MCM Blog

Catalog 53 is here!

2008-09-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Customer:

Our annual full-line catalog (Catalog 53) is now available. Thanks so much for your continued business! We are always excited to create our big catalog for our customers and are eager to show you over 2,800 new products. We want to be Your Connection to Electronics Products and Components and hope that you’ll think of us when you have any electronics needs. See the new catalog online here!

We have improved our Rewards and our Reseller programs. If you aren’t active in these programs, check with your sales representative or read more online. The Rewards program is open to anyone; however, the Reseller program does require some qualification. And by the way, if you haven’t tried ordering from our website, I encourage you to. You can track your order status, get order and ship confirmations, full access to our entire product line including spec sheets and other product information and more. Plus, if you sign up for our email list, you’ll be included in many email only specials. You won’t want to miss these great deals.

Thanks again for your business and we look forward to taking and shipping your next order!

Check out these new products.

2008-08-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

ITC Connections - The Push

With a focus on performance and design integrity, ITC specializes in the unique requirements of today's custom design and installation professionals.

As a reliable, time-saving alternative to crimping and compression, the system enables fast and sure cable termination within a tool-free and reusable design that dramatically reduces costly return visits to repair failed connections.

Current crimp and compression termination systems require multiple tools and dies to make a connection. ITC's connectors, however, do not require a tool for termination, a significant benefit for residential and commercial A/V system installers. The ITC tool-less system lowers costs by reducing termination time, complexity, and failure rate.

Unlike multi piece compression connectors designed for mini coax cable, which can lock in a misaligned manner when crimped, ITC's connectors simply twist together, resulting in a perfect connection every time. ITC's connectors offer a minimum resistance, easy access center pin entry of the center conductor, whether solid or stranded.

If you make a mistake or need to reterminate, you can cut the cable, grasp the jacket with a pliers and reclaim the connector for re-use.

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

Tenma - Your Choice $19.95

2008-08-11T12:25:00.000-07:00


2,000 Count Digital Capacitance / Resistance Meter	2,000 Count Digital Clamp Meter with Temperature
Quickly and accurately measure transistor HFE, capacitance values up to 20mF (20,000µF), in nine ranges, and resistance to 2,000MO in nine ranges. MSRP: $42.95 Model 72-8150 Reg. $31.95 Now $19.95	Perfect for general purpose applications including HVAC and appliance repair, this compact clamp meter measures AC/DC voltage, AC current, resistance and temperature. MSRP: $59.00 Model 72-7222 Reg. $37.95 Now $19.95

Also, see our other Tenma LCR test products and related items.	Also, see these additional Tenma clamp meters, all at industry defying prices.
Handheld LCR Meter Model 72-8155 Reg. $52.95 Sale $39.95	Compact Clamp Meter /Frequency Model 72-7224 Reg. $63.95 Sale $49.95

Precision Benchtop LCR Meter Model 72-1025 Reg. $349.00 Sale $249.00	Compact True RMS Clamp Meter Model 72-7226 Reg. $84.95 Sale $69.95

Resistance Decade Box Model 72-7270 Reg: $63.95 Sale $54.95	Delux True RMS Clamp Meter Model 72-7228 Reg. 105.00 Sale 89.95

Capacitance Decade Box Model 72-7265 Reg: $73.95 Sale $64.95

Look! It's a SONY and it came from MCM.

2008-07-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

MCM Electronics has always been committed to bringing our customers the best brands at the best prices. Sony Electronics has always been the market leader in home theater audio/visual products. We are pleased to announce the expansion of our home theater products with the addition of Sony brand Audio Video products. MCM has always offered a small assortment of Receivers, DVD players and CD players but we have never fully expanded that line of products. We have always offered everything you need to install these products but never a complete assortment of the products themselves.

Sony offers a wide range of receivers up to 7.1 surround sound as well as DVD players, DVD recorders and even a 400 disc DVD changer. We are committed to being a one stop shop for our customers and this is just a continuation of that motto. Continue to look to MCM for other brands in the home theater area as we add more products in this area. We welcome your comments and suggestions for brands and products you would like us to offer for purchase.

CAIG Laboratories Testimonials.

2008-06-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Caig is MCM's Featured Supplier for the month of June. See some of their great testimonials below.

I was having trouble with edge connectors in our manufacturing environment until we tried DeoxIT GOLD wipes (200-322 and 200-030)…Great product.

Scott– Seattle, WA

Consistent intermittent connection failures on PC board edge connectors for micro automation equipment have been eliminated by using CAIG's DeoxIT GOLD WIPES (200-322 and 200-030). It has been indispensable in reducing down-time on our equipment.

Hugh Kord

Corrosion problems on very sensitive connectors have been an annoying problem for us in the copier industry. We have tried many products with out success until we tried CAIG’s DeoxIT and DeoxIT GOLD (200-040 and 200-295). DeoxIT and DeoxIT GOLD are the only products that have worked perfectly. I highly recommend them.

Gene Rogers

I've been a mechanic for 42 years…I also as a hobby (Read extra $$$) fix that unfixable problem on classic cars (50's, 60's 70's Corvettes & GM mostly) and Harley’s preferably…
I will state and stand behind it that DeoxIT and DeoxIT GOLD (200-040 and 200-295) are probably the only 2 products I have ever used that did exactly as promised and more. I have eliminated more "gremlins" with these products than I can count. If it's electrical and it connects it needs DeoxIT!

