Lectrosonics DBA User Manual
DBa
Digital Belt Pack Transmitter
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
DBa
2
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................ 4
Battery Installation ................................................................ 6
Belt Clips ................................................................................ 7
Operating Instructions .......................................................... 7
Powering On in Operating Mode .......................................... 8
Powering On in Standby Mode ............................................ 8
Powering Off ........................................................................ 8
Power Menu Options ............................................................. 8
Entering the Power Menu ..................................................... 8
LCD Menu Map ....................................................................... 9
Main Menu and Setup Screen Details ................................ 10
Entering the Main Menu ..................................................... 10
Main Window Indicators ..................................................... 10
Connecting the Signal Source ........................................... 10
Adjusting the Input Gain ..................................................... 10
Selecting Frequency .......................................................... 11
Selecting Programmable Switch Functions........................ 11
Selecting the Low Frequency Roll-off ................................ 11
Selecting Audio Polarity (Phase) ........................................ 11
Selecting Battery Type ....................................................... 11
BatTime .............................................................................. 11
Locking/Unlocking Changes to Settings............................. 12
Adjusting LCD Backlight .................................................... 12
About .................................................................................. 12
Restoring Default Settings ................................................ 12
Wipekey ............................................................................. 12
Encryption Key and settings transfer ................................ 12
Accessories ......................................................................... 13
5-Pin Input Jack Wiring ....................................................... 14
Microphone Cable Termination
for Non-Lectrosonics Microphones ............................ 15
Input Jack Wiring for Different Sources ............................ 16
Compatible Wiring for Both Servo Bias Inputs
and Earlier Transmitters: .................................................... 16
Simple Wiring for Servo Bias Inputs ONLY: ........................ 16
Microphone RF Bypassing ................................................. 17
Line Level Signals .............................................................. 17
Troubleshooting ................................................................... 18
Specifications and Features ............................................... 19
Service and Repair .............................................................. 20
Returning Units for Repair ................................................. 20
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitter
Rio Rancho, NM
Consumer Alert for US Users - FCC Order DA 10-92
Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not cause harmful interference; it
must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts); and it has no protection from interference received
from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless mi
crophone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888- CALL-FCC
(TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC’s wireless microphone website at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones.
To operate wireless microphone systems at power greater than 50mW, you must qualify as a Part 74 user and be
licensed. If you qualify and wish to apply for a license go to: http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form601/601.html
-
3
DBa
Introduction
DSW (Digital Secure Wireless) is designed for no-compromise applications where performance and security
are the highest priority.
A completely new digital architecture was developed
for the DSW wireless system, which includes the DBa
Transmitter. Extended operating range rivals the best
analog and Digital Hybrid Wireless
remarkable audio quality and only 2.5 ms of latency.
The system operates on standard UHF FCC Part 74
frequencies (TV channel band).
256-bit encryption is applied to the transmitted signal
stream for security against eavesdropping. The algorithm conforms to the AES 256-CTR standard.
The DBa transmitter is a second generation design with
specially developed, high efficiency digital circuitry for
extended operating time on two AA batteries. The transmitter can tune in coarse or fine steps across the UHF
television band from 470.100 to 691.175 MHz, with an
output power of 50 mW. The pure digital architecture
enables AES 256-CTR encryption for high level security
applications.
Studio quality audio performance is assured by high
quality components in the preamp, wide range input
gain adjustment and DSP-controlled limiting. Input
connections and settings are included for any lavaliere
microphone, dynamic microphones and line level inputs.
Input gain is adjustable over a 44 dB range in 1 dB
steps to allow an exact match to the input signal level,
maximizing the dynamic range and signal to noise ratio.
A separate switch is provided on the top panel that can
be configured as a mute or power switch, or be bypassed.
The housing is constructed of solid machined aluminum
for lasting ruggedness. The exterior is finished with an
ultra hard, black electroless nickel finish called ebENi.
Firmware updates are made through a side panel micro
USB port.
®
systems, with
Frequency Agility
The transmitter tunes across the entire frequency
range, from 470 MHz to 691 MHz.
