move into a new market, or the acceptance for a new approach? You don’t. But at the same time, if you never break out from the crowd, you will never be able to offer something innovative or unique. Sometimes a result may even look like a failure at first but with some consistency will turn into a success. It’s a fact that people generally like to live in some amount of equilibrium, where change is minimal. This means that new ideas can be shut down before they get the chance to take off. But an engineer can't innovate without the freedom to experiment and—yes—fail; by giving your engineers the space to fail, you also allow more space for innovation, which can eventually carry your company to the forefront of your industry, rather than trailing behind or being average. If you’re an engineering manager, this means that you must protect your engineering staff. To be innovative, you have to present a safe and psychologically secure environment for them to try new approaches. Then you have to help your team learn from their failures while providing a positive memory of the experience—which makes them even more able to innovate further. Today, the most successful endeavors are a result of past failures, where the people and company learned from mistakes in order to clear a better path forward. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Archive of Entertainment Engineering Magazine's past newsletters. Newsletter Archive Click on a link below to view past Issues of our Weekly Digest and Themed Newsletters November 19, 2025 Digest November 12, 2025 Digest November 5, 2025 Digest October 29, 2025 Digest October 22, 2025 Digest October 15, 2025 Digest October 8, 2025 Digest October 1, 2025 Roundup September 24, 2025 Digest September 17, 2025 Digest September 10, 2025 Digest September 3, 2025 Digest August 27, 2025 Digest August 20, 2025 Digest August 13, 2025 Digest August 6, 2025 Digest July 30, 2025 Digest July 23, 2025 Digest July 16, 2025 Digest July 9, 2025 Digest July 2, 2025 Digest June 23, 2025 Digest Announcing Our Relaunch

Upgrading to professional-grade comms offered better sound quality and interference-free communication, but involved numerous behind-the-scenes considerations. Why This Laser Tag Arena Replaced Walkie-Talkies with Professional-Grade Comms Upgrading to professional-grade comms offered better sound quality and interference-free communication, but involved numerous behind-the-scenes considerations. Edited by EE Team Theme Parks Nov 25, 2025 Games Mission Laser offers interactive laser tag gaming experiences in Richmond, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, with a third arena opening soon. At one point, the company had an interest in upgrading its communications systems, both inside and outside the arena. Director of Operations and Sales, Trip Roberts explained that when he was looking for ways to help the team become more efficient, he chose to work with Clear-Com® systems. Upgrading its critical communications was certainly a core goal, but so was the ease of use and operation of the devices by the crew, who are often team members unfamiliar with professional-grade communication systems. Images courtesy of Clear-Com and Mission Laser. Roberts had worked with Clear-Com in the past and felt that they were the right company to partner with. He opted for the Clear-Com DX210 Digital Wireless System comprised of a two-channel communication base system and lightweight all-in-one WH220 wireless headsets. This system was an instant “upgrade” over the walkie-talkies the staff previously used, offering exceptional sound clarity and interference-free communications with the option of a single or dual-channel intercom system in Mission Laser’s demanding environment. Images courtesy of Clear-Com and Mission Laser. The DX210 can run in ISO intercom mode, so that communications can be routed directly to the facility’s indoor and outdoor speakers. This feature is perfect for customer announcements and getting the attention of the large and often distracted crowds. DX210 base stations and extender antennas are placed in “mission control” mode and integrated seamlessly with Mission Laser’s house audio system. The WH220 headsets are lightweight and comfortable to wear, yet rugged and reliable—an important feature in a fast-paced and physically active business. Plus, they allow staff to keep their hands free for other on-the-job tasks, and most importantly, provide superior sound quality and word recognition, a critical factor in a loud laser tag environment. Images courtesy of Clear-Com and Mission Laser. “Being able to communicate in a more controlled and coherent way removes a fair amount of stress for our crew, improving overall productivity and fun on the job,” Roberts said. After their shifts, each team member can simply hang up their headsets, set the batteries on chargers, and the equipment is all set for the next shift to start. “If I’m working in front of the house, I can easily troubleshoot any issues with my team without having to physically go to them,” Roberts explained. “Precise communications are an essential component of our day-to-day business running smoothly. The Clear-Com technology gives our busy staff the freedom and flexibility they need to manage the games, gather customer groups, work more efficiently, and ultimately offer better customer service.” For more information: Clear-Com DX210 Digital Wireless System and WH220 Wireless Headset Mission Laser Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

