[Gustin]

That range is being reserved for public safety officers... police, fire, emergency response etc.

The chances of you getting in trouble might be slim, but if your equipment is interfering with those frequencies not only will the penalties be high, but they could be putting someone at risk.

[Art]

Meh, I prefer to buy new, anyhow. I've been burned before.

I really like that A T setup that Gustin posted. I think I'll save up for that badboy. Thanks for you help, everybody.

[Art]

A bit more help if you please... I don't speak this particular language too well. If I am reading this right, they should be able to add more wireless mics, yes? I know that they would eventually like to go that route, but it is certainly not going to happen right now. My understanding is that this system will accept up to 8 microphones. Would have have to be Audio Technica?

[Gustin]

From looking at it... I think what it means is that you can use 8 of them at one location simultaneously without there being problems since there are 8 channels. Really, you can use any kind of other system as long as they're not on the same frequency.

The manual should have a map that says:
Channel 1 = 542.125
Channel 2 = 545.250

And so on. So if you decide to get a Shure system later, you can sort of map out the available frequencies.

[Maestro_dmc]

Originally Posted by redbaron

true, though in all honesty the likelihood of you getting in trouble is virtually zero, and the likelihood that you interfere with the TV crap they're putting in 700mhz is even less. You'd just get nasty cut-ins most likely.

Either way, it's easy to research from a model number on the manufacturers website, and they will have the spectrum they operate in. It shouldn't be too hard to find something in the 600 or 800mhz ranges.

I wouldn't say virtually zero. When and if wireless service providers in your area start using the above 698 frequency you happen to be using for your wireless systems, very likely your systems will not work at all. AT&T and Verizon are two of the Companies using these bands for 3G and 4G data transmission. If they start testing new equipment during a weekend service, you could be in for a nasty surprise. The problem is that nobody really knows exactly what will happen, or how the new equipment will interfere with existing equipment.

Watch out for people trying to unload their used wireless stuff though.

I have heard a great idea though: Some folks are talking about sending their used 700 equipment overseas for use in churches/ministries there, where they are not restricted yet.

(From Shure's Website)The FCC conducted spectrum auctions in the 700 MHz band (actually 698-806 MHz). The auctions were conducted in two phases, dividing the spectrum into two groups, "upper" and "lower" 700 MHz bands. Additionally, a portion of the 700 MHz has been re-allocated for Public Safety. On June 12, 2009 the television stations that were occupying the 700 MHz spectrum vacated that area. This opened up the spectrum for the auction winners to begin testing and using these frequencies. All television stations are now in their new assignments below TV channel 52 (698 MHz). Cellular telephone companies, such as Verizon and AT&T were the major winners of the auctions. These cell phone companies will begin using this spectrum for cell phones in the near future.

Additionally, on January 15, 2010, the FCC announced that wireless microphones will be illegal to use in the 700 MHz band after June 12, 2010. More information: Operation of Wireless Mics in 700 MHz Band

What does this mean for you? You should make plans to replace your wireless systems before June 12, 2010. Operation on the newly defined Public Safety channels (TV 63, 64, 68, 69) must be avoided. In some markets, testing of new wireless services may already be occurring. As you would probably do for any large event, scanning for clear frequencies ahead of time is highly recommended. This is easily accomplished with either the UHF-R wireless system and a laptop computer running Shure Wireless Workbench software, or with the older UHF system, if you have the UA111 network interface .

The antennas and antenna distribution systems are not affected by this regulation. However, if you have narrow band antennas or antenna distribution, you might need to change them out for wide band devices or devices in a different band.

For current and future system purchases, you should move to frequency bands TV channel 51 and below, which are located in the core television band (UHF frequencies 470 - 698 MHz). These frequencies are not slated to be auctioned, nor has this even been proposed. The wider the tuning bandwidth of the wireless system, the more frequency choices you will have. This is key for successful operation. Shure does not currently sell any wireless systems in the 700 MHz band. Thus, you can be confident in purchasing any new Shure wireless system.

Shure is currently offering a rebate program to assist U.S. customers that own professional wireless audio systems in the 700 MHz band.

Furthermore, the federal government has dictated that Shure can no longer repair 700 MHz wireless systems.

Shure encourages all parties interested in the continued successful operation of wireless microphones, personal monitors, intercoms and IFB devices to state their position with decision makers in Washington, D.C. To assist in this effort, direct written communication to U.S. House and Senate representatives is also encouraged.

[Gustin]

Just to add some more info direct from the horses mouth:

Operation of Wireless Mics in 700 MHz Band

They've got a list of some of the more popular items that are now illegal.

[ibanez_dude]

Originally Posted by Art

I can go over $100, but I'm not spending $500 to put his voice through the church's crappy sound system. I don't need something perfect, I need something that works well.

The Sennheiser ME3 is a pretty good choice, we have a couple of them. If you wanted to use it wired, you'll have to get an adapter, but that's not too bad, as the headset only costs $140ish. You could try and pick a whole Sennheiser wireless set. If you look around for G2 series, you could probably get a system for 300-400.