Talk Back Systems

Talk Back Systems were touched on by Dave Allen and others in his recent "Understanding Radio Mics" article. Our theatre currently uses some UHF CB radios with headsets, sometimes with mixed results. Accidentally locking mics open, interference from outside public users, time delays in signal transmission, loose connections... the list goes on. A wired in system would be a great alternative. Unfortunately from what i have seen the commercially available ones are a little out of our reach for what i consider a basic set-up, 3 maybe 4 headsets in a small theatre. 2 either side of stage, 1 possibly 2 for the Bio Box. I have often thought about designing and building a set-up based on an old amplifier. I'm an electrician with an interest in electronics and can visualize a simple design. But would it work? Is it possible and has anyone built their own wired in Talk Back system?

Thanks mate! "Dimmer Boys' - Ah yes I remember it well! Down in the dungeon, under the stage sweating your box off, operating the good old Piss Pots' [Salt water Lighting dimmers] & then doubling as a "Call Boy'. Hurtling up & down half a dozen flights of stair. In between cues to 'Call' the performers. All for the princely sum of Half a Crown & the occasional packet of 'Tudor' Crisps &/or a bottle of 'Jes Dene' POP at interval. I always recollect while everyone back stage was complaining about it being freezing when it was snowing outside. There was I sweating away, down to my bathers. looking forward to getting hosed down after the show, to get the salt off me. Anyhow back to Ian's topic. I agree in some venues, it is better for the Lighting Tech to get the the newer SM's past the the initial House to half, curtain warmers, house out cues. Because with the House Rag In, most of the SM"s can't see what's going on. So in these cases visual cues from the BOX are usually the order of starting up the show. I feel this could be a whole new topic on the forum, about SM's & calling a show. Anyhow many years ago the 'Electronics Australia' had an article project, of making your own 'Talk Back' system. As Don suggested it was similar to the 'Altronics Kit, that you could put together yourself or they would do it for you. Which was much the same as with "EA' projects, in the days when Dick smith would do the same thing. I messed about with a few of these latest gadgets, when the 'Light Organ' & 'Light Pipe' first came into vogue. Also modified Intercom units, that utilised the general purpose Power Circuits installed in the building. To transmit & receive. Rigging up Mic/headsets to them was a fairly easy step, making the units more usable in theatre. But of course it was fraught with erroneous noises, because of the types of dimmers used in those days. Which I'm sure Don & especial David Ashton would have very fond memories of. {if the old rubbish between my ears, serves me correctly? {David actually produced & engineered one of the first 'State of the art' - (40 odd years ago!) dimmers available & made here locally} . With the great opportunity given by the State Government Grants & the good offices of our Aunt ITA, this is the time to have to update the show coms gear. These days you can have wireless & wired Com's sets working together, if you that is your want. I can't count the number of times I have almost had my ears ripped off, when someone inadvertently stepped on the headset cable trailing behind me. But with our situation at Phoenix, in our newly refurbished 'COCKPIT' [unofficially named] Venue. I have been reassured by David of 'All Things Theatre' ;- http://allthingstheatre.net.au/intro.htm that wireless is the better way to go

TOI TOI TOI CHOOKAS

[May you always play to a full house] Hear the lights & see the sounds.

Thanks mate! "Dimmer Boys'

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