As to the topic of R2 microphone calibrations: We field technicians at THX calibrate our kits monthly. The calibration is for the frequency response of each microphone as well as sound pressure level. Each "Countryman" microphone is compared to a 1/4" B&K test mic. The difference between the two microphones is used to create the adjustment files that correct the frequency response of the "Countryman" mic to match that of the B&K mic. The field calibration kit will tell you if the SPL is off, however will not tell you if the frequency response for your microphones are out.

If any of you technicans travel as much as we do, you know what baggage handelers can do to your luggage. Some baggage handeler, working for six dollars an hour, sees that black "Pelican" case on the cart and suddenly he is an Olimpic athlete. Your case with your R2 inside is now going to get tossed onto the conveyer belt, going up to the plane, like there is an audiance of millions on TV. Really the only person watching is you, peering out from the little window on the plane. Here goes the toss and... thump! 10 feet!! Suddenly the guy in the window starts crying.

On a serious note the field calibration kit is a good tool to carry with the R2. (The kit fits the "Countryman" microphone and can be used on the USL MMP-10.) We recommend that you send in your R2 for yearly calibration to verify the frequency response of each microphone.

The new R2 software is almost completed and should be available by the end of the summer. The new software is still a DOS based program. The changes in software include:
A test for the frequency response of the back wall channel in an auditorium installed with Surround EX.
A test to determine how acoustically transparent your masking is. (If the masking covers the left and right screen channel speakers)
A data entry page for projected image size and quality, varified by using SMPTE RP-40 1995 test film.

Francis- If you are having communication problems with your R2 you should varify the communication settings for your com port. We recommend
9600 BPS
8 data bits
no polarity
1 stop bit
Flow control = Xon/Xoff
As recommended above, try running in DOS from the boot up stage on your computer rather than running in DOS-propmt. I hope this helps you.

Regards-

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I still use a Goldline. I like the memory feature that lets me see how badly I've screwed up the equalization from what I started with.