[SML] condom alternatives

[John Taylor]

I retired 2 years ago from our local Zoo where I designed and installed 
several systems most of which went into aquatic or wet areas. I made 
them very aware of what would happen down the road. I wanted to stay 
with one style of units through out our Zoo. If a unit went down I would 
replace the unit but that department had to pay for it. This made life 
much easier when a unit did fail. When I started we had a couple of 
small systems of mixed brands. I knew we would grow in using wireless 
mics and picked a brand that I knew would hold up to some rough use yet 
be easy to use in those times one of the AV staff  was not around.
We used Audio Technica through out. They worked well 98% of the time. 
One of the wet areas was a Stingray/Shark open air exhibit which highly 
salted water. Also the new Sea Lion exhibit we opened the year before I 
retired was also salt water. While the Zoo was open year round most of 
these only got used about 8 months a year. At the end of season we 
pulled all units and cleaned them as the salt and chemicals in the air 
also got to the insides. These keepers fed the animals while doing 
show/presentations. So of course they have fish scales, and lots of 
other pieces of various seafood on their hands. They have to turn the 
mics on and off during the presentations. Most refused to use the 
condoms we offered, or the plastic ziplock bags which was the easiest 
way. We also used food service disposable gloves. A couple of the 
keepers who did not like the bags or the gloves cleaned the units after 
each use. Those who did this kept their units working longer. Since our 
keepers worn the belt pack on their belt the food service gloves 
actually pretty well, not as pretty as could be but looked better than 
the condoms.

For the mics I would only allow them to use Special Projects H20 mics. 
Check them out, they are awesome. They also make some waterproof belt 
packs but I have never used them.
If I can help with anything else don't hesitate to email off line.

Good Luck,
John Taylor
Retired AV Manager

On 9/10/2015 3:48 PM, David Shriver via Stagecraft wrote:
>
> This is at one of the aquatic displays, so the concern is splashes 
> from the seals and sea lions.  I found a diver’s bag that will work 
> but its bulky and expensive so I’m hoping to find a reusable, lower 
> cost solution for them.
>
> -David
>
> *From:*Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net] *On 
> Behalf Of *Chip Wood via Stagecraft
> *Sent:* Thursday, September 10, 2015 3:29 PM
> *To:* stagecraft at theatrical.net
> *Cc:* Chip Wood <chip.a.wood at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [SML] condom alternatives
>
> I agree that condoms in the zoo might make for awkward questions to 
> mommy and daddy, but why not just stick the Xmitter in a pocket or on 
> a uniform belt. Surely there is not a sweat or concealment problem.  
> The guides are not running, fighting, or dancing.   Having toured 
> often w/ groups where the guide used a wireless to individual 
> receivers w/ earphones ( the site did not allow loud voices or 
> loudspeakers ) I don't remember any particular xmitter placement or 
> problem. I'm sure you pointed that out, but we have to satisfy our 
> customer.
>
> Chip
> On 9/10/2015 1:07 PM, David Shriver via Stagecraft wrote:
>
>     Condoms were my suggestion, but this is for a wireless mic system
>     in a zoo.  The people using the system felt that condoms were not
>     appropriate.
>
>
>
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