HMa
Wideband Plug-On Transmitter
With Digital Hybrid Wireless® Technology
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Digital Hybrid Wireless
US Patent 7,225,135
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
®
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
HMa
2
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
Table of Contents
General Technical Description .............................................................................................................................................................4
Digital Hybrid Wireless
No Pre-Emphasis/De-Emphasis ...........................................................................................................................................................5
Low Frequency Roll-Off ........................................................................................................................................................................5
Input Limiter ..........................................................................................................................................................................................5
Signal Encoding and Pilot Tone ............................................................................................................................................................5
Microprocessor and DSP ......................................................................................................................................................................5
Compatibility Modes ..............................................................................................................................................................................5
Control Panel ........................................................................................................................................................................................5
Controls and Functions .........................................................................................................................................................................6
LCD Screen ..........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Power LED ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Audio Input Jack ....................................................................................................................................................................................6
Battery Compartment............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Modulation LEDs ...................................................................................................................................................................................6
Audio Button .........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Freq Button ...........................................................................................................................................................................................6
UP/DOWN Arrows and Panel Lockout ..................................................................................................................................................6
Antenna .................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Battery Installation .................................................................................................................................................................................7
Attaching/Removing a Microphone ......................................................................................................................................................7
Operating Instructions ...........................................................................................................................................................................8
Power Up and Boot Sequence .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Power Down ..........................................................................................................................................................................................8
Automatic Power Restore ......................................................................................................................................................................8
Standby Mode .......................................................................................................................................................................................8
UP Button Menu ....................................................................................................................................................................................8
DOWN Button Menu .............................................................................................................................................................................9
AUDIO Button Settings .......................................................................................................................................................................10
FREQ Button Settings .........................................................................................................................................................................11
Block 470/19 Frequency Overlap ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Lock/Unlock Screen ............................................................................................................................................................................12
Remote Control with “Dweedle Tones” ................................................................................................................................................ 12
LectroRM ...............................................................................................................................................................................................13
Accessories ..........................................................................................................................................................................................14
21750 Barrel Adapter ..........................................................................................................................................................................14
MCA-M30 Barrel Adapter ....................................................................................................................................................................14
PHTRAN3 ...........................................................................................................................................................................................14
MCA5X ................................................................................................................................................................................................14
MCA-TPOWER ...................................................................................................................................................................................14
Specifications and Features ................................................................................................................................................................15
Firmware Update ..................................................................................................................................................................................16
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................................................................18
Service and Repair ...............................................................................................................................................................................20
Returning Units for Repair ..................................................................................................................................................................20
®
Technology ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
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 microphone 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
Rio Rancho, NM
3
HMa
Bias Voltage
Thank you for selecting a Lectrosonics HMa plug-On
transmitter. The unique design provides several distinct
features for professional applications:
• Outstanding RF operating range
• Superb audio quality
• Corrosion-resistant housing
• Programmable compatibility modes for use with a
wide variety of different receivers
The Digital Hybrid Wireless® design (US Patent
7,225,135) combines 24-bit digital audio with analog
FM resulting in a system that has the same operating
range as analog systems, the same spectral efficiency
as analog systems, the same long battery life as analog systems, plus the excellent audio fidelity typical of
pure digital systems.
General Technical
Description
The transmitter uses a standard 3-pin XLR input jack
for use with any microphone with a mating XLR connector. An LCD, membrane switches and multi-color
LEDs on the control panel make input gain adjustments and frequency and compatibility mode selection
quick and accurate, without having to view the receiver.
The housing is machined from a solid aluminum block
to provide a lightweight and rugged package. A special
non-corrosive finish resists salt water exposure and
perspiration in extreme environments.
Along with providing peerless audio quality with wide
frequency response and dynamic range in Nu Digital
Hybrid mode, the technology used in the HMa includes
compatibility modes for Lectrosonics Mode 3 and
IFB receivers. Companion receivers are covered in
separate manuals. The HMa transmitter uses ±75 kHz
wide deviation for an excellent signal to noise ratio and
wide dynamic range. The DSP controlled input limiter
features a wide range dual envelope design which
cleanly limits input signal peaks over 30 dB above full
modulation. Switching power supplies provide constant
voltages to the transmitter circuits from the beginning (3
Volts) to the end (1.7 Volts) of battery life, and an ultra
low noise input amplifier for quiet operation.
Digital Hybrid Wireless® Technology
All wireless links suffer from channel noise to some degree, and all wireless microphone systems seek to minimize the impact of that noise on the desired signal. Conventional analog systems use compandors for enhanced
dynamic range, at the cost of subtle artifacts (known as
“pumping” and “breathing”). Wholly digital systems defeat
the noise by sending the audio information in digital form,
at the cost of some combination of power, bandwidth and
resistance to interference.
Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Wireless® systems overcome channel noise in a dramatically new way, digitally
encoding the audio in the transmitter and decoding it
in the receiver, yet still sending the encoded information via an analog FM wireless link. This proprietary
algorithm is not a digital implementation of an analog
compandor but a technique that can be accomplished
only in the digital domain, even though the inputs and
outputs are analog.
