Lectrosonics VR Field User Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
VR Field Wideband Receiver
Modular Receiver System with 230 MHz Bandwidth
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Hardware/Software Installation and Configuration
Includes three versions:
• Wideband (blocks 21 through 29)
• Wideband Low (blocks 470 through 26)
• Wideband High (blocks 25 through 29)
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
VR Field Wideband Receiver
2
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................................5
Unpacking the unit ................................................................................................................................................................................5
Controls and Functions .........................................................................................................................................................................6
Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Rear Panel ............................................................................................................................................................................................7
Hardware Installation .............................................................................................................................................................................8
Installing/Removing Receiver Modules .................................................................................................................................................8
Installing the VR Field System ..............................................................................................................................................................8
Initial Startup ........................................................................................................................................................................................10
Navigating the LCD Menus and Screens ............................................................................................................................................11
Resetting to Factory Defaults ..............................................................................................................................................................12
System Setup with the LCD .................................................................................................................................................................12
Selecting Compatibility Modes ............................................................................................................................................................12
Selecting the Noise Reduction Mode ..................................................................................................................................................12
Selecting Diversity Modes ...................................................................................................................................................................13
Selecting the Tuning Mode .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Finding Clear Frequencies with SmartTune ........................................................................................................................................15
Finding Clear ChannelsUsing Full Spectrum Scan ............................................................................................................................. 15
Adjusting Audio Output Levels ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
Selecting Audio Phase ........................................................................................................................................................................17
Selecting Transmitter Battery Status Monitoring Mode .......................................................................................................................17
Locking Out the Front Panel Controls .................................................................................................................................................18
Installing LecNet2
Setting Up the Venue Receiver Using VRpanel ..................................................................................................................................22
Opening VRpanel with USB Port ........................................................................................................................................................22
Opening VRpanel with a COM Port ....................................................................................................................................................22
VRpanel Main Window ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Main Window Top Menu Items ............................................................................................................................................................23
Popup Menu Items ..............................................................................................................................................................................23
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 ...................................................................................................................................19
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.
Vista is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.
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VR Field Wideband Receiver
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:
• Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna
• Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentandreceiver
• Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferentfromthatwhichthereceiv-
er is connected
• Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnicianforhelp
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Lectrosonics, Inc.
could void the user’s authority to operate it.
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
Introduction
Introduction
The Venue Wideband receiver is a modular rack mount
design for use with a wide variety of transmitters from
Lectrosonics and other manufacturers. Designed for
maximum versatility and performance, the wideband
design offers the flexibility needed in today’s changing
and 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.
Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System
A basic VR Field System package includes:
1 DCR15/1A6U Power Supply w/21499 Power Cord
1 MC65 1/4” TRS (stereo) plug to 3.5mm TRS
(stereo) plug; 10 ft. long
1 P1214 Battery Slot Cover
1 P1215 Battery Rain Shroud
1 21529-1 DB9-TRS stereo mini cable (BLACK) for
Windows® computer system
1 21710-1 DB9-TRS stereo mini cable (RED) for
AMX or Crestron control system
1 21713 USB cable
6 35908 Stick-on Battery Handles
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,
VistaTM and Windows 7 operating systems.* An online
Help in the software includes a listing of commands
used to control the Venue through the serial ports.
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
1 VRFIELD Instruction Manual
1 CD-ROM with LecNet2™ software and
documentation in Adobe Acrobat PDF files
NOTE: Receiver modules sold separately. NP type
battery sold by other manufacturers.
5
VR Field Wideband Receiver
Controls and Functions
Front Panel
POWER Switch
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.
Function Button
(labeled by the LCD)
BACK Button
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.
PUSH FOR
MENU/SELECT
Rotary Control
Headphone
LEVEL Control
PHONES Jack
Receiver Select
Buttons
Battery
Compartment
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.
NOTE: An explanation of the Walk Test Recorder
is presented in the section entitled Setting Up the
Venue Receiver Using VRpanel.
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.
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LECTROSONICS, INC.
Rear Panel
Receiver Modules 4-6
(under lower cover)
Balanced Audio
Outputs 4-6
Power Input
Port
Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System
Antenna Inputs
Multicoupler Outputs
Balanced Audio
Outputs 1-3
USB PortRS-232
Receiver Modules 1-3
(under lower cover)
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 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.
Note: Venue receivers with a 50 MHz bandwidth
must be on the same frequency block to use the
antenna loop through.
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.
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
7
VR Field Wideband Receiver
Hardware Installation
Installing/Removing Receiver Modules
Up to six Receiver Modules can be installed in a VRF
chassis. These modules may be installed at the factory
or added later.
Although the VR Field System is quite flexible, any combination of Receiver Modules installed must be within
the frequency block range of the VRF chassis. The
frequency block range of the VRF chassis is displayed
during the PowerUp Sequence.
Frequency Block Range
Bottom View of the Chassis
VRF Front Panel
VRF Rear Panel
Removing Receiver Modules
1. Ensure the VR Field System is turned off and the
power source has been disconnected.
Installing Receiver Modules
1. Ensure the VR Field System is turned off and the
power source has been disconnected. Slide the
Receiver Module Connector firmly onto the Receiver Module Tab.
Caution: Do not force the Receiver Module
onto the Receiver Module Tab. If the module
does not seat properly, look to see if its
position is a little off. Excessive force may
damage the module’s connector or the
Receiver Module Tab.
2. Install a Receiver Module Retaining Clip between
the rear of the Receiver Module and the Module
Tab. Ensure this clip is firmly snapped into place.
Receiver Modules
2. Remove the Retaining Clip and slide the module
outward off the connecting tab and remove it from
the chassis.
Installing the VR Field System
The VR Field Receiver is designed for portable use, as
in a bag system.
1. Position the unit for easy access to the panel controls and connections. There are no special ventilation requirements.
2. Connect the antennas (or antenna cables if remote
antennas are being used) to the antenna input connectors on the rear panel of the VRF.
Receiver Module
Retaining Clips
8
Receiver Module Tabs
Receiver Module
Connectors
Antenna
Inputs
Coaxial Cables
3. For multiple unit installations, connect coaxial patch
cables from the Antenna A and B OUT jacks on the
rear panel of the first unit to the Antenna A and B IN
jacks on the second unit. An additional unit can be
connected to the second unit in the same manner.
Note: All units connected in this manner must be on the same
frequency block.
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Digital Hybrid Wireless™ Modular Receiver System
Typical Lectrosonics
Antenna Combinations
ALP Series
A500RA
NOTE: Frequencies of the receiver modules
must be within the range of whip antennas and
the SNA600 dipole. The ALP Series antennas are
wideband designs that cover the entire range.
(Not Supplied)
Audio Output Wiring Diagrams
SNA600
Typical USB Hookup for Single VR Field System
Coaxial
Patch Cables
Antenna Inputs
4. Insert a charged battery into the front panel, or plug
the VR Field power supply into a suitable outlet
and plug the power connector into the Power Input
Jack (unscrew the power connector that goes to the
battery). Repeat for each VR Field 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 VR Field 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 VRF and the computer system or a USB hub
connected to the computer system.
7. Refer to “Setting Up the VR Field System via the
USB Port”.
RS-232 Port USB Port on VR Field
System Rear Panel
USB Port on
Computer System
Typical USB Hookup for Multiple VR Field Systems
ANTENNA A
2
1
3
6
LINK 3
2
1
3
6
LINK 3
10-18VDC
2
2
1
1
3
3
5
4
RS-232
10-18VDC
2
2
1
1
3
3
5
4
RS-232
IN
ANTENNA A
IN
ANTENNA B
OUT
OUT
LINK 2
2
2
1
USB
IN
3
321
2
1
1
3
3
LINK 1
USB Port
on VR FIeld
System Rear
Panel
ANTENNA B
OUT
OUT
LINK 2
2
2
1
USB
IN
3
321
2
1
1
3
3
LINK 1
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
Audio Output XLR Jacks
USB Hub
USB Port on
Computer
System
9
VR Field Wideband Receiver
Initial Startup
When the Venue receiver is first powered up the LCD
will show the firmware revision and the tuning range of
the host assembly. The wideband version of the VRM
covers the entire 230 MHz bandwidth of frequency
blocks 21 through 29.
As the boot sequence continues, the display will switch
to an overview of all six receiver channels. In this example, six receiver modules are installed but no transmitters are turned on. In this case the “P” will be blinking
since no pilot tone is detected.
The wideband Venue receiver is different than the 50
MHz version in that the receiver modules are detected
through a manual process rather than automatically at
boot up. Press the MENU/SELECT control and rotate it
to select “Detect” on the menu.
The display then switches to the overview of all six
channels.
Any slot that is not occupied by a module will leave a
blank space in the overview display.
If a module in any position has been removed, changed
or added since the last use, the LCD will flash a message advising that the Detect process needs to be run
again.
In normal operation with all six channels running, the
overview display will include:
• Audiolevel
• RFlevel
• Diversityantennaphaseactivity
• Pilottonestatus
• Transmitterbatterystatus
Audio level
Pilot tone status
Press the MENU/SELECT control to launch the detection process.
It takes about 45 seconds to detect all the modules and
update the memory in the host assembly. Once completed, the LCD will briefly display the results showing
the frequencies of the installed modules.
If a slot is not occupied by a module, the display will
place an “X” in that position.
RF level Transmitter
battery status
Once the initial startup is complete, go to the next
section of this manual for details on setup and
configuration options.
Diversity activity
(in Switched mode)
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.
10
LECTROSONICS, INC.
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