Radio mic frequencies/licensing - totally confused!!

[tintin99]

Hi,

 

Once or twice a year I help a small local society with the sound reinforcement for their events and I've only just heard about the situation regarding the changes in radio mic frequencies etc - a bit late I know! Anyway, I've been Googling for hours and I'm going round in circles. Would some kind person please take a few minutes to help me out by answering my questions?

 

1. We have Shure UT1 body packs and UT4 receivers, and a hand-held Shure PGX2 mic with PGX4 receiver. How do I find out what frequency they use? I looked through the manuals but no joy - will it be on the units themselves somewhere?

 

2. What are the new frequencies/channels that are now or will be available and will we need licences to use them?

 

3. Presumably any new equipment currently on sale will be legal going forward?

 

4. If we have to buy new mics will they be tied to a particular channel or can they be used on any of the available channels?

 

5. What are the pros and cons of one channel vs another?

 

Thanks very much in anticipation!

 

Bob.

[adamharman]

The frequency should be on the transmitters, either on a sticker or an the display when they're switched on.

 

If it's in the 863-865 mhz range, that's still ok.

 

Otherwise, you've missed the deadline for being able to claim compensation for not being able to use them any more. I think you should also have had a license to use them anyway.....

 

All new equipment should be legal, as long as you have a license for any licensed frequencies you're using. 863-865 don't need a license.

[Simon Lewis]

Bob,

 

1) It's a code or frequency on the receiver or transmitter, but call Shure or look here.

 

2) You can still use the free to use section of channel 70 (863 - 865MHz) and this will remain available and free, but the general feeling is that it will become more congested. Of course, that depends on just where you use your mics! You can use channel 69 (with a licence) up to switchover. You can now use channel 38 (with a licence) but this is subject to geographic location - there are some important users still in the band.

 

3) Well, it's legal now... but may not be in 2012... or part of it may not be usable in the future. The channel 38 stuff is legal now and in the future but does need a licence.

 

4) You can still use/buy stuff that works in 70, but to get a range of frequencies to work with you need channel 38. You can also use mics licensed for specific co-ordinated spot frequencies, but these are arranged on a case by case basis.

 

5) 70 is free but will get busy. If you get interference, then tough. 38 needs a shared licence. If you get interference, then tough. If you want a frequency to yourself, you need to pay for the licence and JFMG (or their successor) will co-ordinate it. Trouble is, no one is quite sure what "white space" will be available to use, so it's rather difficult buying the right radio systems that can tune to the available spectrum.

 

Simon

[tintin99]

Many thanks Adam and Simon for your speedy and helpful replies! Things are a bit clearer now.

 

All the best,

 

Bob.

[Stuart91]

 

3. Presumably any new equipment currently on sale will be legal going forward?

 

 

I've seen quite a few companies selling off Channel 69 kit at "bargain" prices without mention of the upcoming frequency change. So I would definitely recommend double checking before making any purchase - it's not safe to presume!

[tintin99]

3. Presumably any new equipment currently on sale will be legal going forward?

 

 

I've seen quite a few companies selling off Channel 69 kit at "bargain" prices without mention of the upcoming frequency change. So I would definitely recommend double checking before making any purchase - it's not safe to presume!

 

Yes I wondered if that might be a danger - thanks for the warning.