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Tempest Tip-of-the-Week

March 5, 2010
Tempest two channel BeltStations now work with four channel BaseStations. Using the latest version of Tempest firmware, a two channel BeltStation can be paired and used with any four channel BaseStation. The two channel BeltStation operates on intercom channels A and B only. Channels C and D are unavailable to the two channel BeltStation. Both  two channel BeltStation modes are available so the two channel BeltStation can dual talk/listen on A and B, or it can switch back and forth between A or B depending on user preference. Using two channel belts is a great way to add flexibility.

February 26, 2010
Tempest wireless intercom systems are easy and intuitive to setup and use. System setup is straight forward and typically requires less than 15 minutes to be up and running. Any end user that is familiar with existing 2-wire partly-line beltpack operation can be using a Tempest beltstation in just seconds. This makes Tempest ideal for rental companies, shows that use daily hires and other “high turnover” applications. Ease of setup, operation and use is one big differentiator of Tempest from other wireless intercom systems out there today. It is the wireless intercom version of the easy button!

February 19, 2010
Tempest works in virtually all venues and locations. Tempest utilizes patented frequency hopping spread spectrum radio technology plus 2xTX redundant audio data transmission to ensure robust, reliable performance in almost any environment, indoors or outdoors. Tempest is currently installed and working in a number of different locations and venues and is being used in several traveling and rental applications. Tempest is in stadiums, arenas, television studios, production trucks, theme parks, theaters, houses of worship, industrial applications and more. Numerous customers in highly varying production environments are singing Tempest’s praises for performance and ease of use.

February 5, 2010
Tempest works with Wi-Fi! Tempest utilizes patented frequency hopping spread spectrum technology to ensure robust RF performance even in crowded RF environments. Tempest occupies the same spectrum as 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and other non-licensed 2.4GHz devices. Fortunately, Tempest’s unique RF design allows it to work well even in the face of very extensive Wi-Fi networks. Just as importantly, it works the other way too. Wi-Fi networks will not see Tempest as a significant interference source and will maintain over 90% of their throughput even with multiple Tempest systems present. Wi-Fi is everywhere… no problem, Tempest can be too!

January 29, 2010
Replacing existing UHF wireless intercom systems with Tempest is a great way to make room for more wireless microphones and/or wireless IFBs. Older analog UHF wireless intercoms are very spectrally inefficient. By replacing a UHF wireless intercom system that has eight belts with a Tempest system you would make room for 12 to 16 more wireless microphones and/or wireless IFBs. Available UHF spectrum is shrinking and more users are being packed into a smaller area. Replacing old, analog wireless intercoms is an excellent way to combat a growing problem and handle the increased demand for wireless production equipment.

January 22, 2010
Tempest delivers a more reliable radio link than other wireless intercoms. Tempest is proving its reliability daily all over the planet in many various environments. Analog UHF wireless intercoms are becoming harder to use due to shrinking spectrum and increased competition for frequencies. Other digital wireless systems suffer from weak RF design and multipath interference susceptibility. In either case, noise, reduced range and/or drop-outs make these systems virtually unusable in many applications. Tempest employs a patented, robust RF scheme that can conquer even the most challenging RF environments. Why suffer through another production? Tempest is up to the challenge.

January 15, 2010
Tempest audio level at the BeltStation is now louder. A new firmware version has been released which has several improvements including BeltStation audio that is 6dB louder. Low audio level is a primary complaint with some other digital wireless intercom systems. Tempest BeltStation audio level was already louder than other 2.4GHz wireless intercom systems on the market today, but now the end user can get up to 6dB more audio level at the headset. This is great for high noise environments where clear, crisp, loud audio is a necessity. Tempest is constantly improving to give people what they want!

December 28, 2009
Proper antenna placement is the most important factor in maximizing RF performance. Whether using a Tempest BaseStation with one or two antennas or are remote transceiver, correct antenna placement can mean the difference between acceptable or great RF performance. Locate antennas above head level, away from metal obstructions.  Locate omni-directional antennas in the center of the coverage area. Locate directional antennas on the edge of the coverage area pointing across it. When using a BaseStation or Transceiver with two antennas, always make sure that the coverage patterns of both antennas overlap in the desired coverage area. Antenna placement matters!

December 18, 2009
Tempest BeltStations have wireless ISO. Wireless ISO lets a BeltStation user talk only to other wireless belts on their channel. When enabled, a BeltStation user can push the Enter button to activate Wireless ISO. This enables the user’s Microphone and routes the audio to all other wireless BeltStations on the active channel. The wireless user’s audio does not go to the hardwired intercom for as long as the Enter button is pressed. This feature is great for stage managers and other situations where “offline” conversations are necessary. Tempest gives you the tools to get the job done! 