All terrain buggies offer performance, robustness, and quiet operation due to advanced drive system design. The Secret Behind Quiet and Comfortable Golf Carts? Industrial Grade Products All terrain buggies offer performance, robustness, and quiet operation due to advanced drive system design. EE Staff Sports Nov 25, 2025 With more than 34,000 golf courses around the world, there is a growing need for golf carts, buggies, and trollies to facilitate the movement of golfers around the course. While the sport itself is relatively low-tech—all you need is a club and a ball—getting around the course in comfort is another matter. This is when the right gearboxes and motors come into play. While most often industrial grade products aren’t considered outside of warehouse, transportation, packaging, and production applications, such products add reliability and robustness when used in recreational equipment and vehicles. Parvalux has been involved in designing and manufacturing some of the leading high-performance electric golf cart, buggy, and trolley motors on the market. Proper motor selection offers a consistent and smooth driving experience whether on grass, sand, or over a tarmac, and provides efficient and reliable propulsion when moving heavy golf bags and people across various terrains. Electric motors from Parvalux can contribute to the performance and safety of golf carts in a variety of ways including delivering high torque and power, standard and customized integrations, efficient power transmission, and safety control systems—all while providing battery efficiency and quiet vehicle operation. Images courtesy of Parvalux. For example, UK-based manufacturer, Grasshopper Golfkarts Ltd. has been shuttling players around golf courses in comfort for a long time with durable vehicles that travel some of the hilliest courses. Grasshopper single seat buggies easily fit into the rear of a typical family hatchback or estate car with the aid of ramps—no heavy lifting. The Classic, Cobra and Junior models have been designed with ease of use and transportation, as has the new Cobra ATB, all terrain buggy. With a range of up to 36 holes (dependent on conditions and terrain), this rugged unit is capable of climbing slopes of up to 1:3 and reaching a speed of eight miles per hour (15 km/h), thanks to a pair of Parvalux 24 Volt, 300-Watt electric motors providing direct drive through two 30:1 heavy-duty reduction gearboxes. It’s a tough and durable combination that delivers smooth, reliable power, whenever it’s required. Despite its high level of capability, the Parvalux drive system is also quiet. According to Rob Moor, Grasshopper’s Managing Director, “Parvalux’s reliable, compact geared motors are important because they enable us to offer the small form factor, high power, and quiet operation that our customers tell us are key selling features of every Grasshopper buggy.” Parvalux offers a wide range of small, high-torque motors designed to move heavy loads. They provide sufficient power to navigate all types of terrain without compromising performance. Any of the motors can be customized to suit the specific requirements of the vehicle, which ensures that the electric motors are optimized for the weight, size, and performance characteristics required by the customer. Control systems can include such features as regenerative braking, which helps control speed while moving downhill—while also charging the batter, which then contributes to energy efficiency. All of the company’s motors can be paired with high-quality battery systems that optimize energy usage in order to ensure sufficient power is available to the motor when necessary, and without frequent recharging. Parvalux motors are designed for durability and dependability for long life with minimal maintenance requirements. For more information, visit Parvalux . Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Blending creativity, innovation, and technology helped make this Comic-Con event light up. Wicked Technology on Stage at Comic-Con Blending creativity, innovation, and technology helped make this Comic-Con event light up. Edited by EE Staff Stage Events Nov 25, 2025 Held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt’s Seaport Ballroom, the audience members for the Her Universe Fashion Show experienced a Wicked -themed immersive lobby featuring pop ups such as a KISS nail booth, photo ops, film props and costumes, and LEGO big builds. From elaborate couture fashion and musical performances to a technology enhanced magical runway entrance by Eckstein herself, the event was designed to captivate and inspire. Her Universe images courtesy of Mark Edwards Photography. The runway serves as the stage for a group of selected designers who created and showcased their designs—some of which were inspired by the Wicked fandom—during the 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show. At the end of the night, Lynleigh Sato and Caitlin Beards were chosen by both the audience and an expert panel of judges as the winning designers. They were awarded a cash prize of $2,000 USD each and have been offered the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe. Central to this vision was the transformation of the stage into the World of Oz, a feat made possible by ALTRD Projections and Barco’s state-of-the-art