Lectrosonics UT195 User manual

UT195
HAND-HELD TRANSMITTER
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
and trouble-shooting guide
LECTROSONICS, INC.
Rio Rancho, NM

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting the Lectrosonics T195 hand-held wireless transmitter. The
T195 combines over 80 years of engineering experience with the very latest compo-
nents in a design that addresses the most demanding professional applications.
The design of the T195 was the direct result of numerous conversations with users,
staging and touring companies and dealers across the US. The specific concerns
and needs brought up in these conversations led directly to the development of the
operational features offered on the T195. This is certainly not the first hand-held
transmitter ever designed, but it is definitely the most thoroughly engineered unit
available.
The T195 is an integral microphone/transmitter with an internal antenna. The
antenna is a dipole type utilizing the two printed circuit boards as the elements. The
housing is composed of durable PVC, machined to a natural, comfortable shape.
Internal mechanical parts are machined aluminum.
Only the T195 and UT195 transmitters are covered in this manual. Companion
receivers are covered in separate manuals. The T195 will operate with any 195
Series Lectrosonics receiver on the same frequency.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 2
GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................ 3
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS .......................................................................... 4
BATTERY INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 7
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................ 8
OPERATING NOTES ........................................................................................... 8
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................... 9
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. 10
SERVICE AND REPAIR ..................................................................................... 11
RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR ................................................................... 11
WARRANTY ......................................................................................... Back cover
The T195 wireless microphone is FCC type accepted under the following parts:
Part 74 (174-216 MHz) and Part 74 (470-608 MHz)
T195 / UT195 Emission Designator: 180KF3E
2

Hand-held Transmitter
GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The T195 / UT195 transmitter is comprised of a number of functional sub-systems as shown in the
block diagram below.
The T195 and UT195 utilize 75kHz deviation for compatibility with the 195 series receivers. The transmitter circuits
are all regulated to allow full output power from the beginning (9 Volts) to the end (7 Volts) of battery life. The oscilla-
tor crystal is shock mounted to provide ruggedness. The input amplifier uses a Motorola 33079 op amp for ultra low
noise operation and is gain controlled with a wide range input compressor which cleanly limits signal peaks up to
30dB above maximum modulation.
Compandors have long been a source of audible distortion in wireless microphone systems. The basic problem is
that when the full bandwidth of the audio signal is processed by a single compandor, the attack and decay times will
always be a compromise. If the time constants are fast, high frequency distortion will be low, however, faster time
constants in the compandor create distortion of lower frequencies. If the time constants are slower, low frequency
audio distortion will be low, but high frequency transients will then be distorted. The 195 system introduces an
entirely new approach to solving this basic problem, called “dual-band companding.”
There are actually two separate compandors in the 195 system, one for high frequencies and one for low frequen-
cies. A crossover network separates the frequency bands at 1kHz with a 6dB per octave slope, followed by separate
high and low frequency compandors. The attack and release times in the high frequency compandor are fast enough
to keep high frequency distortion at an extremely low level. The low frequency compandor uses slower time con-
stants, reducing low frequency distortion to well below that of a conventional compandor.
The signal to noise ratio of the 195 system is high enough to preclude the need for conventional pre-emphasis (HF
boost) in the transmitter and de-emphasis (HF roll off) in the receiver. Pre-emphasis and de-emphasis in an FM
radio system usually provides about a 10dB improvement in the signal to noise ratio of the system, but the high
frequency boost in the transmitter must be removed in a purely complementary manner or else the frequency
response of the original audio signal will be altered.
Pre-emphasis can also cause distortion in the IF filtering stage in the receiver. As this signal is passed through the
IF filters in the receiver, distortion can be produced, most noticeable at full modulation. De-emphasis cannot be
applied until the signal is converted into audio, so there is no way around this problem short of eliminating pre-
emphasis altogether. Neither of these problems occur in the 195 system. The dual-band compandor in the 195
Series system essentially provides a dynamic pre-emphasis/de-emphasis function with extremely low distortion.
MIC
ELEMENT PREAMP INPUT
Vref
BASS
TREBLE
LP
FILTER
HP
FILTER
COMPANDOR
Vreg
Vreg
+5VDC
+3.6VDC
XTAL OSC
X3 X2 X2
XTAL OSC
X4 X2 X2 X2
UHF TRANSMITTER
VHF TRANSMITTER
PWR
MUTE
+9VDC
AMP
AUDIO
LEVEL
LIMIT
LED
SET
LED
LP
FILTER
PEAK AUDIO
INDICATOR &
LIMITER
DRIVER
PILOT
TONE
OSC
COMPANDED AUDIO
TO XMTR
SWITCH
DISABLE
LED
DISABLE
PWR
LED
COMPANDED
AUDIO
COMPANDED
AUDIO
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
3

