First Impression of Constant Carrier Digital Radio Talkback

The Barbican Centre have been investigating different solutions to replace their BTR wireless Beltpack system in the main hall.  Today we tested a Kenwoood Nexedge Digital Base station with some dual mode Digital/Analogue capable radios.  The base had the required Tx enable button and audio in and audio out on a trial version interface panel.    The radio system was interfaced to the backstage RTS 2 wire intercom using an RTS 2 wire to 4 wire interface.

The Nexedge radio system was operating in 6.25khz bandwidth offering a possible saving in licence cost as opposed to the normal 12.5kHz OFCOM/JFMG licence.  There was some work to do on the interface to improve the audio levels and litlle of noise however overall it was better than Bruce expected and it was nice to not have that background noise present on Production Radio Talkback. There is a delay, albeit very small, and the infinite echo of an open radio through an open mic in production sounded like a not longer clean feed coming back to some poor presenter's IFB earpiece from a remote studio, studio, studio ,studio, studio (I guess you get the drift)!

This was the first Digital radio talkback system Showcomms and Bruce had tested as runner for a possible replacement to the present analogue UHF base stations.  The clear improvement in range running 5W through some little mag mounts was the biggest surprise. Certainly the in-house production team were impressed by the lack of black spots. If you have been to the Barbican you will know it is a concrete steel jungle and good rf coverage from backstage to FOH foyet and upper levels can be a struggle.

In short the Benefits appear to be:

• reduced bandwidth and possibly therefore lower licence fees. I need to ask JFMG in this respect to booking a licence.
• increased range especially in 6.25kHz
• Private audio, the audio cant be scanned by other users     
• Base station and handset transceivers can be used in Analogue or Digital mode

A little work is required on our interface box  to the Kenwood Nexedge 810 and certainly it wont be long before Bruce can bring anyone who wishes a demo unit to try out!

John Bishop Sunshine

Sunshine again and everyone is beaming.
John Bishop has started the 2nd leg of his Stand Up tour Sunshine Tour around the UK. Showcomms are providing backstage radio comms following a successful hire last year

12 New Motorola CP040 radios and a Kenwood Base Station with constant carrier will provide 4 simplex and 1 duplex feed.  The licences were booked via JFMG's online system and we were able to co-ordinate the same frequencies at all the venues for continuity of use.

NEW Sentinel headset for Kenwood multipin radios

We have recently introduced our Sentinel-K2 earpiece headset for Kenwood Multipin radios.
It has a large PTT with microphone for high noise environments, the same as on our Centurion 2 wire models. But in other aspects is the same as our BG range, which have sold over 3000 models to British and European Police forces, fire services, ambulance services, councils and security personnel.
It has Kevlar cables, and has a one year no quibble warranty. Here is the full specification:


Fits all Kenwood multipin radios (see list below). As used by prison service, doormen etc
Kevlar Cable
Bigger front facing PTT microphone
Reduced cabling
Acoustic tube earpiece
 1 YEAR no quibble warranty.
A coiled wire leaves the radio and goes to a large, water-resistant, push to talk and microphone which is designed to perform well in the loudest atmospheres. The second wire goes from the mic/PTT unit to a discreet clear coiled tube earpiece. With this earpiece you can talk into your radio at a conversational tone and have crystal clear communication even if you can't hear yourself talk!

This unit uses Kevlar reinforced wiring and top quality strain reliefs which withstand a breaking force of up to 20kg, so it will survive in even the roughest work environment.

WARRANTY
If you break this headset, including damage caused during work, within 1 year and return to to us we will replace it.


Kenwood multipin plug: TK190, TK2140, TK280, TK290, TK3140, TK3160, TK3170, TK3180, TK380, TK390, TK480, TK481, NX200, NX300, TK2180

Please call us on +44 (0) 1689 876620 or email bruce@showcomms.co.uk for more details