NAVCOM

Effectively absorbs vibration

from 10 to 30,000hz.

NAVCOM & Related Products Information

A Product of
Allsop/Sims Vibration
P. O. Box 23
Bellingham, WA 98227
Phone: (206) 734-9090
Fax: (206) 734-9858
O.E.M. Version I, 12/27/90
1990 by Allsop, Inc.

Inside
I.

Allsop/Sims Vibration

II.

NAVCOM: Noise and Vibration Control

Material

III.

Applications in Audio Industry: Test Results

IV.

Dynamic Vibration Properties of Various ViscoElastic Materials

V.

Physical Properties of NAVCOM

VI.

Allsop CD Plus Protective Stabilizers

VII.

NAVCOM Audio Isolators

VIII. Testimonials
IX.

The Allsop Advantage: Vision for the Future

X.

About Steve Sims

XI.

Availability

I. Allsop/
Sims Vibration

Allsop, Inc. and Sims Vibration Dynamics have combined

their unique talents in pursuit of solutions to the problems
associated with unwanted or harmful vibration. With NAVCOM
(Noise and Vibration Control Material) as the common
denominator, this team of experts is currently exploring the
materials potential applications in several diverse industries.
NAVCOM, a highly effective vibration control material that
absorbs the transmission of vibration throughout the audio
frequency spectrum from 10 to 30,000hz, is proving to be a
magical material that is gaining considerable attention in
the consumer electronics, sports recreation, aerospace, and
automotive industries. This material has taken form in over 15
patented products, including recording studio insulation, computer
hard drive isolation, mounting grommets, equipment handles, and
multi-purpose vibration absorption pads. Applications to noise
dampening and increased rider comfort are also being discussed
with several of the countries major car companies. And the same
principles are being applied to recreational equipment to improve
performance and increase player comfort.
The unique absorption properties and metamorphic abilities of
NAVCOM make it the ideal solution to many noise and vibration
problems.

II. NAVCOM:
Noise and
Vibration
Control
Material_____

NAVCOM - a dramatic advancement in an anti-vibration/

noise material that is improving product development in the
audio, computer, scientific instrument, blower/motor, and
several other industries.
Simply put, NAVCOM will stop more energy from disturbing a
protected object and dissipate the disturbing force faster than any of
the materials tested. (See Exhibit 1)
Material Description:
NAVCOM is an elastic, amorphous, rubber-like substance. It has
a very low natural frequency that is lower than the audio frequency
bandwidth. The peak amplitude at its internal resonant frequency
is relatively low and the curve has a sharp fall-off, far lower than the
audio frequency bandwidth. This makes it ideal for the purposes
of sound deadening, since the effect of energies between the
frequencies of 10 and 30,000 hertz is minimal.
Applications:
NAVCOM is a very versatile material with universal application
to noise, shock, and vibration problems. Already it has found
acceptance for these applications, and the following are only a
sample:
v

The CARVER CORPORATION selected NAVCOM foot

pads as the shock and vibration protection for its new highend amplifier, the Silver Seven.

SEAGATE, a leader in computer hard drives, is working

with NAVCOM grommets for improved noise and crash
protection as well as settling time reduction.

One of the nations largest aerospace firms is using

NAVCOM to stop vibration in fuselage sander handles.

The FORD MOTOR COMPANY and other car manufacturers

are exploring NAVCOM applications in increasing rider
comfort by reducing engine noise and car vibration.

RADIO SHACK offers a portable CD mount designed with

NAVCOM for use in automobiles.

III. Applications in
Audio Industry:
Test Results

A prominent audio speaker stand manufacturer

contracted for outside material testing done on
NAVCOM to evaluate it as a dampening material
for speaker stands. The test data speaks for itself.
NAVCOM attenuates energy at a rate not matched by other
materials!
Untreated Speaker Stand Measurements
Figure 1 shows the energy received from the Bodysonic
element through the stand by the sensor. About 600
milliseconds (6/10 second) are needed for the energy to decay
36db.
Figure 1 Model 20-69P with spikes (untreated)

NAVCOMTreated Speaker Stand Measurements

Figure 2 shows the energy received from the Bodysonic
element through the NAVCOMtreated stand by the sensor.
Figure 2 Model 20-69P treated with NAVCOM
Foot pads, NAVCOM leg plugs and wood stock plate with
NAVCOM dampening layer.

CONCLUSIONS
The energy peaks on the fully treated stand have dropped
over 12db, while most of the energy between the peaks have
dropped 18db, or more. The decay time is down from 600
milliseconds to about 100 milleseconds. The pinging from the
legs has been suppressed.

IV. Dynamic
Vibration
Properties of
Various ViscoElastic Materials

EXHIBIT 1
A thorough experimental procedure was followed to
prove the superiority of NAVCOMas a vibration
control material. An analysis of the various visco
elastic materials was conducted and compared with
the properties of NAVCOM.
A test conducted for the above-mentioned visco elastic materials
calculated vibration modal amplitude and decay time for each material.
A high resolution FFT spectrum analyzer generated the test impulse for
each sample under experimentation. A Bodysonic vibrotactile transducer
reproduced the test impulse for recording. The pickup sensor, a Penwalt
high-polymer accelerometer, was placed on top of each sample. The
Bodysonic was located on top of the test stand. The floor was wood
parquet over a concrete foundation. The foundation was located 75
feet away from an infrequently used street. The test computer was set
to repeat each test 16 times and calculate an average value to ensure
accuracy and signal to noise ratio of the measurements.

