Founded almost 20 years ago, Universal Concept Solutions Limited, also known as Audio North West, specialises in designing, supplying and installing commercial sound systems, intelligent lighting, video walls and distribution as well as education services. Its products include Public Address (PA) and tannoy systems, factory music systems and LED lighting. A team of professional highly skilled on-site engineers ensure all deadlines and build programs are achieved by communicating with other trades and disciplines where necessary.
The company, which has partnered with POS hardware solutions provider Star Micronics, offers a range of services and technical support packages to cater for any size project including project design, planning and management, product advice and supply only service (with full technical support), system integration, installation and training, equipment repair and maintenance services.
Mark Hayes, CEO, explains: “I have many years’ experience in the IT and AV industries, having started out selling computers and printers. I subsequently moved into the AV industry and spent a number of years in sound and lighting. Having gained experience working for different lighting manufacturers and companies, I took the decision to start my own AV company, Audio North West. Two years ago I moved into the leisure industry and, in particular, the crazy golf and gym markets.”
The company has developed two solutions that are in use at the new crazy golf course inside Trafford Park Manchester. The venue offers food and drink with bowling and crazy golf amongst a range of indoor sporting activities.
Luminate Golf
Universal Concept Solutions Limited has invented and manufactured a new LED interactive mini golf hole called Luminate Golf. Backed with over 30 years’ manufacturing experience, the company offers a bespoke LED lighting system that comes with a steel base and ease of accessibility to components. The company’s LED interactive golf hole can be found in sites across the UK and USA, with projects in Europe scheduled to become live.
PUTTRACK scoring software
PUTTRACK is a new scoring software that allows the user to enter their playing scores as they move around the golf course but has the capability of also having a fully automatic play built in. The new system has been designed in a modular way to allow customers to select any of the modules that can integrate with other systems, such as lighting controls, pay and booking systems or just to be a stand-alone system. It can work on different platforms while its analytic module provides results to help clients by allowing them to data capture virtual information on how their customers are playing the game. Moreover, family venues can select the parental control module to make the system under 18’s friendly.
Printing game codes with Star TSP143IV
Universal Concepts required a compact printer to print the code to play and selected the Star TSP143IV for its unique range of features including multiple interfaces along with Star’s integrated CloudPRNT™ technology.
Star’s unique CloudPRNT technology is included across Star’s thermal receipt, ticket and label printers and allows printers to connect directly to web apps and cloud-based software both within a single venue and remotely. This enables printing directly and securely from a web browser to connected printers anywhere in the world without complicated network configurations. With a fast 250mm/s print speed and support for 85 µm down to 49 µm thin paper, the compact design of the TSP143IV represents a space-saving solution.
Offering a range of integrated features including wall mount keyways and smart cabling to protect from mains or USB disconnection, the TSP143IV boasts optimal versatility. Thanks to everything included at purchase as well as a 4-year warranty as standard, the TSP143IV offers exceptional functionality and reliability.
“Familiar with Star for many years, I knew the products were great and reliable. Building my system to work globally, I only use products that I know will work reliably. The scoring system is using a web server program and can work as part of the cloud or independently for one site. The TSP143IV printer works perfectly over the network and thanks to Star CloudPRNT™ has excellent cloud connectivity,” concludes Mark Hayes.
