SABINE SW60, SW65 Users Manual
Remote Control Operation
Fig. 13d - All Channel View (after right-clicking
and selecting Ratio).
13.4. Remote Control Operation
13.4.1. Two Views, Two Sets of Controls
The default main screen appears as shown in figure 13c.
The top portion of the screen
(above the “Active Channels”
bar and two arrow buttons) is
the Command View, showing
details and allowing parameter
adjustments for a single receiver channel at a time.
The bottom portion (below
“Active Channels”) is the All
Channel View, capable of simultaneously showing the most
important (but less detailed) information for multiple channels.
Each audio (RF) channel in the
system has its own display box,
arranged in rows of eight channels each, organized in order
to correspond to the string of
receivers in the serial bus.
If you have 8 or fewer RF channels, both View Modes will fit on
your monitor. For more than 8
channels, there are quick short-
cuts for optimizing your display and switching and mixing View Modes:
• Click and drag the Active Channel bar to pull the All Channel View up or
down, partially or completely covering the Command View. You cursor
will change to a hand icon.
• Use the up/down arrows flanking “Active Channel” to scroll the rows dis
played in the space allocated to the All Channel View.
• Click on the Command View or All Channel View button in the upper left
menu bar (or use F2 and F3), to immediately change from one to the
other.
• To select a channel to edit in either view, left click on a channel in All
Channel View (indicated by a red border around the selected channel).
This displays the selected channel’s settings in the Command View. A
right mouse click on a single channel shown in the All Channel View pops
up a menu of parameters (see figure 13d). The value of the parameter
selected is displayed in the All Channel View for each RF channel, and
also pops up an adjustment screen for the selected channel. You can
review and compare settings on all channels, one parameter at a time,
and adjust any setting on any unit from the All Channel View.
• Parameter adjustments in the Command View can be made by clicking
and turning any knob; or by a right-clicking on a parameter to pop up an
adjustment window, and keying in a value.
-
Sabine Smart Spectrum® Wireless
© 2009 Sabine, Inc.
13.4.2. Menus, Icons & Hot Keys
Quick access to the features described above, plus some additional software
control, is available from four pull-down menus (File, Select Receiver, Options,
and RF Scan) and five icons (FBX, Lock, Command View, All Channel View,
and RF Scan) at the top of the screen. The controls associated with the five
icons can also be accessed using function keys F2 through F6, respectively.
Figure 13e shows the location of the menus and icons, and describes associated controls which are accessed.
44
13.4.2.1. FBX Settings (F4)
Allows global settings of FBX filter width and maximum allowed FBX filter
depth. As filters are set, they will conform to the global width chosen at the
time of setting. It is thus possible to mix filter widths by changing the width
value in between setting FBX filters. Maximum depth will be common to
all FBX filters, and the value will update if the global setting is changed.
Sensitivity and Persistence are controls that allow the speed and analysis
of the FBX algorithm to match the type of audio program. Some audio
programs, notably certain types of classical music, produce occasional
waveforms that are difficult to distinguish from acoustic feedback. The
factory default Sensitivity and Persistence values should work in almost
all conditions; however, you may change them if necessary to prevent
the possibility of triggering a false filter, or to more quickly set the FBX
filters. There is a trade-off between speed of filter placement and how
carefully the filter is placed. More demanding audio sources may require
higher Sensitivity & Persistence settings, which will slightly slow down
the speed of filter placement, but decrease any possibility of mistaking
program audio for feedback.
FBX Dynamic Filter Time Out This function gives each dynamic filter
a time limit, after which the filter automatically resets. A setting of “zero”
disables the timer.
13.4.2.2. Lock (F5)
You can customize the mix of functions that
will be locked when choosing Front Panel Lock
2 (figure 13g). Front Panel Locking can only
be activated using the Dip Switches on the
receiver back panel. See Appendix D for more
information.
13.4.2.3. All Channel View (F3)
Shows the All Channel View as a (vertically)
resizable window (figure 13h).
