Audiophiles can now turn to Rapid Electronics for their Sifam requirements, as the distributor has introduced a range of soft touch control knobs for audio, electronics and other process applications from this leading brand.

The products include soft touch mixer style control knobs designed to fit 6mm shafts, soft touch 18-spline knobs, 15mm splined and D shaft push fit control fixings and slide control knobs. The three ranges of soft touch mixer style control knobs available from Rapid are supplied in 11, 12 and 13mm diameters with a variety of pointer line colours. Manufactured in black nylon with a finely textured matt finish, all knobs offer a simple and secure shaft attachment, with internal mouldings that grip the shaft securely with splined configurations.

Sifam slider knobs are an ideal mixing desk solution, providing a classic stylish appearance with ease of control. Moulded in black nylon, the 4/02 LK110 range is designed for slider controls with 4mm x 1.2mm metal tangs, with the white indicator line extending through the centre of the body across the top and down the sides.

Paul Hemming of Rapid commented: ‘I am delighted to be able to introduce Sifam to Rapid. Audio technicians and professionals enjoy recognise that Sifam set the standard in terms of functionality, style and performance for audio control equipment, and I look forward to adding more products to the range very soon.’

What may interest regular Sifam buyers is that there is no MOQ on these ranges.

Rapid can support customers with competitive pricing, full technical support and product sourcing. Up to +500 price breaks are available on these Sifam ranges. For more information please visit the Rapid website.

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A revolutionary new heat-free crimping product is now available from Rapid Electronics. Cool Seal butt splice connectors ensures that wire connections and damaged cables can be sealed and repaired without the need for heat guns, soldering or sealing tapes.

Cool Seal uses patented anaerobic technology to create connections that are fully weatherproof and environmentally sealed. The constituent Cool Seal gel provides complete moisture protection through the principle of oxygen deprivation. After the wire is stripped and inserted through the anaerobic adhesive sealing gel within the connector, the gel flows around the wire to form a 100% airtight body. The gel cures to 80% within 2-3 hours, and is fully cured within 48 hours at ambient temperatures.

When used in conjunction with the approved crimp tool the pull-off values exceed the appropriate portion of EN60352-2 crimp specification. The nylon insulation provides excellent abrasion resistance, while the copper terminal is 99.9% Electrolytic Tough Pitch, ensuring the best possible copper connection.

Cool Seal gel is supplied in tubes to suit three different sizes of wire – 22-18 AWG (0.5 – 1mm²), 16-14 AWG (1.5 – 2.5mm²) and 12-10 AWG (4-6mm²). Available from Rapid are packs of 5, 40 and a mixed pack of 6 containing two tubes of each size, plus a repairers kit including the approved Cool Seal crimping tool and multi-packs of all 3 sizes.

Paul Hemming, product manager at Rapid, said: ‘Cool Seal is simply a cleaner, cooler way to crimp. Connections only have to be stripped and crimped in order to be sealed. Hot air guns or torches are unnecessary so crimping is safer, quicker and cheaper. This is an innovative product which we are delighted to be introducing to our extensive crimp connection range.’

For more details about Cool Seal, technical specifications and datasheets please visit the Rapid website.

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Rapid Electronics has announced that it is able to offer for the very first time products from Cree, one of the world’s leading manufacturer of LED lighting solutions. The first products available are the XLamp XP-E, XP-G and ML-B series of miniature power LEDs, which combine high output and efficiency lighting performance with a small footprint and are ideal for integration with indoor and outdoor lighting.

Producing a high level of light output from a single die LED, the XP-E and XP-G are high efficiency devices which benefit from a wide viewing angle, symmetrical package, small footprint, unlimited floor life and electrically neutral thermal path. They can be mounted on PCBs and are the ideal component for use as LED light bulbs. The lens size (diameter 2.5 and 2.6mm) and availability from Rapid in white, warm white, neutral white and cool white suit these lamps for a wide range of applications, such as outdoor lighting, colour changing displays, portable and personal lighting systems, indoor directional lighting, transportation, stage and studio, commercial and emergency vehicle lighting.

