Zaxcom ZFR100, ZFR200, ZFR800 User Manual

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder

User‟s Manual

ZFR100 ZFR200 ZFR800

Updated: 2010-11-18 - 16:03

230 West Parkway, Unit 9, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 USA Tel: 973-835-5000 Fax: 973-835-6633

Email: info@zaxcom.com Website: www.zaxcom.com

NOTE: All specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.

Maintained by: Ray M. Owen, PSM

_______________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

Table of Contents

TABLE OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................................... 4

TABLE OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................................ 5

CHAPTER 1 – TOPICS THAT APPLY TO MOST UNITS .................................................................................. 6

USER MANUAL CONVENTIONS........................................................................................................................................................................... 6

SYSTEM FEATURES ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

WHAT‟S INCLUDED WITH THE ZFR100............................................................................................................................................................ 7

Options ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

WHAT‟S INCLUDED WITH THE ZFR200............................................................................................................................................................ 7

WHAT‟S INCLUDED WITH THE ZFR800............................................................................................................................................................ 7

MENU SYSTEM ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

MEDIA ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

COMPATIBLE LAVS .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

RF Resistant Lavs .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Non-RF Resistant Lavs ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

General ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

BATTERY INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

BATTERY LIFE ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

EXTERNAL POWER .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 11

COMMON SETTINGS FOR ASSOCIATED IFB TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVERS............................................................................................... 11

IFB ANTENNA ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS USER‟S MANUALS .................................................................................................................................................... 11

PRODUCT SUPPORT............................................................................................................................................................................................ 11

CHAPTER 2 – DIGITAL WIRELESS SYSTEM RECORDERS ............................................................................ 12

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ZFR100 BODYPACK RECORDER ..................................................................................................................... 12

Device Interface .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Media Slot ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Unit Power Switch – Internal/External Power Switch ........................................................................................................................................... 12

ZFR100 Configuration Menus.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ZFR200 BODYPACK RECORDER ..................................................................................................................... 14

Unit Power Switch ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

ZFR200 Configuration Menus.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ZFR800 HANDHELD RECORDER .................................................................................................................... 16

ZFR800 Configuration Menus.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

RECORDER BOOTUP SEQUENCES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Standard Bootup Sequence (without any card inserted) ......................................................................................................................................... 18

Standard Bootup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) ............................................................................................................................... 19

Extended Menu Bootup Sequence (without any card inserted)............................................................................................................................ 20

Extended Menu Bootup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) ................................................................................................................. 20

COMMON RECORDER STANDARD MENU ....................................................................................................................................................... 21

Transport Control page ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Audio Gain page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Highpass Filter page ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22

Limiter page ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Timecode Frame-rate page ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Timecode Jam Mode page ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22

Timecode Source page ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Earpiece Source page (requires IFB Audio Option) (ZFR100 ONLY) .............................................................................................................. 23

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual_______________________________________

Format Recording Card page............................................................................................................................................................................................ 23

To Format a Card: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

To Recreate the Wrapper Files (will not destroy existing audio takes): .......................................................................................................... 24

Lock page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 24

Unlocking the Unit ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

COMMON RECORDER EXTENDED MENU ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

Entering the Extended Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Exiting the Extended Menu ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

1K Notch Filter Enable page (requires IFB Audio Option) .................................................................................................................................... 25

1K Notch Filter Frequency page (requires IFB Audio Option) .............................................................................................................................. 25

Recording Format page ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

IFB Signal Format page (requires IFB Audio Option) (ZFR100 ONLY) .......................................................................................................... 26

IFB Receiver Enable page .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26

IFB Voting Enable page....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

IFB Frequency page .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

IFB Dropout Compensator page (requires IFB Audio Option) .............................................................................................................................. 27

Power-up Mode page .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

To Recreate the Wrapper Files (will not destroy existing audio takes): .......................................................................................................... 28

Timecode Output Enable page ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Group ID page ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Unit ID page........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Expander page ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30

Dynamics page (ADVANCED USERS ONLY!)........................................................................................................................................................... 30

ADC Select page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Battery Type page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 31

Recording Mode page ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Side Tone Gain page (requires IFB Audio Option) ................................................................................................................................................... 32

Allow IFB Remote Control page ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

IFB Jam Threshold page ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

Send QRX Program page .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32

Track Name page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 32

Encryption Code page ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33

CHAPTER 3 – RECORDING AUDIO USING THE MINIATURE DIGITAL RECORDERS ............................ 34

RECORDING FORMAT......................................................................................................................................................................................... 34

RECORDING MODE ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 34

MEDIA CAPACITY ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 34

DUAL COLOR LED ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 35

RECORDING OPERATION .................................................................................................................................................................................. 35

Formatting the Media Card .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 35

Current Timecode and Frame-rate Display ................................................................................................................................................................. 35

