Can anyone confirm that the UK licence-exempt frequencies:
Range 863 - 865 MHz
lowest channel 863.100 MHz
highest channel 864.900 MHz
are OK at the moment for use in France? (This is specifically for a certain place NE of Paris, where even the little animals have highly developed ears.)

I know that some of the dvinfo Brits have experience with this but wondered if there had been any recent changes.

I have a feeling that only half the band is available in France.

I *think* it's 863-864 MHz and that 864-865 MHz is a no-no.

But it could be the other way round.

Whichever it is, two frequencies should be OK.

The web site of Audio Limited (Welcome to Audio - Design and manufacture broadcast quality radio microphone systems. (http://www.audioltd.com/)) can be a good source of information about radiomic use abroad. BUT, when I just looked, it was shut down for maintenance. However, I expect it'll be up and running again soon.

863 - 865 MHz is legal in all ETSI signatory countries (all of Europe, and some others).

But France has (had) some military stuff in that area and only permit half of the band.

I think the best option is to ask Sennheiser France (http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/home_en.nsf/root/0service-partner?Open&country=France) what they allow.

Hi Colin,
I've got two sets of G2's and as I live in France have used them regularly for 5 years or so.
There are dozens of frequencies.. I've never had an issue using any... I must admit to just leaving on the first bank and adjusting so I can use two at once when needs be...

What problems to you anticipate?

cheers
Gareth

Nothing for the first few hours ... then a large burly Mickey Mouse appears on one side of me while an 8 ft tall Pluto grabs me on the other and together they skip me off to the Gendarmerie, singing merrily all the while (en Francais) but with a vice-like grip on my G2s.

LOL! I think you're being a bit paranoid... they'll be more worried about you sneaking in with a sandwich and a can of coke.. instead of buying their over priced nosh.

Joking apart if you are going to be filming with anything other than a small handycam, you'll need to go through the 'Service de Presse'. This the are touchy about.
I worked for many years in Paris as a news photographer and every time I needed to shoot an assignment there, I was escorted around by a press office person.

Bonne Chance!!
Gareth

My family have expressly forbidden me to take my Canon A1, so its an HV30, but I'm taking a shotgun an a G2 set for some more audio options. I find the built in mic on the HV30 a bit dismal outside if there's any wind. Some of the time I'll just use the basic camera but I've hidden a monopod in the suitcase for the parades (they'll thank me in the end even if they disown me at the time).

I've got two sets of G2's and as I live in France have used them regularly for 5 years or so.

Hi Gareth,

So you will know which half of the 863-865 spectrum is Legal in France, then.

G2 version E - Bank 8.

Can you tell us which half?

If you just switch on and use bank 1 you are illegal in most countries, except Germany I understand.

My family have expressly forbidden me to take my Canon A1, so its an HV30, but I'm taking a shotgun an a G2 set for some more audio options. I find the built in mic on the HV30 a bit dismal outside if there's any wind. Some of the time I'll just use the basic camera but I've hidden a monopod in the suitcase for the parades (they'll thank me in the end even if they disown me at the time).

You should be ok with that set up... as most people probably shot stills or videos with small cameras.. They really like to control the 'professional' footage produced on site...
We generally only got permission when they wanted it, and as I said we were pretty much escorted... Got forbidden from shooting the AGM once, despite it supposedly being open to all press.

Amuse-toi bien!!...
Amicalement
Gareth

So you will know which half of the 863-865 spectrum is Legal in France, then.
G2 version E - Bank 8.

Nope sorry no idea... I just plug mine in and switch it on...
Gareth

Nope sorry no idea... I just plug mine in and switch it on...


Then you are very likely running illegally and could get into trouble.

Version E, Bank 8 is legal without a licence all over Europe - except France where only two of the four frequencies can be used.

Sennheiser Worldwide: Microphones, Headphones and Wireless Systems (http://www.sennheiser.com/india/icm_eng.nsf/root/products_wireless-systems_frequency-check_france)




CS

Well I've used them for many years with no issues, so can't say I'll lose any sleep...

In France though you are more likely to get into "trouble" for photographing the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre or the Eiffel tower than having issues with your mics... I got prevented from shooting all of these in the line of my job.

Don't shoot pictures of anyone in the street either as its not allowed by law without their written permission..(I jest not)
We weren't supposed to monitor the police frequencies for breaking news stories either, but all the news services and papers did and no doubt still do it.

Enjoy Disney...
Amicalement
Gareth

Sennheiser Worldwide: Microphones, Headphones and Wireless Systems (http://www.sennheiser.com/india/icm_eng.nsf/root/products_wireless-systems_frequency-check_france)


It's just a guide, it doesn't say which require a licence and which are licence-free; nor if there are any geographical restrictions.

Here is a website with a lot of official looking info and links, the European Radio Communications Office:
ERO (http://www.ero.dk/)

Here is a frequency lookup page:
ERO Frequency Information System (http://www.efis.dk/search/general)
You can put in the frequency and select the coutry or region. It shows 862.0 - 869.2 MHz in France to be for defence systems.

However, it also shows Europe (ECA): Wireless Audio Applications (863.0 - 865.0 MHz).

(There is also a disclaimer that info is not guaranteed.)

I would pay an extra hundred dollars for an international chart included with a quality wireless unit intended for international documentaries shot all over the world. The unit would have frequencies available for wherever shooting could be done, and an easy lookup chart would say which frequencies to use where and when. Perhaps the unit itself could allow selection by country or location.

Back now - thanks for all the info.

I checked carefully each time to made sure no-one else within range was using it and settled on 863.3 MHz. There were several locations in the parks using single or multiple radiomics but not in the 863 - 865 range.

There was some activity at times in that range around the Newport Bay Club where I was staying, perhaps due to the conference centre.

As for attracting attention using that gear, I'll make that the subject of a separate post.

I think any experiences working overseas is good stuff. The challenges of recording are more than equipment and technique and new stories are always welcome on my screen. Please post it when you get a chance.

Reid