Vega R-27 Instruction Manual

Model R-27
Wireless-Microphone Receiver
Instruction Manual
099-0050A
2 R-27 Portable
Table of contents
A Word to Vega Users When You Receive Your Vega Equipment Introduction Compatibility Controls, Connectors, and Indicators Operating Instructions Antennas Writing Connectors and Plugs Troubleshooting Warranty (Limited) Repair Claims
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A Word to Vega Users
In selecting Vega wireless microphones, you are in the company of audio professionals worldwide. You can be confident that the equipment is the finest of its type.
Vega wireless-microphone systems provide sound quality essentially equal to wired microphones without unsightly and annoying cables. Our many years of experience in the design and manufacture of wireless microphones, our advanced circuit-design techniques, our attention to product quality, and our dedication to professional performance are your assurance of continuing satisfaction for years to come.
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When You Receive Your Vega Equipment
Upon receiving your shipment, verify that the number of boxes shown as shipped on the freight receipt has been received. Also check immediately for damage to boxes which may have occurred during shipment. Notify both the dealer and the freight carrier if damages or losses are found, so that claims may be expedited. Unpack the unit or units carefully. We recommend saving the shipping cartons; they are very useful for reshipping the equipment at a future date.
If, for any reason, you do not find the equipment received to be completely satisfactory, please immediately contact your Vega dealer or the Vega factory. In spite of our rigorous quality-control procedures, mistakes and shipment errors occasionally occur. If you should experience a problem, Vega will promptly correct the discrepancy.
Should service ever be required, remember that your authorized Vega service center knows your equipment best and has the training and test equipment necessary to restore your equipment to its peak performance.
Thank you for selecting Vega products. We assure you of our continuing interest in your satisfaction.
Wireless-Microphone Receiver 3 Introduction
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation and care of your Vega R-27 wireless-microphone receiver. We urge you to read it carefully and to follow the recommendations. This will help to assure that you realize the full performance potential of the equipment and achieve years of reliable, highly satisfactory operation.
Compatibility
The Vega Model R-27 PRO portable receiver works with Vega's PRO Series bodypack transmitters (such as the Model T-25) and handheld transmitters (such as the T-29). The receiver is available only with DYNEX®III audio-processing circuitry. Therefore, it is not compatible with with non-DYNEX®III transmitters. If you are not certain that the receiver and transmitter are compatible, contact the Vega factory or your Vega sales representative.
The R-27 PRO receiver is designed to work in the 169 to 216 MHz VHF range, and must be precisely matched to the frequency of the associated transmitter. The receiver's frequency is marked on its case. The transmitter's frequency is marked on the data label on its side or in its battery compartment. If the transmitter and receiver frequencies are not precisely the same, the frequency of one of the units must be changed. It is usually easier to change the frequency of the receiver; however, it is advisable to return both units to the factory or authorized service location when changing frequencies, to ensure the best results. Because of the very high performance of these units and the specialized test equipment required to adjust them properly, users should not try to change frequency themselves.
If two or more systems are used at the same location, proper frequency selection and spacing are required to avoid possible interference. Vega offers a free frequency­coordination service for purchasers of its equipment. Frequencies are selected by computer to avoid any possible interference from other wireless systems and broadcast stations. To take advantage of this free service, contact the Vega factory or your local sales representative.
Controls, Connectors, and Indicators
LED Displays: The four LEDs on the front panel indicate the following: receiver squelch condition (TX); low-level audio (–30); audio overload (–4); and acceptable battery power (PWR).
The TX indicator turns on whenever a transmitter is producing enough power, at the same frequency, to operate the receiver. When the TX LED is off, the receiver audio is squelched (shut down).