The 195 system utilizes a separate ultrasonic tone modulation of the basic carrier to operate the receiver squelch. A
32kHz tone is injected into the audio signal after the microphone preamp, just after the compandor. The supersonic
pilot tone is filtered out of the audio signal immediately after the detector in the receiver so that it does not influence
the compandor or various gain stages. The basic benefit of the pilot tone squelch system is that the receiver will
remain squelched (muted) until it receives the pilot tone from the matching transmitter, even if a strong RF signal is
present on the carrier frequency of the system.
The high output antenna utilizes the lower half of the printed circuit boards as one radiating element, with the upper
half of the PC boards and mic capsule as the other half of the dipole configuration. This allows the mic to be held in
any position, since the user’s hands have little or no effect on the radiated power.
75kHz deviation improves the capture ratio, signal to noise ratio and AM rejection of a wireless system dramatically.
75kHz deviation is frequently used in the UHF spectrum, but it is much harder to implement at VHF frequencies. The
195 system is the first to take advantage of this wider deviation now allowed by the FCC in the VHF spectrum.
Almost all other VHF wireless systems use 15kHz deviation.
High efficiency circuits throughout the design allow over 4 hours of operation using a single 9 Volt alkaline battery
and 12 hours with a lithium battery. The battery compartment is a unique mechanical design which automatically
adjusts to fit any brand alkaline battery. Battery replacement is easily accomplished by releasing the bottom ring and
removing the battery cover. No tools are needed to change the battery. The battery is spring loaded to prevent
“rattle”as the unit is handled.
The VHF RF transmitter section is composed of a crystal stabilized main oscillator followed by a frequency tripler and
two frequency doublers. The UHF transmitter section uses a crystal stabilized main oscillator followed by quad/
double/double/double multiplier stages. The crystal controlled frequency is extremely stable over a wide temperature
range and over time. Double tuning used in the multiplier stages provides higher attenuation of spurious emissions
which, in turn, minimizes the possibility that the transmitter RF output would interfere with another transmitter/
receiver system operating in the same vicinity.
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
EXTERNAL
“P” SWITCH – POWER ON/OFF
A slide switch which turns battery power on and off. The LED next to the switch lights up when the “P”switch is
When the battery
The LED will glow brightly when the battery is good
turned on. This LED also serves as a battery condition indicator.
and will dim as the battery condition deteriorates. The LED is at full brightness with a new battery.
voltage reaches 7 Volts, the LED will be completely dark.
Audio Power
On/Off On/Off
“A” SWITCH – AUDIO ON/OFF
A slide switch which “mutes”the audio in the OFF position and allows the audio gain (modulation level)
of the transmitter to be adjusted without feedback from the sound system.
PA
INTERNAL
MOD LEVEL LEDs
These LEDs indicate the audio input level and are used when adjusting the transmitter AUDIO LEVEL (gain) control.
As the audio level increases, first one LED lights. The other LED lights as the audio level reaches maximum modula-
tion. The LEDs are located underneath the battery cover, next to the AUDIO LEVEL control and are easily viewed
when holding the transmitter in a normally used position.
Mod Level
AUDIO LEVEL
LEDs
This knob (located underneath the battery door) is operated while speaking or singing into
the transmitter to adjust the audio gain of the transmitter for the correct amount of modu-
lation. The LEDs located next to it indicate the modulation level as the gain is adjusted.
See page 6 for details on this very important adjustment.
AUDIO
LEVEL
Gain Control
4

