Theatre 2-way communications
Thu, 6 Jan 2005, 01:26 pmTom4 posts in thread
Theatre 2-way communications
Thu, 6 Jan 2005, 01:26 pmDoes anyone know where to get four reasonably good quality two-way tranceivers for backstage/lighting/sound communication? We are looking for Wireless headsets to do this job as we cannot hard wire a system. We had a set of Realistic FM Tranceivers, but they are becoming unstable (and new ones seem to be unobtainable).
Any help would be very welcome on tommyers@netspace.net.au
Any help would be very welcome on tommyers@netspace.net.au
Re: Theatre 2-way communications
Sat, 8 Jan 2005, 11:59 amHello Tom
I am assumng you are in amateur theatre and are trying to keep costs down. I work in both areas so will cover both.
Unfortunately we need to use professional equipment in amateur theatre and this is one of those areas if the budget is available. If the budget is not there but the need is, try sponsorship or an arts grant.
The replacement for the Realistic sets that are still used in a lot of schools and amateur theatre groups is the UHF band 40 channel sets that everyone is selling including supermarkets. The problem that this is causing is too many users for the 40 channels available so if you want to use this cheapest option you need to find a clear channel. They have selective calling available which mutes the chit chat but when you want to use your set, someone else may be using the channel.
Cost is about $40 for a 1 to 2 watt unit with vox (voice activated operation) which is sometimes needed if rigging etc, rechargeable batteries etc are also offered. 5 watt sets are about $200.
If you go to the ALIA site as na suggested you will be able to join and post questions as the most useful feature of the site is interacting with industry.
On the ALIA web site. go to members and follow the link to JANDS Electronics as they have a wireless belt pack but they were $2000 a set when they came out. Jands are Clearcom distributers.
This is what the industry has to pay for reliable wireless comms which is why concert prices are so high but the quality is also high.
You can integrate wireless and wired to keep costs down so that only those that need freedom to roam have wireless belt packs.
You can also use your mobile phones in some situations as el cheapo wireless intercoms, making sure you NEVER stand next to an open mic or next to an audio desk, leave your phone on silent (vibrate) and speak quietly. If you are on the same carrier you may have free calls depending on your plans, or use the phone as a pager so you have the callers name in your phonebook and do not answer the call, just go to a wired talkback station for audio comms.
Hope that helps a bit.
Don
I am assumng you are in amateur theatre and are trying to keep costs down. I work in both areas so will cover both.
Unfortunately we need to use professional equipment in amateur theatre and this is one of those areas if the budget is available. If the budget is not there but the need is, try sponsorship or an arts grant.
The replacement for the Realistic sets that are still used in a lot of schools and amateur theatre groups is the UHF band 40 channel sets that everyone is selling including supermarkets. The problem that this is causing is too many users for the 40 channels available so if you want to use this cheapest option you need to find a clear channel. They have selective calling available which mutes the chit chat but when you want to use your set, someone else may be using the channel.
Cost is about $40 for a 1 to 2 watt unit with vox (voice activated operation) which is sometimes needed if rigging etc, rechargeable batteries etc are also offered. 5 watt sets are about $200.
If you go to the ALIA site as na suggested you will be able to join and post questions as the most useful feature of the site is interacting with industry.
On the ALIA web site. go to members and follow the link to JANDS Electronics as they have a wireless belt pack but they were $2000 a set when they came out. Jands are Clearcom distributers.
This is what the industry has to pay for reliable wireless comms which is why concert prices are so high but the quality is also high.
You can integrate wireless and wired to keep costs down so that only those that need freedom to roam have wireless belt packs.
You can also use your mobile phones in some situations as el cheapo wireless intercoms, making sure you NEVER stand next to an open mic or next to an audio desk, leave your phone on silent (vibrate) and speak quietly. If you are on the same carrier you may have free calls depending on your plans, or use the phone as a pager so you have the callers name in your phonebook and do not answer the call, just go to a wired talkback station for audio comms.
Hope that helps a bit.
Don