User manual | Technical Data

VR/E01
TECHNICAL DATA
Wideband Receiver
• Six-channel, modular configuration with
built-in wideband antenna multicoupler
• 256 synthesized UHF frequencies per
receiver module
• Antenna Phase diversity reception with each
individual receiver module
• DSP based pilot tone; unique frequency for
each carrier frequency
• Ratio or Frequency diversity by pairing two
adjacent receiver modules
• LCD interface for setup and monitoring
• Built-in RF spectrum scanning analyzer to
simplify finding clear frequencies
Wireless microphones share spectrum with television
broadcast in most countries. As DTV has emerged and
become the standard for over the air television broadcasts, the spectrum has grown more congested, requiring greater frequency agility, and improved RF performance in wireless microphone receivers. The Venue
Receiver is a modular solution that effectively deals with
this congested RF spectrum with a built-in high quality wideband antenna multicoupler and easily changed
receiver modules.
The receiver is comprised of several components:
• The master rack mount host assembly
• Up to six receiver modules
• Built-in antenna multicoupler with loop-thru output
• LecNet2 software for setup and control
Digital Hybrid Wireless™ is a revolutionary design
that combines digital audio with an analog FM radio
link to provide both outstanding audio quality and
exemplary, noise-free RF performance.
Using a patented algorithm to encode 24-bit digital
audio information in the transmitter into an analog
format, the encoded signal is then transmitted over an
analog FM wireless link.
• LecNet2 software for setup and control via
USB and RS-232 ports
• Digital Hybrid WirelessTM technology
Flexibility is the core concept of the design. The receiver
modules can be operated separately, each with switched
diversity reception for a total of six audio channels, or operated in pairs for ratio diversity reception for a total of 3
audio channels. Various combinations can also be used
for particular applications, such as a pair with ratio diversity reception and the other four with switched diversity
reception for a total of five audio channels. The receiver
modules are easy to change with no tools required.
A major benefit of the design is the inclusion of a high
quality antenna multicoupler. The multicoupler is actually
a 1 in, 7 out splitter with six outputs for the receiver modules and an additional output as a “loop thru” for another
Venue receiver. This allows multiple Venue receivers to
operate from a single pair of antennas. Phantom power
for remote antenna amplifiers is available from the multicoupler antenna inputs using internal jumpers.
The multicoupler is a wideband design allowing a variety
of frequencies to be used in the same rack mount host
assembly. Wideband antennas are available to provide
maximum flexibility and minimal cabling. Bias voltage
(phantom power) is enabled on the antenna inputs with
PC board mounted jumpers to operate remote RF amplifiers and active antennas.
At the receiver, the signal is then decoded to restore
the original digital audio. This process eliminates
compandor artifacts and produces an audio
frequency response flat to 20 kHz.
(US Patent 7,225,135)
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
Front Panel
The front panel provides an easy-to-use LCD interface
for setup, and provisions for quick monitoring to assist in
troubleshooting. In normal operation, the LCD shows RF
and audio levels, diversity status, pilot tone status (where
applicable) and transmitter battery status for all six receivers at the same time.
Individual screens for each receiver are also available
at the touch of a button to provide additional information
and setup adjustments.
A headphone jack and level control is provided for individual channel monitoring.
Rear Panel
The rear panel provides six balanced audio outputs on
standard XLR connectors, 50 ohm BNC antenna inputs,
50 ohm BNC antenna outputs from the built in zero-gain
multicoupler, power jack with a locking connector, USB
port and RS-232 serial port for the computer interface.
The receiver assembly is powered from an external
source at 10 to 18 volts DC through a locking connector, allowing the unit to operate from a wide variety of
sources in stage, studio and mobile applications.
Receiver Module
The receiver module is a triple conversion, frequency synthesized design, controlled by the microprocessor in the
host assembly. The module contains only the frequency
tuning and audio output components for each channel to
reduce cost.
A common DSP and microprocessor in the host assembly
are used for all six receiver modules to decode the received signals and restore the digital audio. Using a single
DSP results in a reduction in cost per channel.
The host assembly will handle up to six receiver modules via multi-pin connectors on the side of the main
housing. The modules are held in place with snap-in
retaining clips. The clips hold the modules firmly but are
easy to remove without tools to make needed changes.
Built-in Antenna Multicoupler
Antenna Signal Distribution
A single pair of antennas can feed multiple receivers to
simplify the cabling and installation. The 7-way splitter delivers six outputs for the internal receivers and one output
for an additional Venue assembly. The second receiver
in a stack can then pass the signals along to a third unit,
and so on. The design uses high current RF amplifiers
and a Wilkinson type splitter for even signal distribution
and high isolation between receiver modules.
Optimally matched levels allow multiple receivers to
be stacked and share a single pair of antennas. The
integrated multicoupler provides a significant savings in
rack space and cost in multi-channel systems. Wideband versions are placed in the uppermost positions
in a stack to pass the antenna signals to narrowband
versions lower in the stack.
10.5-18VDC
2
1
2
1
2
1
3
3
3
6
5
4
LINK 3
2
1
2
1
3
3
3
6
5
4
LINK 3
The built-in multi-coupler includes “loop through” outputs for
stacking multiple Venue receivers.
2
1
2
1
3
3
3
6
5
4
LINK 3
IN
OUT
OUT
IN
3
2
2
1
3
1
LINK 1
2
2
1
3
3
3
2
2
1
3
LINK 1
1
ANTENNA B
ANTENNA A
IN
2
1
3
3
1
USB
LINK 2
OUT
OUT
RS-232
2
1
USB
ANTENNA B
ANTENNA A
IN
RS-232
10.5-18VDC
2
1
OUT
OUT
LINK 2
10.5-18VDC
2
1
ANTENNA B
ANTENNA A
IN
RS-232
IN
2
1
USB
LINK 2
2
1
3
3
3
2
2
1
3
LINK 1
1
Computer Connections
Four versions are available for different applications:
The Venue receiver is typically connected to a computer
via the USB port. Multiple receivers can be connected
to a single computer using a USB hub. The receiver
also provides an RS-232 port.
• Wideband low: 470 - 692 MHz
• Wideband mid: 537 - 768 MHz
• Wideband high: 640 - 862 MHz
Phantom Power Jumpers
A remote amplifier can be powered directly from the Venue receiver through the coaxial cable. The ALP650/E01
combines a broadband LPDA antenna with an amplifier,
which is especially useful with the broad bandwidth of the
Venue multicoupler. Jumpers are provided on the circuit
board to enable and disable the phantom power. The top
cover is removed with six screws and the jumpers are set
as shown to enable the DC power.
USB Hub
10.5-18VDC
2
1
Antenna
Antenna
Long coax cable
2
1
3
6
LINK 3
2
1
3
3
5
4
Long coax cable
10.5-18VDC
2
1
UFM230
UFM230
DC Power to UFM230
2
1
3
6
LINK 3
2
1
3
3
5
4
6
VRM
Jumpers set
towards the center
2
1
3
LINK 3
2
1
3
3
5
4
USB
2
1
2
1
3
3
3
2
2
1
3
1
LINK 1
ANTENNA B
ANTENNA A
OUT
OUT
IN
USB
2
1
LINK 2
2
1
3
3
3
2
2
1
3
1
LINK 1
ANTENNA B
ANTENNA A
IN
RS-232
IN
LINK 2
IN
10.5-18VDC
2
1
OUT
OUT
RS-232
DC Power to UFM230
ANTENNA B
ANTENNA A
IN
RS-232
OUT
OUT
LINK 2
IN
USB
2
1
2
1
3
3
3
2
2
1
3
LINK 1
1
SmartTuneTM
Setup and Control with the LCD
An automated scanning process is also available that
tunes a receiver module across its tuning range and
selects a frequency with the least RF energy.
Setup options and adjustments can be made via the
front panel LCD interface. Six channel select switches,
two selection and navigation switches and a push button
rotary encoder control are used with the LCD for setup.
The process takes less than 30 seconds and the screen
prompts the operator to turn on a transmitter for the last
frequency selected before continuing. Once the transmitter is turned on, the process continues, prompting the
operator to continue and select the next receiver to tune.
The LCD provides a variety of displays, plus an overview
display showing transmitter battery status, RF and audio
levels, pilot tone status and diversity switching activity
for all six receivers. When receiver are paired for ratio
or frequency diversity, the two channels are grouped as
such in the overview display.
In the overview screen, the basic signal levels and status
of all six receiver modules are displayed together.
As the receiver is tuned to each frequency, the analysis evaluates RF energy within the channel as well as
energy above and below the channel to avoid selecting a
frequency adjacent to a high powered signal.
Pressing one of the receiver select buttons under the
LCD switches to a detail screen for that module.
IFB Compatibility Mode
The Venue receiver can be used to monitor IFB transmitter signals by switching one or more of the receiver
modules to the IFB compatibility mode. Special DSP algorithms emulate the compandor in the IFB system and
respond to the pilot tone signal from the transmitter to
operate the receiver’s squelch. In this mode, the Venue
receiver behaves as though it is a native IFB receiver.
The IFB mode is useful for monitoring crew communications and for diagnostics. The spectrum scanning analyzer in the Venue can be used to find clear frequencies for
the IFB system, followed by listening to the IFB transmitter to verify the setup.
The pilot tone frequencies in the IFB mode are different
than the Digital Hybrid mode to preserve squelch reliability on both systems.
The scanning spectrum analyzer can also be run from
the LCD, with manual or automatic location of clear operating frequencies. Scanning can be done with any of the
modules to locate clear operating frequencies.
A variety of menus are available for all operating parameters. The menu items and adjustments are selected with
the rotary encoder knob.
Setup and Control with LecNet2 Software
RF Spectrum Analyzer
LecNet2 is a software interface for the Venue receiver
that enables computerized setup, control and monitoring.
The software will connect through USB or RS-232 ports
on the computer and runs under Windows® 2000, XP or
Vista operating systems.*
Right-clicking anywhere in a Venue Receiver opens a
pop up a menu with additional functions available for the
associated Venue Receiver, including an RF spectrum
scanner and walk test recorder.
The main window in the software displays all six receiver
modules installed in the assembly at the same time. The
display includes frequency information, and audio and
RF Levels are displayed real-time.
Right click tor
receiver setup
and other
functions
VRpanel Spectrum Scanner
Right click the receiver pane to access individual module
setup screens and other functions. The Setup Screen for
one module allows full configuration of all settings.
The spectrum scanner provides a visual display of RF
activity within the tuning range of the system to quickly
locate clear operating frequencies. Frequency and switch
settings are displayed for the selected receiver to simplify setup of the associated transmitter.
Walk Test Recorder
A unique walk-test recorder is provided to verify system
performance as the transmitter moves through the area
where the transmitter will be used. RF level is recorded
during the walk test in a scrolling window. During playback a “strip chart” scrolls past the cursor. By mentioning locations during the walk test, it is possible to quicky
identify potential trouble spots.
Multiple Venue receivers can be monitored and controlled at the same time.
Popular touch screen control systems can also be configured for remote control and monitoring.
VRpanel Walk Test Recorder
*Windows® XP and Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
DSP-Based Pilot Tone
Pilot tone is a popular method of eliminating noise when
a receiver is turned on without a transmitter signal. In this
situation, interference can open the audio output squelch
of the receiver and deliver loud noise into the sound
system. A pilot tone is a separate signal or tone outside
of the audio passband that controls the output squelch
of the receiver. The receiver needs to detect both a valid
RF signal and the pilot tone before the squelch will open.
There are several ways to implement a pilot tone. One
common method is to generate a supersonic audio signal using a crystal. This is helpful, however, the receiver
can pick up an invalid pilot tone through multi-signal IM
(intermodulation) which can open the squelch.
The Digital Hybrid system design uses an ultrasonic
pilot tone generated by the DSP to control the receiver
squelch, with a different pilot tone frequency for each
operating frequency. This eliminates squelch problems
in multi-channel systems where a pilot tone signal can
appear in the wrong receiver via IM.
Brief delays are also employed at turn-on and turn-off to
eliminate thumps, pops or other transients that can occur
when the power is switched on or off. The DSP generated pilot tone also eliminates fragile crystals which allows
the receiver to survive shocks and mishandling much
better than older crystal-based pilot tone systems.
Diversity Modes
The modular configuration enables several types of
diversity reception for various applications. The modules
can be used individually for switched diversity reception
with each module delivering an audio output, or coupled
into pairs for more robust diversity reception where each
module pair delivers one audio channel.
Front panel
SmartDiversity™
This is a microprocessor controlled algorithm used in
the Digital Hybrid system to enhance a phase switching diversity process. The algorithm monitors RF level,
rate of change of RF level and audio content to determine the optimal time to switch. The phase switching is
more aggressive when the average signal level is weak,
and when the signal level falls rapidly compared to the
average level. The algorithm also applies “opportunistic
switching” to test for the best phase state during the
silence of brief pauses in speech.
Each receiver module delivers its own audio channel,
so the system can provide up to six channels per Venue
main assembly.
OptiBlend™ Ratio Diversity
This is an audio combining process that mixes the audio
outputs from two adjacent modules in a ratio controlled
by comparing the RF signal strengths in the modules.
Being a more robust type of diversity, it is normally used
for critical applications such as a live broadcast where a
dropout could have disastrous results.
Two modules are paired and tuned to the same frequency to pick up a single transmitter. The mode is set
automatically as either module is switched to this mode.
As the RF level in the two receivers is compared, more
audio is mixed from the one with the stronger signal in
an electronically damped panning process. The panning
begins to take place at much higher RF levels than a
phase switching technique to anticipate dropouts long
before they threaten to produce noise in the audio signal.
Module pairs can be selected separately. For example,
two modules could be paired for ratio diversity reception
of a lead vocalist channel, while the other four modules
could be used in the switched diversity mode, each delivering one audio channel.
Frequency Diversity
This is an automated redundancy process that pairs two
adjacent receiver modules, however, the modules are
tuned to different frequencies, each picking up its own
matching transmitter. This mode provides robust diversity
reception and added protection against battery failure.
Common applications include redundant lavaliere microphones for on-air talent in live broadcasts.
Antenna Phase Switching Diversity
Effective diversity reception can be implemented by
combining the output of two antennas to feed a single
receiver and controlling the phase of one antenna. This
approach is commonly used for battery powered receivers where available power is limited. RF signal level is
monitored continuously, and if the level falls below a
certain threshold, the phase of one antenna is switched
180 degrees. If the signal is then stronger, the phase
remains switched until the level falls below the threshold
again. If the signal is weaker after the switch, the phase
is switched back to the previous state and monitoring
continues.
In this mode the microphones are positioned very close
to each other to avoid comb filtering. The outputs of the
receivers are mixed together in the same manner as the
OptiBlend™ ratio diversity process, with the mix ratio
controlled by comparing the RF levels in the modules.
Each pair of modules in this mode deliver one audio
channel in the same manner as ratio diversity.
Block Diagram
The Venue receiver uses a common microprocessor and
DSP for all six receiver modules. This modular design
reduces the cost per channel significantly, and saves
rack space by combining a 7-way antenna multicoupler,
power distribution and rack mount into a single 1RU assembly for all six channels.
Inside the main assembly the encoded radio signals
picked up by the receiver modules are sent to the DSP
for decoding and restoration of the 24-bit digital audio
signals generated in the transmitters.
Microprocessor
The microprocessor communicates with the operator
through the front panel controls, and the USB and serial
ports when connected to a computer. It also sends and
receives control signals and data from the receiver modules and the DSP.
The DSP handles the “number crunching” to restore the
digital audio from the encoded signals and communicates pilot tone status to the microprocessor. Once the
digital audio is restored, it is finally converted to analog
and delivered to the outputs, with control signals from
the microprocessor setting the output levels.
Specifications
Operating Frequencies (MHz) for Receiver Modules:
Block 470 470.100 - 495.600
Block 19
486.400 - 511.900
Block 20
512.000 - 537.500
Block 21
537.600 - 563.100
Block 22
563.200 - 588.700
Block 23
588.800 - 614.300
Block 24
614.400 - 639.900
Block 25
640.000 - 665.500
Block 26
665.600 - 691.100
Block 27
691.200 - 716.700
Block 28
716.800 - 742.300
Block 29
742.400 - 767.900
Block 30
768.000 - 793.500
Block 31
793.600 - 819.100
Block 32
819.200 - 844.700
Block 33
844.800 - 861.900
Frequency/Bandwidth of Multicouplers:
Wideband low:
470 - 691 MHz
Wideband mid:
537 - 768 MHz
Wideband high:
640 - 862 MHz
Frequency selection:
256 frequencies in 100 kHz steps per
25.6 MHz frequency bandwidth
Channel Spacing:
selectable 25, 50, 75 and 100 kHz
Pilot tone:
25 to 32 kHz; 3.5 kHz deviation; unique
pilot tone frequency for each selected
carrier frequency (Hybrid mode)
Deviation:
± 50 kHz (max) (Hybrid mode)
Receiver Type:
Triple conversion superheterodyne
Frequency Stability:
±0.001 %
VRS Module Front End Bandwidth:
30 MHz @ -3 dB
Sensitivity (20 dB Sinad):
0.9 uV
AM Rejection:
>60 dB, 2 uV to 1 Volt
Image and Spurious
Rejection:
85 dB
Third Order Intercept (Input):
VRS: +18 dBm
Diversity Methods:
Switched, Ratio and Frequency modes
FM Detector:
Digital pulse counting detector @ 300 kHz
Audio Performance (overall system):
Frequency Response: 32 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-1dB), overall system
(400 Series mode)
THD: 0.2% (typical) (Hybrid mode)
SNR at receiver output (dB)
SmartNR No Limiting W/ Limiting
(in Hybrid operating mode):
OFF
103.5
108.5
NORMAL
107.0
111.5
(Note: the dual envelope “soft” limiter
108.5
FULL
113.0
provides exceptionally good handling of
transients using variable attack and release time constants. The gradual onset of limiting in the
design begins below full modulation, which reduces the measured figure for SNR without limiting
by 4.5 dB).
Input Dynamic Range:
Audio Output Level:
LCD:
Power Requirements:
Weight:
Dimensions:
125 dB (with full transmitter limiting)
-15 dBu to +8 dBu, in 1 dB increments
122x32 graphical display
10 to 18 VDC; 17.2 W max. (1.72 A @ 10 VDC to
1.05 A @ 18 VDC)
VRM with 6 VRS modules: 4.28 lbs. (1946 grams)
19”W x 1.75”H x 7.75”D (panel to rear jacks)
(48.26 cm x 4.45 cm x 19.67 cm)
581 Laser Road NE • Rio Rancho, NM 87124 USA • www.lectrosonics.com
(505) 892-4501 • (800) 821-1121 • fax (505) 892-6243 • [email protected]
21 Dec 2009

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