Lectrosonics R1a Operating Instructions And Troubleshooting Manual

R1a

UHF MULTI-FREQUENCY

BELT-PACK IFB RECEIVER

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS and trouble-shooting guide

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Rio Rancho, NM

www.lectrosonics.com

2

SAFETY NOTES

Excessive sound levels can cause permanent hearing damage.

1. Always adjust the volume to the lowest level before listening to unknown transmissions.

2. Use the lowest reasonable level consistent with hearing safety.

3. Don’t use high sound levels in the earphone to overcome high ambient sound levels. That is absolutely foolish! Demand and use high isolation earphones.

4. Don’t expose your ears to sound levels that cause them to ring. If your ears do ring after exposure, think of it as a

warning bell

telling you not to do that again.

OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration) guidelines on the maximum allowable time exposure to sound pressure levels that will cause hearing damage are as follows:

8 hours at 90 dB SPL

4 hours at 95 dB SPL

2 hours at 100 db SPL

1 hour at 105 dB SPL

30 mins at 110 dB SPL

15 mins at 115 dB SPL

NEVER expose your ears to 120 dB SPL or higher! Damage will occur.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the Lectrosonics frequency agile, R1a IFB Receiver. The R1a is the result of extensive engineering experience with the very latest components. The design addresses the most demanding professional applications.

The Lectrosonics R1a Receiver along with the companion T1 transmitter allow on-air talent to monitor program audio, and to receive cues from directors and other production personnel.

The R1a Receiver is housed in a rugged, machined aluminum package for lasting performance in abusive environments

Only the R1a IFB Receiver is covered in this manual. The companion T1 transmitter is covered in a separate manual. The R1a IFB Receiver will operate with any Lectrosonics

T1 IFB Transmitter in the same frequency block.

IFB Receiver

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY NOTES .................................................................................................... 2

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3

GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................... 4

RECEIVER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................... 6

BATTERY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................... 7

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................ 8

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES .................................................................... 9

SERVICE AND REPAIR....................................................................................... 10

RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR ..................................................................... 10

WARRANTY ............................................................................................Back cover

Rio Rancho, NM – USA

3

GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The IFBR1 was upgraded to the IFBR1a by adding a number of important and useful features: (1) Two rotary HEX switches to manually set the operating frequency, (2) Automatic sensing/control of a mono phone plug to eliminate the mono/binaural switch, and (3) A multi-color LED for battery status. The Frequency scan and memory features were retained.

The IFB R1a Receiver is comprised of a number of functional subsystems as shown in fig. 1, Control Panel and fig. 4,

Receiver Block Diagram.

GENERAL FEATURES

The frequency agile IFB R1a FM Receiver is designed to operate with the Lectrosonics IFB T1 Transmitter and features microprocessor control of 256 frequencies of operation within each frequency block. Each block covers 25.5 MHz with

0.1 MHz frequency spacing. Any one of ten different frequency blocks are factory available from 512 MHz to 805.5

MHz (except 608 to 614 MHz).

The unique microcontroller design in this receiver provides simple one knob and one LED operation for audio level, switching frequencies (channels), and easy on-the-fly programming. The receiver frequency can be set by manually using the two rotary HEX switches on the side of the unit or by using the automatic scan and store function, or both.

When powered ON, the receiver will default to the frequency set by the switches. A nonvolatile memory can store up to five additional frequencies accessible by pressing the knob. The memory remains during power OFF and even with the battery removed.

The IFB R1a Receiver uses 20 kHz FM deviation for efficient use of the bandwidth and a single band compandor for clean quiet audio.

The Pilot Tone squelch locks the reception to the mating IFB T1 Transmitter and ignores other signals.

The receiver operates on one 9 Volt alkaline battery for up to 8 hours and features a tricolor LED low battery indicator.

The voltages are internally regulated for stability.

The receiver is housed in a compact, rugged, lightweight aluminum enclosure. The unit features a durable removable belt clip and an integral swing-aside battery compartment door.

CONTROL KNOB (fig. 1)

The single front panel control knob performs multiple functions;

1. Rotate for Power ON/OFF

2. Rotate for Audio Level

3. Push quick, Channel Switching

4. Push and rotate for Scan and

Channel programming,

Refer to the RECEIVER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS for full details on how to use the single knob control for channel selection, scanning, and programming of the five memory locations.