Channel noise still impacts received signal quality and
will eventually overwhelm a receiver. Digital Hybrid
Wireless® simply encodes the signal to use a noisy
channel as efficiently and robustly as possible, yielding audio performance that rivals that of wholly digital
systems, without the power and bandwidth problems
inherent in digital transmission.
4
42V,15V, 5V
Shunt
Limiter
Input
Amp
Digital
AUDIO
FREQ
UP
DWN
Bicolor
Modulation
LEDs
Phantom
Power
Pot
LCD
Audio
Level
Hi.Lo
Pass
Filter
+4V
Audio
Microprocessor
Control Panel
A-D
Converter
11001001
Digital Signal Processor
D-A
Converter
11001001
Reference
Crystal
Phase Locked Loop
Reference
Crystal
Encoded Audio
and Pilot Tone
3 V
Battery
Filter
Amp
Switching
Power
Supply
Voltage
Controlled
Oscillator
1.2V
4V
-3.3V
+3.3V
Final
Amplifier
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
Because it uses an analog FM link, Digital Hybrid
Wireless® enjoys all the benefits of conventional FM
wireless systems, such as excellent range, efficient
use of RF spectrum, and resistance to interference.
However, unlike conventional FM systems, it does
away with the analog compandor and its artifacts.
No Pre-Emphasis/De-Emphasis
The Digital Hybrid Wireless® design results in a signal-tonoise ratio high enough to preclude the need for conventional pre-emphasis (HF boost) in the transmitter and
de-emphasis (HF roll-off) in the receiver. This eliminates
the potential for distortion on signals with abundant
high-frequency information.
Low Frequency Roll-Off
The low frequency roll-off can be set for a 3 dB down
point at 35, 50, 70, 100, 120 and 150 Hz to control
subsonic and very low frequency audio content in
the audio. The actual roll-off frequency will vary slightly
depending upon the low frequency response of the
microphone.
Excessive low frequency content can drive the transmitter into limiting, or in the case of high level sound
systems, even cause damage to loudspeaker systems.
The roll-off is normally adjusted by ear while listening
as the system is operating.
Microprocessor and DSP
A microprocessor monitors user command inputs from
the control panel buttons and numerous other internal
signals. It works intimately with the DSP to ensure the
audio is encoded according to the selected Compatibility Mode and that the correct pilot tone is added to the
encoded signal.
Compatibility Modes
Along with providing peerless audio quality with wide
frequency response and dynamic range in Nu Digital
Hybrid mode, the technology used in the HMa includes
compatibility modes for Lectrosonics Mode 3 and IFB
receivers.
Control Panel
The control panel includes four membrane switches and
an LCD screen to adjust the operational settings. Multicolor LEDs are used to indicate audio signal levels for
accurate gain adjustment and for battery status.
Input Limiter
A DSP-controlled analog audio limiter is employed
before the analog-to-digital (A-D) converter. The limiter
has a range of more 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, a
fast attack and release limiter followed by a slow attack
and release limiter. The limiter recovers quickly from
brief transients, with no audible side effects, and also
recovers slowly from sustained high levels, to keep
audio distortion low and while preserving short term
dynamics.
Signal Encoding and Pilot Tone
In addition to controlling the limiter, the DSP also
encodes the digitized audio from the A-D converter
and adds an ultrasonic pilot tone to control the receiver’s squelch. A pilot tone squelch system provides
a reliable method of keeping a receiver output muted
(squelched) even in the presence of significant interference. When the system is operating in the hybrid
mode, a different pilot tone frequency is generated
for each carrier frequency in 100 kHz increments to
prevent inadvertent squelch problems and simplify
multi-channel coordination.
Rio Rancho, NM
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HMa
Controls and Functions
Modulation
Input
Coupler
XLR Input Jack
PWR LED
LEDs
LCD
AUDIO Button
UP Arrow
FREQ Button
Battery
Compartment
DOWN Arrow
LCD Screen
The LCD is a numeric-type Liquid Crystal Display with
several screens that allow settings to be made with the
AUDIO and FREQ buttons, and the UP and DOWN
arrow buttons to configure the transmitter. The transmitter can be turned on in a “standby” mode with the
carrier turned off to make adjustments without the risk
of interfering with other wireless systems nearby.
Power LED
The PWR LED glows green when the batteries are
charged. The color changes to red when there is about
20 minutes of life left. When the LED begins to blink
red, there are only a few minutes of life.
A weak battery will sometimes cause the PWR LED to
glow green immediately after being put into the unit,
but will soon discharge to the point where the LED will
go red or shut off completely.
Audio Input Jack
The XLR input jack on the transmitter accommodates
hand-held, shotgun and measurement microphones.
Phantom power can be set at various levels for use
with a wide variety of electret microphones.
Battery Compartment
The battery compartment door is made of machined
aluminum and is hinged to the housing to prevent it
being damaged or lost.
Modulation LEDs
The Modulation LEDs provide a visual indication of the
input audio signal level from the microphone. These
two bicolor LEDs can glow either red or green to indicate modulation levels. Full modulation (0 dB) occurs
when the -20 LED first turns red.
