User guide for the AD3 Axient Digital plug-on transmitter.
Version: 2.2 (2020-K)
Page 2
Table of Contents
AD3 Plug-On Transmitter 3
WARNING 3
AD3 Axient Digital Plug-On Transmitter 3
Features 4
Included Components 4
Optional Accessories 4
AD3 Transmitter Overview 4
Setup 6
Setting the AA Battery Type 7
Shure Rechargeable Battery 7
Power Over USB 8
Important Tips for Care and Storage of Shure Recharge
able Batteries 8
AA Batteries and Transmitter Runtime 8
Transmitter Controls 9
Menu Overview 9
Menu Map 10
Tips for Editing Menu Parameters 10
Home Screen Display 10
Locking the Interface 11
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IR Sync 11
Setting the Frequency Manually 11
Updating Firmware 12
Firmware Versioning 12
Updating the Transmitter 12
RF Mute 12
Safe Start 13
Input Overload 13
Tone Generator 14
Matching Audio Levels with Offset 14
Menu Item Descriptions 14
Radio Menu 15
Audio Menu 15
Utilities Menu 16
Specifications 16
Frequency Range and Transmitter Output Level 18
LICENSING INFORMATION 21
Australia Warning for Wireless 21
Certifications 21
Information to the user 22
Contact Customer Support 23
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AD3 Plug-On Transmitter
WARNING
•
Battery packs may explode or release toxic materials. Risk of fire or burns. Do not open, crush, modify, disassemble, heat
above 140°F (60°C), or incinerate.
•
Follow instructions from manufacturer
•
Only use Shure charger to recharge Shure rechargeable batteries
•
WARNING: Danger of explosion if battery incorrectly replaced. Replace only with same or equivalent type.
•
Never put batteries in mouth. If swallowed, contact your physician or local poison control center
•
Do not short circuit; may cause burns or catch fire
•
Do not charge or use battery packs other than Shure rechargeable batteries
•
Dispose of battery packs properly. Check with local vendor for proper disposal of used battery packs.
•
Batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like
•
Do not immerse the battery in liquid such as water, beverages, or other fluids.
•
Do not attach or insert battery with polarity reversed.
•
Keep away from small children.
•
Do not use abnormal batteries.
•
Pack the battery securely for transport.
WARNING
If water or other foreign objects enter the inside of the device, fire or electric shock may result.
Do not attempt to modify this product. Doing so could result in personal injury and/or product failure.
CAUTION
Never disassemble or modify the device, as failures may result.
Do not subject to extreme force and do not pull on the cable or failures may result.
Keep the microphone dry and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity.
Note: Use only with the included power supply or a Shure-approved equivalent.
AD3 Axient Digital Plug-On Transmitter
The Shure AD3 plug-on transmitter transforms any microphone into an advanced, portable Axient Digital AD Series wireless
microphone, delivering impeccable audio quality and RF performance, wide-tuning, and encryption features. Compatible with
Axient Digital AD4D and AD4Q receivers in Standard or High Density modes, AD3 features a custom, fast, and secure XLR
connector design, support for both conventional AA and Shure SB900-series rechargeable battery options, and simple, user-
friendly controls and menus. The AD3 is housed in a lightweight, rugged, metal chassis and is designed to resist sweat, mois
ture, and debris.
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Features
Performance
•
20 Hz to 20 kHz range with flat frequency response
•
Automatic input staging optimizes gain setting
•
AES 256-bit encryption-enabled for secure transmission
•
>120 dB dynamic range
•
100 meter (300 feet) line-of-sight operating range
•
Selectable modulation modes optimize performance for spectral efficiency
◦
Standard – optimal coverage, low latency
◦
High density – dramatic increase in max system channel count
•
Built-in tone generator and RF markers to facilitate walk-testing
•
Switchable Power Levels = 2/10/35 mW (region dependent)
Design
•
Locking XLR connector
•
OLED display with easy-to-navigate menu and controls
•
Rugged metal construction
•
Menu and power lockout
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Power
•
Over 8 hours continuous use with Shure rechargeable battery
•
Shure lithium-ion rechargeable battery provides extended battery life, precision metering, and zero memory effect
•
External power and charging over USB-C
Included Components
AA alkaline batteries (2)80B8201
USB-A to USB-C cable95A39299
Zipper bag95D2313
Pouch with belt clip95A44910
Optional Accessories
SB900B rechargeable lithium-ion batterySB900B
AD3 Transmitter Overview
① Display
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View menu screens and settings. Press any control button to activate the backlight.
② Infrared (IR) port
Align with the receiver IR port during an IR Sync for automated transmitter tuning and setup.
