BSi Real Freedom User manual

NORTH AMERICA
Broadcast Sports International,
7455 Race Road
Hanover, MD 21076
United States
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL
Broadcast Sports International,
Axis 3, Rhodes Way
Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 4YW
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Real Freedom
Data Transmitter
Product Manual
Revision A

Real Freedom | Data Transmitter Product Manual 2 of 22
Manual part number: 20003-1-000
Revision A
Copyright © 2021, Broadcast Sports International. All Rights Reserved.
This publication or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose.
Company names, logos and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective
owners. Broadcast Sports International or any of its group companies make no claim to third-party
t to the
Broadcast Sports International General Sales Terms and Conditions.
This manual contains important information regarding the installation and operation of the Real Freedom
Data Transmitter. For safe and reliable operation, installers must ensure that they are familiar with, and fully
understand, all instructions contained herein. Broadcast Sports International reserves the right to revise and
improve its products as it sees fit. This publication describes the state of this product at the time of
publication and may not always reflect the product in the future.
In this manual, the following symbols call your attention to important information:
CAUTION
Indicates that care is required when proceeding to avoid damage to the system.
NOTE
Used to draw your attention to additional important information.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation.
Warranty information
All products are warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 24 months. If
returned within the applicable warranty period, BSI will, at its sole discretion and at no cost to the customer,
repair or replace the defective product with another unit of the same or equivalent model. This warranty does
not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alterations or repairs.
Contact details and technical support
Real Freedom Team For product information and help with missing or damaged items.
Email: [e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
Telephone Support Line Product technical support is provided via a telephone support line. Trained
technicians are available to offer setup and configuration advice and to assist
in troubleshooting technical issues.
Tel: [phone]
Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA)
Procedure
Problems that cannot be resolved on the telephone may require the device to
be returned to BSI for repair. In such cases, the telephone operator will assist
the customer in obtaining an RMA.
Please note that no returns can be accepted without a valid RMA.
Hazard warning labels
The following hazard warning labels are fixed to the Real Freedom Data Transmitter for your information and
safety.
HOT SURFACE
The data transmitter becomes hot during operation. It is recommended that you mount the unit in
a well-ventilated area where it will not be touched accidentally. Allow the unit to cool before
handling.

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About this manual
This manual contains safety information and information for installing, configuring, and operating a Real
Freedom Data Transmitter.
It applies to the following products:
•IDT-4349-3U: Real Freedom Data Transmitter

Real Freedom | Data Transmitter Product Manual 4 of 22
Contents
1 Introduction................................................................................................................................6
Configuration examples................................................................................................................................. 6
Example 1................................................................................................................................................. 6
Example 2................................................................................................................................................. 7
2 Installation and configuration...................................................................................................8
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Preparation.................................................................................................................................................... 8
Environmental requirements..................................................................................................................... 8
Power requirements.................................................................................................................................. 8
Unpack the data transmitter...................................................................................................................... 9
Additional items required for installation................................................................................................... 9
Pole mount a data transmitter....................................................................................................................... 9
Precautions............................................................................................................................................... 9
Temporary installation............................................................................................................................. 10
Permanent installation ............................................................................................................................ 10
Installation using a ¼-20 UNC mount..................................................................................................... 10
Surface mount a data transmitter................................................................................................................ 10
Connections................................................................................................................................................. 11
Connect an antenna to the data transmitter ........................................................................................... 11
Connect the data transmitter to a downconverter................................................................................... 11
Configure a data transmitter........................................................................................................................ 12
3 Operation..................................................................................................................................13
Data transmitter status LED ........................................................................................................................ 13
4 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................14
Status LED issues....................................................................................................................................... 14
Performance issues..................................................................................................................................... 14
Camera control issues................................................................................................................................. 15
5 Maintenance.............................................................................................................................16
Routine maintenance procedures ............................................................................................................... 16
Performance monitoring.......................................................................................................................... 16
Visual inspection..................................................................................................................................... 16
Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................... 16
Storage........................................................................................................................................................ 16

