I'm looking for a low cost solution. I know, I know, a wired setup is always the best. I agree but if you have done this long enough you know that a wired setup just won't work. Well, I'm looking for a low cost solution. I have narrowed it down to 3 different models.
1st is the Audio Technica model found here. Audio-Technica ATW-1701/L System 10 Camera-Mount ATW-1701/L B&H
2nd is the Rode Filmmaker Kit found here. Rode RodeLink Wireless Filmmaker Kit RODLNK-FM B&H Photo Video
3rd is the Sennheiser AVX Kit found here. Sennheiser AVX Camera-Mountable Lavalier AVX-ME2 SET-4-US B&H

All three have good and bad points. I just would like people that have used them to give me their take. Well, I know they will work for film and short videos we do in class as I have a Sennheiser G3 set that I use and in the 100 times I have used it the thing has NEVER failed me even up to around 275'. I want to try something different now. I want one of the three above. My main use will be for transmitting the signal of our radio guy up to our booth and into our mixer. The problem that I fall into is that his setup is XLR output so I need and XLR female adapter. On our end it will be an XLR also but it will be an XLR male adapter. What we plug into is this to broadcast our signal up to us. http://www.kappaltda.com/descargas/JK_Audio_RemoteMix_3.pdf Running a cord is not going to happen and I have been running wireless for over a year now with NO problems at all. I can't seem to get anyone to tell me if the Rode has an adapter that will plug into the JK Audio RemoteMix or not as the Rode has had some good reviews and it really a good price. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Scott

Have you perhaps explored this forum. The two posts below this one have a total of 38 replies that should go a long way to helping you.

No, I hadn't. I have been busy and barely had time to get this done. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll take a look.

Hey, Chris. I can't find one with 38 posts. Would you happen to know the Title of the post? Thanks.

You say you've tried the G3, are happy with it - yet have discounted it from your shopping list. I presume you want cheaper? The Sennheiser AVX gets decent reviews.

However - you need to consider that one of your statements is sadly, luck derived. Range. 275' is possible, on those wind behind you, downhill all the way situations. You cannot use this figure as reliable range, because it just isn't.

Sometimes you can be totally in the clear - and be able to the other end, and struggle with 50 feet. In fact, the broadcast guys on their forums often complain that they can't even get from the camera to the presenter when there's less than 20 feet between them. You have no idea, and no control over the RF environment. There can be wideband noise, frequency specific noise, and all kinds of interference. On top of this you could have other RF systems working frequency wise, next door to you, decensing your receiver.

In my theatre venue - the sound mixing position is around 40m from the stage - and I see loads of visiting companies put their receivers there, only to find they cut out - badly! I always advise them before they rig that the best place is sitting on top of the rack, stage right. They usually ignore me, then have to move it last minute in a hurry.

If you have access to an RF analyser, you'll be shocked at how much rubbish there is in the air!

Remember the old maxim - a $10,000 radio system is nearly as reliable as a $10 XLR cable.

You are looking for a system capable of working right on the limit, and they will all work well, when they aren't working badly!

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-things-audio/531686-camera-mounted-wireless-lav-mics-hd100.html

Well, I know they will work for film and short videos we do in class as I have a Sennheiser G3 set that I use and in the 100 times I have used it the thing has NEVER failed me even up to around 275'. I want to try something different now.
So you've identified something in your price range that has never failed you and will go 275' (which is presumably more than you need)... why on earth would you buy something else?

Thanks for posting that link Donald ..if you scroll thru the forum posts there are also a bunch more about 2.4GHz and UHF recommendations. If the G3 setup works and is running on a legal frequency I also cannot see the point of replacing it if it works. One of Murphy's Law's is something on the line of " If it works don't mess with it"

I still have my L100 Azdens and they are always in my standby kit because I know they work .. sadly they operate that was given out to digital radio last year so I can only risk them if I really have to as they are technically not legal but I certainly wouldn't toss them out just because they are "old technology" ... If the G3 sets are happy why bother to buy something else just to be "up to date" or even just " cool"

Add the Saramonica UwMic10 to your list of ones to consider. It appears to offer max bang for buck in my eyes.

If you have access to an RF analyser, you'll be shocked at how much rubbish there is in the air!

Remember the old maxim - a $10,000 radio system is nearly as reliable as a $10 XLR cable.

You are looking for a system capable of working right on the limit, and they will all work well, when they aren't working badly!

