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Tech Bulletin |
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01/2018 |
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Cue King 2
Has Moved Frequency ! Cue King 2 Wireless Remotes now
operate on the little-used frequency of This move has come about because of increasing
congestion and interference from a range of sources on the 433.92
MHz band. These include hobbyist-configured kits, FM audio
baby monitors and, most significantly, the growing sector of FM
"silent disco" headsets. The elevation of Cue King
2 to 433.42 MHz removes these device classes as a potential source
of conflict, and guarantees users the highest possible level of
security and dependability. As of the 1st of January 2018, 433.42 MHz has become Szikla's default RF band for Cue King 2, although 433.92 will still be available by request. The reason for this change is the increasing over-popularity of the 433.92 MHz band, for hobbyists and manufacturers alike. Products like Arduino offer hobbyists RF connectivity for their creations, but what gets broadcast is up to the user. Other concerns are FM audio streaming devices, including portable baby monitors, and "silent-disco" headsets. The 433.92 ISM band has traditionally been the home of data transmission devices that use short bursts to communicate; things like car keys, garage door openers, and remote presenters. These devices turn on when you press a button, then transmit and turn off again, leaving the air clear for other users. By comparison, FM audio devices require continuous transmission, during which other devices within range and using the same frequency will be in conflict. Assuming the audio device is not exceeding the statutory transmission limit of 25 milliwatts, that physical range of conflict may extend beyond 200 metres. Despite the ample availability of "audio only" broadcast frequencies - and 433.92 MHz is not one of them - FM audio devices are now a fact of life on this traditionally data-only band. Disappointingly, the government regulator has returned a neutral position on the subject of audio streaming, advising that they are only interested in whether or not the gadgets exceed the aforementioned power limitation. A single "silent-disco" transmitter operating in ICC Sydney in November 2017 had the effect of knocking out all slide transitions on 433.92 MHz devices, affecting several brands, including DSan PerfectCue, and Szikla Cue King. I have taken the view that these challenges are here to stay, and the trouble they cause will only increase. So with the Cue King 2 still in its infancy I have introduced this essential upgrade to put my customers in the cleanest air available, and moved my devices to 433.42 MHz. Components for this frequency are difficult to obtain, placing them outside the realm of the hobbyist and fly-by-nighter. The only well-established products using 433.42 amount to some security remotes made by Bosch, and some window curtain remotes made by Somfy. They are all short-burst data devices, so represent negligible concern regarding conflict. When I created Cue King 1, the whole RF spectrum was fairly empty, but now - fifteen years later - it is very busy and much more challenging. This move in frequency mitigates many of those challenges, and dramatically increases reliability for Cue King 2 users. But with all that said, "silent-disco" has made legitimate inroads, even into corporate AV. Meetings as large as 450 delegates are on record using RF headphones instead of a PA. And why not? If you want to walk your delegates from room to room while maintaining a running commentary, then putting headsets on them might be a good solution. If you are contemplating an event of that type, we suggest Party Higher and DJ Warehouse as preferred suppliers, both using RF equipment on 800-900 MHz, which is compatible with Cue King 1 and Cue King 2. Customers who have already purchased Cue King 2 equipment are invited to have it upgraded to 433.42 MHz, at no charge. |
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Best regards, |
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433.42 MHz |