Jamming Timecode into the Unit..................................................................................................................................................................................... 35

Manually Jamming TC with a Cable ............................................................................................................................................................................. 36

Continuously Jamming TC using the IFB100 ............................................................................................................................................................. 36

Remote Control Recording Mode (with IFB100) ........................................................................................................................................................ 36

CHAPTER 4 – ZFR100 ADAPTERS ..................................................................................................................... 37

STA100 STEREO ADAPTER ................................................................................................................................................................................ 37

Installation ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37

Adjusting the Input Level .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37

Powering the STAxxx ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38

Using an External Power Source .................................................................................................................................................................................. 38

Using the STAxxx to Power the Unit......................................................................................................................................................................... 38

_______________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

The Audio/Timecode Output Connection ..................................................................................................................................................................... 38

Timecode Input ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38

Operation of the STAxxx .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 38

Host Unit functions .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38

STA150 STEREO ADAPTER ................................................................................................................................................................................ 39

EA100 EARPIECE ADAPTER ............................................................................................................................................................................... 39

TCA100 TIMECODE ADAPTER ......................................................................................................................................................................... 40

CHAPTER 5 – NEW SYSTEM CAPABILITIES ................................................................................................... 41

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41

IMPROVEMENTS .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

Improved Timecode Sync ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

Using Remote Control and Timecode while in HQ Mode....................................................................................................................................... 41

Using High Capacity SD Cards ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 41

New IFB Audio Codec ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

KNOW FIRMWARE PROBLEMS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 41

Recorders ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41

IFB .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41

CHAPTER 6 – EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................... 42

ZFR100 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

ZFR200 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 43

ZFR800 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 44

CHAPTER 7 – WIRING DIAGRAMS ................................................................................................................... 45

ZFR100 AND ZFR200 CABLES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 45

STAXXX CABLES ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 46

CHAPTER 8 – FIRMWARE INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 47

FIRMWARE ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 47

Advantages to Upgrading the Firmware ....................................................................................................................................................................... 47

Upgrading the Firmware in each ZFR series unit ...................................................................................................................................................... 47

TRX / ZFR / IFB FIRMWARE HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................................. 48

CHAPTER 9 – MENU SHEETS ............................................................................................................................. 60

MENU SHEET FOR ZFR100 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 60

MENU SHEET FOR ZFR200 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 64

MENU SHEET FOR ZFR800 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 68

CHAPTER 10 – ZAXCOM WARRANTY POLICY AND LIMITATIONS ......................................................... 71

Table of Figures

Figure 1-1 ZFR100 Front View ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Figure 1-2 External Power Polarity ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Figure 2-1 ZFR100 Top and Front Views ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 2-2 ZFR200 Top, Front and Back Views ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Figure 2-3 ZFR800 Side, Mic Capsule, Body Threaded End, Body Antenna End & Body Side Views ............................................ 16

Figure 4-1 STA100 Front & Back Views ......................................................................................................................................................... 37

Figure 4-2 STA100 attached to ZFR100 ........................................................................................................................................................ 38

Figure 4-3 STA150 & STA150 attached to ZFR100................................................................................................................................... 39

Figure 4-4 EA100 alone & EA100 attached to ZFR100 .............................................................................................................................. 39

Figure 4-5 TCA100 attached to ZFR100 & TCA100 ................................................................................................................................. 40

Figure 7-1 Two-wire microphone configuration (current transmitters) ............................................................................................... 45

Figure 7-2 Three-wire microphone configuration (current transmitters) ............................................................................................ 45

Figure 7-3 Balanced Line to ZFR100 and ZFR200 ....................................................................................................................................... 45

Figure 7-4 Standard XLR-3F to TA-5F Line-level input cable ................................................................................................................... 46

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual_______________________________________

Figure 7-5 LEMO-5M to 1/8” male timecode input cable ......................................................................................................................... 46

Table of Tables

Table 1-1 Approved vs. Unapproved Media ................................................................................................................................................... 9

Table 1-2 Compatible RF Resistant Lavalier Microphones ....................................................................................................................... 10

Table 1-3 Compatible Non-RF Resistant Lavalier Microphones ............................................................................................................. 10

Table 1-4 IFB Settings that Must be Consistent ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Table 2-1 ZFR100 Power Switch Alternate Functionality ......................................................................................................................... 12

Table 2-2 ZFR100 Standard & Extended Menus .......................................................................................................................................... 13

Table 2-3 ZFR200 Standard, Extended & Factory Setup Menus .............................................................................................................. 15

Table 2-4 ZFR800 Standard & Extended Menus .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Table 2-5 Standard Bootup Sequence (without any card inserted) ........................................................................................................ 18

Table 2-6 Standard Bootup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) ............................................................................................... 19

Table 2-7 Extended Menu Bootup Sequence (without any card inserted) ........................................................................................... 20

