Lectrosonics R1a User manual

R1a
UHF MULTI-FREQUENCY
BELT-PACK IFB RECEIVER
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Rio Rancho, NM
www.lectrosonics.com
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
and trouble-shooting guide

2
SAFETY NOTES
Excessive sound levels can cause permanent hearing damage.
1. Always adjust the volume to the lowest level before listening to un-
known
transmissions.
2. Use the lowest reasonable level consistent with hearing safety.
3. Don’t use high sound levels in the earphone to overcome high ambient
sound levels. That is absolutely foolish! Demand and use high isolation
earphones.
4. Don’t expose your ears to sound levels that cause them to ring. If your
ears do ring after exposure, think of it as a warning bell telling you not
to do that again.
OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration) guidelines on the
maximum allowable time exposure to sound pressure levels that will
cause hearing damage are as follows:
8 hours at 90 dB SPL
4 hours at 95 dB SPL
2 hours at 100 db SPL
1 hour at 105 dB SPL
30 mins at 110 dB SPL
15 mins at 115 dB SPL
NEVER expose your ears to 120 dB SPL or higher! Damage will occur.

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IFB Receiver
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY NOTES .................................................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3
GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................... 4
RECEIVER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................... 6
BATTERY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................... 7
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................ 8
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES .................................................................... 9
SERVICE AND REPAIR....................................................................................... 10
RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR ..................................................................... 10
WARRANTY ............................................................................................Back cover
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the Lectrosonics frequency agile, R1a IFB Receiver. The R1a is the
result of extensive engineering experience with the very latest components. The design
addresses the most demanding professional applications.
The Lectrosonics R1a Receiver along with the companion T1 transmitter allow on-air talent
to monitor program audio, and to receive cues from directors and other production person-
nel.
The R1a Receiver is housed in a rugged, machined aluminum package for lasting perfor-
mance in abusive environments
Only the R1a IFB Receiver is covered in this manual. The companion T1 transmitter is
covered in a separate manual. The R1a IFB Receiver will operate with any Lectrosonics
T1 IFB Transmitter in the same frequency block.

4
Figure 1 - R1a Control Panel
LECTRO
R1a
AUDIO
LEVEL
SCAN
(PUSH)
OFF MAX
IFB RECEIVER
GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The IFBR1 was upgraded to the IFBR1a by adding a number of important and useful features: (1) Two rotary HEX
switches to manually set the operating frequency, (2) Automatic sensing/control of a mono phone plug to eliminate the
mono/binaural switch, and (3) A multi-color LED for battery status. The Frequency scan and memory features were
retained.
The IFB R1a Receiver is comprised of a number of functional subsystems as shown in fig. 1, Control Panel and fig. 4,
Receiver Block Diagram.
GENERAL FEATURES
The frequency agile IFB R1a FM Receiver is designed to operate with the Lectrosonics IFB T1 Transmitter and features
microprocessor control of 256 frequencies of operation within each frequency block. Each block covers 25.5 MHz with
0.1 MHz frequency spacing. Any one of ten different frequency blocks are factory available from 512 MHz to 805.5
MHz (except 608 to 614 MHz).
The unique microcontroller design in this receiver provides simple one knob and one LED operation for audio level,
switching frequencies (channels), and easy on-the-fly programming. The receiver frequency can be set by manually
using the two rotary HEX switches on the side of the unit or by using the automatic scan and store function, or both.
When powered ON, the receiver will default to the frequency set by the switches. A nonvolatile memory can store up
to five additional frequencies accessible by pressing the knob. The memory remains during power OFF and even with
the battery removed.
The IFB R1a Receiver uses 20 kHz FM deviation for efficient use of the bandwidth and a single band compandor for
clean quiet audio.
The Pilot Tone squelch locks the reception to the mating IFB T1 Transmitter and ignores other signals.
The receiver operates on one 9 Volt alkaline battery for up to 8 hours and features a tricolor LED low battery indicator.
The voltages are internally regulated for stability.
The receiver is housed in a compact, rugged, lightweight aluminum enclosure. The unit features a durable removable
belt clip and an integral swing-aside battery compartment door.
CONTROL KNOB (fig. 1)
The single front panel control knob performs multiple functions;
1. Rotate for Power ON/OFF 3. Push quick, Channel Switching
2. Rotate for Audio Level 4. Push and rotate for Scan and
Channel programming,
Refer to the RECEIVER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS for full details on how
to use the single knob control for channel selection, scanning, and program-
ming of the five memory locations.
LED INDICATOR (fig. 1)
The three color LED indicator on the front panel provides multiple functions.
CHANNEL NUMBER - The LED will blink OFF a number of times corresponding to the Channel Number when the unit
is switched ON and also when a new frequency is added to an open channel. For example, for channel 3 the LED
would blink OFF three times. After blinking the channel number the LED will return to a steady ON indicating normal
operation.
BATTERY STATUS –During normal operation, when the LED is GREEN, the battery is good. When the LED is YEL-
LOW the battery is getting low. When the LED is RED, the battery is nearly depleted and should be replaced.
PROGRAMMING FUNCTIONS - In the programming mode, the LED will blink at a fast rate to indicate scanning for an
active frequency. It also flashes briefly to indicate a frequency has been programmed into a channel.

