Do you (or your church, business, organization) use a wireless microphone? Well here is some IMPORTANT (if very BAD) news.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established NEW rules: You must stop using wireless microphones operating in the UHF band of frequencies between 698 and 806 MHz no later than June 12th, 2010!
I personally own an AKG model SR-40 microphone that operates at 734.xxx MHz. I don’t know if the company will offer some way to convert the device or some reimbursement — but I doubt it. I am probably out the cost of the device (retailed for nearly $1000).
Is YOUR mike included? Look on the back or bottom of the receiver and it SHOULD tell you the frequency on which it operates. If it operates on a frequency between 698 and 806 MHz, then you MUST STOP USING IT by June 12th of this year!
This is a BIG deal for me. I suspect that it will be a problem for a lot of churches and others who have public address systems. You need to be aware of this and make arrangements prior to the cut-off time.
The FCC web site has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list here. Be sure to check it out and be ready to comply with the new rule. Otherwise, you open yourself up for legal penalties!
- FCC: Turn off your Wireless Microphones!
Ray Waldo is a retired pastor with a passion for making technology accessible for the ordinary person. His religious organization has assigned him as the unofficial "Technology Evangelist" for the State of Louisiana. Ray prefers the title "Bishop of Technology."