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[Mac Kerr]

I'm the RF frequency coordinator at a fashion show in NY. The room is a half barrel 110' high at the top with a 90' radius. It is about 200' long. It is completely full of technology. It is very loud.

So far we have about 165 frequencies coordinated, including a few spares. That includes 44 RF comm packs, about 30 RF mics, some Comteks, a bunch of walkies, and some spare frequencies. THE PWS software is doing its job admirably. I'm chasing rogue ENG crews to take away their RF till I can get it coordinated into our frequency set. Tomorrow the press shows up, oh joy.

Mac

[g'bye, Dick Rees]

I'm chasing rouge ENG crews to take away their RF till I can get it coordinated into our frequency set.
Mac

Well, I suppose they'll stand out in their colorful outfits.......

[Mac Kerr]

Well, I suppose they'll stand out in their colorful outfits.......

So much for typing in the dark backstage.

Mac

[Jason Dermer]

I'm the RF frequency coordinator at a fashion show in NY. The room is a half barrel 110' high at the top with a 90' radius. It is about 200' long. It is completely full of technology. It is very loud.



Mac

Gotham Hall?

[Mac Kerr]

Gotham Hall?

69th Regiment Armory.

Mac

[john sanders]

Mac, just curious as to the level of authority you have in controlling media regarding their use of wireless in general as well as the frequencies they are permitted to use. I'm, asking this because on many of the engagements I'm involved with we have the press as well as other production people given complete freedom to use whatever wireless they choose. The situations I'm describing don't come anywhere near the complexity you've described however as the sound guy I'm expected to make all the accomodations.

[Mac Kerr]

Mac, just curious as to the level of authority you have in controlling media regarding their use of wireless in general as well as the frequencies they are permitted to use. I'm, asking this because on many of the engagements I'm involved with we have the press as well as other production people given complete freedom to use whatever wireless they choose. The situations I'm describing don't come anywhere near the complexity you've described however as the sound guy I'm expected to make all the accomodations.

When they did this show in Miami they had security take back the credentials of press using non-coordinated RF and escort them from the building. It only took a couple before word got out and they got their coordinated frequencies. It is a requirement of the producers that these rules are followed, and all press was notified of the situation in advance. We'll see, the press arrives today.

I have temporarily shut down 3 ENG crews doing preshow stuff so far, all were happy to get clear coordinated channels for their exclusive use.

Mac

[TonyWilliams]

Mac,
How do you track the rogue wireless down? On some of my higher profile gigs, I sometimes see one of the wireless guys with a handheld paddle antenna connected to some sort of battery powered analyzer walking around tracking down the signal. I'm trying to figure out what unit they use.


- Tony Williams
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pete Erskine]

Sometimes it is a spectrum analyzer but even better is a radio reciever which has an RF level meter as well as a way to listen to the audio.  Sometimes you can track them down just by what they say. 

The paddle antenna is very directional and should have a switchable RF pad or attenuator.  This is to lower the level of the RF such that the RF level meter, on the Receiver, is mid scale and you can see it go up and down as you turn the antenna. 

The back of the paddle is the most sensitive to level changes and will be at its minimum when the back is pointed at the RF source.  Take a couple of directional readings ad different places and the intersection will be where your offender is located.

[Mac Kerr]

Mac,
How do you track the rogue wireless down? On some of my higher profile gigs, I sometimes see one of the wireless guys with a handheld paddle antenna connected to some sort of battery powered analyzer walking around tracking down the signal. I'm trying to figure out what unit they use.

That is exactly what I am doing. Unfortunately in this building it is very hard to get a clear directional reading, but it is the best we have. A passive Shure paddle and a TTI analyzer. The comms guy has a Rohde & Schwarz, and I've only got a TTI, but it gets it done. As Pete said, because of the narrow lobes, and deep null off the back of the paddle, it is usually easier to read the direction off the back than the front.

Mac

[ProSoundWeb Community]