UH200C

FREQUENCY-AGILE

PLUG-ON UHF TRANSMITTER

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS and trouble-shooting guide

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Rio Rancho, NM

2

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the Lectrosonics UH200C frequency agile, plug-on transmitter. The

UH200C combines over 80 years of engineering experience with the very latest components, in a design that addresses the most demanding professional applications.

The design of the UH200C was the direct result of numerous conversations with users, staging and touring companies and dealers across the US. The specific concerns and needs brought up in these conversations led directly to the development of the operational features offered on the UH200C. Two hundred fifty six frequencies are user selectable in 100kHz steps to alleviate interference problems in travelling venues.

The UH200C is a rugged, machined aluminum package. Phantom power is provided on pins 2 and 3. Level indicating LEDs are provided to make level settings quick and accurate, without having to view the receiver. The battery compartment accepts any 9 Volt alkaline or lithium battery and makes a positive connection via self-adjusting contacts.

Only the UH200C transmitter is covered in this manual. Companion receivers are covered in separate manuals. The UH200C will operate with any 200 Series Lectrosonics receiver in the same frequency group.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 2

GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................... 3

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS ............................................................................. 4

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................. 5

OPERATING NOTES ............................................................................................. 5

ADJUSTING THE TRANSMITTER FREQUENCY ................................................ 5

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................ 6

BATTERY REPLACEMENT ................................................................................... 6

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES ..................................................................... 8

SERVICE AND REPAIR ......................................................................................... 9

RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR ....................................................................... 9

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

The UH200C transmitter is FCC type accepted under Part 74: 470 - 608MHz and 614 - 806MHz

Frequency Agile Plug-on UHF Transmitter

GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The UH200C transmitters are comprised of a number of func­ tional sub-systems as shown in the block diagram below.

GENERAL

The 200 system uses 75kHz wide deviation for an extremely high signal to noise ratio. The transmitter circuits are all regu­ lated to allow full output power from the beginning (9 Volts) to the end (6.5 Volts) of battery life. The input amplifier uses an ultra low noise op amp. It is gain controlled with a wide range input compressor which cleanly limits input signal peaks over

30dB above full modulation.

DUAL BAND COMPANDOR

Traditionally, compandors have been a source of distortion in wireless microphone systems. The basic problem with conven­ tional systems is that the attack and decay times are always a compromise. If the time constants are fast, high frequency transients will not be distorted, but this will cause low frequency distortion. If the time constants are slower, low frequency audio distortion will be low, but high frequency transients will then be distorted. The 200 system introduces an entirely new approach to solving this basic problem, called “dual-band companding.”

Pre-emphasis can also cause distortion in the receiver. As this signal is passed through the IF filters in the receiver, distortion can be produced, most noticeable at full modulation. Deemphasis cannot be applied until the signal is converted into audio, so there is no way around this problem short of eliminat­ ing pre-emphasis altogether. Neither of these problems occur in the 200 system. The dual-band compandor in the 200 Series system essentially provides a dynamic pre-emphasis/de-em­ phasis function with extremely low distortion.

PILOT TONE SQUELCH

The 200 system utilizes an ultrasonic tone modulation of the carrier to operate the receiver squelch. This “pilot tone” con­ sists of a 32kHz signal mixed with the audio signal after the compandor, to control the audio output muting of the receiver.

The pilot tone is filtered out of the audio signal immediately after the detector in the receiver so that it does not influence the compandor or various gain stages. The basic benefit of the pilot tone squelch system is that the receiver will remain muted until it receives the pilot tone from the matching transmitter, even if a strong RF signal is present on the carrier frequency of the system. This is extremely important in applications that include an automatic microphone mixer.

There are actually two separate compandors in the 200 system, one for high frequencies and one for low frequencies. A cross­ over network separates the frequency bands at 1kHz with a 6dB per octave slope, followed by separate high and low frequency compandors. The attack and release times in the high fre­ quency compandor are fast enough to keep high frequency transient distortion at a low level, and the low frequency compandor uses slower time constants, reducing low frequency distortion to well below that of a conventional compandor.

NO PRE-EMPHASIS/DE-EMPHASIS

The signal to noise ratio of the 200 system is high enough to preclude the need for conventional pre-emphasis (HF boost) in the transmitter and de-emphasis (HF roll off) in the receiver.

Pre-emphasis and de-emphasis in an FM radio system usually provides about a 10dB improvement in the signal to noise ratio of the system, but the high frequency boost in the transmitter must be removed in a purely complementary manner or else the frequency response of the original audio signal will be altered.

WIDE-BAND DEVIATION

±75kHz deviation improves the capture ratio, signal to noise ratio and AM rejection of a wireless system dramatically, com­ pared to the more commonly used ±15kHz deviation.

