Audio A10-TX-US User manual

A10-TX-US
Digital Transmitter
—User Guide —

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A10-TX-US User Guide
Copyright / Doc Rev History Info
Model A10-TX-US only. See separate documentation for A10-TX model.
Copyright © 2018 Audio Ltd. All rights reserved. | www.audioltd.com
7 Century Court, Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 9RS, UK | [email protected]
Revision Date Description
1A Dec 2017 Initial Publication
1B Feb 2018 Added note re: Bluetooth remote range
1C Apr 2018 Edits made in sections: Specications and Certications
1D May 2018 Added v1.05 change (i.e. Orientation setting)
1E July 2018 Added v2.00 information about new recording feature
Copyright / Doc Rev History Info . . . . . . . 2
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Quickstart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
At the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
At the Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
At the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Connectors, Controls Description . . . . . . 5
Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Main Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Menu Control and Menu Selections . . . . . 7
Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Audio Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Record / TC Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Settings Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
System Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Frequency Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Channel, Sub Channel, Frequency . . . . . 10
Audio Input and Control . . . . . . . . . . 10
Lavalier Microphones . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Balanced Microphones with Phantom . . . 10
Line-Level Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Audio Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
File Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
File Conversion .MIC to .WAV . . . . . . . . 12
Timecode and Time-of-Day Clocks . . . . . 12
Time-of-Day Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
External LTC Jamming. . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Timecode Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Firmware Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Input Connector Wiring Diagram . . . . . . 16
Battery Runtime Chart . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Certications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
FCC Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Declaration of Conformity. . . . . . . . . . 17
Minimize RF Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Frequency Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
X Frequencies (6 MHz Per TV Channel) . . 18
Y Frequencies (7 MHz Per TV Channel) . . 19
Z Frequencies (8 MHz Per TV Channel) . . 20
Channel Assignments by Region . . . . . . 20
Table of Contents

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A10-TX-US User Guide
Overview
The A10 Digital Wireless System meets the demanding requirements of the professional
sound community engaged in lm and television production. It oers superb audio and RF
performance.
The digital RF transmission of the A10 system allows the user to operate up to 20 channels in
an 8 MHz TV channel, maximising spectrum eciency without compromising on range, audio
quality or latency.
The A10-TX-US is the U.S.-only version of the transmitter. It incorporates Audio Ltd’s
proprietary digital modulation scheme whilst maintaining the high audio quality that Audio Ltd
has become renowned for, and with extremely low end-to-end latency of 2 mS.
The A10-TX-US has an intuitive menu system allowing the user to become familiar with settings
within a few minutes of turning it on.
The A10-TX transmitter oers a universal audio input accepting two-wire lavalier microphones,
balanced microphones (selectable 12V or 48V phantom power), and balanced line-level signals.
It includes an integrated digital recorder with a precision timecode generator (recording not
available with lavalier microphones in U.S. market transmitters). An internal microSD card in the
transmitter stores audio data in proprietary .mic format. The free Mic-to-WAV utility for Mac OS
and Windows converts .mic les into industry-standard broadcast WAV les with timecode.
Key Features
• Low-noise, studio-grade balanced input for microphones and line level signals with analogue
limiter and phantom power.
• Fully digital RF transmission
• Integrated digital recorder with precision timecode generator (for Mic / Line-level operations)
• Remote controllable over Bluetooth® using the A10-TX-US Remote app for Android and iOS.
• Powered by easy-to-access AA batteries.