Signal Level -20 LED -10 LED
Less than -20 dB
-20 dB to -10 dB Green Off
-10 dB to +0 dB
+0 dB to +10 dB Red Green
Greater than +10 dB
Off Off
Green Green
Red Red
Audio Button
The AUDIO button is used to display the audio level
setting, low frequency roll-off and phantom power
mode. Repeatedly pressing the button will cycle
through the available settings, allowing the UP and
DOWN arrow buttons to adjust the values.
Freq Button
The FREQ Button displays the selected operating frequency and also toggles the LCD between displaying
the actual operating frequency in MHz and a two-digit
hexadecimal number. Frequencies can be selected in
either 100kHz or 25kHz steps. The appearance of the
hexadecimal number is different in the 100kHz step
size mode than in the 25kHz step size mode.
NOTE: The FREQ and AUDIO buttons are used
together to enter the standby mode and to turn the
power on or off.
UP/DOWN Arrows and Panel Lockout
The UP and DOWN arrow buttons are used to select
the operating frequency, adjust the audio level, or set
the Compatibility Mode.
Pressing both arrows simultaneously enters the lock
countdown. Holding the two buttons in until the countdown is completed locks the control panel buttons so
they can only be used to display current settings. “Loc”
is displayed to indicate the controls are locked when a
button is pressed while the panel is locked.
Once locked, the control panel is unlocked by removing the battery or using the remote control “dweedle”
tones.
Antenna
An antenna is formed between the housing and the
attached microphone, operating much like a dipole. At
UHF frequencies the length of the housing is similar to
1/4 wavelength of the operating frequency, so the antenna is surprisingly efficient, which helps extend the
operating range and suppress noise and interference.
6
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
TO AT TACH
Battery Installation
The transmitter is powered by two AA batteries.
Note: Standard zinc-carbon batteries marked
“heavy-duty” or “long-lasting” are not adequate.
Batteries operate in series, with a connecting plate
built into the battery door
To install new batteries:
1. Slide open the Battery Cover and remove any old
batteries.
2. Insert the new batteries into the housing. One battery goes in positive (+) end first, the other negative
(- ) end first. Look into the battery compartment to
determine which end goes in which side. The side
with the circular insulator is the side which accepts
the positive end of the battery.
Attaching/Removing a
Microphone
The spring loaded coupler under the XLR jack maintains a secure fit to the microphone jack with continuous pressure applied by an internal spring.
To attach the microphone, simply align the XLR pins
and press the microphone onto the transmitter until
the coupler retracts and latches. A click sound will be
heard as the connector latches.
To remove the microphone, hold the transmitter body
in one hand with the microphone pointing upward. Use
your other hand to rotate the coupler until the latch
releases and the coupler rises slightly.
Do not pull on the microphone while releasing the
locking collar.
TO REMOVE
Hold the
transmitter
case with the
Press firmly, listen for click.
Depress collar fully.
Click!
Pull on mic to ensure it is locked.
NOTE: Do not hold or apply any pressure to the
microphone body while trying to remove it, as
this may prevent the latch from releasing.
microphone
pointed
upward.
Rotate the
collar in the
direction
shown.
positive (+)
terminal
negative (–)
terminal
Note: It is possible to install the batteries backward
and close the battery door, but the batteries will
not make contact and the unit will not work.
3. Slide the Battery Cover until it snaps securely shut.
Rio Rancho, NM
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HMa
Operating Instructions
Modulation
PWR LED
LEDs
AUDIO
Button
Power Up and Boot Sequence
1) Ensure that good batteries are installed in the unit.
2) Simultaneously press and hold the AUDIO and
FREQ buttons. Continue holding the buttons until
On and the characters 1, 2, 3 have appeared. The
boot sequence will then initiate.
As the unit turns on, the
Modulation LEDs and PWR
LED all glow red, then green,
Initial Power On
Timer Screen
and then they revert to normal
operation.
The LCD displays a bootup sequence which con-
sists of five screens:
Category: Example
Company Name: Lectro
Frequency Band (XX) and
Firmware Version (rX.XX):
Compatibility Mode: CP 400
RF Power Output: 100
Operating Frequency 482.875
Power Down
Simultaneously press and hold the AUDIO and
FREQ buttons. Continue holding the buttons until
OFF and the countdown characters 3, 2, 1 have appeared. The unit will then power down.
If the AUDIO and FREQ
buttons are released before
Initial Power Off
Timer Screen
on and the LCD will return to the previous screen.
the LCD goes blank at the end
of the countdown, the unit will
not turn off. Instead, it will stay
UP Arrow
FREQ
Button
A1 r1.00
DOWN Arrow
Automatic Power Restore
The firmware will remember the power on/off state
and the settings when batteries reach their end of life
or are removed. When fresh batteries are installed,
the unit will reboot and return to the previous settings without the need to press any buttons. This only
works when the unit is fully on and transmitting. It
does not work in the Standby Mode.
Standby Mode
Standby Mode allows you to
verify or change the trans-
Standby Screen
mitter’s operating frequency
or audio input level without
transmitting a signal. Quickly press and release both
the AUDIO and FREQ buttons simultaneously to enter
and exit this mode. The characters rF OFF will appear
on the LCD while the unit is in the standby mode.
