/> A key product range being featured is the HARTING Han(R) family of heavy-duty connectors, which are increasingly being used on concert stages and in theatres. At PLASA, two new products within the Han(R) family are being featured: the Han(R)-Eco range of high-quality plastic connector housings and the Han-Yellock(R) industrial connector series.

Han(R)-Eco is a complete range of high-quality all-plastic industrial connector housings that combine ruggedness, light weight and reduced costs with versatility, safety and reliability. Han(R)-Eco is the ideal solution for users who require a cost-effective, lightweight product and who do not require the full range of product features offered by HARTING's established Han(R) B series of connector housings. The product also offers a higher contact-density/housing-size ratio than the Han® B series.

Han(R)-Eco housings are made of high-performance plastic that is highly resistant to environmental stress and - in combination with the design - provides very good mechanical stability. When the connector is closed and locked, it provides IP 65 protection as defined in DIN EN 60 529. The material also meets the demanding flammability requirements of UL 94 Class V 0.

The Han-Yellock(R) industrial connector series incorporates a number of features that make it ideally suited to use in stage and concert lighting and sound systems, including outdoor events. In particular, the connector features a novel latched locking mechanism which ensures a high degree of ruggedness while also making the connector easy to assemble and disassemble.

Han-Yellock(R) uses a similar modular concept and core functionality to that used in HARTING's established Han(R) product range, but differs significantly in terms of size, shape and new features. Key features include the internal, latched locking mechanism on the connector hood, a wide range of Han-Yellock(R) modules to offer a large number of potential configurations, an adaptor frame for use with modules in HARTING's Han-Modular(R) series, insulators that can snap into the front or back walls of the housing, and a protected earth (PE) contact in crimp or Quick Lock termination.

Fast Track Switching is an innovative new Ethernet-based switching technology developed by HARTING that is ideally suited to communication and control of theatre, concert and indoor/outdoor event automation systems.

Ethernet is now the adopted networking standard for automation and the theatre environment is no exception. Applications include networked controls for hoists and other stage machinery.

Unlike alternative proprietary Ethernet protocol approaches which use modified versions of the Ethernet standard compatible with the requirements of different industries, Fast Track Switching is totally based on standard Ethernet, but adds a new switching method to ensure that industry-specific requirements on performance and determinism are fully met.

Many existing theatre and concert applications use one Ethernet system operating as a general-purpose IT network passing control and status information between managers' consoles and 'field' based controllers. Typically, a second automation network connects the control centres to the actual units being controlled. With Fast Track Switching technology, these two separate networks could be combined into a single network with prioritisation of the automation-related messages: a concept known as 'Automation IT'. The result is improved network configuration and reduced system installed costs.