Alteros GTX Series User manual

SET UP and USE
SETSE

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1. REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS .........................................................................................4
2. OVERVIEW
2.1 System Components
2.2 System Block Diagram
2.3 Core Performance Targets
2.4 Specifications
3. GTX24 UWB BODY PACK TRANSMITTER ......................................................................................................
4. GTX24HH UWB HAND HELD TRANSMITTER……………………………………………………………………………………………….
5. GTX32 UWB TRANSCEIVER MODULE ...........................................................................................................
6. GTX3224 MAIN CONTROL UNIT ...................................................................................................................
4.1. FRONT PANEL....................................................................................................................................................................
4.2. REAR PANEL .....................................................................................................................................................................
7. GUI INTERFACE ............................................................................................................................................
7.1. HOME SCREEN...................................................................................................................................................................
7.2. TRANSMITTER DETAIL SCREEN ...............................................................................................................................................
7.3. MATRIX SCREEN -RECEIVER MEASUREMENT ...........................................................................................................................
7.4. MATRIX SCREEN –TRANSMITTER MEASUREMENT......................................................................................................................
7.5. SETUP SCREEN...................................................................................................................................................................

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1. REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation if this equipment in a residential area is unlikely to cause harmful interference. However, if
the equipment does cause harmful interference, the user will be required to correct the interference at own expense.
Please note that your Alteros system operates in a frequency band in a way which may make its use subject to certain FCC
regulatory agency restrictions. No changes or modifications may be made to this equipment except by the expressly
approved responsible party for compliance. Changes or modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment, and will also void Alteros warranty coverage. For further information, please contact your local office of the
FCC as applicable.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not
cause harmful interference.
Operation is subject to the following conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference and 2) This
device must accept any interference received, including interference which may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modification not expressly approved by Alteros could void your authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence.
L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2)
l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible
d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
CAUTION! Electrical shock can result from removal of the component’s covers. Static Hazard: Permanent
operational damage can result from removal of the component’s covers. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel. No user-serviceable parts inside. Do not expose to rain or moisture without taking appropriate
precautionary steps.
The circuits inside the system components have been precisely adjusted for optimum performance and compliance
with federal regulations. Do not attempt to open components. To do so will void the warranty and may cause
improper operation.
Notice to individuals with implanted cardiac pacemakers or AICD devices: Any source of RF (radio
frequency) energy may interfere with normal functioning of the implanted device. All wireless microphones have
low-power transmitters (less than 0.05 watts output) which are unlikely to cause difficulty, especially if they are at
least a few inches away. Please contact your physician or medical-device provider if you have any questions, or
experience any problems with the use of this or any other RF equipment.

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2.Overview
2.1 System Components
Model
Description
GTX24-2
Beltpack transmitter for use with 2-wire microphones
GTX24-3
Beltpack Transmitter for use with Talkback Function
and 3-wire microphones
GTX24HH-P
Handheld transmitter with interchangeable
microphone capsule
GTX24HH-B
Handheld transmitter with interchangeable
microphone capsule, extended grip (flag area) and
Talkback switch
GTX32
UWB Transceiver Module
(24 channels receiver/control transmit and antenna)
GTX3224
Main Control Interface Unit (3U)
GTX-FX8
Fiber breakout box for 8 GTX32 transceivers
GTX899 or
GTX899SW
Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone with Inline
Talkback Switch

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2.2 System Block Diagram

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2.3 Core Performance Targets
Core Performance Targets
STUDIO BROADCAST
Operating Method
UWB OOK
Center frequency
6.500GHz
Simultaneous Transceiver
Points GTX3224 (non fiber)
32
Simultaneous Transceiver
Points GTX3224F (fiber
module)
64
Simultaneous Transmitters
24
Audio Dynamic Range
24 bits
Frequency Response
20Hz -20kHz
Latency
<3 mS
Analog to Digital out
Audio Interface
MADI/DANTE/AES67
External Control Interface
USB/Ethernet
User Interface
Touchscreen GUI
Battery Life
6 hours
Range (single GTX32
transceiver line of sight)
90 feet
Range single mode fiber (LC
connector)
6,000 feet

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2.4 Specifications
Overall System
Dynamic Range
>109 dB (A-weighted, typical)
Total Harmonic Distortion
<0.06% (-40dBV input level)
GTX24 Specs (inherent
transmitter)
Direct connect
Self Noise @ 0dB gain
-111dBA
Self Noise @ 20dB gain
-106dBA
Sensitivity @ 0dB gain
-44dBV
Sensitivity @ 20dB gain
-23dBV
Dynamic Range
111dB (A-weighted, typical)
SNR @ 0dB gain
67dBA
SNR @ 20 dB gain
82dBA
Maximum Input Level (5%
THD)
4.8dBV
Total Harmonic Distortion
<0.06% (-40dBV input level)
Operating Frequency Range
6250MHz –6750MHz
Tx Output Power
74nW average
Modulation
OOK (on off keying, no modulated
carrier)
Emissions Designator
500MN1W

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GTX24 w/ GTX899 or GTX899SW
mic and GTX24HH
Self-Noise @ 0dB gain
-109dBA
Self-Noise @ 20dB gain
-93dBA
Sensitivity @ 0dB gain
-48dBV
Sensitivity @ 20dB gain
-28dBV
Dynamic Range
109dB (A-weighted, typical)
SNR @ 0dB gain
61dBA
SNR @ 20dB gain
65dBA
Frequency Response
20Hz –20,000Hz
Impedance
250 ohms
DC current
1.7mA
Battery
2 x AA
Battery life
6 hours
GTX3224 Main Control Unit
Frequency Response
20Hz –20,000Hz
Input/Output Connections
MADI
2 x 75 ohm BNC to coax, 2 x
multimode or singlemode fiber
DANTE/AES67
2 x RJ45
GTX32 transceivers
32 x 12 V, RJ45
HD/SD bi/tri-level
1 x BNC
Wordclock
1 x BNC
Headphone/Monitor Out
@ 33 ohm load
Total Harmonic Distortion
<0.1%
Noise
-90dBV
Maximum Output Power
200mW
Power
Redundant AC supply
2 x 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 480W
max
Cable
2 x IEC

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3. GTX24 UWB Beltpack Transmitter
3.1 Batteries
The GTX24 operates via 2 x AA size batteries.
When inserting the batteries into the GTX24, observe correct polarity as
marked.
Do not peel off or damage the outer tube of the battery.
Do not use a leaking battery. If battery leakage occurs, avoid contact with skin.
If contact occurs, immediately was thoroughly with soap and water. If battery
leakage comes into contact with your eyes, immediately flush with water and
seek medical attention.
Do not expose batteries to fire. Do not heat, deform, solder, disassemble or
modify batteries.
For best operation, do not use batteries of different types together, old or new
batteries together, or batteries with different charge levels.
Insert 2 x AA batteries observing proper polarity
Slide On/Off switch to “on” position

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3.2 Transmitter Controls
•An On/Off power switch is located in the battery compartment.
•The adjustable transmitter parameters are shown on a display located on
the face of the transmitter.
•The adjustable transmitter parameters are:
1. System ID (SYS) –Each transmitter must be assigned a system ID
(1-9) that must match the system ID set on the GTX3224
Each transmitter will only transmit after it receives permission to
transmit from the system. In order to receive permission,
synchronization with the system must be established and the
system ID from the system must match with the transmitter. This
will prevent users with transmitters assigned the same channel
time slot from a different system ID from interfering if they enter
the coverage area of another system. If your transmitter is not
linking, check that the transmitter system ID matches the system
ID shown on the tools screen of the GTX3224 Main Control Unit.
Note: The system ID does not apply to GTX32 transceivers. GTX32
transceivers from separate systems must be
physically/RF/temporally isolated from one another to prevent
system timing collisions.
2. Channel Number (CHAN) –The channel time slot assigned to the
transmitter (01-24.) Each transmitter in the system is assigned a
unique channel number that represents the time it should operate
in the TDMA controlled scheme. To operate the GTX24
transmitter, turn on and set each GTX24 transmitter to be used in
the system to its own channel time slot. The default setting upon
turn on is CHAN 1. To operate more than one transmitter with the
system, you must set each GTX24 to a different channel number.
No frequency coordination, registration or database checking is

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required. Simply turn each transmitter to a channel time slot from
01 to 24 and operate.
Note: If two GTX24 transmitters are set to the same channel time
slot and same system ID #, they will not operate properly.
3. Input level (GAIN) –Adjustment of the audio input level (0 dB to
20dB in 2dB Steps).
The display figures will only be illuminated when the user is adjusting the
transmitter. Pressing any button will activate the full display for 10
seconds. After 10 seconds, display functions will no longer be
illuminated although the GTX24 is functioning. A single small red
indicator dot will show in the bottom right of the display to let the user
know there is power. The light will be continuously on as long as there is
the required round-trip operating link to the system. The light will blink if
the GTX24 power is on, but there is no link to the system. If the power is
not on, or the batteries are dead, there will be no small red light
displayed.
System ID
Channel
Parameter
Display/ Selection
Gain
Value up/down
adjust