13.4.2.4. Command View (F2)
Shows the Command View on the screen (figure 13c).
Remote Control Operation
Fig. 13f - FBX Parameters window
© 2009 Sabine, Inc.
Fig. 13h - Active Channels Window - All Channel View
45
Sabine Smart Spectrum® Wireless
LIT-SWM6-7000-OG-EN-090215.indd - rr
Remote Control Operation
13.4.2.5. RF Scan (F6)
Use the RF scan to get a “picture” of the potential RF interference in your
location. You should perform a scan before every program so you can
Fig. 13i RF Scanner results: one Sabine Transmitter (will display as a green line) and some
low-level RF interference (will display as red lines)
Fig. 13j RF Scan data history
Scan results are shown in several ways. A double green line indicates a
Sabine transmitter is active on the associated channel. Each green line
shows RF signal levels for left and right antennas respectively. This RF
Diversity function is especially useful for antenna positioning when using
distribution amp. A red line indicates ambient RF is present on the channel, at a level indicated by the scale on the left side of the chart. A dotted
red line indicates a previous RF level from an earlier scan, and a small
yellow “T” indicates the peak RF level observed over the entire time. Left
click on any line or channel number brings up the “RF Scan data history”
window, allowing you to disable the specific channel (figure 13J). If you
chose Continuous Scan you can also choose to see the Channel Details
(figure 13k) and a history of all RF activity on a particular channel for the
duration of the Continuous Scan (figure 13k).
Channels with very low RF signals (below -70 dBm) should be considered
Click the channel number to open the Scan Data
History window. Click the Toggle Channel Skipping
button to turn the channel on/off. Channels “skipped”
will have a red “X” beneath their channel number.
open channels. We include this low level measurement so you can see
the activity in your location, but the Sabine transmitters will overpower
and ignore those very low signals.
You can choose to disable all channels with ambient RF levels above a
see the ambient RF levels on all 70
channels of your system.
Caution: The RF Scan mutes
and takes control of the selected
channel. All other functions are
disabled on the selected channel.
Do not perform an RF scan on a
channel you need during your
program!
Select RF Scan by using the toolbar
button, the F6 hot key, or the RF
Scan menu item. You will see the
screen shown in Figure 13i. Select
Single Scan or Continuous Scan if
you want to look at the RF levels
over time. The software will take
control of the selected receiver,
and will step through all 70 channels. You can control the speed
of the scan using the Dwell Time
adjustment.
selectable threshold. Click and drag
the dotted horizontal purple line to
change the threshold (figure 13i).
Choose Block Channels to disable channels above the threshold.
These channels will no longer be
available when selecting RF channels from the front panel of the
receiver.
Fig. 13k RF Signal Strength History
Do not perform an RF scan during your program!
Sabine Smart Spectrum® Wireless
© 2009 Sabine, Inc.
RF SCAN CAUTION
46
13.4.2.6. Options Menu
Copy Parameters. This window allows you to copy your
settings for all functions to any number of other channels.
Select the channel you want to copy from by first selecting
the receiver, then the channel. From the Options Menu,
choose Copy Parameters. You will see your selected channel displayed in a red field labeled “Copy Parameters From.”
Select the channels you want to copy to from the Available
Channels list, then check the boxes of the parameters you
wish to copy. Once you are sure of your selections, hit Copy
Now and your settings will be pasted to the selected channels.
Note that RF channel selections cannot be copied.
Reset Parameters. This window allows you to selectively
reset any of the functions in your receiver. Choose Reset
Parameters from the Options Menu, then check the boxes of
the functions you would like to reset to their default settings.
In order to reset FBX filters, use the dedicated button on the
Command View. If you wish to load the factory default for the
entire receiver, choose Preset 00 from the Program drop-down
on the Command View and select the Load button.
Remote Control Operation
Fig. 13L Copy Parameters window
Fig. 13m Reset Parameters window
WARNING:
BEFORE DISCONNECTING RECEIVER FROM COMPUTER
Quit all SWM Software functions and close software BEFORE disconnecting the receiver connection to you
computer. Failure to do this may cause the receiver to lock up. In case of receiver lock up, restart receiver.
