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Title: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim Hite on August 09, 2017, 12:12:06 PM
I ordered some low-cost two-channel cable ramp off the Ebay. They are still gassing off lord knows what on my front porch. Hopefully another couple days of desert heat will fix that. Certainly got a good price at $25/section, and they seem reasonably well built, although the sections don't lock together as well as I'd like.

Any issues with using these over the $100/section ramp?

Is there a good spot to get a better price on the good stuff?

I searched this forum but didn't see anything. . .
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Ivan Beaver on August 09, 2017, 12:58:08 PM
I ordered some low-cost two-channel cable ramp off the Ebay. They are still gassing off lord knows what on my front porch. Hopefully another couple days of desert heat will fix that.
We bought some years ago.  It has probably been 7 years, and they are STILL gassing "something".

Imagine working in that place-------
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Mal Brown on August 09, 2017, 03:11:05 PM
I bought 60' of the Pyle black and yellow versions.  Yep... gassy... would love to been able o get checkers but dang that stuff is costly...
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Ray Aberle on August 09, 2017, 04:15:12 PM
... but depending on the market, they can pay for themselves in a season. Mine go for $12 to $17/each/day, and $25ish for a week- ten rentals and they're paid for.

-Ray
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim Hite on August 09, 2017, 09:14:23 PM
... but depending on the market, they can pay for themselves in a season. Mine go for $12 to $17/each/day, and $25ish for a week- ten rentals and they're paid for.

-Ray

Are you tacking the ramp rental onto your quote for a system package?

How do you justify to client?

I just did two gigs for a township out here and when I asked for their cable ramps the response was "that's provided by you". Had to send a runner to the big orange store to get 100' of runner to secure run out to FOH.

I feel like it's going to be tough to add $500 onto a $2k quote even if it is safety related.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Mark Cadwallader on August 09, 2017, 09:41:30 PM
Perhaps list cable ramps as a separate line item and put the onus on the client to affirmatively say no, we will not pay for ramps?  I might still opt to use some ramps anyway, just for CYA purposes, even if I'm not getting paid (much or anything) for the ramps. Dry hire is a different story, of course.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Mal Brown on August 10, 2017, 01:26:10 AM
I upped my day rate and made mention of up to 60 feet of cable cover protection to enhance safety/ reduce liability.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Dave Bednarski on August 10, 2017, 09:33:52 AM
We bought some years ago.  It has probably been 7 years, and they are STILL gassing "something".

Imagine working in that place-------

They stink like old school magic marker!!!  I have the 2 channel, they squish a bit with something heavy is going over them but OK for the random car that wandered into somewhere it maybe shouldn't be, golf carts/Kubota/Gator side-by-sides and humans.  They've paid for themselves many times over as a line item in my small world.  If the job requires something more serious then I rent legit.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim Hite on August 10, 2017, 12:14:02 PM
They stink like old school magic marker!!! . . .If the job requires something more serious then I rent legit.
The ones I received smell like bad karma and whatever's left over after you're done making asphalt. . .probably each one is worth a cap and trade credit.

I scrubbed one down with Purple Power and left it in the sun all day and that got rid of the worst of the smell, though.

BTW, cheapest price I found on the Checkers stuff is Amazon with free 2-day shipping. Go figure. Comes out about 20% cheaper than my local exclusive distributor and Amazon stocks the stuff.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Ray Aberle on August 10, 2017, 12:49:24 PM
BTW, cheapest price I found on the Checkers stuff is Amazon with free 2-day shipping. Go figure. Comes out about 20% cheaper than my local exclusive distributor and Amazon stocks the stuff.
The pricing I just saw was about 20% *more* than what I've been paying when I order them (through a local reseller) from Checkers. And when you order them directly from Checkers, you have the ability to custom-logo or custom-color the lid.

