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UCR190
UHF Compact Receiver
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
and trouble-shooting guide
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Rio Rancho, NM
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the Lectrosonics Professional Series wireless microphone
system. This system represents well over 10 years of manufacturing experience in
wireless microphones, and almost 70 years of design experience.
The UCR190 UHF receiver design is the result of surveying the needs of professional video producers, ENG cameramen and many others in the broadcast and pro
video industry. Hundreds of conversations with dealers and end-users developed
the final parameters for the design.
The UCR190 receiver is a fixed frequency design that eliminates the need to “tune”
or adjust the receiver every time it is used. This is the preferred design for a number
of reasons, among them simplicity of operation, no adjustments in “high pressure”
situations, and interference rejection by design rather than by trying to “tune” it out.
The UCR190 miniature receiver was designed by professionals for outstanding
performance and flexibility, while preserving ease of operation. It is compatible with
all Lectrosonics high band transmitters. The UCR190 receiver represents one of the
best values in wireless, regardless of price.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 2
GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................ 3
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS .......................................................................... 4
RECEIVER FRONT PANEL ................................................................................. 4
RECEIVER REAR PANEL ................................................................................... 6
BATTERY REPLACEMENT ................................................................................. 6
ANTENNA USE AND PLACEMENT ................................................................... 7
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................ 8
INDICATOR QUICK REFERENCE ...................................................................... 8
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................... 9
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES ................................................. 9
SERVICE AND REPAIR ..................................................................................... 10
RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR ................................................................... 10
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES ................................................................ 11
WARRANTY ......................................................................................... Back cover
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GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
C
UHF Compact Receiver
Ant
Helical Resonator
Filter
H12
Jack
Polarity
Protection
GAsFET
9V
Battery
+9V
Reg
Helical Resonator
Preamp
Off
Ext
Filter
1st
Local
Oscillator
Int
Batt
+9V
Power
LED
Double
Balanced
Mixer
1st IF Amp
and Crystal Filters
AFC
Balanced
XLR
Output
Headphone
2nd
Local
Oscillator
Output
2nd Mixer
Output Amp
& Level Control
Hdph Amp
and Level Control
UCR190 Receiver Block Diagram
RF
LED
2nd IF Amp
w/LC Filters
Demodulator
Dual-Band
Compandor
Audio
Level
0dB
LED
-20
LED
Squelch
Lo-Pass Filter
16 kHz
The UCR190 receiver is comprised of six major functional subsystems: the RF front-end amplifier, the double balanced mixer/local oscillator, the first IF filter, the second IF filter and audio demodulator, the compandor, and the
balanced microphone level output circuit.
The RF front-end amplifier consists of a 5-section helical resonator for high selectivity. Between the first and second
helical resonators, is a low noise GAsFET amplifier. These amplifiers are designed to provide only enough gain to
make up for the inherent loss through the helical resonators. This combination of low front-end gain, coupled with the
extremely high selectivity of the cascaded helical resonators results in no overloading, even on extremely strong
signals. Rejection of out of band signals is maximized, and intermodulation products are suppressed.
The mixer stage consists of a high level double balanced diode mixer. The oscillator is biased from a regulated
supply, and includes Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) yielding stable performance over the entire life of the
battery. The local oscillator crystal operates at approximately 16 MHz, and can be adjusted above and below the
nominal frequency in order to place the 21.4 MHz IF in the center of the crystal filter’s narrow passband. The high
selectivity of the IF crystal filter stage further minimizes the possibility of interference from signals on adjacent
frequencies.
The second IF filter and the audio demodulator, as well as the squelch and RF output LED drive are provided by one
monolithic integrated circuit. The second IF filter is centered on 1MHz, and drives a double tuned quadrature type
FM demodulator. The squelch circuit is a supersonic noise detector type and is factory set for a -20dB SINAD level
(about .5uV). The squelch level is regulated and temperature compensated to maintain a consistent squelch level
under all conditions.
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
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The Dual Band Compandor is driven by a multiple pole active low-pass filter. The filter ensures that supersonic noise
will not cause the compandor to increase gain incorrectly. This filter also drives the -20dB and 0dB modulation LEDs.
Traditionally, compandors have been a source of distortion in wireless microphone systems. The basic problem with
conventional systems is that the attack and decay times are always a compromise. If the time constants are fast, high
frequency transients will not be distorted, but this will cause low frequency distortion. If the time constants are slower,
low frequency audio distortion will be low, but high frequency transients will then be distorted. The 190 system
introduces an entirely new approach to solving this basic problem, called “dual-band companding.”
There are actually two separate compandors in the 195 system, one for high frequencies and one for low frequencies.
