Audio Envoy User manual

Envoy
User Guide
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Audio Radio Microphone Systems are noted for their
ease of use. If however you need advice or technical
support at any time please contact Audio Ltd.
All products come with free lifetime technical support,
and we are also always pleased to help users of our
equipment, whatever the application.
Audio Ltd,
Audio House
Progress Road
High Wycombe
Bucks, HP12 4JD
U.K.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
World Wide Web: http://www.audioltd.com
Copyright © 2001 Audio Limited
Part no: ENVOY/1
This guide was produced by
Human Computer Interface Limited,
http://www.interface.co.uk
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Contents
Introduction 5
Audio Limited ........................................................................ 5
The Envoy Range .................................................................. 5
Diversity reception ............................................................... 8
Selecting frequencies ......................................................... 9
Switch iR Infra-Red Controller 10
Controls ................................................................................ 10
Using Switch
iR .................................................................... 11
Technical specification ..................................................... 13
CX iR Diversity Receiver 14
Controls, displays, and connections ............................... 14
Setting up the CX
iR ............................................................ 15
Technical specification ..................................................... 23
TX Blue Pocket Transmitter 24
Controls, displays, and connections ............................... 24
Setting up the TX Blue ....................................................... 25
Technical specification ..................................................... 28
HX iR Hand-Held Transmitter 29
Controls, displays, and connections ............................... 29
Setting up the HX
iR ............................................................ 32
Fitting the microphone capsule ....................................... 38
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Holding the HX iR ................................................................. 39
Technical specification ..................................................... 40
MX iR Receiver 42
Controls, displays, and connections ............................... 42
Setting up the MX
iR ........................................................... 43
External powering .............................................................. 48
Technical specification ..................................................... 49
Aud iR Infra-Red Controller 50
Installing Aud iR ................................................................... 50
Running Aud
iR .................................................................... 51
Troubleshooting 57
Cable wiring diagrams 60
Index 65
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CHAPTER
1
Introduction
This chapter gives a general introduction to radio
microphones, and shows how the products in the
Envoy Range interrelate.
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Audio Limited
Audio Limited has been designing and manufacturing
broadcast quality radio microphone systems since 1963,
and over this period our products have become the
choice of professional sound mixers around the world.
Our systems have acquired an acclaimed reputation for
reliability and transparent sound quality through our
commitment to designing products with maximum input
from the customer.
All of the products designed by us are a result of
listening to our customers.
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The Envoy Range
The Envoy Range of radio microphone system
components eliminates all mechanical switching by
using infra-red remote control. This allows you to
change settings, such as the frequency and audio level,
and check the status of the units, such as the battery
status and settings, even if they are not fully accessible,
such as when mounted in a camera.
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Introduction
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<>
Menu
OK
TX Blue
HX
iR
MX iR
Envoy Envoy
CX
iR
Receivers
Transmitters
Switch iR
Camera
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Introduction
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Infra-red control is provided in the Envoy Range of
receivers, and in the HX
iR hand-held transmitter.
Switch iR
The infra-red controller for the Envoy receivers and the
HX
iR transmitter.
TX Blue
A multi-frequency synthesised UHF pocket transmitter,
for use on location with a range of microphones.
HX iR
A multi-frequency infra-red controlled UHF hand-held
transmitter designed for use with a range of high-quality
interchangeable microphone capsules from the
Schoeps Colettte range.
CX iR
A multi-frequency UHF infra-red controlled true diversity
receiver designed to interface with the internal slot in
several widely used camcorders. It can also be mounted
externally, and used as a portable receiver for
documentary and ENG purposes.
MX iR
A multi-frequency UHF infra-red controlled non-diversity
receiver with internal battery compartment for portable
use in a wide range of applications.
The Envoy products are fully compatible with all
existing RMS 2020 and RMS 2000 Series products.
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Introduction
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Aud
iR
The Envoy Range also includes Aud iR , an application
designed to run on Palm OS compatible organisers.
Aud
iR allows you to display the status of any Envoy
Range device on a single convenient Status screen, and
change any of the settings. In addition, it provides a Plot
Signal function, to plot the signal strength, and a Scan
function, to display a frequency scan:
In effect the Scan function acts like a portable spectrum
analyser dedicated to the receiver being addressed.
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Diversity reception
When electromagnetic waves are radiated by a moving
transmitter, the receiver picks up reflected signals from
surrounding structures as well as the directly radiated
signal. These reflected signals combine with the direct
signal, and in the case where the combining signals are
out of phase with each other, a drop-out or loss of signal
results.
To eliminate this cancellation effect Audio Limited
employ the true diversity technique in the CX
iR receiver.
