INSTRUCTION MANUAL
R5a
UHF Multi-Frequency Belt-Pack IFB Receiver
0885
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
R5a
LECTROSONICS, INC. 2
Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Lectrosonics frequency
agile, IFBR5a Receiver. The R5a is the result of extensive engineering experience with the very latest components. The design addresses the most demanding
professional applications.
The Lectrosonics R5a Receiver along with the companion T5 transmitter allow on-air talent to monitor program
audio, and to receive cues from directors and other
production personnel.
IFB Receiver
The R5a Receiver is housed in a rugged, machined
aluminum package for lasting performance in abusive
environments
Only the IFBR5a Receiver is covered in this manual.
The companion T5 transmitter is covered in a separate
manual. The R5a IFB Receiver will operate with any
Lectrosonics T5 IFB Transmitter in the same frequency
block.
SAFETY NOTES
Excessive sound levels can cause permanent hearing
damage.
1. Always adjust the volume to the lowest level before
listening to unknown
transmissions.
2. Use the lowest reasonable level consistent with
hearing safety.
3. Don’t use high sound levels in the earphone to
overcome high ambient sound levels. That is
absolutely foolish! Demand and use high isolation
earphones.
4. Don’t expose your ears to sound levels that cause
them to ring. If your ears do ring after exposure,
think of it as a
that again.
warning bell
telling you not to do
OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration)
guidelines on the maximum allowable time exposure to
sound pressure levels that will cause hearing damage
are as follows:
8 hours at 90 dB SPL
4 hours at 95 dB SPL
2 hours at 100 db SPL
1 hour at 105 dB SPL
30 mins at 110 dB SPL
15 mins at 115 dB SPL
NEVER expose your ears to 120 dB SPL or higher!
Damage will occur.
Rio Rancho, NM 3
R5a
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................3
SAFETY NOTES......................................................................................................................................................................................3
General Technical Description .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
General Features .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Control Knob (fig. 1) .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
LED Indicator (fig. 1) ............................................................................................................................................................................5
Headphone Jack (fig. 1) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Mono Plug/Stereo Plug Usage .............................................................................................................................................................6
Audio Level ...........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Frequency Adjust (fig. 2) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Receiver Operating Instructions ..........................................................................................................................................................7
Normal Operation (already programmed) ...........................................................................................................................................7
Programming - Add a New Frequency to The Next Open Channel ...................................................................................................... 7
Erase All 5 Channel Memories .............................................................................................................................................................8
Multiple Transmitter Setup .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Battery Instructions ...............................................................................................................................................................................8
Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................................................................................9
Service and Repair ...............................................................................................................................................................................10
Returning Units for Repair ..................................................................................................................................................................10
Specifications and Features ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
LECTROSONICS, INC. 4
General Technical Description
IFB Receiver
The IFBR5 was upgraded to the IFBR5a by adding a
number of important and useful features: (1) Two rotary
HEX switches to manually set the operating frequency,
(2) Automatic sensing/control of a mono phone plug to
eliminate the mono/binaural switch, and (3) A multicolor LED for battery status. The Frequency scan and
memory features were retained.
The IFB R5a Receiver is comprised of a number of
functional subsystems as shown in Fig 1, Control Panel
and Fig 3, Receiver Block Diagram.
General Features
The frequency agile IFB R5a FM Receiver is designed
to operate with the Lectrosonics IFB T1 Transmitter and
features microprocessor control of 256 frequencies of
operation within each frequency block. Each block
covers 25.5 MHz with 0.1 MHz frequency spacing. Any
one of ten different frequency blocks are factory available from 512 MHz to 805.5 MHz (except 608 to 614
MHz).
The unique microcontroller design in this receiver
provides simple one knob and one LED operation for
audio level, switching frequencies (channels), and easy
on-the-fly programming. The receiver frequency can be
set by manually using the two rotary HEX switches on
the side of the unit or by using the automatic scan and
store function, or both.
When powered ON, the receiver will default to the
frequency set by the switches. A nonvolatile memory
can store up to five additional frequencies accessible by
pressing the knob. The memory remains during power
OFF and even with the battery removed.
The IFB R5a Receiver uses 20 kHz FM deviation for
efficient use of the bandwidth and a single band
compandor for clean quiet audio.
The Pilot Tone squelch locks the reception to the mating
IFB T5 Transmitter and ignores other signals.
The receiver operates on one 9 Volt alkaline battery for
up to 8 hours and features a tricolor LED low battery
indicator. The voltages are internally regulated for
stability.
The receiver is housed in a compact, rugged, lightweight aluminum enclosure. The unit features a durable
removable belt clip and an integral swing-aside battery
compartment door.
