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The Stadium System
This can be a challenging environment, as major sports arenas and the large concerts and
events that fill them always have a lot of RF activity as well as large and complex lighting
systems where wireless DMX is very attractive. Fortunately, these venues frequently employ an
RF supervisor to negotiate bandwidth and facilitate cooperation. SHoW DMX technology
performs very well in these environments when setup correctly; the U2 360 Tour used 5
universes of SHoW DMX in major arenas throughout the world.
Range in an arena system can exceed 100 meters with high ambient interference; a good
application for Panel or even Yagi antennas.
Typical systems may include 5701 Neo Transceivers for transmitters and receivers, or 5701
Transceivers for transmitters and 5711 Neo Receivers. Alternatively, 7400-5708 Vero Net or
7400-5707 Vero transceivers may be specified to take advantage of their weather proof
construction in this typically outdoor setting.
Antennas: High Powered directional antennas can be of great benefit in these systems to help
cut through any ambient interference, and also to reduce side-looking interference with other
systems working in the same spectrum.
Location: Locate the transmitter(s) with good height and in clear line of sight with the receiver
targets. These are very large places, so take advantage of the architecture whenever possible
to gain altitude. Receivers may be located on stage, but often will be located with pods or
towers of equipment providing good opportunities for mounting elevation and clear line of sight.
Keep transmitter directional antennas pointed away from each other. Check received signal
strength during performance. Remember that the 8 dBi Panel has a 60° beam angle so at a
moderate distance it can usually hit anywhere on stage. Be careful to polarize antennas
correctly, and test horizontal as well as vertical polarity if interference is significant.
System settings: This may be a good application for limited bandwidth configuration to
accommodate other 2.4Ghz system in the area, as well as to protect your own signals.
Monitoring activity with Wi-Spy or another spectrum analyzer during setup, tech, and show is
recommended, and be sure to cooperate with the RF Czar.
