If you still haven’t heard, the FCC has prohibited the sale of all wireless microphone and monitoring systems that operate above 698 MHz, and have banned their use after June 12 of this year.

The ban on 700 MHz systems includes sales of used inventory as well, including selling to unsuspecting buyers on eBay.

This means any 700 MHz inventory only has value either for sale overseas or as trade-in fodder for the rebates being offered by various manufacturers, many of which run until June 30.

But it won’t be wise to wait two months to replace 700 MHz inventory, as the most popular systems will likely be back-ordered by then, if they aren’t already.

Many users have enjoyed relatively trouble-free operation of their systems until recently, but estimates are that of the roughly 2 million units in the U.S., about a quarter will soon be illegal.

If you’re not sure if a particular system operates in the 700 MHz band, check the listing on the FCC web site (www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones).

All manufacturers are required to announce that most wireless system users don’t need a license, but must operate at 50 mW or less, accept interference from others, and not cause interference.

Finally the FCC advises that it’s currently evaluating the use of wireless systems, and that the rules are subject to change.

“Failure to comply may lead to civil and/or criminal penalties. This will be determined on a case by case basis.” - FCC statement

While the chances of getting caught may be slim, past FCC penalties have been in the range of $10,000, along with confiscation of equipment. At that price you can simply throw out the old and buy new, which many have already done.

A further issue is that interfering in emergency communications (the new purpose of some of the reclaimed spectrum) could be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Digital broadcasts completely fill most 6 MHz-wide TV channels, so by now many have memorized the list in their city. (For example, I live in the Jacksonville, Florida region, and my list is 19, 24, 32, 34, 38, 42 and 44.)

If you don’t know the channels in your area, several on-line resources are available.

Scanning for optimum frequency assignment is now almost mandatory when employing multiple wireless channels in big cities.

Equipment with automatic group assignment can quickly pick the best assignment to a pre-coordinated group of frequencies. Infrared transmitter synchronizing from a receiver allows users to quickly set each transmitter to a particular receiver’s frequency - useful after automatic scanning and assignment.

Computer control and monitoring allows users to monitor audio and RF levels as well as battery status for a large number of wireless channels with a glance at a computer screen. Walk tests can be logged to determine if complete coverage exists for chosen frequencies and antenna deployments.

If your company or department makes its living providing wireless systems downtown in a big city, you’ve probably already started to rebuild your wireless department, and there may be more rentals in the future.

Users of all types are being forced to re-evaluate their wireless systems. For now, many may choose to only replace a fraction of their inventory and rent additional systems as needed.

Again, several manufacturers have rebates in effect through June 30. Place your order now and you may have your new equipment in hand by June 12. Check out these systems from each of 16 wireless manufacturers.

With change comes opportunity, and now is the time to rethink brands and models of wireless equipment.

Mark Frink is Editorial Director of Live Sound International.