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Weather and Your Wireless Microphone Equipment
Winter and Fall often conjures up cold and wet memories of wireless
use. The Spring and Summer remind me of that unexpected rainstorm
that nearly ruined the outdoor production.
Here are some ideas or suggestions that may help keep that extra dBm
of RF on your next show.
The closest you’re going to get to waterproof is water resistant.
You may be able to enclose a bodypack in anything from a condom
to a sealed plastic bag (with gaff tape of course), but you’ll never
get the lav or headset away from sweat, body heat and the outdoor
elements. Once a mic has been “sweated out”, take the mic to
a warm, dry place and allow the water vapor to remove itself or dry
out. Fans, hair dryers, the top of warm running electronic equipment
all are sources of dry heat. After twelve to 24 hours the mic should
(almost) as good as new.
Battery life in the cold is often only 75% ( or less ) of what may
be expected in ideal conditions. Keep the batteries warm by carrying
them in pants or shirt pockets or storing them inside a warm area
helps. Installing the warm batteries just before dressing or
sound check will help the battery life. Always plastic wrap or bag
RF antennas that are exposed to the elements. Water, dust, salt
and even the wind all combine to loosen and deteriorate electronic
connections and welds resulting in poor or no reception and/or transmission.
If the antennas are out of view, leave the plastic bag(s) on.
Try and keep antenna cables off of the deck and away from electrical
and dimmer cables. Radio interference (RFI), noise and hum will
be greatly reduced or eliminated.
Do you have a wireless microphone question? Please contact
us and we will post the answer here on our site!
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