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A10-TX-US User Guide
System Quickstart
The A10 Digital Wireless System is easy to use. Follow the steps below for basic setup and
operation.
At the Receiver
1. Fit the included straight and right-angled antennas to the A10-RX receiver.
2. Connect the receiver to a power source. It will immediately power on.
3. Using the scanning tool in the Selection menu nd an available open frequency. If multiple
wireless systems are in use, make certain to keep frequencies least 400 kHz apart.
4. Connect the audio output from channel 1, channel 2, or both to an audio input on a mixer,
recorder, camera, or PA system.
5. Ensure that the receiver audio output type and level are set based on the input type.
At the Transmitter
1. Attach the straight antenna to the A10-TX-US.
2. Attach an audio source to the 3-pin LEMO input connector.
3. Insert AA batteries into the A10-TX-US battery compartment and power on the unit with the
red On/O button.
4. Set the audio input type to set to match the connected input.
5. Set the transmitting frequency on the A10-TX-US match the frequency set on the A10-RX
receiver channel.
6. Adjust the audio gain according to your environment and source, taking care not to overload
the signal. This is indicated by a red LED.
At the Receiver
1. Conrm that the blue channel power LED is solid blue.
2. Conrm that the RF status LEDs and display indicate good RF strength on both antennas.
3. Conrm that the audio level at the receiver corresponds to the audio connected to the A10-
TX-US input.
4. The system is now ready for use.

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A10-TX-US User Guide
Connectors, Controls Description
2
1
3
49
12
11
6
7
10
5
8
Figure 1: A10-TX-US transmitter with open battery compartment
1 - Antenna Socket
SMA connector, 50 ohm, connects to includ-
ed 1/4-wave whip antenna.
2 - Power LED
Blue LED illuminates when unit is powered
on. Flashes when unit is in sleep mode. LED
can be turned o in the Menu.
3 - Display
OLED screen. Screen automatically turns o
during operation for battery savings.
4 - Left Menu Button
Moves selection in menu to the left, or decre-
ments values.
5 - Power Button
Press to power on the unit. Press and hold to
power down the unit.
6 - Audio Input Connector
Balanced LEMO-3 connector. Accepts mul-
tiple audio input types including unbalanced
lavalier, balanced microphone, balanced line.
Also used for timecode input and output.
7 - Input Overload LED
Red LED illuminates when input signal is
3dB before clipping.
8 - Menu Button
Enters the menu selection. Also used to select
options in the menu.
9 - Right Button
Moves menu selection to the right, enters
record status screen, or increments values.
10 - microSD Card Slot
The card slot is used to record les and load
rmware updates on the unit.
11 - Battery Tray
Accepts two AA LR6 batteries.
12 - Battery Door Latch
Press both latches to open the battery door.

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A10-TX-US User Guide
Powering
The A10-TX-US is powered by two AA (LR6) batteries. For the longest runtime use Lithium
primary cells. The transmitter also accepts alkaline primary and Nickel Metal Hydride
rechargeable batteries. Select the battery type used in the menu to ensure that the battery
condition is indicated accurately in both the transmitter display and receiver.
1. Open the battery compartment by pressing both mechanical releases simultaneously. (See
Figure 1.)
2. Insert two fresh AA type (LR6) batteries. Note correct battery polarity.
3. Momentarily press the red On/O button. The blue power LED will light and the display will
illuminate. The transmitter is now powered on.
4. To turn the transmitter o, press and hold the red button until the “turning o’ progress bar
completes and the unit goes dark.
Main Display
After powering on the A10-TX-US the display shows the following.
Battery Condition
Input
Gain
RF Output
Power
Frequency in MHz
Frequency as
Channel–Sub Channel
Input Level
Meter
Record
Indicator
• RF Output Power - three power levels are indicated, Low (10 mW), Medium (20 mW),
High (50 mW)
• Input Gain - gain applied to the input source, in dB
• Battery Condition - shows the battery voltage level of the transmitter batteries, ve-
segments
• Frequency in MHz - the transmitting frequency is shown
• Frequency in Channel–Sub Channel - the transmitting frequency is shown in region,
channel, and sub channel
• Input Level Meter - shows audio input signal level
• Record “dot” Indicator - ashes in top left corner when recording is underway. The record
feature is not available for Lavalier operations. For more information, see Recording.
Press the Left button, to view the name of the transmitter. The serial number of the transmitter
is the default name of the transmitter. The transmitter name can be changed in the A10-TX-US
Remote app.
From the main screen on the transmitter, pressing the Right button shows record status
information, such as le name (when recording), le duration, remaining record time, timecode
values, and frame rate. Record status information is unavailable for Lavalier operations.