© 2009 Sabine, Inc.
47
Sabine Smart Spectrum® Wireless
LIT-SWM6-7000-OG-EN-090215.indd - rr
Tips & Troubleshooting
14. TIPS & TROUBLESHOOTING
14.1. Tips for Maximum Performance
• Keep a clear and unobstructed path between transmitter and receiver.
• Position receiver antennas at least one meter off the performance floor level.
• Avoid placing receiver antennas near large metallic or other dense materials.
• Keep receiver antennas away from RF signal generating equipment (computers, highvoltage equipment, etc.).
• Position dipole antennas perpendicular to each other.
• Use a Sabine Antenna Distribution System (SWA6SS) for multiple system installation.
• Return transmitters to a charger when not in use.
• Use a Sabine SWASS-EXT Extension Antenna to extend range and/or improve reception.
14.2. Troubleshooting
Problem: Receiver and transmitter power are on, receiver RF Signal meters and Input Level
Solution: Check connection between receiver and mixer/amp. Adjust receiver Output Level
Problem: Receiver and transmitter power are on, but receiver RF Signal meters and Input
Solution: Check transmitter On/Battery Indicator. Recharge transmitter if necessary. Check
Problem: Transmitter is on, but sound is noisy.
Solution: Check transmitter On/Battery Indicator. Replace weak battery with fresh battery
Problem: Transmitter is off, but noise still coming from receiver.
Solution: Check for other sources of RF interference (high voltage equipment, lighting equip-
Problem: Noise or humming.
Solution: Check for fluorescent lights — bad ballasts may cause noise or hum in your sys-
Problem: Ticking sounds, interference, dropouts, or reduced distance?
Solution: First, try another channel at least 10 channels away from the one you are trying.
Check your RF Scan and make sure the RF levels of both antennas are ap
Are there any wireless local area networks (LAN) in the vicinity? Are there any
Problem: “ERROR 1” message displays on receiver:
Solution: Make sure that the #1 dip switch (located on the rear panel of the receiver) is in
meters are lighting up, but there is no sound from system.
control. Check for MUTE status in Remote Control Software. Make sure RF scanner is OFF.
Level meters are not lighting up.
transmitter and receiver frequency Channel settings (make sure they match). Check
receiver antenna connections. Check distance between transmitter and receiver
antennas and possible obstructions in path.
from charger unit if necessary. Check for other sources of RF interference (high
voltage equipment, lighting equipment, etc.). Check distance between transmitters
and receiver antennas.
ment, trolley cars, etc.). Select another frequency. Check connection and position
of the receiver antennas. Utilize a Sabine Extension Antenna.
tem.
Keep moving the channel selection until you find an RF channel with better performance. Or, better yet, use the included SWM Remote Software to perform an RF
scan which will clearly display available clear channels. If symptoms persist, check
antenna orientation on the receiver and make sure the antennas are mounted on
the side facing the transmitters (front or rear).
proximately equal when displaying a Sabine transmitter. If the levels are radically
different, then you may not have true diversity. In this case, check your antenna
connections for a bad cable or connector.
microwave ovens in the vicinity? Try turning these items off and see it the problem
persists. Your scan should also expose potential interference from these items.
Choose channels without potential interference.
the down (OFF) position. See page 55 for a complete chart of DIP switch settings.
Sabine Smart Spectrum® Wireless
© 2009 Sabine, Inc.
48
14.3. Common Sources of RF Interference
The typical sources of interference for conventional wireless mics can be highpowered broadcasters such as radio stations and TV transmitters, or other shortrange wireless devices, including multiple radio microphones operating at the
same location (either by design, or by coincidence), that operate in proximate
(or harmonically related) bands. Less commonly, interference may arise from
spurious outputs emitted by electronic equipment (notably computers, printers,
or similar devices with digital clocks), faulty electrical equipment, neon signs,
dimmers and lighting controllers, and so forth.