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Introduction
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The CX iR receiver incorporates two separate receivers
fed by separate antennae. A comparator circuit
compares the RF levels from the two receivers ensuring
that the receiver will always switch to the strongest
signal. A noiseless switching circuit takes full
advantage of the accurate level detection to allow
switching as often as needed without noise or clicks.
The result is a reliable, drop-out free, broadcast-quality
audio signal indistinguishable from a line microphone.
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Selecting frequencies
The Envoy Range provides a choice of 32 pre-
programmed operating frequencies within a 24MHz
block, in the 470MHz to 1000MHz range. This allows you
to select a frequency appropriate to the location.
The Aud
iR Palm OS application can be used in
conjunction with the CX
iR and MX iR receivers to
accurately locate any unused channels in a particular
location, thereby eliminating any guesswork.
The Switch
iR infra-red controller allows you to check
and change the frequency on the CX
iR and MX iR
receivers, and the HX iR transmitter.
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SwitchiR Infra-Red
Controller
The Switch iR is a compact custom-designed infra-
red controller for use with the Envoy Range. It
provides functions to allow you to read the status of
a device, or change its settings. In addition it
includes a convenient built-in 9V battery tester:
<>
Menu
OK
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Controls
V
V
FREQUENCY
MHz
Fr
Display
Scroll buttons
Menu/On button
9V battery
tester
Infra-red port
+
_
OK button
Infra-red port
Point the infra-red port at the front of the Switch iR
directly at the infra-red port of the transmitter or
receiver, keeping the Switch
iR within 30cm of the port.
CHAPTER
2
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SwitchiR Infra-red
Controller
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Menu/On button
Turns on the Switch iR . The display will initially show the
frequency screen:
FREQUENCY
MHz
Fr
a/vScroll buttons
Allow you to scroll through the menus, or the selections
on the frequency, audio level, and LF cut screens.
OK button
Confirms the current selection.
Power saving feature
The Switch iR will switch off if no buttons are pressed
within 30 seconds, to conserve battery life.
The Switch
iR will also switch off automatically if the
menu button is kept pressed for more than 50 seconds;
for example while the Switch
iR is in a pocket or bag.
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Using SwitchiR
Full instructions for using Switch iR with each of the
products in the Envoy Range are given in the
appropriate chapter of this guide.
The following table summarises the Switch
iR functions,
and describes the additional functions included in
Switch
iR .
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SwitchiR Infra-red
Controller
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Menu Description
Fr Press OK to read the transmitter or receiver
frequency setting. Press OK again followed by
aor vto select a new frequency, and press OK
to transmit it to the unit.
AF Press OK to read the receiver or transmitter
audio level. Press OK again followed by aor v
to select a new audio level and press OK to
transmit it to the unit.
LF Cut Press OK to read the transmitter’s LF cut setting.
Press OK again followed by aor vto switch
the setting between on or off and press OK to
transmit it to the unit.
Batt Press OK to read the transmitter or receiver
battery level. For receivers the receiver battery
level alternates with a transmitter battery status
indicator: H (high), L (low), or F (fail).
Int Batt Displays the battery voltage of the Switch iR
internal battery. If this falls below 5.00V the
internal battery should be replaced.
9V Batt Allows you to test a 9V 6LR61 type battery by
holding it against the two metal terminals on the
side of the Switch iR . A reverse polarity warning
is displayed if the battery is connected the
wrong way round.
Sn Press OK to read the serial number of a receiver
or transmitter and display it on the display. The
serial number consists of a six-digit prefix
followed by a two-digit suffix, and these are
flashed alternately on the display.
User ID Displays the unit’s user ID. You can edit the user
ID using the Aud iR application.
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SwitchiR Infra-red
Controller
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Menu Description
iR disable Press OK to disable the infra-red port on a
transmitter or receiver until power is
disconnected and reapplied.
Off Press OK to turn a transmitter off. Not available
for receivers.
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Technical specification
Size 65 x 30 x 11mm (17mm at
battery end)
Weight 40g including battery
Battery type 6V PX28L Lithium or
equivalent
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CHAPTER
3
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CXiR Diversity
Receiver
The CX iR is a multi-frequency UHF diversity
receiver, designed with a range of modular adapters
to allow it to be mounted internally in the latest
camcorders from Sony, Philips, and Ikegami.
Alternatively, a universal adapter fitted with the six-
pin Lemo socket is available allowing the CX
iR to be
used externally with camcorders that do not provide
a built-in wireless microphone receiver slot. Also,
the CX
iR can be used as a portable documentary or
ENG receiver. All settings can be read or changed
via infra-red control using the Switch
iR .
