The biggest concern during any test is the safety of those involved. For this particular project the challenge was to devise a communications system which would allow engineers to communicate from one side of the bridge to the other in both directions as well as to those on the bridge itself. Communications contractors RG Jones turned to Delta Sound who in turn enlisted the help of Kelsey Acoustics to provide a fibre optic link between two BSS Soundwebs on either side of the bridge. The Soundwebs provided a network for a combination of microphones and loudspeakers, which enabled all concerned to hear and be heard.
"We got in touch with Kelsey as soon as we realised what was required," explained Delta's Mark Underwood. "When we did the Royal Military Tattoo 2000 Kelsey provided optical links to get 24 channels of audio from two massive mobile stages at the centre of Horseguards Parade back to the control room and audio distribution/broadcast matrix. We needed something lightweight, rugged and reliable, and the fibre optical solution worked a treat, so it made sense to go that route again."
Kelsey's Michael Whiteside agreed. "It was all incredibly quick and easy to set up and has the advantage of being both light and strong, making it suitable for both internal and external applications. The system we used has the same architecture as Kelsey's classic drum system with the multicore fibre reeling out with detachable tails at either end and an option of connectors mounted in the centre of the drum. It really is the future of communications."
The test, which involved over 1,000 people walking on the bridge, was carried out successfully and the Millennium Bridge is expected to re-open in the near future.
(Lee Baldock)