Hand-held Transmitter
EXTERNAL SWITCHES BYPASS
This concealed slide switch defeats the external switches on the bottom panel for applications where it is best that
the user not be able to operate the power and mute switches.
EXTERNAL LED OFF
This slide switch defeats the battery status LED on the bottom panel for applications where
the LED may be distracting. With this switch in the right-hand position, the power will
remain on and the transmitter operating, even though the power LED is off.
INTERNAL CONTROLS - SHURE SM87 VERSION
Bypass Switches
EXTERNAL
SWITCHES
BYPASS
EXTERNAL
LED
OFF
-10 dB
This switch enables an extra 10dB of audio attenuation for those rare times
when the Audio Level control is already at minimum and the mic is still overload-
ing.
The 10dB attenuator should only be used as a last resort. Do not leave it
enabled when it is not needed.
To gain access to the switch, turn the windscreen counter-clockwise and remove
it. Slide the switch handle toward the -10dB label to activate the attenuator.
Factory default is NO attenuation.
INTERNAL CONTROLS - VARIMIC VERSION
Caution - Due to the high RF levels surrounding the transmitter, the sound of the
Varimic capsule may be temporarily affected if the metal windscreen is not in place.
Always make the final decision about sound balance and quality with the windscreen in
place.
The VariMic head includes adjustments for Bass, Midrange and Treble response.
There is also an attenuation adjustment to provide up to 15dB of additional
headroom if needed.
BASS / MID / TREBLE
The bass and treble controls will boost/cut by up to approximately 8dB while the
Mid control will boost/cut up to about 6dB. These controls operate as standard
tone controls. Counter-clockwise will reduce the response in that band and
clockwise will provide a true boost. These controls can be accessed by remov-
ing the windscreen. To remove the windscreen, grasp the body of the transmit-
ter in one hand and the windscreen in the other hand. Carefully unscrew the
wind-screen counter-clockwise until it comes off then carefully slide the
windscreen past the mic element.
•Set flat, the mic capsule is very wide range and sounds a lot like a large
competitor’s top line condenser mic.
•Bass cut gives a dry but highly intelligible sound. Crisp.
•Bass boost “fattens”the sound but is very listenable. Does not get midbass
boomy.
•Midrange cut sounds very smooth. Almost a “crooner”quality. A sweet sound.
•Midrange boost is likely to be useful in a system that is midrange shy.
• Treble cut has a “mellow”sound. The capsule has a solid high end so a little
cut does not ruin the response.
• Treble boost might be fine on some sound systems. The sound doesn’t get
harsh (showing that the response was smooth) but sibilants are a little too
much. Should be used in moderation.
Vari-Mic version
Rio Rancho, NM – USA
5

BASS FILTER
In addition to the tone controls, the UT200 also has a built in bass filter. This filter is fixed and cannot be adjusted or
defeated. Low frequency noise is much more of a problem with wireless microphones than with conventional micro-
phones. With a regular mic, low frequency wind noise, breath thumps or handling rumble can be filtered out at the
control board before the noise causes problems with the following electronics or speaker systems. But with a wire-
less microphone, the electronics that will be overdriven are right in the wireless microphone. Filtering at the control
board is much too late. To solve this problem, the VariMic has a low frequency filter that is so sharp that it can
remove low frequency noise without affecting any wanted vocals. It consists of a 36 dB per octave filter circuit to
sharply remove low frequency noise below 75 Hz without affecting vocal fundamentals. The lowest operatic bass
voice fundamental is 82 Hz. See the curve below.
UT200 Bass Filter
20
0dB
-20
-40
-60
ATTENUATOR
The VariMic head includes an attenuator to provide an additional 15dB of headroom when needed. The attenuator
should only be used when the normal Mic Level pot is already turned down as
-3dB @ 71Hz
-20dB @ 50Hz
10Hz 100Hz 1KHz 10KHz
far as it will go and the signal through the mic is still too hot. The attenuator
control is a 16-position switch marked 0 through F. “F”is minimum attenuation
or the highest signal level. “0”is maximum attenuation or the lowest signal level.
For the maximum amount of headroom, set the switch to “0.”
Note: The attenuator should not be used as a level control. The Audio
Level control inside the battery compartment is the main level control.
Adjust the attenuator only when the Audio Level control is turned
completely down and more headroom is still needed. Be sure to set the
attenuator back to its original setting for normal operation.
6

Hand-held Transmitter
BATTERY INSTALLATION
The transmitter is powered by a standard alkaline 9 Volt battery. It is important that you use ONLY an ALKALINE
battery for reliable operation. Alkaline batteries will provide about 4 hours of operation and lithium batteries will
power the unit for 12 hours. The battery status lamp will function normally only with alkaline batteries. Standard
zinc-carbon batteries marked “heavy duty”or “long-lasting”are not adequate. They will provide only about 2 hours of
operation. Similarly, nicad rechargeable batteries only provide about 1.5 hours of operation, and will run down quite
abruptly.
The battery compartment is located in the lower section of the transmitter, between two printed circuit boards. To
install a fresh battery, follow the steps illustrated below. Look inside the battery compartment when the cover is off
and take note of the two differently sized holes in the battery contact pad. Insert the battery so that the large hole in
the battery contact pad will line up with the large contact on the battery when it is installed. The spring-loaded
plunger in the bottom of the compartment (opposite the contact pad) secures the battery in place.
The battery status is indicated by an LED on the bottom panel. The LED will glow brightly when the battery is good
and will dim as the battery condition deteriorates. The LED is at full brightness with a new battery.
STEP1 STEP3
Remove
Cover
STEP4 STEP6
STEP5
RotateRingTo
LockClosed
PA
STEP2
RotateRing
1/8Turn
PA
+
–
Insert
Battery Replace
Cover
Ringwillsitflushinthe
PullRing
Outward
closedposition.
+
–
Alternate Method
Depress the plunger with the
corner of the battery and slide the
battery into the compartment. Note
that the locking ring is in the closed
position for this procedure.
Rio Rancho, NM –USA
7

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1) Install a fresh battery according to the instructions on page 5. Leave the battery cover off for further adjustment.
2) Set the internal bypass slide switches so that the battery status LED and the bottom panel switches will operate.
3) On the bottom panel, move the “A”(audio) switch to “OFF”and the “P”(power) switch to ON (in that order).
Observe that the battery status LED is brightly lit. If the LED is dim, replace the battery.
4) Hold the microphone in the same position that will be used in actual operation.
5) While speaking or singing at the same voice level that will be actually used, observe the MOD LEVEL LEDs next
to the battery compartment. Adjust the AUDIO LEVEL control knob until the LEDs begin to light. Start at a low
setting where neither LED lights as you speak. Gradually, turn the gain up until one LED lights, then the other.
The first LED lights when the audio level is about 10 dB below full modulation. The second LED lights when the
limiter begins to operate. There is 30 dB of headroom above the limiter LED and it is normal that it lights up
occasionally during use.
If you find that the AUDIO LEVEL control is set to minimum and the LIMIT LED is still on often, then set the –10
dB switch to the –10dB position. This switch is located under the windscreen. Unscrew the windscreen and
carefully lift it off the top of the unit. Orient the unit so that the “–10 dB”label is toward you. In this position, when
the switch handle is pushed toward the label, the 10dB pad is enabled. The unit is set to disable the 10 dB
attenuator at the factory (switch handle pushed away from the label.)
6) Once the gain has been adjusted, the transmitter audio can be turned on to make sound system level adjust-
ments. Set the “A”(audio) switch to ON position and adjust the receiver and/or sound system level as required.
Please note, there will be a delay between the moment the switch is thrown and the time when audio will
actually pass through to the amplifier. This intentional delay eliminates turn on thumps, and is controlled by
the pilot tone squelch control.
OPERATING NOTES
The AUDIO LEVEL control knob should not be used to control the volume of your sound system. This gain adjust-
ment matches the transmitter gain with the user’s voice level and microphone positioning.
If the mic level is too high - both LEDs will light frequently or stay lit. This condition may cause distortion.
If the mic level is too low - neither LED will light, or the LEVEL LED will light dimly. This condition may cause hiss
and noise in the audio.
The first LED turns on at -10dB below full deviation. The limiting LED turns on at full deviation and indicates that the
input shunt compressor is operating. The input compressor operates over a full 20dB range regardless of the gain
control setting. The compressor uses a true absolute value circuit to detect both positive and negative peaks. The
attack time is 2 milliseconds and the release time is 80 milliseconds. Occasional limiting is desirable, indicating that
the gain is correctly set and the transmitter is fully modulated for optimum signal to noise ratio.
Different voices will usually require different settings of the AUDIO LEVEL control, so check this adjustment as each
new person uses the system. If several different people will be using the transmitter and there is not time to make
the adjustment for each individual, adjust it for the loudest voice.
8

