Tempest is a timely solution for the dilemma wireless communication system users will face when the DTV transition is completed in early 2009, suggests Clear-Com. Those used to operating wireless equipment in the 500 to 600MHz portion of the UHF band will find that spectrum crowded with UHF DTV transmissions, while the 700MHz band frequencies are scheduled for auction to new users later in 2009.
However, Tempest operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz bands, so it is unaffected by the reallocation of the UHF-TV spectrum. State-of-the-art 2xTX Transmission Voice Data Redundancy sends each packet of audio data twice on different frequencies, and through different antennas, which assures uninterrupted, high quality audio communications.
Tempest can interoperate with other Clear-Com intercom systems as well as those from other manufacturers through four-wire and two-wire connections. Each base-station can operate up to five wireless belt-stations, and by stacking up to 15 base-stations together, up to 75 independent wireless belt-stations can be integrated into the intercom system.
A Shared-Slot feature allows one of the five Base-Station slots to be used for up to 25 half-duplex, single transmit Belt-Stations. The new system has a PC based control panel, with set-up and programming transferred to Base-Stations via Ethernet or a USB connection.
(Jim Evans)