SCAN

(PUSH)

LECTRO R1a

IFB RECEIVER

AUDIO

LEVEL

MAX OFF

Figure 1 - R1a Control Panel

LED INDICATOR (fig. 1)

The three color LED indicator on the front panel provides multiple functions.

CHANNEL NUMBER - The LED will blink OFF a number of times corresponding to the Channel Number when the unit is switched ON and also when a new frequency is added to an open channel. For example, for channel 3 the LED would blink OFF three times. After blinking the channel number the LED will return to a steady ON indicating normal operation.

BATTERY STATUS – During normal operation, when the LED is GREEN, the battery is good. When the LED is YEL-

LOW the battery is getting low. When the LED is RED, the battery is nearly depleted and should be replaced.

PROGRAMMING FUNCTIONS - In the programming mode, the LED will blink at a fast rate to indicate scanning for an active frequency. It also flashes briefly to indicate a frequency has been programmed into a channel.

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IFB Receiver

HEADPHONE JACK (fig. 1 & fig. 2)

On the front panel is a 3.5mm mini phone jack to accommodate a standard mono or stereo type 3.5 mm plug. The unit will drive low or high impedance earphones. The jack is also the receiver antenna input with the earphone cord acting as the antenna. The cord length is not critical but must be at least 6 inches minimum.

Strain relief to avoid accidental disconnection can be provided with the included small hook and loop strip. Attach the adhesive strip side to the side of the receiver with the opening end of the strip up

- place the cord in the strip and secure.

MONO PLUG/STEREO PLUG USAGE

A Mono plug or a Stereo plug can be used with the IFBR1a headphone jack directly. When a Mono plug is inserted, a special circuit senses the “ring” to “sleeve” short and automatically switches off the ring to prevent excess battery drain. To reset, switch power OFF then back ON.

Figure 2 - Headphone cord strain relief

AUDIO LEVEL

Headphones and ear pieces vary widely in their sensitivity and their impedance making it impossible to design a receiver with a fixed output power level that is correct for all situations. High impedance phones (600 to 2000) Ohms will have an inherently lower power level due to their high impedance and likewise low impedance phones may be extremely loud. CAUTION! Always set the Audio Level knob to minimum (counter-clockwise) when plugging phones into the jack, then adjust the knob for a comfortable audio level.

5

4

3

2

6

1

7

0

8

9

F

7

8

9

6 A

5

F

E

B

E

C

D

4

3

C

D

512.0 - 537.5

1.6MHz

100kHz

FREQUENCY

D

C

E

B

A

F

9

0 1

8

7

2

3

6

4

5

D

C

E

B

A

F

9

0 1

8

7

2

3

6

4

5

FREQUENCY ADJUST (fig.3)

Figure 3 - Frequency Adjustment

These two rotary switches adjust the center frequency of the carrier. The 1.6M is a coarse adjustment and the 100K is the fine adjustment. Each transmitter is factory aligned at the center of its operating range. The default position of the frequency select switches is in the center of the transmitter’s range. The receiver and transmitter switches must be set to the same number/letter combination for proper operation.

To gain access to these switches, slide the access door sideways with a fingernail.

RF

Filter

Frequency Synthesizer

Memory

Control

Panel

LED

RF

Amplifier

Mixer

Controller

Disc

RSSI

IF Amp/FM

Detector

Pilot

Tone

Detector

Audio

Filter

Compandor

Knob

PB Switch

Pwr On/Off,

Audio Level.

Control

2p

2.5vdc

100n

Amp

2.5vdc

100n

MAX

LEVEL

Pilot

Tone

Mute

9V

Battery

5V

Regulator

On/Off

Audio Out

S

Earphone

Cord

(Ant.)

T

R

MONO PLUG (Open)

STEREO PLUG (Closed)

Figure 4 - R1a Block Diagram

Rio Rancho, NM – USA

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RECEIVER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Before operating a receiver, one or more IFB T1 transmitters must be placed in XMIT mode, with each transmitter set to the desired frequency and connected to a proper antenna, audio source, and power source. The transmitter frequency block must be the same as the receiver frequency block as marked on each unit.

