Wireless Frequencies for UK/USA at DVinfo.net

Darrill Stoddart · June 10th, 2007, 12:11 PM

I want to get a wireless kit to use in both the USA and UK. From what I can deduce most sets cover a limited frequency range and there does not seem to be any overlap between the frequencies sold in the US versus the UK. At least in the Sennheiser products.

Does anyone have any experience of a wireless microphone set that they were able to use successfully in the UK and the US?

Thanks, Darrill

Bill Davis · June 10th, 2007, 02:15 PM

Darrill,

There's so much talk about wireless frequency problems, I can understand why you're thinking you should be concerned - but the reality is that any wireless receiver/transmitter will fundamentally work ANYWHERE in the world. That's because the receiver and the transmitter will always be on the same frequency - whatever it is!

Regional/national/local problems only arise when there is SOMETHING ELSE using the part of the frequency spectrum that your wireless rig is trying to use.

Those things (other wireless mics, UHF televison transmitters, other sources of radio frequency energy, etc) vary place to place, but there's no certainty you'll run into ANY of them.

The chances that frequency X will be a problem anywhere on the planet is actually pretty small.

If you regularly attend news conferences where there are 30 wireless transmitter involved - you're chances of a frequency conflict go up.

If you travel to a country that uses YOUR wireless frequency, for example, for public safety radio traffic, again, your chances of a problem go up.

But it's also quite possible that in either case above, you'll be just fine and have no problems whatsoever.

(Maybe a local fire department frequency could potentially conflict with your system, but maybe there are no fire calls the day you shoot!)

If you're going to travel a lot - and if the nature of your work is such that you MUST get the job done - then it's wise to consider this stuff and carry a couple of systems on different frequencies - or check ahead of time to see what frequencies are in use and which are clear.

But just understand it's perfectly possible to go your whole career and NEVER run into a wireless frequency conflict!

So don't worry over much.

Good luck.

Darrill Stoddart · June 10th, 2007, 02:29 PM

Thanks Bill.

I had a small suspicion that what you say could be true but no facts, experience or real knowledge. I appreciate your sharing.

Now back to selecting what wireless units to go with.

Cheers,
Darrill

June 10th, 2007, 12:11 PM	#1
Darrill Stoddart New Boot Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: London Posts: 5	Wireless Frequencies for UK/USA I want to get a wireless kit to use in both the USA and UK. From what I can deduce most sets cover a limited frequency range and there does not seem to be any overlap between the frequencies sold in the US versus the UK. At least in the Sennheiser products. Does anyone have any experience of a wireless microphone set that they were able to use successfully in the UK and the US? Thanks, Darrill

June 10th, 2007, 02:15 PM	#2
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	Darrill, There's so much talk about wireless frequency problems, I can understand why you're thinking you should be concerned - but the reality is that any wireless receiver/transmitter will fundamentally work ANYWHERE in the world. That's because the receiver and the transmitter will always be on the same frequency - whatever it is! Regional/national/local problems only arise when there is SOMETHING ELSE using the part of the frequency spectrum that your wireless rig is trying to use. Those things (other wireless mics, UHF televison transmitters, other sources of radio frequency energy, etc) vary place to place, but there's no certainty you'll run into ANY of them. The chances that frequency X will be a problem anywhere on the planet is actually pretty small. If you regularly attend news conferences where there are 30 wireless transmitter involved - you're chances of a frequency conflict go up. If you travel to a country that uses YOUR wireless frequency, for example, for public safety radio traffic, again, your chances of a problem go up. But it's also quite possible that in either case above, you'll be just fine and have no problems whatsoever. (Maybe a local fire department frequency could potentially conflict with your system, but maybe there are no fire calls the day you shoot!) If you're going to travel a lot - and if the nature of your work is such that you MUST get the job done - then it's wise to consider this stuff and carry a couple of systems on different frequencies - or check ahead of time to see what frequencies are in use and which are clear. But just understand it's perfectly possible to go your whole career and NEVER run into a wireless frequency conflict! So don't worry over much. Good luck.

June 10th, 2007, 02:29 PM	#3
Darrill Stoddart New Boot Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: London Posts: 5	Thanks Bill. I had a small suspicion that what you say could be true but no facts, experience or real knowledge. I appreciate your sharing. Now back to selecting what wireless units to go with. Cheers, Darrill