NAB Perspectives: Clear-Com Adds Wireless Roaming to Tempest2400

The transition to wireless and IP-based communications isn’t as simple as it might seem. Says Bob Boster, president of intercom manufacturer Clear-Com, “The big trend looks like it’s intercom over IP, but it actually has to behave like a network. The thing is, the fact that it’s IP should be transparent to the user. IP should not be part of the user experience; it should be part of the engineering experience.”

He notes that sports is looking for simplicity and ease of use in communications systems. That, he believes, will be fostered by greater use of wireless-intercom capability. That was underscored by the introduction this week of Seamless Roaming capability for Clear-Com’s Tempest2400 digital wireless system.

BaseStations are linked via the newest ZSync (Zero Synchronization) technology, which provides a zero-sync reference that coordinates the hopping patterns of all connected BaseStations every time the system is powered up, irrespective of random time variation in power-up sequences, to provide improved system performance and a seamless wireless experience.

With the Seamless Roaming feature, BeltStation users can migrate among as many as 16 Tempest2400 BaseStations (coverage areas or zones). Both Seamless Roaming and iSelect Roaming are available to accommodate virtually every application need.

The Tempest2400, based on Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology, uses a narrow-band signal that continually changes frequencies and does not compete with signals from other 2.4 GHz wireless devices, minimizing frequency coordination.

Another product announced at the show is the HelixNet networked partyline intercom system. The initial release consists of the HMS-4X Main Station, HBP-2X HelixNet Beltpack, HLI-2W2 two-wire Interface Module, and the HLI-4W2 four-wire Interface Module. The system begins shipping in June.