John - Waterford, NY, USA

I regularly run into equipment that either uses push button contacts or rotary switches. I haven’t had a whole lot of faith in contact sprays to give anything more than just a temporary fix… I decided to give it (DeoxIT) a try… I couldn’t believe how good that stuff worked!! When it came to older equipment, it just seem to bring it back to life. I am sold on this stuff and I am going to try out some of their other products. Before you throw out that old piece of equipment or replace a pot or switch, give this stuff a shot!

Rob - USA

I am constantly amazed at how well this stuff works! I recently tried to play an old Atari 2600 game cartridge that I got as a birthday present for my 9th birthday. I am now 33 years old. I broke out the old 2600 and inserted the cartridge. The cartridge wouldn't work, and all I got was a blank screen. I figured it couldn't hurt to try to clean the contacts on the cartridge, since it had been in storage for years and hadn't been played in a long time. I gave the cartridge contacts a quick shot of DeoxIT (200-040) and plugged it back into the cartridge slot after a few minutes. The game came right to life! I recently tried to get a small electric motor going that I built back in high school. One shot of DeoxIT and it was good as new. I have used this stuff on model railroads and slot car tracks, flashlights, and computer hardware, etc. This stuff is like magic! I am sold on DeoxIT, because the results don't lie!

James Peterson

I work in the restoration of classic cars, mostly specializing in Jaguars.
English cars are infamous for their electrical problems, in fact, Lucas, the maker of most English electrics is known as the Prince of Darkness… I started using DeoxIT products on all the connections and grounds as I installed the electrical components in freshly restored cars.
The result has been amazing, electrical problems such as dim lights and intermittent function have been banished. I would not work on any electrical circuit in an older car without treating it with DeoxIT.

David Waldman

I have a Toshiba p30 laptop. The power switch quit working. The dealer said it would be about $1000 to replace the motherboard. So I took apart my laptop and sprayed the switch with RadioShack's contact cleaner. It still didn't work. Then I tried DeoxIT DN5 (200-230).Now all it takes is a quick light peck on the power switch and my computer springs to life.

Michael T Doyle

I play a lot of computer games and have a pretty decent rig with an NVidia GeForce 6800 graphics card. Anyway, I began having small problems with certain games. There would be a momentary pause or a "blip", and very subtle slowdown. Not enough to drive me crazy, but just enough to get my attention when it happened (At least once per "level"). Drivers and patches did nothing to solve it.

Having been a long time user of DeoxIT and DeoxIT GOLD (200-040 and 200-295) I decided the system was old enough to warrant a cleaning. So I removed the graphics card and cleaned the contacts with regular DeoxIT on a foam swab for the card, and an interdental toothbrush for the slot. (Unfortunately I am currently out of Pro Gold)

The problem is now GONE, just...........GONE…I plan on giving everything inside the full treatment. CAIG makes the best cleaners I've found...Period.

James Newman

The band that I perform with was recently at the Country Stampede in Manhattan, Kansas. During sound check I noticed that the Lakland didn't have the sound that I am use to, I knew the problem was the dreaded "dead string" disorder. I had recently purchased a box of the DeoxIT Axe Wipes (200-275) and decided it was the time to give them a go. I was surely hoping that they would "raise the dead" since I didn't have time to change the strings out. I went backstage and gave the strings a good old fashioned scrubbing with the Axe Wipes and hoped for the best.

We went onstage, hit the first note and you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. The strings had that just broken in sound, bright with plenty of overtones. I was overjoyed. I will be telling everyone I know about the wonders of the Axe wipes. Thanks for a great product!

Troy Vance - Bassist for CrossCountry The Band

I bought a new universal DVD player (SACD/DVD-A) as a back up to my main disc spinner and a pair of the same high end interconnects I use throughout my system. These connects while excellent are notoriously slow in achieving 'burn in'. Previous sets had taken their sweet time before they really came into their own and started to sound really good. We're talking' months here people.

Well, with this latest pair (and machine) I decided to use DeoxIT Gold (200-295) right from the star. Now its only been a few days (and granted I am using a new piece of audio equipment with the latest in technology) but the result is again FANTASTIC. It's giving my main CD player a run for its money! Of course its difficult (and realistically pragmatic) to believe that all of the benefits are coming from DeoxIT Gold but I am comfortably certain in saying that it helped.

Dark Turban

Last week when I purchased my Speakerlab Khorns the seller gave me a Luxman R-117 receiver and an old Denon CD player. The seller told me that the R-117 had a channel going out and if I didn’t take it he was going to throw it out. Well, tonight I finally plugged it in and checked it out. The left channel was scratchy and cutting out intermittently. So, I got out the old DeoxIT® (200-040) and hit all the pots and worked them back and forth for a while and like a miracle the darn thing plays beautifully now.

Tom – University Place, WA

I had been having trouble with my cellphone for the past several months. At first the phone would shut itself off once a day maybe. After several months it seemed to turn itself off several times a day.

A few days later, I received a bottle of DeoxIT® (200-070), which is I had ordered for my repair shop (I fix musical electronics). I thought I’d give it a shot, so I sprayed a little on the phone and battery, and put the battery back.

After several weeks, it has not turned itself off again! I’VE PRATICALLY BEATEN THE PHONE TO DEATH TRYING TO GET IT TO TURN OFF, AND IT JUST WON’T DIE. THIS STUFF WORKS GREAT!