③ Control buttons
Use to navigate through parameter menus and to change settings.
④ Power switch
Hold the X button to power the unit on or off.
⑤ Enter button
Press to enter menu screens and confirm menu changes.
⑥ Power LED
◦
Green = Unit is powered on
◦
Red = Low battery, or battery error
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⑦Audio LED
Red, yellow, and green LEDs indicate average and peak audio levels.
The LED will turn red when the limiter is engaged.
⑧ USB-C port
Supplies power or charges Shure rechargeable battery. LED indicates charging status when connected to a power supply.
◦
Red = Charging
◦
Green = Full charge
◦
Yellow = Not charging
⑨ Battery compartment
Requires two AA batteries or Shure rechargeable battery.
⑩AA battery adapter
Use to secure AA batteries. Remove when using a Shure rechargeable battery.
⑪ XLR connector
Connection point for wired microphones, cables, and boom poles, among other things.
⑫ Locking ring
To release the XLR connector, turn the ring counterclockwise and push in.
⑬ Pouch
Provides additional grip and protection for the transmitter.
⑭ Belt clip
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Holds transmitter and microphone securely for hands-free carrying.
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Setup
1.
Slide the tab on the side of the transmitter to open the battery door.
2.
Install the batteries.
◦
◦
AA batteries: Place batteries (note polarity markings) and AA adapter as shown below and close the door.
Shure rechargeable battery: Place battery as shown below (note polarity markings). Remove the AA adapter and
close the door to secure the battery.
Note: If using AA batteries, set the battery type to ensure the transmitter's battery status indicator is accurate.
3.
Press and hold X to turn on the transmitter.
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4.
Select the appropriate input pad or boost to avoid overloading the audio input our add boost to low-output sources: Au
dio > Pad
◦
12 dB: Use with high output sources, such as line levels and point-to-point applications.
◦
Off (default): Use with typical microphones.
◦
+12 dB: Use with low output sources.
5.
Plug the transmitter into an XLR microphone or the output of an audio device.
Note: If you remove or replace the batteries without turning the transmitter off, the device will turn on again when the batteries are replaced.
Setting the AA Battery Type
To ensure accurate display of transmitter runtime, set the battery type to match the battery you have installed.
Note: If a Shure rechargeable battery is installed, selecting a battery type is not necessary and the battery type will display Shure.
1.
Navigate to Utilities and select Battery.
2.
Use the ▼▲ buttons to select the installed battery type:
◦
Alkaline = Alkaline
◦
NiMH = Nickel Metal Hydride
◦
Lithium = Lithium Primary
3.
Press O to save.
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Shure Rechargeable Battery
Shure SB900series lithiumion batteries offer a rechargeable option for powering the transmitters. Batteries charge to 50% ca
pacity in 1 hour and reach full charge within 3 hours.
Single chargers and multiple bay chargers are available to recharge the Shure batteries.
Caution: Only charge Shure rechargeable batteries with a Shure battery charger.
Shure SB900B Runtime
2 mW10 mW35 mW
8+ hours8+ hours5+ hours
Note: Phantom power, RF output and the impedance of the connecting device can impact battery life.
Checking Battery Info
When using a Shure rechargeable battery, the receiver and transmitter home screens display the number of hours and minutes
remaining.
Detailed information for the battery is displayed Battery menu of the transmitter: Utilities > Battery
•
Battery: The chemistry type of for the installed battery (Shure, Alkaline, Lithium, NiMH)
•
Battery Time to Full(only appears when Shure rechargeable battery is being externally charged): Time remaining until bat
tery is fully charged
•
Battery Life: Indicates remaining battery runtime
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•
Charge: Percentage of charge capacity
•
Health: Percentage of current battery health
•
Cycle Count: Total of the number of charging cycles for the installed battery
•
Temperature: Battery temperature reported in Celsius and Fahrenheit
Power Over USB
When operated with AA batteries, or without batteries, the AD3 transmitter can be powered by connecting the USB-C port on
the bottom of the transmitter to a suitable power source.
When a Shure rechargeable battery is inserted, the USB connection can power the transmitter while simultaneously charging
the battery.
Important Tips for Care and Storage of Shure Rechargeable Batteries
Proper care and storage of Shure batteries results in reliable performance and ensures a long lifetime.
•
Always store batteries and transmitters at room temperature
•
Ideally, batteries should be charged to approximately 40% of capacity for long-term storage
•
Periodically clean the battery contacts with alcohol to maintain ideal contact
•
During storage, check batteries every 6 months and recharge to 40% of capacity as needed
For additional rechargeable battery information, visit www.shure.com.
