During the annual real estate fair PROVADA at RAI Amsterdam, wireless microphones are frequently used. Exhibitors, speakers and organizers rely on this equipment for presentations, interviews, panels, and live demonstrations. However, due to the large-scale setup of the fair, with hundreds of booths and thousands of visitors, the wireless spectrum quickly fills up. To prevent interference and ensure smooth communication, a well-considered frequency policy is essential.
Why register wireless microphones?
The use of wireless microphones involves an important technical aspect: frequency management. Each wireless microphone operates on a specific frequency within the radio spectrum. When multiple microphones are used on the same or interfering frequencies, serious problems can arise such as:
- Stuttering audio
- Crosstalk between booths
- Complete signal failure
To prevent this, it is of great importance that all wireless systems are registered in advance. This is done with the aim to:
- Obtain an overview of all active wireless equipment on the fair floor
- Coordinate frequencies and prevent overlap
- Create a safe, stable and interference-free communication environment
Which frequencies are allowed?
In the Netherlands, regulations apply to the use of wireless microphones. This falls under the supervision of Agentschap Telecom (now part of RDI – Dutch Inspectorate of Digital Infrastructure). There are basically three categories of frequencies:
- License-free frequencies – such as the 823 – 832 MHz and 863 – 865 MHz bands.
- Frequencies with a license – such as the 470 – 694 MHz band, for which registration via RDI may be required.
- Individually coordinated frequencies – sometimes specifically assigned at large events through coordination.
Most exhibitors use equipment that operates within the license-free bands, but here too: coordination and registration remains important.
Registration procedure for wireless microphones
Prior to the fair, exhibitors and suppliers of AV equipment receive a call or instruction from the organization to register their wireless equipment. This registration usually contains:
- Brand and type of equipment
- Frequency(ies) used
- Transmitter power
- Duration of use (times per day)
After inventory, the frequency coordinator draws up a frequency plan in which all systems can function without overlap. If necessary, exhibitors are contacted to make adjustments or propose alternative frequencies.
Practical example at PROVADA
Suppose: you have a booth at PROVADA and you want to give presentations with a wireless headset microphone. You register your system with the coordinator of PROVADA. You are then told that your system operates at 864.3 MHz, and that this frequency is available within your section of the fair floor. At the same time, it is ensured that your neighbor operates on a different frequency, for example 865.2 MHz, to prevent interference. As a result, your communication runs smoothly, even if presentations take place simultaneously.
Conclusion
At a professional fair such as PROVADA, where communication and presentation are central, the use of wireless microphones is indispensable. But without careful frequency policy, the use of this technology can actually lead to chaos and frustration. Therefore, registering wireless systems and respecting the assigned frequencies is of great importance. Only in this way can exhibitors, speakers and visitors benefit from clear, interference-free communication – and that is ultimately what such a prestigious fair is all about.
If you use wireless microphones, we would like to ask you to email the following information to femke@provada.nl.
Amplified sound: yes/no
Uses wireless microphones yes/no
Name exhibitor:
Booth number:
Sound supplier:
In this way we create a list of exhibitors who use wireless microphones. If interference occurs, we at least have an overview of the locations where wireless microphones are used with the aim of resolving any interference as quickly as possible.