UP Button Menu
Hold the UP button while powering up the unit.
Hold
Then press both
Then press the AUDIO button repeatedly to scroll
through the settings. Use the UP and DOWN arrow to
select the available options under each setting.
Compatibility Mode Screen (Up Button Menu)
CP (Compatibility Mode);
press the UP and DOWN
arrows to select one of the
following:
Note: RF transmission is prevented while
selecting Compatibility Modes. Also, the HMa
exits this screen to the Standby Mode.
• Nu Digital Hybrid
• 3 - (Mode 3) For non-Lectrosonics analog receivers. Contact the the factory for details.
• IFB - For Lectrosonics IFB receivers.
While in the compatibility mode screen, pressing
either the AUDIO or FREQ button exits to standby
mode. To power off from the compatibility mode
screen, press and hold AUDIO and FREQ together.
NOTE: If batteries are removed or reach the end
of life while the unit is turned on, the unit will turn
back on with a brief, simultaneous press of the
AUDIO and FREQ buttons. The counting sequence
will not be displayed in this instance.
8
LECTROSONICS, INC.
RF Power Output (Up Button Menu)
Pr (RF Power output) may be selected as either 100 or
50.
Selecting the Audio Polarity (Up Button Menu)
NOTE: The audio polarity can
also be reversed at the output of
most Lectrosonics receivers.
The character P denotes
“positive” polarity and
the character n denotes
“negative” polarity.
Selecting Step Size mode (Up Button Menu)
The frequency increments can be set at either 25 kHz
or 100 kHz. Hold the UP arrow in while powering up the
unit to enter the setup screen. Press the AUDIO button
repeatedly to step through the setup items to reach the
Step Size Mode screen. Use the UP or DOWN arrow
button to select the desired setting.
DOWN Button Menu
Hold the DOWN button while powering up the unit.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
HMa transmitter settings that can be adjusted:
• Audio input level (gain)
• Operating frequency
• Panel Lock/Unlock
• RF power output
• Low frequency roll-off filter
• Power LED on/off
The LectroRM Smart Phone App is used almost
exclusively for remote control. See the section entitled
Remote ‘Control with Dweedle Tones on page 12
for more information.
Power Back On (DOWN Button Menu)
PbAc (Power back on after power loss) sets the
unit to either (1) turn back on after power loss or (0)
remain off.
LCD Backlight Setting (Down Button Menu)
The LCD backlight can be set to turn off after either
5 minutes or 30 seconds or stay on continuously.
Hold the DOWN arrow in while powering up the unit
to enter the setup screen. Press the AUDIO button
repeatedly to step through the setup items to reach
the backlight settings screen. Use the UP or DOWN
arrow button to select the desired setting.
Hold
Then press both
Then press the AUDIO button repeatedly to scroll
through the setup screens. Use the UP and DOWN arrow to select the available options for each setting.
Remote Control Enable “Dweedle Tones”
rc on allows the transmitter to respond to audio signals
(“dweedle tones”) delivered to the microphone from a
smart phone app. rc oFF disables this function.
If a remote control signal is detected but the function is
turned off, the message rc oFF will be displayed briefly
on the transmitter’s LCD to confirm that a valid signal
was received, but that the remote control function is not
enabled.
Rio Rancho, NM
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HMa
AUDIO Button Settings
Press the AUDIO button
repeatedly to select the setting.
Each time the button is released, the screen will switch to
the next setting. Press and hold
the button when the desired
setting appears on the screen,
then use the UP and DOWN
arrow buttons to adjust the
setting.
Adjusting the Input Gain
The control panel Modulation
LEDs indicate the modulation
level and limiter activity. This
gain adjustment matches the transmitter gain with the
microphone’s output level, the user’s voice level and the
position of the microphone. Once set, the transmitter’s
audio level setting should not be used to control the
volume of your sound system or recorder levels. The
audio input level can be set with the unit in Standby
Mode or while powered up in normal operation.
Signal Level -20 LED -10 LED
Less than -20 dB Off Off
-20 dB to -10 dB Green Off
-10 dB to +0 dB Green Green
+0 dB to +10 dB Red Green
Greater than +10 dB Red Red
Note: Voice levels vary significantly between
different people. If several different people will be
using the transmitter and there is not time to make
the adjustment for each individual, adjust it for the
loudest voice.
1) With the HMa powered off, insert the microphone
plug into the XLR Input Jack, aligning the pins and
ensuring that the connector locks.
2) Place the transmitter in the Standby Mode, or if
the unit is to be powered up and adjusted, mute
the main sound system prior to powering up the
transmitter.
3) Position the microphone in the location where it will
be used in actual operation.
4) Observe the audio level LEDs while speaking or
singing into the microphone at the same voice
level that will be used during use. While holding the
AUDIO button, press the UP or DOWN arrows until
the both the -20 and -10 LEDs glow green, with the
-20 LED flickering red on louder peaks. This will
optimize the signal to noise ratio of the system with
full modulation and adequate headroom to prevent
overload and audible compression of signal peaks.
Note: Setting the audio level too high reduces
the dynamic range of the audio signal. Setting the
audio level too low may cause hiss and noise in
the audio.
