Altair WB-202 series double channel wireless intercom

Among the new features that Altair will present at Broadcast'09, the new WB-202 wireless intercom system with its WBS-202 base station stands out, as well as the E-200 wired intercom.

Altair will exhibit two intercom systems at its stand at Broadcast'09: one wireless and the other wired. As for wireless, the new WBS-202 base station doubles the capacity of the WBS-200 system while maintaining its compatibility. The unit incorporates two full radio links, with a communication capacity of four wireless packs per link. Through the use of a simple push button, the radio unit is configured to accept up to 8 single-channel beltpacks assigned to channel A while maintaining dual capacity over the cable system.

The system incorporates a new dual-channel “Manager” model beltpack that allows simultaneous conversations with both A&B channels. The operation is intuitive, allowing selective listening to a single channel or a mix of both, as well as selective notification of CALL call messages from both channels.

A new Stage Announce notification system is included that allows public address announcements to be launched from the belt itself. These features allow great versatility for production personnel on two simultaneous work teams, emergency teams, props personnel,…

The system consists of the WBS-202 base station with built-in power supply and the battery-powered beltpacks models WBP-200 single-channel and WBP-202 dual-channel. As an option, the carrying case for 8 packs and 2 WBFC-202 chargers can be incorporated.

The base station can work in isolated “Master” mode or connected to other systems, “Slave” mode to create large intercom systems, expanding the number of users on a cellular network. It incorporates 2 complete A/B intercom channels to connect cable systems: EM-201, EM-202, ES-200, etc., as well as other compatible systems on the market.

On the beltpack of this system, the WBP-202, allows simultaneous conversations with both channels A/B or A+B. Its lightweight and compact design with built-in antennas allows for a comfortable fit on the belt.

Among the main features of this wireless intercom system, its low-consumption circuitry stands out, the battery level bargraph indicator, its “call receive” standby mode that allows it to be reachable at all times, reducing battery consumption, its out-of-range indicator (allows knowing the range of radio coverage to anticipate possible communication failures), individual listening A/B or combined A+B, channel selection to talk A,B or A+B, battery charging by standard charger WBPC-200, and the possibility of having a “Stage Announce” public address announcement circuit.

WBS-202 Wireless Altair Base Station

E-200: wired intercom

For those environments where it is not necessary to do without the cable, Altair has its E-200 intercom system. It should be noted that the new ALTAIR EM-202 cable beltpack, compatible with the E-200 series of cable intercom, allows independent or simultaneous communication with both channels A and B. The call notification system is dual: sound and light. The unit is designed for intensive use in applications that require high mobility. It has an unbreakable hook to hang from the belt. The unit can be configured for dynamic or electret microphones, allowing the use of the full variety of micro-headsets on the market. It should be noted that the flasks of this solution are made of aluminum with very low weight and have an oval shape with a plastic clip. They also have a microphone ON/OFF/PTT button per channel with (“Push to Talk” function) and LED indicator, remote microphone shutdown (MIC-KILL), buzzer ON/OFF button with LED indicator (with the possibility of turning it off), large Call buttons (one per channel), compressor-limiter for the microphone and external configuration preselection: microphone gain, phantom, limiter,…

There is a 3-pin version (EM-202-3P) for standard connection with microphone cables and 3-pin XLR connector per channel, although it does not allow daisy chain connection as it does not incorporate Extension (link) connections. However, Altair has an ALTAIR 5P3-202 splitter unit for chaining to the rest of the packs or for conversion to 5-pin wiring. There is also a 5-pin version (EM-202-5P) with connection using QUAD type microphone wiring (2 pairs and mesh) and 5-pin XLR connectors. In the latter case, a chain connection is possible by incorporating Extension connections (link). In addition, using the Altair 5P3-202 splitter unit, a 5-pin branch can be made to a standard 3-pin system.