Lectrosonics M2C Users Manual

M2C

Active Antenna Combiner

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Fill in for your records:

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com

M2C

LECTROSONICS, INC.2

Active Antenna Combiner

ISEDC Notices:

Per RSS-210

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 licence 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.

Ce dispositif fonctionne selon un régime de non-brouillage et de non-protection. Si l’utilisateur
devait chercher à obtenir une certaine protection contre d’autres services radio fonctionnant
dans les mêmes bandes de télévision, une licence radio serait requise. Pour en savoir plus,
veuillez consulter le document CPC-2-1-28 d’Industrie Canada intitulé, Délivrance de licences
sur une base volontaire pour les appareils radio de faible puissance exempts de licence et ex­ploités dans les bandes de télévision.

Per RSS-Gen

This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

1) This device may not cause interference

2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
ex¬empts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :

1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;

2) l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est suscep
tible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Rio Rancho, NM 3

M2C

Important Safety Instructions

This symbol, wherever it appears,
alerts you to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage
inside the enclosure -- voltage
that may be sufficient to consti­tute a risk of shock.

This symbol, wherever it appears,
alerts you to important operating
and maintenance instructions
in the accompanying literature.
Please read the manual.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in ac­cordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as ra­diators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience recep­tacles, and the point where they exit from the appara­tus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufac­turer, or sold with the appara­tus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.

15. Damage Requiring Service

Unplug the apparatus from the wall outlet and refer

servicing to qualified service personnel under the fol­lowing conditions:

A. When the power-supply cord or plug is

damaged,

B. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen

into the apparatus,

C. If the apparatus has been exposed to rain or

water,

D. If the apparatus does not operate normally by

following the operating instructions. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as an improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often
require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the apparatus to its normal operation,

E. If the apparatus has been dropped or damaged in

any way, and

F. When the apparatus exhibits a distinct change in

performance, this indicates a need for service.

16. Object and Liquid Entry

Never push objects of any kind into the apparatus

through openings as they may touch dangerous volt­age points or short-out parts that could result in a fire
or electric shock.

17. If you install the apparatus in a built-in installation,

such as a bookcase or rack, ensure that there is
adequate ventilation.

LECTROSONICS, INC.4

Active Antenna Combiner

Remarques importantes pour votre sécurité

L’éclair fléché dans un triangle
équilatéral veut attirer l’attention de
l’utilisateur sur le risque
d’électrocution que présentent
certains circuits internes non isolés.

Le point d’exclamation dans un tri­angle équilatéral veut attirer l’attention
de l’utilisateur sur l’importance de
certaines instructions concernant
l’entretien et l’utilisation du produit.

1. Lisez attentivement ces instructions.

2. Veuillez les conserver pour vous y référer.

3. Tenez compte de tous les avertissements.

4. Suivez chaque instruction.

5. N’utilisez pas cet appareil près de l’eau.

6. Essuyez le boîtier avec un chiffon sec unique­ment.

7. Ne bloquez pas les orifices d’aération et installez
cet appareil selon les instructions du fabricant.

8. Ne l’installez pas près des sources de chaleur tels
les calorifères, plinthes et radiateurs électriques,
bouches de chauffage, poêles, ou tout autre ap­pareil générant de la chaleur, comme les amplifi­cateurs.

9. N’essayez pas de circonvenir les dispositifs de
sécurité que représentent une fiche polarisée ou
une fiche avec mise à la terre. Pour référence, une
fiche polarisée possède deux lames dont l’une
est plus large que l’autre, tandis qu’une fiche avec
mise à la terre possède deux lames identiques
et une broche de mise à la terre. La lame la plus
large ou la broche assurent votre sécurité. Si la
fiche de l’appareil ne peut être insérée dans la
prise murale, demandez à un électricien de rem­placer la prise désuète.

10. Protégez le cordon d’alimentation pour qu’on ne
puisse pas marcher dessus ou le plier de façon
excessive (particulièrement près des fiches, des
cache-câbles et à la sortie de l’appareil).

11. N’utilisez que des fixations et accessoires pré­conisés par le fabricant.

12. N’utilisez l’appareil qu’avec
un chariot, support ou
trépied, une fixation ou une
table approuvé(e) par le
fabricant ou vendu(e) avec
l’appareil. Tout chariot
contenant l’appareil doit
toujours être déplacé avec
précaution afin d’éviter qu’il ne se renverse et
blesse quelqu’un.

ATTENTION :
AFIN DE RÉDUIRE LES RISQUES DE

DÉCHARGE ÉLECTRIQUE ET D’INCENDIE,
N’EXPOSEZ PAS CET APPAREIL À L’HUMIDITÉ
OU À LA PLUIE.