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A10-TX-US User Guide
Menu Control and Menu Selections
The A10-TX-US transmitter is controlled through its menu. Enter the menu via the centre Menu
button. Once in the menu the Left and Right buttons toggle among options, and the Menu button
makes the selection.
Main Menu
Selections Icon Description Options
Exit Returns to the main display screen.
Frequency Selection Sets the transmitter’s frequency. Frequency
selection and channel increments change based on
the region of operation the unit is set.
• TV Channel Increments
• Sub Channel Increments
• Frequency Increments in 25 kHz steps
Audio Gain Controls the gain range of the audio input. Gain
range is input type dependent. Gain control is in 1
dB increments.
• Lavalier: 0 dB to +40 dB
• Line setting: -10 to 16 dB
• Mic setting: 16 to 40 dB w/20dB pad
• Mic setting: 36 to 60 dB
Audio Setup Enters the Audio Setup sub-menu. • Low Cut
• Limiter
• Lav / Mic / Line
Record / TC Enters the Record / TC sub-menu. • Record
• File Info
• TX / Record Mode
• Timecode
• Frame Rate
ªTimecode and Frame Rate are the only options available for Lavalier operations.
Privacy Activates transmission privacy with a four-number
key set on the transmitter and receiver. When
active, the receiver must be set to the corresponding
key for audio to pass.
New Key option generates a key. The key symbol
is displayed on main default screen when privacy
is active.
• New Key - generates new key
• O - encryption cleared, set to ----, not
active
Settings Enters the Setting sub-menu. • Bluetooth
• RF Power
• Brightness
• Battery Type
• Blue LED
• TV Ch Map
System Enters the System sub-menu. • Sleep
• Lock Menu
• Set Time/Date
• Format Card
• Restore
• Info
• Update Firmware

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A10-TX-US User Guide
Audio Setup Menu
Selections Icon Description Options
Exit Returns to the main menu.
Low Cut Activates a low frequency cut lter to the audio
input. 18 dB/octave
• O
• 40 Hz
• 60 Hz
• 80 Hz
• 100 Hz
• 200 Hz
Limiter The limiter reduces peak levels of the analogue
audio input before digital conversion to prevent
audio overload. The recommended setting is On.
• On
• O
Lav / Mic / Line Selects the input type at the LEMO-3 connection.
ªFor Mic/Line, the AC-BAL-XLR accessory is
required.
• Lav
• Mic
• Line
• P48 - mic level with 48 V phantom
• P12 - mic level with 12 V phantom
Record / TC Menu
Selections Icon Description Options
Exit Returns to the main menu.
Record * Select Record to enter Record mode (This begins
recording). The Record status is remembered
across sleep and power cycles.
File Info * Shows important information about the le being
recorded.
• Time Elapsed
• Time Remaining
• Timecode
• File Name
TX / Record Mode * Select the operational mode of the A10-TX. • TX/Rec - simultaneous wireless
transmission and recording
• RecOnly - recording function only
Timecode Enter Timecode menu.
Timecode values from either the attached external
timecode generator or the internal generator are
shown.
ªWhilst in this menu, wireless transmission is
suspended, and timecode may be sent via AC-
TCBNC-OUT or AC-TCLEMO accessories.
• Time of Day
• External
• Jam - applies external timecode to the
internal generator.
ªJamming to an external timecode
source requires the AC-TCBNC-IN
or AC-TCLEMO accessories.
Frame Rate Sets the frame rate of the timecode clock. Select a
rate that matches the incoming timecode rate.
ªRejam is required after setting frame rate.
• 23.98
• 24
• 25
• 29.97
• 29.97 DF
• 30
• 30 DF
* These options are only available when Audio Setup > Lav / Mic / Line is set to Line or Mic level options. They are not available for Lavalier
operations.