RECEIVER NORMAL OPERATION (already programmed)

1. Set the Frequency of the receiver to match the frequency of the transmitter by using the two HEX rotary switches located on the side of the receiver under the sliding door. The 1.6M switch is for “coarse” adjustment (1.6 MHz per click) and the 100k switch is for “fine” adjustment (0.1 MHz per click). Setting both to zero (00) is the low frequency end of the block and setting both to F (FF) is the highest frequency end of the block.

2. Plug an earphone or headset into the 3.5mm jack. Be sure the unit has a good battery.

3. Rotate the knob clockwise to switch the power ON (Do NOT hold the knob in while switching power ON). The LED will illuminate. Rotate the knob to set the desired audio level.

4. If channel frequencies have been stored in the memory, change channels by pressing the knob briefly and release.

The LED will blink the next channel number (frequency) and the receiver will resume operation on that channel.

If no channel frequencies have been stored when pressing the knob to change channels, the LED will flash from green to red to yellow to green, indicating no stored channels and the unit will resume operation on the channel set by the switches.

5. Whenever power is switched ON, the unit operation defaults to the channel frequency set by the switches.

PROGRAMMING - ADD A NEW FREQUENCY TO THE NEXT OPEN CHANNEL

1. Position the receiver at a location within 20 to 100 feet of the transmitter or transmitters.

2. With the power ON, depress the knob until the LED starts rapidly blinking, then release the knob.

3. The unit goes into program mode and does a scan/search. Previously programmed frequencies will be automatically skipped. When the unit stops on a new frequency audio from the transmitter will be heard in the earphone and the LED will stop blinking rapidly and will change to a slow blink mode.

The unit is now waiting for an operator decision. You must now decide to either SKIP or STORE the frequency

(step 4 or 5 below.) Switching the power to OFF without storing will delete the frequency.

4. To SKIP the frequency, depress the knob briefly and the scan/search will resume.

5. To STORE the frequency into a channel memory, depress the knob until the LED blinks the new channel number, then release the knob. The frequency is now stored in an open channel.

6. The unit will continue scan/search for other frequencies. To store more frequencies repeat steps 4 and 5 above.

Up to 5 frequencies can be stored in memory channels.

7. When all desired frequencies are stored switch the power to OFF for a few moments, then switch back to ON. The unit will default to the channel number set by the switches and resume normal operating mode.

8. The first scan is made at low sensitivity and searches for only

high

level transmitter signals to avoid intermods. If the receiver does not stop on any frequency in the first scan, that means an IFB transmitter was not detected. In this condition the LED will change from a fast blink to a slow blink indicating the end of the scan. The complete scan should take 15 to 40 seconds.

9. If the receiver still does not stop on any frequency, check that the transmitter is ON. Also, if a frequency is not received or received but distorted, some other signal may be interfering on that frequency. Change the transmitter to another frequency and try again.

A second scan at high sensitivity is initiated by depressing the knob briefly at the end of the first scan to search for low level transmitter signals. When the scan stops and the transmitter audio is heard, either SKIP or STORE the frequency (step 4 or 5 above).

10. Switching the POWER to OFF during any mode simply terminates that mode and returns the unit to normal operating mode when the power is switched back to ON.

6

IFB Receiver

ERASE ALL 5 CHANNEL MEMORIES

1. With power OFF, depress the knob and turn the unit ON. Continue to hold the knob down until the LED starts rapidly blinking. The memory is now erased and the unit will go into scan/search mode.

2. Continue from step 3 above PROGRAMMING - ADD NEW FREQUENCY….

MULTIPLE TRANSMITTER SETUP

When using this IFB receiver in a search mode, with two or more transmitters running at the same time, the receiver may stop on a false signal under the following conditions:

• Two transmitters are on and transmitting.

• The distance from the transmitters to the IFB receiver is less than 5 feet.

The false hits are caused by intermodulation or mixing in the front end of the IFB receiver. At a 5 to 10 foot distance, the two carriers are so strong at the receiver, that even this well designed front end will mix the carriers and produce phantom frequencies. The IFB receiver then halts its scan and stops on these false frequencies. All receivers will exhibit this type problem at some transmitter power level and range. You notice false signals more with a scanning mode receiver since it will find them all.