The ML-B range of power LEDs are supplied in warm white and cool white, with colour temperatures that range from 2700K to 7000K, luminosity from 23.5lm to 30.6lm and a maximum forward current of 175mA. These flat profile LED lamps have a high output, lighting-class performance and a smooth look that make them industry leading performers in quarter watt solid state lighting.

With features that include a wide viewing angle, uniform light output and precise chromaticity binning, the ML-B’s are ideal for use in applications such as linear lighting, under cabinet illumination, fluorescent retrofits, T5/T8 bulbs, retail and refrigerated display and panel lights.
Richard Philpot, LED product manager at Rapid, said: ‘We are delighted to be introducing Cree to our extensive offering of LED components. The high performance, efficiency and versatility of these first products are a fantastic showcase for Cree for our customers and we look forward to adding more Cree LEDs to our ranges.’

Up to +200 price breaks are offered on these products. For more details, technical specifications and datasheets please visit the Rapid website.

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Rapid Electronics will soon be able to offer a complete range of PCB terminal blocks from CamdenBoss. This major product introduction builds on the distribution agreement the two companies signed in 2011, making Rapid the UK’s leading supplier of CamdenBoss terminal blocks, DIN rail, ABS and metal enclosures, racks and cabinets.

The new products include the company’s complete range of PCB terminal blocks, comprising around 3000 lines in total (including 1000 new lines). Supplied in industry standard pitches and profiles, ratings and mouldings, all terminal block lines are available from stock or on short lead times.

Rapid is one of the UK’s leading distributors of electronic components and connectors for industry applications, and has always worked closely with Camden, so is the natural home for the extensive CamdenBoss ranges. The Colchester-based distributor became the UK’s premier stockist of Camden connectors before Camden acquired Boss Enclosures in 2009.

James Bell, Sales Director at Rapid, said: “When we signed our distribution partnership with CamdenBoss six months ago it was so we could offer our customers high volume options on key broadline product ranges, and we are delighted that their industry leading range of PCB terminal blocks will soon be available at the competitive prices for which Rapid is renowned”.
Forthcoming product introductions in 2012 will include fuses, switches and batteries. The full CamdenBoss product range includes not only terminal blocks, but instrument cases, metal boxes and enclosures, racks and cabinets, fuse holders, micro-switches, relay sockets, LEDs, contact blocks, lead acid batteries, PLCC sockets and relay bases for the electronics, telecommunications, lighting and electrical industries.

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A new range of sealing and potting compound products from Raytech is now available from Rapid Electronics, providing a high standard of sealing and corrosion protection for indoor and outdoor connectors and electrical components.

The new ranges comprise sealing products in a variety of bi-component formats. When the liquids are mixed they quickly form highly pliable gels and rubbers which set and cure quickly at room temperature. With a zero shelf life, Raytech gels and rubbers reduce wastage and although cold-applied like conventional tapes and grommets, possess moisture sealing capabilities higher than IP68. The ability of Raytech potting compounds to conform, coat, self-heat and be easily re-entered make these some of the most highly reliable products of their kind.

The products include Ray RTV rubber potting compound, a fast cross-linking bicomponent silicone rubber. When mixed the two components transform into a rubber with high mechanical, thermal and elastic characteristics ideal for sealing glass, pit sealing, rubber gaskets, anti-corrosion protection and moulding. Magic Rubber is extremely conformable, mouldable and flexible, elastic and flame retardant with high dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties. Galactic Gel Connection also provides an ideal solution for users who need to separate, insulate and seal electrical components in trays or other confined casings.

Paul Hemming, product manager at Rapid, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to add to our range of Raytech potting compounds. The products we are now able to offer provide customers with an extremely comprehensive range of high performance sealing and potting solutions for components and connections, delivering excellent flame, environmental and water protection.’

Rapid can support customers with competitive pricing, full technical support and product sourcing. For more details, technical specifications and datasheets please visit the Rapid website.