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A10-TX-US User Guide
Settings Menu
Selections Icon Description Options
Exit Returns to the main menu.
Bluetooth Toggles Bluetooth On or O. Bluetooth oers
external control of the A10-TX via the A10-TX
Remote App (for iOS or Android).
• On
• O
RF Power Sets the RF output power of the transmitter. • Low - 10 mW
• Med - 20 mW
• High - 50 mW
Brightness Sets the brightness of the OLED screen Five increments, 1–5,
5 is brightest
Battery Type For accurate display of battery condition on the
transmitter and receiver select the battery type
from the available options.
• Alkaline
• NiMH
• Lithium
Blue LED If set to On, the LED illuminates blue when
powered on and screensaver is active.
• On
• O
TV Ch Map Selects the TV channel spacing in MHz to ensure
channel selection cooresponds to a specic
geographic region. See frequency chart.
• X – 6 MHz
• Y – 7 MHz
• Z – 8 MHz
Orientation Sets orientation of display — ideal for when
transmitter is attached upside down on boom pole.
• Normal (default)
• Flipped
System Menu
Selections Icon Description Options
Exit Returns to the main menu.
Sleep When selected, the A10-TX goes into low-power
Sleep mode. The blue LED ashes when the
unit is in a sleep state. The unit returns to normal
power operation when any button is pressed or the
transmitter is activated from the A10-TX Remote
App.
• Sleep
Lock Menu Activates a button lock to prevent unintentional
changes to menu selections.
• Unlock
• Lock
Set Time / Date Sets the time and date of the realtime clock.
Format Card Deletes all les and data present on the inserted
microSD card.
OK - begins formatting process.
Restore The restore function allows the user to reset the
A10-TX to the factory default settings.
Info Shows numerous attributes of the transmitter. • Serial Number
• Firmware Revision
• Frequency Band
Update (Firmware) Updates the rmware of the transmitter using a
rmware .PRG le on the microSD card.

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A10-TX-US User Guide
Basic Operation
Frequency Selection
The A10 Digital Wireless System available in the operates in the UHF frequency band from 470
to 608 MHz. There are two models of the A10-TX-US transmitter to cover this frequency range.
Multiple A10 Digital Wireless systems can be used simultaneously on nearby adjacent
frequencies without worry of intermodulation interference since the A10 Digital Wireless System
and its digital RF transmission is inherently immune to intermodulation. Systems can be used
together when separated by at least 400 kHz. Use the scan tool on the A10-RX receiver to search
for available frequencies.
ªWhen using A10 Digital Wireless systems in conjunction with analogue RF systems, an
intermodulation plan needs to be addressed for analogue receivers.
Channel, Sub Channel, Frequency
To simplify frequency selection, frequencies are divided into channels and sub channels.
• Channel - corresponds to broadcast television channels used in geographic region.
• Sub Channel - channels are divided in 400 kHz increments called sub channels to speed up
frequency selection. The number of sub channels depends on the channel mapping selected.
• Tune - specic frequencies within the transmitter’s tuning range can be selected in 25 kHz
increments.
To change TV channels, use the Left button to highlight the TV
Channel. Press the centre Menu button to select the TV channel.
Select the sub channel until the desired sub-channel is selected.
See the Frequency Tables in this guide for a complete list of
frequencies corresponding to the channel and sub channel selections.
Audio Input and Control
The A10-TX-US input accepts a wide range of audio input types, including lavalier microphones,
balanced microphones, and balanced and unbalanced line level signals. 12 V and 48 V phantom
power is available for balanced microphones. The Selection Menu oers options for audio level
control, input type, limiters, and low cut lter.
Lavalier Microphones
Unbalanced lavalier microphones wired in two-wire mode, are directly compatible with the
A10-TX-US input. When connected, the A10-TX-US auto-detects the presence of a lavalier
microphone.
Balanced Microphones with Phantom
Balanced microphones, including phantom powered shotgun microphones, can be connected
to the A10-TX-US. 12 V and 48 V phantom power are available for microphones requiring
it. For microphones that can properly operate on 12 V phantom, such as the Schoeps CMIT,
select 12 V phantom to signicantly increase battery runtime.
Line-Level Sources
Wireless systems are often used as “camera hop” systems. For most camera hop applications
the output of a eld mixer is connected to a wireless transmitter. The wireless receiver output
is connected to the camera input. The line level input selection simplies using the A10