Prevention is simple. Do one of the following:

• Do the scan with only one transmitter on at a time. (Time consuming)

• Increase the receiver to transmitter distance to at least 10 feet. (Preferred)

BATTERY INSTRUCTIONS

The battery you use in the R1a receiver should be a 9 Volt alkaline or lithium, available almost everywhere. An alkaline battery will provide up to 8 hours of operation and a lithium battery will provide up to 20 hours of operation. Carbon zinc batteries, even if marked “heavy duty” will only provide about 2 hours of operation. Rechargeable batteries will only operate the receiver for an hour or less. Make sure your batteries are marked

“alkaline”

or

“lithium.”

Short battery life is almost always caused by weak batteries or batteries of the wrong type.

A green LED corresponds to a fresh battery. The LED will change to yellow for low battery warning then to red to indicate the need for a fresh battery. Continued use will further deplete the battery eventually causing the LED to automatically turn itself off and remain off until a fresh battery is installed.

To replace the battery, open the bottom battery door cover with your thumb, rotate the door until it is perpendicular with the case and allow the battery to fall out of the compartment into your hand. It is difficult to install the battery backwards. Observe the large and small holes in the battery contact pad before inserting a new battery. Insert the contact end of the battery first, making sure the contacts are aligned with the holes in the contact pad, and then swing the door closed. You will feel it snap into place when it is fully closed.

1

To open the battery compartment door, push the door up and away from the case with your thumb, then swing open.

Figure 5 - Battery Replacement

Rio Rancho, NM – USA

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7

8

SYMPTOM

LED NOT LIT

NO SOUND IN HEADPHONE

DISTORTED SOUND

HISS AND NOISE,

AUDIBLE DROPOUTS

SHORT RANGE

TROUBLESHOOTING

POSSIBLE CAUSE

• Battery not installed or depleted

• Power switch not on.

• AUDIO LEVEL turned all the way down.

• Headphone plug not inserted fully.

• Defective headphone

• Transmitter not operating. (See separate transmitter manual.)

• Receiver not on the same frequency as the transmitter. Refer to

“Programming - Add a New Frequency” on page 7.

• Transmitter gain (audio level) is far too high. Check mod level lamps on transmitter as it is being used. (Refer to Operating

Instructions section in the transmitter manual for details on gain adjustment.)

• Receiver output may be mismatched with the headset or earphone. Adjust Audio Level on receiver to the correct level for the headset or earphone.

• Excessive wind noise or breath “pops.” Reposition microphone and/or use a larger windscreen.

• Receiver may be tuned to an intermod. Reprogram the receiver.

• Transmitter gain (audio level) far too low.

• Receiver antenna missing or obstructed. (Headphone cable is the antenna.)

• Transmitter antenna missing or obstructed.

• Operating range too great.

• Receiver earphone cable is also the antenna. Make sure the cable is not coiled or wound up or wrapped around the receiver case.

• Improper transmitter antenna.

IFB Receiver

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

Operating frequencies:

Number of frequencies:

Channel spacing:

Frequency control:

Sensitivity:

Signal/Noise ratio:

Squelch quieting:

AM rejection:

Modulation acceptance:

Spurious rejection:

Third order intercept:

Frequency response:

Pilot tone:

Audio output, headphone:

Antenna:

Programmable memory:

Front panel controls:

Indicators:

Power requirement:

Power consumption:

Allen wrench for knob:

Weight:

Size:

537.6 MHz to 608, 614 to 793.5 MHz (in 10 blocks)

256 per block (using 26 MHz wide band)

100 kHz

Crystal Controlled Phase Locked Loop

1 uv (20 dB SINAD)

95 dB A-weighted

90 dB

50 dB, 10 uv to 100 mv

±20 kHz

Greater than 70 dB

0 dBm

100 Hz to 10 kHz, (±1db)

29.997 kHz, 4.5 kHz deviation (fixed crystal controlled)

1 Vrms into 50 ohms minimum

Headphone cable

5 frequencies

Single knob controls Audio Output Level, Power on, programming and Scan Frequency Selection

1 tricolor LED Indicator for power on, blinks to indicate channel number, blinks fast during scan, and turns yellow or red for low battery.