Jon Cusack

We manufacture, install, and service industrial equipment in the electronics manufacturing industry worldwide. Over the years, the division that had the biggest problem is our warranty repair. Our service technicians would repeatedly go back to the same account to troubleshoot and fit contact and connector related issues.

I then read an ad in an industrial magazine for a product ( DeoxIT® and DeoxIT® GOLD) that said it would improve and cure connection problems. So I ordered one of CAIG’s industrial survival kits and tried it on a few of the most difficult cases we had. I am now a CAIG believer – after eight months we have not had a single service call due to contact and connector issues. We now include a DeoxIT® and DeoxIT® GOLD kit (200-300) with every system we install and it is a survival tool for all of our service technicians. Looks like sometimes you can believe what you read in an advertisement.

Thanks CAIG for saving our million of dollars and making us look like a miracle workers with our customers.

Mike Klein, System Service Manager

I've used Caig's DeoxIT® (200-040) periodically on all my audio and mains cables for years – it’s a great way to shift any muck and improve contact cleanliness !

Martin

I’ve been fixing gear for years and Caig DeoxIT® is safe and works really well. The best thing is the Caig survival packs (200-300). You get cleaner, protector, and lubricant. Not only fixes it, but helps it stay fixed for longer, because those 20 year old pots don’t stay fixed for very long.

Tinkertank

My rear speakers went out, distortion. Unconnected each barrel type connector, shot them with DeoxIT® (200-040), an electrical connection cleaner, reinserted an undid them a few times, applied a little electrical grease to each contact, and reconnected them. They work again.

I've had to do the same with the front speaker connectors. Both front and rear speaker work now.

Bob – Tucson, AZ

A big thumbs up for DeoxIT®. For those not familiar with it, it is one of several professional products by Caig Laboratories. It can be found at larger electronic stores like Fry’s. It’s not cheap but works very well by removing oxidation and leaving a protective coating behind.

Downey, CA

I just built a recording rack for Paul McCartney and it had a problem at the time of the first show. I had tested the system before it left the shop, and the two Tascam MX-2424’s, a Berhinger DDX-3612, a Rosendahl Time word clock generator and 72 Glyph Hard Drives all worked at the shop. Two hours before the show, I found myself trying to get the system up and going.
One of the Tascam units had stopped working and I could not understand why! I was in panic. The unit had a flash memory card in it and It was not loading the data, so I used some DeoxIT® D100L (200-060) on the contacts, wiped it off, then used the DeoxIT® GOLD (200-025) solution. I then tried it again, and it WORKED! The memory was reloaded, and the show was recorded as planned.

I will always use DeoxIT® and now our whole company uses it as well. We use it for tours like the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Incubus and AC/DC, to name a few. We also use it on the equipment for theatre shows like Riverdance and Barney.

DeoxIT® can be trusted around the world, and let me tell you it is! Thanks CAIG for such a great product. You saved us more than once. The only recommendation I have is that you sell bigger bottles and cans!

D. Ranshaw, Service Manager, db Sound

I was out at the airport working on my airplane. Night fell. I hopped into my trusty '84 Mercedes 300D. Cranked her up, turned on the headlights - Oh no, just one headlight! They're going to write me a ticket if I drive home with one headlight!

So I popped the hood - it was pitch black out there, I had no flashlight. I found the fuse box by feel. Opened it up. No way to see which fuse.

Pulled the spray can of DeOxit (200-195) out of the toolbox. Sprayed one quick puff in the general direction of the fuse box from a distance of maybe two feet.

The misbehaving headlight immediately came on full blast. And it has worked
flawlessly ever since.

Jerry Kaidor

About 1 year ago I purchased a '87 Benz, 300E as a project car. The basic, major components were in good working order, however a lot of cosmetic issues, age related parts replacement issues and ultimately a paint job were obvious. I picked up the car in the evening and started my near 100-mile trip home, which turned into a bit of an adventure. As twilight approached I decided to do the safe driver thing and tried to turn on the headlights but had a heck of a time figuring out how to accomplish the task. Success after a few attempts only to find out my test of necessary exterior driving lights did not reveal a "bunch" of other electrical issues under the hood, inside the car, the HVAC system, ABS system and the list goes on.

When I started purchasing parts and supplies, the electrical issues were always on my mind. I knew good contact at electrical connectors was essential but the question was how to accomplish getting them cleaned up without creating additional challenges. One evening I happened upon an ad while surfing the web hunting down reasonably priced parts that described DeoxIT in a way that hooked my interest. Not satisfied with the commercial fluff I did a search and found the CAIG website and had my curiosity tweaked even more by what I read. I found out Radio Shack sold the stuff and preceded to purchase some at my earliest opportunity.

My first project was the instrument panel where almost nothing worked and the majority of it is electrical in one way or another. Everything I disconnected got a quick spray of DeoxIT (200-040) and another, as parts were reconnected - light bulbs, oil pressure gauge, tach, clock, dimmer, etc. After reassembly, I started the car, turned on the lights and everything worked! HOTDOG!! This process continued after removing the dash to overhaul the HVAC system. Every electrical connection I found, and there's a bunch of them, got a squirt or two (per the directions). I have since found lights and features I didn't know I had and I am convinced DeoxIT played a significant part in the results.

If I may coin a phrase, let there be no doubt that DeoxIT will continue to be an important tool as I work on this and other projects where electrical connections are involved. In Conclusion, I have found a great product that does what the producer claims - what a novel concept. Thanks to all!!!

