Less than 90 days until the wireless microphone changeover

With less than 90 days until new legislation restricts the use of wireless microphone systems in the 700 to 820MHz frequency range, thousands of users of wireless microphones in fitness clubs, aquatic and recreation centres, entertainment venues and attractions are being urged to check the operational range of their systems and, if necessary, change them.

The changes, part of the Federal Government's move to clear specific radio frequency spectrum to provide 4G mobile broadband services from 1st January 2015 (known as the 'digital dividend'), are set to impact on a large percentage of current users of wireless microphones.

Next January’s changes will make it illegal to operate wireless microphones and other audio devices in the 700 to 820MHz frequency range as wireless microphones used in that frequency range may cause or receive interference to and from the mobile broadband service.

Users can easily find out what radio waves they should use for their wireless microphones with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) having recently launched an online channel finder tool.

ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman explains “users (can) simply type in the address of where they plan to use their device and it will identify what radio waves are available in their area.

“With (just) months to go before changes to wireless microphones take effect, we’re continuing to urge users to check their devices now to make sure they are ready for the change.”

The ACMA has continued to listen to users’ concerns and has also revised regulations to allow wireless microphones to operate at indoor venues across the whole 520-694 MHz frequency range. This means that wireless microphones can now be used at indoor venues (such as theatres and sporting complexes) provided no interference is caused to television broadcasting services.

Chapman adds “while these changes will be useful to all wireless microphone users, large-scale production companies, in particular, will benefit from this as they can continue to deliver high-quality audio experiences for theatre patrons, concert-goers and sporting buffs around the country.”

Aerobic Microphones Australia Managing Director John Penhallow is also encouraging users of wireless microphones to take a few minutes to check the frequency group of each of their wireless microphone systems, including portable PA systems .

Aerobic Microphones Australia have been selling new, ‘legal in 2015’, wireless microphones systems since January 2011, with their systems being designed for fitness training and swimming pool environment.

Penhallow urges industry users to “beware of ‘big brand’ offers. They are moving in on the fitness industry and unfortunately, they are not that good when it comes to handling sweat during a working day at a fitness centre.”

Penhallow highlights that Aerobic Microphones Australia “are the only company that guarantees our transmitters against ‘sweat death’ for two years with our transmitters having an anticorrosion coated circuit board and a protected connection.

“The big brands all have exclusion clauses against sweat damage in their warranty conditions so it is highly likely that they will fail in the first year and the repair bills will just add dollars to their cost and be a frustration.”

For more information on ACMA’s online channel finder tool go to www.acma.gov.au/Industry/wirelessmics 

Click here to view the Aerobic Microphones Australia entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.  

Image courtesy of Aerobic Microphones Australia.