Basic electronics for tech departments on-set

Course: Basic electronics for tech departments on-set.

Date of delivery: Saturday, 16th August 2025

Duration:  1 x day in-person workshop: 10am – 5pm

Cost: Free

Venue: In-person, Wicklow, venue tbc.

Course Tutor: Frank Duffy

Course Profile:

This course will run over 1 x day on a Saturday.

This training programme aims to provide a basic grounding in frontline management of electronics for crew in the Sound, Camera, DIT, and Video Assist departments handling electronic equipment. With better understanding, safety for crew on-set is increased and damage to equipment would be mitigated.

Course Content:

• Basic safety procedures for using and repairing electronic equipment
• Identifying system faults, critical and non-critical electrical or electronic issues
• First line maintenance and management of faulty items or system issues
• Batteries and charging systems
• Cable termination and testing, including Soldering and Crimping methods. RF and Video cables.
• Introduction to Circuits. Electronic components, Resistance, Capacitance, Volts, Amps and Watts
• Measuring with a multi-meter
• Cables, the right cable for the job and building or repairing cables
• Power Supplies and voltage regulators, specifications, connectors and pin-outs.
• Troubleshooting faulty equipment

Please note that there will be practical workshop exercises involving electronic equipment and tools. It will be mandatory to participate in these practical elements.

Participant Profile:

Experienced Film & TV crew in the Sound, Camera, DIT, and Video Assist  Departments.

Please note this course is limited to 20 participants.

Application Procedure:

Please apply online on this LINK by Tuesday 22nd July, 12pm.  

For technical difficulties with the online system please email brian.murphy@nationaltalentacademies.ie

Film & TV Crew Academy East courses are open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

Tutor Profile:

Frank Duffy has over 40 years’ experience in the field of Media and Telecommunications.

Frank had an interest in radio and electronics from an early age, soldering his first digital IC in 1976.  He studied as a Radio Operator in Kevin St. College of Technology, and Atlantic College.

Frank started his career working at a local studio during the introduction of Dolby on “Portrait of a Young Man” and in community radio. He also worked in communications and in Garda Telecoms.

Frank now runs his own business making, maintaining and repairing Film & TV production equipment, and has provided on-set and location wireless consultancy to Vikings over a number of seasons.