AA Batteries and Transmitter Runtime
Transmitters are compatible with the following AA battery types:
•
Alkaline
•
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
•
Lithium Primary
A5segment battery indicator representing the charge level of the transmitter battery is displayed on the screens of the trans
mitter and receiver. The following table contains the approximate remaining transmitter runtime in hours:minutes.
Alkaline Batteries
Battery Runtime (hours:minutes)
Battery Indicator
UHF1.x
2 mW/10
mW
8:00 to 6:00
35
mW
3:30
to
3:00
2 mW
/10
mW
5:30 to
4:15
30
mW
3:45
to
3:00
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Battery Indicator
Battery Runtime (hours:minutes)
UHF1.x
2 mW/10
mW
35
mW
2 mW
/10
mW
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30
mW
3:00
6:00 to 4:00
4:00 to 1:45
<1:45<1:30<1:45<2:00
<0:45<0:45<0:45<0:45
<0:15<0:15<0:15<0:15
to
2:00
2:00
to
1:30
4:15 to
3:00
3:00 to
1:45
Transmitter Controls
Use the controls to navigate menus and update settings.
3:00
to
2:15
2:15
to
2:00
X
OEnters menu screens and confirms parameter changes
∨∧Use to scroll through menu screens and to change parameter values
Tip: Hold the ∧ button while powering on to enter safe start mode.
Hold button to turn transmitter power on and off. Acts as a 'back' button to return to previous menus or pa
rameters without confirming a value change.
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Menu Overview
Menu Map
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Tips for Editing Menu Parameters
•
To access the menu options from the home screen, press O. Use the arrow buttons to see additional menus and parame
ters.
•
A menu parameter will blink when editing is enabled
•
To increase, decrease, or change a parameter, use the arrow buttons
•
To save a menu change, press O
•
To exit a menu without saving a change, press X
Home Screen Display
The home screen shows transmitter information and status.
There are four pieces of information that you can choose to see on the home screen. Use the arrow buttons to select one of
the following choices:
Name
Frequency Setting
Group (G) and Channel (C)
Device ID
The following icons indicate transmitter settings:
Battery runtime in hours and minutes or bar display
Key: Displayed when encryption is enabled
Lock: Displayed when controls are locked. Icon flashes if you
attempt to access a locked control (power or menu).
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STD: Standard Transmission Mode
HD: High Density Transmission Mode
Locking the Interface
Lock transmitter interface controls to prevent accidental or unauthorized changes to parameters. The lock icon appears on the
home screen when a lock is enabled.
1.
From the Utilities menu, navigate to Locks and select one of the following lock options:
◦
None:The controls are unlocked
◦
Power:The power switch is locked
◦
Menu:The menu parameters are locked
◦
All:The power switch and menu parameters are locked
2.
Press O to save.
Tip: To quickly unlock the transmitter menu, press O and select None.
IR Sync
Use IR Sync to form an audio channel between the transmitter and receiver.
Note:The receiver band must match the band of the transmitter.
1.
Select a receiver channel.
2.
Tune the channel to an available frequency using group scan or manually turn to an open frequency.
3.
Power on the transmitter.
4.
Press the SYNC button on the receiver.
5.
Align the IR windows between the transmitter and the receiver so that the IR LED illuminates red. When complete,
Sync Success! appears. The transmitter and receiver are now tuned to the same frequency.
Note: Any change to the encryption status on the receiver (enabling/disabling encryption) requires a sync to send the settings to the transmitter. New encryp
tion keys for the transmitter and receiver channel are generated on every IR sync, so to request a new key for a transmitter, perform an IR sync with the de
sired receiver channel.
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Setting the Frequency Manually
The transmitter can be manually tuned to a specific group, channel, or frequency.
1.
Navigate to the Radio menu and select Freq.
2.
Scroll to select G: and C: to edit the group and channel, or select the frequency parameter (MHz). When editing the fre
quency, press O once to edit the first 3 digits, or twice to edit the last 3 digits.
3.
Use the ∧∨ buttons to adjust the group, channel, or frequency.
4.
Press O to save, and then press X when finished.
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Updating Firmware
Firmware is embedded software in each component that controls functionality. Periodically, new versions of firmware are devel
oped to incorporate additional features and enhancements. To take advantage of design improvements, you can upload and in
stall new versions of the firmware by using the Shure Update Utility. The Shure Update Utility is available for download from
http://www.shure.com/.
Firmware Versioning
When performing an update, first download firmware to the receiver, and then update transmitters to the same firmware version
to ensure consistent operation.