Hand-held Transmitter
TROUBLESHOOTING
Before going through the following chart, be sure that you have a good battery in the transmitter. It is important that
you follow these steps in the sequence listed.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
TRANSMITTER BATTERY LED OFF 1) External LED is turned off. Check internal slide switch.
2) Battery is inserted backwards.
3) Battery is dead, or too low to be used.
NO TRANSMITTER MOD LEVEL LEDs 1) Gain control turned all the way down.
2) Battery is in backwards. Check power LED.
3) Mic capsule is damaged or malfunctioning.
RECEIVER RF LAMP OFF 1) Transmitter not turned on.
2) Transmitter battery is dead.
3) Receiver antenna missing or improperly positioned.
4) Transmitter and receiver not on same frequency.
Check labels on transmitter and receiver.
5) Operating range is too great.
NO SOUND AND RECEIVER VU METER DOES NOT INDICATE
Transmitter audio muted. Make sure bottom panel “A”switch is
turned on. Push switch toward the letter “A”to turn the audio on.
NO SOUND BUT RECEIVER VU METER INDICATES
1) Receiver audio is muted or set too low.
2) Receiver audio output is disconnected or cable defective
or mis-wired.
3) Sound system or recorder input is turned down.
DISTORTED SOUND AND/OR
MOTORBOATING 1) Transmitter gain (audio level) is too high. Speak or sing into the
transmitter and check mod level lamps on transmitter and
receiver. (See page 6)
2) Receiver output level may be too high for the sound system or
recorder input.
3) Excessive wind noise or breath “pops.”Microphone may require
an additional wind screen.
5) RF feedback getting into Vari-Mic mic capsule. Ensure that the
windscreen is present and screwed down snugly.
HISS AND NOISE —AUDIBLE DROPOUTS 1) Transmitter gain (audio level) too low.
2) Receiver antenna missing or obstructed.
3) Operating range too great.
EXCESSIVE FEEDBACK 1) Transmitter gain (audio level) too high. Check gain adjustment
and/or reduce receiver output level.
2) Microphone too close to speaker system.
3) Move microphone closer to the user’s mouth, and lower the
sound system volume.
Rio Rancho, NM –USA
9

SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Frequencies: 470 to 608 MHz
RF Power Output: 50mW on VHF
Pilot Tone: 32.768 kHz, ±2 Hz, 5kHz deviation
Frequency Stability: ±0.002%
Deviation: ± 75 kHz max
Spurious Radiation: At least 50dB below carrier
Equivalent Input Noise: –126 dBv
Input Level: Maximum SPL depends on mic element used
Input Compressor: Soft compressor, >40 dB range
Gain Control Range: 43 dB, semi-log rotary control
Modulation Indicators: Dual LEDs indicate modulation level 12 dB below clipping and at
the
onset of limiting
Controls: Power ON/OFF and Audio ON/OFF located on bottom of unit
Bypass controls located inside battery door
Gain control located inside battery door
Battery Precision compartment auto-adjusts to accept any known alkaline
9 Volt battery. (We’ve tried 108 different ones.)
Weight: 13.2 ozs. with SM87 capsule and battery
Dimensions: 9.25" long x 1.9" diameter (at largest point) with SM87 capsule
Emission Designator: 180KF3E
Specifications subject to change without notice.
10

Hand-held Transmitter
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 con-
nection, 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 read-
justment. 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
orld Wide Web: http://www.lectrosonics.com Email: [e-mail]
Rio Rancho, NM –USA
11

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
LECTROSONICS, INC.
581 LASER ROAD
RIO RANCHO, NM 87124 USA
November 1, 2001