Lectrosonics Venue 3.9 User Manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE

For firmware up to Ver. 3.9

Venue 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

2

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Introduction

The Venue Narrowband receiver host assembly is a
modular rack mount, DSP-based wireless receiver for
use with a wide variety of transmitters from Lectroson­ics and other manufacturers. Versatility and perfor­mance are at the core of the design, with configurations
and options to address an increasingly congested RF
environment. The narrowband filters used in the multi­coupler provide additional suppression of RF energy on
adjacent channels.

This guide covers the essential steps and settings
needed to get a Venue system up and running. It cov­ers the hardware installation and configuration using
the LCD interface on the receiver, plus the procedures
for configuring a USB port and installing the supplied
LecNet software. The software

Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System

A detailed online Help utility is provided in the software
GUI to assist in the setup and operation of the Venue
System using the USB interface and a Windows

®

2000,
XP or Vista operating system. In addition, the Help util­ity includes a complete listing of the VR General Com­mands, which are used to setup and operate the Venue
System via external devices using either the USB or
RS232 serial port.

Table of Contents

Venue System Controls and Functions................................................................................................................................................4

Front Panel............................................................................................................................................................................................4

Front Panel Controls and Functions......................................................................................................................................................4

Rear Panel ............................................................................................................................................................................................5

Rear Panel Features............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Hardware Installation .............................................................................................................................................................................6

Installing/Removing Receiver Modules................................................................................................................................................. 6

Rack Installation....................................................................................................................................................................................6

Audio Outputs .......................................................................................................................................................................................7

Bootup and Powering Off ......................................................................................................................................................................8

Setup and Configuration Using LCD ....................................................................................................................................................9

Resetting to Factory Defaults................................................................................................................................................................9

System Setup Checklist ........................................................................................................................................................................9

Select Compatibility Modes...................................................................................................................................................................9

Select Diversity Modes .......................................................................................................................................................................10

Find Clear Channels ...........................................................................................................................................................................11

Installing LecNet2

Installing LecNet2

Setting Up the VR System Via USB Port.............................................................................................................................................17

Opening VRpanel................................................................................................................................................................................17

VRpanel Main Window........................................................................................................................................................................17

Antenna Use and Placement ...............................................................................................................................................................20

Phantom Power.....................................................................................................................................................................................20

Pre-coordinated Frequencies.............................................................................................................................................................. 21

Frequency Compatibility Chart............................................................................................................................................................21

Compatible Frequencies Table ............................................................................................................................................................ 21

Frequency Compatibility Diagram....................................................................................................................................................... 22

Multi-channel System Checkout..........................................................................................................................................................23

Accessories and Common Replacement Parts .................................................................................................................................24

Remote Antennas ...............................................................................................................................................................................24

Coaxial Cable......................................................................................................................................................................................24

Passive Combiner/Splitter...................................................................................................................................................................24

Common Replacement Parts.............................................................................................................................................................. 24

Service and Repair ...............................................................................................................................................................................25

Returning Units for Repair ..................................................................................................................................................................25

™

Software and USB Driver ................................................................................................................................... 14

™

Software .............................................................................................................................................................. 14

Rio Rancho, NM

3

Venue

Venue System Controls and Functions

Front Panel

(enables functions shown on LCD)

Function Button

Headphone LEVEL Control

POWER Button

BACK Button

Front Panel Controls and Functions

The Venue System consists of a VRM master assembly
and one to six individual receiver modules. The VRM
front panel provides an easy-to-use LCD interface 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 headphone jack and level control is used for individu­al channel monitoring.

POWER Button

The POWER On/Off button is also used to clear the
LCD when the Scan Mode spectrum analyzer is used.

Holding the POWER button in for a few seconds turns
the unit off.

Function Button

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

LCD Screen

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

PHONES Jack

Receiver Select

Buttons

PUSH FOR

MENU/SELECT

Rotary Control

PUSH FOR MENU/SELECT Rotary Control

The MENU/SELECT control is a dual function knob
for navigating and selecting Setup Menus or Setup
Screens, and for setting parameters within the Setup
Screens.

LEVEL Control

The LEVEL control is used to adjust the output level of
the front panel PHONES jack.

PHONES Jack

The stereo PHONES jack is provided for monitoring the
audio output of selected receivers. Only the audio from
a single receiver (or a diversity pair) selected via the
Receiver Select Buttons will be present at this jack at
any given time.