Are you tacking the ramp rental onto your quote for a system package?
Typically ramps are being added to electrical services order. I.e. if you're ordering our generator with our production (and I include five cable ramps for free with it), you probably need extra cable ramps with it (since 15 feet probably won't be enough).

We generally only suggest cable ramps when the FOH/power runs are either likely to be driven over, or on concrete. Cable runs in grass typically aren't covered, unless it's in a high foot traffic area.

That all being said, cable ramps are also something that I use as a freebie to secure a show. "Oh, price is a bit high? Let me comp these 20 cable ramps for you." Client feels happy they got safety for free, and it gets the show. Cable ramps and DJ gear are two things I use in that manner- I always prefer to get paid for those rentals, but I'm also willing to give them for free to demonstrate added value of our production services.

Your mileage may vary, of course.

-Ray
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim Hite on August 10, 2017, 05:31:32 PM
The pricing I just saw was about 20% *more* than what I've been paying when I order them (through a local reseller) from Checkers. And when you order them directly from Checkers, you have the ability to custom-logo or custom-color the lid.

Mole-Richardson is my area's exclusive distributor. Checkers won't sell direct and won't make me a dealer. Live near Hollywood, pay Hollywood prices.

Typically ramps are being added to electrical services order. I.e. if you're ordering our generator with our production (and I include five cable ramps for free with it), you probably need extra cable ramps with it (since 15 feet probably won't be enough).

Further proof that I am in the wrong end of this business.

We generally only suggest cable ramps when the FOH/power runs are either likely to be driven over, or on concrete. Cable runs in grass typically aren't covered, unless it's in a high foot traffic area.


Makes me feel better about using a runner for these last two shows on a baseball outfield.

That all being said, cable ramps are also something that I use as a freebie to secure a show. "Oh, price is a bit high? Let me comp these 20 cable ramps for you." Client feels happy they got safety for free, and it gets the show. Cable ramps and DJ gear are two things I use in that manner- I always prefer to get paid for those rentals, but I'm also willing to give them for free to demonstrate added value of our production services.

Your mileage may vary, of course.

-Ray

That's kind of where I'm at, hence the cheaper ramps. I'm staying the course of selling added value instead of discounting my services. It seems to be there right thing to do.

Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Ray Aberle on August 10, 2017, 07:24:29 PM
When I get back home (I was FORCED to go on a cruise to Alaska this week... and provide audio... free cabin... getting paid... what a bad life!), I'll check with my Checkers dealer to see what their current pricing is.

(I still have a quote from something like 2008 when they WOULD sell direct- the quote was for something like $90 per section. WOW! Now they moved to the dealer model, and prices went up.)

-Ray
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Brian Jojade on August 11, 2017, 03:03:15 PM
I upped my day rate and made mention of up to 60 feet of cable cover protection to enhance safety/ reduce liability.

This makes sense.  Include the basic ramps that most jobs would need.  If the event has needs above and beyond that, then you can charge accordingly.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Dan Richardson on August 13, 2017, 01:19:02 PM
local company uses these in grass

Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Mal Brown on August 13, 2017, 01:26:29 PM
What is the material ? 
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Dan Richardson on August 13, 2017, 02:23:30 PM
What is the material ?

I'm not sure. Looks like drainage pipe. I think I'd cut it in thirds so it would lay flatter.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tom Provenza on August 13, 2017, 03:33:50 PM
What is the material ?

Looks like schedule 40 PVC conduit
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Jerome Malsack on August 14, 2017, 03:46:36 PM
http://www.discountramps.com/cable-ramps-protectors/c/4250/?CID=PSC-TXT-Nonbrand-Google-P-Cable+Ramps+Protectors+New-cable+ramps&st-t=Google-Cable+Ramps&vt-k=cable%20ramps&vt-mt=p&gclid=CLqb4sW-19UCFcOPswodrD8Nvw

Give my home town a look. 
Title: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Steve Anderson on August 15, 2017, 07:57:05 PM
When people refer to the "gassing-out" of some of these products, are they the rubber versions or polyurethane version?
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Lyle Williams on August 16, 2017, 05:00:43 PM
Rubber
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Jeff Lelko on August 16, 2017, 05:38:06 PM
What is the material ?

