Telex 38109-977 manual

The answer to the frequency problem is to utilize a digitally synthesized, frequency agile system. That may sound simple enough in theory, but in reality, designing such a product is a totally different matter. A digitally synthesized, frequency agile system must not only incorporate a superior design with high-quality filtering to withstand the rigors of an overcrowded frequency spectrum, but it must also offer an ergonomically designed user interface that allows ease of frequency selection and operation. End users must experience the same ease of operation they get from their existing two-wire beltpacks.

To date, the chief limitation to most wireless intercoms (other than finding available spectrum) has been they are inherently one-channel in nature while the most common hardwired intercom system from RTS (used in virtually all TV broadcast trucks and facilities) is two-channel. Two-channel operation allows users to switch easily from one intercom channel to another. This allows a stage manager, for instance, to communicate with the producer and then switch over to the director circuit as necessary. Two-channel operation has become the hardwired industry standard and users who have increasingly relied on wireless intercoms must be able to employ that technology in wireless form without having to deal with huge racks full of equipment.

Wireless intercom systems that can operate in high RF environments must not only offer interference resistant operation, but must utilize design techniques that will not interfere with other wireless equipment like wireless microphones and IFBs. Another key to a wireless intercom’s successful operation and coexistence with DTV is its ability to avoid strong local TV stations, as well as, coordinate multiple system frequencies. This holds true whether the system is VHF or UHF, fixed-frequency, frequency-agile or synthesized. Utilizing the minimum power necessary is absolutely critical if wireless intercoms are to coexist with other low-power wireless equipment. The utilization of intelligent systems that reduce beltpack transmitter power levels as they get closer to the base station can greatly decrease the harmful interference that can be associated with wireless communications gear.

Future wireless intercoms (see Figure 6.3) will need to provide users with frequency agility, high-end filtering, RF power management, ease of use, two-channel operation, extended battery life, small lightweight beltpack and a user interface that allows operational and frequency parameters to be easily set and checked without the use of external equipment, such as a laptop computer or special interface box.

Figure 6.3 The RadioCom™ BTR-800 System is an outstanding example of the next generation of wireless intercom systems.

As wireless intercom applications for broadcast professionals continue to grow more complex and challenging, the need for products that can meet these challenges will also grow accordingly. All these factors and more, as discussed in this chapter, and in the next chapter, must be considered when looking at the quality and functionality of a modern wireless intercom system.

C h a p t e r 6 - I n t r o d u c t i o n t o W i r e l e s s I n t e r c o m S y s t e m s 89