Dotman, Florida, USA

My Treo 650 stopped syncing via its cable very early in its life. Physically the contacts with the cable looked fine and it was so new (less than 3 months) I could not imagine they were corroded enough to stop working so I spent many very frustrating hours trying to troubleshoot what I supposed were driver problems.

I got to the point of reinstalling my OS and having to reinstall all my programs and restore my data and it still didn't work. Needless to say I was at the point of doing grave damage to anything computer or Treo related so I just gave up and lived with the problem for several months.
One day I was cleaning out a drawer in the office when I came across my trusty bottle of DeoxIT, it was also a day I had slated to finally fix that damn phone or something was going to dry trying.

Before the festivities had even got started (and the blood pressure/stress/aggravation level skyrocketing) I decided to try using the DeoxIT on the sync cable contacts. I would have preferred some DeoxIT GOLD (ProGold) (200-040) but there was none around so on went a bit of DeoxIT and I worked the connections a bit then a quick wipe-down before trying the sync.

I truly was only stalling before digging into the software side of things, a bit like cleaning your classes before getting down to the serious work, but when I pressed the button the damn thing synced up without a hitch.

I tend to misplace that little red bottle and forget how amazing it can be, but I think I might build a little special shelf just for my DeoxIT and get a bottle of DeoxIT GOLD (200-025) to sit next to it with a sign saying IT's the Contacts Dummy.

Bob W

Bringing Music to the Great Outdoors

2008-06-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

Today's technologies including broadband internet access, music and video streaming, HTDV and whole house audio, have created a desire for high quality sound reproduction throughout the entire house.As we enter the spring and summer months, with increased time spent outdoors, the need arises to bring that sound outside as well.

MCM offers an answer to this need. This permanent installation solution provides solid performance, attractive appearance and resistance to the elements.

Model #50-5376 Rock Speaker System.
This high performance two way speaker is designed to mount inconspicuously in gardens, within hedge and shrub lines, around decks, swimming pools, or any outdoor location.

Don't be mislead by the unconventional appearance. These speakers provide sound performance that rivals traditional bookshelf speakers selling for twice the price. Housed in their unique enclosure, is a heavy duty 8' polypropylene cone woofer, matched with a 1" mylar dome tweeter. Both are designed to handle long term exposure to the elements while providing superior sound. The specially designed molded fiberglass/resin enclosure is fully weather and UV resistant, providing long term natural appearance. And compatibility is not an issue.

These 8ohm speakers may simply be connected to a "B" speaker output on a conventional stereo system, or incorporated into an entire whole-house audio system, using a separate Zone Amplifier. The following photos are of an actual installation of these speakers, after five years of use. Located in Southwest Ohio, they have been exposed to temperatures from sub zero to high 90's, heavy spring rains and winter snow. Additionally, these speakers face south, which means long term exposure to sunlight.

After five years of use, the speakers still look and perform great.

MCM stocks an entire range of installation accessories and tools required to make this installation a reality.

• Direct bury speaker wire
• Speaker Selectors
• Outdoor Volume Controls
• Masonry and Wood Drill Bits
• Silicone Caulk

Network & Enterprise Test, Including the former Test-Um Product Line

2008-05-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

JDSU Network and Enterprise Test tools are designed for the requirements of customers who install, manage and maintain premises, enterprise, and broadband access networks. These task-ready, or single-task, test instruments are easy-to-use and allow technicians to Know the Network.

These task-ready test tools from JDSU include the Test-Um line of enterprise network and home wiring test instruments, acquired by the company in April 2006, as well as those addressing the broadband access network test requirements of telecommunications and cable service providers.

There are six core essentials of wire and cable management: cable inventory management, cable & wire tracing, physical cable & wire testing, multi-function testing, active network testing and speed certification. Let’s take a closer look at three of these essentials.

Cable and wire tracing
You may be faced with tracing the cable to a specific jack or find it behind a wall. Different tone generators and probes are available for different cable scenarios. The Turbo-Tone™ tone generator, (MCM # 72-6962, JDSU/Test-Um # TG200), sends a strong tone that can even be used to identify cable behind drywall. Choose a tone tracer/probe to find the signal from the tone generator. The Resi-Tracer™, (MCM # 72-7890, JDSU/Test-Um # TT300), offers a coil sensor to help trace even terminated active coax. If you already have an analog probe in your tool kit, you can use it with any tone generator.

Multi-function testing
If you work on coax, network and telco cable, you will want to have a testing solution that gives you capabilities to test this wiring for voice, data and video. A proven product is the Tri-Porter™ premises wiring tester for VDV, (MCM # 72-8215, JDSU/Test-Um # IVT600). This product performs the work of six independent testing tools: a butt-in telephone test set, a network tester, a tone generator, a cable tester/verifier, a tone detector and a coax mapper. Since complex cabling scenarios in multi-dwelling units frequently have coax splitters, the Tri-Porter is ideal because it allows you to test through these splitters on powered-up systems. You can also perform port discovery-ISDN, POTS, Token Ring, Ethernet, among others. Higher-level capability in the product allows negotiation at 100 Mbit with DHCP or manual addressing, and will ping IP addresses. Not sure where the cable run goes? Use the Tri-Porter to do a hub flash to find the connected end at the hub in a structured cabling scenario.