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A new range of bolt-on and clip-on heat sinks from leading manufacturer Fischer Elektronik is now available from Rapid Electronics, providing an extensive range of thermal management solutions.

This high performance hardware has been designed for optimum cooling of devices in TO-220, SOT-32 and TO-3P semiconductor packages. Made from aluminium, giving high thermal conductivity and optimum device contact, their black anodised finish increases radiative heat loss to maximise efficiency. As a further efficiency measure, the clip-on types have been designed so that the cooling fingers form spring clamps, pushing the component and its mounting flange onto the heatsink where, due to the constant pressure on the entire contact surface, effective thermal management is achieved.

With both bolt on and clip on fixing configurations, with and without solder pins, these Fischer Elektronik heat sinks can be both vertically and horizontally mounted. Also available are D-PAK compatible copper-based heat sinks with a solderable surface, which can be directly mounted on to a PCB.

The heat sinks are just part of the range of Fischer Elektronik semiconductor cooling devices offered by Rapid, including other types of semiconductor mounting hardware, thermal compounds, component mounting kits and spring mounting clips.
Richard Philpot, semiconductor product manager at Rapid, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to distribute this range of premium Fischer Elektronik products. Fischer is a world leading component cooling specialist and we look forward to adding more of their heat sink ranges in the future.’

Rapid can support customers with competitive pricing, full technical support and product sourcing. Up to +500 price breaks are available on these Fischer Elektronik ranges. For more details, technical specifications and datasheets please visit the Rapid website.

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Rapid is delighted to announce the introduction of a wide range of connection products from leading manufacturer EDAC, for a variety of strength applications from marine and broadcast to automotive and domestic use.

The products cover virtually all requirements and are of a high quality design and manufactured standard. Over 70 lines are available in all, including five distinct ranges – the 565 and 570 series of waterproof connectors, 516 series of rack and panel connectors, card edge connectors, USB 3.0 connectors and 520 series of hermaphroditic connectors & cable assemblies.
The 565 and 570 series of waterproof connectors are suitable for a wide range of applications, from external lighting arrays and outside broadcast equipment to automotive and marine products. Designed for use in both extreme moisture and non-submersion situations, the IP67 connectors support both low-level signal and power applications up to 12A and 300V.

Also available is EDAC’s established 516 series of rack and panel connectors, which engineers have relied on for 40 years of providing ultra-secure connections in the oil, gas and railway industries. The hardware provides for 288 different polarising combinations, ensuring the right plug is always mated with the right receptacle.

Rapid is also delighted to be offering the EDAC range of card edge connectors, which has the potential to offer 333,000 different configurations and remains a highly cost-effective connection solution. 12 to 86 way options are available, as well as micro versions with a wide variety of mounting options.

EDAC’s USB 3.0 connectors provide a significant leap forward in data transfer speeds supporting rates up to 5Gbps and are fully compatible with USB 2.0 connectors. They can be used for applications ranging from computers, printers and digital cameras to medical equipment and automotive products. They support hot plugging and are available as Type A and Type B 90° board through-hole receptacles and in a Micro SMT option.

Completing the family of products is the 520 series of connectors & cable assemblies, which utilise gold-plated hermaphroditic contacts to produce an ultra-reliable connection with four gas-tight mating surfaces.

Paul Hemming, product manager of connectors at Rapid, said: ‘We are delighted to become an EDAC distributor. EDAC have a proud history of innovation in the connection field, from card edge technology to 3.0 USB, and we look forward to supplying more EDAC products in the future.’

Rapid can support customers with competitive pricing, full technical support and product sourcing. Up to +100 price breaks are available on these five EDAC ranges. For more details, technical specifications and datasheets please visit the Rapid website.

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Newly available from Rapid Electronics is the Arduino microcontroller system – the open source prototyping platform which created a revolution in electronics design when it was launched in 2005. Because Arduino software is freely available under an open source license, the Arduino system gives designers, engineers, students and hobbyists the chance to build, program and test their electronic projects and inventions.