The audio metering circuitry is a simple two-LED display. Provided the AUDIO LEVEL adjustment is set to maximum, the –4 and –30 LEDs correspond to the same approximate microphone dBu output level. The Audio Level control adjustment does not affect the display, because metering is done prior to the output stage. With normal speech the –30 indicator should be flashing on and off with the audio. The –4 LED is an overload indicator and should not flash except with extremely large audio bursts. The activation of this overload indicator means that the transmitter is reaching soft compression. However, the gain-compression circuitry in the transmitter doesn't respond
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instantaneously to short-duration “spikes” and other transient peaks in voice energy. These peaks can cause the instantaneous peak deviation of the transmitter to reach values of about 3 dB above the normal steady-state maximum. The R-27 will accommodate these brief transients without distortion due to its ability to provide in excess of +6 dBm of output without clipping.
The battery-power indicator stays on, provided that battery life is good. As soon as the battery voltage drops to an unacceptable level, the PWR LED turns off. When this occurs, the battery has less than an hour of life remaining.
Power Switch (PWR): On/off switch for the receiver. The current drain is 45 mA with the headphone monitor control switch set to “off”. In the “on” position the current increases by about 10%. The current can increase even further, depending on the load presented to the monitor jack and the audio level of the receiver.
Monitor Level Adjust (MON): The only adjustment on the front panel; it is used to adjust the audio level to the monitor stereo jack. This control incorporates a monitor on/off switch which can turn off the audio to the jack by turning the control fully counter-clockwise until a click is felt. In this position, the power drain to the battery is reduced.
Audio Level Adjust: Located on the rear panel, it adjusts the audio output of the receiver. This control has approximately 46 dB of operating range and has an audio taper.
Connectors
Antenna (ANT): Front-panel BNC connector for use with the antenna supplied.
XLR Audio Output: Rear-panel-mounted, full-sized, three-pin, male, XLR connector which provides mic-level balanced audio output from the receiver.
Monitor Jack (MON): Front-panel, miniature, stereo, female headphone connector which supplies audio for low-impedance headsets such as the type used on miniature inexpensive portable receivers.
Operating Instructions
(1) Install a 9-volt alkaline battery in the R-27 receiver by sliding the battery door open on the rear panel. Be sure to observe the polarity marking inside of the battery compartment near the compartment door. The receiver is reverse-polarity protected and cannot be damaged by incorrect battery insertion, but the unit may fail to operate and the battery life greatly shortened if the battery is not correctly installed. If the battery is not correctly installed, the battery-compartment door will not close properly. Do not attempt to force the door closed; instead, check and correct the battery polarity.
(2) Connect the receiver antenna (“rubber duckie” supplied). A right-angle adapter is provided for use with the “rubber duckie”, should one be needed.
A vertical orientation is recommended; however, there will be no great difference in performance if horizontal mounting is necessary. In either case, the antenna should be positioned away from the chassis of the receiver (or other metallic objects such as cameras, sound carts, etc.).
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(3) Plug your audio cable into the rear-panel audio-output connector of the R-27 receiver and connect the opposite end to your audio equipment (camera mic input, mixer console, recorder, etc.). The audio output connector is a standard full-size XLR; see below for wiring information.
Note: The receiver output is balanced; for single-ended (unbalanced) applications, connect the audio shield to Pin #1 and the center conductor to Pin #2. Do not connect Pin #3; doing so will cause distorted audio. Output will be 6 dB less for the single­ended output mode than for the balanced mode.
(4) Turn “on” the receiver by setting the front-panel power switch to “ON”. The PWR (rightmost) LED should illuminate. If not, the battery may be weak or dead.
(5) Verify that the transmitter has a fresh battery installed and that the microphone is connected correctly. Turn “on” the transmitter.
(6) Place the transmitter in a pocket or attach to clothing or body with the belt clip supplied, or with tape. Keep the antenna as high and vertical as possible.
NOTE: Attaching a rubber band to the end of the antenna and pinning the rubber band to clothing with a safety pin is an excellent way of keeping the antenna oriented properly while giving the user freedom to move without causing strain on the antenna.