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A Technical data .........................................................................................................................17
Dimensions.................................................................................................................................................. 17
Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Compliance............................................................................................................................................. 19
Environmental......................................................................................................................................... 19
Operation ................................................................................................................................................ 19
Physical................................................................................................................................................... 19
Power and control................................................................................................................................... 19
Connector pinout assignments.................................................................................................................... 20
Antenna port............................................................................................................................................ 20
Power and control................................................................................................................................... 20
B Safety and regulatory compliance .........................................................................................21
Safety notice................................................................................................................................................ 21
Hazard warning labels................................................................................................................................. 21
Electromagnetic compatibility Class A ..................................................................................................... 21
Compliance statement (United States)................................................................................................... 21
CE Declaration of Conformity (European Union).................................................................................... 21
Disposal and recycling European Union .................................................................................................. 22

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1
Introduction
The Real Freedom Data Transmitter is an important Real Freedom wireless camera
system which allows you to remotely control up to six Real Freedom Camera Back Transmitters and to
provide camera control of most brands of broadcast camera.
Compact and fully weatherproof, the data transmitter simply connects with a single cable to any remote Real
Freedom Downconverter within the Real Freedom camera system. This enables the unit to be placed
anywhere without deploying additional infrastructure or cable. Once connected, intelligent connectivity
notifies the Real Freedom Receiver of the presence of the data transmitter within the network.
All setup and control functionality on the Real Freedom Data Transmitter is accessed from the intuitive
interface on the Real Freedom Receiver or remotely via an IP web page. External system wet and dry tally
connectivity is accessible on the rear of the Real Freedom Receiver.
The Real Freedom Data Transmitter provides full wireless camera control functionality when paired with the
Real Freedom Receiver, allowing RJ45 IP connectivity with operator/remote control panels. Up to six control
panels controlling cameras from differing manufacturers may be networked through a single UHF channel.
The Real Freedom Data Transmitter is fully compatible with the BSI Real Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender
for long distance remote operation to any receive points in the network.
Configuration examples
Example 1
This example shows a simple configuration with eight downconverters connected to a single receiver.
Figure 1: The data transmitter receives camera control data from a Remote Control Panel (RCP) via the Real Freedom
Receiver and transmits a GMSK-modulated narrow band UHF signal of between 430 MHz and 490 MHz. For maximum
flexibility, plug the data transmitter into any downconverter.

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Example 2
This example shows networked camera control of six cameras over one UHF frequency.
Figure 2: Networked camera control over one UHF channel.

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2
Installation and configuration
Designed to be compact and fully weatherproof, the Real Freedom Data Transmitter connects to any remote
downconverter enabling the unit to be placed almost anywhere.
Overview
The main installation and configuration steps for a Real Freedom Data Transmitter are as follows:
1. Connect an antenna to the data transmitter.
2. Pole or surface mount the data transmitter.
3. Connect the data transmitter to a Real Freedom Downconverter attached to a Real Freedom Receiver or
Real Freedom Fiber Remote unit.
4. 
Preparation
When planning the installation locations for data transmitters, you should take note of the following points:
•In general, you should install data transmitters in an area where they can be accessed easily by support
technicians. This area should also be out of reach or inaccessible to anyone that does not need to gain
access, such as fans at a sporting event or attendees at a conference.
•Ideally, place the data transmitters so that there is a line of sight from the transmitter to the
downconverter, and in a place where nothing will obstruct the path, such as dense metal objects that may
cause reflections and multipathing of the signal.
Environmental requirements
The following table summarizes the environmental requirements for the operation and storage of a Real
Freedom Data Transmitter.
Table 1: Environmental requirements
Specification
Details
Humidity
95% non-condensing
Operating and storage temperature
14° to 131°F / -10° to +55°C
Power requirements
The following table summarizes the power requirements for a Real Freedom Data Transmitter.
Table 2: Power requirements
Specification
Details
Power
936 V DC (via LEMO I/O connector)
Consumption
6.5 W (minimum transmit power), 14 W (maximum transmit power)