projectors. Delivering Impactful Visuals This year’s production presented a unique spatial and creative challenge: how to deliver high-impact visuals across four separate projection surfaces. The team needed a solution that delivered consistent brightness, sharp resolution, and vibrant color across each of the four side screens—two on each side of the stage—while maintaining visual cohesion with the central LED display. For the immersive experience of the show, it was critical to attain seamless integration and high performance across all of these distinct surfaces. Four high-performance Barco UDX-4K40 projectors, known for their unmatched brightness, 4K resolution, and color fidelity, were instrumental in creating a cohesive, large-scale projection canvas of the four side screens that framed the runway. The UDX’ ability to deliver consistent, vibrant imagery across wide surfaces allowed the creative team at ALTRD Projections to design and execute a fully immersive runway backdrop. The visuals were crisp, dynamic, and emotionally resonant, bringing the magical world of Oz to life. Product image courtesy of Barco. The projectors handled complex motion graphics and color-rich content with ease, ensuring that every detail was rendered with cinematic precision. Barco’s technology didn’t just support the show’s visuals, it elevated them, enabling a level of storytelling and spectacle that matched the ambition of the designers and performers. The result was a flawless fusion of fashion and technology. Her Universe images courtesy of Mark Edwards Photography. The visuals created by the Barco projectors were meant to provide a wickedly memorable evening for attendees by elevating the entire production and immersing the audience in a fantastical experience that matched the creativity of the designs on the runway. The show drew record attendance and rave reviews, with fans and judges alike praising the visual storytelling and technical excellence. By blending creativity and innovation, Barco was a committed technology partner enabling Her Universe to push the boundaries of fashion and fandom once again. The Her Universe Fashion Show, now in its 11th year, has become a cornerstone of San Diego Comic-Con, celebrating fandom through fashion. Presented by Universal and hosted by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, the 2025 edition was themed “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations” inspired by the popular Wicked franchise. This year’s show reached new heights in creativity, inclusivity, and visual spectacle. For more information: Barco UDX-4K40 FLEX Her Universe See other theatre and stage case studies >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

How technology and performance combine to create expressive storytelling and audience immersion. Groundbreaking Dance Performance Uses Motion Capture, Aerial Drones, and Visual Effects How technology and performance combine to create expressive storytelling and audience immersion. Jeff Gunderson Stage Events Nov 11, 2025 The Netherlands-based contemporary dance company, Another Kind of Blue (AKOB), has received widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking performances that explore the relationships between humans and technology. Founded by visionary choreographer David Middendorp, the company not only uses technology as a subject of exploration but also as a dynamic tool for expressive storytelling. "I've always been fascinated by the intersection of culture and technology," said Middendorp. "People often perceive them as separate, but I firmly believe they are closely related. Technological innovations are often born from someone's dreams. For instance, airplanes would never have been invented without the dream of flying. And I believe technology plays a significant role in shaping human nature. It contributes to our sense of identity." Photo by Kim Vos Fotografie, courtesy of Some Kind of Blue and OptiTrack. Middendorp talent caught the attention of "America's Got Talent," where his choreographed performances reached the finals. Encouraged by the experience, Middendorp decided to establish AKOB. Several productions soon followed. AKOB's artistic live dance performances feature imaginative uses of motion capture (mocap) technology, aerial drones, digital elements, and real-time visual effects and animations, captivating audiences with experiences that are both mesmerizing and thought provoking. Photo by Kim Vos Fotografie, courtesy of Some Kind of Blue and OptiTrack. Discovering Motion Capture Middendorp's exploration of aerial drones stemmed from his desire to examine the concept of free will. The early stages of the concept involved someone remotely controlling a single drone from the wings. Then, the idea evolved into a swarm of drones that would form into certain shapes. However, 10 to 20 people operating drones in synchronized patterns proved impossible. “We started to search for solutions," Middendorp said. "One idea was to build our own localization system. Then, as we were looking at other possibilities, we discovered OptiTrack.” Middendorp purchased his first eight OptiTrack cameras early in his explorations and has slowly been accumulating more. Today, AKOB has 22 OptiTrack mocap cameras—16 Primeˣ 13 cameras and 7 Primeˣ 22 cameras. The configuration provides real-time, low latency tracking that optimizes accuracy across capture areas. Photo courtesy of OptiTrack. As