5) If the unit was set up in Standby Mode, it will be
necessary to turn the transmitter off, then power it
up again in normal operation so the RF output will
be on. Then the other components in the sound or
recording system can be adjusted.
Adjusting the Low Frequency Roll-off
The roll-off frequency can be
set to 35, 50, 70, 100, 120 or
150 Hz.
This setting is often made while listening to the audio
while selecting the setting.
Selecting the Phantom Power Supply
The transmitter input jack can provide phantom power
for the attached microphone if needed, with voltages
at 5, 15 or 48. Phantom power will consume a slight
amount of battery power, so it can also be turned off.
About the Phantom Power Supply
Three phantom voltages are selectable from the control panel. The voltages are:
• 5 Volts for lavaliere microphones,
• 15 Volts for some professional mics requiring
high current and for many common stage mics
that will operate over a wide phantom Voltage
range of 12 to 48 Volts. With the proper adapter,
this position can also be used with T power microphones. See our web site for details on finding or
making the proper adapter.
• 48 Volts for microphones that do in fact require
a supply greater than 18 Volts. (See below for a
discussion of why 42 and not a “true” 48 Volts.)
For longest battery life use the minimum phantom
voltage necessary for the microphone. Many stage
microphones regulate the 48 Volts down to 10 Volts
internally anyway, so you might as well use the 15
Volt setting and save some battery power. If you are
not using a microphone for the input device, or are
using a microphone that does not require phantom
power, turn the phantom power off.
Phantom power should only be used with a fully
floating, balanced device such as most microphones
with a 3-pin XLR connector. If you use the phantom
power with an unbalanced device or if pins 2 or 3 are
DC connected to ground, then you will draw maximum current from the power supply. The HM is fully
protected against such shorts but the batteries will be
drained at twice the normal rate.
The transmitter can supply 4 mA at 42 Volts, 8 mA
at 15 Volts, and 8 mA at 5 Volts. The 42 Volts setting actually supplies the same voltage to a 48 Volt
microphone as the DIN standard arrangement due
to a dynamic biasing scheme that does not have as
much voltage drop as the DIN standard. The 48 Volt
DIN standard arrangement protects against shorts
10
LECTROSONICS, INC.
and high fault current with high resistance in the power
supply feeds to pins 2 and 3. This provides protection if
the supply current is accidentally shorted to ground and
also keeps the microphone from being attenuated by
the power supply.
The HMa improves on those functions and is able to
use less power from the battery by using constant
current sources and current limiters. With this dynamic
arrangement, the HMa can also supply more than twice
the current of competing 48 Volt plug on units and provide four times the current for some very high end 15
Volt microphones.
FREQ Button Settings
Press the FREQ button on the Control Panel to enter
this setup screen. The display will vary depending upon
which StepSize setting is selected. See Selecting Step
Size on page 9.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
Set Up in 100kHz Step Size
The operating frequency can
be displayed either in MHz
or as a two-digit hexadeci-
Frequency displayed
in MHz
mal number. The example of
the two-digit display shown
here indicates CH (channel)
and 2C as the frequency.
Frequency displayed as
two-digit hexadecimal
number
The frequency can be set
with the unit in standby
mode or when powered up
for normal operation.
Set Up in 25kHz Step Size
Frequency expressed in MHz
Note: The default display is in MHz. Pressing
the FREQ button again displays the operating
frequency as a two-digit hexadecimal number that
corresponds to legacy Lectrosonics products that
used two 16-position switches to set the frequency.
While holding the FREQ button, use the UP or DOWN
arrow buttons to change the frequency.
Note: The operating frequency displayed on the
LCD wraps as it reaches the upper or lower end of
its range.
Block 470/19 Frequency Overlap
Frequencies 486.400 - 495.600 Overlap in Blocks 470 and 19
Block 470 and block 19 overlap each other in the
frequency range from 486.400 to 495.600 MHz. Since
block 470 starts at a lower frequency than block 19,
the hex codes (and pilot tones) will not match even
though the frequencies are the same in the overlap
zone. When using a transmitter on the A1 band with
a block 19 receiver, be sure the transmitter is set to
block 19 and check the hex code on the receiver to
make sure it matches the transmitter.
Call the factory for further questions on this issue.
The hexadecimal display in the 25 kHz mode will
appear with a decimal suffix to indicate the 25 kHz
steps.
Frequency in hex
Standard
frequency
block (20)
Frequency
in hex
code (F6)
Offset in
MHz (.25)
Rio Rancho, NM
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HMa
Lock/Unlock Screen
Simultaneously pressing and holding both the UP and
DOWN arrow buttons during normal operation starts
the LOCK timer. The timer starts at three and counts
down to zero. When the timer reaches zero, the keypad
controls are locked.
The LCD will display the locked condition as long as
the arrow buttons are held, then revert back to the
previous screen when either button is released.
With the controls locked, the AUDIO and FREQ buttons can still be used to display current settings. Any
attempt to change a setting by pressing either the UP
or DOWN arrow button will result in an on-screen Loc
reminder that the controls are locked.
NOTE: The control panel can be unlocked by
removing the batteries or using the “dweedle”
tone remote control.
