Would it be possible to give us a few bullet point advantages and disadvantages of radio versus wired systems, based on the current state of technology please?
I am often asked this question and usually my advice is to always go for a wired system unless theres a really good reason not to- for example heritage buildings. But as radio systems become more advanced and lithium battery technology is now up to the job I may be out of date?
The obvious advantages are that it is essentially wire free. A six month hardwired install can be carried out in a couple of weeks.
Hotels and similar places... there is no loss of revenue from having to lose rooms while wiring progresses. No redecoration costs etc.
Theatres and such... installs can be easily carried out around matinees and rehearsals etc.
EMS have moved away from Lithium cells to alkaline. The Lithiums went through a real bad period a few years ago when the supplier changed. I think EDA still suffer due to the quality of the batteries.
EMS still say there is a five year battery life, (except combined voice sounders which are 2.5 years) however we have systems that just about last four years.
Cause and effects on EMS is actually quite good but the panels are certainly not user friendly.
On the whole, the radio technology works very well, but it's let down essentially by the inconsistency in the quality of the batteries.
