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RF OUT
12V DC IN
400MA MAX
RF OUT
UMC16B
UHF Antenna Multicouplers
Includes updated models:
UMC16B
UMC16BL
UMC16B-A1B1
UMC16B-941
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
(all models same appearance except for front panel engraving)
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
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UMC16B
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
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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
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................ 3
Antenna Use and Placement ................................................ 5
Accessory Antennas ............................................................. 5
Specifications ........................................................................ 6
Service and Repair ................................................................ 6
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.
Various models are available, covering different frequency bands in the UHF spectrum.
The UMC16B can be powered from an external supply,
10 to 18 VDC for mobile applications, or from 100 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
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UMC16B
ANT A
ANT B
RF OUT
12V DC IN
400MA MAX
RF OUT
Long coaxial cable
UMC16B
Antennas
Remote
RF amp
Splitter/Combiner
Power
Supply
or
BIAS-T
Long coaxial cable
Remote
RF amp
Splitter/Combiner
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 to
power the RF amp in a Lectrosonics UFM Series
filter/amp module or ALP Series Active LPDA
antenna through the coaxial cable
For long cable runs between the UMC16B and remote
RF amplifiers, 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. This applies the gain before the loss in the coaxial cable run
to maximize the signal to noise ratio. The filter/amp
modules can be placed in an optimum position close
to the antenna and powered by DC from the UMC16B
via the coaxial cable. Jumpers at the antenna inputs
on the multicoupler apply DC voltage on the coaxial
cable to power the filter/amp modules and active LPDA
antennas.
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
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
antenna power
Double socket jumper
toward inside to enable
antenna power
Antenna A input
50 ohm BNC
4
NOTE: If a splitter/combiner is used
between the remote device and the
multicoupler, DC power will not pass
through to the antennas. In this case, a
power supply or BIAS-T is needed for the
active antenna or filter/amp.
LECTROSONICS, INC.
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Antenna Use and Placement
TRANSMITTER
CANCELLATION
REFLECTIVE SURFACE
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 “multipath drop-out.”
At UHF frequencies, a drop-out usually sounds like a
brief noise burst, click, pop, or something similar. In
severe cases, it 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 antennas
are moved to different locations.
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 several feet apart for the
maximum benefit. It is generally best to use two antennas of the same type for diversity reception, especially
with phase combining diversity designs.
Diversity reception works largely because it is unlikely
that drop-outs will occur simultaneously at two antennas that are spaced more than a half wavelength
apart. Ratio and phase combining designs add the
antenna signals together which provides a stronger
signal to the receiver when both antennas are somewhat weak.
The diagram below depicts a classic multipath dropout situation. The drawing is simplified to illustrate the
concept of phase cancellation. In reality, indoors or
with nearby reflective surfaces like metal buildings and
vehicles, both antennas receive multiple direct and
reflected signals.
INDIRECT SIGNAL
DIRECT SIGNAL
5
5
A
A
623.400
623.400
-40
-40
-20
-20
0
0
PHASE
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. The SNA600a model
shown here is a versatile, collapsible dipole antenna
that provides a circular coverage pattern and a 100
MHz passband. The elements are tuned to frequency by
adjusting the length of the radials according to a scale
printed along the feed line.
The antenna is supplied in a kit that includes a mounting stud, hardware and bracket. The machined aluminum mounting block provides tapped holes for a
microphone stand or 3/8-16 thread, and can be rotated
in 90 degree increments. The supplied bracket can be
bent into a variety of shapes for mounting on horizontal
or vertical surfaces.
DIRECT SIGNAL
INDIRECT SIGNAL
LECTROSONICS
Rio Rancho, New Mexico – U.S.A.
MULTICOUPLER
POWER
Rio Rancho, NM
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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)
UMC16B-A1B1: 470 to 615 MHz (bands A1, B1)
UMC16B-941: 941 to 960 MHz (block 941)
(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
Temperature Range: -20C to +50C
Power Requirements: 10 to18 VDC; overload protection provided by internal auto
resetting poly fuse
Power consumption: Nominally 500 mA at 15V DC
Dimensions: 19 x 7.1 x 1.75 inches (487 x 180 x 45 mm)
Weight: 3.2 lbs.; 1.45 kg.
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 cables.
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.
Lectrosonics USA:
Mailing address: Shipping address:
Lectrosonics, Inc. Lectrosonics, Inc.
PO Box 15900 581 Laser Rd.
Rio Rancho, NM 87174 Rio Rancho, NM 87124
USA USA
Telephone:
(505) 892-4501
(800) 821-1121 Toll-free
(505) 892-6243 Fax
Web: E-mail:
www.lectrosonics.com sales@lectrosonics.com
Lectrosonics Canada:
Mailing Address:
720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 600
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2T9
Canada
Telephone:
(416) 596-2202
(877) 753-2876 Toll-free
(877-7LECTRO)
(416) 596-6648 Fax
E-mail:
Sales: colinb@lectrosonics.com
Service: joeb@lectrosonics.com
6
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Page 7
UHF Antenna Multicoupler
Rio Rancho, NM
7
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m
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.co
19 December 2018
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