Clear-Com introduces license-free wireless intercom system

Clear-Com has introduced the Tempest line of wireless intercom systems. Tempest systems avoid the need for licensing and frequency coordination.

Using Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) in conjunction with TDMA technology, Tempest operates in both the 2.4GHz and 900MHz bands. It was designed as a solution for the dilemma wireless communication system users will face when the DTV transition is completed in early 2009.

Those used to operating wireless equipment in the 500MHz to 600MHz portion of the UHF band will find that spectrum crowded with UHF DTV transmissions. The 700MHz band will not offer relief because those frequencies are scheduled for auction to new users later in 2009.

Tempest, however, operates in the unlicensed 2.4GHz and 900MHz bands, so it will be unaffected by the reallocation of the UHF-TV spectrum. The system uses2xTX transmission voice data redundancy to send each packet of audio data twice on different frequencies, and through different antennas, which assures uninterrupted audio communications.

Tempest can interoperate with other Clear-Com intercom systems, as well as those from other manufacturers, through four-wire and two-wire connections. Each base station can operate up to five wireless belt stations, and 15 base stations can be stacked together.

For more information, visit www.clearcom.com.