Middendorp became more proficient with the mocap system, his team began using it to track dancers on stage wearing OptiTrack mocap suits. Using positional data, the dancers' movements were translated into commands for controlling the drones in real-time. The subsequent performance, “Airman,” featured 12 drones, some flying pre-determined paths, and others programmed to respond to the dancers’ movements. According to Middendorp, “With OptiTrack, we can track drones, dancers, and other elements. Another advantage is that the infrared cameras work in low-light conditions, which is crucial since we often darken the stage to create a specific ambiance.” Imaginative Uses Another idea conceived by Middendorp was to create a duet that explored interactions between dancers and elements of physics. He envisioned a powerful way to visualize physics through sound waves, and particularly an effect known as Chladni patterns. Named after 18th-century German physicist and musician Ernst Chladni, these intricate patterns emerge when a flat surface with a sprinkling of sand (or similar substance) vibrates at specific sound wave frequencies, causing the sand to move and gather at certain locations on the surface. Rather than making the entire stage shake, he chose to replicate the sand motion through simulation, leading to the development of a dynamic virtual sand representation complete with the ability to form Chladni patterns on a stage. However, for live performances, he needed to depict a convincing engagement between dancers and the simulated sand. OptiTrack was able to help him with a solution. In the performance, “Wave”" virtual sand is projected onto the stage, and dancers, donning OptiTrack mocap suits, are tracked with precision using the OptiTrack system. Similar to the way drones can be controlled, OptiTrack allows the dancers' movements to manipulate the virtual sand in real-time. The result is an immersive presentation where the interplay between the dancers and the simulated sand appears remarkably true-to-life. Forging Into New Dimensions The most recent production from AKOB originated from what Middendorp calls, “a fantasy.” He said, “What if you could visit people that aren't here anymore? Maybe they passed away or maybe they just left. But what if there was a virtual space where you could still interact with them? I wanted to use this concept to create a choreography.” His piece, “Missing” (part of the new full-length performance “Digital Twin”), transports audiences into a near future scenario where a dancer engages in a duet with the digital version of someone who is no longer physically here but continues to exist in an alternate reality. The performance offers a profound insight into the possibility of leaving a digital version of ourselves for our loved ones. To create this experience, Middendorp uses a “virtual mirror” on stage comprised of a very large display that rotates during the performance, seamlessly reflecting both virtual and real objects. Using OptiTrack, the hands of dancers on stage are closely tracked, translating gestures into movements performed by digital counterparts in the mirror. Middendorp said, “OptiTrack serves a critical role in the performance for making the display function like a true mirror.” AKOB continues to delve into new realms of creative possibilities, pushing boundaries of contemporary dance, while OptiTrack provides multiple tracking solutions in one system. “I am always learning new things about the system and what it can do. If I have a spare moment, I sometimes just play with it, which is very useful for developing new ideas,” Middendorp said. For more information: OptiTrack OptiTrack Cameras OptiTrack Mocap Software Another Kind of Blue Read more about stage performances >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Honey Extractors for Beekeeping Hobbyists EE Staff Mini Story Nov 17, 2025 Honey extractors spin honeycomb at varying speeds to enable effective and efficient extraction of honey. Trusted by honey producers worldwide, Parvalux provides geared motors that are reliable and durable specifically for professional and home-made honey extractors. Beekeeping is a centuries-old process that removes honey from the wax honeycomb created by the bees. Traditionally, beekeepers extract honey from the wax comb by scraping it away. This laborious method often destroyed the combs. This slowed production because the bees would have to rebuild the honeycombs. Spinning the combs improves production because centrifugal force releases the honey more efficiently. Honeycombs are fragile, which is why honey extractors use special frames to protect the combs from damage, making them immediately reusable. The Parvalux motors spin up very quickly, making them ideal for use in motorized honey extractors. Photo with kind permission of Maxant Industries . Get more information about Parvalux's honey extractors here . Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

When a Vancouver-based boutique animation studio outgrew its consumer-grade storage when it took on bigger projects for film, TV, and commercials, it looked to a more scalable solution. Big Animation Dreams Mean Big Storage Needs When a Vancouver-based boutique animation studio outgrew its consumer-grade storage when it took on bigger projects for film, TV, and commercials, it looked to a more scalable solution. Edited by EE Staff Film and TV Nov 17, 2025 Od Studios (Vancouver, BC) started as a boutique visual effects studio with an aim to produce full length animated feature films using the latest technology and production practices. In the video production industry, great work can lead to more work—which means more generated data, and subsequently, the need for more storage. To reach their goal, they knew that they could no longer get by with their older consumer-grade storage solution. Od Studios generates a significant amount of data during production. Their product is the data they produce. Their efficiency was impacted by the low throughput of their previous consumer grade hardware solution. As they grow, the projects they work on become higher profile and their need to produce high quality work increases. Od Studios required a stable solution to finish projects on time and on budget. They needed a storage solution that would allow them to scale and provide them with the flexibility to resolve their specific problems. As a relatively new company, they had been using a product that only offered mediocre throughput that constrained their ability to produce work quickly. The system was slow, and they constantly questioned how many days remained until they pushed the system to failure. As a newer studio with a limited budget, total cost of ownership (TCO) was very high on their list of requirements. They needed to balance affordability with throughput and stability yet wanted flexibility to allow for scaling and future growth. They began researching hardware vendors for a replacement solution, considering Seagate along with competitors that are traditionally used to provide storage solutions in the animation/visual effects production industry. Od Studios wanted the ability to install whichever vendor’s drives they chose, as well as to use the Lustre file system software they selected. They believed that they could achieve performance that was as good as, if not better than, many of the proprietary systems in the market. All photos courtesy of Seagate and Od Studios. In the early part of their selection process, Od Studios appreciated that Seagate’s storage options were different than competitors that locked customers into a single, one size fits all solution where the hardware appliance, installed drives, and software are provided by one single vendor. That’s why the studio chose Seagate’s Exos™ X 5U84 RAID array that provided them with future flexibility and minimal vendor lock-in—a solution that gives them the flexibility to pivot should they ever need to. The 5U84 provides room to grow through a versatile architecture that opimzes TCO for petabyte-scale storage with industry-leading density. Plus, Od Studios can get its data to applications when and where it’s needed with high-speed, high-performance storage. The secure hard drives provide reduced power consumption and adaptive cooling technology to help Od Studios realize cost and energy savings. All photos courtesy of Seagate and Od Studios. The 5U84 is placed behind a Dell server which serves as the Lustre file system’s object storage service (OSS). A second Dell server is used for the Lustre metadata service (MDS). Due to the Seagate array’s design, Od Studios can scale out their system in different ways as needed—although with its extremely large capacity it may be a while before that happens. Another benefit for Od Studios is how the ADAPT RAID on the array allows for rapid rebuild times in case of drive loss. In addition, the ability to use preferred drives in the array, along with using a scalable software-defined storage solution like Lustre, provides Od Studios with the flexibility, scalability, and performance they need out of their storage system. Today, in addition to films, Od Studios also works on TV series and commercials. Its clients include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Warner Bros., Marvel, and NBC. According to Od Studios Founder and Visual Effects Supervisor, Marc Horsfield, “The ability to scale out is a big win. With Seagate’s Exos X 5U84, we have options to scale, and that flexibility is paramount in an ever-changing industry.” For more information: Seagate Od Studios Exos X 5U84 RAID System Read more articles about filmmaking >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Rushed and dangerous scenarios require equipment that's safe and reliable. Here's how the aerial ladders on firetrucks just got safer. Fire Trucks Get a Ladder Safety Upgrade Rushed and dangerous scenarios require equipment that's safe and reliable. Here's how the aerial ladders on firetrucks just got safer. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Nov 17, 2025 Amity Fire & Safety serves the Fire & Equipment industry by producing swivels, telescopic waterways, weldments, machined parts, and pins for extremely demanding applications. Their international customer base includes industry giants such as KME (Kovatch Mobile Equipment), Pierce Manufacturing, and Rosenbauer. Amity’s customers manufacture the fire trucks that are seen at local fire departments around the world. KME custom manufactures the broadest family of aerials in the fire service and incorporates IQAN E-Control™ (motion control system) in their trucks to ensure a high level of safety. Ladder base swivels allow for rotation of the aerial ladder while acting as a pass-through for water and continuous hydraulic and electrical circuits. The position of the aerial ladder on a fire truck needs to be monitored to reduce risk of injury and damage to equipment. Although Amity used limit switches to monitor whether the ladder was within certain degrees of rotation, the proximity switches still couldn’t monitor the accurate position of the ladder within that range. Safety swivel side and top view. Images courtesy of Advanced Micro Controls, KME, and Amity Fire & Safety. Without knowing the absolute position of the aerial ladder, damage or injury can occur in several ways. Trucks could tip over when the ladder’s range of movement is exceeded. This could happen during a short jacking operation where a narrow jack spread is used to avoid obstacles such as parked cars. Damage can also occur when bringing the ladder to cradle position. When the ladder is brought back into the resting (cradle) position, misalignments can damage the cradle ears. On mid-mount ladders, pump panel damage can occur when the aerial ladder is brought below grade (too far down). Outrigger jacks fully extended. Images courtesy of Advanced Micro Controls, KME, and Amity Fire & Safety. Accurate Positioning By using an absolute analog DuraCoder®, Amity is able to acquire the accurate feedback they need. The DuraCoder recognizes where the ladder is within the 0–360 degree revolution without guesswork. When the ladder is at a low angle, the operator is now capable of automatically stopping rotation at a pre-set point known to eliminate risk of damage to the body of the truck and injury to firefighters during a rescue operation. When KME upgraded to their Parker IQAN™ (motion control system), they realized that the grey scale encoder they had initially specified would no longer meet their voltage output requirements. Additionally, an excessive amount of mathematical programming was required with the grey scale encoder; and together, Amity and KME set out to find a more efficient solution. “If we want to be successful, we have to get to that next level.” DuraCode® absolute encoder. Images courtesy of Advanced Micro Controls, KME, and Amity Fire & Safety. Signal Changes After reviewing all of their options, KME contacted Amity with the solution: an AMCI DuraCoder with integrated cable. The DuraCoder’s analog output signal eliminated much of the mathematical programming that was necessary with the grey code encoder. With the integrated cable, KME no longer needed to produce their own cable, simplifying wiring and installation, and ensuring the IP67 sealed rating. The DuraCoder is installed in an area of the truck that is exposed to water mist during firefighting, high pressure wash downs, and airborne contaminants from smoke and ash. AMCI’s DuraCoders are designed to provide consistent reliable feedback while preventing water and contaminant ingress. With the DuraCoder, KME’s IQAN “E-Zone™ system stops rotation or elevation of the ladder when the operator attempts to position the ladder in a pre-defined zone (cab avoidance, body avoidance, and short jack operation). This eliminates the possibility of cab or body damage and makes operation of the device on the short jack side of the vehicle safer, according to the KME product brochure. Amity’s concerns when selecting an encoder included its ability to withstand heavy shock and vibration caused by the truck’s engine, onboard generators, and road vibration. The DuraCoder is resolver based, meaning that it was designed to provide absolute position feedback without plastic disks or magnetic components, enabling it to withstand high levels of shock and vibration. Amity Swivel with AMCI DuraCoder. Images courtesy of Advanced Micro Controls, KME, and Amity Fire & Safety. The optional 5/8-inch stainless steel shaft boasts exceptional shaft loading, and the high shock and vibration rating provides reliability where most sensors fail. The IP67 rated product line comes standard with either a ¼-, 3/8-, or 5/8-inch stainless steel shaft and an oversized double row sealed bearing. Additionally, DuraCoder brand encoders are available in six different versions, including SSI, Digital, Analog, Incremental, DeviceNet, and Ethernet/IP. Amity was able to change out the original optical encoder for the AMCI DuraCoder quickly and easily. The units’ industry-standard mounting pattern made it easy to replace the existing encoders. While the standard lead time for the AMCI DuraCoder is three weeks or less, Amity could not wait that long. Because AMCI designs and manufactures their products in-house, they were able to expedite the process, sending the full shipment out within a few days. After an easy installation, Amity’s swivels were ready to be sent off to KME. For more information: Advanced Micro Controls Absolute DuraCoder Amity Fire & Safety Kovatch Mobile Equipment Read more about cars and trucks >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

An interview with Entertainment Engineering co-founder Terry Persun about the magazine's relaunch WATCH: Why Now is the Best Time for Entertainment Engineering's Relaunch An interview with Entertainment Engineering co-founder Terry Persun about the magazine's relaunch Videos Aug 7, 2025 Cool Stuff Terry Persun and Joe Gillard discuss Entertainment Engineering Magazine's digital relaunch and why engineers should care. Entertainment Engineering focuses on the engineering behind entertainment, including films TV, sports, stage, and more. Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next