Single 9V Alkaline Battery for approximately 8 hours operation.

60 ma.

0.035” (Lectro part number: 35854)

7.3 oz with battery

3.6 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches (housing only, belt clip and knob extend beyond the housing.)

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Rio Rancho, NM – USA

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SERVICE AND REPAIR

If your system malfunctions, you should attempt to correct or isolate the trouble before concluding that the equipment needs repair. Make sure you have followed the setup procedure and operating instructions. Check out the interconnecting cords and then go through the TROUBLE SHOOTING section in the manual

We strongly recommend that you

do not try to repair the equipment yourself and do not have the local repair shop attempt anything other than the simplest repair. If the repair is more complicated than a broken wire or loose connection, send the unit to the factory for repair and service. Don’t attempt to adjust any controls inside the units. Once set at the factory, the various controls and trimmers do not drift with age or vibration and never require readjustment.

There are no adjustments inside that will make a malfunctioning unit start working.

LECTROSONICS’ service department is equipped and staffed to quickly repair your equipment. In warranty repairs are made at no charge in accordance with the terms of the warranty. Out of warranty repairs are charged at a modest flat rate plus parts and shipping. Since it takes almost as much time and effort to determine what is wrong as it does to make the repair, there is a charge for an exact quotation. We will be happy to quote approximate charges by phone for out of warranty repairs.

RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR

You will save yourself time and trouble if you will follow the steps below:

A. DO NOT return equipment to the factory for repair without first contacting us by letter or by phone. We need to know the nature of the problem, the model number and the serial number of the equipment. We also need a phone number where you can be reached 8 am to 4 pm (Mountain Standard Time).

B. After receiving your request, we will issue you a return authorization number (R.A.). This number will help speed your repair through our receiving and repair departments. The return authorization number must be clearly shown on the outside of the shipping container.

C. Pack the equipment carefully and ship to us, shipping costs prepaid. If necessary, we can provide you with the proper packing materials. UPS is usually the best way to ship the units. Heavy units should be “double-boxed” for safe transport.

D. We also strongly recommend that you insure the equipment, since we cannot be responsible for loss of or damage to equipment that you ship. Of course, we insure the equipment when we ship it back to you.

Mailing address:

Lectrosonics, Inc.

PO Box 15900

Rio Rancho, NM 87174

USA

World Wide Web: http://www.lectrosonics.com

Shipping address:

Lectrosonics, Inc.

581 Laser Rd.

Rio Rancho, NM 87124

USA

Telephones:

Regular: (505) 892-4501

Toll Free (800) 821-1121

FAX: (505) 892-6243

Email: [email protected]

10

Notes

IFB Receiver

Rio Rancho, NM – USA

11

The equipment is warranted for one year from date of purchase against defects in materials or workmanship provided it was purchased from an authorized dealer. This warranty does not cover equipment which has been abused or damaged by careless handling or shipping. This warranty does not apply to used or demonstrator equipment.

Should any defect develop, Lectrosonics, Inc. will, at our option, repair or replace any defective parts without charge for either parts or labor. If Lectrosonics, Inc. cannot correct the defect in your equipment, it will be replaced at no charge with a similar new item. Lectrosonics, Inc. will pay for the cost of returning your equipment to you.

This warranty applies only to items returned to Lectrosonics, Inc. or an authorized dealer, shipping costs prepaid, within one year from the date of purchase.

This Limited Warranty is governed by the laws of the State of New Mexico. It states the entire liablility of Lectrosonics Inc. and the entire remedy of the purchaser for any breach of warranty as outlined above. NEITHER LECTROSONICS, INC. NOR

ANYONE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OR DELIVERY OF THE EQUIPMENT

SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL,

OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE

THIS EQUIPMENT EVEN IF LECTROSONICS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE

POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY OF

LECTROSONICS, INC. EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF ANY DEFECTIVE

EQUIPMENT.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional legal rights which vary from state to state.

LECTROSONICS, INC.

581 LASER ROAD

RIO RANCHO, NM 87124 USA www.lectrosonics.com

November 29, 2001