Lectrosonics Venue User Manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE

For firmware Ver. 4.0 and higher

Venue Narrowband Receiver

Modular Receiver System with 50 MHz Bandwidth

Fill in for your records:

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Hardware/Software Installation and Configuration

Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com

Venue Narrowband Receiver

2

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Introduction

The Venue is a modular rack mount receiver for use
with a wide variety of transmitters from Lectrosonics
and other manufacturers. Designed for maximum versa­tility and performance, the Venue receiver offers unprec­edented flexibility for reliable operation, even in today’s
increasingly congested RF environments.

A Venue receiver is a “system” that consists of a master
unit and up to six receiver modules. Two different types
of receiver modules are available. The standard module
(VRS) is an excellent choice for fixed installations where
fairly clear RF spectrum is available. The tracking mod­ule (VRT) is a more costly alternative, but its tracking
front-end makes it the better choice for use in congest­ed RF environments. VRpanel software is included to
simplify setup and monitoring.

This guide covers the essential steps and settings
needed to get a Venue system up and running. It covers
the hardware installation, configuration using the LCD
on the master unit, setting up a USB port on the com­puter and installing the VRpanel software.

LecNet2 software runs under Microsoft Windows
XP and VistaTM operating systems.* An online Help in
the software includes a listing of commands used to
control the Venue through the serial ports.

®

2000,

Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. The equip­ment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio com­munications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television recep­tion, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encour­aged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the receiv-

er is connected

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Lectrosonics, Inc.
could void the user’s authority to operate it.

Rio Rancho, NM, USA

    

      

             

        

* Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Vista is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.

3

Venue Narrowband Receiver

4

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Table of Contents

Venue System Controls and Functions................................. 6

Front Panel............................................................................. 6

Rear Panel ............................................................................. 7

Hardware Installation .............................................................. 8

Receiver Modules .................................................................. 8

Rack Installation..................................................................... 8

Audio Outputs ........................................................................ 9

Connections for Computer Interface ...................................... 9

Powering On and Off............................................................. 10

Navigating the LCD Menus and Screens............................. 10

Resetting to Factory Defaults............................................... 11

System Setup with the LCD.................................................. 12

Selecting Compatibility Modes............................................. 12

Selecting the Noise Reduction Mode................................... 12

Selecting Diversity Modes.................................................... 12

Finding Clear Channels with SmartTune ............................. 14

Finding Clear Channels with Tuning Groups........................ 15

Finding Clear ChannelsUsing Full Spectrum Scan.............. 15

Adjusting Audio Output Levels ............................................. 16

Selecting Audio Phase......................................................... 16

Selecting Transmitter Battery Status Monitoring Mode ........ 16

Locking Out the Front Panel Controls .................................. 17

Installing LecNet2

Setting Up the Venue Receiver Using VRpanel ................... 21

Opening VRpanel with USB Port ......................................... 21

Opening VRpanel with a COM Port ..................................... 21

VRpanel Main Window......................................................... 21

Main Window Top Menu Items ............................................. 22

Popup Menu Items............................................................... 22

Antenna Use and Placement ................................................ 25

Powering Remote RF Amplifiers .......................................... 25

Pre-coordinated Frequencies............................................... 26

Compatible Frequency Table................................................ 26

Compatibility Diagram.......................................................... 27

Diagnostics ............................................................................ 28

Multi-channel System Checkout........................................... 28

Pilot Tone Bypass................................................................. 28

Accessories and Common Replacement Parts .................. 29

Remote Antennas ................................................................ 29

Coaxial Cable....................................................................... 29

Coaxial RF Amplifier ............................................................ 29

Common Replacement Parts............................................... 29

Service and Repair ................................................................ 30

Returning Units for Repair ................................................... 30

™

Software and USB Driver .................... 18

Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System

Rio Rancho, NM, USA

5

Venue Narrowband Receiver

Venue System Controls and Functions

Front Panel

Function Button

(labeled by the LCD)

POWER Switch BACK Button

The Venue receiver master unit (VRM) serves as a
“host assembly” for up to six receiver modules. The
standard module (VRS) and tracking module (VRT) can
be mixed and matched in the assembly in any combina­tion to suit the needs of various applications.

