Wireless lav frequency question (noobish question)

Mister Big

Mister Big

Well-known member
Hi,

I need to buy a wireless lav and I see that you can buy the same set up with different frequencies.

I'm guessing the need for these frequencies is because emergency communications sometimes take up the same frequencies.

My question is this: Is there any wireless setup where you don't have to worry about buying a certain version because of frequencies?

If you're shooting in Seattle, then Los Angeles, then NYC do you then need a different transmitter/receiver package?

Thanks for indulging what for many is a very noobish question.
 
Not that noobish at all.

The biggest rf emitter in the range of where our wireless are allowed to operate is TV stations. So, the quick answer to your question of if you need a different frequency block wireless for different cities is....maybe. :undecided

To find out go here:

http://www.fccinfo.com/cmdpro.php?sz=L&wd=1280

or here:

http://www.lectrosonics.com/service/tvlookup/tvstationlookup.htm

And enter the city you are working from. Both will show what frequency blocks are eating up by local TV stations (new licenses are being granted every year).

That will show you what blocks are open for other uses in that area. Now the second part of problem...other rf that is eating into the small little windows we have left. With the whole world going wireless, all sorts of crap is eating up what little space is left between stations. :Drogar-Angry(DBG):

So find the best frequency block for your area, buy the wireless for that range and then prey. Although unlikely, you may have to rent if shooting in another city. Places like New York and LA have very little wiggle room from what I have heard. The one time I worked in LA was on rented equipment and luckily the bandwidth wasn't too crowded....that day.

When I work in Seattle it depends what side of the lake I am working on as to what freq block will work best. I have 21 for west side but if I am working on the east side (Microsoft domain) the only block I get consistent results from is 26. As I move over to digital wireless I am crossing my fingers and going with 26.

If you want to leave the country...that is a whole other headache.

Cheers
 
hmm, unless you come to africa. then it just dont matter at all. i can pretty much just order whatever is available - in 3 years of doing location sound, i have NEVER had to find a frequency that was available.

the thought of struggling to find bandwidth is kind of alien to me. but that doesnt help you much.
 
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