Other Topics: Looking to buy Two-Way Radios for Theater?

Looking to buy Two-Way Radios for Theater?

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Topic: Looking to buy Two-Way Radios for Theater?

Posted By: dexter74656
Subject: Looking to buy Two-Way Radios for Theater?
Date Posted: 1/07/09 at 5:59pm

Hi all-

My company is looking to purchase some two-way radios (the "new" word for walkie-talkies, apparently) for usage during our shows to allow for communication between stage manager back stage, the light board operator in the booth, the music director in the pit, and the director wherever I might be at any given moment.

What does everyone else use? I'm looking at this to be a bit of an investment (looks like around $100 if not more) for the four that we're going to need, and I'd like it to be something that's going to last and work. Does anyone have tips on what to look for as I shop around?

I know I'll want headsets, if they don't come with them already.

I'm more likely to get sets that use replacable batteries - I used the rechargeable ones in a prior job and the rechargeable batteries died out pretty quickly and didn't last. I'd rather they use AA or AAA's that I can just replace each season or show.

Any other suggestions of things I need to look out for or be aware of?

Replies:

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 1/09/09 at 8:17am

Here is a 'Talk Back' systems handbook, available on line:-

http://www.telexradiocom.com/binary/Handbook%20of%20Intercom%20Systems%20Engineering.pdf - http://www.telexradiocom.com/binary/Handbook%20of%20Intercom%20Systems%20Engineering.pdf

This may answer most of your questions!

Which covers most systems, although I find the wire to wire system is the best. Most Ameatres still use Radio Talk Back sets, such as the 'Realistic' [Radio Shack] FM [vox] units that are still available, but interference will occur from time to time & batteries are a cost fator. Proeatre radio talk back, same as radio Mic's [wireless Mics in your currency] can be quite expensive & I doubt the cost is justified for comeatre?. However they can be interfaced with the hard wired systems.

I have just bought a Four headset, belt pack control & Master SM control unit system for $2500[AUD] which we are installing at present. They have an 'A & B' call/talk channels & all the usual fruit for SM control.

{We have always refered to them as 'Two way' &/or 'Talk Back', rather than 'Walkie Takies'?}

-------------
[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: jayzehr
Date Posted: 1/09/09 at 9:00am

I tried to use those Radio Shack units on our last show--and btw, don't count on them being kept in stock at any given Radio Shack---and they were kind of a nuisance. Seemed to be some volume differences and I had a real hard time hearing. Maybe with a better head set/mic combo or maybe I'm just going deaf:)

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 1/10/09 at 8:28am

They are just toys & yes, if they are on 'VOX' [voice activated] they can drive you around the bend, faster than a good dose of 'Harpic'!

-------------
[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: ziggy1122
Date Posted: 1/28/09 at 9:02am

We've used the Motorola Talk-Abouts family radios for our shows, and we picked up the headsets and/or earbuds. They work OK for us to communicate with tech booth and backstage.