The Eartec TD 902 VS is a portable, 2-station, wireless intercom system operating in the UHF frequency range, intended for hands-free use as a 1 Master, 1 Remote application for location videography.
This unique system consists of 2 TD 900 full duplexing radios, a Cyber single-sided headset with an adjustable, gooseneck mounted, dynamic microphone, and a Monarch dual sided headset with microphone, which features a detachable audio interconnect monitoring cable, and both a monitoring selector and an in-line push to talk switch. The system is powered by a rechargeable NiCad battery.
The TD 900 is truly portable, and operates independently of any fixed remote base stations, supporting a virtually unlimited number of remote expansion units. There is a generous allocation of accessible, top-loaded controls and indicator lights, expressed on a very compact and lightweight frame. The TD 900 comes with an attached belt clip.
The Cyber headset is a featherwight and durable model, featuring a very slim headband that fits discreetly behind the head, and a flexible gooseneck boom for the microphone. The Monarch dual earpiece headset is also very lightweight and of a backband design, and offers simultaneous monitoring of both the director and the camera audio, facilitated by the shell-mounted monitor toggle switch and the camera interconnect cable.
The TD 902 VS is a viable, and very affordable, wireless communcation solution for the budget-minded professional ENG, Event, and House of Worship video crew.
| General System | |
| Frequency Range | 902.6 - 904.55 mHz: 825.6 - 927.55 mHz (40-Channel Combination) |
| Operating Range | 1,320'(402.3 m) |
| System Modulation | Frequency Modulation |
| Tuning | PLL Frequency Synthesizer |
| Power | 4.8 Volt NiCad Rechargeable Battery, 700 mAH |
| Battery Life |
Standby(50 mA) - 12 hrs. Communication(140 mA) - 5 hrs. |
| Charging Time | 12 hrs. |
| FCC License | FCC Part 15 - No License Required |
| Transmitter | |
| Output | 50 mV/m (FCC Part 15) |
| Deviation | +/-7 kHz |
| Modular Distortion | <5% |
| Receiver | |
| Sensitivity | < -116 dBm @ 12 dB SINAD |
| IF Bandwidth | 15 kHz |
| Image Rejection | >60 dB |
| Controls and Indicators |
1 x On/Off Volume Control Knob 1 x Talk Button 1 x Channel Selectivity Button 1 x Channel Dip Switch(Interior Battery Compartment) 1 x Channel and Status Indicator "A" 1 x Channel and Status Indicator "B" A and B Indicator Modes: Standby - Green Talk - Red Communication - Amber 1 x Battery Low and Charge Indicator |
| Antenna | 1 cm x 5 cm |
| Dimensions | 4 x 3.1 x 1.5" (10.2 x 8 x 3.8 cm) |
| Weight | 12.4 oz (351.5 g) |
Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Eartec TD902VS - Videographer's Special Wireless Intercom:
Yes they are bulky, and fisher price is a good description. But we shoot on tripod and don't move around alot. The monarch head set is not very good for monitoring camera, great concept but not practical.
I have used this product for event shooting during children Sunday school. We can communicate well enough, and yes ambient noise levels can be a problem but we manage even when the young worship team is loud. For basic communication in a small room, we have no problems. Behind stage, not in line of sight and we can still communicate. I have noticed short burst of static when one person is on standby, but when both are in talk mode, no issue at all. I just added 2 additional remotes so I guess you can say i am satisfied. Especially at this price point. I actually prefer cyber head set over monarch. It allows me to have one ear available for closed cup headset from my camera to check audio levels. (I checked clear sound, not very loud but clear)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Eartec TD902VS - Videographer's Special Wireless Intercom:
I purchased this for coordinating shooters at weddings. The units are a little on the bulky side, but certainly manageable. I will probably upgrade the headsets, they are not very effective in a noisy atomosphere. The Monarch headset which also allows you to monitor the camera audio works okay, but still provides low audio levels that are difficult to hear in even a relatively quiet venue. Overall, however, they are a great buy for the price, and once used, it would be very difficult to go without some intercom. They have saved the day on more than one occassion.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Eartec TD902VS - Videographer's Special Wireless Intercom:
Really helps for communication between cameras. Getting the right shots, changing tapes, cueing, etc. Not the best audio but for the price it is very well worth the investment. The intercom is alittle bulky but I put it in my shirt pocket and works well. Looking at the price of the better units out there I felt the Eartec TD902vs gave me the best bang for the buck.
Comments about Eartec TD902VS - Videographer's Special Wireless Intercom:
We purchased this for me and my brother that run thevideography portion of the business and need to call shotsduring weddings and events along with my wife that doesphotography at the same events. We found that the SonyDSR-PD 170 is affected by the Motorola FRS radios and causesthe picture to shift and ruin video. I have not tried theEartec near the cameras, but have not heard or read anythingabout interference. I think a better headset that canmonitor camera audio can cancel noisebetter is key alongwith a longer life battery since 5hrs won't make a fullwedding day.
Expertise: Wedding and Event Videography-Photography
Problems Encountered: I have only had this for a short time so I can't comment toomuchhere. Would be nice to have a battery charge statusindicator and better style headset with it - but for themoney you can't go wrong.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Motorola FRS 2 Ways and Push to Talk headsets
Items I Recommend: Dual ear Eartec headset (cancel out more background noise)
Comments about Eartec TD902VS - Videographer's Special Wireless Intercom:
My wife & I videotape weddings and I needed a system that will monitor camera audio as well as communicate with my wife who operates camera 02. The Monarch headset performs as specified but monitoring your camera audio only comes out of 1 earpiece. Due to the small size of the earpiece, its hard to disquinish between the camera audio level vs the outside ambient sound level. Thank god I use an XL-2 with an audio meter built in to the viewfinder.I'm purchasing the optional Ultra Heavy duty Eartec headset which features large cover-the-ear earpads to block ambient sound and camera audio from BOTH earpieces.
Expertise: Serious Hobbyist
Problems Encountered: lack of battery charge status indicator. You have to guess when the battery is fully charged Monarch headset is useless for monitoring camera audio when you are in an environment with ambient noise such as a wedding, concert or theater production
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Talk about walkie talkies with push to talk buttons
Items I Recommend: Eartec Ultra Heavy Duty Headset with Camera Audio
Displaying reviews 1-5