The VRM front panel provides an LCD for system setup,
monitoring and troubleshooting. During normal opera­tion, the LCD shows RF and audio levels, diversity
status, pilot tone status (where applicable) and transmit­ter battery status (in certain modes) for all six receivers
at the same time. Individual screens for each receiver
provide additional information and adjustments.

A built-in analyzer scans the tunable spectrum of the
receiver to assist in finding clear operating frequencies.
The spectrum scan data is presented in a graphical
format on the LCD.

POWER Button

Turns the power on and off. A brief press also clears the
spectrum scan data after the spectrum analyzer has
been used. Press and hold the button for a few seconds
to turn the unit off.

Function Button

Used for various functions in selected Setup Screens as
labeled on the LCD.

Receiver Select

Buttons

Receiver Select Buttons

The six Receiver Select Buttons are used to select indi­vidual installed receiver modules, for monitoring via the
PHONES jack and for setup and adjustment.

PUSH FOR MENU/SELECT Rotary Control

This control, called the MENU/SELECT control for

short, is a pushbutton switch and rotary knob used for
navigating and selecting setup menus and screens, and
for selecting parameters within the setup screens.

PHONES Jack and LEVEL Control

The LEVEL control is used to adjust the output level
of the front panel PHONES jack for individual chan­nel monitoring. It does not affect the output levels at
the rear panel XLR jacks. Only the audio from a single
receiver (or a diversity pair) selected via the Receiver
Select Buttons will be present at this jack.

The PHONES jack can also used as an audio output for
recording when using the Walk Test Recorder.

PUSH FOR

MENU/SELECT PHONES Jack

Rotary Control

      

NOTE: An explanation of the Walk Test Recorder
is presented in the section entitled Setting Up the
Venue Receiver Using VRpanel.

Headphone LEVEL Control

BACK Button

The Back Button is used to return to the previous menu
or setup screen.

LCD Screen

The LCD is a backlit, graphics-type Liquid Crystal Dis­play used to set up and monitor system operation.

6

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System

Rear Panel

Modules 4-6 Port Modules 1-3

Balanced Audio

Outputs 4-6

Receiver RS-232 USB Port Receiver

Power Input

Multicoupler Outputs

The rear panel provides six balanced XLR audio out­puts, antenna inputs, “loop thru” antenna outputs from
an internal multicoupler, a power jack with a locking
connector, plus USB and RS-232 serial ports for setup
and control.

Receiver Modules

Up to six receiver modules can be installed in each
Venue receiver rack mount chassis. Spring tensioned
clips retain the receiver modules to maintain secure
connections with the host assembly.

XLR Audio Output Jacks

Six balanced XLR audio output jacks connect the Venue
receiver to external equipment. By default, pin 2 is au­dio pos (+). The polarity of each output can be reversed
in the LCD setup menus or with the software.

Power Input Jack

The receiver is powered from +10 VDC to +18 VDC,
with the center pin of the connector positive (+). The
input is diode protected to prevent damage if the power
is accidentally applied with reversed polarity.

RS-232 Port

A serial RS-232 interface is provided for setup and
control of the Venue System from computers or other
devices using industry standard RS-232 communication
links.

Antenna Inputs

Antenna Input Jacks

The two outermost BNC connectors are provided for
use with right-angle whip antennas, cables from remote
antennas, or cables from another Venue receiver. DC
voltage can be supplied on these connectors from an
internal source to power remote RF amplifiers. The
power is enabled with jumpers on the circuit board. See
the section on Antenna Use and Placement for details.

