Lectrosonics LTA1A User Manual
LT
Synthesized UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter
Featuring
Digital Hybrid Wireless
Technology
US Patent 7,225,135
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
®
Quick Start Steps
1) Install good batteries and turn power on (see pages
6 - 8).
2) Set the compatibility mode to match the receiver
(see page 11).
3) Connect the signal source and adjust input gain for
optimum modulation level (see pages 11 and 12).
4) Set Step Size and frequency to match receiver
(see page 12). Also see receiver manual for scanning procedure to find a clear operating frequency.
5) Turn on the receiver and verify that solid RF and
audio signals are present (see receiver manual).
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
LT
2
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitter
Table of Contents
Quick Start Steps .................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................................4
About Digital Hybrid Wireless
Frequency Agility...................................................................................................................................................................................4
Wide-Band Deviation ............................................................................................................................................................................4
Servo Bias Input and Wiring .................................................................................................................................................................4
DSP-controlled Input Limiter .................................................................................................................................................................5
No Pre-Emphasis/De-Emphasis ...........................................................................................................................................................5
Pilot Tone Squelch ................................................................................................................................................................................5
LT Block Diagram ..................................................................................................................................................................................5
Battery Installation .................................................................................................................................................................................6
Belt Clips .................................................................................................................................................................................................6
IR (infrared) Sync ....................................................................................................................................................................................6
Operating Instructions ...........................................................................................................................................................................7
Battery Status LED Indicator ................................................................................................................................................................7
Powering On in Operating Mode ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Powering On in Standby Mode .............................................................................................................................................................8
Powering Off .........................................................................................................................................................................................8
Entering the Main Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................8
Entering the Power Menu ......................................................................................................................................................................8
RF ON/OFF on the Main and Power Menus ......................................................................................................................................... 8
LCD Menu Map ........................................................................................................................................................................................9
Power Menu Options ..............................................................................................................................................................................9
Main Menu and Setup Screen Details .................................................................................................................................................10
Locking/Unlocking Changes to Settings..............................................................................................................................................10
Selecting Programmable Switch Functions.........................................................................................................................................10
Main Window Indicators ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Selecting the Compatibility (Compat) Mode ........................................................................................................................................11
Connecting the Signal Source ............................................................................................................................................................11
Using Line Level and Instrument Inputs .............................................................................................................................................11
Selecting the Low Frequency Roll-off .................................................................................................................................................11
Adjusting the Input Gain ......................................................................................................................................................................12
Selecting Step Size .............................................................................................................................................................................12
Selecting Frequency ...........................................................................................................................................................................12
Selecting Frequency Using Two Buttons .............................................................................................................................................13
Helpful Features on Receivers ............................................................................................................................................................13
About Overlapping Frequency Bands .................................................................................................................................................13
Selecting Audio Polarity (Phase) .........................................................................................................................................................13
Selecting Battery Type ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Setting Transmitter Output Power .......................................................................................................................................................14
Restoring Default Settings ..................................................................................................................................................................14
IR Sync Operation ...............................................................................................................................................................................14
LectroRM ...............................................................................................................................................................................................15
Accessories ..........................................................................................................................................................................................16
5-Pin Input Jack Wiring ........................................................................................................................................................................17
Microphone Cable Terminationfor Non-Lectrosonics Microphones ................................................................................................18
Input Jack Wiring for Different Sources .............................................................................................................................................19
Microphone RF Bypassing ..................................................................................................................................................................20
Line Level Signals ...............................................................................................................................................................................20
Firmware Update ..................................................................................................................................................................................21
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................................................................23
Specifications .......................................................................................................................................................................................24
Service and Repair ...............................................................................................................................................................................25
Returning Units for Repair ..................................................................................................................................................................25
® .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Rio Rancho, NM
3
LT
Introduction
The design of the LT transmitter delivers the advanced
technology and features of Digital Hybrid Wireless®
in a Lectrosonics belt-pack transmitter at a modest
cost. Digital Hybrid Wireless® combines a 24-bit digital
audio chain with an analog FM radio link to eliminate a
compandor and its artifacts, yet preserve the extended
operating range and noise rejection of the finest analog
wireless systems. DSP “compatibility modes” allow the
LT to also be used with a variety of analog receivers by
emulating the compandors found in earlier Lectrosonics
analog wireless and IFB receivers, and certain receivers from other manufacturers (contact the factory for
details).
