Thanx for the suggestions, guys.
As for antenna orientation, I've tried them all, however, I should note that when the xmitter is belt mounted on the talent's backside, and the receiver is mounted on the cam, it's very difficult to control antenna orientation. There are specific orientations that work, however, they are extremely sensitive and the slightest variation will cause a loss of RF signal. As you must know, dropouts are definitely unacceptable.
FWIW, my freq block is 626-662

Yes - they *do* exist.

Try changing the clip over so the antenna points down - this often helps.

Antenna up and the talent sweating will reduce the transmission amazingly.

Your frequencies are block B.

From what you said, you could have a faulty unit - I would get it checked to be sure.

Thanx John...
I also have a SKP100 G2 microphone xmitter that behaves exactly the same as the ex100 xmitter. That would imply, if there is a problem, it's with my receiver. I'd be interested to try the xmitters with the new diversity receiver, but, I won't buy one until I have more confidence with this system.

These are probably a faulty units or user error. I use my G2s in (RF hell) midtown Manhattan all the time without issue, however due diligence must be used in selecting frequencies, gain staging, ect., But even my Lectros require proper set-up... but are more forgiving.

Hey John,
I'm very curious about the faux G2 issue. Can you point us to any further details about that on the net?

I'm not John but I do know something about G2 knock offs as I work for a Senny reseller and have heard this from the importer's (Syntec) rep.

I believe you can identify fake units by the country of manufacture. If it's not USA then it's a fake. Only the first prototype batch was made in Germany and that's what got cloned, right down to the label. Aside from that they are very convincing knock offs, you'd need to do an A/B comparison on the PCBs to really spot the differences. Performance is not as good as the genuine article so anyone having issues like Bill's should have their units checked out.

There are loads of fakes being sold on the internet - same thing happens with Shure.

The biggest clue is the price, normally.

The early Sennheiser fakes put fake Shure pocket transmitters in the kit with "Shure" changed to "Sennheiser".

They are getting better, though - as soon as someone points out how to spot a fake, they "correct" it.

The fakes tend to be low quality and unreliable, as all the money has gone into making them "look" like the real thinf and nothing on the quality.

In fact it's illegal to use a fake as they do not comply with the telecommunications regulations.

So what if you're using a block C device? What happens then?

Bump?????????

I wonder if the G2 receiver will work with a G3 transmitter in the same band..

Yes - and vice versa (though please bare in mind that G3 has a 42MHz window and G2 has 32MHz).

Sennheiser has a "discount" program based on how long you've owned your block C kit. It's not very good though IMHO but some feel anything is better than nothing. I'm in this situation too.

Although my problems don't sound as bad as Bill's I've also had issues and, like Bill, bought at B&H so it's reputable.

Occasionally I get either a building wall of hiss or some low level (but not low enough) constant noise. I can't find a cause or patterns. It happened before the 700MHz law changes. The issue is only periodic but when it happens it can really drag a shoot down. Yes I check for all the usual suspects including cell phones, electronic devices, bad cables and connections, body placement. There's no obvious rhyme or reason and it's intermittent (infrequent) enough that it would drive a maintenance person nuts trying to track down.

BTW Sennheiser info on counterfeiting is on their own site.

Sennheiser Worldwide: Microphones, Headphones and Wireless Systems

Sennheiser USA - Counterfit

Sennheiser 700MHz rebate news

Sennheiser USA - Headphones, Wireless, Microphones, Noise Cancelling, Reduction, Aviation, ANC, ANR, Audiology Systems, Headphone Listening and Microphone Usage

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/media/p...nge_Rebate.pdf

example

Evolution Series
Rebate Value
 EW 100 series G2 $420 - ($10 x month of ownership)
 EW 300 series G2 $800 - ($20 x month of ownership)
 EW 500 series G2 $1000 - ($25 x month of ownership)
 EM 550 w/two transmitters $2000 - ($50 x month of ownership)

Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G2 systems, C Range - Purchased between January 1, 2006 and January 1, 2008
The rebate value is calculated considering the product series and month of ownership. The new system purchased must be at the same level or higher than the traded in system, otherwise rebate values will be calculated based on the lower system that is purchased new.

Examples:
100 series C range system bought in August 2007, new system purchased in February 2009: Rebate = $420 – ($10 x 18) = $240
EM 550 with two transmitters bought in December 2007, new system purchased in December 2008: Rebate = $2000 – ($50 x 12) = $1,400