Multicoupler Output Jacks

The built-in antenna multicoupler provides RF distribu­tion for the six receiver modules and a “loop thru” output
at the same level to deliver the RF signal to another
Venue receiver. The second receiver can then feed a
third receiver and so on, to create a “stack” that oper­ates with a single pair of antennas. The result is very
efficient use of rack space and a cost savings by not
having to purchase a separate antenna multicoupler.

USB Port

Standard USB Version 1.1 port for setup and control of
the receiver from computer systems using Windows
2000, XP or VistaTM operating systems.

Balanced Audio

Outputs 1-3

Note: Venue receivers with a 50 MHz bandwidth
must be on the same frequency blocks to use the
antenna loop through.

®

Rio Rancho, NM, USA

7

IN

OUT

1

2

1 2 1

2

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

IN USB OUT

ANTENNA B

1

2 1 2 1

2

RS-232

6

5

4

3

3 3

3 2 1

3

3 3

Venue Narrowband Receiver

Front panel

10.5-18VDC

RS-232

6

5

4

LINK 2

3 2 1

IN USB IN

OUT

OUT

ANTENNA A

LINK 1

LINK 3

1

3

2

1

3

2

1

3

2

ANTENNA B

1

3

2 1

3

2

1

3

2

10.5-18VDC

RS-232

6

5

4

LINK 2

3 2 1

IN USB IN

OUT

OUT

ANTENNA A

LINK 1

LINK 3

1

3

2

1

3

2

1

3

2

ANTENNA B

1

3

2 1

3

2

1

3

2

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

Hardware Installation

Receiver Modules

VRS and VRT receiver modules can be mixed in the
same chassis, For ratio diversity operation, both mod­ules in the pair must be on the same frequency block
and positioned in the assembly in keeping with the
OPTI-BLEND labeling on top of the chassis housing.

All modules must be within the frequency passband of
the host assembly. Frequency blocks are marked on the
receiver module and chassis housings.

Installing Receiver Modules

1. Turn the power off.

The receiver modules interface with the main as­sembly through multi-pin connectors on either side
of the chassis. Insert the module straight down and
then slide it toward the main housing to insert the
connector pins. The module should sit flush against
the side of the housing.

Rack Installation

1. Mount the receiver(s) in the desired rack location(s).
There are no special ventilation requirements.

2. Connect the antennas or coaxial cables to the
antenna input connectors (outermost) on the rear
panel.

Note: The frequency bandwidth of the antennas
must cover the range of the modules in use.

3. For multiple unit installations, a “loop thru” is avail­able to feed two or three receivers from a single
antenna pair. Connect coaxial cables from the mul­ticoupler outputs on the first receiver to the antenna
inputs on the next receiver in the stack.

The outermost connectors are the inputs connected
to the antennas on the first unit in the stack. The
innermost connectors are the outputs that feed the
next assembly in the rack.

Retaining

clips

Caution: Make sure the connectors align
correctly. Do not force the module onto the tab.
Excessive force may damage the connectors.

2. Align the ridge on the retaining clip with the slot in
the chassis and press the clip downward until the
ridge snaps into the slot in the side panel.

Removing Receiver Modules

1. Turn the power off.

2. Remove the retaining clip by pressing on it side-

ways to release it from the slot in the side panel.
Then pull upward to remove it.

3. Pull outward on the module to release the connec­tor and then lift it upward out of the chassis. Holes
in the underside of the chassis allow you to grip the
module on the top and bottom.

8

4. Plug the power supply into a suitable outlet and
plug the power connector into the Power Input Jack.

5. Turn down the audio inputs on all the externally
connected equipment, then connect cables to the
appropriate Audio Output XLR Jacks.