Yep, that's schedule 40 PVC conduit that can be found at any Lowes/Home Depot or electrical supply vendor.  It's been split down the middle to serve this cable ramp purpose.  Clever, but not sure I'd try it myself...
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Jerome Malsack on August 16, 2017, 06:03:24 PM
Now with the PVC you could take some time to barber pole spray paint yellow and black to add the visibility of the trip hazard.  Add some tent stakes and bungies to keep it tacked down to the ground some and preventing the movement. 
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Ray Aberle on August 16, 2017, 06:25:36 PM
Well, you have to then ask yourself, "Are these being deployed to protect guests, or are they here to protect the cable run?"

The answer may explain the reasoning behind using this Sched40 PVC...

-Ray
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Riley Casey on August 16, 2017, 06:51:11 PM
Jeez by the time you did all the labor to implement that for set and strike what have you saved?

local company uses these in grass
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Luke Geis on August 16, 2017, 08:49:18 PM
when it comes to cable ramps and or cable hazard protection, my finding has been that you could put all the red tape around the cable you want, the people will still find a way to trip over it.....

The only thing I think that cable ramps or cable covers of any sort is good for is liability insurance. At least you can say and show that there was a prudent attempt to prevent a tripping hazard. It then falls onto the patron to show how the heck they didn't see or notice a cable run 100' long with an obvious cover over it trying to keep you from tripping over it :)

The truth is simple. It is not much more than a rubber / plastic ramp mold and should not truly cost $100 per section. It is however a needed and required devise in many instances, so it makes sense as to why it costs what they do. They gouge the people in one way or another. Sorta like everything else. If you need it and it is a specialty item, you will pay dearly for it; even if it is a simple product.

Discount cable ramps: http://www.discountramps.com/cable-ramps-protectors/c/4250/

has a sale going on right now for dual channel.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on August 17, 2017, 10:49:15 AM
I just came across this which is super inexpensive compared to most everything I have seen.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719L4D94/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am sure it won't compare in quality to most but for light traffic it might just work. 3 in a  pack !
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Mark Cadwallader on August 17, 2017, 11:26:40 AM
I just came across this which is super inexpensive compared to most everything I have seen.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719L4D94/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am sure it won't compare in quality to most but for light traffic it might just work. 3 in a  pack !

Note the rubber (not polyurathane) construction. I suspect that this item would be more likely to have "off-gassing" problems, compared to other options. Whether that would be a problem, I don't know.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on August 17, 2017, 11:57:30 AM
Note the rubber (not polyurathane) construction. I suspect that this item would be more likely to have "off-gassing" problems, compared to other options. Whether that would be a problem, I don't know.

I'd only use these outside so it wouldn't be a problem for me - and I'll store them in a sealed case.
I've ordered a set so I'll let you know how good (or bad) they are.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Dave Garoutte on August 17, 2017, 12:44:29 PM

Discount cable ramps: http://www.discountramps.com/cable-ramps-protectors/c/4250/

has a sale going on right now for dual channel.

This is a great price!
I use these and they work fine.
I just leave them outside for a couple of weeks to off-gas before they go in the truck.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Don T. Williams on August 17, 2017, 06:49:46 PM
I just came across this which is super inexpensive compared to most everything I have seen.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719L4D94/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am sure it won't compare in quality to most but for light traffic it might just work. 3 in a  pack !
I actually just took advantage of those on an earlier deal that saved another couple of dollars.  I liked them enough that I ordered more.  And yes they did smell a lot at first.  I set them I the sun for a couple of days and most of the smell is gone.  I'm not sure I would want to travel with them in a hot van.  Relegate them to a trailer or box truck and use the outside until they stop the out gassing.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Dan Mortensen on August 18, 2017, 03:05:03 AM
http://www.discountramps.com/cable-ramps-protectors/c/4250/?CID=PSC-TXT-Nonbrand-Google-P-Cable+Ramps+Protectors+New-cable+ramps&st-t=Google-Cable+Ramps&vt-k=cable%20ramps&vt-mt=p&gclid=CLqb4sW-19UCFcOPswodrD8Nvw

Give my home town a look.