(7) Turn the transmitter “on”, and position it in the approximate center of the area to be covered by the wireless system. The R-27 receiver TX LED should illuminate; if not, then difficulties are indicated (e.g., defective transmitter, receiver, or antenna, excessive operating range, or severe RF propagation problems). Refer to section “In Case of Difficulty”.
(8) Verify that the transmitter “MIC” switch is “on”. The audio levels should now be set for the system. With the microphone correctly positioned, speak loudly into it. If necessary, turn the audio gain on the transmitter up or down. Also, if necessary, adjust the receiver “LVL” control.
(10) Audio phasing, if important, should also be checked at this time. Because of differences in lavalier microphones, it is not possible to be sure that two different types of microphones have the same phase. If the console or recorder does not have a phasing switch, it may be necessary to reverse the wiring in the audio cable from the receiver.
(11) No adjustments should be made inside the transmitter or receiver for normal operation or use. Due to the great possibility of causing improper operation or even damage to the transmitter or receiver, only qualified and experienced technicians should open the case. Unauthorized adjustments or repairs inside the equipment case can void your warranty and cause unnecessary repair costs. If you believe that internal adjustments or repairs are needed, we recommend that you contact the factory or your nearest Vega authorized service center.
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(12) It is always advisable to “walk” the coverage area to ensure that there are no areas of poor coverage. Signal “dropouts” (little or no signal in small areas) are indicated by the “TX” LED going out or by a brief “fizzing” sound in the audio (which may or may not be followed by a silent period due to squelched audio). The audio may be conveniently monitored with a set of headphones plugged into the stereo phone jack on the receiver. If a “dropout” area occurs, the antenna can usually be repositioned to eliminate the problem. Frequently, a change of just a few inches in location will solve the problem completely.
Antennas
The receiver antenna may be the most important single component in a wireless­microphone system. However, this is the item most often overlooked in setting up a system, and is frequently the cause of quite unnecessary problems. Proper selection and placement of the receiving antenna is vitally important in any wireless-microphone system.
Antennas are a particular issue with miniaturized wireless-microphone equipment such as the R-27 receiver, in that antenna size tends to seem disproportionately large in comparison to the equipment itself. This is easy to understand, in that the length of the antenna is several times the maximum dimension of the receiver. However, while electronic circuitry can be miniaturized without significant performance compromises, the same is not true of antennas. That is, while components can be made almost arbitrarily smaller, physical constants (such as wavelength) cannot. The net effect is that, while antennas whose dimensions are far less than a wavelength do exist, they are seriously less efficient than larger antennas. About the smallest antenna with reasonable efficiency is the 1/4-wavelength design, which must be about 16.5 inches (42 cm) long at 180 MHz.
Of course, electrically small antennas (such as the “rubber duckie”) are widely available. These units are normally 7 to 14 inches (19 to 35 cm) long, much shorter than 1/4 wavelength. However, such designs merely make the best of a bad situation by providing a good impedance match at the tuned frequency. This at least avoids adding matching loss to an already low efficiency. In general, even the best such designs are 3 to 6 dB less efficient than a simple 1/4-wave whip. In practical terms, the working range of a system using this type of antenna will be only 50 to 70% of that of the same system using a good-quality 1/4-wave whip (available as an option from your Vega dealer).
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In these situations, the optional limp-wire antenna will perform best. The overall efficiency of the limp-wire antenna is about the same as for the wire whip. When the receiver is worn on the belt, body absorption will still reduce the range significantly, but this loss will not be added to that of an already inefficient antenna. The limp-wire antenna also has the advantage of being comfortable to wear, since it is highly flexible and conforms easily to the body.
