Is 2.4GHz Reliable for Com?

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Hi all, we will replace our Telex UHF com system. This system has been reliable but because of its age and other factors we want to replace it.

2.4 GHz has been suggested to us. I'm resisting because I'm not convinced that 3,000 cellphones at once in our room would not cause interference. That said, I'm aware that there is now less room than ever for our wireless devices in UHF.

What's the experience been in a venue like ours among Control Booth users?
 
I haven't had too much luck with other 2.4gHz gear, like RF Mics. However I'm on a gig right now that is using 8 drops of 1.9gHz Clearcom FreeSpeak-II and it's been functioning marvelously, and I haven't touched it once since initial configuration, which is rare for intercom. I plotted antenna positions before load-in, and with 2 antenna cells I'm covering the entire theater from the trap room to the mid-rail, and back to the dressing rooms. My top choice for RF Intercom is still RAD UV1G, but that's out of most budgets (and mine like 3/4 of the time).
 
I'm using Telex BTR 240 and have had great luck. 550 seat proscenium theatre, mostly a roadhouse. We have 6 beltpacks, but use 3 for most shows. I have coordinated with our in-house wifi and the neighbors aren't close enough to interfere.

On stage, dressing rooms, backstage are all good. Drops out in the booth and catwalks, but that's not where we use them during shows. Have had interference from cheap wireless DMX, haven't tried around any quality stuff.

If you can have control of what channel other wifi is using then I would recommend it!

Mike
 
I do technical consulting for Broadway shows and touring productions.
I generally advise my clients against anything show critical that operates solely in the 2.4Ghz or 5.0GHz ISM spectrum.
There's a lot of congestion in those bands and its only getting worse.
If its something that you only use during tech, production, ticketing, etc., its fine to be on 2.4GHz.
But if its show critical, you face the potential for disappointment at best, serious injuries at worst.
WiFi and Bluetooth both operate in 2.4GHz, as do many wireless building security systems.
What might work fine during tech has the potential to crash and burn when you have a full house of people with their smartphone WiFi and Bluetooth enabled.
Even if the smartphones aren't connected to the network, they're still pinging the WAPs in the area.
I've watched the spectrum analyzer readout go from tolerable to complete garbage in several houses once the audience came in.
For Professional use, leave 2.4GHz to WiFi and other unlicensed non-show uses.
For schools and community theater, it depends on the size of the house and what other services in the building are trying to use the same spectrum.
 

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