I bought the 3 channel Guardian ones from them.  4? 5? years later they are still outgassing in the back yard. Not anywhere as bad as the first couple years but still noticeable.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim Hite on August 20, 2017, 10:48:21 PM
I just came across this which is super inexpensive compared to most everything I have seen.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719L4D94/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am sure it won't compare in quality to most but for light traffic it might just work. 3 in a  pack !

These look identical to the 4 pieces I just bought off eBay for $24 each. The stuff from discount ramps does, as well. Mine are made from rubber (and bad karma, apparently).

I have three on my front porch in the desert sun for a couple weeks now, and they still stink. The 4th section I scrubbed down with Purple Power degreaser (5/gallon at wally world) and got the mold release greasy layer off it. I can only smell that one if I put my nose right in the channel. . .

Going to give it a shot on the others this week.

These have all handled the sun well for 12+ hours a day in 100º heat.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on August 29, 2017, 03:41:37 PM
Mine arrived today. First impression -  heavy duty and solid.
However, as with the majority of my most recent purchases online it seems on closer inspection, there are defects.
One piece has a 2 inch split through right through the rubber on the outer edge which someone has attempted to glue back together. I figured if it is supposed to take the weight of a vehicle at least momentarily, I should test the glued piece. It pulled apart in my fingers - oops.
The second piece has a tear right by the hinge so over time I can see this piece tearing off completely.
Pack of 3 and 2 of them defective... gheeesh.
Called Amazon and they are contacting the seller ... A-Z claim.

There is another set on Amazon at $79.99 but from the looks of things, it is the same stuff - just showing  different vendor.

Sometimes vendors will offer a discount to save shipping back and replacement but I don't want to risk these things ripping any further.
Is there a reliable glue I can use to make the repair IF the vendor offers a discount? :-\
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Ray Aberle on August 29, 2017, 07:25:30 PM
I hate to say it.......

but "Buy Once, Cry Once."

Just like everything else in our industry.... if you go cheap, well, you get what you pay for. :(

-Ray
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on August 29, 2017, 07:33:01 PM
I hate to say it.......

but "Buy Once, Cry Once."

Just like everything else in our industry.... if you go cheap, well, you get what you pay for. :(

-Ray

True Ray for the most part - but I wouldn't have paid much more than this anyway because I will get so very little use out of these. If I used them more often, then yes it would be worth paying more perhaps. I just wanted a few to keep in my trailer just in case...
Although 2 of them have rips in them, they must have had some abuse to get that way because they really appear to be heavy duty.
If I can get the 2 replaced, I will still be very happy at this price.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Ed Jones on August 29, 2017, 10:05:47 PM
I have both high quality and Chinese cable ramps. Both serve the purpose for which they are intended for. More people are apt to trip on the ramps verses a cable on the ground but as long as the proper safety device was used your liability insurer will be much happier
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Don T. Williams on August 30, 2017, 01:26:55 PM
More people are apt to trip on the ramps verses a cable on the ground . . .

That seems to be the absolute truth.  I used my new 2 channel "Chinese cheapies" and my 5 channel "pro models" this last weekend.  It didn't matter, people tripped on both.  I have seen the units with LED flashing warning lights used, and though it seemed fewer people tripped, many still tripped.  Now if there is even a small gap in your ramps, people will carefully avoid the ramps and step on the cables instead !
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim McCulloch on August 30, 2017, 01:40:31 PM
That seems to be the absolute truth.  I used my new 2 channel "Chinese cheapies" and my 5 channel "pro models" this last weekend.  It didn't matter, people tripped on both.  I have seen the units with LED flashing warning lights used, and though it seemed fewer people tripped, many still tripped.  Now if there is even a small gap in your ramps, people will carefully avoid the ramps and step on the cables instead !

