Lesson Plan
Course Title: Audio/Video Production
Session Title: Cable Coiling
Lesson Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to properly coil, deploy, and store
power of microphone and video cables according to industry standards.
Specific Objectives:
 Identify common cable types.
 Explain the benefits of properly coiling, deploying, and storing audio/video cables.
 Demonstrate how to coil and secure power extension cords, microphone/audio cables, and
video cables using the “figure eight” method.
 Demonstrate how to coil and secure power extension cords, microphone/audio cables, and
video cables using the “over/under” method.
 Demonstrate proper deployment of cables found in the audio/video industry.
 Demonstrate proper storage of cables found in the audio/video industry.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
130.85(c)(11)
The student develops a basic understanding of audio and video production. The student is
expected to:
(B) employ knowledge regarding use of audio by:
(vi) understanding various audio cables and connectors
(C) employ knowledge regarding use of video by:
(iv) understanding various video cables and connectors
(vii) demonstrating how to properly maintain video equipment
Instructor/Trainer
References:
www.cybercollege.com
Instructional Aids:
• Cable Coiling PowerPoint presentation
• Cable Coiling Rubric
Materials Needed:
• Required: Class set of various lengths and thickness of:
Power Extension Cables
Microphone Cables
Video Coaxial Cables
• Old 50’ - 100’ cable tied in knots for role play introduction
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Cable Coiling Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
1
•
Optional: 50 and/or 100 meter or longer multi-core camera type cables.
Equipment Needed:
• Computer with PowerPoint software or player installed.
• TV or Projector capable of displaying the presentation.
• Clock with seconds display for role play introduction.
• Optional: Hand held microphone for role play introduction.
Learner
None
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY:
Let's say that MTV, or ESPN, or (what ever production or media outlet your students
relate to) is in town to do a live standup in front of our school. They park the satellite
truck in the parking lot, set up the cameras, lights and sound equipment. Is there
anyone in this class who is interested in becoming an on-air talent?
Note: Select a student to act as an on-air talent – give them a hand held
microphone and stand at one end of the classroom.
SAY:
Now here is the famous on-air personality ________. He/She is ready to do the live
stand-up here at our school! On the other end of the classroom is the satellite truck.
(Point to imaginary satellite truck at far end of room) Now, who would like to be a film
or television producer some day?
Note: Select a student who may be interested in becoming a Producer.
Instruct them to count the seconds down from one minute as in “55 seconds
to air!” “50 seconds to air! 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,
1, cue talent! Have them start on your signal.
SAY:
Ok, here is our producer. His/Her job is to make sure that our live stand-up will get
on the air on time. So far, everything is going as planned. But, just as we are about
to go LIVE on the air, the sound operator notices that the on-air talent’s microphone
is not working. The problem is with the cable. Do you think that we could help them
out buy running one of our microphone cables from the satellite truck to the talent’s
microphone? (Pause) Who is interested in sound production?
Note: Select student who has an interest in sound production.
SAY:
Ok, here is our sound person. (Make gesture to sound person) Remember, we have
only sixty seconds to run the microphone cable from the satellite truck to the
microphone. Are you all ready? (Pause) Ok producer start the clock!
Note: Get the old cable that is tied in knots from hidden view from the
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Cable Coiling Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
2
students and hand it to the sound guy/girl. Let them try to untangle the “rats
nest” in time for the broadcast. They will probably fail. After 60 seconds. Stop
the sound person from continuing. Ask them to have a seat with the
remainder of the class.
SAY:
Alright, what happened? What was the problem? Ok, class… Let’s do this again.
Since I am a professional, I will run the cable myself and complete it on time to make
the broadcast a success. Producer, start the count down!
Note: Calmly get yourself a properly coiled cable from hidden view from the
students. Deploy the cable by slowly walking the cable out from the truck to
the talent. Make sure that you have the correct end (usually XLR Female)!
Attach the microphone to the cable and the imaginary truck.
SAY:
Talent… can I have a mic check please? (Wait for talent to say “Mic check 1, 2,
3…etc.” then talk toward imaginary truck) Is the mic level ok? Alright, the mic level is
good and we are ready to go.
Alright, what happened? What was the difference between the two scenarios?
SAY:
A basic job skill in the audio and video production industry is being able to properly
coil, deploy, and store power of microphone and video cables according to industry
standards. There are so many cables used in audio and video production. It is
essential to be able to manage the deployment, coiling and storage of all of the
cables involved. If you don’t know, you may look rather silly, and probably won’t last
very long in the audio/video production world.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I.
Identify common cable types.
Power extension cords
Microphone cables
Video coax cables
II. Explain the benefits of properly coiling,
deploying, and storing audio/video cables.
How do we benefit when we properly coil,
deploy and store our cables?
We Save Time!
We Save Money!
We look like Professionals!
It will help you get a job!
Instructor Notes:
Have a variety of cables on
hand to show students what
different types look like.
It is very common for people
to coil their cables
improperly! Most people do
not know the problems these
incorrect methods create
over the life of their cables.
The “Around Elbow, Through
Hand” coiling process
creates unwanted twists in
the cable causing
unnecessary tangles and
knots.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Cable Coiling Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
3
III. Demonstrate how to coil and secure power
extension cords, microphone/audio cables, and
video cables using the “Figure 8” method.