Table 2-8 Extended Menu Bootup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) .................................................................................. 20

Table 2-9 Audio Gain Valid Range and Step Size ......................................................................................................................................... 21

Table 2-10 Format Error Codes ...................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Table 2-11 Format Error Codes ...................................................................................................................................................................... 28

Table 3-1 Available Recording Time ............................................................................................................................................................... 34

Table 3-2 Recorder LED Indications ............................................................................................................................................................... 35

Chapter 1____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

Chapter 1 – Topics that apply to most units

User Manual Conventions

Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used:

button – refers to an on-screen (VIRTUAL) object that represents a parameter that can be

viewed and/or changed.

cycle the power – refers to turning „OFF‟ the power to the unit, waiting a few seconds and then turning

it back „ON‟.

IFB ? – IFB followed by transmitter or frequency is talking about the IFB portion of the

bodypack recorder, or the IFB100 transmitter.

key – refers to a PHYSICAL object on the unit for the Operator to change and/or view a

parameter or to navigate through the menus.

media card – refers to any approved card in Table 1-1 {p.9}. {p.##} – refers to the page number where the referenced item is located. starting value – refers to a value that should be used for a particular parameter and for all of the

parameters when the Operator is having difficulty getting the unit to work correctly. The value is highlighted.

STAxxx – refers to the STA100 and STA150. TRX900 ( / AA) – refers to the TRX900 and TRX900AA. TRX900 ( / AA / L) – refers to the TRX900, TRX900AA, TRX900LT and TRX900LTS. TRX900 (L) – refers to the TRX900LT and TRX900LTS. TRX9xx – refers to the TRX900, TRX900AA, TRX900LT, TRX900LTS and TRX992. TRXxxx – refers to the TRX900, TRX900AA, TRX900LT, TRX900LTS, TRX992, TRX800 and

TRX700.

ZFRxxx – refers to the ZFR100, ZFR200 and ZFR800. ZFR (1/2) – refers to the ZFR100 and ZFR200.

NOTE: A green NOTE is a helpful hint or bit of information.

IMPORTANT: A blue IMPORTANT note indicates something more important than a green NOTE.

CAUTION: A yellow CAUTION note indicates a situation that, if ignored, could cause a significant problem.

WARNING: A red WARNING note indicates a situation that, if ignored, could cause damage to your

equipment and/or you.

System Features

Fault tolerant broadcast quality recording Audio recording at 24 bits/48 kHz 96 hours of audio directly on a 16 GB removable card Supports both record/stop and continuous loop recording Backlit graphic liquid crystal display Frequency selectable highpass filter Selectable peak limiter Lightweight rugged design Integrated TC reader/generator accurate to 1 frame in 6 hours Efficient keypad for one-handed operation Integrated & encrypted IFB channel in recorder (ZFR100 & ZFR200) Integrated timecode reception (ZFR100 & ZFR200) RF remote control of recorders (ZFR100 & ZFR200):

o Audio gain (Raise/Lower) o Recording (Start/Stop)

Battery runtime:

o IFB100 – no internal batteries, always runs on external power o ZFR100 – up to twenty hours on two AA Lithium batteries o ZFR200 – up to eight hours on one AA Lithium batteries

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 1

o ZFR800 – up to ten hours on one CR123 battery

Size and weight: (H x W x D – while looking at the screen)

o IFB100 – 3.44” x 3.88” x 0.9” – 87 mm x 99 mm x 23 mm – 6.0 oz – 170g o ZFR100 – 3.31” x 2.3” x 0.65” – 84 mm x 58 mm x 17 mm – 4.0 oz – 113g o ZFR200 – 2.38” x 2.38” x 0.69” – 60 mm x 60 mm x 17 mm – 3.1 oz – 88g o ZFR800:

 Body – 6.12” x 1.5” – 155 mm x 38 mm – 8.2 oz – 232g  Capsule (ex.) – 3.0” x 3.0” – 76 mm x 76 mm – 4.9 oz – 139g

What’s Included with the ZFR100

1 – media slot dust plug 1 – belt clip 1 – blue Zaxcom storage/carrying case this user‟s manual on CD-ROM

Options

TCR100 – Receive timecode and remote control signals from the optional IFB100 TRX10 – Receive audio portion of IFB100 transmission (requires EA100 or STAxxx for monitoring IFB

audio)

TCA100 – Timecode adapter STA100 – Stereo adapter STA150 – Stereo adapter EA100 – Earpiece adapter IFB100 – Timecode/Remote Control Transmitter

What’s Included with the ZFR200

TCR100 – Receive timecode and remote control signals from the optional IFB100 1 – belt clip 1 – blue Zaxcom storage/carrying case this user‟s manual on CD-ROM

Options

IFB100 – Timecode/Remote Control Transmitter

What’s Included with the ZFR800

1 – blue Zaxcom storage/carrying case

Options

this user‟s manual on CD-ROM

Shure microphone capsule(s)

Chapter 1____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

Menu System

Figure 1-1 ZFR100 Front View

The user interface for each unit consists of a Liquid Crystal Display with keys, as follows:

MENU – Each time the MENU key is pressed, the next page/field in the current menu is displayed

on the screen.