Receiver Select Buttons

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

BACK Button

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

4

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Rear Panel

Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System

Antenna Inputs

Receiver

Modules 4-6

RS-232

Port

Multicoupler Outputs

Rear Panel Features

The rear panel provides six balanced XLR audio out­puts, two 50 Ohm BNC antenna inputs, two 50 Ohm
BNC antenna outputs from an internal multicoupler, a
power jack with a locking connector, with USB and RS­232 serial ports for setup and control.

Power Input Jack

The power input jack accepts +10 VDC to +18 VDC
(center pin is positive and sleeve is ground). The input
is diode protected to prevent damage if the power is ac­cidentally applied with reversed polarity. The unit will not
operate until the correct polarity is restored.

Receiver Modules

Up to six receiver modules in two rows of three can be
installed in each VRM. Spring loaded Receiver Module
Retainer Clips ensure module connections are main­tained during transport and installation.

XLR Audio Output Jacks

Six balanced XLR audio output jacks connect the
Venue System to external equipment. The default value
for receiver audio output is XLR pin 2 “in phase” with
regard to the audio signal from the transmitter. This can
be reversed for each receiver using the LCD or control
software.

Note: Audio phase is reversed by some wiring
schemes for lavalier microphones on belt pack
transmitters.

Receiver

USB Port

Modules 1-3

Serial 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 Input Jacks

Two BNC input connectors are provided for right-angle
whip antennas, cables from remote antennas, or cables
from another VRM. An internal mulitcoupler ensures the
RF is applied equally to all installed Receiver Modules
and also to the Antenna Output Jacks.

Multicoupler (antenna) Output Jacks

The built-in antenna multicoupler provides RF distribu­tion for the six receiver modules and a “loop thru” output
to deliver the RF to another Venue receiver. The sec­ond receiver can then feed a third receiver to create a
“stack” that operates with a single pair of antennas. The
result is very efficient use of rack space.

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

USB Port

Standard USB Version 1.1 port for setup and control of
the VRM from computer systems using Windows® 2000,
XP or Vista.

Rio Rancho, NM

5

IN USB IN

OUT

OUT

1

2

1 2 1

2

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

1

2 1 2 1

2

RS-232

6

5

4

3

3 3

3 2 1

3

3 3

Venue

Front panel

LINK 2

LINK 3

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 1

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

IN USB IN

OUT

OUT

1

2

1 2 1

2

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

1

2 1 2 1

2

RS-232

6

5

4

3

3 3

3 2 1

3

3 3

Hardware Installation

Installing/Removing Receiver Modules

VRS and VRT receiver modules can be mixed in one
VRM 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
labeling on top of the chassis housing.

With the 50 MHz bandwidth version, all modules must
also be within the passband of the VRM assembly fre­quency blocks are marked on the housings.

Installing Receiver Modules

1. Turn the power off first.

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

The Venue Receiver is designed for standard rack
mount installation. Each VRM chassis occupies a single
rack space.

1. Physically install the VRM(s) in the desired
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 of the VRM.

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

3. For multiple unit installations, connect coaxial
cables from the antenna outputs the first VRM to
the antenna inputs on the next unit 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.

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 on the chassis.

Removing Receiver Modules

1. Turn the power off first.

2. Remove the retaining clips by pressing sideways to

rotate the clip until it releases from the slot in the
metal 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.

6

4. Plug the VR power supply into a suitable outlet and
plug the power connector into the Power Input Jack.
Repeat for each Venue System being installed.

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

6. If the Venue System is to be set up using a com­puter system using a USB interface, connect a USB
cable between the USB connector on the rear panel
of the VRM and the computer system or a USB hub
connected to the computer system.

7. Refer to “Setting Up the Venue System via the USB
Port.”

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System

Venue

Audio

Output

Input

2

(+)

3

(+)

(-)

1

(-)

SHIELD

SHIELD

Balanced with 3-wire cable

2

(+)

(+)

(-)

3

1

SHIELD

SHIELD

Unbalanced with 3-wire cable

2

(+)

3

(+)

(-)

1

SHIELD

SHIELD

Unbalanced with 2-wire cable

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

1

2

1 2 1

2

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

1

2

1 2 1

2

3

3 3

3

3 3

6

5

LINK 3

4

RS-232

LINK 2

3 2 1

LINK 1

USB Hub

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

1

2

121

2

1

2 121

2

3

3 3

3

3 3

6

5

4

RS-232

3 2 1

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

1

2

121

2

1

2 121

2

3

3 3

3

3 3

6

5

4

RS-232

3 2 1

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

10.5-18VDC
ANTENNA A

ANTENNA B

IN

OUT

OUT IN USB

1

2

121

2

1

2 121

2

3

3 3

3

3 3

6

5

4

RS-232

3 2 1

LINK 3

LINK 2

LINK 1

Audio Outputs

Balanced XLR audio outputs on the rear panel can be
used to drive balanced or unbalanced inputs at line
level on any type of mixer, recorder or other type of
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:

USB Connection for Computer Interface

A direct connection is made between the computer and
the rear panel USB connector on a single Venue for
setup and control.

Multiple Venue assemblies can be connected through a
USB hub with an individual on-screen control panel for
each receiver.

Rio Rancho, NM

7

Venue

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. The narrowband version of the
VRM covers a 50 MHz bandwidth, which includes two
adjacent frequency blocks. The firmware in the narrow­band version launches a boot sequence automatically
to detect the installed modules.

The receiver will automatically start the detection se­quence to identify the modules installed.

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

Once the initial startup is complete, go to the next
section of this manual for details on setup and
configuration options.

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

Receiver Detail Screen

Pressing one of the six front panel buttons below the
LCD will pop up the Detail screen for the corresponding
receiver to show all current settings, levels and status.

Pilot Tone Transmitter Frequency

Monitoring Status Select Switch Settings

Receiver Module

Location

Operating

Frequency

At the end of the boot sequence the LCD displays an
overview of all six channels.

In normal operation with all six channels running, the
overview display will include:

 

• Audio level

 

• RF level

   

• Diversity antenna phase activity

  

• Pilot tone status

  

• Transmitter battery status

Relative Audio Level

1 2 3 4 5 6

Pilot Tone

Monitoring

Status

Battery Monitor

Overview Screen

Individual Receivers

Antenna Phase

Relative RF Signal Strength

RF Signal

Strength

Antenna Phase

Battery Monitor

Receiver Detail Screen

Tuning Mode

TV Channel

Audio Level Meter

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

8

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System

Setup and Configuration Using LCD

The front panel knob, buttons and LCD enable complete
complete system setup for all operating parameters.

Resetting to Factory Defaults

Resetting to Factory Defaults can be a time saver for
setting up the system. Start with the power turned off,
then hold Receiver Select buttons 5 and 6 while power­ing up the system.

Receiver Select

POWER Switch

The Factory Default Settings are:

Level

Phase

TxBatt

SmartNR

PilotBP

Compat

Tuning

DivMode

LockSet

+00 dBu

NORMAL

9V ALK

NORMAL

NORMAL

Dig. Hybrid

NORMAL MODE

Switched

NOT LOCKED

Buttons 5 and 6

Select Compatibility Modes

Five compatibility modes are available for each receiver
module to match various transmitter types:

Mode LCD Appearance

Digital Hybrid HYB

Mode 3 M.3

200 Series 200

100 Series 100

IFB IFB

Mode 6 M6

The Compatibility Mode for each receiver module must
match the transmitter associated with that module.

1. To set a receiver’s compatibility mode,
navigate to the Compat Setup Screen.

2. Select the receiver to adjust with the button
under the LCD.

3. Rotate the MENU/SELECT control to
display the desired Compatibility Mode. An
abbreviation for the mode selected will appear
in the LCD for each receiver.

System Setup Checklist

Several mandatory settings are required before the Ven­ue will begin working. It is generally best to complete
these steps in the sequence shown.

  

• Select compatibility modes

  

• Select diversity modes

      

• Find clear channels and set transmitters to

match the receivers

   

• Adjust audio output level

Additional settings are used for fine tuning, diagnostics
and control panel lockout, a final walk test is always a
good idea.

  

• Audio signal phase

  

• Transmitter battery type

  

• Pilot tone bypass

  

• Control panel lockout

   

• Smart Noise Reduction mode

 

• Walk test

Compatibility Mode

4. Continue for all receivers installed.

Shortcut

With the parameter screen showing, press and hold
the button under the selected receiver. Then press
the buttons under the other receivers that are to
receive the same parameter. The LCD will update to
confirm the parameters have been copied.

Rio Rancho, NM

9