Drake launch Freespeak wireless intercom system

Intercom specialists Drake Electronics have chosen IBC 2002 for the official launch of FreeSpeak – their new license-free digital wireless intercom.
Drake maintain that a FreeSpeak user can do everything that is usually only possible using a traditional wired intercom, including IFBs, groups and full non-blocking mixing facilities. Packaged in a lightweight beltpack, FreeSpeak uses rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride cells as well as disposable Alkaline AA, typically providing nine hours talktime.
With high quality 7kHz audio and full-duplex operation, FreeSpeak has none of the problems normally associated with traditional radio talkback systems such as interference or squelch that use the congested UHF and VHF bands. FreeSpeak continuously detects the best channel and if this should change, automatically reassigns the beltpack to the new channel without any user intervention.
FreeSpeak operates using a cellular network of active antennas located around the production environment that are connected directly to the Drake matrix. Each of the low-cost antennas provides a radio cell supporting up to five full-duplex users. To add users, simply add another antenna, which connects directly back to the Drake matrix using a single CAT5 connection – no special RF cabling required.
(GB)