INC (up arrow) –  Increment the current parameter selected by the MENU key.

 While in the Transport Control page {p.21}, pressing it while in PLAYBACK mode,

moves the playback pointer forward several seconds in the current recorded segment. If you continue pressing it you will eventually advance to the next recorded segment, if any.

DEC (down arrow) –  Decrement the current parameter selected by the MENU key.

 While in the Transport Control page {p.21}, pressing it while in STOP mode, moves

the playback pointer backward several seconds in the current recorded segment. If you continue pressing it, you will eventually move backward into the previous recorded segment, if any.

PLAY – Pressing it replays the last recording from its beginning. STOP – Pressing it puts the unit into STOP mode. REC (RECORD) – Pressing it puts the unit into RECORD mode. While in RECORD mode, pressing it for

less than 1 second closes the current file and immediately starts recording in a new file. The green LED (if present) blinks to confirm the creation of a new file. This makes it

Each menu has several pages allowing you to change configuration settings. All of these settings are stored in Flash ROM immediately after making the change.

easier to find in Post.

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 1

Media

Manufacturer’s ID

Approved?

Transcend Micro SDHC card, 4GB (w/ mini & SD adapter)

TS4GUSDHC6-2

YES

Transcend Micro SDHC card, 4GB (w/ SD adapter)

TS4GUSDHC6

YES

Transcend Micro SDHC card, 4GB (no adapter)

TS4GUSDC6

YES

SanDisk 4GB SDHC MiniSD/MicroSD

YES

Transcend 4GB SDHC MiniSD/MicroSD

YES

ALL SanDisk MicroSD 4GB & Larger (with/without MiniSD adapter)

YES

Transcend 2GB (x80) MiniSD

TS2GSDM80

YES

Transcend 4GB MiniSD

TS4GSDM80

YES

ALL Dane-Elec

SanDisk 2GB MiniSD

ALL SanDisk Ultra

ALL SanDisk Ultra II

ALL Transcend (x45)

Any brand that prints the info on a sticker applied to the chip

Transcend 2GB MicroSD (no speed rating)

HP 4GB SDHC MicroSD (class 4)

Adata 4GB SDHC MicroSD (class 2)

Media

Some of the units read from and/or record to a MiniSD/MicroSD card, which is inserted into the media slot. All of the transmitters use a MiniSD/MicroSD card to update the unit‟s firmware. To be safe, you must use approved media:

IMPORTANT: To use any 4GB card, V5.53 or greater is required

If unapproved media is used, it can become jammed in the media socket and damage it.

CAUTION: Damage resulting from using unapproved media is not covered by the warranty.

Do not use SanDisk Ultra II cards. Formatting one of them may make it unusable.

We have been shipping a regular SanDisk 2GB MiniSD card (for programming purposes), and it turns out to be right on the edge of recording reliability. The symptoms involve the TRX or ZFR periodically going in to and out of record because the card holds off the processor for too long.

Here is a testing procedure to determine if the card will function correctly:

1) Format the card in the Zaxcom unit.

2) Power cycle the unit.

3) Record audio to the card for several hours or more while in standalone mode (with no timecode source to

prevent a re-jam event).

4) Look at the Transport Control page {p.21}. Assuming the unit did not have any external timecode applied,

it should still be recording in segment #1.

IMPORTANT: If you see the timecode stop (or pause), that is when the card is not accepting data.

Alternatively, the Power/Record LED (where present), stays Red when the processor is waiting for the card to accept data and Green when the processor is writing to the card. If the card refuses to accept data for more than 1/2 second (a solid Red LED) the unit will stop recording to the current segment and try to start recording in the next segment.

Table 1-1 Approved vs. Unapproved Media

Chapter 1____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

Brand

Model

Voltage

Notes

Countryman

1.5

Countryman

E6 omni

Countryman

EMW

1.5

Specify for use with Zaxcom

DPA

4063-BMZ

Use only the Zaxcom 3.3 V model

Sanken

COS-11D

Sennheiser

MKE-2 Platinum

Sennheiser

MKE-2 Gold

New model – YES. Older models – NO

Shure

WL50

Sony

ECM77

Tram

TR-50

Voice Tech.

VT401HS

Voice Tech

VT506

Voice Tech.