Servo Bias Input and Wiring
The DBA input preamp is a unique design that delivers
audible improvements over conventional transmitter
inputs. The transmitters are easier to use and much
harder to overload. It is not necessary to introduce pads
on some mics to prevent overload of the input stage,
divide the bias voltage down for some low voltage mics,
or reduce the limiter range at minimum gain settings.
Two different microphone wiring schemes are available
to simplify and standardize the configuration. Simplified 2-wire and 3-wire configurations provide several
arrangements designed for use only with servo bias
inputs to take full advantage of the preamp circuitry.
Other wiring schemes are compatible with Servo Bias
and conventional inputs.
A line level input wiring provides an extended frequency
response with an LF roll-off at 35 Hz for use with instruments and line level signal sources.
DSP-controlled Input Limiter
The transmitter employs a digitally-controlled analog
audio limiter prior to the analog-to-digital converter.
The limiter has a range greater than 30 dB for excellent
overload protection. A dual release envelope makes the
limiter acoustically transparent while maintaining low
distortion. It can be thought of as two limiters in series,
connected as a fast attack and release limiter followed
by a slow attack and release limiter. The limiter recovers
quickly from brief transients, so that its action is hidden
from the listener, but recovers slowly from sustained
high levels to keep audio distortion low and preserve
short term dynamic changes in the audio.
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
DBa Block Diagram
Input
Jack
+5V
Input
Preamp
Servo Bias
Supply
Bias Voltage
0, 2 or 4V
HI/Lo
Pass
Filter
Audio
DBa Transmitter
A-D
Converter
D-A Convert-
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitter
er
I + Q
Baseband
Signals
Low
pass
filters
Shunt
Limiter
Gain
DSP Clock
Oscillator
VCTXO
Adj
Limiter Control
Key Received
Blue LED
PLL Ref
I2S
Microprocessor
Phase Locked Loop
Keypad
I2S
Voltage Controlled
Control
Firmware
Update
Security Key
Oscillator
(2) AA
Batteries
UART
Switching
Supply
Power
LED
Tricolor
Power
USB
Jack
Low
Pass
Filter
IQ Modulator
Buffer
Final
Amplifier
Filters
Rio Rancho, NM
5
DBa
Battery Installation
The transmitter is powered by two AA batteries. We
recommend using alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable
batteries for longest life. Standard zinc-carbon batteries
marked “heavy-duty” or “long-lasting” are not adequate.
The battery status circuitry compensates for the difference in voltage drop between alkaline and lithium batteries across their usable life, so it’s important to select
the correct battery type in the menu.
Because rechargeable batteries run down quite abruptly, using the Power LED to verify battery status will not
be reliable. However, it is possible to track battery status
using the battery timer function available in Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Wireless receivers.
Push outward on the battery compartment door and lift
it to open.
If the batteries are inserted incorrectly, the door will
close but the unit will not operate.
The battery contacts can be cleaned with alcohol and
a cotton swab, or a clean pencil eraser. Be sure not
to leave any remnants of the cotton swab or eraser
crumbs inside the compartment.
Contact springs
Insert the batteries according to the markings on the
back of the housing.
Battery Status LED Indicator
Alkaline, lithium or rechargeable batteries can be used
to power the transmitter. The type of batteries in use are
selectable in a menu on the LCD.
When alkaline or lithium batteries are being used, the
LED labeled BATT on the keypad glows green when the
batteries are good. The color changes to red when the
they are nearing the end of life. When the LED begins to
blink red, there will be only a few minutes remaining.
The Power/Function LED on the top panel will mirror
the keypad LED unless the programmable switch is set
to Mute, and the switch is turned on.
The exact point at which the LEDs turn red will vary
with battery brand and condition, temperature and
power consumption. The LEDs are intended to simply
catch your attention, not to be an exact indicator of
remaining time.
A weak battery will sometimes cause the LED to glow
green immediately after the transmitter is turned on, but
it will soon discharge to the point where the LED will
turn red or the unit will turn off completely.