Remote Control with
“Dweedle Tones”
Various settings on the transmitter can be adjusted
with special audio tones (“dweedle tones”) delivered to
the microphone. The tones are generated by a smart
phone using the LectroRM app.
LectroRM is a third party application written by New
Endian for iOS and Android smart phones that generates the control tones for the remote control functions.
The app is available for purchase from the App Store
or Google Play for about $20.
HMa transmitter settings that can be adjusted:
• Audio input level (gain)
• Operating frequency
• Panel Lock/Unlock
• RF power output
• Low frequency roll-off filter
• Power LED on/off
Enable the remote control function by holding the
DOWN arrow then pressing the AUDIO and FREQ
buttons at the same time. Use the arrow buttons to
select on to enable the function, or oFF to disable the
function.
If a remote control signal is detected but the function
is turned off, the message rc oFF will be displayed
briefly on the transmitter’s LCD to confirm that a valid
signal was received, but that the control function is
not enabled. If a remote control setting is delivered to
the transmitter that is not available, such as SLEEP/
UNSLEEP in the HMa, the display on the transmitter
will show – – – – – – and then return to the previous
screen.
The usable distance between the microphone and the
smart phone will vary with the input gain setting on the
transmitter and the volume control setting on the smart
phone.
NOTE: Any microphone/transmitter within range
of the smart phone will “hear” and execute the
remote control command. Be careful to make
sure only the desired microphone/transmitter is
within range (or turned on) when delivering the
audio tone.
12
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
LectroRM
By New Endian LLC
LectroRM is a mobile application for iOS and Android
operating systems. Its purpose is to remotely control
Lectrosonics Transmitters, including:
• SM Series
• WM
• L Series
• HMa, HMa/E01
The app remotely changes settings on the transmitter through the use of encoded audio tones, which
when received by the attached microphone, will alter
the configured setting. The app was released by New
Endian, LLC in September 2011. The app is available
for download and sells for $20 on the Apple App Store
and Google Play Store.
LectroRM’s remote control mechanism is the use of an
audio sequence of tones (dweedles) that are interpreted by the transmitter as a configuration change. The
settings available in LectroRM are:
• Audio Level
• Frequency
• Sleep Mode
• Lock Mode
User Interface
The user interface involves selecting the audio sequence related to the desired change. Each version
has an interface for selecting the desired setting and
the desired option for that setting. Each version also
has a mechanism to prevent accidental activation of
the tone.
iOS
Android
The Android version keeps all settings on the same
page and allows the user to toggle between the
activation buttons for each setting. The activation
button must be long pressed to activate. The Android
version also allows users to keep a configurable list of
full sets of settings.
Activation
For a transmitter to respond to remote control audio
tones, the transmitter must meet certain requirements:
• The transmitter must not be turned off; it can
however be in sleep mode.
• The transmitter must have firmware version
1.5 or later for Audio, Frequency, Sleep and
Lock changes.
• The transmitter microphone must be
within range.
• The transmitter must be configured to enable
remote control activation.
Please be aware this app is not a
Lectrosonics product. It is privately owned
and operated by New Endian LLC,
www.newendian.com.
The iPhone version keeps each available setting on a
separate page with the list of options for that setting.
On iOS, the “Activate” toggle switch must be enabled
to show the button which will then activate the audio.
The iOS version’s default orientation is upside-down
but can be configured to orient right-side up. The
purpose for this is to orient the device’s speaker, which
is at the bottom of the device, closer to the transmitter
microphone.
Rio Rancho, NM
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HMa
Accessories
21750 Barrel Adapter
Mic adapter for Earthworks M30 microphone with HM, HMa and UH400a/TM
transmitters.
This polarity reversing adapter may
be needed to correct for asymmetrical
current draw in some P48 powered
condenser microphones, including older
Neumann 100 Series, Rode NTG3 and
others. If your microphone does not
power on correctly when used with these
transmitters, insert the adapter between
the transmitter and microphone.
MCA-M30 Barrel Adapter
Barrel Adapter Earthworks M30
PHTRAN3
Replacement leather pouch with clear plastic screen
cover, rotating belt clip and snap closure. Included with
transmitter at purchase.
MCA5X
Optional adapter for connecting a lavaliere microphone
to the HMa or HM transmitters. TA5M to XLR3-M
connectors. Passes transmitter phantom power to
bias the electret lavaliere microphone. Includes zener
protection to limit bias voltage to protect the microphone
if transmitter phantom power is set too high.
This adapter may be needed if you are experiencing
noise or distortion with measurement microphones,
particularly the Earthworks M30. The adapter has a
common mode choke for suppressing RF noise. If your
microphone signal exhibits the problems listed above
when connected to a UH400, HM or HMa transmitter,
insert the adapter between the microphone and the
transmitter.
Insert the adapter between the transmitter and microphone to alleviate the problems listed above.
14
MCA-TPOWER
This cable adapter is to be used with the UH200D,
UH400, HM and HMa plug-on transmitters with
T-powered microphones. It will protect a T-power
mic against the 48V phantom power setting in the
transmitter while allowing normal operation. The
transmitter should be set to the 15V position for best
operation and minimum battery drain.