The housing is a rugged, machined aluminum package
with removable, stainless steel wire belt clip. The input
jack is a standard Lectrosonics 5-pin type for use with
electret lavaliere mics, dynamic mics, musical instrument pickups and line level signals. The LEDs on the
top panel allow quick and accurate level settings without
having to view the receiver. The unit is powered by two
AA batteries. The antenna port uses a standard 50 ohm
SMA connector. Straight and hinged whip antennas are
available.
The switching power supplies in the LT provide constant
voltages to the transmitter circuits from the beginning
to the end of battery life, with output power remaining
constant over the life of the battery. The input amplifier
uses an ultra low noise op amp. Input gain is adjustable
over a 44 dB range, with a DSP-controlled dual envelope input limiter that will cleanly handle signal peaks
over 30 dB above full modulation.
About Digital Hybrid Wireless
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, operating range and resistance to
interference.
The Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Wireless system overcomes 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 which can be accomplished
only in the digital domain.
Since the RF link between transmitter and receiver is
FM, channel noise will increase gradually with increased operating range and weak signal conditions,
however, the Digital Hybrid Wireles system handles this
situation elegantly with rarely audible audio artifacts as
the receiver approaches its squelch threshold.
®
In contrast, a purely digital system tends to drop the
audio suddenly during brief dropouts and weak signal
conditions. The Digital Hybrid Wireless
encodes the signal to use a noisy channel as efficiently
and robustly as possible, yielding audio performance
that rivals that of purely digital systems, without the
power, noise and bandwidth problems inherent in digital
transmission. 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 long battery life.
system simply
Frequency Agility
Frequency selection is provided in 100 kHz or 25 kHz
steps. Frequencies are displayed on the LCD in MHz
and in a hex code used with earlier Lectrosonics equipment.
Wide-Band Deviation
Deviation has a direct effect on the dynamic range and
signal to noise ratio of an FM system. The greater the
deviation, the wider the dynamic range and the better
the signal to noise ratio. In the Nu Hybrid compatibility
mode, the system operates with a maximum of +/-75
kHz of deviation. The resulting 180 kHz of occupied
bandwidth just fits inside the government specified
spectral mask of 200 kHz. In order to make this possible, an advanced, DSP-controlled limiter is used to
prevent signal peaks from exceeding the maximum
allowed bandwidth, but not cause distortion.
The result of all this is that the audio quality is outstanding, rivaling a hard-wired microphone. The system delivers a very wide dynamic range, and can handle loud
signal peaks without distortion.
Servo Bias Input and Wiring
The LT 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.
4
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitter
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.
No Pre-Emphasis/De-Emphasis
Because the signal to noise ratio of the Digital Hybrid
Wireless system is so high, there is no need for conventional pre-emphasis (HF boost) in the transmitter
and de-emphasis (HF roll off) in the receiver. Thus, the
potential distortion problems associated with pre-emphasis and de-emphasis are eliminated.
LT Block Diagram
Pilot Tone Squelch
The squelch system in a receiver is a method of muting
the audio when the RF signal conditions are too poor
to produce usable audio. While not all squelch systems
work the same way, the goal is always the same: to
discard noise and unusable audio.
The Digital Hybrid Wireless system employs a DSPgenerated supersonic tone (pilot tone), using it as a
kind of signature, so the receiver can mute even strong
signals that aren’t from the appropriate transmitter. The
pilot tone also helps to ensure that the receiver is quiet
when the transmitter is turned on and off.
256 different pilot tones provide reliable operation in
multi-channel wireless systems. A different tone is
generated every 100 kHz across the tuning range of
the system, so that a tone is not repeated until it is 25.6
MHz above or below the previous one.
Rio Rancho, NM
5
LT
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.
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.
IR (infrared) Sync
The opening on the keypad is an IR port for quick setup
using a receiver with this function available. IR Sync
will transfer the settings for frequency, step size and
compatibility mode from the receiver to the transmitter.
Refer to your page 13 of this manual and to the receiver
manual for details.
IR Port
b 19
5
1
494.500
-40
-20
0
NOTE: If a mismatch exists between the receiver
and transmitter, an error message will appear on
the transmitter LCD stating what the problem is.
See page 13 for more information.
6
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
b 19
5
A
5
1
623.400
494.500
-40
-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.
Belt clip
mounting hole
-20
0
-20
0
USB Port
Battery Status LED Indicator
Lithium batteries are recommended 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
battery voltage drops down and stays red through most
of the battery life. When the LED begins to blink red,
there will be only a few minutes remaining.
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.
The Power/Function LED on the top panel will mirror the
keypad LED unless the programmable switch is set to
the Mute or Talkback mode, and the switch is turned on.
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.