VT910

Brand

Model

Voltage

Notes

Audio-Technica

892*CL4

Audio-Technica

898*L4

Audio-Technica

899*L4

Countryman

Isomax Instrument M2H*W3

Hypercardioid

Countryman

Isomax Instrument M2C*W3

1.5

Cardioid DPA

Headband 4067

Other headband requires 5 volts

Compatible Lavs

RF Resistant Lavs

Use one of the following microphone models:

Table 1-2 Compatible RF Resistant Lavalier Microphones

Additional microphones will be added to this list after a review of their 3.3v power performance and RF interference susceptibility has been completed.

Non-RF Resistant Lavs

Use one of the following microphone models:

Additional microphones will be added to this list after a review of their 3.3v performance.

General

The ZFR100 / ZFR200 has an unbalanced microphone input accessed through a 3-pin micro-LEMO connector. You can use an unbalanced dynamic microphone or a powered lavaliere. It is recommended that you use 3-wire lavalieres with separate pins for ground, audio and power.

When using a line-level input, an inline pad is required on the standard dynamic microphone input cable (XLR-3 to 3-pin micro-LEMO).

When using a phantom powered microphone with the ZFR100 / ZFR200, you must use an external 48 VDC power supply.

NOTE: Once upon a time, the Denecke 48V power supply could damage the now discontinued Goldline

transmitter‟s preamp. This is NOT the case with the ZFR100 / ZFR200.

Table 1-3 Compatible Non-RF Resistant Lavalier Microphones

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 1

IFB Receiver side

IFB Transmitter side

Extended Menu

Allow IFB Remote Control page IFB Signal Format page IFB Receiver Enable page Group ID page

Unit ID page IFB Frequency page

Extended Menu

IFB Signal Format page

Group ID page

Standard Menu

Remote Unit ID page IFB Frequency page

Battery Installation

Each unit may require one or two batteries.

CAUTION: Always observe the correct battery polarity. The negative contact on the battery is always

connected to the spring contact.

Never use any battery that is missing insulation on its body. If you do, it can cause a short circuit in the battery compartment, causing damage to the unit.

Battery Life

IMPORTANT: If operating using internal batteries, it is recommended that you use only Lithium or

rechargeable NiMH. Any other battery chemistry including Alkaline and Ultra batteries have a substantially reduced runtime compared to Lithium or NiMH cells. This is true for all Zaxcom units.

External Power

Some of the units can be powered from an external power source. The external power connection is a 2.5 mm (0.1”) barrel connector. The center pin is positive. The connector for the STAxxx and IFB100 is the Switchcraft 760K.

Figure 1-2 External Power Polarity

Common Settings for Associated IFB Transmitter and Receivers

The following settings must agree, to allow associated IFB transmitters and receivers to work together, (this assumes that the same or compatible versions have been installed in all units):

IFB Antenna

CAUTION: The location(s) of the antenna(s) are indicated in the images for each unit. Don‟t place anything in

front of this area that could block reception. Also, don‟t allow anything to press in on this area, the antenna

and/or receiver could be damaged.

Associated Products User’s Manuals

Zaxcom Digital Wireless System, IFB & Remote Control – User‟s Manual Zaxcom ZaxConvert Utility – User‟s Manual

Product Support

Download the latest Firmware from: http://www.zaxcom.com/support_software_updates.htm. Download the latest User Manuals from: http://www.zaxcom.com/support_instructional_manuals.htm.

Register your new Zaxcom Product at: http://www.zaxcom.com/support_product_registration.htm. Submit Technical Questions at: http://www.zaxcom.com/support_submit_tech_questions.htm. Request an RMA # at: http://www.zaxcom.com/support_repair_services.htm

Table 1-4 IFB Settings that Must be Consistent

Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

Switch Position

No Stereo Adapter

Installed

Stereo Adapter

Installed

„ON‟

Internal Power

„OFF‟

External Power

Chapter 2 – Digital Wireless System Recorders

This chapter is intended to quickly familiarize you with the functions of each of the Digital Wireless System

Getting to Know Your ZFR100 Bodypack Recorder

recorders.

The ZFR100 uses two AA batteries (Lithium or NiMH). This section was written based on firmware version 6.80.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

10.

12.

1. REC key 7. Microphone/Timecode Input

2. Media Slot 8. LCD Screen

3. Power/Record LED 9. INC key

4. STOP key 10. DEC key

5. Power Switch 11. MENU key

6. PLAY key 12. Battery Door and Compartment (on back)

Figure 2-1 ZFR100 Top and Front Views

Device Interface

Media Slot

This slot holds a media card for recording and is protected from accidental ejection by a guard bar. To insert a card, with the screen facing you, turn the card so the finger contacts are facing you and down toward the slot. Insert it into the slot and press it down until you here a slight click. To remove it, press it in until you hear the same click again.

IMPORTANT: While inserting / removing the card, if your finger slides off of the card, it could fly a respectable

distance. Be VERY care or you could lose a card containing hours of recording in an instant.

Unit Power Switch – Internal/External Power Switch

The Power switch is intentionally set below the frame of the unit to prevent accidentally turning it „OFF‟ during use.

