Whirlwind, Inc. is a name well known to anybody in the music industry, with good reason. Makers of some of most ubiquitous and long-lasting electronic infrastructure equipment you’re likely to find on the road, they’ve been a leader in creating high-quality audio interfaces for more than 40 years.
The PL-PM1/RJ
Whirlwind now offers a monitoring solution for projects that need accurate and reliable real-time power utilization feedback. The PL-PM1 power meter is a 2-RU rack-mount unit that connects to your Whirlwind distro by means of a Eurostyle connector on the rear of the unit, and displays the voltage on a bright and easy-to-read display — even in direct sunlight — on the front of the unit. Far from being just a simple voltmeter, however, the PL-PM1 also has a second set of readouts for reading amperage usage across all three hot legs, allowing you to monitor current across the entire system in real time. Additional displays show the AC frequency, neutral-to-ground voltage and amperage on the neutral leg.
The PL-PM1 isn’t just a simple display unit, however. The RJ version comes as a fully networkable appliance that connects to a LAN and features an integrated web server that provides all of the real-time information that the unit reads on a web page. This web page is accessible from any computer connected to the LAN, allowing monitoring not only at the rack locally, but anywhere you have network connectivity. Usable on either portable AC distribution or permanent install systems; the PL-PM1RJ can be included in Whirlwind PowerLink distribution systems or purchased separately for any other applicable use.
The integrated web server can be used on a variety of mobile platforms and desktop browsers — iPad, iPhone, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari— turning them into monitoring stations. Now you can get up-to-date, real-time information provided by the PL-PM1RJ displayed not only on your desktop computer, but your iPhone or iPad as well, making power information available to ensure the entire team has access to current power utilization information — monitor from one location, or multiple locations simultaneously. Configuring the software is easy, allowing the user to set the color of the readouts on the web display, the refresh rate, and the location and name of the unit for easy sorting. Adding your own wireless access point to your rack setup can turn the PL-PM1RJ into truly portable power distribution and monitoring station — just plug and play, and bring an added level of safety and peace of mind to your next install or touring project.
Power Distribution
The heart of the Power Link system continues with the PLR and PLD power distros. The PLD series comes pre-installed in an attractive and rugged ATA flight case for protection from the many bumps and jolts that tour life throws at gear. The PLR series distros are built into a self-contained enclosure for mounting in the rack hardware of your choice, and feature removable rack ears for the back of the unit which makes the PLR series perfect for mounting in your choice of rolling rack for portability, or as part of a permanent installation.
All models feature durable anodized aluminum panels, fast and responsive hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers that are not subject to the effects of heat and erosion that occurs with thermal circuit breakers. Of course, all the enclosures are tested to ensure adherence to the highest levels of safety, as you’d expect from any product backed up by the Whirlwind name. All of Whirlwind’s Power Link products are UL Listed.
Customers can choose from either pre-existing panel configurations for the most common setups or mix and match from a vast array of panel and breaker configurations to assemble a huge array of rack options. Input panels are available as single or pass-through Cam-Loks, single or dual neutral with ground and neutral gender in any configuration required. Output panel options are virtually limitless, available in Edison, Neutrik PowerCON or TrueONE, L5 or L6-20, or Socapex, with an equally wide variety of breaker options to provide ultimate flexibility for your project.
Whirlwind also offers the versatility of designing your own rack with their free DesignPRO software. An easy-to-navigate interface allows you to drag-and-drop panel components, placing them exactly where needed for your custom project. Not only for power, this versatile tool allows you to add the full range of Whirlwind connectors, panel parts, and even your own text to create a truly custom piece of hardware. When you’re done, the finished file can be sent directly to Whirlwind for a quote. And for those customers who need to be able to share their works, you can export directly to the AutoDesk AutoCAD file format for compatibility with everyone’s projects.
End-Point Distribution
Rounding out the Power Link line is a series of power blocks to get power to where you need it on stage, with a wide variety of output options to create a truly modular solution. The PL1 series of power boxes provides a large range of output options, including standard Edison, GFCI Edison, and Neutrik PowerCON. The PL1DI boxes take NEMA twist-lock AC connectors and output to either two or three 20-amp PowerCON outlets. For those wishing to distribute via PowerCON, the PL1-420 boxes have PowerCON in and throughs with two duplex Edison outlets, and come in blue, white, and red versions for easy and fast identification of circuits throughout a rig. And with the optional Flying Bracket, you can turn any PLI-420 into a truss-mountable power box for easy distribution through a truss. For projects requiring Socapex, Whirlwind offers the PLIDI-SPX-000, perfect for distributing power along floor paths, and features six PowerCON output circuits.
The PL-2 series boxes take the concept a step further, converting multi-phase inputs into independent branch circuits, and include a multi-phase output connector so that multiple boxes can be strung together, with either NEMA twist-lock or Socapex inputs and throughs. The twist-lock version comes with separate breakers and three duplex outlets. With an optional fly bracket, the PL-2 is perfect for sending power around stages, trusses, festivals, or trade show booths.
Finally, the PowerPack modules convert multi-phase input into breakered branch circuits to feed individual devices, and feature rack-mountable fully enclosed housings. All the Whirlwind PowerLink boxes are made with powder-coated, cold-rolled steel, designed for incredible durability on the most hostile stage environments, festivals, or trade shows. Of course, all Whirlwind products are UL-listed.
Accessories and Custom Shop
Whirlwind also offers a line of cable — including feeder — and accessories including Neutrik TrueONE connectors for cables and chassis, PowerCON jumpers and PowerCON to Edison adapters for every power situation.
Whirlwind’s state of the art facilities can also handle custom projects of virtually any specification, and their on-site metal facility can customize almost any product they provide, in addition to creating panels and plates of almost any size. Once created, pieces can be customized with traditional heat stamping of connectors, screen printing and engraving to the most advanced laser etching available, adding your company’s logo, service text, or other information. Whirlwind’s attention to detail as well as their years of experience ensures a polished, professional product that will last for years. Prices are based on the options you require.
For more information, go to www.whirlwindusa.com