I've told this story before but it's worth a repeat.

A couple decades back we were doing a smaller arena show, lady trips and twists her ankle when she stepped on cables (taped down, etc).  We knew nothing about it and she declined treatment at the event.  A couple of weeks later the promoter's insurance company is calling us for a copy of the "incident report."  There wasn't one  because our crew had not been informed and did not witness the incident.  The lady's family convinced her to take off from work and have her ankle examined; she submitted a claim for the cost of her doctor's office call and the 3 hours she was off work, probably <$200 back then.

Fast forward a couple of years and we're doing a church conference in the same venue, but now the venue policy is that any and all cables in public areas MUST be in Yellow Jacket ramps and the venue had roughly 400 feet of them.  As I discussed this with a venue rep, we counted a dozen or so older guests tripping over the Yellow Jackets.  I asked if they had to write an incident report for each trip...

The reality is that taking no action is seen as either ignorant or willful negligence; that the cure is not better than the disease is ignored by the legal system but helps to pass the "reasonable person" test - you did something that gave the *appearance* of greater safety than doing nothing.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Steve Litcher on August 30, 2017, 02:12:07 PM

The reality is that taking no action is seen as either ignorant or willful negligence; that the cure is not better than the disease is ignored by the legal system but helps to pass the "reasonable person" test - you did something that gave the *appearance* of greater safety than doing nothing.

We did a small outdoor festival a few weeks ago and set out our red/black Whirlwind 5-channel ramps to protect some SOOW cords and DMX lines... More (mostly drunk) people commented about "the annoying/stupid/f-ing bump things" than I ever would've imagined. No one tripped over anything (thankfully), but man... you're right - it's darned if you do, darned if you don't. Especially when you factor in the cost of the ramps (if people only knew).
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Gordon Brinton on August 30, 2017, 02:40:50 PM
Next we'll need a fall-mat on each side of the cable ramps to protect those who trip over the ramps. Where does it end?
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Nathan Riddle on August 30, 2017, 03:07:50 PM
The reality is that taking no action is seen as either ignorant or willful negligence; that the cure is not better than the disease is ignored by the legal system but helps to pass the "reasonable person" test - you did something that gave the *appearance* of greater safety than doing nothing.

OT:

Is this not the typical knee-jerk reaction that occurs in nearly all safety devices/meetings/mandates?

I just attended my company's annual safety meeting because in September our accidents raise up by 50-100%. They did a great job by making it fun and entertaining, but man, some of those incidents were plain stupid.

Most notably:
A guy tripped on a pile of leaves on the sidewalk and twisted his ankle.
A guy got cut grabbing a piece of metal he just used a hacksaw to cut.
A guy stuck his head in a cabinet and hit his head on the top.

They asked us questions throughout and instead of tossing the candy bars for correct answers they had to have 'helpers' bring them to us...

I Digress:
I've said this before, but I've used my cheap amazon cable ramps a number of times now (I have 10) and besides the stink, they work great. I wouldn't mind driving a normal car/truck over them (have not tried though) They're good enough for behind the stage and the short runs I do indoors.

If I ever have a big arena show I'll just rent the 300' of yellowjackets I need.

I get the whole buy-once-cry-once mentality; but that just isn't applicable in some situations. For a piece of equipment's desired goals sometimes the cheaper brand will work just fine.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on August 30, 2017, 03:29:09 PM
We run sound at a sunday outside event every few months that is basically a biker bar and the band sets up in the parking lot. They lay out cable ramps AND they put out cones along the whole run coming from the main building at approx 3 foot intervals.  Everyone is supposed to drive in and out of the parking lot avoiding the cable run which entails them driving an extra 20 feet.
Although most of the cars do the right thing, I cannot count the times I have seen a biker, stop his vehicle, jump off, move a cone to one side, get back on his bake and drive away. It takes longer to do this yet it happens all the time.