December 11, 2009
Tempest BeltStations can easily move from one BaseStation to another using iSelect roaming. Tempest iSelect technology allows BeltStation users to quickly and easily move from one coverage zone to another. The user simply presses the menu button, presses the enter button and selects the BaseStation they wish to move to. The BeltStation will then quickly switch from the current BaseStation to the selected one in just a second or two. iSelect roaming allows a BeltStation to be paired with up to 64 BaseStations so the user can move freely around even the most complex RF installations.

December 4, 2009
Tempest two channel BeltStations have two different modes of operation. In Dual listen mode you hear both intercom channels A and B with individual volume control for each. You can also use one, the other, or both Talk buttons at the same time. This is similar to how the four channel BeltStations work now. In A or B Listen mode you hear either channel A or channel B one at a time, but not both. Pushing the appropriate knob button switches to that channel. No matter the application, Tempest two channel BeltStations work the way you do.

November 23, 2009
Tempest now comes in a two-channel version. Now you can have the features and performance of the award winning Tempest 2400 four-channel system in a two-channel configuration. The two-channel version offers the convenience of a single antenna port on the BaseStation as well as both a dual listen/talk and a single listen/talk BeltStation mode of operation. The two-channel system still has all of the features that have made Tempest the fastest growing wireless intercom product on the planet, but now you have a choice of two or four intercom channels. Oh yeah…. It costs less too.

November 16, 2009
Tempest BeltStations allow you to set minimum and maximum listening volume. This is ideal for users who are prone to accidentally raise or lower their volume level. On the BeltStation just push the menu button, select Set Controls then select Volume Limit. You can then choose either Min Volume or Max Volume. You can even set Min and Max Volume remotely from the BaseStation or T-Desk. The minimum and the maximum settings control both intercom channels being monitored. With Tempest and volume limit settings you won’t have to hear “why don’t I hear anyone?!” ever again.

October 30, 2009
Tempest supports up to 10 BaseStations in one location. Each BaseStation supports up to five full-duplex BeltStations. That means you can have up to 50 full-duplex, full-time talk BeltStations operating in close proximity. That is far more than any other wireless intercom system available today. Tempest BaseStations use a very precise timing signal that is shared among all of the BaseStations via Accu-Sync loop-through connectors on the back of the BaseStation. The Accu-Sync timing signal enables the BaseStations to transmit simultaneously eliminating harmful desensing and minimizing intersystem interference. Need a lot of wireless users… Tempest is the answer!

October 23, 2009
Tempest BeltStations are rugged, reliable and weather resistant. Tempest BeltStations are specifically designed to handle the extreme conditions found in many production environments. The design is a result of extensive drop survivability testing and analysis. BeltStations are constructed of a strong, lightweight ABS co-polymer blend with a high performance polyurethane over-mold for added shock resistance. In addition, special mechanical and electrical attention was given to weather proofing.  Connectors are protected by a snug fitting, captive rubber cover. The battery door forms a water tight barrier. Real world productions go everywhere, in any weather… Rest assured, Tempest can too!

October 16, 2009
Tempest has antenna flexibility! Easily locate Tempest antennas on the back of the BaseStation, in a nearby location using RF cables or up to 1500 feet (460 meters) away using the optional Remote Transceiver. Each BaseStation supports one Remote Transceiver creating a single coverage zone. In addition, RF antenna distribution can be done using RF splitters and line amplifiers to seamlessly cover multiple zones. In many locations Tempest may be used with optional directional antennas to increase range or focus RF in the desired coverage area. Whatever your application, Tempest offers the antenna options to get it done!

October 12, 2009
Tempest BaseStations have six relays that can be used to control external devices. Each BeltStation can control one of five individual relays plus the shared Stage Announce relay. The Stage relay is activated anytime the Stage button is pressed. The individual relays can be assigned per BeltStation to one of a number of triggers such as a change in Talk or Channel status, Stage button, Enter button or low battery. These relays can be used in conjunction with any GPIO device or Matrix intercom to do a multitude of tasks. Tempest relays let you interface to almost anything!

October 2, 2009
Tempest BeltStations come with Li-Polymer rechargeable batteries at no extra charge. The rechargeable batteries last for over nine hours with typical use and can be recharged from empty in less than three hours. Batteries can be charged in the BeltStation using the Mini USB wall charger or externally using the optional five bay charger. Tempest’s unique battery compartment design also allows you to use three alkaline AA batteries without the need for a sled or adapter. This is great when your rechargeable batteries are not charged and the show must go on! Power source flexibility, Tempest has it.