Nobody from large cities really understand my situation either. I live in a rural area. If I put out an RF analyzer it would find virtually nothing. I had listened to people talk about the same thing you are talking about and didn't dare use wireless. Then a friend of mine who worked in Kansas City as a audio design specialist told me that I should try wireless. This guy knows his stuff. I told him what everyone on here says about wireless. He said that is true in larger cities etc. but where we live and would be using our wireless I would not have any problems at all. So I tried a set and have never looked back. Wired is the way to go when you don't need more than a 100' of cable but after that, I use wireless. I don't have hours to set up things and tape it down so people don't trip on it. We can only get to our destination a short time before we go on the air. And then afterwards rolling 200' of cable up just plain sucks, especially when you are in a hurry to get home because it is 10pm and you have to drive 2 hours to go home, or even farther because I live in a rural area remember.

So you've identified something in your price range that has never failed you and will go 275' (which is presumably more than you need)... why on earth would you buy something else?
Because I won't ever be using this one at 275' and just need a cheaper set for another mic setup.

So you're looking for one in your price range that has less range than the one you've already identified that works for everything you need?

I'm looking for something cheaper than the G3 that I will use in less crucial situations. I found something for half the price that also has a great range. The Audio Technica system that I used and it got me over 200' with no problems and that was not even in line of sight. So, again I am happy with my wireless system. Maybe one day it will fail me, but after more than 50 uses with many being a long distance it hasn't yet. But maybe one day you can say I told you so. But you can't do that yet. :)

If you have access to an RF analyser, you'll be shocked at how much rubbish there is in the air!

I would love to find one that's portable and affordable, just to satisfy my curiosity. I'd like a top end of at least 2.5GHz, and a bottom end of 80MHz or lower ... covering FM broadcast up through WiFi. If it went down lower, that would be even better ... 3.5MHz would go to the bottom of the 80M amateur band.

I have seem some very inexpensive ones recently, that use a European DTV USB receiver, and run software on a laptop to give the spectral display. I have not yet seen any such low-price units that cover the above frequency range, though.

RF Explorer — Handheld RF Spectrum Analyzer (http://rfexplorer.com/models/)

Just choose which frequency blocks suit your needs.... I have been using one of the basic 'original' ones for TV Broadcast OB's..... solved MANY problems over the years.

RF Explorer Model USB Digital Spectrum Logic Analyzer Oscilloscope 112KHz 100MHz WSUB1G Handheld Digital Spectrum Analyzer-in Spectrum Analyzers from Industry & Business on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/RF-Explorer-Model-USB-Digital-Spectrum-Logic-Analyzer-Oscilloscope-112KHz-100MHz-WSUB1G-Handheld-Digital-Spectrum-Analyzer/32260821400.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.79.EVa0L7&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_7,searchweb201602_2_10017_10021_507_10022_10020_10009_10008_10018_10019_1 01,searchweb201603_6&btsid=243440a9-902f-4a1b-bf5b-a352ddaac107)


WSUB1G Handheld Osciloscopio 100mhz Scopemeter 2014 RF Explorer USB Digital Spectrum Logic Analyzer Oscilloscope-in Oscilloscopes from Industry & Business on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/WSUB1G-Handheld-Osciloscopio-100mhz-Scopemeter-2014-RF-Explorer-USB-Digital-Spectrum-Logic-Analyzer-Oscilloscope/32278815087.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.150.MSsbjo&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_7,searchweb201602_2_10017_10021_507_10022_10020_10009_10008_10018_10019_1 01,searchweb201603_6&btsid=028db200-a803-4fb6-8771-e878d82f9899)

Would one of these two be what I want to buy?

If you want to do WiFi as well you will need to get the 'RF Explorer 3G combo' or 'RF Explorer 6G combo' (if you want to look at the new 5.8G wifi).

The WSUB1G only does 240-960Mhz.

RF Explorer — Handheld RF Spectrum Analyzer (http://rfexplorer.com/models/)

The chart is just below the video.

I don't think I need WiFi. Just the other UHF channels for my wireless gear.

Is Aliexpress ok to buy from for this? It is made in China after all to start with?

Is Aliexpress ok to buy from for this? It is made in China after all to start with?

I have never tried them, I bought mine about 6-7 years ago direct from the maker.

RF Explorer — Handheld RF Spectrum Analyzer

Those look pretty nice for the price! I wish I could get one to evaluate, but that's asking a lot. I will at least see if I can get my hands on a manual and give it a thorough read.

Thanks for the link!

Not much in the manual from what I can recall..... At that cost just get one, like a multi meter simple and solves lots of problems.