Speed Certification
You may also need to test the speed and performance capabilities of cable runs. The Validator-NT™ Ethernet Speed Certifier, (MCM # 72-8190, JDSU/Test-Um # NT955), is a tool for Ethernet network installers who need complete physical layer testing, speed certification and reporting. It is also an essential tester for IT professionals who must troubleshoot an existing Ethernet network. The Validator-NT has all the testing and certifying capabilities of the basic Validator, (MCM # 72-7880, JDSU/Test-Um # NT950), but can also conduct active network tests that are designed to identify network devices such as hubs, switches, NICs, and routers on the network and verify connectivity (manual IP or via DHCP) to the Internet by pinging up to seven different IP addresses simultaneously. In addition, a set of eight wiremap remotes is also available as a part of this product group.

Wireless Security Surveillance

2008-05-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Wireless security surveillance has become much more popular in the last few years as new products become better priced, more reliable, and easier to install. Many people use wireless cameras to protect their home and business, or monitor elderly family members and children. Adding wireless surveillance cameras to protect your home or business makes more sense than ever, considering the continual increase in crime reported every day. In fact, estimates from the FBI indicate that a burglary occurs every 8 seconds in the US, and that three out of four homes will be burglarized within the next 20 years.

Waterproof Color Day/Night Bullet Camera w/IR LEDs

Ultra Miniature CMOS Color Camera with Audio

Wireless cameras are uniquely designed to send video signals over the air in the 2.4Ghz, or 5.8Ghz frequency range (most commonly). Wireless cameras have a video transmitter and antenna that transmit a video signal to a receiver. You can connect the receiver to a computer, TV, DVR, or to a security monitor for viewing. There is no need for wires between the camera and receiver, but in most cases, the camera still needs to be plugged into a power source (like an AC outlet) that is located close to the camera. The receiver is able to penetrate through objects such as: walls, glass, wood, plastic, fiberglass and even some metals.

Four Channel DVR Card

Swann LCD Security Monitor 8.4

There are many reasons for choosing either a wired or a wireless system. Some of the things you may want to consider are cost, your property size, and the placement of the cameras. Even though wireless camera costs are declining they are generally more expensive than a wired system, especially when distances greater than 150ft are required. But, wireless systems are easier to install, and the cameras can be put in many more hard-to-reach locations (just don’t place a wireless camera close to a microwave oven!).

Four Channel DVR Kit with 4 Color Dome Cameras

Wireless 2.4Ghz Outdoor Color Day/Night Camera Kit

Give careful consideration to the distance between the camera and receiver, and any obstacles the video signal must travel through to reach the receiver when positioning a wireless camera. Giving your wireless cameras a unobstructed line-of-site (open air) orientation to the receiver will always yield the best signal quality the camera can offer. You have to choose your system carefully as some wireless systems only have about a hundred foot signal limit, while others can go all the way up to one thousand feet. If you are looking to place your cameras in long-distance locations, then it is best to go with a system that is designed for long distance signal transmission, or to install a signal boosting antenna. Another recommendation is to conduct a site survey with a portable field testing monitor, and a portable power pack. With these tools, different wireless camera locations can easily be tested to determine reliable camera positions around the premises.

The reasons for adding surveillance to your home or business security systems are still unchanged; we want our homes and businesses to remain safe for our families, our pets, our friends and our patrons. Luckily, technology is making wireless products affordable to those of us who would like that extra level of protection.

Detangling VGA Balun Installation

2008-05-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Distributing video within a home or business has always been problematic. Especially after construction is finished, Bulky VGA cables are hard to work with and when the cable is terminated getting the connectors routed can be a hassle. All video projectors have VGA or HD-15 cables, newer models also incorporate Component video or HDMI ports. Businesses can be especially difficult to retrofit due to fire codes that prevent standard cables from being run in air ducts or raceways.

A series of products have emerged that provide a solution to this problem using inexpensive CAT5e cables. These baluns were discussed back in our febuary 18th post, so I won’t go into the gritty details on how they work.

MCM has just launched a series of VGA baluns to solve the video problem.
These baluns as they are called allow you to send video and/or data over CAT5e cables, either standard or plenum. The line consists of VGA passive kits that will transmit video up to 300’ and VGA active kits that transmit video up to 1000’ and wall plate versions for residential installations.

These baluns can be purchased as kits or individually depending on the application. The cool thing about these is how small they are and the ease of installation. If you already have Cat5e cables run, then you can just plug and go.

See our stock of specially priced VGA Baluns

iPod Accessories

2008-04-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

So you finally saved up or you used your economic stimulus check to join the iPod craze. For the first couple of weeks it is awesome, you load up all your songs and listen to them while you are working out or on your way to school. But then when you realize that you don’t have it on, you wish you did. If you could only have it playing everywhere you go then you could enjoy awesome music all the time.

Well, we have some products that will help you do just that. So let’s take a look at some of these and see what they do. Now you could connect your iPod to your home stereo but the battery then runs down. Well the answer is a charging dock that also has a stereo output and then you have eliminated the issue.

MCM has two products:

58-12580 iDock Basic iPod Charging Doc with Remote Control

58-12625 iPod Dock Universal Audio Video Charging

Both at buyout prices now only at MCM. Either product would handle that job for you. Both products will charge your iPod while you jam to your tunes through your stereo. The 58-12625 will even output your videos that you have on your iPod as well. OK so now you are getting your songs while you’re walking around the house but every time you want to skip one then you have to go back to your dock and change the song. That’s kind of annoying and if you had a remote control then that problem would be solved.