A crossover network separates the frequency bands at 1kHz with a 6dB per octave slope, followed by separate high
and low frequency compandors. The attack and release times in the high frequency compandor are fast enough to
keep high frequency transient distortion at a low level, and the low frequency compandor uses slower time constants,
reducing low frequency distortion to well below that of a conventional compandor.
The compandor senses the signal level, and dynamically increases the gain for loud signals or decreases the gain for
soft signals. In this way, the original dynamic range of the transmitted signal is restored, while preserving a high
signal-to-noise ratio. The expansion ratio is 2:1, which produces a 2dB change in output signal level for a 1dB
change in input level.
The balanced microphone level output circuit generates a truly balanced signal at the XLR output connector. The
volume control is a balanced attenuator, and gives a gain range from -20dBV (at full modulation) in the fully clockwise
position to -50dBV in the fully counter-clockwise position. In addition, the headphone circuit is driven from the
microphone circuit. This means that the headphone output level is dependent not only on the headphone volume
control, but also the microphone level control.
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
RECEIVER FRONT PANEL
LECTROSONICS
UCR190
OFF
dBV
EXT
-
20
-
MODULATION
-
20
Headphone adjustment
on side panel.
0dB
50
OUTPUT
MODULATION LEDs
Indicate the modulation (audio level) of the incoming signal, and can be used for proper adjustment of the
transmitter’s “MIC LEVEL” or “GAIN”. The -20 LED glows when the transmitter modulation is at a high enough level to
produce a good audio signal-to-noise ratio. It will normally flicker, or stay lit as you speak into the microphone. The
0dB lamp indicates a “peak,” showing that the transmitter modulation is at maximum. Constant lighting may indicate
that the audio gain in the transmitter may be set too high. It is normal and desirable that you see an occasional flicker
of the 0dB lamp in typical use.
OUTPUT CONTROL
Attenuates the audio output level of the receiver to match the input requirements of the equipment with which it is
used. The XLR output jack on the rear panel provides an audio output at microphone level for low impedance,
balanced inputs. At the extreme counter-clockwise position of the control knob, the output level of this XLR jack will
be 50dB at full modulation. In the fully clockwise position, the output level will be -20dB at full modulation. Intermediate settings are sometimes necessary due to the variations in different input compressors and ALC (automatic level
control) circuits on various VCR’s and audio inputs. The markings around the control knob are provided simply as
“memory markers;” they are not calibrated with reference to a specific output level.
POWER
INT
BATT
RF
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UHF Compact Receiver
EXT/OFF/INT BATT SWITCH
Turns the receiver power off and on and selects either internal 9 Volt battery power, or external 12 Volt DC power (of
either polarity).
POWER LED
Glows when the power switch is in the proper position and the battery is good, or when external 12 Volt DC power is
properly supplied. If this LED is very dim or does not light up when the switch is turned on, replace the battery or
check the connections from the external power source. The LED glows brightly to indicate a good battery and dims
as the battery voltage decreases.
The POWER LED is connected to a precision battery test circuit that continuously monitors battery voltage. The LED
is at full brightness with a new 9 volt alkaline battery. As the battery voltage drops during use, the LED brightness will
also decrease. After 4 to 5 hours, the battery voltage will be about 7 volts. The LED will be completely extinguished.
IMPORTANT!
When the battery voltage drops below 6 Volts, the power LED will remain off, but the other 3 LEDs will light up and a loud rush
of audio noise will be heard as the squelch opens. This condition is normal, and is easily remedied by replacing the battery.
Since the internal circuits are all tightly regulated the receiver will continue to operate to a battery voltage of 6.5 volts.
From 6.5 volts to 6 volts, the receiver will still operate, but with degraded performance. Below 6 volts, the regulated
and temperature compensated squelch circuit will cease to be regulated. The result is that the squelch circuit will
remain “open”. This will allow considerable noise to pass through the audio circuits if the associated transmitter is off,
or if other circuits of the UCR190 stop operating because of the low voltage condition. In addition, three out of the
four LEDs on the front panel will light (the exception being the POWER LED). Please note that a weak battery will
sometimes light the POWER LED immediately after turn on, but soon will discharge to the point where the LED will
extinguish. Regular installation of fresh batteries will insure optimum operation.
RF LED
Lights when the transmitter is turned on and the receiver has a good signal. When the carrier signal from the transmitter is too weak to produce a clean audio signal, the lamp will go out.
