A recent call to action regarding non-user-replaceable batteries in wireless microphone systems has seen a positive response from RODE Microphones. This development signals a potential shift in the industry, prioritizing product longevity and user support. It's a move that benefits everyone involved and sets a new standard.
The Problem with Non-Replaceable Batteries
For a while now, there's been a growing issue with gear, especially wireless microphone systems, that use batteries you can't easily swap out. When these batteries eventually die or stop holding a charge, the whole device can become useless.
Sometimes, people try to get around this by using USB battery banks, but that's not always possible, especially with smaller transmitters that don't even have USB ports. It’s a clunky fix at best.
This leaves users with a tough choice. They can try to go through the company's support process, which might work out, but often companies just end up replacing the whole unit. Many people just toss the gear.
Another big problem is that companies haven't been clear about their policies for battery support. You have to contact support and wait for them to tell you what the deal is.
If the product is out of warranty, you might be completely out of luck. Even if it's under warranty, there's no easy way for buyers to know what to expect beforehand, other than asking around. This isn't a great way to do business.
A Call for Better Practices
It seems pretty clear that companies can do better. The suggestion was for manufacturers to consider one of three reasonable options:
- Design future products so the battery can be replaced by the user.
- Sell battery replacement kits that include the battery and any necessary tools, allowing users to do the replacement themselves.
- Provide clear replacement policies on their websites. This way, customers can decide before buying if they're okay with the process, like having to ship a product back overseas, which might cost more than the product itself.
Knowing these things upfront would make a huge difference for everyone buying these products.
RODE's Positive Response
Lots of people agreed with the points made in the video, and thankfully, Peter Freedman, the founder of RODE Microphones, actually responded. He commented on the video, and the core of his message was very encouraging.
He stated that RODE will provide a clear written policy for all customers, assuring them that they will support anyone who has bought their wireless units and offering a clear path for battery replacements if they fail. Furthermore, he committed to implementing design changes in all future products to allow customers to replace batteries themselves.
The Ball is in Your Court, DJI, Shure, and Hollyland
This is a clear signal to other companies like DJI, Shure, and Hollyland, as well as all other manufacturers of similar wireless microphone systems. The simplest first step to take is to start posting battery replacement policies on websites.