Our 58-12255 iPod Remote Control will do just that. Allowing you to control your iPod while it is in the dock from anywhere around the house.

Now what if your stereo has no inputs or if you are in your car? Probably have to go back to the headphones right? Well not exactly, because we have 2 great FM transmitters on sale right now:

80-6765 IPod Stereo FM Transmitter

58-12585 Ipod Charging Dock FM Wired to Remote

Both products will transmit your favorite Ipod songs directly to your radio on an empty station. It’s like having your own custom radio station! Pretty cool right?

Alright so maybe you are in your office or studio and you don’t have a stereo to connect your Ipod to. A bedroom is also a good candidate because maybe you want to wake up to your Ipod. Well we also have a great new iPod clock radio:

83-11378 2.1 iPod Docking Station

This is a self contained unit. Not only does it charge your Ipod but it also is a full featured clock radio with FM tuner. Cool! It has a remote too and last but not least, it will play your videos. No, it will not go to work or school for you.

So that concludes today’s lesson on iPod accessories and different ways to outfit your iPod. See our iPod Utopia page where you will find all these and more related Ipod accessories on sale now while quantities last.

Adaptiplate™ Wall Plates

2008-03-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

Adaptiplate™ Wall Plates from MCM Custom Audio

Installation professionals and as well as occasional hobbyists know the frustration in dealing with the nearly infinite combinations of connectors required in wall plates used in residential A/V system installations. It seems that no two home theater system installations are the same. Throw in inter connection with whole-house distributed audio systems, remotely located subwoofers, surveillance cameras and the like, and you quickly realize that having a pre-made wall plate for every situation is impossible.

One solution is keystone connector systems, such as Quickport® products from Leviton. This system allows a great deal of flexibility and provides very high quality terminations that would be expected from a name like Leviton. However many have found this to be somewhat restrictive and costly.

Another solution is to use pass–through wall plates, such as the Wireport™ and Splitport™ products from Midlite®. , however many installers prefer not to have cables hanging out of wall openings while waiting for final connection of equipment. They consider terminated wall plates to be a more professional looking installation.

To address this problem, MCM has put together a collection of blank hex opening wall plate inserts, and a wide variety of connectors, called the Adaptiplate™ Wall Plate System.

The MCM Custom Audio Adaptiplate™ System allows installers to configure single or multi– gang wall plates with exactly the connectors needed. Hex inserts accept “F” and RCA connectors to suite a wide range of audio and video applications. Keystone style inserts are compatible with both Leviton and Tyton Hellermann wall plates, allowing easy integration with existing Decora style devices.

The following photos were taken during a recent home renovation by a member of the MCM staff, where Adaptiplates were used to accommodate a telephone, CATV and speaker connections.

Read further to get the complete picture of the MCM Custom Audio Adaptiplate™ System. You may also download the complete information sheet in PDF format.

To configure wall plates, you first start with a blank Decora Insert. These single gang inserts accept one to eight connectors. If more than eight connectors are needed, multiple inserts may be used.

If Keystone inserts are desired, then you will also need to select Hex Inserts which will allow the Adaptiplate™ Connectors to be inserted into Keystone Plates.

If Keystone plates are used, standard matching Voice and Data jacks are also available.

Once the wall plates have been selected, simply select the desired Connectors for your specific application. RCA connectors are available with a variety of color inserts and are suitable for all audio, video, digital and HDTV applications. "F" connectors and speaker binding posts are available as well.

All that is left then is to select the necessary Cover Plate for the number of decora inserts used.

Again, all plates and inserts and fully compatible with standard Leviton and Tyton Hellermann devices and may be combined with other low voltage terminations.

Duratool at MCM

2008-03-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed spectacular deals on a brand that MCM carries labeled as "Duratool." We proudly bring you your most needed tools with this good quality, low cost alternative. We are constantly reviewing this line to make sure we can bring you highly demanded tools at the best prices possible.

Some new additions to the Duratool family include the following:

Have you ever needed to peek behind a wall, into a pipe, or simply anywhere that otherwise would require x-ray super powers? We just added a range of Duratool Wall Scopes (also known as “fiber optic scopes” or “borescopes”) that will give you something close to super-human abilities. These scopes will fit into a hole or gap as small as ¼” wide. Why cut a 6” hole or rip out an entire wall to look for wire obstacles? For a cable installer, one of these beauties will pay for itself the first time you have to use it. They are also great for law enforcement, plumbers, inspectors, carpenters, mechanics and more. They are available in 18” or 36” lengths, with flexible or obedient (you bend it in the direction you need) styles.

So you’re changing a battery or repairing your electronic device, and you run into a screw-head in which you know you’ve never seen before. How do you get past this little pest? No; put down that Dremel cut-off tool, and pick up one of our security bit sets. We offer 32-piece and 105-piece sets that cover a majority of your needs. We also just added a specialized five-point torx-style set for a new breed of tamper-proof fasteners.

For comfortable ergonomics without the specialty tool prices, check out our ergonomic Pliers Set, Mini Pliers Set, Soft Handle Nut Drivers, and Precision Screwdriver Set. Nothing is quite like working with great tools with a silky-soft finish that was molded to fit your hand.

Of course you will need something to store all of your beloved tools in. We now offer a wide selection of Duratool toolboxes. You can pick from three rolling workshops in either plastic, metal, or chest versions.

