Califone Launches Wireless PA Upgrade Kit

Califone Announces the launch of its Wireless PA Upgrade Kit

Believed to be the first of its kind, the easy-to-use retrofit system can be installed with any wired speaker (with an aux or line in), regardless of the manufacturer.

The system is centered around two small units – a 16-channel wireless transmitter and matching wireless receiver. “Many schools and districts have installed wired PAs in classrooms and auditoriums which are still functional,” shared Tim Ridgway, VP of Marketing for Califone, “but improvements in accessible and cost-effective wireless technology have encouraged more administrators to reconsider a wireless PA system.” To convert an existing wired PA to a wireless one for vocal purposes, the included headset mic needs to be first connected to the transmitter. Since the transmitter and receiver need to be able to “talk” to each other, the frequency on both needs to be set to the same channel. (Each unit has channel up & down buttons with a channel lock switch to avoid accidentally changing the channel.) The wireless receiver should then be connected to the existing PA (the connecting cable is not included), and once everything is powered “on”, the new wireless PA system is ready. In addition to cord-free voice transmission from the connected (headset) mic, audio from a connected computer, MP3 player (via a 3.5mm line input) or other source can also be channeled.

Beyond wired PAs, the Upgrade Kit can also modernize any outdated 700MHz speaker (it too must have an aux or line in). The process of connecting the kit is the same except that the kit’s wireless transmitter then becomes the replacement wireless mic for the existing PA, circumventing the old frequency.

The kit’s transmitter and receiver can be set up as a semi-permanent install to existing speakers or they can be worn either on the hip or around the neck with an available lanyard. Each is about the approximate size of a deck of playing cards and they both run on long-lasting and rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Each one comes with a recharging cradle and they can still operate while in the cradle. There is an adjustable range of up to 300′ (line of sight required) between the transmitter and receiver!

The transmitter (WS-R) can be used with the HBM-319 (or other microphone) or a hands-free microphone with any Califone UHF PA (PA919SD, PA919, PA919PS, PA419, PA319, PI39).