Lectrosonics UMC16b User Manual

RF OUT

12V DC IN
400MA MAX

RF OUT

UMC16B/UMC16BL

Wideband UHF Antenna Multicoupler

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Fill in for your records:

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com

UMC16B

2

LECTROSONICS, INC.

A

IN

Ceramic Resonator

Filter

A OUT

Strip Line

RF Power

Divider

B

IN

Ceramic Resonator

Filter

Low Noise

Amp

Strip Line

RF Power

Divider

Low Noise

Amp

B OUT

Contents

Introduction ..........................................................................3

Block Diagram ......................................................................3

Front and Rear Panels .........................................................4

Antenna Power Jumpers ......................................................4

Antenna Use and Placement ...............................................5

Accessory Antennas ............................................................5

Specifications .......................................................................6

Service and Repair ..............................................................6

Returning Units for Repair ...................................................6

Mailing Address ...................................................................6

Shipping Address .................................................................6

Telephones ...........................................................................6

Warranty..............................................................Back Cover

Introduction

The UMC16B multi-coupler is used to distribute the
signals from two antennas to eight diversity receivers to
minimize the amount of cabling and antennas needed
in multi-channel wireless systems. The design com­bines broad band ceramic filtering with low noise, high
intercept point RF distribution to provide outstanding
performance and flexibility. Up to eight diversity receiv­ers or up to 16 non-diversity receivers can be utilized
across a 230 MHz passband.

The UMC16B can be powered from an external supply,
12 to 18 VDC for mobile applications, or from 90 to 240
VAC for installations using the regulated power supply
furnished with the unit. A locking connector on the rear
panel secures the power connection.

UHF Antenna Multicoupler

The RF signals at the inputs first pass through a ceram­ic filter to block energy above and below the passband.
The signal is then fed to a high current amplifier to ap­ply the gain needed ahead of the splitter. The amplifier
is a high current type with a very high IP3 (third order
intercept) that minimizes intermodulation products.

The amplifier output is then distributed to the output
jacks using a Wilkinson “strip line” RF splitter. Unused
outputs should be terminated with 50 Ohm dummy
loads for maximum performance, however, the splitter
design allows unused jacks to remain un-terminated
with only a slight effect on other channels (+/- 1 to 2 dB
in the level at the outputs).

The unit is housed in a standard 19 inch rack mount as­sembly with rugged connectors.

UMC16B RF Signal Distribution

Rio Rancho, NM

3

UMC16B

RF OUT

12V DC IN
400MA MAX

RF OUT

ANT A

ANT B

UMC16B Front Panel

UMC16B Rear Panel

Antenna B input

50 ohm BNC

RF outputs x 8

50 ohm BNC

Antenna Power Jumpers

NOTE: These jumpers are ONLY to be used when
the Lectrosonics UFM50 or UFM230 filter/amp
modules are being powered from DC on the
antenna input jacks on the UMC16B multicoupler.

For long cable runs between the UMC16B and remote
antennas, gain must be applied at the antenna end of
the coaxial cable to compensate for the loss that oc­curs over the length of the cable run. The Lectrosonics
UFM230 or UFM50 filter/amp module can be placed in
an optimum position close to the antenna and powered
by DC from the UMC16B via the coaxial cable. This
applies the gain before the loss in the coaxial cable run
to maximize the signal to noise ratio. Jumpers at the
antenna inputs on the UMC16B enable the DC power
on the BNC jacks.

1. To enable the DC antenna power, unplug the power
cord and remove the cover (12 screws).

2. Locate the jumpers on the circuit board. When the
jumper is inserted toward the outside of the unit, power
is disabled. Inserted toward the inside of the unit, power
is enabled.

RF outputs x 8

50 ohm BNC

DC power input

12 to 18 VDC

UFM230 UFM230

Long coaxial cable Long coaxial cable

Antenna A input

50 ohm BNC

Antennas

UMC16B

NOTE: If a splitter/combiner is used between the
UFM230 and the UMC16B, it will not pass the DC
power to the antennas.

Triple socket

jumper toward

outside to disable

antenna power

Triple socket

jumper toward

inside to enable

antenna power

Double socket
jumper toward

outside to disable

If tape is present

antenna power

over the socket,

be sure to

replace it after

re-positioning

the jumper

Double socket
jumper toward

inside to enable

antenna power

4

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Antenna Use and Placement

Try to position the antennas so that they are not within
3 or 4 feet of large metal surfaces. It is also good to
maintain a direct “line of sight” between the transmit­ter and the receiver antennas. 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, metal surfaces, etc. and a strong reflec­tion can arrive at the receiver antenna along with the
direct signal. When the direct and reflected signals are
out of phase with each other a cancellation will occur as
the signals mix at the antenna input, resulting in what is
known as a “drop-out.”