When dealing with large, thick or long cables,
The “Figure 8” method will often be the method
of choice.
Everyone do this a dozen
times with each cable type.
Emphasize that practice
makes perfect.
Coiling a cable using the “Figure 8” method.
Let’s practice the “Figure 8” Method
1. Practice on making it work!
2. Practice on making it beautiful!
3. Practice on coiling it quickly!
A. Walk out the cable
B. Coil it properly
IV. Demonstrate how to coil and secure power
extension cords, microphone/audio cables, and
video cables using the “Over/Under” method.
The “Over/Under” method.
Let’s practice the “Over/Under” method
1. Practice on making it work!
2. Practice on making it beautiful!
3. Practice on coiling it quickly!
Everyone do this a dozen
times with each cable type.
Emphasize that practice
makes perfect.
V. Demonstrate proper deployment of cables
found in the audio/video industry.
1. Walk out the cable / coil it properly
2. Plan for shortest distance possible for mic
cables
3. Avoid running mic cables parallel to power
cords to decrease electrical noise interference
4. Use black plastic electrical tape to tightly
seal cables if used in wet weather
VI. Demonstrate proper storage of cables found in
the audio/video industry.
Cable Storage:
Organize your cables by type and length
Cables should be stacked neatly on a shelf or
on a pegboard when not in use.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Teacher provides various lengths and thickness of audio, power and video cables for
practice.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Cable Coiling Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
4
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Teacher can distribute multiple connector and cable types to student groups of two.
Each group must help each other properly identify each component then quiz each
other on the components. (Great opportunity for students to get their hands on the
real thing.)
Rotate each pile of components around the classroom until all students have seen
every component more than once.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Teacher spot-checks each student for mastery.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Teacher: Observes students self monitoring and checking for understanding during
independent practice.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Coiling cables performance-based assessment using the Coiling Cables Rubric.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Students will be able to apply these skills in lab situations and in the workplace.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Cable Coiling Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
5
Cable Coiling Rubric
Name: _______________________
Coiling a 50’ microphone cable
Criteria
1. Time
Coiled and stored cable from a
properly deployed position
2. Length of coil loop
Coiled cable loop size is
appropriate
3. Consistency of coil
loop
Coiled cable loop size is
consistent
4. Cable loop twists
Coiled cable loops lay flat
5. Cable Tie
Excellent
Good
Poor
Oh no!
15 points
10 points
5 points
0 points
< 60 seconds
< 90 seconds
< 2 minutes
> 2 minutes
10 points
5 points
Loop size is a little long
or short
Loop size is very long
or short
Loop size is
ridiculously long or
short
15 points
Loop size is appropriate
15 points
10 points
5 points
0 points
Cable coil length is very
consistent and
professional looking
Cable coil length is
mostly consistent
Cable coil length is not
very consistent
Cable coil length is
not consistent
15 points
10 points
5 points
0 points
No over/under twists
present
One over/under twists
present
Two or three
over/under twists
present
Four or more
over/under twists
present
10 points
5 points
Cable tie tightly secured
Cable tie loosely
secured
0 points
Cable not tied
0 points
5 points
6. Storage
0 points
Cable not stored
properly and/or tie not
lined up
Cable stored properly
with tie lined up
15 points
10 points
5 points
0 points
7. Deployment
< 20 seconds,
Lays flat,
No knots
< 30 seconds,
Lays flat,
No knots
< 60 seconds,
Lays flat,
No knots
> 60 seconds,
Doesn’t lay flat,
Has knots
8. I work like a
professional
+10
+5
All above rated excellent
All above rated good
Score: ___________
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Cable Coiling Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
6
Cable Coiling Rubric
Coiling a 200’ camera cable
– Over/Under on the floor
– Figure Eight
Criteria
Name: _______________________
Excellent
Good
Poor
Oh no!
15 points
10 points
5 points
0 points
Coiled and stored cable from a
properly deployed position
< 2 minutes
< 2.5 minutes
< 3 minutes
> 3 minutes
2. Length of coil loop
15 points
10 points
5 points
Loop size is a little long
or short
Loop size is very long
or short
Loop size is
ridiculously long or
short
10 points
5 points
0 points
Cable coil length is very
consistent and
professional looking
Cable coil length is
mostly consistent
Cable coil length is not
very consistent
Cable coil length is
not consistent
15 points
10 points
5 points
0 points
No over/under twists
present
One over/under twists
present
Two or three
over/under twists
present
Four or more
over/under twists
present
1. Time
Coiled cable loop size is
appropriate
3. Consistency of coil
loop
Coiled cable loop size is
consistent
4. Cable loop twists
Coiled cable loops lay flat
Loop size is appropriate
15 points
5 points
10 points
5. Cable Tie
Cable tie loosely
secured
Cable tie tightly secured
7. Deployment
8. I work like a
professional
0 points
Cable not tied
0 points
5 points
6. Storage
0 points
Cable not stored
properly and/or tie not
lined up
Cable stored properly
with tie lined up
15 points
10 points
5 points
0 points
< 1 minute,
Lays flat,
No knots
< 1.5 minutes,
Lays flat,
No knots
< 2 minutes,
Lays flat,
No knots
> 2 minutes,
Doesn’t lay flat,
Has knots
+10
+5
All above rated excellent
All above rated good
Score: ___________
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Cable Coiling Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
7