Control Knob (fig. 1)
The single front panel control knob performs multiple
functions;
1. Rotate for Power ON/OFF
2. Rotate for Audio Level
3. Push quick, Channel Switching
4. Push and rotate for Scan and Channel
programming,
SCAN
(PUSH)
AUDIO
LEVEL
OFF MAX
Figure 1 - R5a Control Panel
LECT RO
IFB RECEIVER
R5a
Refer to the RECEIVER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
for full details on how to use the single knob control for
channel selection, scanning, and programming of the five
memory locations.
LED Indicator (fig. 1)
The three color LED indicator on the front panel provides multiple functions.
CHANNEL NUMBER - The LED will blink OFF a
number of times corresponding to the Channel Number
when the unit is switched ON and also when a new
frequency is added to an open channel. For example,
for channel 3 the LED would blink OFF three times.
After blinking the channel number the LED will return to
a steady ON indicating normal operation.
BATTERY STATUS – During normal operation, when
the LED is GREEN, the battery is good. When the LED
is YELLOW the battery is getting low. When the LED is
RED, the battery is nearly depleted and should be
replaced.
PROGRAMMING FUNCTIONS - In the programming
mode, the LED will blink at a fast rate to indicate
scanning for an active frequency. It also flashes briefly
to indicate a frequency has been programmed into a
channel.
Rio Rancho, NM 5
7
A
B
C
D
E
F
7
A
B
C
D
E
F
R5a
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
Headphone Jack (fig. 1)
On the front panel is a 3.5mm mini phone jack to
accommodate a standard mono or stereo type 3.5 mm
plug. The unit will drive low or high impedance earphones. The jack is also the receiver antenna input with
the earphone cord acting as the antenna. The cord
length is not critical but must be at least 6 inches
minimum.
Mono Plug/Stereo Plug Usage
A Mono plug or a Stereo plug can be used with the
IFBR5a headphone jack directly. When a Mono plug is
inserted, a special circuit senses the “ring” to “sleeve”
short and automatically switches off the ring to prevent
excess battery drain. To reset, switch power OFF then
back ON.
Audio Level
Headphones and ear pieces vary widely in their sensitivity and their impedance making it impossible to
design a receiver with a fixed output power level that is
correct for all situations. High impedance phones (600
to 2000) Ohms will have an inherently lower power level
due to their high impedance and likewise low impedance phones may be extremely loud. CAUTION!
Always set the Audio Level knob to minimum (counterclockwise) when plugging phones into the jack, then
adjust the knob for a comfortable audio level.
Frequency Adjust (fig. 2)
These two rotary switches adjus t the center frequency
of the carrier. The 1.6M is a coarse adjustment and the
100K is the fine adjustment. Each transmitter is factory
aligned at the center of its operating range. The default
position of the frequency select switches is in the center
of the transmitter’s range. The receiver and transmitter
switches must be set to the same number/letter combination for proper operation.
To gain access to these switches, slide the access door
sideways with a fingernail.
F
E
D
C
B
A
9
Figure 2 - Frequency Adjustment
FINE
COARSE
FREQUENCY
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
1
F
E
D
C
B
A
2
3
4
5
6
9
7
8
LED
RF
Amplifier
Frequency Synthesizer
Mixer
Controller
RF
Filter
Freq
Switches
Memory
Control
Panel
Figure 3 - R5a Block Diagram
Disc
RSSI
IF Amp/FM
Detector
Pilot
Tone
Detector
Audio
Filter
Compandor
Pilot
Tone
Mute
Knob
PB Switch
Pwr On/Off,
Audio Level.
Control
2.5vdc
Amp
2.5vdc
9V
Battery
100n
100n
MAX
LEVEL
5V
Regulator
2p
Earphone
Audio Out
S
T
R
MONO PLUG (Open)
STEREO PLUG (Closed)
On/Off
Cord
(Ant.)
LECTROSONICS, INC. 6
Receiver Operating Instructions
IFB Receiver
Before operating a receiver, one or more IFB T5 transmitters must be placed in XMIT mode, with each
transmitter set to the desired frequency and connected
to a proper antenna, audio source, and power source.
The transmitter frequency block must be the same as
the receiver frequency block as marked on each unit.
Normal Operation (already programmed)
1. Set the Frequency of the receiver to match the
frequency of the transmitter by using the two HEX
rotary switches located on the side of the receiver
under the sliding door. The 1.6M switch is for
“coarse” adjustment (1.6 MHz per click) and the
100k switch is for “fine” adjustment (0.1 MHz per
click). Setting both to zero (00) is the low frequency
end of the block and setting both to F (FF) is the
highest frequency end of the block.
