Device to scan and display RF in an area?

[Sayen]

Don't laugh. This makes sense in my head, I just don't know if it exists in the real world.

I'm trying to pin down some wireless issues in a venue, across different types of gear (headset, mics, DMX, etc). Is there a device that would let me scan to see what frequencies are in use around me? Something I could borrow or rent? It seems like there must be something, since I've heard of wireless phone carriers driving and scanning their frequency ranges.

I know Sure and Senheiser list frequencies in a given area, but I'm seeing weird changes over the course of a day, and I'm trying to figure out exactly what's happening. Doesn't help that the venue is right next to a large cell and radio tower.

[zmb]

A RF spectrum analyzer? This is one site I found and they aren't cheap. But pro audio is listed as one application.

[DaveySimps]

I own the Invisible Waves X software and hardware. It is great, very easy to use, and the perfect tool for the job, but as ZMB mentioned, not cheap at all. I have not found anyone that rents them, but it is certainly worth a call to vendors in your area.

~Dave

[Footer]

Give a call to clearwing, guarantee they have one and would probably come out and do an analyse for ya.

[themuzicman]

Try Intermod Analysis Software like IAS

[mbenonis]

Spectrum Analyzers aren't cheap. Even the not-quite-lab-grade ones are generally in the thousands of dollars range. The reason is simple: a Spectrum Analyzer needs to be able to handle a very wide dynamic range of signals with very good resolution, with a very fast scan rate.

What kind of changes are you seeing over the day? We may be able to pin the problem down based on the patterns.

[Stookeybrd]

Don't laugh. This makes sense in my head, I just don't know if it exists in the real world.

They exist. In fact, my job would be impossible many times without one. Here is a shot of my scanner at recent gig I did with over 150 frequencies. My TTI is invaluable, and I couldn't imagine doing shows without it.

All of these scanners cost at least $1,000 and can probably be rented from somewhere. I know shops here in New York rent out the TTI and Kaltman scanners.
Kaltman Creations
Invisible Waves
TTI PSA1301
ICOM PCR2500

However, there is this very interesting unit for $130. It is back ordered and fairly new to market, so I have yet to get me hands on it. I cannot provide a recommendation one way or another.

Like mbenonis tell us more about the issues you are experiencing. Pops? Fuzzy sounds? Swishy sounds? Audio dropping out? What gear are you using and what frequencies is that gear on?

[Sayen]

Thank you! I knew there had to be something, but I was Googling with all of the wrong phrases apparently.

The biggest issue we have is inconsistency. Wireless gear works fine in the morning/afternoon, but as soon as we have a performance in the evening we have issues. We have a wireless ClearCom system that works great. One of my techs took her headset next door to the 7-11 and was still able to talk to us with just a little fuzz. Then during an evening event it just wouldn't work. We checked base station and belt packs, batteries, everything...just couldn't get it to work. Everything was fine the next morning of course.

We use a CityTheatrical ShowDMX unit occasionally. Everything will test fine during setup, and during a live run we'll see dropouts and low signal strength from the receiver.

Likewise, with our Sure mic system - and I'll have to get back to you on the frequencies, although I know they're legal (600mhz system?) - we'll manage a rehearsal fine, and then end up with drop outs and fuzz during the performance. I know some of this is to be expected with wireless, and the golden rule in theater is sometimes that what worked in rehearsal will fail live, but the performance quality of the equipment changes significantly, beyond just a few pops and fuzzes. I figure that something like a spectrum analyzer will let me see what's going on quickly, and if there really is a change in what noise is in the air during different times of the day, especially in our different performance venues.

[PolishGuy]

Have you done anything in house to troubleshoot these issues? Tried switching to a different frequency on the receivers just for giggles? How consistent is it? Is it every wireless device or just a couple or combination dropping out while others work fine? Have you run a check through Shure/Sennheiser's frequency list on your zip code yet?

A spectrum analyzer is an option of course, but if it turns out to be fixable by just jumping to a different frequency, you'll kick yourself over the $$$ :-P

[TimmyP1955]

When Kaltman first came out with a scanner, I read a lot of negative comments about it. TTi seem to be universally liked.

Have you entered all your frequencies in coordination software to make sure that you don't have any intermod problems? If not, do so. Then scan both with everything up and running, and on an off night so you can see what's coming in from elsewhere.

[BNBSound]

Find a ham radio operator in the area and borrow their scanner. A good one will let you sweep the spectrum continuously and with the squelch turned way down you might catch an issue. The problem with most scanners is that they're FM only or if they do have AM it's only enabled for broadcast and aircraft ranges. Listening on AM will give you a better shot at hearing something because the detector on an FM receiver depends on having a lock on a signal. Even without one, if the scanner stops in the middle of your wireless range and shows full scale on the meter you might have some background RF issues.

More likely than not you've got conflicts with local DTV transmissions and intermod between the units. Check out the manufacturer's website. Chances are they've got a web utility or software you can download that will take your zip code and model numbers into account and give you channels that are more likely to be free and won't interfere with each other.

[wiscolighting]

Someone else mentioned Clearwing they probably can help you out and are right there in Pheonix also up here in Milwaukee. There are some software's out there that do not sweep but are able to check all of the frequencies in use you have to input them into the software and it will compare and suggest frequencies based on your location I have heard of one RF Guru with mixed reviews) and know of one in development from some people I know in the industry. Check with the Wing they are good guys for the actual equipment you can shell out thousands as someone else mentioned.