A light at the end of the tunnel

Startech have undertaken a fascinating project installing a temporary lighting system into a railway tunnel to forewarn bats of incoming trains. A series of birdies have been rigged along the length of the tunnel and programmed to light up from the central point out to each end. This is designed to encourage bats to move into less exposed crevices and out of the line of oncoming trains.

This project is taking place in preparation for the new Oxford to London rail link via Bicester, which will involve a more regular and higher speed trains passing through the tunnel beneath Wolvercote roundabout.

Although the lighting design is simple to put in situe, there were a number of teams coordinating their aspects of the install and of course there was the added complication of working on a live railway line and during the night. Startech accepted the challenge and emerged from the train tunnel with sooty smiles.

The trial will take place over the next month to establish whether the lighting will have the desired effect on the bats, in which case a permanent installation will be put in place.

http://tiny.cc/y3i39

Sponsors of the Great Tew Horse Trials

Startech went for a rainy day out to the Great Tew Horse Trials at which we sponsored a cross country jump.

Vacancy for Audio Visual Engineer

We look forward to hearing from you!

Big Names at Roehampton Students Union Summer Ball 2011

Startech supplied audio equipment to the Roehampton Student Union Summer Ball 2011. This included PA and technical support for the main stage which was headlined by ‘The Streets’ and ‘Eliza Doolittle’ along with other acts such as the fabulous ‘Jon Paul Palombo’, the rather lively ‘One’ and the amazing human beatbox act ‘Duke’. Also gracing the main stage was comedian Lee Nelson. Startech provided both equipment and technical support for the DJ stages where ‘Chase and Status’ along with DJ’s from Ministry of Sound shared the stages with the RSU’s resident DJs.

More new lighting - Moving Head LED Wash Lights

Startech has just purchased a quantity of the Miltec MTM 324 moving head LED wash lights.
£35 each for 2 days, or £70 a week, these units are not only a powerful and versatile fixture, but affordable too.


The LED technology makes these units extremely light; at only 9kg each they can be rigged easily by one person. The also consume less than half the power of a conventional discharge source moving light of a similar output level.

‘Having used the units at a recent production, I found them to be extremely rugged and reliable. The movement was fast and smooth, and the control of the output very precise. They produce a fantastic range of vivid deep colour’s and, due to the addition of the white LEDs (RGBW, as opposed to the traditional RGB) they can be used to provide front light varying from ‘Tungsten’ cold through to CTO warm with fantastic even coverage.

We are also eagerly anticipating the arrival of the MTM 90P moving head LED spot light, and will report back when have had the first opportunity to try it out. However, if they're are as good as we’ve found the wash light to be, using the two together will make for an extremely powerful and versatile rig.’ AV Technician

LED par cans

We have increased out stock of LED PAR 56 lamps and now supply kits including 4 PAR cans with stands, cables (13amp) and flight case. These can be pre-programmed for stand alone sound to light with built in strobe and macro’s or operated via DMX control. Ideal for lighting live bands.
£25 per day/ £75 per week

Oxford Fashion Week 2011

Startech have been announced as Technical Partners of Oxford Fashion Week 2011.

Roy Naraine, Managing Director of Startech Productions Ltd said, “Startech were thrilled to accept the invitation to be Technical Partners of Oxford Fashion Week, Startech have worked closely with Dave Evans to create what will be an impressive visual production complimenting the work of the many designers who will be exhibiting during Oxford Fashion Week.”

Carl Anglim, Executive Producer of Oxford Fashion Week, said "For spectacular shows we need spectacular technical support. Startech is the first technical company we have partnered with in this way and that means in 2011 we are able to deliver a quality of event that will be a league above what spectators have seen in previous years. We are all very excited about this!"

David Evans, Director of Light & Sound for Oxford Fashion Week, said "From the conception of Oxford Fashion Week 2011, through to the countdown days to the first show, Startech have supported us with speedy, reliable and entirely professional service, with fresh ideas and a unique enthusiasm to contribute creatively as well as technically. In my profession I have dealt with too many suppliers to mention, but can safely say I will be returning to Startech time and time again!"