Thank you for selecting the Lectrosonics UM190B belt-pack transmitter. The UM190B
combines over 80 years of engineering experience with the very latest components, in
a design that addresses the most demanding professional applications.
The design of the UM190B was the direct result of numerous conversations with users
and dealers across the US.
The specific concerns and needs brought up in these conversations led directly to the
development of the operational features offered on the UM190B. This is certainly not
the first belt-pack transmitter ever designed, but it is definitely the most thoroughly
engineered unit available.
The UM190B is a rugged, machined aluminum package with a removable, spring
loaded belt clip. The input section provides a correct input tap for virtually any microphone or line level audio source. 5 Volts is available on the input connector to power
electret mics with either positive or negative bias. Level indicating LEDs are provided
on the control panel to make level settings quick and accurate, without having to view
the receiver. The battery compartment accepts any 9 Volt alkaline or lithium battery and
makes a positive connection via self-adjusting contacts. The antenna is a detachable,
locking 1/4 wavelength flexible wire that connects to a 50 Ohm port on the transmitter.
Only the UM190B transmitter is covered in this manual. Companion receivers are
covered in separate manuals.
The UM190B will operate with any 190 Series Lectrosonics receiver on a matching
frequency.
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES ................................................................. 12
SERVICE AND REPAIR ..................................................................................... 13
RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR ................................................................... 13
WARRANTY ......................................................................................... Back cover
The UM190B transmitter is FCC type accepted under Part 74: 470-608 MHz
2
Page 3
UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter
GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The UM190B transmitter is comprised of a number of functional sub-systems as shown in the block diagram below.
The 190 system uses 15kHz deviation. The transmitter circuits are all regulated to allow full output power from the
beginning (9 Volts) to the end (7 Volts) of battery life. The oscillator crystal is shock mounted to provide ruggedness.
The input amplifier uses a Motorola 33078 op amp for ultra low noise operation. It is gain controlled with a wide range
input compressor which cleanly limits input signal peaks over 30dB above full modulation.
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 190 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.
High efficiency circuits throughout the design allow over 7 hours of operation using a single 9 Volt alkaline battery
(over 16 hours with a lithium 9V battery.) The battery compartment is a unique mechanical design which automatically
adjusts to fit any brand alkaline battery. The battery contacts are spring loaded to prevent “rattle” as the unit is
handled.
The UHF transmitter section uses a crystal stabilized main oscillator followed by a quadrupler and three doubler
stages. The crystal controlled frequency is extremely stable over a wide temperature range and over time. Double
tuning used in the multiplier stages provides higher attenuation of spurious emissions which, in turn, minimizes the
possibility that the transmitter RF output would interfere with another transmitter/receiver system operating in the
same vicinity.
At UHF frequencies, where wavelengths and antennas are shorter than VHF, a resonant dangling wire is preferred.
The antenna on the UHF version of the UM190B consists of a flexible ¼ wavelength wire, detachable via an SMA
connector. The impedance of this connector is 50 Ohms at UHF frequencies.
+5V BIAS
SUPPLY
BUFFER
LIMIT
LED
LF
ROLL-OFF
INPUT
AMP
SET
LED
AUDIO
LEVEL
PEAK AUDIO
INDICATOR &
LIMITER
DRIVER
LP
FILTER
Vref
TREBLE
COMPANDOR
BASS
COMPANDED
AUDIO
LP FILTER
HP FILTER
Vreg
Vreg
+5VDC
+3.6VDC
X4
OFF
ON
-9V
X2 X2 X2
+9VDC
PWR
LED
1
2
3
4
5
MIC
JACK
SHUNT
LIMITER
UM190B Block Diagram
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
XTAL OSC
UHF TRANSMITTER
3
Page 4
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
LECTROSONICS
UM190
OFF ON
B
75 Hz
35
150
LF ROLL OFF
AUDIO
LEVEL
ANTENNA
0
–20
LF
ROLL-OFF
ADJ
INPUT JACK
The input on the UM190B accommodates virtually every lavalier, hand-held or shotgun microphone available. Use a
Switchcraft TA5F connector on the cord. See the separate sheet titled “Transmitter 5-Pin Input Jack Wiring”
regarding the correct connections for various microphones, and other sources.
