TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP MAGAZINE ONLINE
January 2002

Wireless Help File
by Kevin Sanford

While wireless technology continues to offer more user-friendly products, setting up and installing a wireless system can be both challenging and problematic. It is not an exact science. Even the most experienced technician will run into frequency interference and unexplained static. Kevin Sanford has been a wireless specialist for the past 10 years. He has worked in all wireless applications; providing sound equipment for churches, corporate events, theatrical productions, as well as every major television network and production company nationwide. Through this column, Kevin hopes to pass on some useful bits of information to help you make more informed choices when buying, installing and running your wireless systems. He will reveal the secrets to frequency coordination, proper placement and troubleshooting. This is a regular column, so feel free to write in with your questions or wireless related issues.

Q. We often hear static when we turn our mic on. In fact, we've recently noticed that the pastor can only get 10 feet away from the wireless receiver before he cuts out. Any ideas why this is happening?
— Bellville, TX

A. This could be one of two problems. First, make sure that your antenna isn't broken in any way. Without a working antenna the microphone cannot properly transmit to your receiver. This will cause static interference or dropouts. If you have a lavalier, pull on the antenna gently to check it. It should not give. If you feel it stretch then it is broken and needs to be replaced. Any wireless lavalier antenna needs to be replaced once a year. As the current passes through, the antenna weakens and will inevitably break down over time. Secondly, you could be experiencing interference from a local TV, radio or data channel. All wireless technology, including wireless mics, in-ear monitors, walkie-talkies, wireless communication devices, digital lighting, etc, must be carefully coordinated so that the frequencies won't interfere with each other or other local RF sources. If you think this may be your problem, call your wireless vendor or go to the FCC's frequency site on the web, www.fcc.gov to guarantee that local stations aren't interfering with your wireless channels.

Q. I would like to buy a new wireless mic for our solo singer in the gospel choir. While looking online, I noticed that some units are listed as "frequency agile"? What does frequency-agile mean?
— Gainsville, FL

A. Frequency agile means that there are options of multiple channels within a single unit. This technology has come out in the last few years and has made it much easier for almost anyone to operate a wireless microphone. If you purchase a unit and experience interference from a local RF source, you can just change the channel to another frequency within the allotted bank. Almost all the manufacturers on the market offer frequency-agile systems ­ don't settle for anything less. There's nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a unit, being excited to try it out on your first sermon, and hearing nothing but the morning news from your local TV station.

Q. Within the past 3 years, my church has purchased several wireless units. Last month we bought two more mics and are now experiencing interference within the entire system. I have a feeling the problem is frequency related. How do we know when the mics are too close in frequency?
— Pittsburgh, PA

A. There is a basic formula you can use when putting two or more wireless mics together in the same location. The frequencies should not be less than .250 MHz apart from each other. If you have a microphone in the UHF band with a frequency of 625.000 for instance, your next mic should be at 625.250 to avoid intermod interference between the two. When adding more mics, just continue the math. This can be used up to 8 units. After 8 units, my advice is to go with another frequency set. Also, always remember to consider other RF sources in your area. Even though your mic frequencies may be compatible, you could be interfering with other frequencies in your neighborhood. Coordination and education is key.

Wireless problems? Write to Kevin. For a published reply, send your questions to Technologies for Worship Magazine, c/o Wireless Help File; PO Box 140, Queensville ON Canada, L0G 1R0.

Educational Gateway
Kevin Sanford has been a wireless specialist for the past 10 years. He has worked in all wireless applications; providing sound equipment for churches, corporate events, theatrical productions, as well as every major television network and production company nationwide. Through this column, Kevin hopes to pass on some useful bits of information to help you make more informed choices when buying, installing and running your wireless systems. Kevin is also the owner and founder of Wireless First, located in New York and Boston. Wireless First specializes in renting and selling wireless equipment nationwide.