What’s So Important About Frequency Coordination?
The Unseen Hero: Frequency Coordination at the Super Bowl
Super Bowl Sunday is coming up, and while most viewers will be focused on the game, or perhaps even more so on the ads, there is an important behind-the-scenes effort that goes on that is vital to the success of the entire effort. Frequency coordination!
What IS frequency coordination?
The FCC regulates what radio frequencies can be used for communications. At any large event, where there are multiple types of wireless communication present, frequency coordination is the organization of what frequency space each system occupies. It is in a sense a seating chart for communication systems on the radio frequency spectrum. To keep multiple radios from using the same space, which can create interference, the coordinator determines the frequencies of each device so that everything operates normally.
What frequencies are you coordinating, and why at the Super Bowl?
Also a good question! While it might seem like the most crucial element is the television channel carrying the program, it’s actually not one of the frequencies that is even involved in coordination. Beyond the intercom packs the coaches wear, and behind the glitz and extravagance of the halftime show, there is a host of unseen radio devices that must be coordinated in order to ensure that everything runs smoothly, without RF interference.
Let’s start with all of those wireless intercoms and headsets you see coaches and other team members wearing. While these are crucially important for play communication, they barely scratch the surface of what’s going on. There are wireless intercoms for camera operators, sound technicians, equipment runners, directors, and a host of other folks, all of which must operate simultaneously.
Then there are the wireless microphones. If they don’t have a nice fat audio cord dangling off of them, then microphones are functioning as transmitters and need to be coordinated. This segment of the operation gets really, really busy during the halftime show, and can get messy enough that RF technicians will actually run out on the field with directional antennas to solve interference issues.
While we’re at it, let’s talk about wireless video cameras. Back in the day, television cameras had bulky, messy cables running all over that were a serious trip hazard, weighed a lot, and were, in general, a nuisance. Not any more! Now, the video is handled over a digital wireless link, which also must be coordinated.
How are frequency coordination issues prevented?
There are so many things to think about! If the coordinator gets it wrong, the implications are incredibly bad. So how do they know if they’ve got it right? Imagine that, in the middle of the halftime show, the headline star’s microphone turns to noise. At several million dollars per commercial, the sponsors are going to be understandably upset.
To prevent this scenario, the people running the wireless systems participate in a “war games” simulation, usually the Friday before the big game. Everything gets turned on at once, and everyone checks for interference. Issues are identified, and changes made and tested to make sure everything works smoothly. And yes, there have been times when the system has imploded horribly during these tests. Fortunately, things got fixed in time with the help of some technology by Radio Design Group.
Our design of the UV-1G system focused on incredible spectral efficiency for situations exactly like this, allowing a smaller footprint for operation and the ability to install many more wireless radios and headsets than previously available systems. This efficiency, along with the audio quality and reliability of the UV-1G system makes it a clear top performer at the Super Bowl or any large live production event.
Partnering with Radio Design Group for Complex RF Solutions
If you’re working on a project or have a product that needs some help with RF interference issues, we can help! With over 30 years in wireless communications, our team can solve even the most complex problems. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with us to see how we can lend our expertise to your business.