While the standard or optional antennas available for use with the R-27 should cover the majority of applications, other types of antennas may be needed for unusual applications, such as operating at extreme ranges of 1000 feet (300 m) or more. TV antennas (with an appropriate matching transformer) are often used for this purpose. A “high-band” wide-bandwidth yagi antenna (Winegard AK5713, or similar) works well in this application. VHF communications antennas are also sometimes used for specialized requirements. However, such antennas are usually narrow-band and must be modified to function properly in the 174 to 216 MHz range. Contact the Vega factory or your sales representative for assistance in selecting antennas for unusual applications.
Wiring Connectors and Plugs
Preparing high-quality cables, with connectors properly installed, is the key to reliable and trouble-free operation of any sound system. A few moments of extra care here can save hours of troubleshooting later on.
As a rule, the amount of insulation removed and the length of exposed cable should be minimized. This reduces the likelihood of short circuits and improves the ability of the clamp to grip the cable firmly. Just enough heat should be used to obtain a free flow of solder, but to allow leads to cool quickly after solder flows to avoid melting insulation. After each connector has been completely wired, the cable should be tested with an ohmmeter or a cable tester. Continuity between the various conductors and their associated connector pins must be established, and there should be infinite resistance (an open circuit) between all connector pins. In most cases, especially in portable installations, XLR connectors should not conduct at all between the shell and pin 1. This avoids grounding problems from inadvertent touching of the shell to other devices.
The XLR connector provides front-panel balanced mic-level audio outputs. The pin connections for this connector are as follows:
Pin #1......Shield (common to receiver ground)
Pin #2......Balanced audio out (“high”)
Pin #3......Balanced audio out (“low”)
Troubleshooting
Most users of Vega equipment enjoy years of trouble-free operation from their wireless microphones. However, as with all electronic devices, problems may be encountered eventually. If you experience difficulty with your Vega wireless-microphone system within the first year of operation, it will be repaired under warranty (see below). Service for older units may also be obtained from Vega; contact the factory or your sales representative for information.
The majority of difficulties with Vega wireless microphones are not due to equipment failure. This equipment is fully tested before leaving the factory and is inherently reliable. In most instances, problems are due to equipment application.
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The following paragraphs describe the most commonly encountered application problems. If you are having difficulties with Vega equipment, please review this information and take any necessary corrective action prior to returning the equipment for repair.
Battery
The most common problems with wireless-microphone systems are those related to the batteries. Vega recommends that only new, fresh Duracell MN1604 or “Eveready” Energizer No. 522 alkaline batteries be used. No other batteries tested by Vega have been found to provide equal life and equivalent reliability. Unfortunately, batteries purchased in drug stores and supermarkets may not be fresh and frequently do not yield rated life (6 to 8 hours is the usual range). Regular “9-volt” carbon cells have much shorter lifetimes (two to three hours for a fresh unit, perhaps less than one hour for a unit which has been on a rack for a year or so). Cheap “bargain” cells may not work at all, because they often are really 7 volts instead of 9 volts, and may not be able to supply the required current.
Battery contacts must be clean and unbroken. The battery tension spring in the transmitter (opposite to the battery contacts) must also be intact. Attempted forced reverse insertion of a battery is practically impossible, but the attempt will often damage the battery contacts. Some “9-volt” batteries sold are larger (or smaller) than standard and may either fail to work or may damage the contacts when inserted. Damage to the contacts usually requires a return to the factory or authorized service center.
Receiver Noise
Vega wireless-microphone receivers are designed to be extremely sensitive. Although high-performance squelch circuits are provided, it is not unusual for the receiver squelch to open and let through audio noise when the transmitter is off. This is usually due to the presence of weak carriers on the receiver frequency due to second-harmonic output of FM radio stations, spurious outputs from two-way radio transmitters, adjacent­channel leakage from TV transmitters, and, in some cases, RF noise from industrial equipment. When the wireless transmitter is “on”, this noise is suppressed and rarely causes any difficulties. However, if the audio channel is left “open” with the transmitter “off”, loud blasts of noise may occur. For this reason, it is advisable to “fade” the receiver audio when the transmitter is not in use.
Acoustic Feedback
Bodypack transmitters usually use lavalier electret microphones. Almost all such microphones are omnidirectional (equal sensitivity in all directions) and usually pick up more ambient noise than the handheld microphones to which performers are accustomed. The characteristic “sound” of lavalier microphones is also quite different from the usual dynamic handheld microphone, partially because they are electrets and usually sound “brighter” than dynamics. In many sound systems, on-stage monitors are
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used. Oftentimes, the directional characteristics of handheld microphones provide the only protection from acoustic feedback. Omnidirectional lavalier microphones do not provide the same degree of protection, and acoustic feedback may occur when the wireless system is used. However, this is an acoustic problem and is not directly related to the use of wireless transmission. Solutions to this problem include substituting a directional lavalier microphone (a few such units are available), reducing the monitor level, or relocating the monitor speakers.
Antennas/Cables
As noted in the section on antennas above, selection, placement, and mounting are vitally important. Shielding of the antenna with metallic objects not only will reduce the signal level available, but may result in creating locations within the coverage area where the receiving antenna is almost entirely ineffective (pattern “nulls”). If a coverage problem exists, it is always advisable to try moving the receiving antenna, particularly if there are nearby metallic materials.
Interference
Vega wireless microphone systems have been specifically designed to reject interference. However, interfering signals may fall directly on the receiver frequency, making it impossible to avoid problems completely. As mentioned above, this can be a particular problem if the receiver audio is left open when the transmitter is turned off. Problems with RF noise sources (fluorescent lights, car ignitions, industrial equipment, etc.) are quite rare. However, defective fluorescent lighting fixtures can generate astonishing amounts of RF energy. Usually, repairing the fixture will cure the problem, because normally functioning fixtures almost never cause trouble. This situation is true for most other interference sources as well. That is, unless the equipment is electrically defective, the interference will not adversely affect Vega wireless equipment. When such a situation exists, the source has become a wideband transmitter and nothing can be done to the wireless equipment to correct the problem that will not seriously degrade performance. Fortunately, this type of problem is very rare.
A more serious problem is selecting wireless-microphone operating frequencies which are inherently subject to interference due to intermodulation. Fortunately, a proper initial selection of or changing frequencies will almost always correct any such problem. Vega offers a free computerized frequency-selection service to purchasers of its equipment. If the frequency of other wireless equipment to be used in a given area is known, interference-free frequencies can be chosen. However, if equipment is added later without frequency coordination, an interference problem will likely exist. Should this occur, contact the Vega factory or your sales representative for assistance. Contrary to popular belief, a dozen or more wireless systems may be used in an area, with careful frequency coordination.
Microphone Problems
A few electret microphones are sensitive to RF energy and require special precautions to operate properly with wireless transmitters. This includes several types of Sony microphones, some Beyer and AKG units, most types of Audio-Technica microphones, and several others. If the sound quality of a microphone changes drastically when its position with respect to the transmitter changes, RF susceptibility is likely the cause. Contact the Vega factory or your sales representative if assistance is required.
The wires in lavalier electret microphone cables are usually very small. After a period of heavy use, the conductors may fray, resulting in intermittent failure or severe noise. Of course, an outright break may also occur, but this is usually easy to identify and correct. It is advisable to have a spare microphone available which is known to be in good working condition (it does not need to be a high-quality unit). With a spare microphone, it becomes easy to localize problems due to bad microphone cables by merely substituting the spare for the suspected unit.
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General
It is almost always advisable to contact the Vega factory or your sales representative prior to returning equipment for repair. Oftentimes, the problem can be resolved by telephone, avoiding downtime for unnecessary returns. However, should repairs be necessary, Vega will promptly correct the problem and return the unit. Return of both the transmitter and receiver is recommended, allowing Vega to perform a complete checkout and test of the entire system. This can be especially helpful for elusive or intermittent problems.
Warranty (Limited)
All Vega wireless products are guaranteed against malfunction due to defects in materials and workmanship for one year, beginning at the date of original purchase. If such a malfunction occurs, the product will be repaired or replaced (at our option) without charge during the one year period, if delivered to the Vega factory. Warranty does not extend to damage due to improper repairs, finish or appearance items, or malfunction due to abuse or operation under other than the specified conditions, nor does it extend to incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives the customer specific legal rights, and there may be other rights which vary from state to state.
Vega authorized service centers enable Vega to give customers immediate service on repairs. These service centers are fully qualified and equipped to handle the servicing of Vega equipment, and turnaround time is excellent. To obtain the address of your nearest authorized warranty service center, contact your dealer, or the factory.
Important
Be sure the exact return address and a description of the symptoms are enclosed inside the package with your equipment.
It is also advisable to return both the transmitter and receiver for a full system performance test when practical.
Repair
Vega 9900 Baldwin Place El Monte, CA 91731-2204 (626) 442-0782
Claims
No liability will be accepted for damages directly or indirectly arising from the use of our materials or from any other causes. Our liability shall be expressly limited to replacement or repair of defective materials.
R-27 Specifications
Frequency Ranges: 169-216 MHz
Frequency Stability: ±0.005%
RF Input Impedance: 50
Sensitivity: Better than 1.3 µV for 50 dB S/N (20-kHz bandwidth) Ultimate Quieting (S/N): 100 dB (referenced to 15 kHz deviation)
Squelch Quieting: 101 dB (referenced to 15 kHz deviation)
Harmonic Distortion: 0.4% maximum; 0.2% typical at 1 kHz
Deviation Acceptance: ±15 kHz
Image and Spurious Rejection: 75 dB, minimum (typically 80 to 85 dB)
Audio Output Impedance: Mic level, 150 , nominal
Audio Output (Adjustable): Mic level: +1 dBm to –45 dBm (at full deviation), +5 dBm minimum at clipping.
Power Requirements: 9 V battery, 7-10 V
Internal Supply: One 9-V battery (heavy-duty alkaline) for 6-8 hours* continuous operation, enclosed in receiver case and
accessible via rear panel without opening electronic section
*Will be affected by position of monitor volume adjustment.
Dimensions: 3.4 in (8.6 cm) wide x 1.2 in (3.0 cm) high x 5.7 in (14.5 cm) deep
Weight: Less than 14 ounces (0.40 kg), including battery
Controls: Headphone monitor, mic level adjustment, power switch (ON/OFF)
Connectors: XLR (3-pin male) audio program output; BNC coaxial antenna jack; miniature stereo phone jack (3.5 mm)
Indicators: 4 LED; TX “on”, –30 dBm, –4 dBm (audio level), and power on
Operating Temperature Range: –20°C to +55°C
, nominal
, 45 mA*, negative ground
dc
Overall System Performance**
Working Range: Up to 1000 ft under ideal conditions; usually somewhat less in typical applications
Emission/Modulation: Direct FM, crystal-controlled, 60F3 or 54F3
System Frequency Response: 45 Hz to 15 kHz, ±1.5 dB; 100 Hz to 10 kHz, ±0.75 dB
System Harmonic Distortion: 0.5%, maximum, below transmitter limiting; 0.2% typical at 1 kHz
System Ultimate S/N: 100 dB (flat) minimum (104 dB typical A-weighted), excluding microphone electronics and/or
**System-level performance will vary with the type of transmitter in use, its operating mode, and the control
settings. Performance values shown are representative only. Values shown are for Model T-25 transmitters.
9900 East Baldwin Place • El Monte, California 91731-2294
Telephone: (626) 442-0782 • Toll-Free: 800-877-1771
Fax: (626) 444-1342 • CompuServe: 73513,1417
FaxBack: (626) 444-2017 • Toll-Free FaxBack: 800-274-2017
element noise
www.vegawireless.com
Printed in U. S.A.
© April 2000 Vega
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