MINI PHONE JACK
Provides a monitor, separate from the rear panel XLR audio output. The output level from this jack is controlled by
both the OUTPUT control and the recessed trim-pot on the side panel. Generally, the OUTPUT control would be set
to provide the proper output level at the rear panel XLR jack, and then the side panel trim-pot adjusted to match the
required level for your earphone.
The output at this mini connector is designed for a medium impedance earphone. An earphone with an impedance
between 30 and 300 Ohms will usually provide adequate volume. The sound from a low impedance ear phone (ie. 8
Ohms) will not be very loud and may be distorted at higher listening levels.
ANTENNA JACK
Connects to any 50 ohm antenna with a BNC type connector (a flexible “rubber duckie” antenna is supplied). The A185 Coax remote type antenna may also be used.
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RECEIVER REAR PANEL
12 VDC INPUT
Connects to the supplied CH-12 AC adapter for powering the receiver from a 110/120V AC source. The receiver may
also be powered from external 12 to 18VDC sources using the correct plug (Switchcraft S-760 power plug). A diode
bridge is used in the external power input, so that the UCR190 will operate properly from either polarity.
AUDIO OUTPUT
Supplies a balanced, low impedance output at microphone level. The audio signal is output on pins 2 and 3, while pin
1 is ground. The output level of this jack is controlled by the OUTPUT control on the front panel of the receiver. The
connector is a standard XLR type.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The UCR190 is powered by a standard alkaline 9 volt battery. It is important that you use ONLY an ALKALINE
battery for longest life. Standard zinc-carbon batteries marked “heavy duty” or “long-lasting” are not adequate. They
will provide only about one hour of operation. Similarly, nicad rechargeable batteries give less than 2 hours of
operation, and will also run down quite abruptly. Alkaline batteries provide about 5 hours of operation.
To open the battery compartment, press outward on the cover door in the direction of the arrow as shown in the
drawing. Only slight, sliding pressure is needed to open and close the battery door.
TO OPEN
AUDIO OUTPUT 12 VOLT DC INPUT
Swing the door open and take note of the polarity marked inside showing the location of the positive (+) and negative
(-) terminals. Insert the battery and close the cover by pressing in and across, reversing the opening procedure
outlined above. Note that the battery door will NOT close if the battery is inserted incorrectly, since the terminals will
hit a protective polarity barrier. Do not force the battery in.
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UHF Compact Receiver
ANTENNA USE AND PLACEMENT
Connect the antenna to the front panel jack. Position the antenna so that it is not within 3 or 4 feet of large metal
surfaces. If this is not possible, try to position the antenna so that it is as far away from the metal surface as is
practical. It is also good to position the receiver so that there is a direct “line of sight” between the transmitter and the
receiver antenna. In situations where the operating range is less than about 50 feet, the antenna positioning is much
less critical.
A wireless transmitter sends a radio signal out in all directions. This signal will often bounce off nearby walls, ceilings,
etc. and a strong reflection can arrive at the receiver antenna along with the direct signal. If the direct and reflected
signals are out of phase with each other a cancellation may occur. The result would be a “drop out.” A drop out
sounds like either audible noise (hiss), or in severe cases, may result in a complete loss of the carrier and the sound.
Moving the transmitter even a few inches may eliminate it. A dropout situation may be either better or worse as the
crowd fills and/or leaves the room, or when the transmitter or receiver is operated in a different location.
Dropouts can be avoided by careful placement of the receiver. If you are mounting the receiver on a video camera or
camcorder, experiment with the location prior to going into the field. By placing the antenna above the body of the
camera, you will increase your operating range. If the antenna is laid next to the camera, as shown in the illustration
below, the body of the camera will serve as a shield and reduce range. This position may work but be certain at least
part of the antenna extends above the camera. Alternate locations can include the back of the camera, the top of the
camera or mounted vertically on the side.
If dropouts occur in the field, moving the transmitter or receiver slightly in any direction will usually eliminate the
problem.
EXAMPLE MOUNTING LOCATIONS
FOR SINGLE OR MULTIPLE
RECEIVER(S)
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1) Connect the power cord or install the battery.
2) Attach and extend the antenna.
3) Connect the audio cable.
4) Set the front panel switch to either “EXT” or “INT”, depending upon the power source. Check to see that the red
POWER LED lights up.
5) THIS IS PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN THE SET UP PROCEDURE. Adjust the transmitter
“gain”. See your transmitter manual (Operating Instructions section) for specific directions on the proper gain
adjustment of your particular transmitter.
6) Adjust the output control according to the type of input on your equipment. The input levels on different VCR’s and
PA equipment vary, which may require that you set the OUTPUT control in an intermediate position. Try different
settings and listen to the results. If the output of the receiver is too high, you may hear distortion or a loss of the
natural dynamics of the audio signal. If the output is too low, you may hear steady noise (hiss) along with the
audio. The UCR190 output was designed to drive microphone level inputs. The output signal level ranges from 50dBV with the output control fully counter clockwise to -20dBV with the output control fully clockwise when the
transmitter signal is at full modulation.
INDICATOR QUICK REFERENCE
(Refer to Controls and Functions section for more detailed descriptions)
RF - This LED lights up when the transmitter is turned on. This indicates that the receiver is getting an adequate RF
signal (carrier) from the transmitter.
POWER - This LED lights up when the receiver is properly connected to a power supply and switched on. It indicates
proper battery voltage when the receiver is using a battery.
MODULATION - The “-20” LED lights up when an audio signal is present at an adequate level to produce a good
signal to noise ratio. The “0dB” LED lights up when the audio level is high and the signal is being compressed in the
transmitter. An extremely high audio level may cause distortion.
Review the transmitter instruction manual for proper adjustment and setup
of the transmitter mic level or gain.
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UHF Compact Receiver
TROUBLESHOOTING
Before going through the following chart, be sure that you have a good battery in the receiver (or a properly connected AC adapter). The POWER LED should glow brightly.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
NO POWER LED 1) Receiver switch in “OFF” position
2) Dead or weak battery
3) External 12 Volt power disconnected
4) Receiver switch in wrong position for the power source used
NO RF LED 1) Transmitter not turned on
2) Transmitter battery dead
3) No microphone on transmitter (the microphone
serves as the antenna
4) Receiver antenna not connected
RF LED ON BUT NO SOUND 1) Transmitter switch in “MUTE” position
AND NO MODULATION LEDS 2) Transmitter microphone not connected
3) Microphone switch in “OFF” position
4) Possible malfunction in the audio section of the
transmitter. See transmitter manual
5) Check transmitter modulation LEDs for possible
transmitter problem
MODULATION LED’s ON 1) Receiver LEVEL control turned down
BUT NO SOUND 2) Audio cable disconnected
3) Recorder or sound system off, or not properly adjusted
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Part No. Description
CH-12 110 Volt AC adapter for UCR190 receiver
CC-MINI System pouch, zippered, for compact wireless systems
A-500S UHF Flexible whip receiver antenna, straight
A-500RA UHF Flexible whip receiver antenna, right angle
PS-12 Power cable, Hi-rose 7-4 pin (Betacam) to DC power supply (UCR190)
PS-212 Same as PS-12 except with dual plugs to power 2 UCR190 receivers
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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 out the interconnecting cords and then go through the TROUBLE SHOOTING section in the 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
You will save yourself time and trouble if you will 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 am to 4 pm (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 damage
to equipment that you ship. Of course, we insure the equipment when we ship it back to you.
Mailing address: Shipping address: Telephones:
Lectrosonics, Inc. Lectrosonics, Inc. Regular: (505) 892-4501
PO Box 15900 581 Laser Rd. Toll Free (800) 821-1121
Rio Rancho, NM 87174 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 FAX: (505) 892-6243
USA USA
World Wide Web: http://www.lectrosonics.com Email: sales@lectrosonics.com
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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
Operating Frequencies: 470MHz to 608MHz, crystal controlled
Sensitivity: Better than 0.35 uV for 20dB SINAD;
1.5 uV for 50dB S/N ratio
Signal/Noise Ratio: 106dB A-weighted
Squelch Quieting: greater than 106dB
AM Rejection: -60dB (10uV to 0.1 Volts)
Modulation Acceptance: ±15kHz
Image and Spurious Rejection: greater than 100dB
Third Order Intercept: -5 dBm
Audio Outputs:
XLR: 200 Ohms balanced; 100mV max.
Headphone: 0.6 Volts RMS into 50 Ohms
UHF Compact Receiver
Antenna Input: BNC; 50 Ohms impedance
Controls: Front panel attenuator controls XLR output.
Recessed trim-pot controls headphone 3 position
power/function switch.
Indicators: Red LED for power “ON” (Battery status)
2 LEDs for modulation level
“RF” LED for transmitter “ON”
Power Requirements: 11.5 to 18VDC external (either polarity)
110 VAC via CH-12 AC adapter
Single 9 Volt alkaline battery
Power consumption: 60mA at idle;
70mA at 15kHz deviation, with headphones
Battery Life: 5 hours with alkaline
Weight: 11 ounces including battery
Dimensions: 1.1" x 2.75" x 5.2"
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
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LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
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.
LECTROSONICS, INC.
581 LASER ROAD
RIO RANCHO, NM 87124 USA
November 1, 2001
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