List of Materials
Tested
1.
2.
3.
4.

Butyl
Neoprene
Raw Silicone Rubber
Sintra (foam sheet)

5. Ear-isodamp
6. Sorbothane
7. Kydex

Each graph illustrates the amplitude of the generated

wave as a function of maximum change in decibels.
The horizontal axis shows the decay time in
milliseconds. The graphs are labeled for the different
materials 1 through 8 stated above.

8. NAVCOM

Conclusions:
It is evident from these tests that NAVCOM outperforms the other
visco materials in reducing direct vibration. These tests represent only
a small amount of the complete test data recorded for NAVCOM. All
tests represent mean test results and are partially dependent upon the
particular lab conditions. NAVCOM has proven to produce similar
results in many different applications. Please refer to MATERIAL
PROPERTY SHEET for the suitability of the material to the particular
application.

V. Physical
Properties of
NAVCOM

Environment

Oven aged
70 hrs.
@ 212 =+/- 5F

Common name:

NAVCOM

Shore A hardness range:

15 90

Shore A

Ultimate
Elong
Percent

Tens
Str.,
PSI

Comp
Set
%

SP.
Gravity

7
12
20
30
40
90

1,075%
900%
835%
1,056%
326%
175%

373
643
1,069
1,621
1,453
2,440

6.01
7.3
6.9
4.0
N/A
N/A

1.025
1.063
1.074
1.185
1.379

7
12
20
40

N/A
-

N/A
-

56.3
31.1
30.8
22.4

90

18.6

1.014

Resilience:
At room temperature Medium
At high temperature Fairly high
Heat-resistance:
Good
Outdoor aging resistance: Excellent
Low temp flexibility:
Good
Abrasion resistance:
Good
Flex life:
Good
Solvent resistance:
Hydrocarbons Fair to good
Oxygenated Fair to good
Air permeability:
Low to moderate
Moisture resistance:
Fair
Temperature range:
- 40 to 250

VI. Allsop CD
Plus Protective
Stabilizers______

Developed by Steve Sims, vibration specialist and

inventor of a similar product CD Sound Rings,
the Allsop CD Plus Protective Stabilizer is the superior, next generation
sound enhancement product. The Protective Stabilizer is a precision
crafted band that conforms to the outer edge of a compact disc. Made
with NAVCOM, the band reduces compact disc vibration resulting
in a truer reproduction of sound from CD players. However, unlike
similar products, the CD Plus Protective Stabilizer is self-centering,
removable, and works in single and multiple disc players. Since the
Protective Stabilizer protrudes slightly above the playing surface of the
disc, it reduces the risk of scratching and helps keep the playing surface
clean. Once the band is applied, it allows the disc to be handled without
transferring finger oils.

VII. NAVCOM
Audio Isolators

Because of NAVCOMs superior vibration

absorption qualities, Allsop/Sims Vibration was able to develop a thinner,
more effective component foot that not only is thin enough to work in
rack systems, but far exceeded its isolation capability expectations as the
following test results show.
Dynamic Vibration Properties of Various Isolation Materials
A thorough experimental procedure was followed to prove the superiority
of NAVCOM as a vibration control material.
The following test calculates the suppression of vibrations measured in
G forces. A Bruel & Kjaer 2034 Dual Channel Signal Analyzer and 4393
Accelerometer were used to measure the vibration suppression. The
simulated force was created by a B & K Vibration Shaker model 4810.
The accelerometer was placed on top of each sample under analysis.
The vibration shaker was located on the test stand 18 away. Each test
was conducted 16 times to calculate an average value of signal to noise to
ensure accurate measurements.
The total on the upper right corner of each graph displays the amount of
vibration energy that passes through the material measured in G forces
from 0 to 800hz.

Conclusions:
It is evident from these tests that the material NAVCOM outperforms
the other audio isolation materials in reducing direct vibration. These
tests represent only a small amount of the complete test data recorded
for NAVCOM. All tests represent mean test results and are partially
dependent upon the particular lab conditions. NAVCOM has proven to
produce similar results in many different applications.
In addition to Allsop, numerous CD hardware manufacturers recognize the
effects of sound degrading vibration and counters them with various antivibration methods:

PIONEER PD-91
The PD-91 also adopts a non-resonant design by using a laminated
pickup base to protect the pickup against unnecessary vibration, an
isolated transformer base to suppress the vibration from the power
transformer efficiently, copper-plated honeycomb chassis, magnetoperated vertical clamp-in system CD stabilizer and large-size honeycomb
insulator.
- JEI, Jan. 89
AKAI CD-93
The CD-93 hosts a high-rigidity resonance-free construction to suppress
extraneous vibrations, thereby improving signal reading precision for
improved sound quality.
The disk sits securely on an aluminum die-cast linear slide skating tray
and is held firmly in place during operation by a large, disk-size vertical
clamper to support the entire disk, thereby suppressing extraneous
vibrations and improving tracking.
- JEI, Jan. 89