The firmware numbering for Shure devices uses the following format: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH.BUILD (e.g., 1.2.21.1). At a mini
mum, all devices on the network (including transmitters), must have the same MAJOR and MINOR firmware version numbers
(e.g., 1.2.x).
Updating the Transmitter
1.
Download the firmware to the receiver.
2.
Access the following menu from the receiver: DeviceSettings > TxFirmwareUpdate.
3.
Align the IR ports between the transmitter and the receiver. IR ports must be aligned for the entire download, which can
take 50 seconds or longer.
Tip: The red alignment LED will turn on when the alignment is correct.
4.
Press ENTERon the receiver to begin the download to the transmitter. The receiver will display the progress of the up
date as a percentage.
RF Mute
RF mute prevents transmission of the audio by suppressing the RF signal while the transmitter remains powered-on. The home
screen displays RF Muted in this mode.
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1.
From the Radio menu, navigate to Output.
2.
Choose one of the following options:
◦
On: RF signal is active
◦
Mute: RF signal is disabled
3.
Press O to save.
Note:Turning the transmitter off and on or replacing the battery will restore Output to On.
Safe Start
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Power on in safe start mode to prevent interference with other devices. Hold the ^ button while powering on your device until
the Safe Start menu appears.
Safe Start menu options:
•
RF: Mute or On
•
Locks: None, Pwr, Menu, All
•
Phantom: Off, +12V, +48V
Use the navigation buttons to make changes.
Tip: To exit the Safe Start menu, push X.
Note: Previous settings for locks, RF, and phantom power will be retained when the transmitter is powered on in safe start mode.
Input Overload
The Tx Overloadmessage appears when the audio input experiences a highlevel signal. The audio LED turns red as an addi
tional indicator of an overload. Reduce the input signal or enable the input pad to remove the overload condition.
Tip: To enable the input pad, navigate to Audio > Pad and select 12 dB.
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Tone Generator
The transmitter contains an internal tone generator that produces a continuous audio signal. The tone is helpful when conduct
ing a sound check or for troubleshooting the audio signal chain. The level of the tone is adjustable from -60 dB to 0 dB and the
frequency can be set to 400 Hz or 1000 Hz.
Tip: Always start with the level set to -60 dB to avoid overloading speakers or headphones.
1.
From the Audio menu select Tone Gen.
2.
Set the frequency to 400 Hz or 1000 Hz.
3.
Select Level and use the arrow buttons adjust the value between -60 dB and 0 dB.
Turn off the tone by selecting Off from the menu or by cycling the transmitter power.
Matching Audio Levels with Offset
When linking two or more transmitters to a receiver, there may be a difference in volume levels between microphones or instru
ments. If this occurs, use the Offsetfunction to match the audio levels and eliminate audible volume differences between trans
mitters. If using a single transmitter, set Offset to 0 dB.
1.
Turn on the first transmitter and perform a sound check to test the audio level. Turn off the transmitter when finished.
2.
Turn on the second transmitter and perform a sound check to test the audio level. Repeat for any additional transmit
ters.
3.
If there is an audible difference in the sound level between the transmitters, navigate to the Offset menu (Audio >
Offset) in the transmitter to increase or decrease the Offset in realtime to match the audio levels.
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Menu Item Descriptions
Radio Menu
Freq
Press the O button to enable editing of a group (G:) channel (C:) or frequency (MHz). Use the arrow buttons to adjust the
values. To edit the frequency, press the O button once to edit the first 3 digits, or twice to edit the second 3 digits.
Power
Higher RF power settings can extend the range of the transmitter.
Note: Higher RF power settings decrease battery runtime.
Output
Sets the RF output to On or Mute.
◦
On: RF signal is active
◦
Mute: RF signal is inactive
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Audio Menu
Phantom
Adds phantom power for condenser microphones. Select +12V or +48V as required by the microphone.
Input Pad/Boost
Adjust the pad to avoid overloading the audio input or add a boost to lowoutput sources. Choose between 12 dB, Off (de
fault), and +12dB.
◦
12 dB: Use with high output sources, such as line levels and point-to-point applications.
◦
Off (default): Use with typical microphones.
◦
+12 dB: Use with low output sources.
HP Filter
High-pass filter. Scroll up to turn on the filter and set the low-frequency rolloff in Hz; scroll all the way down to turn off.
Range: 40 Hz to 240 Hz.
Polarity
Selectable polarity assignment for the audio input connector:
◦
Pos: Positive pressure on microphone diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 (with respect to pin 3 of XLR output)
and the tip of the TRS output on the receiver.
◦
Neg: Positive pressure on microphone diaphragm produces negative voltage on pin 2 (with respect to pin 3 of XLR output)
and the tip of the TRS output on the receiver.