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Unpack the data transmitter
Unpack the Real Freedom Data Transmitter and refer to the packing list to ensure that all items are included.
Report any missing items immediately to the Real Freedom Team.
Inspect the data transmitter for signs of damage. Report any damage to the Real Freedom Team.
Additional items required for installation
To install a Real Freedom Data Transmitter, you will require the following additional items:
•Antenna.
Either a BSI or third-party antenna with a standard N-type connector. Connect the antenna directly to the
transmitter via the antenna port.
•LEMO cable (LEMO 4-pin HGG0K-304-CLLP).
Use the LEMO cable to connect the data transmitter to a downconverter.
•Real Freedom Downconverter.
Connect the downconverter to a receiver or fiber remote unit using a coaxial cable with BNC connectors.
It is recommended that you use good quality 50 Ohm cable to connect to a receiver or 75 Ohm cable to
connect to a fiber remote unit.
Pole mount a data transmitter
The Real Freedom Data Transmitter is supplied with a removable mounting bracket which allows you to
mount the unit to a pole for temporary or permanent installation. The mounting bracket can be secured to
vertical or horizontal poles of between 1.44 and 2.68 inch (36.5 to 68 mm) in diameter.
Figure 3: Data transmitter mounting bracket (yellow)
Precautions
You should read these precautions before you pole mount a data transmitter.
•Before attaching a data transmitter to a pole or camera mount, ensure that the pole or mount can support
the weight of the data transmitter (0.97 lb. / 0.44 kg), antenna, attached cables, and any other devices
that you intend to attach to the pole. This is particularly important if you intend to attach the data
transmitter to the end of the pole.
•The data transmitter must be mounted vertically with the antenna port facing up.
•When attaching the mounting bracket to the data transmitter, do not overtighten the screws as it may
result in thread damage.
•The data transmitter becomes hot during operation. It is recommended that you mount the unit in a
well-ventilated area where it will not be touched accidentally.

Real Freedom | Data Transmitter Product Manual 10 of 22
Temporary installation
For temporary installation, use cable ties.
1. If not already attached, attach the mounting bracket to the back of the data transmitter using the four
screws (M3 x 8) provided.
Do not overtighten the screws as it may result in thread damage.
2. Pass at least two cable ties through the slots in the mounting bracket and around the pole.
3. Close and tighten the cable ties to secure the data transmitter to the pole.
Permanent installation
For permanent installation, use hose clamps.
1. If not already attached, attach the mounting bracket to the back of the data transmitter using the four
screws (M3 x 8) provided.
Do not overtighten the screws as it may result in thread damage.
2. Pass the hose clamps through the slots in the mounting bracket and around the pole.
3. Tighten the hose clamps to secure the data transmitter to the pole.
Installation using a ¼-20 UNC mount
Mount a data transmitter on a standard Manfrotto lighting stand, camera mount, repro arm, magic arm,
clamp, or Dado kit using a ¼-20 camera mount screw.
Figure 4: Data transmitter ¼-20 UNC mounting screws (yellow)
1. If not already attached, attach the mounting bracket to the back of the data transmitter using the four
screws (M3 x 8) provided.
Do not overtighten the screws as it may result in thread damage.
2. Either thread a ¼-20 screw through the screw hole in the mounting bracket into the hole in the mount or
screw the data transmitter onto the mounting screw.
3. Tighten to secure the data transmitter.
Surface mount a data transmitter
Depending on the installation type and site, you may wish to mount a data transmitter onto a vertical surface,
such as a wall.
1. If attached, remove the mounting bracket from the back of the data transmitter. The bracket is secured
with four screws (M3 x 8).
2. 
masonry plugs into the holes, as necessary.

Real Freedom | Data Transmitter Product Manual 11 of 22
3. Attach the data transmitter using four screws.
4. Check that the data transmitter is vertical and tighten the screws.
Connections
Connect the data transmitter to a downconverter attached to a receiver or fiber remote unit.
CAUTION: To prevent damage, it is recommended that you only use BSI supplied cables and
accessories with this product.
Refer to the following drawing which shows the locations of the connectors on the data transmitter.
Figure 5: Real Freedom Data Transmitter connectors and other components
Key
Component
Description
1
LEMO connector
Use to connect the data transmitter to a downconverter.
2
Status LED
Indicates the state of the data transmitter.
3
Breather vent
Prevents the formation of condensation inside the data transmitter.
4
N-connector
Use to attach an antenna directly to the data transmitter.
Connect an antenna to the data transmitter
If not already connected, attach the antenna directly to the N-connector on the data transmitter. BSI supply a
range of antennas to suit most applications.
CAUTION: Operating the data transmitter without the appropriate antenna fitted may result in
damage to the unit.
Connect the data transmitter to a downconverter
Connect a data transmitter to any downconverter in a Real Freedom system via the LEMO power/control
connector. A one-meter cable assembly is supplied with the data transmitter for this purpose (CAB-0013-00).
This cable is symmetrical and may be installed either way around.
NOTE: You can connect two data transmitters to a receiver, one to a downconverter in Slot A
(RF1-4) and the other to a downconverter in Slot B (RF5-8).

Real Freedom | Data Transmitter Product Manual 12 of 22
Configure a data transmitter
Once the power is supplied, the Real Freedom Receiver automatically detects the Real Freedom Data
Transmitter and configures itself appropriately.
You can control the transmit frequency (430 to 490 MHz) and output power (250 mW to 2 W) from the
Camera Ctrl configuration options.
NOTE: Refer to the Real Freedom Receiver Product Manual for more information on the data
transmitter configuration options. Ensure that you are properly licensed to operate at the selected
frequency and output power.

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3
Operation
Once connected to the system and configured, no further changes are required to the Real Freedom Data
Transmitter during the routine operation of the Real Freedom system.
NOTE: There are no controls on the Real Freedom Data Transmitter and as soon as power is
supplied via the data cable, the unit starts to operate.
Data transmitter status LED
Use the LED indicator on the data transmitter to help you to determine whether the data transmitter is
operating correctly.
Table 3: Data transmitter LED states
Condition
Description
OFF
No DC voltage, the data transmitter is not powered by the downconverter.
RED
Connected and powered but data not enabled.
ALTERNATE RED/GREEN
Alarm/error. Usually due to data packet loss.
GREEN
Transmitting data.

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4
Troubleshooting
This chapter provides troubleshooting information for Real Freedom Data Transmitters.
Use this information to help you to solve some of the problems that you may encounter when using a data
transmitter in a Real Freedom system.
Status LED issues
Use the information in the following table to help you troubleshoot data transmitter status LED issues.
Table 4: Troubleshooting LED states
Symptom
Possible cause
Actions
Status LED is off.
No DC voltage at the data
transmitter.
•Check that the LED on the downconverter is
green indicating that it is powered. If not, go
to the receiver and check the downconverter
and data transmitter configuration options.
•Try connecting the data transmitter to a
different downconverter.
•If still faulty, call Technical Support.
Faulty LEMO cable.
•Check the LEMO data cable.
•Replace the cable with a new or known good
cable and recheck the LED.
•If still faulty, call Technical Support.
Status LED is red.
No comms data from
receiver.
•
that Camera Control is enabled. Refer to the
Receiver Product Manual for details.
•Recheck the LED.
Faulty LEMO cable.
•Change the LEMO cable.
•If still faulty, call Technical Support.
Performance issues
Use the information in the following table to help you troubleshoot performance issues.
Table 5: Troubleshooting performance issues
Symptom
Possible cause
Actions
Poor system
performance.
Cable or connector issues.
•Check data transmitter connectors and
cables for damage.
•Replace any damaged cables.
•Clean connectors as required.

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Camera control issues
Use the information in the following table to help you troubleshoot camera control issues.
Table 6: Troubleshooting camera control issues
Symptom
Possible cause
Actions
No camera control
data transmitted.
Broken antenna or antenna
not fitted to the data
transmitter.
•Check the status LED is green.
•Check the antenna is properly connected to
the data transmitter.
•Verify that the correct frequency band
antenna is connected to the data transmitter.
•If still faulty, call Technical Support.

