Expert AV integration, exhibit control systems, and strategic technology consulting for museums, science centers, and cultural institutions.
Independent. Experienced. Built for the Institution.
Ponderay Tech is a boutique museum AV and technology consultancy based in the Pacific Northwest, serving cultural institutions from Alaska to the mid-Atlantic. As a sole-operator practice with a trusted network of partner organizations, every engagement is handled directly by principal consultant Jim McCabe — an IT and AV professional with deep roots in museum operations, exhibit technology, and systems integration.
We bring large-firm expertise without the overhead. Our clients work directly with the person who designs, deploys, and supports their systems — someone who understands both the technical stack and the interpretive mission behind it.
From AV systems design and exhibit control to custom software platforms and staff training, Ponderay Tech delivers solutions that are maintainable, cost-effective, and built to last.
From initial systems audit to long-term technical support, we handle every layer of your institution's technology infrastructure.
Audio-visual systems design, specification, procurement, and installation for permanent and traveling exhibitions. Projectors, digital signage, distributed audio, and interactives.
Custom control solutions — including our proprietary ECS Pilothouse platform — replacing costly AMX/Crestron systems with maintainable, staff-friendly alternatives built on open standards.
Strategic technology planning, vendor evaluation, RFP development, and project management. Independent advice and recommendations are always driven by your needs, not ours.
Remote and on-site support for existing AV and exhibit technology. Troubleshooting, documentation, staff training, and preventive maintenance programs.
Exhibit control applications, kiosk deployments, scheduling platforms, and workflow tools — built specifically for the operational realities of cultural institutions.
Collaborative support for technology-driven exhibitions, including immersive environments, interactive experiences, and media-rich storytelling installations — working alongside interpretive planners and design partners to ensure the technology serves the story.
ECS Pilothouse — a proprietary platform purpose-built for institutions that don't need a $50,000 show controller to manage their projectors, computers, and lighting. Where AMX, Crestron, and QSys make sense, they have a place. Where they don't, ECS Pilothouse does. ECS Pilothouse is also the answer for institutions whose existing system has aged out — where the original integrator is gone, the support contract lapsed, or the hardware simply failed. A full replacement at capital-project cost isn't always an option. ECS Pilothouse is.
WattBox and RackLink PDU integration with per-outlet scheduling, status monitoring, and remote control.
Christie, PJLink, and Sony projector control via TCP. Named device management with last-commanded state tracking.
Flexible scheduling for all device types — computers, projectors, and smart plugs — in a single unified interface.
Where appropriate, ECS supports pro-sumer smart devices — delivering the same scheduling and control capability at a fraction of proprietary hardware costs.
Web-based interface designed for trained staff — accessible from dedicated touchscreens or authorized front desk terminals.
Museum exhibit control has long been dominated by expensive proprietary systems that require certified programmers for every change. ECS breaks that dependency.
ECS runs on standard Windows hardware, can deploy quickly, and can be maintained by staff. No proprietary processors. No per-port licensing. No programmer lockout.