CommScope Spotlights New Approach to Maintaining Optimal Air Pressure for TV and Radio Broadcast Systems

--Debuts High-Volume, Cost-Saving Dehydration Alternative in Small-Scale Package--
April 12, 2012 HICKORY, N.C.

Regulating moisture levels in broadcast transmission lines usually requires expensive, maintenance-intensive gear like bottled nitrogen tanks and dry desiccants, but now there’s a membrane-based dehydration option. CommScope’sDryLine® Sahara, uniquely designed for the broadcast industry, provides a highly reliable, more cost-effective way to get a handle on humidity.

Sahara represents the latest innovation in the Andrew Solutions™pressurization and drying technology portfolio. Similar to its peer dehydrator, DryLine Mojave, Sahara features a one-of-a-kind, patented air circuit path that can support large volume systems in a fraction of the space or cost of traditional solutions.

“We developed the Sahara dehydrator to fill a gap in the market that has yearned for a smaller unit that can handle large volume systems,” said Paul Bell, senior vice president, Microwave, CommScope. “Sahara is sized right, runs quietly compared with most dehydrators, comes equipped with alarm functions and is virtually maintenance free. Strong, reliable performance, plus fewer capital and operational expenses equals a lower total cost of ownership.”

Sahara works by using automatic pressure sensing and microprocessor control circuitry to activate and deactivate an air compressor. The compressor operates only when needed to maintain transmission line pressure, which reduces wear and maintenance. Sahara doesn’t rely on internal tanks and regulators, so it constantly changes the air inside the cable to ensure maximum system performance.

The simplicity of its patented, membrane cartridge design eliminates the parts required for pressure swings or heat regenerative dehydration. Other advantages of the Sahara dehydrator:

  • A three-year/3,000-hour warranty
  • Reduced noise and vibration
  • No cost for replacing nitrogen tanks or silica desiccant
  • Enhanced range with support for systems up to 31,200 liters/1,100 cubic feet
  • A compressor that operates at less than 50 pounds per square inch

In addition to these benefits, Sahara occupies 80 percent less space than the previous industry standard for broadcast market dehydrators. It fits on a bench or the floor, even in crowded areas. Power, air and alarm connections are also easily accessible from the back of the cabinet.

To learn more, visit the Electronics Research Inc. booth, C2222, at the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas April 16-19, 2012, where a physical model and information will be available for review.

Sahara is part of a portfolio of CommScope products that provide support for television and radio broadcast systems. The extended line includes: HELIAX® air dielectric cable, connectors, accessories and pressurization equipment. Sahara is the second release in CommScope’s DryLine dehydrator series.

About CommScope

CommScope (www.commscope.com) has played a role in virtually all the world’s best communication networks. We create the infrastructure that connects people and technologies through every evolution. Our portfolio of end-to-end solutions includes critical infrastructure our customers need to build high-performing wired and wireless networks. As much as technology changes, our goal remains the same: to help our customers create, innovate, design, and build faster and better. We’ll never stop connecting and evolving networks for the business of life at home, at work, and on the go.

This press release includes forward-looking statements that are based on information currently available to management, management’s beliefs, as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results to differ materially from those currently expected. In providing forward-looking statements, the company does not intend, and is not undertaking any obligation or duty, to update these statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise

News Media Contact:
Camille Beasley, CommScope
+1 972-952-9780 or publicrelations@commscope.com
Financial Contact:
Phil Armstrong, CommScope
+1 828-323-4848