Wireless Radio compatibility and Mic interference

[Les Wilson]

I do some pro-bono game films work for a local High School football team. The coaching staff uses Motorola XTN radios. I can purchase my own so I can get a heads up on upcoming plays.

My question is if I invest the $300 or so for the radio and headset, can I add other Motorola radios for my crew when I am on location for other shoots and don't need all the sophistication of the XTN? ALso, being UHF, with the XTN interfere with my Sennheiser EW 100 microphones?

TIA

[Miquel de Pablo]

Yes, you can add other radios for your crew. There are two things to consider, though:

1) You may need an FCC license, depending on what radio or frequency you plan to use.

2) The XTN radios use the 2-prong connector, right? If you can find the old Motorola Talkabout 250´s, they used the same connector, and you don´t need a license for those. The newer motorola FRS radios use a single pin connector.

Your wireless mic and the XTN radios are on different frequencies, so there´s little chance of interference. Try to keep a transmitting radio away from the wireless receiver though.

Hope that helps!

EDIT: I believe Ken Tanaka uses those as well. He may have more info. If you just want to listen to the coaches, you could also get a scanner (just for receiving).