Real Freedom | Data Transmitter Product Manual 16 of 22
5
Maintenance
This chapter describes the maintenance, cleaning, and storage procedures for Real Freedom Data
Transmitters.
Routine maintenance procedures
You should perform the following maintenance procedures on a regular basis.
WARNING: The Real Freedom Data Transmitter does not contain user serviceable parts.
Warranty is void if the device is opened. Refer servicing to qualified BSI personnel only.
Performance monitoring
It is recommended that you periodically monitor the overall performance of the data transmitter and system.
If you experience failure or deterioration in the performance of the system, check cables and adapters, input,
and output connectors for damage.
Visual inspection
Depending on operating environments and use, periodically inspect the Real Freedom Data Transmitter for
signs of damage, dirt, or corrosion. Check that all markings and warning labels are in good condition.
Cleaning
If necessary, use low-pressure compressed air cleaning to remove small particles and debris from the
surface of the data transmitter.
Clean connector surfaces with a cotton swab moistened with a small quantity of alcohol. Use a lint-free cloth
to wipe connector surfaces after cleaning.
CAUTION: Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Storage
Allow the Real Freedom Data Transmitter to cool to room temperature before handling. Store data
transmitters in a safe location where they are unlikely to be disturbed. If pole or surface mounted, detach the
data transmitter before storage.
CAUTION: Do not store transmitters in direct sunlight. Keep transmitters away from other
magnets or magnetic fields and maintain at least 3 inches (or 8 cm) between transmitters.
For long-term storage:
1. Disconnect the data transmitter from the Real Freedom Downconverter.
2. Disconnect the antenna from the data transmitter.
3. Cover the connectors with suitable dust covers.
4. Place the data transmitter in protective packaging and store in a cool, dry environment.

Real Freedom | Data Transmitter Product Manual 17 of 22
A
Technical data
Technical drawings and connector pinouts for the Real Freedom Data Transmitter.
Dimensions
The following drawings show the dimensions of the Real Freedom Data Transmitter and the positions of the
holes used to pole mount the unit.
Figure 6: Data transmitter top
Figure 7: Data transmitter bottom
Figure 8: Data transmitter front

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Figure 9: Data transmitter mounting bracket
Figure 10: Data transmitter mounting bracket (right side)
Figure 11: Data transmitter mounting bracket (left side)

Real Freedom | Data Transmitter Product Manual 19 of 22
Specifications
The following tables contain the specifications for the Real Freedom Data Transmitter.
Compliance
Table 7: Compliance information
Parameter
Specification
FCC
Parts 15 & 90
CE
R&TTE Directive
Environmental
Table 8: Operating and storage specifications
Parameter
Specification
Humidity
95% non-condensing
Ingress
Weatherproof to IP67
Operating/storage temperature
14° to 131°F / -10° to +55°C
Operation
Table 9: Operational specifications
Parameter
Specification
Output power
250 mW to 2 W (selectable from the receiver)
Connector
N (F)
Frequency
430490 MHz (410430 MHz optional)
Tuning step
6.25, 10 & 12.5 kHz
Modulation
GMSK
Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR)
> -60 dBc
Spurious (operating)
> -36 dBm
Spurious (standby)
> -57 dBm
Physical
Table 10: Size, weight and mounting specifications
Parameter
Specification
Size (W x H x D)
2.95 in x 5.47 in x 1.14 in / 75 mm x 139 mm x 29 mm
Weight
0.97 lb. / 0.44 kg
Mounting
Pole clamp with ¼ x 20 fitting
Power and control
Table 11: Power and control parameters
Parameter
Specification
Connector
LEMO 4-pin HGG0K-304-CLLP
Data
From downconverter via LEMO I/O
Power
936 V DC via LEMO I/O

Real Freedom | Data Transmitter Product Manual 20 of 22
Connector pinout assignments
Pinouts for the connectors on the Real Freedom Data Transmitter.
Antenna port
Use to attach an antenna directly to the data transmitter.
Connector: N (F) 50 Ohm
Figure 12: Front face of N (F) connector
Pin
Purpose
1
UHF output
2
Ground/Shield
Power and control
Use to connect the data transmitter to a downconverter.
Connector: LEMO HGG0K-304-CLLP
Figure 13: Front face of LEMO power/control connector
Pin
Purpose
1
RS232 receive (to data transmitter)
2
RS232 transmit (from data transmitter)
3
+9 to 36 V DC
4
Ground
5
Shield


 