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IFB Receiver
Rio Rancho, NM –USA
HEADPHONE JACK (fig. 1 & fig. 2)
On the front panel is a 3.5mm mini phone jack to accommodate a
standard mono or stereo type 3.5 mm plug. The unit will drive low
or high impedance earphones. The jack is also the receiver
antenna input with the earphone cord acting as the antenna. The
cord length is not critical but must be at least 6 inches minimum.
Strain relief to avoid accidental disconnection can be provided with
the included small hook and loop strip. Attach the adhesive strip
side to the side of the receiver with the opening end of the strip up
- place the cord in the strip and secure.
MONO PLUG/STEREO PLUG USAGE
A Mono plug or a Stereo plug can be used with the IFBR1a
headphone jack directly. When a Mono plug is inserted, a special
circuit senses the “ring”to “sleeve”short and automatically
switches off the ring to prevent excess battery drain. To reset,
switch power OFF then back ON.
AUDIO LEVEL
Headphones and ear pieces vary widely in their
sensitivity and their impedance making it impossible
to design a receiver with a fixed output power level
that is correct for all situations. High impedance
phones (600 to 2000) Ohms will have an inherently
lower power level due to their high impedance and
likewise low impedance phones may be extremely
loud. CAUTION! Always set the Audio Level knob to
minimum (counter-clockwise) when plugging phones
into the jack, then adjust the knob for a comfortable
audio level.
FREQUENCY ADJUST (fig.3)
These two rotary switches adjust the center frequency of the carrier. The 1.6M is a coarse adjustment and the 100K is
the fine adjustment. Each transmitter is factory aligned at the center of its operating range. The default position of the
frequency select switches is in the center of the transmitter’s range. The receiver and transmitter switches must be
set to the same number/letter combination for proper operation.
To gain access to these switches, slide the access door sideways with a fingernail.
Figure 4 - R1a Block Diagram
FREQUENCY
1.6MHz
100kHz
012
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
EF
012
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
EF
BLK 20 (BK)
512.0 - 537.5
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
Figure 3 - Frequency Adjustment
Memory
Controller
Control
Panel
LED
Compandor
Audio
Filter
Audio Out
IF Amp/FM
Detector
5V
Regulator
9V
Battery On/Off
Amp
Mixer
100n
100n
2p
Disc
RSSI
RF
Filter
RF
Amplifier
Frequency Synthesizer
PB Switch
Pwr On/Off,
Audio Level.
Control
Knob
Pilot
Tone
Detector
Pilot
Tone
Mute
Cord
(Ant.)
Earphone
2.5vdc
2.5vdc
MAX
LEVEL MONO PLUG (Open)
STEREO PLUG (Closed)
S
T
R
Figure 2 - Headphone cord strain relief