Our Duratool LED flashlights are now in stock! You can get a pocket-sized 9-LED model, portable 28-LED, or a colossal 32-LED toolbox companion. No matter which model you treat yourself to, these lights are extremely bright and offer an extra-long battery life. Best of all, they make a very useful gift for any occasion!

Look for other upcoming items including top-quality tweezers, butane table torches and glue guns, and drill bits at amazing prices!

If there’s a tool that you’re paying too much for, let us know and we’ll consider it for the Duratool line-up.

Thanks,
MCM eMarketing Team

Distributing Audio/Video Over Cat5 Cable

2008-02-18T18:05:00.000-08:00

Distributing Audio/Video Over Cat5 Cable

Today’s audio video industry has created demand for audio signals and high resolution video images to be sent over increasingly long distances of cable.

Applications include:

Airports, with arrival/departure information presented on an array of video displays
Specialty retail stores with video monitors displaying assorted specials
Local taverns with rows of television monitors showing live sporting events
Home theater rooms with equipment installed in locations remote from the projector
Lecture halls with ceiling projectors receiving information from the laptop at the podium

The challenge with these environments is the size and cost of the video cabling, especially when long lengths are involved. Additionally, as technology changes and improves, cabling requirements change, causing costly cable replacement and installation labor.

A solution has been developed to tackle this problem. By placing “balun” adapters at each end, signals can be adapted to be effectively and efficiently sent over long distances of Cat5 cable. For example, rather than installing three 75Ω coaxial cables to send Y/Pb/Pr (component video) signal, simply install a single run of Cat5 cable, and place a Component Video Balun at each end. While the cost of the baluns must be considered, this is usually outweighed by the savings of Cat5 cable. Additionally, Cat5 is much smaller and easier to run, and often already in place. And, if requirements change in the future, only the baluns must be replaced, not the cable.

Defining a “Balun”:

The term balun is a combination of the terms “balanced” and “unbalanced”. A balun is a device that is used to convert a signal from unbalanced to balanced or vice versa.

Unbalanced signals are typically sent over a coaxial cable, with the signal traveling over the center conductor, and the ground reference in the shield. This is common of RCA type audio cables, 75Ω television coaxial cable, component and composite video cable as well as countless others.

Balanced signals have two conductors, each with identical signals. The key is these signals are mirror images of each other. Any noise or interference that is introduced into balanced cable becomes out of phase at the receiving end, thus is canceled out. Regardless of the level of interference induced over the length of the cable, the net interference level is zero. Because of this, balanced transmission cable often does not require a shield.

The primary job of an audio or video balun is to convert an “unbalanced” signal to the proper “balanced” configuration to send over balanced cable. At the receiving end, a second balun is used to convert that “balanced” signal back to its original “unbalanced” configuration to remain compatible with connected equipment. The baluns second job is to correct the signal impedance. Video signals are typically 75Ω, audio signals 600Ω, while Cat5 cable pairs are 100Ω.

For years, the most common example of balun use in the A/V industry was television antennas. Typical antennas were designed to deliver signals over 300Ω balanced flat “twin–lead” cable. As 75Ω coaxial cable became increasingly popular, 75Ω/300Ω baluns became common.

There are many types of baluns used in electronics today, transformers being the most common in A/V applications. Transformers are ideal because they are efficient, compact and inexpensive and require no power source.

MuxLab Inc.

There are several manufacturers of baluns in the industry today, with MuxLab being a key player. For years, MuxLab has been on the leading edge of technology in the field of A/V signal transmission over twisted pair cable. As a stocking distributor for MuxLab, MCM offers their entire product range of MuxLab VideoEase® baluns for sending composite, component, S-Video and VGA over Cat5 at distances of up to 2,200’. Additionally, MuxLab has developed audio baluns for both consumer and professional audio applications, with Cat5 distances up to 5000’. Among MuxLabs unique products is their Model 500302 CATV balun, which will support broadband RF, CATV, UHF, VHF and FM over a single Cat5 pair.

MCM Custom Audio

MCM Electronics has identified the need for a low cost A/V Cat5 Baluns line to suite the growing demands in the commercial and residential A/V installation industry. While brands including MuxLab remain critical to this market in long distance applications, many situations exist where cost is critical and range requirements are 300’ ~ 1,000’. MCM launched its initial line of MCM Custom Audio A/V Baluns in the second quarter of 2005, with great success. With “retail”, and contractor “dealer” prices substantially below competition, installation professionals are now empowered to incorporate Cat5 benefits at much lower cost.

In the second wave of this product launch, MCM developed its unique line of Keystone Mount A/V Baluns, thus adding even more flexibility to the balun concept. Because baluns accept unterminated Cat5 cable, and each is sold as an individual component, installers can configure Keystone wall plates with exactly the connections needed for a specific application.

MCM Continues to expand the MCM Custom Audio line of A/V baluns, with new models slated to arrive in June of 2008. The MCM line includes models that will cover video applications, digital, analog (RCA), and balanced (XLR) audio, as well as soon–to–be–released VGA baluns.

Regardless of the application, MCM Electronics stocks the baluns needed to deliver your audio video signals via the most efficient means possible. Whether you need to send high quality audio or video to the other end of the room, or the building, MCM has the products you need.

Fire Prevention

2007-10-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

October is National Fire Prevention Month so I thought I’d talk about fire safety in this week’s blog. When I was in fifth grade I won a city wide “Fire Prevention Poster Contest” so I know a thing or two about fire prevention.

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and 25,000 are injured. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually. A little bit of planning and preparation could reduce these numbers greatly.