Offset
Adjust Offset level to balance mic levels when using two transmitters or when assigning multiple transmitters to receiver
slots. Adjustment range: -12 dB to +21 dB.
Tone Gen
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Tone generator. Transmitter will generate a continuous test tone:
◦
Freq: The tone can be set to 400 Hz or 1000 Hz.
◦
Level: Adjusts the output level of the test tone.
Utilities Menu
Device ID
Assign a device ID of up to 8 characters.
Locks
Locks the transmitter controls and power switch.
◦
None:The controls are unlocked
◦
Power:The power switch is locked
◦
Menu:The menu parameters are locked
◦
All:The power switch and menu parameters are locked
Marker
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When enabled, press O to drop a marker in Wireless Workbench.
Battery
Displays battery information:
◦
Battery Life: Runtime reported in bar display and time (hours:minutes)
◦
Battery Time to Full (only appears when Shure rechargeable battery is being externally charged): Time remaining until bat
tery is fully charged
◦
Charge: Percentage of charge capacity
◦
Health: Percentage of current battery health
◦
Cycle Count:Total of the number of charging cycles for the installed battery
◦
Temperature: Battery temperature reported in Celsius and Fahrenheit
About
Displays the following transmitter information:
◦
Model: Displays the model number
◦
Band: Displays the tuning band of the transmitter
◦
FW Version: Installed firmware
◦
HW Version: Hardware version
◦
Serial Num: Serial number
Reset All
Restores all transmitter parameters to factory settings.
Specifications
Mic Offset Range
-12 to 21dB (in 1 dB steps)
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Battery Type
Shure SB900 series Rechargeable Li-Ionor LR6 AA batteries 1.5V
Battery Runtime
@ 10mW
Shure SB900B>8hours
alkaline>7hours
Dimensions
126mm x 44.5mm x 44.5mm (5.0in. x 1.8in. x 1.8 in.) H x W x D
Weight
Without Battery240g (8.0oz.),
with AA batteries263g
with Shure rechargeable battery280g
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Housing
Cast Metal
Operating Temperature Range
-10°C (-14°F) to 50°C (122°F)
Storage Temperature Range
-40°C (-40°F) to 74°C (165°F)
Audio Input
Connector
3-pin female XLR
Configuration
balanced
Impedance
Pad-12 dB26.64kΩ
0 dB6.64kΩ
Boost12 dB6.64kΩ
Maximum Input Level
1 kHz at 1% THD
Pad-12 dB21dBV
0 dB9dBV
Boost12 dB-3dBV
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Preamplifier Equivalent Input Noise (EIN)
SystemGainSetting≥+20
-115dBV, A-weighted, typical
Phantom Power
+48V(7mAmaximum), +12V(15mAmaximum)
High Pass Filter
Two-pole (12 dB per octave), cut off frequency selectable from 40 to 240 in 20 Hz increments
RF Output
Antenna Type
Dipole
Impedance
50Ω
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Occupied Bandwidth
<200kHz
Channel-to-Channel Spacing
Standard Mode350kHz
High Density Mode125kHz
Modulation Type
Shure Axient Digital Proprietary
Power
2mW, 10mW, 35mW
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
< 0.12 W/kg
Frequency Range and Transmitter Output Level
BandFrequency Range (MHz)RF Power (mW)***
G53470 to 5102/10/35
G54479 to 5652/10/20
G55†470 to 636*2/10/35
G56††470 to 6362/10/35
G57470 to 616*2/10/35
G62510 to 5302/10/35
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BandFrequency Range (MHz)RF Power (mW)***
G63487 to 6362/10
H54520 to 6362/10/35
K53606 to 698*2/10/35
K54△606 to 663**2/10/35
K55606 to 6942/10/35
K56◇606 to 7142/10/35
K57△606 to 7902/10/35
K58622 to 6982/10/35
L54630 to 6982/10/35
L60630.125 to 697.8752/10/35
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P55694 to 703, 748 to 758, 803 to 8062/10/35
R52794 to 8062/10
JB806 to 8102/10
X51925 to 937.52/10
X55941 to 9602/10/35
X56†††960 to 10002/10/35
*With a gap between 608 to 614 MHz.
**With a gap between 608 to 614 MHz and a gap between 616 to 653 MHz.
***Power delivered to the antenna port.
†Operation mode varies according to region. In Brazil, High Density mode is used. The maximum power level for Peru is
10mW.
††Limited to 10mW for Vietnam.
†††Only in UK; F-variant only.
△Output power limited to 10 mW above 608 MHz.
◇Korea defines power as conducted (ERP) which is 1dB less then declared in table.