DANGER:
POUR ÉVITER TOUT DANGER DE DÉCHARGE

ÉLECTRIQUE, N’OUVREZ PAS LE BOÎTIER OU
LE PANNEAU ARRIÈRE DE L’APPAREIL. NE
CONFIEZ L’ENTRETIEN ET LES RÉPARATIONS
QU’À UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIÉ.

13. Débranchez l’appareil durant un orage ou s’il reste
inutilisé longtemps.

14. Veuillez faire appel à un technicien qualifié pour
l’entretien et les réparations. Une réparation est
indispensable si l’appareil a été endommagé
d’une façon ou d’une autre : cordon d’alimentation
ou fiche endommagée, petits objets ou liquide
renversé dans l’appareil, exposition à la pluie ou à
une humidité excessive, chute de l’appareil, ou si
son fonctionnement est anormal.

15. Dommages nécessitant une réparation

Débranchez l’appareil et confiez-le à un tech-

nicien qualifié lorsque:

A. Le cordon d’alimentation ou sa fiche sont en-

dommagés.

B. Du liquide a été déversé ou des objets sont

tombés à l’intérieur de l’appareil.
C. L’appareil a été exposé à la pluie.
D. L’appareil ne semble pas fonctionner normale-

ment lorsque vous l’utilisez suivant les instruc-

tions. Ne modifiez que les réglages autorisés

dans le manuel, car le mauvais réglage d’autres

commandes pourrait endommager l’appareil,

nécessitant une longue et coûteuse remise en

état par un technicien qualifié.
E. L’appareil a été échappé ou subi d’autres dom-

mages.
F. Lorsque ses performances semblent soudaine-

ment détériorées.

16. Présence de corps étrangers ou de liquide.
N’insérez aucun objet à l’intérieur de l’appareil,

car ils pourraient faire contact avec un point de
tension dangereux ou provoquer un court-circuit
avec les risques d’électrocution ou d’incendie qui
en découlent.

17. Si vous devez encastrer cet appareil dans un
meuble, une bibliothèque ou toute autre installa­tion permanente, assurez-en la ventilation adé­quate.

Rio Rancho, NM 5

M2C

Combiners

Switching

Power Supply

LDO

24.4 VDC

100-240 VAC

60W

12 VDC

DC-DC

Converter

MCU

Osc.

25 MHz

24 VDC

3.3 V
LDO

12 VDC

Fan Control

Output

Inputs

Rear Panel

(8) Status LEDs

USB

RF Power Control

to Attenuators

P.A.

Fans

M2C Combiner Block Diagram

Introduction

The M2C active antenna combiner is designed as
an ideal matching component to Lectrosonics digital
transmitters. Up to eight transmitters can feed a single
antenna to minimize cabling in multi-channel systems.
The inputs are isolated to minimize crosstalk and IM
(intermodulation) between RF channels.

The overall architecture of the design provides excel­lent performance with low power consumption and heat
buildup. Front panel indicators display active status of
RF inputs. A USB port on the front panel is provided for
firmware updates.

Up to 100mW can be delivered to each input port
without generating IM (intermodulation) signals due
to the use of high overload components. Input signals
above 50mW are attenuated automatically to maintain
the 50mW maximum output. Front panel LEDs indi­cate the operating status and various fault modes.

Three cooling fans are employed to maintain the
operating temperature. One fan is dedicated to the
output amplifier and runs all the time. Two variable
speed fans are mounted on the rear panel to exhaust
heat from the interior of the chassis.

LECTROSONICS, INC.6

Active Antenna Combiner

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Fuse and

spare fuse drawer

Ventilation inlets

Input channel status LEDs

Cooling fans exhaust

RF inputs 5 – 8 RF inputs 1 – 4

USB port for

firmware updates

RF output

Power LED
glows blue

System Configuration

Up to eight transmitters can be connected to the M2C
on frequencies from 470.100 to 614.375 MHz. The
combiner mixes the incoming RF signals and delivers
the mix to the final amplifier. The maximum RF output
power is 50mW.

The combiner applies maximum attenuation to each
input channel until an RF signal is present at +5dBm
or greater. Once the input channel is “active,” the signal
power is monitored and attenuation is applied as
needed. If the signal is greater than +17dBm (50mW),
the attenuator will reduce it to +17dBm.

IEM/IFB Transmitters

8765

~100V-240V
50/60 Hz, 60W
Fuse: 250V, 2A

RF INPUTS (470 – 615 MHz, 100 mW Max)

When the transmitters are placed close to the combin­er, the type of coaxial cable is not critical, but low loss
50 ohm cable is recommended. At longer cable runs,
low loss cable is more important.

