Fly drive gathers the news more easily

Unit finds satellites automatically, obviating the requirement for specialist staff in the news-gathering process.

Holkirk Communications is changing satellite news-gathering with its Cyclone compact fly-drive system.

The Cyclone uses a backlash-free Sumitomo Fine Cyclo unit to let it find satellites automatically, obviating the requirement for specialist staff in the news-gathering process.

The fly-drive system can be mounted on an ordinary vehicle and then be dismantled for shipment to the latest world trouble spot or disaster area.

It does not require weighty support structures.

When disassembled for shipment by air, it fits into three, airline-checkable cases, all of which weigh less than 32kg.

It installs easily onto the roof bars of standard vehicles, with no tools required for assembly.

As a result, the Cyclone can be deployed quickly and easily in the harshest of environments.

The Sumitomo unit is used for the elevation drive of the antennas.

"The positioning accuracy provided by the backlash-free operation of the Fine Cyclo enables the system to find satellites without any trouble and, because it's such a positive drive, it can do this without the aid of skilled personnel", said Steve Kirkwood, Director of Holkirk Communications.

"The Fine Cyclo works really well, provides us with a really tight package that does not require much supporting structure".

"Importantly, it is also very light for the torque capability that it provides".

Andrew Riddle, Sumitomo's Area Sales Manager, said: "The Fine Cyclo is the ideal unit for this type of application".

"Its combination of zero backlash, minimal lost motion (down to 1 arcmin) and high torsional stiffness ensure the ultimate in positioning accuracy".

"We sell quantities of these units to OEMs because they provide the perfect combination of robustness, precision and compactness".

"They are easy to install in robots, machine tools and special purpose machines, providing exceptional positioning accuracy throughout their extended operating life".

The units can withstand high shock loads of 500% of the rated capacity and have single-stage reduction ratios up to 1:179.

One of the first Cyclone systems has been supplied to a company that is providing live feeds from outside of the grounds hosting World Cup games in Germany this summer.

The main broadcasting of matches is via cable, but the Cyclone system will be used to provide coverage of teams while training, and also coverage of interviews and press conferences at the team hotels.

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