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RECEIVER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Before operating a receiver, one or more IFB T1 transmitters must be placed in XMIT mode, with each transmitter set to
the desired frequency and connected to a proper antenna, audio source, and power source. The transmitter frequency
block must be the same as the receiver frequency block as marked on each unit.
RECEIVER NORMAL OPERATION (already programmed)
1. Set the Frequency of the receiver to match the frequency of the transmitter by using the two HEX rotary switches
located on the side of the receiver under the sliding door. The 1.6M switch is for “coarse”adjustment (1.6 MHz per
click) and the 100k switch is for “fine”adjustment (0.1 MHz per click). Setting both to zero (00) is the low fre-
quency end of the block and setting both to F (FF) is the highest frequency end of the block.
2. Plug an earphone or headset into the 3.5mm jack. Be sure the unit has a good battery.
3. Rotate the knob clockwise to switch the power ON (Do NOT hold the knob in while switching power ON). The LED
will illuminate. Rotate the knob to set the desired audio level.
4. If channel frequencies have been stored in the memory, change channels by pressing the knob briefly and release.
The LED will blink the next channel number (frequency) and the receiver will resume operation on that channel.
If no channel frequencies have been stored when pressing the knob to change channels, the LED will flash from
green to red to yellow to green, indicating no stored channels and the unit will resume operation on the channel set
by the switches.
5. Whenever power is switched ON, the unit operation defaults to the channel frequency set by the switches.
PROGRAMMING - ADD A NEW FREQUENCYTO THE NEXT OPEN CHANNEL
1. Position the receiver at a location within 20 to 100 feet of the transmitter or transmitters.
2. With the power ON, depress the knob until the LED starts rapidly blinking, then release the knob.
3. The unit goes into program mode and does a scan/search. Previously programmed frequencies will be automati-
cally skipped. When the unit stops on a new frequency audio from the transmitter will be heard in the earphone
and the LED will stop blinking rapidly and will change to a slow blink mode.
The unit is now waiting for an operator decision. You must now decide to either SKIP or STORE the frequency
(step 4 or 5 below.) Switching the power to OFF without storing will delete the frequency.
4. To SKIP the frequency, depress the knob briefly and the scan/search will resume.
5. To STORE the frequency into a channel memory, depress the knob until the LED blinks the new channel number,
then release the knob. The frequency is now stored in an open channel.
6. The unit will continue scan/search for other frequencies. To store more frequencies repeat steps 4 and 5 above.
Up to 5 frequencies can be stored in memory channels.
7. When all desired frequencies are stored switch the power to OFF for a few moments, then switch back to ON. The
unit will default to the channel number set by the switches and resume normal operating mode.
8. The first scan is made at low sensitivity and searches for only high level transmitter signals to avoid intermods. If
the receiver does not stop on any frequency in the first scan, that means an IFB transmitter was not detected. In
this condition the LED will change from a fast blink to a slow blink indicating the end of the scan. The complete
scan should take 15 to 40 seconds.
9. If the receiver still does not stop on any frequency, check that the transmitter is ON. Also, if a frequency is not
received or received but distorted, some other signal may be interfering on that frequency. Change the transmitter
to another frequency and try again.
A second scan at high sensitivity is initiated by depressing the knob briefly at the end of the first scan to search
for low level transmitter signals. When the scan stops and the transmitter audio is heard, either SKIP or STORE
the frequency (step 4 or 5 above).
10. Switching the POWER to OFF during any mode simply terminates that mode and returns the unit to normal
operating mode when the power is switched back to ON.

