Professional Wireless Systems (PWS) has announced the introduction of the new Tour Series (TS) helica antenna, differing from the company’s standard helical versions (available in both the 460 to 900 and 900 to 1000 MHz frequency ranges) because it was designed with a lower profile, making it well-suited for portable applications that require compact size and easier storage.
“The TS Helical was a product that we had kicked around for a while,” explains Jim Van Winkle, general manager for Orlando-headquartered PWS. “Touring professionals and integrators were looking for something that was less obtrusive in size and visibility. All our helical units have circular polarization, created by a rigid helix for consistent performance, but the helix on the TS is significantly shorter—almost 7-inches – than the traditional version.”
The new antenna — which can be used for either transmitting or receiving — offers the same coverage pattern as the Domed Helical Antenna and is designed to provide drop-out free RF performance for IEM, wireless mics, and intercoms along with greater bandwidth, longer range, and solid reliability. The new smoked, transparent materials are intended give the TS a stealth look to blend in with staging and scenery.
“Unlike traditional whip or fin antennas – which transmit and receive signals in a single polarization – the circular motion of the RF field emitted by a helical antenna distributes the signal through all possible polarizations,” adds Justin Van Winkle, production manager for PWS. “This is key to reducing the risk of drop-outs. Any movement of a wireless device on a 1/4 wave whip antenna can result in a polarization shift that can easily cause RF dropouts.”
With any PWS Helical antenna, the RF energy rotates through all 360 degrees of polarization, designed to provide clear reception in the artist’s ears and in the wireless mics receiver no matter how they may move about or where they go on the stage. This makes them particularly useful in larger-scale events.
