Switchcraft
Description
Switchcraft, Inc. has been manufacturing jacks, plugs, and switches for the communications, broadcast, and pro AV industry since 1946. Starting out on the north side of Chicago, the factory eventually relocated in 1958 to their current location at 5555 North Elston Ave, comprising over 180,000 square feet of manufacturing, operations, and distribution. That building still houses Switchcraft’s headquarters and the largest of three manufacturing locations in use today.
In 1977, Switchraft was purchased by the Raytheon corporation, and operated as an independent subsidiary for twenty years. During this time the company expanded into harsh environment connectors, greatly expanding its capabilities and market reach. In 1997 Switchraft was divested by Raytheon, allowing Raytheon to focus solely on their national defense products. Today Switchcraft operates as part of HEICO Corporation’s Electronic Technologies Group.
In 1999 Switchcraft acquired Conaxall, a manufacturer of circular connectors and cable assemblies. These days, Switchcraft-Conaxall meets the need for connectors, jacks, plugs, cable assemblies, patch panels, etc., including telecom and guitar products for the broadcast, professional AV, lighting, medical, safety/security, GPS and data acquisition industries.
Molded cable assemblies are offered, including harsh environment IP67/IP68, harsh environment shielded, DC Power Jacks, Shielded Mini XLR, Sensor (M8, M12, M18, and M20) over-molded cables and pendant (nurse call) custom over-molded cable assemblies. A wide range of connectors, including XLRs, sealed circular connectors, data connectors, DIN, CB style, IEC series, BNC, and Speakon® compatible HPC speaker connectors are also part of Switchcraft’s extensive portforio.
In addition to over-molded cable assemblies, Switchcraft offers DB25 breakouts, TT/Bantam Audio patchcords, ¼” longframe patch cords, standard and micro video patch cords, multi-channel audio snakes, and MIDI cable assemblies.
Switchcraft has been synonymous with quality jacks and plugs from the beginning. This include 1/4”, .101” micro, .141”, .206” jacks and plugs, RCA series, 3.5mm, DC power, and Bantam TT jacks and plugs. These jacks and plugs can be found all over the world, having been used in instrumentation, audio, and data systems for decades.
To complement their jack and plug product line, Switchcraft has come out with patch panel solutions for video, audio, and data patching applications. On top of standard high definition, midsize video, MMVP micro video, and ¼” long frame patch panels, Switchcraft has launched a new family of 12G rated solutions. These 12G rated solutions meet and exceed SMPTE ST208-1 and ST 2082-1 standards, with over 20,000 lifecycles and an all metal, light weight construction.
Other connectors include XLR, mini XLR, HPC series connectors, and BNC connectors. Broadcasters from around the world have been counting on these products from Switchcraft for decades.
For customers looking for a unique product, Shattuc can work with Switchcraft to provide custom-engineered solutions. Switchcraft and Shattuc have the capability to 3D model, rapid prototype and 3D print, develop, and test a wide variety of products. From environmental concerns, to life cycle issues and tactical solutions, Switchcraft and Shattuc can provide the right solution for you.
Shattuc stocks large amounts of Switchcraft’s most popular broadcast products. For more information, contact your Shattuc sales representative directly, call us at 866-SHATTUC, or contact us online.