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Specifications and Features
Operating Frequencies:
Band A1: 470.100 - 537.575
Band B1: 537.600 - 607.950
Frequency Selection Steps: Selectable; 100 kHz or 25 kHz
RF Power output: Selectable 50/100 mW
Pilot tone: 3.5 kHz deviation (Nu Digital Hybrid)
Frequency stability: ± 0.002%
Spurious radiation: Compliant with ETSI EN 300
422-1 v1.4.2
Equivalent input noise: –125 dBV (A-weighted)
Input level: Nominal 2 mV to 300 mV, before limiting.
Greater than 1V maximum, with limiting.
Input impedance: 1K Ohm
Input limiter: Dual envelope “soft” limiter; greater
than 30 dB range
Gain control range: 55 dB; panel mounted
membrane switches
Modulation indicators: Dual bi-color LEDs indicate modulation
of -20, -10, 0, +10 dB referenced to full
modulation
Audio Performance (overall system):
Frequency Response: 35 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-1dB);
Low frequency Roll-off: Adjustable for -3dB @30, 50, 70, 100,
120 or 150 Hz)
THD: 0.2% (typ. 100 Hz to 20 kHz - see graph)
SNR at receiver output:
SmartNR no limiting w/limiting
OFF 103.5 108.0
NORMAL 107.0 111.5
FULL 108.5 113.0
Note: The dual envelope “soft” limiter provides exceptionally good handling of
transients using variable attack and release time constants.
Once activated, the limiter compresses 30+ dB of transmitter input range into 4.5
dB of receiver output range, thus reducing the measured figure for SNR without
limiting by 4.5 dB.
Input Dynamic Range: 125 dB (with full Tx limiting)
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
Controls & Indicators: • Power/Phantom “ON-OFF”
• Phantom voltage selector
• Audio input gain
• LCD w/membrane switches
• LED audio level indicators
Audio Input Jack: Standard 3-pin XLR (female)
Phantom Power: 5V @ 18 mA max., 15V @ 15 mA
max. and 48 V @ 4 mA max.,
plus “OFF”
USB port: Used for firmware updates
IR (infrared) port: For quick setup by transferring
settings from an IR enabled receiver
Antenna: Housing and attached microphone
form the antenna
Battery: Two 1.5 Volt AA
Battery Life (Duracell Quantum):
AA alkaline; No Phantom Power: 5h 0m*
AA alkaline; 48V Phantom Power: 3h 30m**
*Tested with a dynamic microphone
**Tested with a Sanken CS1 for a phantom-powered microphone
Weight: 6.7 oz (190 grams) without batteries
Dimensions: 4.25x1.62x1.38 inches
Emission Designator: 180KF3E
Rio Rancho, NM
15
HMa
Firmware Update
Updating the firmware is a simple matter of downloading a utility program and file from the website and
running the program on a Windows operating system
with the transmitter connected to a computer via the
USB port.
Go to www.lectrosonics.com/US. In the top menu, hover
the mouse over Support, and click on Wireless Support.
On the right-hand-side Wireless Support Menu, choose
Wireless Downloads. Choose your product (HMa), then
choose Firmware.
Step 1:
Begin by downloading the USB Firmware Updater
Program.
Step 2:
Next, test the Updater by opening the icon: If the
driver opens automatically, proceed to Step 3.
WARNING: If you receive the following error, the
Updater is not installed on your system. Follow the
TROUBLESHOOTING steps to fix the error.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
If you
receive the
FTDI D2XX
error
shown
above,
download
and install
the driver
by clicking
on this link.
Then click here to download.
NOTE: This website, http://www.ftdichip.com/
Drivers/D2XX.htm, is not associated with
Lectrosonics.com. It is a third party site used
only for D2XX drivers currently available for
Lectrosonics’ devices’ upgrades.
16
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
Step 3:
Refer to Step 1 to return to Firmware web page. Download Firmware Update and save to a local file on your
PC for easy locating when updating.
Step 4:
Open Lectrosonics USB Firmware Updater.
Step 7:
In Lectrosonics USB Firmware Updater, choose the
detected device, browse to local Firmware File and
click Start.
NOTE: It may take up to a minute or so for the
Updater to recognize the transmitter.
WARNING: Do not disrupt the microUSB cable
during updating.
Step 5:
With the unit powered OFF,
put the transmitter in UPDATE
mode by simultaneously
holding down the UP arrow,
DOWN arrow, AUDIO and
FREQ buttons.
Step 6:
Using a microUSB cable, connect the transmitter to
your PC.
The Updater alerts with progress and completion.
Step 8:
Once the Updater has completed, turn off the transmitter, then turn it back on to verify that the firmware
version on the transmitter LCD matches the firmware
version shown on the web site. The firmware is the
second LCD display during bootup sequence.
Step 9:
Close Updater and disconnect microUSB cable.
Rio Rancho, NM
17
HMa
Troubleshooting
Before going through the following chart, be sure that you have good batteries in the transmitter. It is important that
you follow these steps in the sequence listed.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
TRANSMITTER PWR LED OFF 1) Batteries are inserted backwards or dead.
2) Transmitter not powered up. (See Operating Instructions,
Power UP and Boot Sequence.)