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System

Venue

Audio

Output

Input

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

1

2

12 1

2

1

2 121

2

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

3

3 3

3

3 3

2

6

5

4

RS-232

3 2 1

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

(+)

3

(+)

(-)

1

(-)

SHIELD

SHIELD

Balanced with 3-wire cable

2

(+)

(+)

(-)

3

1

USB Hub

SHIELD

SHIELD

Unbalanced with 3-wire cable

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

1

2

12 1

2

1

2 121

2

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

3

3 3

3

3 3

2

6

5

4

RS-232

3 2 1

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

(+)

(+)

3

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

1

2

12 1

2

1

2 121

2

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

(-)

3

3 3

3

3 3

6

5

4

RS-232

3 2 1

1

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

SHIELD

SHIELD

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

1

2

12 1

2

1

2 121

2

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

3

3 3

3

3 3

6

5

4

RS-232

3 2 1

Unbalanced with 2-wire cable

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

1

2

12 1

2

1

2 121

2

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

3

3 3

3

3

3

6

4

RS-232

2

5

3

1

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

1

2

12 1

2

1

2 121

2

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

3

3 3

3

3

3

5

3

1

6

4

RS-232

2

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

Audio Outputs Connections for Computer Interface

Balanced XLR audio outputs on the rear panel can be Connection to a computer can be made via USB or
used to drive balanced or unbalanced inputs at line RS-232 ports. Multiple units are easily connected using
level on any type of mixer, recorder or other type of a USB hub.
audio equipment.

Note: When the modules are paired for diversity
operation, the audio will appear at both XLR jacks
associated with the module pair.

The pinouts and wiring are as follows:

NOTE: Audio is not passed through these ports.
They are used only for control and monitoring.

A single receiver connects directly to the computer.

Multiple receivers can be conveniently connected
through a USB hub. VRpanel software allows panes to
be added to the control panel main window to commu­nicate with all receivers simultaneously.

NOTE: Convenient ethernet to RS-232 interfaces
are available from Extron
Visit: www.extron.com and search for “IPL T” on
the home page.

Extron

Rio Rancho, NM, USA

®

is a registered trademark of Extron Electronics.

®

Electronics.*

One or more Venue receivers can also be con­nected via multiple RS-232 ports on PC­MCIA cards and remote control systems.

Com 1

Com 2

9

Venue Narrowband Receiver

Powering On and Off

When the Venue receiver is first powered up the LCD
will show the firmware revision and the tuning range
of the host assembly for a few seconds as the boot
sequence begins.

To turn the power off, press and hold the red power
switch for several seconds. The LCD will display a mes­sage briefly then power down.

The receiver modules are then detected, which takes a
few seconds.

When detection is complete, the LCD will briefly display
the frequency blocks of the installed modules.

At the end of the boot sequence the LCD changes to an
overview screen of all six channels.

In this example of the overview screen, six receiver
modules are installed, but no transmitters are in use.

During operation, the overview screen will display the
following information for the channels in use:

 

• Audio level

 

• RF level

   

• Diversity antenna phase activity

  

• Pilot tone status

  

• Transmitter battery status

Diversity activity

Audio level

(in switched mode)

Navigating the LCD Menus
and Screens

Front panel controls provide access to screens and
menus for setup. The Function Button, Back Button, Re-

      

ceiver Select buttons and the MENU/SELECT control

are used to make selections and adjust parameters.

Function Button (labeled by the LCD)

Back Button Receiver Select MENU/SELECT

The overview screen displays a summary of all six
channels, as shown above. This is a good starting point
for navigating to any menu or setup screen. Pressing
the BACK button repeatedly from any menu or screen
will eventually return to this overview screen.

From the overview screen, pressing one of the six
Receiver Select Buttons will switch to the detail screen
for the associated receiver module to display all current
settings, levels and status.

Receiver Module Operating

Location Frequency

Buttons 1-6 Control

Pilot Tone Transmitter Frequency

Monitoring Status Select Switch Settings

No module

installed in

channel 6

Pilot tone status RF level

Transmitter

battery gauge

In this example, channels 1 and 4 are being used; chan­nels 2, 3 and 4 have a receiver module installed, but the
matching transmitters are not turned on. Channel 6 has
no receiver module installed.

10

RF Signal

Strength

Antenna Phase

Transmitter

Battery Gauge

Tuning Mode

TV Channel

Audio Level Meter

LECTROSONICS, INC.