wireless packs - any rules of thumb?

PolarityMan

So we tried out our new wireless setup today and after some trial and error managed to find 3 channels that seemed to not have any interference but is there a rule fo thumb or method to what will work?

Like is it best to spread the channels far apart from each other or go for consecutive channels? what about antenna orientation? Our units are racked so they are in quite close proximity so should the antennas be angled away?

Any other tips? 

Roland

Avoid consecutive channels. 1, 6, and 10 is popular.

Snags

If they're using standard 2.4GHz then you should try to allow two clear channels either side for minimum overlap/interference.

Obviously you'll also have the fun and games of competing with whatever wireless equipment is already in place at the venue, plus potentially wireless kit used by other bands on the same bill (unless you're single-billing).

mike257

Antennas in close proximity doesn't help.  If they're stick antenna, they radiate out from the 'sides' of the stick, and the actual pointy end is a bit of a null, so point them at the roof, not the stage.  Ideally have the pairs of antenna at 90 degrees to each other, but both pointing upwards, so kind of a V-shape.  If the point of the antenna is pointing at you on stage, all the useful radio frequency energy is not heading in your direction! 

Are you using systems with fixed frequencies or can they be tuned?

PolarityMan

mike257 said:

Antennas in close proximity doesn't help.  If they're stick antenna, they radiate out from the 'sides' of the stick, and the actual pointy end is a bit of a null, so point them at the roof, not the stage.  Ideally have the pairs of antenna at 90 degrees to each other, but both pointing upwards, so kind of a V-shape.  If the point of the antenna is pointing at you on stage, all the useful radio frequency energy is not heading in your direction! 

Are you using systems with fixed frequencies or can they be tuned?

we have 3 which are racked together by neceasiity but they do have 16 or so different frequencies. Used them tonight and was a little noisy but no dropouts or anything which was pretty decent given we were billing wioth 2 other bands with wireless! luickily everyone powered theirs down ebtween sets. 

PhilM

Depending on what system it is, you might be able to get an antenna combiner unit. This will link all units to just one pair of antenna and will cut down on issues with having a lot of co-existing antenna in one rack. This would be considered the "pro" way of doing it, but does add to the cost.