September 25,2009
Tempest is extremely effective in high noise environments. Tempest is used at American football games where noise levels can be extremely loud. Tempest has an audio dynamic range of over 90dB. This is far superior to other digital wireless intercom systems. In addition, Tempest uses a voice algorithm that doesn’t break down in the presence of loud noise as many others do. This makes Tempest ideal for concerts and other situations with excessive noise levels. Other digital wireless systems can’t handle high noise and cause voice to be distorted and unintelligible, but with Tempest you’ll hear every word!

September 18,2009
Tempest works well right up to the end of range and then declines gracefully. Competing digital wireless intercoms sound choppy, distorted and have loud cracks and pops as they near the end of their range. This can be very frustrating to the user and can actually be painful. Tempest uses advanced FHSS, 2xTX redundant audio data transmission, and Lost Packet Concealment technology to ensure the end user never hears loud pops or cracks as they reach the end of range. This is a big problem with other systems, but with Tempest you’ll never have to worry about it!

September 4, 2009
Tempest systems come with T-Desk software at no extra charge! T-Desk is an intuitive program used to monitor and/or control up to 10 Tempest systems in real time. T-Desk connects to Tempest BaseStations via a LAN connection or directly to a single Tempest BaseStation. T-Desk allows users to remotely set or change many Tempest BaseStation and/or BeltStation settings. Have a wireless user that is talking on a channel that he shouldn't? You can easily disable that channel for his BeltStation, or just disable his talk function for that channel. T-Desk provides ultimate confidence and control when using Tempest.

August 28, 2009
Tempest firmware is fast and easy to upgrade. Both the BaseStation and BeltStation utilize standard USB connections to transfer firmware files from any computer with a USB port. To make things even easier, we offer a complimentary code updater application that automates the process and gives feedback as to progress. All of this means that as new features and functions are released, users with equipment that is already in the field will be able to simply and quickly update Tempest firmware to take advantage of the latest improvements. If you can check email, you can upgrade Tempest firmware!

August 21, 2009
Tempest does not require frequency coordination, ever! Frequency coordination for older RF technology is expensive, complex and time consuming. In stark contrast, regulations governing the use of the 2.4GHz band throughout the world require that devices operating within this band utilize technologies that minimize interference and promote cooperative use of the available spectrum. Tempest incorporates advanced technology like patented Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum and proprietary Redundant Data Transmission to maintain a robust, reliable RF link even in the presence of many other wireless devices utilizing the same frequency band. Just turn it on and it works… virtually everywhere!

August 7, 2009
Tempest wireless intercoms interface seamlessly with all major 2-wire party-line intercom systems. That means no matter what intercom power supply exists in a venue, Tempest can be there too. Whether it is Clear-Com, RTS, Telex AudioCom or any of the knockoffs, with the flip of a switch, Tempest will plug in and work. Tempest utilizes an advanced physical hybrid and embedded echo cancellation algorithms to ensure that levels match and echo is virtually nonexistent. Tempest also translates Call and Mic Kill signals so wired users don’t have to give up a thing when they go wireless using Tempest!

July 31, 2009
Tempest wireless intercom systems are easy and intuitive to setup and use. System setup is straight forward and typically requires less than 15 minutes to be up and running. Any end user that is familiar with existing 2-wire partly-line beltpack operation can be using a Tempest beltpack in just seconds. This makes Tempest ideal for rental companies, shows that use daily hires and other “high turnover” applications. Ease of setup, operation and use is one big differentiator of Tempest from other wireless intercom systems out there today. It is the wireless intercom version of the easy button!  

July 24, 2009
Tempest works with Wi-Fi! Tempest utilizes patented frequency hopping spread spectrum technology to ensure robust RF performance even in crowded RF environments. Tempest occupies the same spectrum as 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and other non-licensed 2.4GHz devices. Fortunately, Tempest’s unique RF design allows it to work well even in the face of very extensive Wi-Fi networks. Just as importantly, it works the other way too. Wi-Fi networks will not see Tempest as a significant interference source and will maintain over 90% of their throughput even with multiple Tempest systems present. Wi-Fi is everywhere… no problem, Tempest can be too!

July 17, 2009
Tempest wireless intercom systems operate in the 2.4GHz band, not in the UHF band where most wireless microphones, IFB and existing wireless intercoms are located. Facilities/tours can migrate communication gear out of the increasingly crowded UHF band to make room for more wireless microphones and IFBs. They can do this while increasing the number of wireless devices and increasing the features and function of wireless intercom users using Tempest wireless.  This is a big win for facilities, end users and you!