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•Adjustment Process:
1. Press and Hold (2 sec) the button associated with the parameter to be
adjusted - SYST, CHAN or GAIN.
2. The selected parameter value will flash on the screen.
3. Make the desired adjustment via the up down arrow keys while the value is
flashing.
4. The new value will be shown, and remains flashing until confirmed.
5. Confirm the new value by continuing to hold the parameter button from step 1
until the flashing stops.
6. If the parameter button is not held for confirmation, the parameter will return
to the original value.
Note: If there is no button pressed for a 10 second period the
transmitter will revert to its original settings and the display
will go dark.
3.3 Transmitter Audio Output Routing
The system includes a talkback function utilizing 58 output channels in either
the MADI stream or DANTE/AES67 network output. In normal operation, audio
will be routed to the audio channel that matches the channel time slot number
assigned (Audio Channel = CHAN = 1 - 24). The talkback function is activated by
connecting the appropriate transmitter connector contact to ground when the
in-line talkback switch of the AT899cL4SW microphone is depressed. The
talkback function is a press and hold operation. While the talkback button is
depressed, the audio output will be routed to a channel in the range of 25 to 48
- equal to the channel time slot number + 24 (Audio Channel = CHAN +24) and
an 8 additional talkback/cue groups that are assigned to channels 49-56 if
desired (assigning cue groups is not necessary). Upon button release, the audio
channel returns to the normal operation on the assigned channel 1-24.

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4. GTX24HH UWB Handheld Transmitter
4.1 Batteries
The GTX24 operates via 2 x AA size batteries.
Access the battery compartment and GTX24HH controls by gently unscrewing
and sliding open the lower outside microphone handle.
When inserting the batteries into the GTX24HH, observe correct polarity as
marked. (Note they both orient with + “up”).
Do not peel off or damage the outer tube of the battery.
Do not use a leaking battery. If battery leakage occurs, avoid contact with skin.
If contact occurs, immediately was thoroughly with soap and water. If battery
leakage comes into contact with your eyes, immediately flush with water and
seek medical attention.
Do not expose batteries to fire. Do not heat, deform, solder, disassemble or
modify batteries.
For best operation, do not use batteries of different types together, old or new
batteries together, or batteries with different charge levels.

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4.4 On/Off and Transmitter Controls
The On/Off power switch and Controls are inside the microphone body,
opposite of the battery compartment. Access this area by gently unscrewing
and sliding open the lower outside microphone handle.
The adjustable transmitter parameters are shown on a display located on
inside the transmitter.
The adjustable transmitter parameters are:
1. System ID (SYS) –Each transmitter must be assigned a system ID
(1-9) that must match the system ID set on the GTX3224
Each transmitter will only transmit after it receives permission to transmit from
the system. In order to receive permission, synchronization with the system
must be established and the system ID from the system must match with the
transmitter. This will prevent users with transmitters assigned the same
channel time slot from a different system ID from interfering if they enter the
coverage area of another system. If your transmitter is not linking, check that
the transmitter system ID matches the system ID shown on the tools screen of
the GTX3224 Main Control Unit.
Note: The system ID does not apply to GTX32 transceivers. GTX32 transceivers
from separate systems must be physically/RF/temporally isolated from one
another to prevent system timing collisions.
2. Channel Number (CHAN) –The channel time slot assigned to the
transmitter (01-24.) Each transmitter in the system is assigned a
unique channel number that represents the time it should operate
in the TDMA controlled scheme. To operate the GTX24
transmitter, turn on and set each GTX24HH transmitter to be used
in the system to its own channel time slot. The default setting
upon turn on is CHAN 1.

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To operate more than one transmitter with the system, you must
set each GTX24HH to a different channel number. No frequency
coordination, registration or database checking is required. Simply
turn each transmitter to a channel time slot from 01 to 24 and
operate.
Note: If two GTX24HH transmitters are set to the same channel time slot and
same system ID #, they will not operate properly.
3. Input level (GAIN) –Adjustment of the audio input level (0 dB to
20dB in 2dB Steps).
The display figures will only be illuminated when the user is adjusting the
transmitter. Pressing any button will activate the full display for 10 seconds.
After 10 seconds, display functions will no longer be illuminated although the
GTX24HH is functioning. A single small red indicator dot will show in the
bottom right of the display to let the user know there is power. The light will be
continuously on as long as there is the required round-trip operating link to the
system. The light will blink if the GTX24HH power is on, but there is no link to
the system. If the power is not on, or the batteries are dead, there will be no
small red light displayed.
Slide On/Off switch to “on” position
Value up/down
adjust

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•Adjustment Process:
7. Press and Hold (2 sec) the button associated with the parameter to be
adjusted - SYST, CHAN or GAIN.
8. The selected parameter value will flash on the screen.
9. Make the desired adjustment via the up down arrow keys while the value is
flashing.
10. The new value will be shown, and remains flashing until confirmed.
11. Confirm the new value by continuing to hold the parameter button from step 1
until the flashing stops.
12. If the parameter button is not held for confirmation, the parameter will return
to the original value.
Note: If there is no button pressed for a 10 second period the
transmitter will revert to its original settings and the display
will go dark.
5.GTX32 UWB Transceiver Module
The GTX wireless microphone system operates in a space which is defined by
the placement of GTX32 transceiver modules.
Transceiver Communication
Input Port Channel Number
GTX32 Front View