AUDIO LEVEL LEDs NOT LIGHTING 1) Gain control set to minimum.
2) Batteries are inserted backwards or dead. Check PWR LED.
3) Mic capsule is damaged or malfunctioning.
4) Mic connector is damaged or mis-wired.
RECEIVER RF INDICATOR OFF 1) Transmitter not turned on, or is in Standby Mode.
2) Transmitter batteries are dead.
3) Receiver antenna missing or improperly positioned.
4) Transmitter and receiver not on same frequency.
Check switches/display on transmitter and receiver.
5) Transmitter and receiver not on same frequency band.
6) Operating range is too great.
NO SOUND (OR LOW SOUND LEVEL), RECEIVER INDICATES PROPER AUDIO MODULATION
1) Receiver output level set too low.
2) Receiver output disconnected, or cable defective or mis-wired.
3) Sound system or recorder input is turned down.
DISTORTED SOUND 1) Transmitter gain (audio level) is far too high. Check audio level
LEDs and receiver audio levels during use.
2) Receiver output may be mismatched with the sound system or
recorder input. Adjust output level on receiver to the correct level
for the recorder, mixer or sound system. (Use the receiver’s Tone
function to check level.)
3) Excessive wind noise or breath “pops.” Reposition microphone
and/or use a larger windscreen.
4) Transmitter is not set to same frequency as receiver. Check that
operating frequency on receiver and transmitter match.
5) Receiver/Transmitter Compatibility Mode mismatched.
EXCESSIVE FEEDBACK 1) Transmitter gain (audio level) too high. Check gain adjustment
and/or reduce receiver output level.
2) Talent standing too close to speaker system.
3) Mic is too far from user’s mouth.
18
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
HISS AND NOISE -- AUDIBLE DROPOUTS 1) Transmitter gain (audio level) far too low.
2) Receiver antenna missing or obstructed.
3) Operating range too great.
4) Signal interference. Turn off transmitter. If receiver’s signal
strength indicator does not drop to nearly zero, this indicates an
interfering signal may be the problem.
Use a clear operating frequency.
“Loc” APPEARS IN DISPLAY WHEN ANY BUTTON IS PRESSED
1) Control Panel is locked. (See Operating Instructions, Locking
and Unlocking the Control Panel.)
“Hold” APPEARS IN DISPLAY WHEN ARROW BUTTONS ARE PRESSED
1) Reminder that it is necessary to hold down the AUDIO or FREQ
button to make adjustments to the audio gain or frequency settings.
“PLL” APPEARS IN DISPLAY 1) Indication that the PLL is not locked. This is a serious condition
that requires factory repair. It may be possible to operate on
another frequency far removed from the one that was selected
when the unlocked condition was indicated.
Rio Rancho, NM
19
HMa
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 the interconnecting
cables and then go through the Troubleshooting section in this 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
For timely service, please follow the steps below:
A. DO NOT return equipment to the factory for repair without first contacting us by email 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 A.M. to 4 P.M. (U.S. 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 dam-
age to equipment that you ship. Of course, we insure the equipment when we ship it back to you.
Lectrosonics USA:
Mailing address: Shipping address: Telephone:
Lectrosonics, Inc. Lectrosonics, Inc. (505) 892-4501
PO Box 15900 561 Laser Rd., Suite 102 (800) 821-1121 Toll-free
Rio Rancho, NM 87174 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 892-6243 Fax
USA USA
Web: E-mail:
www.lectrosonics.com sales@lectrosonics.com
Lectrosonics Canada:
Mailing Address: Telephone: E-mail:
720 Spadina Avenue, (416) 596-2202 Sales: colinb@lectrosonics.com
Suite 600 (877) 753-2876 Toll-free Service: joeb@lectrosonics.com
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2T9 (877-7LECTRO)
(416) 596-6648 Fax
20
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
FCC Notice:
For body worn operation, this transmitter model has been tested and meets the
FCC RF exposure guidelines when used with the Lectrosonics accessories supplied or designated for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure
compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines. Contact Lectrosonics if you have
any questions or need more information about RF exposure using this product.
FCC Compliance:
This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits as set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device should be installed and operated so that its
antenna(s) are not co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna
or transmitter.
Industry Canada Compliance:
This device operates on a no-protection no-interference basis. Should the user
seek to obtain protection from other radio services operating in the same TV
bands, a radio license is required. Please consult Industry Canada’s document
CPC-2-1-28, Optional Licensing for Low-Power Radio Apparatus in the TV Bands,
for details.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference;
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
Cet appareil est conforme à Industrie Canada une licence standard RSS exonérés
(s). Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes:
1. Cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences
2. Cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence reçue, y compris les interférences
pouvant provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable de l’appareil
Rio Rancho, NM
21
HMa
22
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Wideband Digital Hybrid® Plug-On Transmitter
Rio Rancho, NM
23
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
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.
581 Laser Road NE • Rio Rancho, NM 87124 USA • www.lectrosonics.com
+1(505) 892-4501 • fax +1(505) 892-6243 • (800) 821-1121 US and Canada • sales@lectrosonics.com
13 August 2018
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