Oh - and this means they are driving directly in front of the stage too. ::)
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim McCulloch on August 30, 2017, 03:38:54 PM
Debbie, riding the bikes up front is part of the entertainment, of which the band is but a portion.

Been there, done that, there was no shirt.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on August 30, 2017, 03:54:22 PM
Debbie, riding the bikes up front is part of the entertainment, of which the band is but a portion.

Been there, done that, there was no shirt.

Of course - silly me.. there was I thinking the band was remotely important to the show...
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Chris Hindle on August 31, 2017, 12:54:46 PM
Of course - silly me.. there was I thinking the band was remotely important to the show...
BUT, not if I am inconvenienced in any way......
Chris.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Kevin Rudolph on September 01, 2017, 09:52:02 AM
Just before reading this thread I picked up a 5 pack from Amazon - still waiting for them to arrive.  They can't smell much worse than two bulk spools of soow, right?  The office smelled like an NTB for weeks.  I'm definitely going to power wash/scrub them down based on the recommendations here.  I really bought these for my outdoor concerts - I have a 100' techflex loom with 12ga AC and 3 ea tactical cat5.  Haven't had anyone trip on it, but it rains so much in western PA that it finds itself submerged more than I'd like.  Techflex also makes a clean cut product in orange I'm considering buying to temporarily wrap 1' sections of my loom in in areas where I want increased visibility.  Thoughts?

Tangent - Had a dumb food convention this week that, upon arrival, requested ~20 ea 20a circuits run to the center of the ballroom.  Nothing I could do would appease these people.  A bunch of hot dog rollers at 7.6a 120v each.  Rugs, ramps, tape... I should have just made bridges out of those goofy wheeled stairs for staging.  In their minds they wanted to run it off of a single ~16ga extension and didn't understand how it was not only impractical, but dangerous.

They also left behind a tractor trailer full of food behind and made very little effort to contact the food bank.  The hotel took it up on themselves to separate it into perishable and non perishable (sending the non perishable to Texas and distributing some of the perishables (bread) locally).
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Jerome Malsack on September 01, 2017, 12:46:45 PM
And the biker has straight pipes and wants to roar the pipe so everyone looks his way,  Look at my Bike!  So being the sound person can I cue up my 1812 with cannons to answer the Bike Call?
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Chris Hindle on September 01, 2017, 03:33:21 PM
And the biker has straight pipes and wants to roar the pipe so everyone looks his way,  Look at my Bike!  So being the sound person can I cue up my 1812 with cannons to answer the Bike Call?
I prefer a wee bit of 4K.
For some reason, even the deaf hear that !
Chris.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on September 05, 2017, 07:57:56 AM
Outcome:  Contacted Amazon about the tears (rips) and they contacted the supplier who responded quickly. I was given the option to replace or refund.
I noticed that the item was out of stock at that time and then up until yesterday showed as unavailable ( today the ad is back up at $83.99)... I didn't want to risk not being able to get the same or similar pricing so I asked if they would consider a discount and I'll get some good glue to repair myself. They will not get a lot of use so I should be fine.
They agreed and offered me $60 refund which results in a price of $21.99 for 3 cable ramps - not too shabby!!!
Refund has been processed.

So..... what would be the best glue to use for this kind of repair??
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on September 05, 2017, 09:14:44 AM
Gorilla Glue???

I've seen most if not all of the incidences in this thread including a motorized wheel chair hooking a 10 gauge cable running across a grassy meadow and dragging it until the slack was out and his wheels spun.