To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. What can you do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of a fire?

Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half. Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence. Test and clean smoke detectors once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years. A convenient way to test smoke detectors is with Techspray’s Smoke Detector Test. The unique formulation consists of aerosol particles that simulate actual fire and smoke conditions. It sure beats holding a lit cigarette or match up to it.

Have a sound fire escape plan and practice escaping from every room. Designate a meeting place outside and take attendance. Remember to leave the building immediately and once out, stay out. NEVER go back into a burning building for any reason.

What else can you do? Store flammable liquids in approved containers, in well-ventilated storage areas. Be careful when using alternative heating sources and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children. Do not overload extension cords or outlets. If you need to plug in two or three appliances, get a UL-approved unit with built in circuit breakers to prevent sparks and short circuits. Install A-B-C-type fire extinguishers in your residence and teach family members how to use them.

For more information and tips you can visit the FEMA and U.S. Fire Administration websites.

Have a great day!

ProVision Scope Kit

2007-08-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

I manned the MCM booth at a recent tradeshow. One of the items we were exhibiting was the ProVision® Flexible Shaft Scope. It received a lot of attention from show attendees. (I could go into the difference between what men and women did with the sample when they picked it up but that’s a topic best left for another blog…Let’s just say there were differences!) Back to the scope; it received attention because it’s a handy tool. Designed for up close focusing in tight places the flexible fiber optic cable fits into holes as small as ¼” diameter. The omni-directional cable bends in every direction and has a 40° field of view. It has a high-resolution lens and a powerful halogen lamp. The scope is available with an 18” cable or a 36” cable. Each kit includes a clip-on viewing mirror, clip-on retrieval magnet, replacement halogen bulb and hard case. A 37mm camera adaptor, to connect the scope to most digital or film cameras, is available as an optional accessory.

The lens and cable are both waterproof which expands its use. Just imagine what you could do with this…look behind walls, down into drains, inside engines or hundreds of places without costly demolition or disassembly. Who could use this? Anyone: installers, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, exterminators, inspectors, home owners. My friend’s husband could have used this when she thought she dropped her earring down the drain. Instead he took the drain apart (cursing the whole time), only to discover that it wasn’t there. It had actually fallen behind the bathroom trashcan. Oops. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how upset he was! (Most women reading this are sympathizing with my friend and the men are probably groaning…it all goes back to the differences between men and women!) The ProVision® Scope could pay for itself over and over again in reduced labor time and increased productivity.

Do you have one? If so, how do you use it? If not, what would you do with it if you had one? How could it improve your productivity? I’d like to hear your ideas. (Be creative but keep in mind that it’s not medical grade!)

Have a great day!

MCM Distribution Center

2007-08-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

I recently had an opportunity to tour the MCM distribution Center. It’s not the first time, more like the tenth, but it never fails to impress me. The 135,000 sq. ft., fully automated facility is located in Springboro, Ohio.

The work flows in a U-shaped pattern in-to-out, throughout the warehouse. The first stop is receiving, a large area in the front of the center, where there is always a flurry of activity. When you stock over 40,000 products, there’s always shipments coming in. The goal is one-day turn around for moving products into stock and the team is right on it. The next area is bulk storage, where shelves stocked with boxes of products, soar towards the ceiling. (I’m not sure how high the shelves go but I had to count the products on the top shelf for inventory once and I can tell you that it’s HIGH!) The shelves cover almost one fourth of the facility.

On the other side of the distribution center, in the back, is where the packing of orders begins. Orders are relayed to a printer where a picker collects them and assigns each a tote. The totes progress through the warehouse on a conveyor system. The totes stop at various positions and are filled with products: the Carousels – where small products are positioned on rotating racks for easy access; Bin Storage – where mid to small size products are stored in stationary bins; Oversize Storage – where large and oversize items are kept. (I’ve left out lots of technical details but are most of you really going to miss them?) By the time products reach the end of the line the order is complete. The orders then proceed to the next area, shipping. Orders are packaged, invoiced and shipped via the customer’s selected carrier.

It’s an impressive operation carried out by a dedicated team, and I didn’t even discuss all the other things that go on there, such as quality control, returns, storage replenishment and on, and on. Did I mention that the distribution center isn’t air conditioned? (They do have large ventilation fans – WhooHoo!) It’s days like today when it’s 92° outside and I’m sitting in the comfort of my air conditioned office that I really feel for them. So kudos to the distribution center staff for all their hard work, no matter the temperature!!

Have a great day!

Introduction & Web Rewards Program

2007-07-13T06:58:00.001-07:00

Web Rewards Program

It probably won’t shock anyone if I promote our Web Rewards Program in my first blog.

I think it’s a great program that rewards you for placing your MCM Electronics orders online, which I’m sure you do anyway. Why not get rewarded for it? Once you sign up for the program all your online purchases count toward an end-of-year credit (from $25 ~ $500 depending on your spending level). Every month there are special member only promotions which can help you save money and who doesn’t like to save money? As with any program, there are rules. (Sorry, but that’s just the way it is!)

We're always looking at ways to enhance the program and a new feature we've just added is online updates. Now when you log in, the system will show your sales to date and highlight the reward tier you've reached. You can easily calculate how much you need to reach the next level. If you haven't already, sign up and start earning rewards today! If you're already a member and you have ideas for improving the program please drop me a line at emarketing@mcmelectronics.com.

Have a great day!