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Operating somewhat like micro-cell devices, each GTX32 transceiver unit
houses both transmit and receive antennas. It sends control, system and sync
coordination information to all GTX transmitters within its range. Via the TDMA
scheme, it also receives all 24 possible channels of audio data from 24 possible
simultaneous transmitters and processes the signals for return to the GTX3224
MCU. Once at the MCU, several layers of error correction and signal quality
decision are processed. While only a single GTX32 transceiver is needed for the
system to operate, utilizing multiple transceivers provides for fully redundant
receivers, and a diversity signal processing method equal to the number of
GTX32 transceivers in use in each system. A space should be covered by GTX32
transceivers much in the same way as one would set up lights to fill a space.
When multiple GTX32 units are set-up, they create a “coverage mesh” in which
the system will operate. GTX32 transceivers send “permission to transmit”
signals to GTX transmitters when a full round-trip link can be maintained with
appropriate BER performance. Thus, if a GTX transmitter moves out of the
coverage space, transmission will cease. Transmission will begin within 1
second when the GTX transmitter returns to a location within the GTX32 mesh
coverage area. This operation is seamless and totally noise-free. There is no
signal quality degradation or other negative artifact associated with the
permission to transmit scheme.
Set-up Note: GTX32 transceivers work best when mounted high and above the
area of desired coverage, with a more or less clear line-of-sight. It is very
much like setting up lights to illuminate an area.
A full line-of-sight is not entirely necessary, but it is generally preferred. GTX32
transceivers can also be mounted behind light set pieces, walls, or furniture if
necessary; as long as the obstacle is not metal or metallic. Coverage range is
reduced when working through a set-wall or furniture, and this needs to be
kept in mind during placement. The transmit and pick-up pattern of the GTX32
antennas is similar to a directional shotgun with a 90’ front lobe and 70 degree
acceptance angle. The widest operational coverage can be found at
approximately 40’.

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The pattern becomes very narrow when in close proximity, and side-lobes are
present when operating within 16 feet of the device. There is also a small rear-
lobe. The signals that are transmitted and received in this system are very
effectively bounced and utilized via multi-path. A general antenna pattern
estimate drawing is shown below, but due to very positive influence of multi-
path signals, this drawing does fully represent the operation once in a physical
space.
(not to scale)
Note: Although a single GTX32 transceiver may pick up all 24 channels of
operation, Alteros recommends that the system be set up with a coverage area
that will provide for at least three GTX32 transceivers in link with each GTX24
transmitter at all times from any location/orientation. Additional covering
GTX32 units will then provide receiver redundancy and additional system
diversity security.
Connection of the GTX32 transceiver to the system is uncomplicated. Simply
attach one end of a shielded CAT-5 cable to the RJ45 jack on the back of the
GTX32 and the other end to the RJ45 input jack on the rear of the GTX3224
Main Control Unit. The CAT-5 cable can be up to 1,000 feet long with no
performance degradation.

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Important note: The GTX wireless microphones system uses a proprietary
communication protocol over the CAT-5 cable for the purposes of extended
range and highly precise system synchronization. GTX32 transceivers DO NOT
connect via ethernet. DO NOT plug an ethernet connection into a GTX3224
transceiver input jack. GTX32 transceivers can be operated via a home-run
connection through a physical switch if this allows for easier set-up and cabling,
but they will not operate through a network or ethernet switch. For more
information about switching, we suggest you look into the Alteros SWX8 and
SWX8C switches.
Other than connecting the GTX32 to the GTX3224, no other steps are needed.
The GTX3224 MCU will discover the connected cable, send power to the GTX32
and begin communication automatically. A two digit display (7 Segment LED) is
provided to automatically indicate the corresponding input port number when
the GTX32 is connected via a CAT5 cable to the RJ45 jack of a corresponding
channel of the GTX3224 Main Control Unit (MCU). This display serves as the
unit’s power indicator.
A visible channel number also indicates that there is a full round-trip
connection between the GTX32 and the GTX3224 communications, confirming
that the cable, the GTX32 transceiver and the corresponding MCU port are all
operating appropriately. Should the user prefer that the LED lights not be
illuminated, there is a control option available on the MCU “tools” screen
which allows the display lights to be turned off.
Note: The input port number is completely operationally agnostic, and is used
only for convenience sake for device location/identification. Each GTX32
transceiver module will transmit and receive signals from all 24 possible
channels of GTX24 transmitters in operation.
Mounting the GTX32 is simple. The rear of the unit features both a 5/8”-27
threaded insert and a ¼” -20 threaded insert for attachment to various stands
or clamps. The unit weighs under 1 pound, and is easily utilized without adding
undue weight on set or physical features.