NOTE: The battery timer feature in many
Lectrosonics receivers is very helpful in measuring
battery runtime when using rechargeable batteries.
Refer to the receiver instructions for details on
using the timer.
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, followed by a display of the model, firmware version,
frequency band and compatibility mode.
Hold
for
Rf On
...3
LT
V6.0
Blk. A1
NuH
When you release the button, the unit will be operational with the RF output turned on and the Main Window
displayed. Only the second and third screens will appear when the programmable function switch is used to
turn on the power.
b 19
5
1
494.500
-40
-20
0
Rio Rancho, NM
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LT
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 Entering The
Power Menu for the AutoOn feature.
Release Power
Button before
the counter
reaches 3 to
enter standby
mode
RF indicator blinks
b 19
5
1
494.500
-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.
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.
From any screen, power can be
turned off by selecting Pwr Off in the
power menu, holding the Power
Button in and waiting for the
countdown, or with the programmable switch (if it is configured for
this function).
Entering the Main Menu
The LCD and keypad interface makes it easy to browse
the menus and make the selections for the setup you
need. When the unit is powered up in either the operating or the standby mode, press MENU/SEL on the
keypad to enter a menu structure on the LCD. Use the
and arrow buttons to select the menu item. Then
press the MENU/SEL button to enter the setup screen.
Gain
LineIn
Freq.
ProgSw
Gain
-40
-20
25
0
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.
Resume
Pwr Off
Rf On?
AutoOn?
Resume and Pwr Off will execute the command immediately. The other menu items will open a screen asking
for a value to be selected.
The screens that 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
Resume
Pwr Off
Rf On?
AutoOn?
AutoOn?
Resume and Pwr Off
will execute
the command
immediately
Pwr Off
Rf On?
AutoOn?
No
Ye s
RF ON/OFF on the Main and Power Menus
The RF output of the transmitter can be turned off and
on with a menu item on both the main menu and on the
power menu.
Rf On? in the main menu:
StepSiz
Phase
Locked
Rf On?
Rf On? in the power menu:
Resume
Pwr Off
Rf On?
AutoOn?
Rf On?
No
Ye s
Press MENU/SEL and
the power will turn off
immediately.
The prompt in the upper right corner may
display one or both arrows, depending upon
what adjustment can be made. If the changes
are locked, a small padlock symbol will appear.
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
LCD Menu Map
Gain
Gain
LineIn
SEL
BACK
SEL
BACK
22
Polarity
Select from
listing
Line
Instr.
Use arrow keys to
select input gain
Use arrow keys to select
audio output polarity
Digital Hybrid Wireless Belt-Pack Transmitter
Freq.
ProgSw
Rolloff
Compat
StepSiz
Phase
Locked
Rf On?
BatType
SEL
SEL
SEL
SEL
SEL
SEL
SEL
SEL
SEL
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
Freq
ProgSw
Rolloff
70 Hz
Compat
Hybrid
StepSiz
Phase
Locked?
Rf On?
BatType
b 21
80
550.400
TalkBk
Power
Mute
(none)
Select from
listing
Select from
listing
100 kHz
25 kHz
Pos.
Neg.
Yes
No
No
Yes
Alk.
Lith.
Use arrow keys
to select desired
frequency
Use arrow keys to select
LCD backlight duration
Use arrow keys to
select input gain
Use arrow keys to select
compatibility mode
Use arrow keys to select
frequency step size
Use arrow keys to select
audio output polarity
Use arrow keys to
lock/unlock keypad
Use arrow keys to turn Rf
signal on/off
Use arrow keys to
choose battery type
Press SEL to
select desired
adjustment
Remote
TxPower
Default
SEL
SEL
SEL
BACK
BACK
BACK
TxPower
Default
settings
Enable
Ignore
50 mW
100 mW
No
Yes
Use arrow keys to
enable/disable remote
Use arrow keys to select
RF power output
Use arrow keys to return
transmitter to default factory
settings
Remote
Power Menu Options
A special menu is provided by pressing the power button from any screen or menu when the unit is turned
on in either the Operating or Standby modes. The menu
includes several options. Use the and arrow buttons to select the menu item.
• Resume - returns to the previous mode and screen
• Pwr Off - turns the unit off irrevocably
• Rf On? - enters a screen to enable the operating or
standby modes
Rio Rancho, NM
• 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)
• Backlit - adjusts the duration of the LCD back light
to 30 seconds or 5 minutes, or to remain on
• LED Off - turns the LEDs on (Normal) or off (Dark)
• About - displays the installed firmware version.
9
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