Many UHF and VHF mics are especially vulnerable because they share the RF
spectrum with the very high-powered transmitters for television. The coming
conversion to digital and high-definition broadcast will increase the problems
for UHF and VHF.
The 2.4 to 2.4835 GHz frequency band is not only well above the fundamental
(nominal) transmission frequencies of such strong analog and digital broadcasts,
but also high enough to escape interference problems occurring at the strong
first harmonic of even the highest digital television broadcast. The band is approved worldwide for a variety of uses, including such diverse transmitters as
baby monitors, garage door openers, wireless LANs, amateur satellite, cordless
telephones, etc. Compared to RF broadcast sources like television and radio
stations, these low power devices produce very localized, short range interference; furthermore, many of the devices working in the 2.4 GHz range use spread
spectrum transmission and reception. Both of these facts mean such uses of the
RF spectrum are less likely to cause interference with, or suffer from interference
from the use of, Sabine’s systems.
14.3.1 RF Sources
Your first step in checking for interference should be utilizing the Scan function
in the SWM Remote Control Software. See Section 13.4.2.5 RF Scan for a
complete discussion of the benefits of scanning, which will reveal any potential RF sources in your location and allow you to make an informed choice of
channels to use. The scanner can scan for long periods of time and will give
you a report of RF activity over time for each of the 70 channels available on
your Smart Spectrum system.
1. Microwave ovens
In the vast majority of situations, interference from microwave ovens will
not affect performance of your SWM series microphone systems. Since
barriers such as walls work to block interference, a microwave oven will
likely present a problem only when located in fairly close proximity within
the same room as the wireless receiver (or reception antenna). See caution below.
Commercial quality microwave ovens present a bigger potential problem.
They sweep over a wider band of frequencies than the limited band affected by consumer units, and use two magnetron tubes which alternate
to avoid inactivity during a power cycle. Fortunately, Sabine systems
are only affected by such ovens in close proximity to receiver antennas.
That protection, plus the availability of 70 different RF channels to choose
from, makes serious interference problems arising from microwave ovens
avoidable and unlikely. See caution below.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Antenna Placement Caution
As a general precaution, keep 2.4 GHz cordless telephones, microwave ovens, WLAN
antennas and 2.4 GHz wireless video camera transmitters twice the distance from
your Sabine wireless microphone system antennas as that of your Sabine 2.4 GHz
transmitters.
Cautions for 915 MHz?
© 2009 Sabine, Inc.
49
Sabine Smart Spectrum® Wireless
LIT-SWM6-7000-OG-EN-090215.indd - rr
Tips & Troubleshooting
2. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANS)
These computer network devices allow computers to connect via wireless
devices that act as both receivers and transmitters. These low-powered
transceivers often have selectable channels and can utilize the entire 2.4
GHz band. In general, Sabine microphones should not be affected by
these WLANS because their spread spectrum technology does not present
a problem for the Sabine Smart SpectrumTM system. The Sabine wireless
system will not interfere with the WLAN. See caution below.
3. Cordless phones
These home telephones broadcast at very low power and should not present interference problems for your Sabine wireless. This is especially true
if the telephone uses spread spectrum technology. See caution below.
4. Wireless Video Cameras
Certain wireless video cameras (X10, for example) use the 2.4 GHz band.
These devices are also very low power and, in general, should not present a problem when using the SWM system. See Section 5 Receiver
Operation for methods of optimizing clear reception and minimizing
interference. See caution below.
In the event problems still arise, see Section 5 Receiver Operation for methods
of optimizing clear reception and minimizing interference.
Antenna Placement Caution
As a general precaution, keep 2.4 GHz cordless telephones, microwave ovens, WLAN
antennas and 2.4 GHz wireless video camera transmitters twice the distance from
your Sabine wireless microphone system antennas as that of your Sabine 2.4 GHz
transmitters.
Sabine Smart Spectrum® Wireless
© 2009 Sabine, Inc.
50
Loading...