elloyd69 Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 Just wondering who is using wireless mics (for shows, presentations, etc) within schools?? If so what kind of license are you using them with?? I'd be grateful for any advice.
K.C.Leblanc Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 We had one as part of our lecture thearter build. We don't have a licence for it, I don't think we need one. Maybe some specialist kit needs it, I can for instance imagine TV/Radio companies needing to garantee that no one else is using the same frequncy.
p858snake Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 You shouldn't be using anything powerful enough to be needing a license.....
SC-UK Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 The range on them will not be sufficient to require a licence.
Batman Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 It is true you do not need a license. Fyi, when you come to buy them go for UHF mics rather than VHF, they tend to be less susceptible to interference and they're not as noisy (less hiss).
soveryapt Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 There are a number of 'free' frequencies in the UK that are permitted to be used by wireless kit, such as microphones. This is why often, for off the shelf kit you are limited to say, 16 devices at any one time. What you can do, if you need more than that (greedy beggar if you do! ) then there are licensed devices available, but as already pointed out, these tend to be for TV crews, festivals and the like to ensure that they are the only ones using the devices in the area at any one time, and then you start getting into the arena of buying licenses or renting kit with licenses attached or, not very good for the school budget! If you need things like that (say for school shows) then you can always rent in, but generally, you should be ok with off the shelf stuff and besides, any AV supplier worth their weight will advise you if you need a license. Trantec / JTS and a few other firms do ready made kits of up to 16 devices with shared aerial systems and things which work nicely and you can get a selection of different 'fittings' if you need them (handheld, lapel, headset, instrument, etc), but really, you shouldn't be needing a license for using a bog standard everyday radio mic. Hope that helps Andy
Frangar Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 It really depends on the frequencies used if you need a licence or not....VHF in general dont but some UHF sets do.... It really depends if you want to make sure you dont get interference from other users although in a school/college setting this is unlikely...however if you were to use them outside say in a hotel function room or a conferene venue then you might find clashes occuring..hence the benifit of using units with a wide frequency range. You can get quite good cheapish UHF units these days so I would advise against using VHF unless you already have them. Have a look at the jfmg website to find out futher info...soz 1st post so cant put a link in!! to get a better idea of what you might need.....and yes they do fine if they find you operating without a licence. Cheers Gareth
Frangar Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 looks like my post crossed with aptproductions!! Our Licences Suggest you have a look at the above link just to make sure you are all legal!! I agree with Trantec as a make...also have a look at the cheaper Sennhieser ranges....I would suggest you steer clear of the cheaper brands...because you will need spares such as clips/pop shields etc. and the cheaper units dont tend to supply these seperately. HTH Gareth
brookesandrew Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 The place to get the answers about what frequencies require a licence and what is free is: Ofcom These are the people who manage the airwaves for the government.
soveryapt Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 looks like my post crossed with aptproductions!! Our Licences Suggest you have a look at the above link just to make sure you are all legal!! I agree with Trantec as a make...also have a look at the cheaper Sennhieser ranges....I would suggest you steer clear of the cheaper brands...because you will need spares such as clips/pop shields etc. and the cheaper units dont tend to supply these seperately. HTH Gareth Looks like we did cross! lol .. How could I forget Sennheiser as a brand. JTS use a lot of the same components as them, and although are looked upon as a "cheaper brand" so long as you don't go for their bottom range they are fantastic pieces of kit. I have a headset mic of theirs which is wonderful to use when (in my other life) I'm doing school assemblies and the like.
IrritableTech Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 Both VHF and UHF microphones have some frequencies which are licence exempt. If memory serves, four of the sixteen uhf frequencies are exempt. UHF frequencies between 863 - 865MHz are exempt.
mjs_mjs Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 some wireless is free from lisencing, typically stuff like the 4 channel trantec 4.4 system is lisence free in the uk but the 4.16 requires a lisence. check out JFMG Radio spectrum for programme making and entertainment for info about UK lisencing.
Batman Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 You don't need a license for mobile phones either.
Frangar Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 Try this Wireless Mics It may also depend on the power output of the transmitters....although I dont think that you would be likely to find the higher power units in an education enviroment....but you never know! Gareth
mjs_mjs Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 The JMFG have a list of what is and isn't acceptable, they state it by frequency and give you a maximum output power for that frequency range. i'll add a link. i no it exists as i have a hard copy in a folder that i gig with as i'm often given radio gear where the venue does not have the correct lisencing.
powdarrmonkey Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 JFMG are the people to ask. But if you're dithering, buy a license - then the church hall down the road won't suddenly broadcast their bingo numbers into your assembly. Be aware that in 2012 the channel 69 frequencies are being re-allocated, too, so your kit will probably become useless.
brookesandrew Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 You don't need a license for mobile phones either. You don't, but I believe you will find that your service provider has a license that covers the use of transmitting equipment by their customers. Its always surprised me as a radio ham that I could be prosecuted if I use foul language on the wireless, however the number of kids and adults you hear swearing at their mates on mobile phones (wireless transmitters) and nobody seems to bat an eyelid.... Sorry folks, i'm heading off topic.
mjs_mjs Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 the trantect 4.4 are currently lisence free in the uk and will be until 2012. at around £100 there not bad.
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