My eventual solution has been to site my own power right at the stage and have NO cabling across any publicly accessible areas.  Wireless remote mixing has been a Godsend.

I do my last contracted gig for the year this coming weekend.  I don't think I'll be doing this any more.  Sad to leave my long-term clients, but it's really harder to do this occasionally than full-time.

Anybody need gear?
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on September 05, 2017, 09:51:06 AM
Gorilla Glue???

I've seen most if not all of the incidences in this thread including a motorized wheel chair hooking a 10 gauge cable running across a grassy meadow and dragging it until the slack was out and his wheels spun.

My eventual solution has been to site my own power right at the stage and have NO cabling across any publicly accessible areas.  Wireless remote mixing has been a Godsend.

I do my last contracted gig for the year this coming weekend.  I don't think I'll be doing this any more.  Sad to leave my long-term clients, but it's really harder to do this occasionally than full-time.

Anybody need gear?

I have some gorilla glue Dick but was wondering if there was something better suited? If not - then the fix is an easy one for me.

I would use the ramps for anything but multicore as I mix wirelessly too and love it. It is simply for those times when I would prefer to be extra safe when running mains or cables to speakers.

You will have a lot more free time to do other things now Dick. However, don't you dare leave us on the forum - will you??
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Jerome Malsack on September 05, 2017, 10:34:10 AM
And Irma is coming to play with the East Coast,  Ready for some rain?
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on September 05, 2017, 11:00:27 AM
You will have a lot more free time to do other things now Dick. However, don't you dare leave us on the forum - will you??

I still cling to my opinions and will until I'm planted.  If I  can't relieve the pressure they create by ranting at noons on the net I might burst, so no worries about my disappearing.  Besides...I've got your#.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on September 05, 2017, 11:12:07 AM
I still cling to my opinions and will until I'm planted.  If I  can't relieve the pressure they create by ranting at noons on the net I might burst, so no worries about my disappearing.  Besides...I've got your#.

Oh... you can't get rid of me !
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Steve Litcher on September 05, 2017, 11:40:36 AM
I'd look for an A/B epoxy that works with dense rubber. If memory serves, there are some pretty heavy duty epoxies out there (gel-based) that should work.

The trick will be maintaining the balance between bond and flexibility. If the adhesive dries solid/hard, it'll just crack and break as soon as you twist the ramp to "unlock" the connection points...
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on September 05, 2017, 11:55:51 AM
I'd look for an A/B epoxy that works with dense rubber. If memory serves, there are some pretty heavy duty epoxies out there (gel-based) that should work.

The trick will be maintaining the balance between bond and flexibility. If the adhesive dries solid/hard, it'll just crack and break as soon as you twist the ramp to "unlock" the connection points...

Yes I agree .... I would need something with some flexibility.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Chris Hindle on September 05, 2017, 12:23:06 PM
Yes I agree .... I would need something with some flexibility.
Phone Scotch and 3-M Technical support. You mat be surprised what's available commercially.
Chris.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on September 05, 2017, 12:43:02 PM
Phone Scotch and 3-M Technical support. You mat be surprised what's available commercially.
Chris.

Good idea Chris .... I just called and spoke to a lady who suggested 'Vinyl & Leather Repair'.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Brian Jojade on September 06, 2017, 11:49:27 AM
I have some gorilla glue Dick but was wondering if there was something better suited? If not - then the fix is an easy one for me.

All purpose Goop is pretty magical.  It bonds to pretty much everything and stays somewhat flexible.  I'd start with that.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Dave Bednarski on September 06, 2017, 01:45:21 PM
With this thread in mind I took a picture of my china dolls at yesterday's job...

http://dbmisc.s3.amazonaws.com/IMG_4310.JPG

As info - I purchased mine from http://r.ebay.com/3yvmCj -- the first 16 units (~50ft) paid themselves 3 times this summer.  People will pay for "safety" even though I watched 3 phone zombis trip on them yesterday!  I originally paid $23.67 a section,  I am guessing they may go on sale if you watch the seller on eBay.  I reordered another 50ft feet for the current list price ($36.90) last week.  Aside from the aforementioned death smell - all 16 were in great shape.  No gorilla glue necessary.  My only complaint is the metal rod that runs through them as a flap hinge will slide out while handling if you stand them on end.  They stack/strap nicely on a cheap buggy board.