If the transmitters are greater than 50mW, cable loss
is generally not a concern, unless the loss is consider­able and the resulting signal entering the combiner is
less than 50mW. The combiner does not apply gain to
increase the incoming RF signal level.

50 Ω

RF OUTPUT

4321

RF INPUTS (470 – 615 MHz, 100 mW Max)

Lectrosonics M2T IEM/IFB Transmitter

Rio Rancho, NM 7

M2C

Setup and Operation

Installation

The M2C antenna combiner can be installed in a 19
inch rack with other devices directly above and below
it. Adequate ventilation in normal conditions is provided
by the front and side panel vent openings and the rear
panel fans. If another device that generates excessive
heat is mounted below this combiner, it is possible that
the internal temperature could reach a high enough
point to cause the combiner to shut down. If this hap­pens, the front panel LEDs will indicate the condition
as described under LED Indicators.

Setup

1) Turn the power switch off and then connect the AC
power to the mains outlet and the combiner.

2) Connect the output antenna to the rear panel jack.

3) Connect the coaxial cables from the transmitters to
the input jacks on the rear of the combiner.

4) Turn the power on and observe the front panel
LEDs.

5) The LED for each input channel will indicate the
status as described under LED Indicators.

LED Indicators

Front panel LEDs glow and blink different colors to
indicate various operating modes and fault conditions.

Operating Modes:

Green

Channel active

Normal operation

Yellow

Channel active

w/ attenuation

If a channel LED is off, it means there is no usable sig­nal present and the attenuator will be at the maximum
level (30 dB down) to suppress potential noise. When
no channels are active, the RF amplifier is turned off.

Each channel will become active and the associated
LED will glow green when an RF signal at +5dBm
(3.16 mW) or greater is present. If the signal is greater
than +17dBm (50 mW) the channel will be active, but
the attenuator will reduce the signal to +17dBm and
the channel LED will glow yellow.

If the incoming signal is out of the frequency band of
the combiner, the channel LED will glow red and full
attenuation will be applied.

Red

Out of band signal

Full attenuation

LED Off

No signal

Full attenuation

Fan Operation Fault:

If one of the fans stops turning, all front panel LEDs
with blink yellow.

High Temperature Warning:

If the internal temperature rises to 80°C (176°F) the
front panel LEDs will blink red, alternating with the
operating mode indications.

High Temperature Shutdown:

If the internal temperature reaches 85°C (185°F) the
RF amplifiers will be turned off and the front panel
LEDs will blink red rapidly. When the combiner is in
this state, the power must be turned off and the unit
allowed to cool before powering up again.

LECTROSONICS, INC.8

Active Antenna Combiner

Accessories

• ARG2 coaxial cable; BNC male to male; RG-8X;
Belden 9258; 0.25 dB loss; 2 ft. length

• ARG15 coaxial cable; BNC male to male; RG-8X;
Belden 9258; 1.4 dB loss; 15 ft. length

• ARG25 coaxial cable; BNC male to male; RG-8/U;
Belden 9913F7; 1.9 dB loss; 25 ft. length

• P/N 21499 power cord; NEMA 5-15 plug to IEC
60320 C13 connector; 6 ft. length; North America

Specifications

RF frequency range: 470.100 to 614.375 MHz
Input impedance: 50 ohm
Output impedance: 50 ohm
Input connectors: (8) BNC; 50 ohm
Output connector: BNC; 50 ohm
RF gain: 0dB
Indicators: LEDs; glow green when signal

present; blink red with fault
RF input threshold for LED indication: 5dBm
Operating temperature range: –20 to 50° C
Power requirements: 100-240 VAC; 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: 60W maximum
Power inlet fuse: 250 VAC, 2A
Dimensions: 19.00 x 1.75 x 9.50 in.

483 x 45 x 241 mm.

Rio Rancho, NM 9

M2C

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. [phone]
PO Box 15900 561 Laser Rd. NE, Suite 102 [phone] Toll-free
Rio Rancho, NM 87174 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 [phone] Fax
USA USA

Web: E-mail:
www.lectrosonics.com [e-mail]

[e-mail]

Lectrosonics Canada:
Mailing Address: Telephone: E-mail:

720 Spadina Avenue, [phone] Sales: [e-mail]
Suite 600 [phone] Toll-free Service: [e-mail]
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2T9 (877-7LECTRO)
[phone] Fax

LECTROSONICS, INC.10

Active Antenna Combiner

Rio Rancho, NM 11

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
[phone] • fax [phone] • [phone] US and Canada • [e-mail]

31 August 2018