From beginners activating an LED in response to an environmental trigger to experienced programmers creating complex sound and light installations, the Arduino system caters for all levels of ability and applications. Even the most inexperienced programmer and circuit builder can exploit Arduino’s unique combination of usability, open source software, online resources and community support.

Rapid can supply an extensive range of Arduino products, accessories and components – including the Arduino Uno, Nano and Mega boards, Arduino Ethernet shields, Motor shields, servo modules and enclosures. Individual microcontrollers such as the ATmega328 will be added to the range soon.

Richard Philpot, product manager of Integrated Circuits at Rapid, said: ‘Rapid has long wanted to become an Arduino distributor, because it is just the kind of product that would be popular with a wide cross-section of our customers. The Arduino system is an excellent tool for any budding designer, ICT teacher, student or hobbyist. We are delighted to be supplying the Uno, Nano and Mega boards and look forward to building the range.’

Datasheets, schematics and reference designs are accessible from the Rapid website.

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The Power Ethernet PE socket provides Ethernet connections for up to four internet-enabled devices from a traditional mains wall socket, without the need for additional and unsightly cabling. The PE Socket takes advantage of a building’s existing electrical wiring to create a high-speed and secure data network for connecting computers, VoIP phones, multimedia set-top boxes, Internet-connected TVs, CCTV and other IP enabled devices. Other applications include smart metering, home automation and digital signage.

The PE Sockets have been designed to be fitted into a minimum 35mm deep UK or Irish double gang metal back box. Two or more PE Sockets are required in order to create a Powerline network. The network is very easy to set up as all PE Sockets are designed to automatically link to each other. The power outlets must be electrically connected sharing the same power phase in order for the PE Sockets to provide a network connection between them.

The great benefit of PE sockets is how easy and efficient they make the process of networking businesses, commercial and residential buildings. Each PE socket has a data speed of up to 200Mbps across a meshed network and a range of 300m between sockets, and is encrypted with 128-bit AES security. The data speed is fast enough to stream HD video.
Greg Potter of Rapid Electronics commented: ‘We are delighted to be supporting Power Ethernet as one of the limited number of UK retailers of the PE socket. As a company we see the huge potential of the PE socket as a networking solution for both businesses and homes.’

‘The Power Ethernet socket is a true game changer for the electrical industry,’ said Power Ethernet Managing Director Daniel Rogoff.
‘For the first time, electricians and electrical contractors can start specifying and installing data networks for customers without specialist cabling knowledge. From Connected TVs and games consoles to CCTV and IP phones, there are a rapidly growing number of IP enabled devices in homes and workplaces that need high-speed, physical network connections. I’m very excited to be launching a product that enables the electrical industry to play a big role in satisfying that demand.’
For more details, technical specifications and datasheets please visit the Rapid website.

www.rapidonline.com

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Rapid Electronics have recently introduced a new range of test and measurement equipment and accessories from leading manufacturer Hameg Instruments.
The products include 2-channel and 4-channel digital, analogue and mixed signal oscilloscopes, bench top multimeters, spectrum analyzers, function generators, PSUs and a full range of accessories. Hameg products are designed specifically for the mid-market, budget conscious user in the educational, industrial and home environment.

Hameg digital oscilloscopes provide the full range of features and testing potential – bandwidth up to 200MHz, 2MPts memory depth, serial bus trigger and hardware accelerated decode, component testing and auto measurement. The extensive features, flexibility and high connectivity make these whisper quiet oscilloscopes ideal tools for training, laboratory, development and service. The HM8112-3 bench top digital multimeter offers high performance, feature rich measurement of volts, ohms and amps as well as frequency and period.

Also available are a complete range of accessories and parts, such as probes, plug-in antennas, thermopaper, interface cables, tweezers, carrying cases and counters.
Greg Potter, product manager of test equipment at Rapid, commented: ‘We are delighted to be launching Hameg’s extensive range of products. Hameg’s devices cater for users looking for optimum performance and affordability, and provide an excellent solution for test, laboratory and production applications.’

Rapid can support customers with competitive pricing, full technical support and product sourcing. For more details, technical specifications and datasheets please visit the Rapid website.

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