Using Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) Channels

DFS channels are selected by default by the system software as they are less crowded with wireless traffic than other channels. When DFS channels are used, the FS Edge system makes use of a channel scanning mechanism that switches the signal to a backup channel if radar is detected. In most cases, radar detection happens rarely, but the system conducts a regular channel scan as required by regulations. You will see this happening when DFS channels are selected on start up or reboot of the device. During a channel scan, the transceiver status LEDs will flash blue. Channel scan takes one minute per channel (with one exception, see note below).

The DFS channels can be configured without a backup channel but this is not recommended.

Backup channels are limited to non-DFS channels. This reduces the potential risk of non-transmission.

Once transceiver connection to the system has been established, channel scan does not disrupt audio (unless the transceiver needs to stop transmitting due to lack of a back up channel).

Note:

In Europe, DFS channels 120, 124 and 128 are allowed. However, these channels perform a 10 minute radar scanning before becoming an operating channel. For this reason, channels 120, 124 and 128 have been removed from the selection algorithms. These channels must be selected manually if you wish to use them.

Detection of radar in a channel

If radar is detected and the backup channel is in use you will see a double red flash on the transceiver status LEDs.

You will also see a notification in the configuration software:

In EHX, navigate to: Matrix > Diagnostics > Wireless Status to check the transceiver status.

Important notes, DFS

If there is no backup channel selected when radar is detected the transceiver will stop working.

Once the signal has dropped into the backup channel, it does not automatically move back to its original channel. This is required by the regulations.

If radar is detected in the second channel and the backup channel is already in use, the signal cannot move and the transceiver will stop working.

Once the signal has moved to the backup channel, you cannot use the channel where radar was detected for 30 minutes.

Fail-safe DFS channel set up

Radar in both channels is unlikely to happen in normal scenarios. However, if you want a fail-safe set up on your transceiver you should use one DFS channel and one non-DFS channel for the two main channels. The backup channel is always non-DFS.