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I was thinking(I know I shouldn't be... ), if it wasn't for this site, I wouldn't even know about not using certain wireless mics. They actually let stores sell them until Jan 1, 2010, which would give you a whole 6 months to use your new mic.... ....I'd think(there I go again), that most owners of these mics would not know they are banned......do I still use mine?......I'll never tell.....

Just two weeks ago, I just saw about 20 channels of now-illegal 700MHz wireless in use by a B-level national artist. The production company was not too thrilled about wasting a ton of time helping them troubleshoot their wireless rig, because some channels were not working due to interference, possibly from licensed users. Yes, it would have cost them $20k to upgrade, but the artist will just have to go through more and more of that troubleshooting bullshit as more 700MHz spectrum is allocated, even if they never get hit with a fine.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

I don't really think about it much- I use multi-channels and shift when need be due to interference.

I would guess that most agencies and users aren't really thinking about it much. The only problem would be more on the mic users' side then an emergency vehicle. Mics have a few hundred feet range at most, and probably won't interfere with any moving emergency or similar vehicles much, if at all, though they would cause interference for the mic user.

It would be tough to track down, anyway.

The exception may be large arenas, stadiums, and venues like that. If E-vehicles constantly pick up crap near those locations, they will know where it's coming from.

As stated earlier, I use multi-channel mics, ranging from 25 - 200 channels. Some not in the 700 mhz range, some in. No concerns.

VHF mics ALL operate on commercial bands, alongside RC toy controls, etc...

All in the range..

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

This is largely true (I'm not familiar with toy cars/planes) but it is now explicitly illegal to operate those transmitters in the 698MHz+ band, where previously it was the industry norm. The transmitters can no longer be sold, and if you need warranty service, you are probably out of luck.

This spectrum is not only for emergency services. It is also for cell phones. While the local fire department may not be sophisticated enough to track down the source of interference, the cell phone companies absolutely are. If it happens regularly they will find the offending transmitter, and right now, they will ask you to stop using it. If you don't, the FCC will get involved and fine you. I am not aware of any bad cases yet, but eventually this kind of thing will cause a lot more headaches than it's worth.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

This has been a pretty hot topic in a lot of circles lately, the fact that many people still don't even realize they are breaking the law by continuing to use those devices. So while you're not alone (if you are still using yours), just remember that ignorance of the law is not a defense.

Honestly, my guess is the interference caused to your mics would be far worse than any interference they might cause to the other systems. If anyone receives fines for using them, my guess is it will not be the local DJ/KJ/Bar Band. It'll be some large production company that decided to cut corners in a down economy by not replacing their equipment.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

I think theaters and churches will be the first to attract attention. Theaters, because many are strapped for cash; and churches, because of a combination of budget and clueless audio crews.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

Good point and add to that their locationis static, mobile setups will be harder to find. However, I'm also thinking of the political ramifications if the very first fines levied under this are against a list of churches, mosques and synagogues. You think the FCC has gets a bad rap now, hand down that decision and see what happens.

Regardless I think you can assume that the FCC will not come right out with fines. I'm sure a cease and desist letter would come first based on what I'm seeing.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke