Are you planning to buy your first tour guide system, or are you considering renting devices for a specific trip? The sheer number of available models and technologies can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to make a decision in the dark. We’re here to help. As one of the pioneers in providing wireless communication systems, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice. Want to learn the most important tips in just a few minutes? Watch our video GUIDE: What tour-guide system should you choose?, then read this article to dive deeper into the topic.
Before You Buy—Ask Yourself Key Questions
The right equipment is one that perfectly fits your needs. So, it’s worth starting with a few questions:
- Tour Type: Are these short, single-day city tours or multi-day international trips?
- Mode of Transport: Does the group travel by bus, plane, or on foot?
- Location: Do you operate in Poland and Europe, or also on other continents?
- Communication Type: Do you want your tours to be more interactive? Are you considering two-way communication, which allows participants to ask questions? Or is a classic tour where only you speak (one-way communication) enough?
The answers to these questions will determine the choice of power supply, technology, and operating frequency. For example, for long international trips by plane, lighter systems with disposable batteries are often preferred. For bus tours, the weight of the charging case is not an issue. As for frequency, the universal 2.4 GHz will work globally, while the European licensed 863-865 MHz is a safe choice on the Old Continent.
Understand the Basic System Components
A complete tour guide set usually consists of:
- Transmitter: Used by the guide, with a connected or built-in microphone.
- Receivers: Each tour participant has their own receiver with an earphone.
- Chargers: Essential for charging the batteries. Their weight and size matter during transport.
- Microphones: Professional microphones “pick up” only the speaker’s voice, ignoring ambient noise.
- Earphones: Can be hygienic (sealed in a bag) or reusable, ideal for disinfection.
- Sanitary Accessories: Keeping the equipment clean is fundamental. Liquids, wipes, and hygienic covers make it easy to maintain sanitary standards.
Discover “2-in-1” Systems
Systems that combine the functions of a guide and an audio guide are becoming increasingly popular. They allow the guide to play a pre-recorded message at any time (e.g., in different languages). Solutions like the Okayo EarME Player are great for hop-on-hop-off buses and even in museums.
Have you watched the video and read the article but still need expert advice? Our specialists are happy to help you choose the ideal tour guide system for your needs.
