Making Wireless Work

“Losing the wires without losing your mind”
The demand for wireless audio is increasing, while the available bandwidth is decreasing dramatically. The FCC has auctioned another large portion of the spectrum to T-Mobile and other data service providers.  Are you up to the challenge of working with less spectrum?  Watch this short video and click on the tabs below to learn more.

We will not be offering this course in 2019.

  • Read about a previous Making Wireless Work event.
  • Earn 18 RUs.
  • Learn from the best in the industry.
  • This event is only offered once each year.
  • Great networking opportunities.
  • Bonus! Includes 1-year SynAudCon Membership.
  • More seats = bigger discount!
  • All for only $750.
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For years, the available UHF bandwidth for our industry extended to 800 MHz. It was decreased to 700MHz in 2008. The FCC just auctioned another large portion of the spectrum to T-mobile and others, forcing the use of wireless mics to below 608 MHz. Our industry must cope with the loss of 84 MHz of spectrum while the demand for wireless increases. How is this possible? (Scroll down to see commencement of operation dates.)

The manufacturers have been forced to introduce equipment in new RF bands. These frequencies (wavelengths) respond differently than what we have been dealing with. This seminar will help increase the reliability of your existing wireless systems and help integrate new technologies into your current and future productions.

SynAudCon has assembled all-star staff James Stoffo, Karl Winkler, and Tim Vear to help you deal with these problems. James Stoffo works as a frequency coordinator for the Grammy Awards, Olympics, World Cup, Rose Bowl, and many others. Karl (Lectrosonics) and Tim (Shure) represent the manufacturers who make the hardware and assist their customers. They know the most common problems seen in the field.

This team teaches with enthusiasm. It is clearly their passion. The training combines lecture with active demonstrations to drive home the points.

This all-star staff will be addressing the following:

  • How do I fit more channels into a lot less spectrum?
  • How do I increase the reliability and performance of my existing wireless mic systems?
  • How to implement new technologies outside of the traditional UHF spectrum into existing systems.
  • How do I deal with interference from lighting and video walls? Read this interesting article on LED walls.
  • . How do I evaluate new wireless mic systems and components?
  • What are the most effective transmit and receive antennas?

The major topics will include:

  • Wireless Microphone Technologies
  • Equipment that works in new RF bands
  • Frequency Coordination and Band Planning
  • RF Fundamentals
  • Antenna Selection and Placement
  • FCC and Spectrum Allocation Issues
  • Site Survey and Commissioning Procedures

Important information from T-mobile and their plans to begin operations.

Letter from T-Mobile  A brief explanation of their plans.

Excel spreadsheet from T-mobile  This spreadsheet list the cities and “Commencement of Operations Date”.  (Dated 5/18/2018) Most of the timelines are in advance of the original timeline.

If you are in one of the cities or counties such affected, very soon your 600MHz wireless gear will likely be hit with overwhelming interference. In addition, at that point, the operation of your microphones will become illegal on those frequencies that T-Mobile is operating on. You may then follow new rules for operation in the new “Duplex Gap” which is the guard band between the wireless carrier’s up and down link signals. (653-663MHz). See this “FCC Final Band Plan” for further insight into the “Duplex Gap”. There is also a 2MHz slice just above channel 37 where wireless mics can operate, (also under new rules).

You are encouraged to reach out to the wireless manufacturers and others for help in understanding your particular situation. In any case, even where T-Mobile is not going on the air early, you must be below the 608 MHz service band no later than when the TV stations in your town move to their new lower channels, or July 2020, whichever comes first.

Phase Assignment Closing spreadsheet – this spreadsheet list 9 phases in which TV stations were to be moved from their current channel to their new post auction channel.

T-Mobile has deployed its 600MHz spectrum in 900 US cities and towns.  Here the list.

Quote from James Stoffo.

The next 3 years will present greater challenges to the wireless microphone and intercom operator than in any 3-year period in the history of man-made radio on the planet. Wireless manufacturers are responding by introducing new wireless technologies in alternate radio spectrum. The hardware used to implement this technology will require new and innovative antenna systems and accessories. The SynAudCon Making Wireless Work course will teach the strategies and techniques required to implement and master wireless audio operations well in to the future.

– James Stoffo

Last  Two “Making Wireless Work” Seminar – 88 evaluations

How would you rate the instructor’s teaching skills?

86 Excellent
2 Good

How would you rate the presentation?

1 Above Excellent
79 Excellent
7 Good

How would you rate the demos?

69 Excellent
18 Good

How would you rate the manual?

69 Excellent
19 Good

How would you rate the overall seminar?

1 Above Excellent
81 Excellent
5 Good

Did the seminar challenge you?

85 yes
3 No
Was the seminar worth its cost?

88 yes
0 No

Did you acquire skills and knowledge that will help you for further study?

88 yes
0 No

Will you use the course manual on the job?

85 yes
3 No

Were you well informed of the travel and seminar details.

88 yes
0 No

Would you recommend this seminar to others?

88 yes
0 No