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IFB Receiver
Rio Rancho, NM –USA
ERASE ALL 5 CHANNEL MEMORIES
1. With power OFF, depress the knob and turn the unit ON. Continue to hold the knob down until the LED starts
rapidly blinking. The memory is now erased and the unit will go into scan/search mode.
2. Continue from step 3 above PROGRAMMING - ADD NEW FREQUENCY….
MULTIPLE TRANSMITTER SETUP
When using this IFB receiver in a search mode, with two or more transmitters running at the same time, the receiver
may stop on a false signal under the following conditions:
•Two transmitters are on and transmitting.
•The distance from the transmitters to the IFB receiver is less than 5 feet.
The false hits are caused by intermodulation or mixing in the front end of the IFB receiver. At a 5 to 10 foot distance,
the two carriers are so strong at the receiver, that even this well designed front end will mix the carriers and produce
phantom frequencies. The IFB receiver then halts its scan and stops on these false frequencies. All receivers will
exhibit this type problem at some transmitter power level and range.You notice false signals more with a scanning
mode receiver since it will find them all.
Prevention is simple. Do one of the following:
•Do the scan with only one transmitter on at a time. (Time consuming)
•Increase the receiver to transmitter distance to at least 10 feet. (Preferred)
BATTERY INSTRUCTIONS
The battery you use in the R1a receiver should be a 9 Volt alkaline or lithium, available almost everywhere. An alkaline
battery will provide up to 8 hours of operation and a lithium battery will provide up to 20 hours of operation. Carbon zinc
batteries, even if marked “heavy duty”will only provide about 2 hours of operation. Rechargeable batteries will only
operate the receiver for an hour or less. Make sure your batteries are marked “alkaline” or “lithium.” Short battery
life is almost always caused by weak batteries or batteries of the wrong type.
A green LED corresponds to a fresh battery. The LED will change to yellow for low battery warning then to red to
indicate the need for a fresh battery. Continued use will further deplete the battery eventually causing the LED to
automatically turn itself off and remain off until a fresh battery is installed.
To replace the battery, open the bottom battery door cover with your thumb, rotate the door until it is perpendicular with
the case and allow the battery to fall out of the compartment into your hand. It is difficult to install the battery back-
wards. Observe the large and small holes in the battery contact pad before inserting a new battery. Insert the contact
end of the battery first, making sure the contacts are aligned with the holes in the contact pad, and then swing the door
closed. You will feel it snap into place when it is fully closed.
To open the battery
compartment door, push the
door up and away from the case
with your thumb, then swing
open.
1
2
Figure 5 - Battery Replacement

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TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
LED NOT LIT •Battery not installed or depleted
•Power switch not on.
NO SOUND IN HEADPHONE •AUDIO LEVEL turned all the way down.
•Headphone plug not inserted fully.
•Defective headphone
•Transmitter not operating. (See separate transmitter manual.)
•Receiver not on the same frequency as the transmitter. Refer to
“Programming - Add a New Frequency”on page 7.
DISTORTED SOUND •Transmitter gain (audio level) is far too high. Check mod level lamps
on transmitter as it is being used. (Refer to Operating
Instructions section in the transmitter manual for details on gain
adjustment.)
•Receiver output may be mismatched with the headset or
earphone. Adjust Audio Level on receiver to the correct level
for the headset or earphone.
•Excessive wind noise or breath “pops.”Reposition microphone
and/or use a larger windscreen.
•Receiver may be tuned to an intermod. Reprogram the receiver.
HISS AND NOISE, •Transmitter gain (audio level) far too low.
AUDIBLE DROPOUTS •Receiver antenna missing or obstructed. (Headphone cable is
the antenna.)
•Transmitter antenna missing or obstructed.
•Operating range too great.
SHORT RANGE •Receiver earphone cable is also the antenna. Make sure the cable
is not coiled or wound up or wrapped around the receiver case.
•Improper transmitter antenna.

9
IFB Receiver
Rio Rancho, NM –USA
SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
Operating frequencies: 537.6 MHz to 608, 614 to 793.5 MHz (in 10 blocks)
Number of frequencies: 256 per block (using 26 MHz wide band)
Channel spacing: 100 kHz
Frequency control: Crystal Controlled Phase Locked Loop
Sensitivity: 1 uv (20 dB SINAD)
Signal/Noise ratio: 95 dB A-weighted
Squelch quieting: 90 dB
AM rejection: 50 dB, 10 uv to 100 mv
Modulation acceptance: ±20 kHz
Spurious rejection: Greater than 70 dB
Third order intercept: 0 dBm
Frequency response: 100 Hz to 10 kHz, (±1db)
Pilot tone: 29.997 kHz, 4.5 kHz deviation (fixed crystal controlled)
Audio output, headphone: 1 Vrms into 50 ohms minimum
Antenna: Headphone cable
Programmable memory: 5 frequencies
Front panel controls: Single knob controls Audio Output Level, Power on, programming
and Scan Frequency Selection
Indicators: 1 tricolor LED Indicator for power on, blinks to indicate channel number, blinks
fast during scan, and turns yellow or red for low battery.
Power requirement: Single 9V Alkaline Battery for approximately 8 hours operation.
Power consumption: 60 ma.
Allen wrench for knob: 0.035” (Lectro par t number: 35854)
Weight: 7.3 oz with battery
Size: 3.6 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches (housing only, belt clip and
knob extend beyond the housing.)
Specifications subject to change without notice.

