Wireless Problem Need Help!

**bobbybass85** · #1 11-05-2010, 08:52 AM

Hey guys,

I have an AKG WMS80 wireless system that I bought off a fellow TBer. I bought it a few years back and it's been great for me, I once walked around the entire block and got a great signal the whole time. I don't really have a need for the unit anymore and was thinking of dusting off the box and selling it, which led to this problem last night:

I set up my amp with the wireless the way I have many times before but I was getting a loud fuzzing/buzzing noise as I moved around. The unit would be nice and quiet with just my bass coming through and the BZZZZZZZ... then quiet again.

My troubleshooting included (in no particular order):
Scanning through all 15 channels
Testing the full range of the squelch and gain settings
New batteries
New outlets
Turning off ALL the lights, TV's etc in the house
3 different guitars
Different cables running from the wireless to amp

What am I missing?!? I wrote AKG this morning, but thought maybe someone on here had some magic guru wisdom that I'm without at the moment. Thanks so much for any help you can be!

TL5 · #2 11-05-2010, 09:31 AM

The obvious culprit is cellphone interference. It could be yours, or just the service in the area.
What's the frequency range of the wireless device?
I went to the AKG site and that model has been discontinued and I could not find a manual/specs on their site.
If (I don't know if it is) it's in the 700Mhz frequencies, that device would be in violation of FCC codes in the USA as of June 12, 2010.

DWBass · #3 11-05-2010, 09:45 AM

^^^^You sure??^^^^ I thought it was the 700mhz band that was now off limits?!?!

Edit: See article in link. It's the 700mhz band. http://www.pcworld.com/article/18702...trum_band.html

I have the same model (Mic system) and mine operated in the 700Mhz band so therefore, I just had to throw mine in the trash!

Check to make sure what band your system operates in.

**bobbybass85** · #4 11-05-2010, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TL5

The obvious culprit is cellphone interference. It could be yours, or just the service in the area.
What's the frequency range of the wireless device?
I went to the AKG site and that model has been discontinued and I could not find a manual/specs on their site.
If (I don't know if it is) it's in the 800Mhz frequencies, that device would be in violation of FCC codes in the USA as of June 12, 2010.

I have the US55 Set. The manual lists the frequencies by channel, they range from 719.000MHz to 721.800 MHz. So thankfully THAT isn't an issue... But I did have my cellphone in my pocket. Never even thought about that... I'll give it a try with the phone not there and post back. If that's not the answer I guess it would just be the cellphone service then right?

**bobbybass85** · #5 11-05-2010, 09:49 AM

I missed your post there DWBass... well then maybe that IS the problem. I'll be curious to see what AKG says...

FWIW here is the link to the discontinued product

http://www.akg.com/site/products/pow...ntry,ENUS.html

It has the SR80 and PT80 parts.

TL5 · #6 11-05-2010, 09:50 AM

DWBass, yes I mistakenly typed 800 instead of 700. All 15 of my Sony 800 series mics had to be discarded. I was thinking of their model number

According to this page on the FCC website:http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicro...facturers.html

The AKG WMS80 is listed in the "do not use after June 12, 2010" products.
It would be a violation of FCC rules to continue using it.

LowDown Hal · #7 11-05-2010, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbybass85

I have the US55 Set. The manual lists the frequencies by channel, they range from 719.000MHz to 721.800 MHz. So thankfully THAT isn't an issue... But I did have my cellphone in my pocket. Never even thought about that... I'll give it a try with the phone not there and post back. If that's not the answer I guess it would just be the cellphone service then right?

THAT is the issue...

from the previously posted link :
"
FCC Tells Wireless Mics to Get off 700MHz Spectrum Band

By Grant Gross, IDG News Jan 15, 2010 4:50 pm

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission will prohibit hundreds of existing wireless microphone models from being used in the U.S. in five months because they operate in the 700MHz spectrum band, which was auctioned off to mobile voice and broadband carriers in 2008.
"

MNAirHead · #8 11-05-2010, 09:52 AM

If running wireless..

Have EVERYONE turn off their cell phones. It does funky stuff to the room...

**bobbybass85** · #9 11-05-2010, 09:58 AM

Lesson learned... hear's the response I just got from AKG:

" It appears that you are experiencing local RF interference. The WMS80 operates in the 700MHz bandwidth. The 700MHz bandwidth was cleared and auctioned off by the FCC approx 2 years ago. The big winners were Verizon, Google, and AT&T. These companies are using this now private-bandwidth to transmit proprietary network information. Most likely you are now within close proximity to their infrastructure’s transmission and the signal is interfering with your system. Furthermore, as of June 2010, it is now considered illegal to operate your 700MHz system per FCC regulations. "

Thanks for your help guys!