LONG BATTERY LIFE

High efficiency circuits throughout the design allow over 4.5 hours of operation using a single 9 Volt alkaline battery. (A 9V lithium battery will provide over 12 hours of operation.) The battery compartment is a unique mechanical design which auto­ matically adjusts to fit any brand of battery. The battery contacts are spring loaded to prevent “rattle” as the unit is handled.

FREQUENCY AGILITY

The transmitter section uses a synthesized, frequency select­ able main oscillator. The frequency is extremely stable over a wide temperature range and over time.

MIC

JACK

+5V BIAS

SUPPLY

Two rotary switches, located on the side panel of the unit, provide 256 frequencies in 100kHz steps over a 25.5MHz range.

This alleviates carrier interference problems in mobile or travelling applications.

COMPANDOR

BUFFER

INPUT

AMP

LP

FILTER

COMPANDED AUDIO

TO XMTR

AUDIO

LEVEL

Vref

LIMIT

LED

BASS LP FILTER

PILOT

TONE

OSC

+9VDC

SHUNT

LIMITER

TREBLE HP FILTER

Vreg

+5VDC

MUTE

PWR

SET

LED

PWR

LED

PEAK AUDIO

INDICATOR &

LIMITER

DRIVER

Vreg

+3.6VDC

PHASE LOCKED LOOP

DIVIDER

FREQ

SWITCHES

PRESCALER

LOW PASS

FILTER

COMPANDED

AUDIO

VOLTAGE

CONTROLLED

OSCILLATOR

TRANSMITTER

UH200C Block Diagram

Rio Rancho, NM – USA

3

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

The UH200C may be used with a wide variety of microphones.

The 3-pin XLR connector on the UH200C allows the transmitter to be used with any dynamic microphone, as well as many two wire positive bias lavalier systems (such as those systems sup­ plied by Lectrosonics).

LIMIT LED

LEVEL LED

BATTERY

POWER

LED

INPUT JACK

Standard 3-pin Switchcraft XLR type. Pin 2 is signal, pin 3 is a floating signal ground, and pin 1 is case ground (see schematic below). The UH200C is self-locking onto a standard microphone.

The XLR connector is permanently bonded to the metal collar, and is not normally replaceable. The electret bias is 5 Volts at

1mA or less. The bias is connected in a “phantom” manner and will not interfere with any standard balanced microphone. If

severe noise is experienced when the microphone is moved with respect to the UH200C, the cause is an unbalanced condition between pins 2 and 3 of the microphone.

TOP VIEW

LEVEL

MUTE

OFF ON

CONTROL PANEL

Please note that a weak battery will sometimes light the POWER

LED immediately after turn on, but soon will discharge to the point where the LED will extinguish.

2

3

1

1uh

1uh

1uh

1K

To Mic

Preamp

100

Input Jack Schematic

100uf

+5V

The combination of an accurate battery condition indicator and regulation of all internal circuits guarantees much longer battery life, as well as consistent performance versus battery life.

MODULATION LEDS: Indicate the proper setting of the MIC

LEVEL control.

LEVEL LED: Flickers or glows most of the time if the audio volume is adequate for normal operation.

LIMIT LED: Lights up when the audio volume is high, indicating that the signal level is being limited by the compressor. Opti­ mum signal-to-noise ratio is obtained when the limit LED lights occasionally.

MIC LEVEL: Used to adjust the audio input volume for the proper modulation level. Rotate knob until the LEVEL LED flickers when there is an input signal. The LIMIT LED should light occasionally.

POWER/MUTE SWITCH

Turns the battery power on and off. Even when the switch is turned off or on abruptly, the pilot tone muting system prevents

“thumps” or transients from occurring.

The center position is an “audio mute” which should be used when setting the MIC LEVEL control. The “mute” position shuts down the pilot tone in the transmitter and allows you to adjust the audio modulation level without the possibility of feedback.

FREQUENCY ADJUST

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 fre­ quency select switches is in the center of the transmitter’s range.

POWER ON/OFF LED

Glows brightly when battery is good. A weak or dim LED means that the battery is weak, and has about an hour of operation left.

If the LED fails to light, the battery should be replaced. The power LED should light up in both the “mute” and “on” positions of the POWER/MUTE SWITCH.

D

E

C

B

A

9

F

0 1

2

3

8

7

6

4

5

E

D

F

0 1

2

3

C

B

A

9

8

7

6

4

5

Frequency select switches, default position (8,8)

The POWER LED is connected to a precision battery test circuit that continuously monitors battery voltage. The LED is at full brightness with a new 9 Volt alkaline battery. As the battery voltage drops during use, the LED brightness will also decrease.