FISHER DAC-Z1, AD-Z1

It is the job of the optical pickup device to precisely read information from
the micro-pits of the 1.6m pitch disk. Therefore, all vibration must be
eliminated to realize precision tracking.
- JEI, Jan. 89
KENWOOD DP-8018
Vibration by Sound Pressure from Speakers and Servo Circuit Operation
If the gain of servo circuits is set too high, it is weakened by flaws and dirt
on the disc and if it is set too low, it becomes weakened by the vibrations
from outside sources.
In addition, if gain is set too high, the servo circuit is too sensitive to follow
and this causes ground potential variations and power supply voltage
variations. As a result, the above-mentioned jitter is generated, lowering
the sound quality.
- JEI, Jan. 89

JVC XL-Z555BK
A disk drive system that can pick up digital codes 1/100th of a hairs
diameter is extremely sensitive to vibrations. In the ISS, a high-precision
pickup base is set up with an insulator. . .
In addition to outside vibration and sound pressure, it curbs internal
vibration to realize improved sound quality.
- JEI, Jan. 89

NAKAMICHI CDPlayer2
. . . CDPlayer2 has a large-diameter, magnetically chucked Disc
Stabilizer. It suppresses the effects of external vibrations and dampens
disc resonances that can lead to excessive focus servo activity and sonic
smearing.
PIONEER CD Turntable
The small clamp area in conventional units provides less support for the
disk; in the new unit, the turntable is the same size as the CD, providing
balanced support for the disk during playback. In conventional CD
players, the CDs ability to pick up pit information at the 0.0016mm level
makes it extremely susceptible to interference from vibrations.

VIII. Testimonials

With the NAVCOM Silencers in place, it was immediately apparent how

much cleaner music sounded, regardless of source . . . It was a rare
and pleasant experience to encounter an accessory device whose sonic
contributions were backed up by measured data.
Bert Whyte
Audio Magazine, July 1989

These gizmos are great! I installed them in place of Tiptoes between

the subs and quads in my stack speaker setup; the result was a major
gain in bass clarity, articulation, with improvement extending well into
the midrange . . . The beneficial effects of the improved CD player
vibration control were quite audible (more detail, better layering within the
soundstage).
Robert Deutsch
Sterophile, December 1989

With the VPI thus modified (modification of a VPI HW-19 MKII replacing
the four subchassis springs with NAVCOM Silencers), the bass got better
yet, and the sound opened up considerably.
Arnis Belgalvis
Stereophile, June 1989

Thanks for the NAVCOM feet. We will be using them in the recording
studio to isolate our electronics.
David Chesky
Chesky Records, Nov. 1990

The isolators (NAVCOM Silencers) are a must for anyone with a good
system of LP or CD playing . . . Best thing Ive heard in my time.
Nat Garfinkle
Sec-SFAES (Retired)

IX. The Allsop

Advantage:
Vision For The
Future________

Inspired by the love of skiing, Allsop, Inc. has become

one of the worlds leaders in the manufacturing of
recreational, computer, and consumer electronics
accessories.
In 1964, Ivor Buss Allsop and his three sons started work on a small
business in his garage. Using spare time, an S.B.A. loan and lots of luck,
a corporation was formed.
With their combined efforts, the Allsop family soon created the most
successful boot carrying and display system in the world. Since then, the
innovation and introduction of the finest and most unique products in six
industries still continues.
Allsops dedication to manufacturing the finest products in the consumer
electronics, ski and bicycle, tennis and computer accessories markets
has brought the first and only shock absorbing ski pole; the worlds best
cassette deck cleaning system; and the patented wet/dry VCR cleaner.

Allsop also holds the patents for the worlds fastest,

The Allsop family of
waxless base, cross-country ski; the ratcheting
products are protected
closure system for many of todays alpine ski boots,
by more than 450 patents
computer cleaners, office products, bicycle chain
and supply 6 industries cleaners, the Sonic Enhancement Series, and the
in over 40 countries.
Revolutionary SOFTRIDE Suspension System for bicycles.
The Allsop family of products is protected by more than 450 patents and
supplies 6 industries in over 40 countries.
A rich family tradition, dedication and innovation make Allsop, Inc. the
driving force of today and into the 90s.

X. About
Steve Sims______

Steve Sims, a 1980 graduate of the University of

Oregon, with a B.S. in physics and a B.A. in marketing, is fast becoming
the authority on vibration reduction. His research in the field has yielded
17 vibration-reducing patents which were developed for, or are being
used by, clients such as Boeing Aircraft, A&M Records, Inc., Radio Shack,
Grembling Mastering, and DMP Recording.

XI. Availability

NAVCOM can be readily compression molded into any configuration.

Standard tile can be available in 12 x 12 to 36 x 36 and 1/4, 3/16 and
1/8 thickness. The material characteristics make NAVCOM ideal for:
Grommets
Bushings
Washers

Shock Mounts
Protection/Insulation Pads
Turntable Mats