At UHF frequencies, a drop-out usually sounds like a
brief noise burst, click, pop, or something similar. In se­vere cases, may result in a complete loss of the carrier
and the sound. A drop-out situation may be either better
or worse as a crowd fills and/or leaves the room, or
when the transmitter and receiver anrtennas are moved
to different locations.

REFLECTIVE SURFACE

UHF Antenna Multicoupler

Diversity receiver designs apply various circuitry to
select or combine two antennas to reduce or eliminate
multipath drop-outs. The antennas must be placed at
least a half wavelength apart to achieve a noticeable
reduction in drop-outs, or better yet, several feet apart
for the maximum benefit.

It is generally best to use two of the same type anten­nas on a diversity receiver, as some designs combine
both antenna signals into a single receiver with a phase
correction between them to maximize the resultant RF
signal. If one antenna signal is significantly stronger
than the other, the signal from the weaker antenna will
do little to prevent multipath drop-outs that occur at the
stronger antenna.

The diagram below depicts a classic multipath drop-out
situation. In some diversity designs, a second antenna
in a different location is selected instead of the first an­tenna, following the logic that a multipath drop-out is not
likely to occur simultaneously at both antennas. Other
designs combine the two antenna signals and control
the phase of one them to make sure they always add to
each to provide a stronger signal.

INDIRECT SIGNAL

DIRECT SIGNAL

TRANSMITTER

PHASE
CANCELLATION

Accessory Antennas

The UMC16B will operate with any 50 ohm antenna
with a BNC connector, provided the antenna is tuned to
the same frequency band. Two unique models are of­fered by Lectrosonics to help optimize recep­tion in any location or installation.

The SNA600 is a versatile, collapsible dipole
antenna that provides a circular coverage pat­tern and a 100 MHz passband. The elements
are tuned to frequency using a scale along
the feed line. A mounting stud and bracket are
included with the unit.

Rio Rancho, NM

DIRECT SIGNAL

INDIRECT SIGNAL

LECTROSONICS

Rio Rancho, New Mexico – U.S.A.

MULTICOUPLER

POWER

The ALP Series
LPDA anten­nas are direc­tional antennas
with 4.5 dB of
gain covering
a broad bandwidth
from 450 to 850 MHz. they
are constructed of FR4 fiberglass in
a rugged assembly and are available in several models:
ALP500, ALP620, and ALP650. Mounting options for all
ALP Series antennas include threaded rods and adapt­ers to fit lighting equipment, tripods, mic stands and
attachment to building surfaces.

5

UMC16B

Specifications

Type: Active RF distribution system with ceramic filtering
Inputs: Two 50 Ohm BNC jack on rear panel
Third order intercept: +27dBm at input
Outputs:
Type: 16 BNC jacks on rear panel. Eight jacks per antenna.
Isolation: 20 dB min, any output to any output

Any output can be open, shorted, or terminated without
affecting other outputs.

Splitter type: Wilkinson 1/4 wave strip-line
Filter passband: UMC16B: 537 to 768 MHz (blocks 21 to 29)

UMC16BL: 470 to 692 MHz (blocks 470 to 26)
(See serial number sticker on side panel for frequency
range of your particular unit.)

Input/Output RF gain: 0 dB nominal
In-Band Ripple: +/-2 dB
Power Requirements: 12 to 16 VDC; overload protection provided by internal auto

resetting poly fuse
Power consumption: Nominally 300 mA at 15V DC
Dimensions: 19 x 7 x 1.75 inches
Weight: 2 lbs., 9ozs.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

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 inter-connecting cords.

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, ship-

ping 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 87124 USA

Shipping Address:

Lectrosonics, Inc.
581 Laser Road
Rio Rancho, NM 87124 USA

Telephone:

TEL: [phone] or
[phone]

FAX: [phone]

Web: http://www.lectrosonics.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

Repair e-mail: [e-mail]

6

LECTROSONICS, INC.

UHF Antenna Multicoupler

Rio Rancho, NM

7

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] • [phone] • fax [phone] • [e-mail]

8 September 2011