ON/OFF SWITCH
Turns the battery power on and off.
“ON” LAMP
Glows brightly when the battery is good. A weak or dim lamp means that the battery is weak, and has about half an
hour of operation left. If the lamp fails to light, the battery should be replaced.
The “ON” lamp is connected to a precision battery test circuit that continuously monitors battery voltage. The LED is
at full brightness with a new 9 Volt battery. As the battery voltage drops during use, the LED brightness will also
decrease. When the LED is barely visible, there will still be 30 minutes or more operating time remaining.
Since the internal circuits are all tightly regulated and the RF output stage has a separate discrete regulator, the
transmitter will continue to operate to a battery voltage of 6.5 Volts. From 6.5 Volts to 6 Volts, the transmitter will still
operate, but with degraded performance. Please note that a weak battery will sometimes light the POWER LED
immediately after turn on, but will soon discharge to the point where the LED will go out, just like a flashlight with
“dead” batteries.
The combination of an accurate battery condition indicator and regulation of all internal circuits provides much longer
battery life, as well as consistent performance over the life of the battery.
4
Page 5
UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter
MODULATION LEDS
Indicate the proper setting of the MIC LEVEL control.
LEVEL LED — Flickers or glows when sufficient audio is present.
LIMIT LED — Lights up when the input level is high enough to cause limiting. The input limiter has a very high
overload threshold (over 30 dB). Generally speaking, some limiting is desirable in normal operation to improve the
signal to noise ratio of the system. The limiting action is not audible and does not create distortion. A highly
trained ear would hear only the compression of the peaks in the audio signal, which is desirable with most tape
recorders and many sound reinforcement systems.
MIC LEVEL
Used to adjust the audio input level for the proper modulation.
ANTENNA JACK
The flexible wire antenna supplied with the UM190B UHF transmitter is cut to 1/4 wavelength. It is removable via an
SMA connector. The 50 Ohm RF port can also be connected directly to test equipment.
ADJUSTABLE LOW FREQUENCY ROLL-OFF
A 18dB per octave low frequency roll-off is provided in the audio section, with the -3dB point adjustable from 35Hz to
150Hz. The actual roll-off frequency will vary somewhat according to the low frequency response of the mic capsule
being used.
The low frequency roll-off control is used to prevent undesirable subsonic (or very low frequency) audio, often produced by air conditioning systems, automobile traffic and other sources from causing the compandor to mistrack.
Excessive low frequency content in the audio input can cause “pumping and breathing” of background noise or
modulation of the program audio in recording applications. In sound reinforcement systems, excessive low frequency
content can cause excessive power amplifier drain or even damage to loudspeaker systems. By rotating the control
clockwise, the hinge point of the roll-off is increased to reduce the level of low frequencies. In controlled situations,
such as a motion picture production set indoors where environmental noise is minimal, the control can be rotated
counter-clockwise to permit low frequency audio to be captured.
THE BELT CLIP
The belt clip may be removed for special applications by removing one screw.
USE ONLY THE SCREW THAT IS SUPPLIED
The circuitry is tightly packed into this unit. A longer screw will permanently damage the transmitter!
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
5
Page 6
BATTERY INSTALLATION
The transmitter is powered by a 9 Volt alkaline or lithium battery. It is important that you use ONLY an ALKALINE or
LITHIUM battery for longest life. Standard zinc-carbon batteries marked “heavy-duty” or “long-lasting” are not
adequate. Ni-cad rechargeable batteries will only provide 2 hours of operation, or less, and will run down quite
abruptly. The battery status circuitry is designed for the voltage drop over the life of alkaline batteries.
To open the battery compartment, press outward on the cover door in the direction of the arrow as shown in the
drawing. Only firm, sliding pressure is needed to open and close the battery door. Swing the door open and take note
of the polarity marked inside showing the location of the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. You can see the large
and small contact holes inside the battery compartment with the door open.
Swing the
Press outward on the
battery door in this
direction
door open
Insert the battery correctly and close the cover by pressing the door closed and across, reversing the opening procedure illustrated above. If the battery is inserted incorrectly, the door will not close. Do not force the door closed.
6
Page 7
UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1) Install a fresh battery according to the instructions on the previous page.
2) Insert the microphone plug into the input jack, aligning the pins; be sure that the connector locks in.
3) Attach the antenna to the jack on the control panel of the unit. Be sure it is screwed in firmly.
3) Turn the power switch to the “ON.”
4) Position the microphone in the location you will use in actual operation.
5) While speaking or singing at the same voice level that will be actually used, observe the AUDIO LEVEL LEDs.
Adjust the AUDIO LEVEL control knob until the LEDs begin to light. Start at a low setting where neither LED lights
as you speak. Gradually, turn the gain up until one LED lights, then the other.
The “-20” LED lights when the audio level is about 20dB below full modulation. The “0dB” LED lights when the
limiter begins to operate. There is over 30dB of limiting range without overload above the “0dB” LED, so it is normal
that the “0dB” LED light up 5% to 10% of the time during use.
6) Once the gain has been adjusted, the transmitter audio can be turned on to make sound system level
adjustments.
OPERATING NOTES
The AUDIO LEVEL control knob should not be used to control the volume of your
sound system or recorder levels. This gain adjustment matches the transmitter gain
with the user’s voice level and microphone positioning.
If the mic level is too high — both LEDs will light frequently or stay lit. This condition
may reduce the dynamic range of the audio signal.
If the mic level is too low — neither LED will light, or the “-20” LED will light dimly. This
condition may cause hiss and noise in the audio.
The first LED turns on 20dB below full deviation. The limiting LED turns on at full
deviation and indicates that the input shunt compressor is operating. The input limiter
will handle peaks over 30dB above full modulation, regardless of the gain control
setting. The limiter uses a true absolute value circuit to detect both positive and
negative peaks. The attack time is 5 milliseconds and the release time is 200 milliseconds. Occasional limiting is desirable, indicating that the gain is correctly set and
the transmitter is fully modulated for optimum signal to noise ratio.
Different voices will usually require different settings of the AUDIO LEVEL control, so
check this adjustment as each new person uses the system. If several different
people will be using the transmitter and there is not time to make the adjustment for
each individual, adjust it for the loudest voice.
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
7
Page 8
MICROPHONE CORD TERMINATION
TA5F Connector Assembly
1
2 3
VIEW FROM SOLDER
SIDE OF PINS
4
5
0.15"
0.3"
Heatshrink
Tubing
Mic Cord Stripping Instructions
Caution!
Do not allow the shield wire to touch any
metal part of the connector shell.
The shield wire is the antenna on VHF
models and poor operating range will result.
Rubber
Insulation
Rubber
Insulation
Crimp
Tabs
Crimp
Tabs
Shield Wire
Note: This termination is required on VHF transmitters and will still work fine on UHF transmitters.
8
Page 9
UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter
UM190B INPUT JACK WIRING
The wiring diagrams shown on the separate sheet represent the basic wiring necessary for the most common types
of microphones and other audio inputs. Some microphones may require extra jumpers or a slight variation on the
diagrams shown.
Caution - When wiring the connector, do not use the connector body for any electrical connections.
A common mistake is to use the connector body as an audio ground. The connector body is
already used as an RF ground on VHF models and no other use is permitted.
It’s virtually impossible to keep completely up to date on changes that other manufacturers make to their products. It
is possible that you may encounter a microphone that differs from these instructions. If this occurs please call our tollfree number listed on page 13 of this instruction manual. Our service department can answer your questions regarding microphone compatibility.
When used on a wireless transmitter, the microphone element is in the proximity of the RF coming from the transmitter. The nature of electret microphones makes them sensitive to RF, which can cause problems with the microphone/
transmitter compatibility. If the electret microphone is not designed properly for use with wireless transmitters, it may
be necessary to install a chip capacitor in the mic capsule or connector to block the RF from entering the electret
capsule. This modification is shown on the next page.
LECTROSONICS
4
3
5
2
1
1
2
3
4
5
NEG GND (OR BIAS)
POS BIAS (OR GND)
MIC
SOURCE LOAD
LINE IN
330PF
1uH
330PF
100
1K
10K
5V Mic Bias
5mA max
+
To Mic Amp
Transmitter
Input Jack
UHF Transmitter Equivalent Input Circuit
VHF transmitters use the shield of the microphone cord as the antenna. The UM190B uses a 1/4 wave flexible wire to
radiate the RF signal. There is really not much difference between these two approaches, with respect to the effect of
the RF on the microphone capsule. Even in transmitters that utilize a “dangling wire,” the microphone is still part of
the “ground plane” and is therefore still in the antenna circuit.
PIN 1 Shield (ground) for positive biased electret lavalier microphones. Bias voltage source for negative biased
electret lavalier microphones. Shield (ground) for dynamic microphones and line level inputs.
PIN 2 Shield (ground) for negative biased electret lavalier microphones. Bias voltage source for positive biased
electret lavalier microphones.
PIN 3 Low impedance microphone level input for dynamic microphones. Also accepts hand-held electret micro-
phones provided the microphone has its own built-in battery.
PIN 4 1K Ohm source load for non-Lectrosonics electret microphones. Use in conjunction with other pins to provide
attenuation of high level input signals.
PIN 5 High impedance, line level input for tape decks, mixer outputs, musical instruments, etc.
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
9
Page 10
RF BYPASSING
R
3
Some mics require RF protection to keep the radio signal
from affecting the capsule, even though the transmitter
input circuitry is already RF bypassed (see schematic
diagram).
If the mic is wired as directed, and you are having
difficulty with squealing, high noise, or poor frequency
response; RF is likely to be the cause.
The best RF protection is accomplished by installing RF
2 WIRE MIC 3 WIRE MIC
Preferred locations for bypass capacitors
SHIELD
AUDIO
CAPSULE
TA5F
CONNECTOR
Alternate locations for bypass capacitors
CAPSULE
SHIELD
AUDIO
BIAS
TA5F
CONNECTO
bypass capacitors at the mic capsule. If this is not
possible, or if you are still having problems, capacitors can be installed on the mic wires inside the TA5F connector
housing.
Install the capacitors as follows: Use 330 pF capacitors. Capacitors are available from Lectrosonics. Please specify
the part number for the desired lead style.
All Lectrosonics lavalier mics are already bypassed and do not need any additional capacitors installed for proper
operation.
BODY GROUND
Caution - When wiring the connector, do not use the connector body for any electrical connections. A common
mistake is to use the connector body as an audio ground. The connector body is already used as an RF ground on
VHF models and no other use is permitted.
LINE LEVEL SIGNALS
The normal hookup for line level signals is: Signal Hot to pin 5, Signal Gnd to pin 1, pin 4 jumped to pin 1, and pin 3
jumped to pin 1. This gives a 40dB attenuator that allows signal levels much higher than 3V to be applied without
distortion.
If more headroom is needed, insert a 100k resistor in series with pin 5. Put this resistor inside the TA5F connector to
minimize noise pickup.
If lower than normal line levels (less than 1V) are expected, use this hookup: Signal Hot to pin 5, Signal Gnd to pin 1,
and pin 4 jumpered to pin 1. This provides a 20dB attenuator allowing signals as high as 3V to be applied without
distortion.
WIRING HOOKUPS FOR DIFFERENT SOURCES
PIN
PIN
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
4
3
TA5F
PLUG
4
3
TA5F
PLUG
1
5
2
1
5
2
3 WIRE ELECTRET MIC
POSITIVE BIAS
2 WIRE ELECTRET MIC
POSITIVE BIAS
SHIELD
BIAS
AUDIO
SHIELD
AUDIO
PIN
PIN
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
4
3
TA5F
PLUG
4
3
TA5F
PLUG
1
5
2
1
5
2
2 WIRE ELECTRET MIC
NEGATIVE BIAS
SLEEVE
TIP
LINE LEVEL
RCA or 1/4 " PLUG
SHIELD
AUDIO
SHIELD
AUDIO
SHIELD
WIRE ELECTRET MIC
NEGATIVE BIAS
10
BIAS
AUDIO
PIN
1
2
3
4
5
4
3
TA5F
PLUG
1
5
2
2
3
DYNAMIC
MIC LEVEL
PIN
1
1
2
3
Dynamic LO Z mic or electret with
manufacturers power supply.
SHIELD
PIN
1
2
3
4
5
4
3
TA5F
PLUG
1
5
2
Page 11
UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter
TROUBLESHOOTING
Before going through the following chart, be sure that you have a good battery in the transmitter. It is important that
you follow these steps in the sequence listed.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
TRANSMITTER BATTERY LED OFF 1) Battery is inserted backwards.
2) Battery is dead.
NO TRANSMITTER MODULATION LEDs 1) Gain control turned all the way down.
2) Battery is in backwards. Check power LED.
3) Mic capsule is damaged or malfunctioning.
4) Mic cable damaged or mis-wired.
RECEIVER RF LAMP OFF 1) Transmitter not turned on.
2) Transmitter battery is dead.
3) Receiver antenna missing or improperly positioned.
4) Transmitter and receiver not on same frequency. Check
labels on transmitter and receiver.
5) Operating range is too great.
6) Transmitter antenna not connected
NO SOUND (OR LOW SOUND LEVEL),
AND RECEIVER MOD LEVEL LEDs ARE OFF 1) Transmitter mic gain set too low.
2) Defective microphone or cord.
NO SOUND (OR LOW SOUND LEVEL),
RECEIVER MOD LEVEL LEDs ARE ON 1) Receiver output level set too low.
2) Receiver output is disconnected; cable is defective
or mis-wired.
3) Sound system or recorder input is turned down.
DISTORTED SOUND 1)Transmitter gain (audio level) is far too high. Check mod
level lamps on transmitter and receiver as it is being
used. (See Operating Instructions.)
2) Receiver output may be mis-matched with the sound
system or recorder input. Adjust output level on receiver
to the correct level for the recorder, mixer or sound
system.
3) Excessive wind noise or breath “pops.” Re-position
microphone and/or use a larger windscreen.
HISS AND NOISE - AUDIBLE DROPOUTS 1) Transmitter gain (audio level) far too low.
2) Receiver antenna missing or obstructed.
3) Transmitter antenna missing.
4) Operating range too great.
EXCESSIVE FEEDBACK 1) Transmitter gain (audio level) too high. Check gain
Antenna: Detachable, flexible wire supplied. 50 Ohm port allows
connection to test equipment.
Battery: Precision compartment auto-adjusts to accept any known
alkaline or lithium 9 Volt battery. (We’ve tried 108
different ones!)
Battery Life: 7.5 Hours with alkaline 9 Volt
Weight: 6.3 ozs. including battery
Dimensions: 3.1 x 2.4 x .75 inches
Emission Designator: 35KF3E
Specifications subject to change without notice.
The UM190B transmitter is FCC type accepted under Part 74: 470-608 MHz
12
Page 13
UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter
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:
Lectrosonics, Inc.
PO Box 15900
Rio Rancho, NM 87174
USA
Shipping address:
Lectrosonics, Inc.
581 Laser Rd.
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
USA
World Wide Web: http://www.lectrosonics.com Email: sales@lectrosonics.com
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
13
Page 14
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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