After 4.5 hours the battery voltage will be about 7 Volts. The

LED will be completely extinguished. Since the internal circuits are all tightly regulated and the RF output stage has a separate discrete regulator, the transmitter will continue to operate to a battery voltage of 6.5 Volts. From 6.5 Volts to 6 Volts, the transmitter will still operate, but with degraded performance.

4

Frequency Agile Plug-on UHF Transmitter

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1) Insert the UH200C into the selected microphone. Listen for the “click” that indicates the UH200C has locked on to the micro­ phone. Pull on the mic to insure proper locking has occurred.

TO ATTACH

Press firmly, listen for click.

Depress collar fully.

Pull on mic to insure locking.

The first LED turns on 20dB below full deviation. The “0” LED turns on at full deviation and indicates that the input shunt compressor is operating. The input limiter will handle peaks over 30dB above full modulation, regardless of the gain control setting. The limiter uses a true absolute value circuit to detect both positive and negative peaks. The attack time is 5 milliseconds and

Hold the transmitter case and rotate the collar in the direction shown. Do this over a soft surface as the microphone may pop off suddenly the release time is 200 milliseconds. Occa­ sional limiting is desirable, indicating that the gain is correctly set and the transmitter is fully modulated for optimum signal to noise ratio.

Different voices will usually require different settings of the AUDIO LEVEL control, so check this adjustment as each new person uses the system. If several different people will be using

TO REMOVE

the transmitter and there is not time to make the adjustment for each individual, adjust it for the loudest voice.

Attaching the Microphone

2) Turn the power switch to the “MUTE” position.

3) Hold the microphone as you will when you will be using it.

ADJUSTING THE TRANSMITTER

FREQUENCY

4) Position the microphone in the location you will use in actual operation.

5) While speaking or singing at the same voice level that will actually be used, observe the MODULATION LEDs. Adjust the

AUDIO LEVEL control knob until the LEDs begin to light. Start at a low setting where neither LED lights as you speak. Gradu­ ally, turn the gain up until one LED lights, then the other.

The -20 LED lights when the audio level is about 20dB below full modulation. The “0” LED lights when the limiter begins to operate. There is over 30dB of limiting range without overload above the “0” LED, so it is desirable that the it lights up occasion­ ally during use.

6) Once the gain has been adjusted, the audio system audio can be turned on to make level adjustments. Set the power switch to the ON position and adjust the receiver and/or sound system level as required. Please note, there will be a delay between

the moment the switch is thrown and the time when audio

will actually appear at the receiver output. This intentional delay eliminates turn on thumps, and is controlled by the pilot tone squelch control.

If you are experiencing interference from another signal on your frequency, you may want to change the operating frequency of your system. The left switch changes the operating frequency by 1.6 MHz per step and the right switch changes it 100 kHz per step. If you are experiencing interference, change the operating frequency in 100 kHz steps to find a clear channel. If it is not possible to find a clear channel using the 100 kHz switch, return it to its original position and change the 1.6 MHz switch by one click then try the 100 kHz switch again.

D

E

F

C

B

A

9

8

0 1

2

3

7

6

4

5

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

F

0 1

E

D

C

B

A

9

8

7

2

3

6

4

5

OPERATING NOTES

Note: With the UDR200A receiver, these switches also appear on the front panel of the receiver. Normally, you should set the transmitter switches to match the receiver switch settings. The switches are located on the rear panel of the UCR200D receiver.

The AUDIO LEVEL control knob should not be used to control the volume of your sound system or recorder levels. This gain adjustment matches the transmitter gain with the user’s voice level and microphone positioning.

With the UDR200B receiver, the front panel LED character display will indicate the correct transmitter switch settings.

If the audio level is too high -- both LEDs will light frequently or stay lit. This condition may reduce the dynamic range of the audio signal.

If the audio level is too low -- neither LED will light, or the -20

LED will light dimly. This condition may cause hiss and noise in the audio, or pumping and breathing in the background noise.

Rio Rancho, NM – USA

5

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

The UH200C transmitter is powered by a standard alkaline 9 Volt battery. It is important that you use ONLY ALKALINE OR

LITHIUM batteries for longest life. Standard zinc-carbon batter­ ies marked “heavy duty” or “long-lasting” are not adequate.

They will provide only about 5 minutes of operation. Similarly, nicad rechargeable batteries only give 1 hour of operation, and will also run down quite abruptly. Alkaline batteries provide about 4.5 hours of operation while lithium batteries will run the unit for about 12 hours.

Swing the door open and take note of the polarity marked inside showing the location of the positive (+) and negative (-) termi­ nals. Insert the battery and close the cover by pressing in and across, reversing the opening procedure outlined above. Note that the battery door will NOT close if the battery is inserted incorrectly, since the terminals will hit a protective polarity bar­ rier.

Don’t force the battery door closed. If it is difficult to close, the battery is in backwards.

To open the battery compartment, press outward on the cover door in the direction of the arrow as shown in the drawing. Only slight, sliding pressure is needed to open and close the battery door.

RELEASE

DOOR

OBSERVE

POLARITY

SWING OPEN

Battery Compartment Action

TROUBLESHOOTING

Before going through the following chart, be sure that you have a good battery in the transmitter. It is important that you follow these steps in the sequence listed.

SYMPTOM

TRANSMITTER BATTERY LED OFF

NO TRANSMITTER MODULATION LEDs

POSSIBLE CAUSE

1) Battery is inserted backwards.

2) Battery is dead.

1) Gain control turned all the way down.

2) Battery is in backwards. Check power LED.

3) Mic capsule is damaged or malfunctioning.

4) Mic cable damaged or mis-wired.

6

Frequency Agile Plug-on UHF Transmitter

RECEIVER RF LAMP OFF

NO SOUND (OR LOW SOUND LEVEL),

RECEIVER MOD LEVEL LEDs ARE ON

NO SOUND (OR LOW SOUND LEVEL),

RECEIVER MOD LEDs ARE OFF

DISTORTED SOUND

HISS AND NOISE – AUDIBLE DROPOUTS

EXCESSIVE FEEDBACK

1) Transmitter not turned on.

2) Transmitter battery is dead.

3) Receiver antenna missing or improperly positioned.

4) Transmitter and receiver not on same frequency. display on transmitter and receiver.

Check switches/

5) Operating range is too great.

1) Receiver output level set too low.

2) Receiver output is disconnected; cable is defective or mis-wired.

3) Sound system input is turned down.

1) Transmitter gain (audio level) set too low.

2) Faulty microphone

3) Transmitter power switch set to MUTE.

1) Transmitter gain (audio level) is far too high. Check mod level lamps on transmitter and receiver as it is being used. (Refer to the Operating Instructions section for details on gain adjustment)

2) Receiver output may be mis-matched with the sound system or recorder input. Adjust output level on receiver to the correct level for the recorder, mixer or sound system.

3) Excessive wind noise or breath “pops.” and/or use a larger windscreen.

Re-position microphone

4) Transmitter is not set to same frequency as receiver. Check that frequency select switches on receiver and transmitter match.

1) Transmitter gain (audio level) far too low.

2) Receiver antenna missing or obstructed.

3) Operating range too great.

1) Transmitter gain (audio level) too high causing the limiter to reduce the dynamic range which in turn causes feedback. Check gain adjustment and/or reduce receiver output level. (Refer to the

Operating Instructions section for details on gain adjustment)

2) Transmitter too close to speaker system.

3) Mic is too far from user’s mouth.

Rio Rancho, NM – USA

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8

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

Operating frequencies:

Frequency selection:

RF Power output:

Pilot tone:

Frequency stability:

Deviation:

Spurious radiation:

Equivalent input noise:

Input level:

Input impedance:

Input compressor:

Gain control range:

Modulation indicators:

Controls:

Audio Input Jack:

Battery:

Battery Life:

Weight:

Dimensions:

Emission Designator:

470 to 608 MHz, 614 to 806 MHz

256 frequencies in 100kHz steps

100 mW (nominal)

32.764 kHz (± 2Hz); 5kHz deviation

± 0.002%

± 75 kHz (max)

90 dB below carrier at frequencies less than 1GHz

-126 dBV

Nominal 2 mV to 300 mV, before limiting.

Input greater than 2V, with limiting.

1K Ohm mic load impedance

Soft compressor, >30 dB range

43 dB; semi-log rotary control

Dual LEDs indicate modulation level 12 dB below limiting and at the onset of limiting.

3-position “OFF-MUTE-ON” slide switch for noiseless turn on/turn off operation. Control panel knob adjusts audio gain. Rotary switches on side panel adjust transmitter frequency.

3-Pin XLR

Precision compartment auto-adjusts to accept any known alkaline or lithium 9 Volt battery. (We’ve tried 150 different ones!)

4.5 Hours with alkaline 9 Volt, 12 hrs with lithium

6.6 ozs. including battery

1.5 x 1.5 x 4.2 inches

180KF3E

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Frequency Agile Plug-on UHF Transmitter

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

Shipping address:

Lectrosonics, Inc.

581 Laser Rd.

Rio Rancho, NM 87124

USA

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

Telephones:

Regular:

Toll Free

FAX:

(505) 892-4501

(800) 821-1121

(505) 892-6243

Email: [email protected]

Rio Rancho, NM – USA

9

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

November 12, 2001