10
SERVICE AND REPAIR
If your system malfunctions, you should attempt to correct or isolate the trouble before concluding that the equipment
needs repair. Make sure you have followed the setup procedure and operating instructions. Check out the intercon-
necting cords and then go through the TROUBLE SHOOTING section in the manual
We strongly recommend that you do not try to repair the equipment yourself and do not have the local repair shop
attempt anything other than the simplest repair. If the repair is more complicated than a broken wire or loose connec-
tion, send the unit to the factory for repair and service. Don’t attempt to adjust any controls inside the units. Once set
at the factory, the various controls and trimmers do not drift with age or vibration and never require readjustment.
There are no adjustments inside that will make a malfunctioning unit start working.
LECTROSONICS’service department is equipped and staffed to quickly repair your equipment. In warranty repairs are
made at no charge in accordance with the terms of the warranty. Out of warranty repairs are charged at a modest flat
rate plus parts and shipping. Since it takes almost as much time and effort to determine what is wrong as it does to
make the repair, there is a charge for an exact quotation. We will be happy to quote approximate charges by phone for
out of warranty repairs.
RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR
You will save yourself time and trouble if you will follow the steps below:
A. DO NOT return equipment to the factory for repair without first contacting us by letter or by phone. We need to know
the nature of the problem, the model number and the serial number of the equipment. We also need a phone number
where you can be reached 8 am to 4 pm (Mountain Standard Time).
B. After receiving your request, we will issue you a return authorization number (R.A.). This number will help speed
your repair through our receiving and repair departments. The return authorization number must be clearly shown on
the outside of the shipping container.
C. Pack the equipment carefully and ship to us, shipping costs prepaid. If necessary, we can provide you with the
proper packing materials. UPS is usually the best way to ship the units. Heavy units should be “double-boxed”for
safe transport.
D. We also strongly recommend that you insure the equipment, since we cannot be responsible for loss of or damage
to equipment that you ship. Of course, we insure the equipment when we ship it back to you.
Mailing address: Shipping address: Telephones:
Lectrosonics, Inc. Lectrosonics, Inc. Regular: [phone]
PO Box 15900 581 Laser Rd. Toll Free [phone]
Rio Rancho, NM 87174 Rio Rancho, NM 87124 FAX: [phone]
USA USA
World Wide Web: http://www.lectrosonics.com Email: [e-mail]

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IFB Receiver
Rio Rancho, NM –USA
Notes

LECTROSONICS, INC.
581 LASER ROAD
RIO RANCHO, NM 87124 USA
www.lectrosonics.com
November 29, 2001
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
The equipment is warranted for one year from date of purchase against defects in
materials or workmanship provided it was purchased from an authorized dealer. This
warranty does not cover equipment which has been abused or damaged by careless
handling or shipping. This warranty does not apply to used or demonstrator equipment.
Should any defect develop, Lectrosonics, Inc. will, at our option, repair or replace any
defective parts without charge for either parts or labor. If Lectrosonics, Inc. cannot
correct the defect in your equipment, it will be replaced at no charge with a similar new
item. Lectrosonics, Inc. will pay for the cost of returning your equipment to you.
This warranty applies only to items returned to Lectrosonics, Inc. or an authorized
dealer, shipping costs prepaid, within one year from the date of purchase.
This Limited Warranty is governed by the laws of the State of New Mexico. It states the
entire liablility of Lectrosonics Inc. and the entire remedy of the purchaser for any
breach of warranty as outlined above. NEITHER LECTROSONICS, INC. NOR
ANYONE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OR DELIVERY OF THE EQUIPMENT
SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL,
OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE
THIS EQUIPMENT EVEN IF LECTROSONICS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY OF
LECTROSONICS, INC. EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF ANY DEFECTIVE
EQUIPMENT.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional legal rights which
vary from state to state.
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY