Recommendations for Two-Way Radios and Headsets

[willbb123]

I have a problem every time I have to refocus specials for a band. I have to squeeze my focus in between or during sound check (try not do do it during). If I have to do it during, it is so loud that I can not communicate to the person focusing or to the person at the board.
I would like to get some radios that our entire crew (5ish) can have for preshow and during loadout. I can see them being used during load in and load out with out headsets, but we would need headsets during soundcheck and the show. We do have a wired clearcom system but it doesent fit our needs for some shows, the PM likes to sit in his office whenever we need him. We would use our clearcom during shows, and radios for pre/post and for emergencies.

What radios/earpieces have you guys used and what would you recommend for us? We would not get a license, so we are looking at the family band radios. Also we would need to be able to use the radios during loud shows and sound check.

[avkid]

Originally Posted by willbb123

We would not get a license, so we are looking at the family band radios.

Not true, don't forget license free VHF and 900 Mhz.

Also we would need to be able to use the radios during loud shows and sound check.

Cheap FRS is definitely not suitable for this.

You need to do a quick RF study and check the FCC license databases to see what is around you that could cause interference.

[joeboo46]

Outside of licensing and that stuff which I know very little about. I would recommend the Motorola Radius CP200 Series I have used these quite a bit in touring situations and I know alot of tours use them too reasonably priced and very reliable too. Good Range and very little problem with interference and such they are also quite durable, I really beat the stuff out of mine and it still work like a charm. You can probably get some good package deals online.

[avkid]

Originally Posted by joeboo46

Outside of licensing and that stuff which I know very little about. I would recommend the Motorola Radius CP200 Series I have used these quite a bit in touring situations and I know alot of tours use them too reasonably priced and very reliable too. Good Range and very little problem with interference and such they are also quite durable, I really beat the stuff out of mine and it still work like a charm. You can probably get some good package deals online.

You will need a license unless you use MURS frequencies.

[pacman]

Be careful with FRS (Family Radio Service) & GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios. Although FRS are license-free, they have limited output of half a watt or less & likely won't work well at any distance in your theatre because of all the concrete & steel. GRMS outputs 1-5 watts typically so might fare better in range, but they require FCC licensing. Further, there's an organized group of users around the country who police these frequencies against any use other than intended, which precludes pretty much anything other than private individuals. From the FCC website...
"The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile radio service available for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of an adult individual and his or her immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws (47 CFR 95.179). Normally, as a GMRS system licensee, you and your family members would communicate among yourselves over the general area of your residence or during recreational group outings, such as camping or hiking."

You might check into radio systems that work with your wired system. Clear Com makes them, as do Telex, HME, Production Intercom, Anchor Audio and others. I'm using an Anchor Audio system interfaced into my Production Intercom wired system. There are some issues I'll discuss if anyone is interested, but the bottom line is that it does work. My main interest was being able to have two or three key stage hands available to work with crews while still being able to communicate with everyone on wired headset, but not being tethered by a cable.

[Eboy87]

Mr. Pacman, I'm curious about the issues you're having with the walkie interface. My boss is looking into going that route for our proscenium space. You can PM me or email me if you'd rather not air laundry here.

[RonaldBeal]

For walkie talkies... the FRS bubble pack radios don't work well in a high noise environment. Commercial grade MURS radios will fit the bill, and be license free... Also getting a license for the school isn't that big of a deal... most of your local 2-way radio vendors can guide you through the process, and get you much larger variety for the same price.
Hope this helps
RB

[Xboxdm2]

Might want to switch to Verizon with their direct connect.You can use your blue tooth headset too. awesome much.

[themuzicman]

I agree, FRS radios are totally unsuitable. I have used them, and I must say I would rather haul around 100ft. of cable with me then have to try and understand what is being said over FRS with static interference.

MURS is the way to go, and I second the suggestion of the Motorola Radius CP200 Series. I used those for a few load in/outs, and they were very good. Not sure about licensing with them however, I was in a facility that already had them.

[Spiceboy]

Clearcom have two licence free systems

CellCom uses the 1.92 to 1.93GHz Band

http://www.clearcom.com/support/broc..._CAN_only).pdf

and the "soon to be released" Tempest uses the 2.4GHz band

Clear-Com - About the Company: 2007 News Archives

Yes I know it says 2007 on the press release but "the best laid plans of mice and men..."

They both use the same headsets as the wired Clearcom and also have built in PL and 4 wire interfaces.

In addition to the companies listed by Pacman these guys may have soemthing suitable.

Production Wireless | Wireless Microphone Sales and Repair | Wireless Products

It largely depends on your budget