This particular seller also ships them individually.  UPS delivered 16 boxes with 16 unique scan labels.  Who knows!
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim Hite on September 06, 2017, 04:20:00 PM
. . . a motorized wheel chair hooking a 10 gauge cable running across a grassy meadow and dragging it until the slack was out and his wheels spun.
. . .

Yup, this is exactly what prompted this quest. . .lady dragging my FOH power and ethernet cables with her rascal. Never mind that I had a runner over it and cones set up every 5 feet.

When I asked her to move off the cables she started complaining about what a hazard it was to have it there.

You can email me an inventory, if you shut down, Dick.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim Hite on September 06, 2017, 04:25:46 PM
. . . the aforementioned death smell - all 16 were in great shape.  No gorilla glue necessary.  My only complaint is the metal rod that runs through them as a flap hinge will slide out while handling . . .

Scrub them down with Purple Power for the smell. Put a dab of silicon the the holes to seal the wire in. . .
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Kevin Maxwell on September 07, 2017, 10:09:51 AM
I don’t know if I missed it but I don’t remember anyone mentioning that these cable ramps aren’t ADA compliant. We have been very lucky in that we do a series of outdoor shows and we lay the cables in the grass and the grass is thick enough that the cables sink in enough. We do have to cross one main walking path and we have Bumble Bee cable ramps. They aren’t as heavy duty as the Yellow Jacket model but they are still heavy duty. But when someone comes to cross them in a wheel chair they have to go around the ramps and over the cables in the grass because ours aren’t ADA compliant either. I think at one time they had an ADA version but they don’t seem to be available anymore.

For the longest time we never had anyone trip and fall when using these but a couple of years ago we started having more tripping happening at night, usually after the show. I think it is a combination of this park has some lights out that used to make this path better lit and I think there has been more alcohol use at these events. I picked up some LED strip lights that I string thru the outer channels of the ramps so it lights up the yellow part of the ramp. This has helped a lot. It is a pain and it takes a little bit of time to properly rig the lights but as soon as it starts to get dark we plug them in to help with the visibility. This has helped a lot. This still doesn’t answer the ADA problem.

I think one thing that helps us with the cables in the grass is that the cables are heavy enough without being too heavy or thick. And they maintain the grass so we have a nice bed for the cables. We usually use a 20 pair and a 12 pair input snakes. A 16 pair return snake and a 12 gauge power cable and a single power cable to the LEDs in the ramps from the stage. So with all of those (4 cables) run very neatly next to each other it is almost a cable ramp in and of itself. The power to the LEDs in the ramps are the last thing to get removed at the end of the night. 

The Yellow jacket version that has the ADA ramp section and I keep bugging the boss to buy some of these. They are cheaper than getting sued.
Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Dave Bednarski on September 07, 2017, 10:20:52 AM
Does the entire stretch need to complaint or just a crossing option?  http://dbmisc.s3.amazonaws.com/ada.jpg

Title: Re: Cheap Chinese Cable Ramps
Post by: Tim Hite on September 10, 2017, 02:20:41 PM
Does the entire stretch need to complaint or just a crossing option?  http://dbmisc.s3.amazonaws.com/ada.jpg

ADA says access to all public areas for wheelchairs, etc. . .

I'm fairly certain that one pathway into a given area would be plenty to meet the "reasonable accommodation" test. ADA is mostly about being inclusive for folks with problems, if they can get to their seating area and go to the bathroom, most will be happy.


https://www.ada.gov/opdmd.htm