2. Plug an earphone or headset into the 3.5mm jack.
Be sure the unit has a good battery.
3. Rotate the knob clockwise to switch the power ON
(Do NOT hold the knob in while switching power
ON). The LED will illuminate. Rotate the knob to
set the desired audio level.
4. If channel frequencies have been stored in the
memory, change channels by pressing the knob
briefly and release. The LED will blink the next
channel number (frequency) and the receiver will
resume operation on that channel.
If no channel frequencies have been stored when
pressing the knob to change channels, the LED will
flash from green to red to yellow to green, indicating
no stored channels and the unit will resume operation on the channel set by the switches.
5. Whenever power is switched ON, the unit operation
defaults to the channel frequency set by the
switches.
Programming - Add a New Frequency to The Next Open Channel
1. Position the receiver at a location within 20 to 100
feet of the transmitter or transmitters.
2. With the power ON, depress the knob until the LED
starts rapidly blinking, then release the knob.
3. The unit goes into program mode and does a scan/
search. Previously programmed frequencies will be
automatically skipped. When the unit stops on a
new frequency audio from the transmitter will be
heard in the earphone and the LED will stop
blinking rapidly and will change to a slow blink
mode.
The unit is now waiting for an operator decision.
You must now decide to either SKIP or STORE the
frequency (step 4 or 5 below.) Switching the power
to OFF without storing will delete the frequency.
4. To SKIP the frequency, depress the knob briefly
and the scan/search will resume.
5. To STORE the frequency into a channel memory,
depress the knob until the LED blinks the new
channel number, then release the knob. The
frequency is now stored in an open channel.
6. The unit will continue scan/search for other frequencies. To store more frequencies repeat steps 4
and 5 above. Up to 5 frequencies can be stored in
memory channels.
7. When all desired frequencies are stored switch the
power to OFF for a few moments, then switch back
to ON. The unit will default to the channel number
set by the switches and resume normal operating
mode.
8. The first scan is made at low sensitivity and
searches for only
avoid intermods. If the receiver does not stop on
any frequency in the first scan, that means an IFB
transmitter was not detected. In this condition the
LED will change from a fast blink to a slow blink
indicating the end of the scan. The complete scan
should take 15 to 40 seconds.
9. If the receiver still does not stop on any frequency,
check that the transmitter is ON. Also, if a frequency is not received or received but distorted,
some other signal may be interfering on that
frequency. Change the transmitter to another
frequency and try again.
A second scan at high sensitivity is initiated by
depressing the knob briefly at the end of the first
scan to search for low level transmitter signals.
When the scan stops and the transmitter audio is
heard, either SKIP or STORE the frequency (step 4
or 5 above).
10. Switching the POWER to OFF during any mode
simply terminates that mode and returns the unit to
normal operating mode when the power is switched
back to ON.
high
level transmitter signals to
Rio Rancho, NM 7
R5a
Erase All 5 Channel Memories
1. With power OFF, depress the knob and turn the
unit ON. Continue to hold the knob down until the
LED starts rapidly blinking. The memory is now
erased and the unit will go into scan/search
mode.
2. Continue from step 3 above PROGRAMMING ADD NEW FREQUENCY….
Multiple Transmitter Setup
When using this IFB receiver in a search mode, with
two or more transmitters running at the same time,
the receiver may stop on a false signal under the
following conditions:
• Two transmitters are on and transmitting.
• The distance from the transmitters to the IFB
receiver is less than 5 feet.
The false hits are caused by intermodulation or mixing
in the front end of the IFB receiver. At a 5 to 10 foot
distance, the two carriers are so strong at the receiver, that even this well designed front end will mix
the carriers and produce phantom frequencies. The
IFB receiver then halts its scan and stops on these
false frequencies. All receivers will exhibit this type
problem at some transmitter power level and range.
You notice false signals more with a scanning mode
receiver since it will find them all.
Prevention is simple. Do one of the following:
• Do the scan with only one transmitter on at a time.
(Time consuming)
• Increase the receiver to transmitter distance to at
least 10 feet. (Preferred)
Battery Instructions
The battery you use in the R5a receiver should be a 9
Volt alkaline or lithium, available almost everywhere. An
alkaline battery will provide up to 8 hours of operation
and a lithium battery will provide up to 20 hours of
operation. Carbon zinc batteries, even if marked “heavy
duty” will only provide about 2 hours of operation.
Rechargeable batteries will only operate the receiver for
an hour or less. Make sure your batteries are marked
“alkaline”
always caused by weak batteries or batteries of the
wrong type.
A green LED corresponds to a fresh battery. The LED
will change to yellow for low battery warning then to red
to indicate the need for a fresh battery. Continued use
will further deplete the battery eventually causing the
LED to automatically turn itself off and remain off until a
fresh battery is installed.
To replace the battery, open the bottom battery door
cover with your thumb, rotate the door until it is perpendicular with the case and allow the battery to fall out of
the compartment into your hand. It is difficult to install
the battery backwards. Observe the large and small
holes in the battery contact pad before inserting a new
battery. Insert the contact end of the battery first,
making sure the contacts are aligned with the holes in
the contact pad, and then swing the door closed.You
will feel it snap into place when it is fully closed.
or
“lithium.”
Short battery life is almost
1
To open the battery
compartment door, push the
door up and away from the case
with your thumb, then swing
open.
Figure 4 - Battery Replacement
2
LECTROSONICS, INC. 8
IFB Receiver
Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause
LED NOT LIT • Battery not installed or depleted
• Power switch not on.
NO SOUND IN HEADPHONE • AUDIO LEVEL turned all the way down.
• Headphone plug not inserted fully.
• Defective headphone
• Transmitter not operating. (See separate transmitter
manual.)
• Receiver not on the same frequency as the transmitter.
Refer to “Programming - Add a New Frequency” on page 7.
DISTORTED SOUND • Transmitter gain (audio level) is far too high. Check mod level
amps on transmitter as it is being used. (Refer to Operating
instructions section in the transmitter manual for details on gain
adjustment.)
• Receiver output may be mismatched with the headset or
earphone. Adjust Audio Level on receiver to the correct level for
the headset or earphone.
• Excessive wind noise or breath “pops.” Reposition microphone
and/or use a larger windscreen.
• Receiver may be tuned to an intermod. Reprogram the receiver.
HISS AND NOISE, AUDIBLE DROPOUTS • Transmitter gain (audio level) far too low.
SHORT RANGE • Receiver earphone cable is also the antenna. Make sure the cable
• Receiver antenna missing or obstructed. (Headphone cable is the
antenna.)
• Transmitter antenna missing or obstructed.
• Operating range too great.
is not coiled or wound up or wrapped around the receiver case.
• Improper transmitter antenna.
Rio Rancho, NM 9
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 letter 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.
Mailing address: Shipping address: Telephone:
Lectrosonics, Inc. Lectrosonics, Inc. (505) 892-4501
PO Box 15900 581 Laser Rd. (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
Specifications and Features
Operating frequencies (MHz):
Block 525
Block 21
Block 22
Block 23
Block 24
Block 25
Block 26
Block 27
Block 28
Block 29
Block 30
Block 31
Block 32
Block 33
Number of frequencies:
Channel spacing:
Service Center)
Frequency control:
Sensitivity:
Signal/Noise ratio:
Squelch quieting:
AM rejection:
525.000 - 550.500
537.600 - 563.100
563.200 - 588.700
588.800 - 614.300
614.400 - 639.900
640.000 - 665.500
665.600 - 691.100
691.200 - 716.700
716.800 - 742.300
742.400 - 767.900
768.000 - 793.500
793.600 - 819.100
819.200 - 844.700
844.800 - 862.000
256 per block (using 26 MHz wide band)
100 kHz (programmable to 25kHz by Authorized
Crystal Controlled Phase Locked Loop
1 uv (20 dB SINAD)
95 dB A-weighted
50 dB
50 dB, 10 uv to 100 mv
Modulation acceptance: ±20 kHz
Spurious rejection: Greater than 70 dB
Third order intercept: 0 dBm
Frequency response: 100 Hz to 10 kHz, (±1db)
Pilot tone: 29.997 kHz, 4.5 kHz deviation
Audio output, headphone: 1 Vrms into 50 ohms minimum
Antenna: Headphone cable
Programmable memory: 5 frequencies
Front panel controls: Single knob controls Audio Output Level, Power On,
Indicators: 1 tricolor LED Indicator for power on, blinks to
Power requirement: Single 9V Alkaline Battery for approximately 8 hours
Power consumption: 60 ma.
Weight: 7.3 oz with battery
Size: 3.6 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches (housing only, belt clip and
Specifications subject to change without notice.
(fixed crystal controlled)
Programming and Scan Frequency Selection
indicate channel number, blinks fast during scan,
and turns yellow or red for low battery.
operation.
knob extend beyond the housing.)
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
(505) 892-4501 • (800) 821-1121 • fax (505) 892-6243 • sales@lectrosonics.com
June 5, 2006
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