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Controls, displays, and connections
Top panel
Antenna 2
RX2 (yellow)
Antenna 1 Infra-red port
(yellow) RX1
No
Signal
(red)
Low TX
Battery
(amber)
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CXiR Receiver
Antenna 1/Antenna 2
SMA sockets to which the antennae are connected.
Infra-red port
Receives commands from, and transmits status
information back to the Switch
iR infra-red controller.
RX1/RX2 indicators (yellow)
Indicates which of the unit’s two built-in receivers is
active at any time.
Low TX Battery indicator (amber)
Indicates when the transmitter battery is low and needs
replacing.
No Signal indicator (red)
Indicates that no carrier signal is being received from
the transmitter, such as when the transmitter is
switched off or set to an incorrect frequency.
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Setting up the CXiR
To set up the CX iR in conjunction with a suitable
transmitter, such as the HX
iR or TX Blue:
•Fit the receiver into the camera.
•Connect the RX1 and RX2 antennae.
•Set the audio input selector switch to the appropriate
position on the camcorder.
•Select the operating frequency.
•Set the output level.
•Check the power status.
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CXiR Receiver
•Check that one of the RX1 and RX2 indicators (yellow)
is illuminated, and that the No Signal indicator (red) is
not illuminated.
These steps are explained below:
Mounting the receiver into the camera
To mount the CX iR receiver in the wireless microphone
receiver slot on the camcorder:
•Remove the plate covering the receiver slot on the
camcorder.
•Fit the appropriate cover plate on the CX
iR receiver:
Rubber faced
gasket
•Ensure that the plate is oriented correctly.
• Slide the cover plate gently towards the top of the
receiver:
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CXiR Receiver
•Ensure the receiver has the correct interface
connector for the camcorder you are using.
•Fit the receiver assembly into the slot and press it
gently into place until it is firmly seated.
•Slide the cover plate into position and secure it into
place with the screws provided.
Connecting the antennae
Connect the antennae to the SMA connectors marked
RX1 and RX2. Connect the straight antenna to one
socket and the right-angled antenna to the other socket.
Selecting the operating frequency
You can check or change the operating frequency of the
CX
iR receiver via infra-red control using the Switch iR .
To check the CX
iR frequency:
• Press MENU.
The display shows:
FREQUENCY
MHz
Fr
•Align the front of the Switch iR with the infra-red
window on the receiver and press OK.
Optimum operating range is between 5 and 15cm.
The Switch
iR will display the
receiver frequency; for example:
FREQUENCY
Rx MHz
854.900
To change the CX iR frequency:
• Press OK again.
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CXiR Receiver
The display will alternately flash between frequency and
channel number.
For example:
CHANNEL
01
• Press aor vto scroll through the 32 frequencies
read from the receiver until the required channel or
frequency is displayed.
For example:
CHANNEL
32
•Align the front of the Switch iR with the infra-red port
on the receiver and press OK.
If the command was received correctly the display will
show the new frequency.
For example:
FREQUENCY
Rx MHz
857.950
Otherwise the display will show:
Error
•Repeat the above steps if an error message is
displayed, moving the Switch
iR closer to the infra-red
port.
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CXiR Receiver
Setting the output level
The CX iR should be set to the correct level as required
by the camcorder. The output level is attenuated in 1dB
steps over a 32dB range. The 0dB reference level is
-25dBu.
To check the CX
iR output level:
• Press MENU.
• Press aonce until
the display shows:
AF LEVEL
TxRx
AF
•Align the front of the Switch iR with the infra-red port
on the receiver and press OK.
The display will show the current
output level setting; for example:
AF LEVEL
Rx
-07 dB
To change the receiver output level:
•Press the OK button.
The AF level display will flash.
•Press the aor vbutton to step between the
available output level settings until the required
output level is displayed.
For example:
AF LEVEL
TxRx
-15 dB
•Align the front of the Switch iR with the infra-red port
on the receiver and press OK.
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CXiR Receiver
If the command was received correctly the new level
will be displayed.
For example:
AF LEVEL
TxRx
-15 dB
Otherwise the display will show:
Error
•Repeat the above steps if an error message is
displayed, moving the Switch
iR closer to the infra-red
port.
Checking the DC power status
To check the status of the receiver’s DC power:
• Press MENU.
• Press athree times until
the display shows:
TxRx
BAtt
•Align the front of the Switch iR with the infra-red port
on the receiver and press OK.
The display will
show the DC voltage:
Rx
11.9 v
If the associated transmitter is on while the DC status is
being checked the display will alternate between the
receiver’s DC status and the received transmitter DC
status.
For example:
Tx
H
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