Rechargeable batteries give little or no warning when
they are depleted. If you wish to use these batteries in
the transmitter, you will need to manually keep track of
the operating time to prevent interruptions caused by
dead batteries. Start with a fully charged battery, then
measure the time it takes for the Power LED to go out
completely.
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
Operating Instructions
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitter
Modulation
Indicators
Antenna
Port
Power/Function
-10
AUDIO
-20
mounting hole
Compartment
LED
PWR/FUNC
Battery
Status LED
Belt clip
Battery
Door
Programmable
Function Switch
Audio
Input
Jack
DBa
470.100
-40
Full access to all settings is provided through the keypad and LCD. The transmitter can also be configured
as a “one button” device by locking the ability to make
changes with the keypad, and configuring the top panel
switch as either power on/off or a mute function.
Key verification
LED
Belt clip
mounting hole
-20
+0
USB Port
Belt Clips
The wire belt clip may be removed by pulling the ends
out of the holes in the sides of the case. Use pliers to
grasp the wire and avoid scratching the surface of the
housing. Pliers also help when installing the clip.
An optional spring-loaded, hinged belt clip (model number BCSLEBN) is also available. This clip is attached by
removing the plastic hole cap on the back of the housing and mounting the clip with the supplied screw.
Rio Rancho, NM
7
DBa
Powering On in Operating Mode
Press and hold the Power Button for several seconds
until a counter on the LCD progresses from 1 through 3.
Hold
DBa
DBa
for
Rf On
...3
When you release the button, the unit will be operational with the RF output turned on and the Main Window
displayed.
V0.03
470.100
-40
-20
Powering On in Standby Mode
A brief press of the Power Button , releasing it before
the counter has reached 3, will turn the unit on with the
RF output turned off. In this Standby Mode the menus
can be browsed to make settings and adjustments without the risk of interfering with other wireless systems
nearby.
Hold
for
Rf On
...1
After settings and adjustments are made, press the
power button again to turn the unit off.
NOTE: Also see the section entitled Power Menu
for the AutoOn feature.
Release Power
Button before
the counter
reaches 3 to
enter standby
mode
RF indicator blinks
DBa
470.100
-40
-20
+0
Powering Off
Powering
O . . .
1
If the power button is released, or the top panel switch
is turned back on again before the countdown is completed, the unit will remain turned on and the LCD will
return to the same screen or menu that was displayed
previously.
From any screen, power can be
turned off by selecting Pwr Off in the
power menu, holding the Power
Button
countdown, or with the programmable switch (if it is configured for
this function).
in and waiting for the
Power Menu Options
Entering the Power Menu
Press the power button from any menu or screen
and a menu with appear with several options. Use the
and arrow buttons to select the menu item. Then
press MENU/SEL to execute the item or enter a setup
screen. See opposite page for details.
+0
• Resume - returns to the previous mode and screen
• Rf On? - enters a screen to enable the operating or
standby modes
• AutoOn? - allows the unit to automatically turn
back on after a power failure or when fresh batteries are installed (works in the operating mode only)
• Pwr Off - turns the unit off irrevocably
Resume
Rf On?
AutoOn?
Pwr Off
Resume and Pwr Off will execute the command immediately. The other menu items will open a screen asking
for a value to be selected.
Rf On?: The RF output of the transmitter can be turned
off and on.
Resume
Resume
Rf On?
AutoOn?
Pwr Off
Rf On?
Resume and Pwr Off
will execute
the command
immediately
The screens that
Rf On?
AutoOn?
Pwr Off
prompt for a selection to be made are straightforward as
in this example. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to
highlight the desired selection an press MENU/SEL or
BACK to confirm it.
Resume
Ye s
No
AutoOn?
Rf On?
AutoOn?
Pwr Off
No
Ye s
NOTE: If the programmable switch is in the OFF
position, power can still be turned on with the
power button. If the programmable switch is then
turned on, a brief message will appear on the LCD.
8
LECTROSONICS, INC.
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