When the Zaxcom Stereo Adapter (STAxxx) is attached to the ZFR100, the ON/OFF switch becomes an internal or external power select switch.

Table 2-1 ZFR100 Power Switch Alternate Functionality

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2

Standard Menu

Extended Menu

Transport Control page {p.21}

Highpass Filter page {p.25}

Audio Gain page {p.21}

Limiter page {p.25}

Highpass Filter page {p.22}

1K Notch Filter Enable page {p.25}

Limiter page {p.22}

1K Notch Filter Frequency page {p.25}

Timecode Frame-rate page {p.22}

Recording Format page {p.26}

Timecode Jam Mode page {p.22}

IFB Signal Format page {p.26}

Timecode Source page {p.23}

IFB Receiver Enable page {p.26}

Earpiece Source page {p.23}

IFB Voting Enable page {p.26}

Format Recording Card page {p.23}

IFB Frequency page {p.27}

Lock page {p.24}

IFB Dropout Compensator page {p.27}

Power-up Mode page {p.27}

Format Recording Card page {p.28}

Timecode Jam Mode page {p.28}

Timecode Source page {p.29}

Timecode Output Enable page {p.29}

Group ID page {p.29}

Unit ID page {p.29}

Expander page {p.30}

Dynamics page {p.30}

ADC Select page {p.31}

Battery Type page {p.31}

Recording Mode page {p.31}

Side Tone Gain page {p.32}

Allow IFB Remote Control page {p.32}

IFB Jam Threshold page {p.32}

Send QRX Program page {p.32}

Track Name page {p.32}

Encryption Code page {p.33}

ZFR100 Configuration Menus

There are ten Standard and twenty-eight Extended menu pages, as follows:

Each time the MENU key is pressed, the menu advances to the next page, in sequence.

Table 2-2 ZFR100 Standard & Extended Menus

Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

Getting to Know Your ZFR200 Bodypack Recorder

The ZFR200 uses one AA battery (Lithium or NiMH). This section was written based on firmware version 6.80.

1. 2. 3.

10.

1. – Unit Power Switch 6. – DEC key / STOP key

2. – Media Slot 7. – MENU key / PLAY key

3. – 3-pin Micro-LEMO Connector 8. – CARD key

4. – Graphic LCD Screen 9. – IFB Antennas and Receiver

5. – INC key / REC key 10. – Battery Compartment Door

Figure 2-2 ZFR200 Top, Front and Back Views

Device Interface

Media Slot

This slot holds a media card for local recording and is protected from accidental ejection by a guard bar. To insert a card, with the screen facing you, turn the card so the finger contacts are facing you and down toward the slot. Insert it into the slot and press it down until you here a slight click. To remove it, press it in until you hear the same click again.

IMPORTANT: While inserting / removing the card, if your finger slides off of the card, it could fly a respectable

distance. Be VERY care or you could lose a card containing hours of recording in an instant.

Unit Power Switch

The power switch is intentionally set below the frame of the unit to prevent accidentally turning it „OFF‟ during use.

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2

Standard Menu

Extended Menu

Transport Control page {p.21}

Highpass Filter page {p.25}

Audio Gain page {p.21}

Limiter page {p.25}

Highpass Filter page {p.22}

Recording Format page {p.26}

Limiter page {p.22}

IFB Signal Format page {p.26}

Timecode Frame-rate page {p.22}

IFB Receiver Enable page {p.26}

Timecode Jam Mode page {p.22}

IFB Voting Enable page {p.26}

Timecode Source page {p.23}

IFB Frequency page {p.27}

Format Recording Card page {p.23}

Power-up Mode page {p.27}

Lock page {p.24}

Format Recording Card page {p.28}

Timecode Jam Mode page {p.28}

Timecode Source page {p.29}

Group ID page {p.29}

Unit ID page {p.29}

Expander page {p.30}

Dynamics page {p.30}

Battery Type page {p.31}

Recording Mode page {p.31}

Allow IFB Remote Control page {p.32}

IFB Jam Threshold page {p.32}

Send QRX Program page {p.32}

Track Name page {p.32}

Encryption Code page {p.33}

ZFR200 Configuration Menus

There are nine Standard, and twenty-two Extended menu pages, as follows:

Each time the MENU key is pressed, the menu advances to the next page, in sequence.

Table 2-3 ZFR200 Standard, Extended & Factory Setup Menus

Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

Getting to Know Your ZFR800 Handheld Recorder

1. 2.

The ZFR800 uses a single CR123 battery.

Uses screw-on microphone capsules made by Shure™ and Neumann™. Be aware that to use a Neumann capsule, a special adapter is required. Check with Zaxcom Sales for price and availability.

