I am sure they've been discussed here but I'm not seeing anything.
Anyone use the
Telex/
RTS or Clearcom models? How well do they work, or not? Would you recommend over
UHF/
VHF versions?
Looking to replace are BTR dilapidated
system and trying to find alternatives.
Thanks
Jim
In my opinion there are two options right now. The first, is the HME DX200/DX210 and the second is Clearcom's Tempest. The HME is the lower end product that does exactly what you need it to do; wireless comms in the 2.4GHz range. No bells, no whistles and over all an entry
level quality product. The tempest
system is a fully fledged out digital intercom
system. Point-to-point and Partyline to a theoretically unlimited number of beltpacks. The Tempest
system is does the best with a already populated 2.4GHz spectrum and will not suffer due to collisions, but will cause (in my personal findings) about a 10% wi-fi through-put
drop. All other systems that I've seen will take a hit from near by access points and networks. For instance, every time the HME hops with a populated
channel there is medium loud click heard in all the wireless headsets. That being said, the HME has the best human-computer interaction with the voice recordings telling you that you are out of range of the
base station in an upbeat female voice, rather than an
LED or arbitrary beeps.
Both of them have a delay, like 800-500mS delay which to me personally in the theatrical and broadcast world is almost unusable. Until that shortens, BTRs are still (sadly) on top. The price difference between the two will determine which one to choose. If you need the features of the Tempest
system and have the budget to
purchase the Tempest, getting the DX200 will be crippling for you. However, if you simply need your flyman to have wireless or the ASM to walk around
stage for community or HS/College theater, the DX200 will fit your needs fine.