Our
largest system has two channels of 100W each and the power amps from the
100W system can be added on to drive monitors. The desk for live performance
has eight channels; there is a 10 metre multicore cable with a stage box
which includes four built-in DI's. Alternatively we have a pair of CD
DJ decks converted for 12 Volt operation. The whole system except for
microphones, speakers and pedal generators is built as a pedestrian trolley
less than two feet square; an ideal application is temporarily turning
a festival cafe or other tented space into a venue. Like all our equipment,
it runs only 12 Volt power and is totally safe even in damp conditions.
It should be noted, however, that running 400W of amplification from three
pedal generators can be a bit of a strain on the cyclists. The system is
ideally suited for amplification of acoustic instruments but putting on
too many 'electric' lineups results in drained batteries. We do not allow
the use of Mains Convertors - apart from wasting energy, connecting one
to a system makes the whole thing subject to Mains Safety Regulations.
To get around the problem of providing backline without Mains, we have
a Carlsboro 90 Bass amp and a Peavey XR400 mixer amp which have had their
power stages removed and replaced by 100W 12 Volt car amplifiers so that
musicians can control their own amplification with familiar items. We can
provide low voltage power for keyboards and effects and will advise bands
in advance on converting instruments to run on low voltage. The main unit
includes a built in digital reverb unit (Midiverb II) and a dual tape deck.
We have a full set of miniature jack adapters so that portable CD and Minidisk
players could be connected. In small spaces this system can run from one
pedal generator but to fill a large space or an open field it needs three
plus a solar panel or two. Even this system can be moved in one go by five
or six people using pedestrian trolleys. The odd looking item in the right
foreground of the picture below is the Solar Backpack PA lying on its side
as we had been borrowing some extra energy from its panel.