This section was written based on firmware version 6.10.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

1. Mic Capsule 6. 1/8” headphone monitor jack 11. DEC key

2. Mic Body 7. Media Slot 12. INC key

3. Capsule Contacts 8. Battery Door (power switch inside) 13. LCD Screen

4. Body Contact Pins 9. RECORD key

5. Pad Switch (10 dB) 10. MENU key

Figure 2-3 ZFR800 Side, Mic Capsule, Body Threaded End, Body Antenna End & Body Side Views

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2

Standard Menu

Extended Menu

Transport Control page {p.21}

Highpass Filter page {p.25}

Audio Gain page {p.21}

Limiter page {p.25}

Highpass Filter page {p.22}

Power-up Mode page {p.27}

Limiter page {p.22}

Format Recording Card page {p.28}

Timecode Frame-rate page {p.22}

Timecode Output Enable page {p.29}

Format Recording Card page {p.23}

Expander page {p.30}

Lock page {p.24}

Dynamics page {p.30}

Battery Type page {p.31}

Recording Mode page {p.31}

Track Name page {p.32}

Device Interface

Media Slot

This slot holds a media card for local recording. To insert a card, with the screen facing you, turn the card so the finger contacts are facing away from you and down toward the slot. Insert it into the slot and press it down until you here a slight click. To remove it, press it in until you hear the same click again.

IMPORTANT: While inserting / removing the card, if your finger slides off of the card, it could fly a respectable

distance. Be VERY care or you could lose a card containing hours of recording in an instant.

Unit Power Switch

Located inside the battery compartment, in the opposite end from the antenna.

ZFR800 Configuration Menus

There are seven Standard and ten Extended menu pages, as follows:

Each time the MENU key is pressed, the menu advances to the next page, in sequence.

Table 2-4 ZFR800 Standard & Extended Menus

Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

LCD SYNTH AB

LOWER POWER MODE IFB IS OFF 0

(OPTIONAL PAGE: Only appears if Low Power mode is fully enabled.)

PCB REVB BBBB VER A-AAA (CC)

(PCB REVB – Indicates the printed-circuit board is revision “B”.) (A–AAA – Indicates the currently installed firmware version.) (BBBB – Programmable logic device revision code.

„0000‟=no timecode input „0150‟=timecode input available.) (CC – Indicates which options are available:

00=none, 01=Record, 02=IFB, 03=IFB & Record.)

***NO CARD***

NAME: DDDDDDDD

(DDDDDDDD – Displays the “Name” entered in the Extended Menu. The initial default is “SN:”, followed by the unit‟s serial number.)

ENCRYPTION IS ON

(OPTIONAL PAGE: This statement indicates that an encryption code

has been entered. Verify the code matches the associated receiver‟s code.)

AUDIO

ZAXCOM VA-AAA WWWWWW SN:ZZZZZ

(WWWWWW – Indicates what hardware is being initialized.) (ZZZZZ – Indicates the unit‟s serial number.)

STOP 00:00:00:00 000:

(Be aware, if you get this alert,

the unit will not go into RECORD mode.)

LOW BATTERY

1.60V

(This page appears, when the battery HAS to be changed.)

Recorder Bootup Sequences

Standard Bootup Sequence (without any card inserted)

Table 2-5 Standard Bootup Sequence (without any card inserted)

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2

LCD SYNTH AB

PCB REVB BBBB VER A-AAA (CC)

FOUND SD CARD EEEEEEEEEE

(EEEEEEEEEE – Indicates the size of the card {i.e. 2 GBYTES or 512 MBYTES)

NAME: DDDDDDDD

ENCRYPTION IS ON

RECOVERING SEG F MM KB_

(OPTIONAL PAGE: Occurs if the recording was not correctly closed.) (F – Indicates how many previous recording(s) were found.) (MM – Indicates the size of the recovered audio.)

FOUND F SEGS MODE=GGGGGGG

(GGGGGGG – Indicates which Transmission Format is set in the Extended Menu.)

AUDIO

ZAXCOM VA-AAA WWWWWW SN:ZZZZZ

STOP 00:00:00:00 000:

(The unit does not automatically go into Record mode once it has completed its boot-up sequence.)

Standard Bootup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted)

Table 2-6 Standard Bootup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted)

Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

LCD SYNTH AB

PCB REVB BBBB VER A-AAA (CC)

***NO CARD***

EXT MENU HHH II A-AAA JJ:KK:LL

(HHH II – Indicates the month & day the version was created.) (JJ:KK:LL – Indicates the time of day the version was created.)

AUDIO

ZAXCOM VA-AAA WWWWWW SN:ZZZZZ

EXTENDED MENU PRESS UP TO EXIT

LCD SYNTH AB

PCB REVB BBBB VER A-AAA (CC)

FOUND SD CARD PCB REVB BBBB

EXT MENU HHH II A-AAA JJ:KK:LL

RECOVERING SEG F MM KB_

FOUND F SEGS MODE=GGGGGGG

AUDIO

ZAXCOM VA-AAA WWWWWW SN:ZZZZZ

EXTENDED MENU PRESS UP TO EXIT

Extended Menu Bootup Sequence (without any card inserted)

Table 2-7 Extended Menu Bootup Sequence (without any card inserted)

Extended Menu Bootup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted)

Table 2-8 Extended Menu Bootup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted)

Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2

STOP 00:00:00:00 000:

GAIN 20dB

Audio Gain

Board

Valid Range

Front panel

Chg (INC / DEC key)

IFB100

chg

ZaxNet

Cmd

Original

0 - 18 - 36 dB

2dB

2dB*

1dB*

Updated

0 - 25 - 52 dB

1dB

2dB*

1dB*

Common Recorder Standard Menu

Transport Control page

Page purpose: This is the default page at startup and displays the following information:

• Recorder mode • Current timecode • Current recording segment

Audio Gain page

• Current audio level

Recording Modes (top line, left side):

STOP – Recording is stopped (accompanied by 1 beep). LREC – Recording is started and LOOP RECORD mode is enabled (accompanied by 2 beeps). REC – Recording is started and NON-LOOP RECORD mode is enabled (accompanied by 2 beeps). WAIT – May appear just before going into record, or if the card is ejected while recording.

Timecode based on the current mode (top line, right side; hours : minutes : seconds : frames):

While in STOP mode – displays the location where playback will start. While in PLAY mode – displays the current location as the segment plays back. While in RECORD mode – displays the timecode coming from the generator.

Current recording segment (bottom line, left side):

Currently the maximum number of recording segments that can be on any one card is 254.

Current audio level at the pre-amp: measured in dBFS with zero on the far right side

The current playback timecode is displayed in the transport control page.

Page purpose: This page adjusts the mic gain, using the INC or DEC key.

Parameters:

When audio is applied to the microphone input, the LCD indicates the signal strength using a bar graph displayed horizontally from left to right (@ -32 to 0 dBFS). The gain should be set so that the meter is averaging around -20 dBFS for normal conversation with peaks below -5 dBFS. This is about a quarter of the way down from 0 dBFS, toward the -20 dBFS marking printed below the screen. If no microphone is connected, the bar graph remains blank.

The unit features a digitally controlled analog limiter that is situated before the A/D converter. This prevents the A/D convertor from clipping by automatically attenuating the mic gain when excessive audio is detected.

When activated, the limiter engages based on the settings in the Limiter page {p.22}. The gain level should be set low enough to prevent it from engaging, even when Talent is screaming.

Table 2-9 Audio Gain Valid Range and Step Size

Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual

HIGH PASS: OFF

LIMITER: OFF

TIMECODE 30NDF GEN 00:00:00:00

TC JAM MODE: MANUAL (OFF)

Highpass Filter page

Page purpose: This page maintains the cutoff frequency for the highpass filter.

Parameters:

(valid range: 30 to 220Hz, value step: 10) OFF

Limiter page

Page purpose: This page enables/disables the limiter function.

Parameters:

(Valid range: -2dB to -30dB, value step: 1) OFF

NOTE: This page applies to the mic input only. It does not come into play for the STAxxx.

When the input signal is too high for the gain setting, it is clipped and results in distortion and popping. The limiter is used to prevent clipping by beginning to engage at the specified value. When using a microphone, normally you would enable the limiter. However, if the input signal is coming from a mixer that is using a limiter, you should disable this limiter.

Since it is implemented in the digital domain, the automatic limiter may engage even when you don‟t hear any

substantial audio. The purpose of the limiter is to prevent the mic preamp from over-driving the A/D converter, so the limiter operates on audio before it has been processed by the highpass filter. If there is a massive amount of low frequency audio content being filtered out, such as wind noise, you may hear the effects of the limiter without hearing the audio that caused the limiter to engage. If this occurs, the gain is set too high and you must reduce it to below the level that triggers the limiter.

Timecode Frame-rate page

Page purpose: This page sets the frame-rate used to record audio on the inserted media card and displays the

timecode as it is being recorded.

Parameters: [23.98] / [24] / [25] / [29.97NDF] / [29.97DF] / [30NDF] / [30DF]

Timecode Jam Mode page

Page purpose: This page maintains how received timecode will be used.

Parameters:

AUTO-LOAD – start and stop the recorder, based on the Timecode Source page {p.23} selection:

o If an IFB100 is being used - when the IFB100 timecode starts and stops. o If an STAxxx/TCA100 is being used and the timecode source is connected to it when the timecode source

starts and stops.

AUTO-JAM – continuously jams timecode, based on the Timecode Source page {p.23} selection. MANUAL (OFF) – jam timecode once, based on the Timecode Source page {p.23} selection.

+ 49 hidden pages

Zaxcom ZFR100, ZFR200, ZFR800 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual