Zahl AIRCOM User manual

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Zähl Elektronik-Tontechnik • Odenthaler Str. 47 • D-51465 Bergisch Gladbach • [email protected] • www.zaehl.com
Distributor (National/International):
sono Studiotechnik GmbH • Haagerstraße 5 • D-81671 München • Tel. [phone] • [email protected] • www.sono.de
AIRCOM Manual
from ser.no. 51053/built 2010
AIRCOM
Dual Commentator’s Unit
•high level of functionality
• sophisticated configuration, also
applicable as interpreter unit
• easy handling
•compact design
•reliable in operation
•versatile link features
AIRCOM provides ON-AIR and Intercom functionality for two commentators featuring great audio
performance and a high level of functionality.
AIRCOM is designed for the use with reportage- und SNG-units, for mobile broadcast setups and
studio applications.
Use AIRCOM’s comprehensive configuration and remote control features and just work your way – on
whatever demanding application: commentator, interpreter* or voice-over.
(*AIRCOM-IR Interpreter Remote unit available as optional accessory)
Straight forward analogue design with clear and intuitive handling - highly appreciated by every
operator. Furthermore, AIRCOM’s versatile link features make it easy to integrate into latest broadcast
technology.
A cover on the front panel hides switches and
trimmer potentiometers which are used for
setting up the unit. When closed after
configuration, easy handling and safe
operation are guaranteed.
standard audio I/O as XLR
37pole Sub-D with GPI I/O und audio I/O
for linking with other system components
like intercom-systems, failsafe transmission
lines etc.

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Zähl Elektronik-Tontechnik • Odenthaler Str. 47 • D-51465 Bergisch Gladbach • [email protected] • www.zaehl.com
Distributor (National/International):
sono Studiotechnik GmbH • Haagerstraße 5 • D-81671 München • Tel. [phone] • [email protected] • www.sono.de
AIRCOM Manual

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Zähl Elektronik-Tontechnik • Odenthaler Str. 47 • D-51465 Bergisch Gladbach • [email protected] • www.zaehl.com
Distributor (National/International):
sono Studiotechnik GmbH • Haagerstraße 5 • D-81671 München • Tel. [phone] • [email protected] • www.sono.de
AIRCOM Manual
Contents
1. Important Notes and Safety Instructions................................................................. 4
2. Scope of Delivery ...................................................................................................... 5
3. Connection ................................................................................................................ 6
3.1. Power Supply................................................................................................................................6
3.2. Audio ...........................................................................................................................................6
3.3. Control ports REMOTE GPI ............................................................................................................7
3.4. Lamp Supply/USB .........................................................................................................................7
4. Front Panel Overview................................................................................................ 8
5. Basic Functions ......................................................................................................... 9
5.1. Configuration................................................................................................................................9
5.2. Commentator Channels A and B...................................................................................................10
5.3. Commentator/Interview Channel GUEST ...................................................................................... 12
5.4. Channels A+Guest+B Sum Output ............................................................................................... 13
5.5. Level Meter und O/L-Display........................................................................................................ 13
5.6. Monitoring .................................................................................................................................. 14
5.6.1. Internal Sources ....................................................................................................................................... 14
5.6.2. External Sources ...................................................................................................................................... 14
5.6.3. Intercom Call Signalisation ........................................................................................................................ 14
5.6.4. L-R Monitoring Options / Phones Output .................................................................................................... 15
5.6.5. CONFERENCE........................................................................................................................................... 15
6. Enhanced Function.................................................................................................. 16
6.1. On Air Lock................................................................................................................................. 16
6.2. Guest To Idle A / Guest To Idle B ................................................................................................ 16
6.3. Aux Out Pre................................................................................................................................ 16
6.4. Conference Air Off ...................................................................................................................... 16
6.5. COM 1 A/B ................................................................................................................................. 17
6.6. COM 1 IF/B ................................................................................................................................ 17
6.7. COM 3 Signalisation Off............................................................................................................... 17
6.8. Sidechain Pre.............................................................................................................................. 18
6.9. Link Program A / Link Program B .................................................................................................18
6.10. Test Oscillator............................................................................................................................. 19
6.11. Guest Lock ................................................................................................................................. 19
6.12. IR Mode (Interpreter Mode)..................................................................................................... 20
7. REMOTE................................................................................................................... 21
7.1. Audio I/O ................................................................................................................................... 21
7.2. Operational Elements and Functional Displays .............................................................................. 21
7.3. Control I/O - GPI I/O .................................................................................................................. 22
7.4. Examples of Use ......................................................................................................................... 23
7.4.1. Simple Intercom Link ................................................................................................................................ 23
7.4.2. Intercom and Commentator Audio Link including fail-safe operation ............................................................ 25
8. Block Diagrams ....................................................................................................... 26
9. Connectors/Pin-Out................................................................................................ 30
10. Technical Data......................................................................................................... 32
11. Measures and Weights............................................................................................ 34

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Zähl Elektronik-Tontechnik • Odenthaler Str. 47 • D-51465 Bergisch Gladbach • [email protected] • www.zaehl.com
Distributor (National/International):
sono Studiotechnik GmbH • Haagerstraße 5 • D-81671 München • Tel. [phone] • [email protected] • www.sono.de
AIRCOM Manual
1. Important Notes and Safety Instructions
Before unpacking and operating the equipment read these Notes and Safety Instructions carefully.
More notes and instructions can be found in the following chapters of this manual. Follow all notes and
instructions.
The term „equipment“ stands for the AIRCOM unit as well as the provided power supply.
1.1. The equipment must only be used for the purpose described in this manual.
1.2. Keep the manual for further reference. When passing the equipment on, enclose the manual.
1.3. Do not operate the equipment at
-very high air humidity (>85% relative humidity)
-high ambient temperature (>40°C) or in the vicinity of heat radiating equipment or objects
-places which are exposed to solar radiation
-at very low temperatures (<5°C)
1.4. Ensure appropriate air ventilation.
1.5. Do not block the ventilation slots of the equipment. Keep free a minimum of 20mm around the
equipment.
1.6. Do not store the equipment at temperatures below -20°C or above +50°C.
1.7. Do never expose the equipment to environmental conditions which can lead to the incidence of
condensation water.
1.8. Do not expose the equipment to mechanical stress or shock.
1.9. Ensure that liquids cannot get into the equipment.
1.10. Ensure that foreign objects cannot get into the equipment.
1.11. Only clean the equipment with smooth cleaning tissues and soft detergents.
1.12. Never open the equipment.
1.13. Only operate the unit with the provided power supply. When operating with other power supplies,
warranty will be void.
1.14. In case the equipment has been dropped or there is any external or functional damage, do not continue
to operate the equipment. Have the equipment checked at your dealer’s workshop or a person who is
qualified to do such checks.
1.15. Only connect the equipment to a legally approved, earthed, mains power supply.
1.16. In case of any damage of mains cable or power supply there is the risk of a perilous electrical shock!
Replace the mains cable immediately. Have the power supply checked or replace it. Regularly check
mains cable and power supply for any damage.
1.17. When shipping, use a package which protects the equipment from environmental impact such as
mechanical shock or humidity.
1.18. The equipment applies to EU directives RoHS and WEEE. Disposal has to be carried out according to
WEEE. As this equipment is classified as professional equipment for industrial use (B2B), manufacturer
and purchaser conclude the following agreement: According to ElektroG §10 Abs. 2 Satz 3 (ref. to
German/EU law) the manufacturer takes over the disposal if the purchaser sends back the equipment at
his own expense. Alternatively the purchaser disposes of the equipment according to WEEE at his own
expense. In case the purchaser passes on or sells the equipment, this agreement has to be passed on.
Manufacturer WEEE register number: DE 90586269

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Distributor (National/International):
sono Studiotechnik GmbH • Haagerstraße 5 • D-81671 München • Tel. [phone] • [email protected] • www.sono.de
AIRCOM Manual
1.19. Manufacturer’s warranty covers the equipment to be free from defects of quality at the time of delivery
for a period of 24 month presumed that
-the equipment was treated properly according to its intended use
-all information and safety instructions given in this manual have been followed
-the equipment shows no external damage
-the equipment is shipped to the manufacturer or to an authorised repair-shop free of charge
-a proof of purchase is supplied
-a detailed failure description is supplied
The manufacturer takes over cost of parts and labour incurred by repair.
Any other costs including shipping and packaging will be charged.
1.20. We expressly exclude any liability for incidental or consequential damages which might arise from
operating the equipment, including failure of the equipment.
1.21. All information in this manual has been carefully reviewed. It has been updated at the time of passing
for press. Nevertheless we do not take over any liability for sufficiency or errors.
1.22. EC Declaration of Conformity: The equipment applies to applicable EMC rules 2004/108/EC.
2. Scope of Delivery
2.1. Unit AIRCOM
2.2. Power Supply
2.3. Mains Cable (not for all countries)
2.4. Manual

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Zähl Elektronik-Tontechnik • Odenthaler Str. 47 • D-51465 Bergisch Gladbach • [email protected] • www.zaehl.com
Distributor (National/International):
sono Studiotechnik GmbH • Haagerstraße 5 • D-81671 München • Tel. [phone] • [email protected] • www.sono.de
AIRCOM Manual
3. Connection
3.1. Power Supply
3.1.1. Plug the 4pole XLR connector which is mounted to the cable fixed to the power supply into one of the
4pole XLR connectors designated “POWER IN” on the rear panel of the AIRCOM unit.
3.1.2. Connect the power supply to a correctly earthed mains power socket. You may connect the power
supply to 100-240VAC at 47-63Hz mains voltage without the need of selecting a voltage range.
Important Note: Always connect the power supply in the order described above. Otherwise there is a
risk of damaging the power supply and/or the unit.
3.1.3. AIRCOM units provide two power inputs. You can connect two power supplies at the same time in order
to ensure a fail-safe operation. If power at one of the inputs fails, the other one will take over.
3.1.4. 12V-24V regulated DC is allowed at the power inputs. We deliver power supplies within this voltage
range. You can connect power supplies with differing voltages at the same time. The one with the
higher voltage supplies the unit. If it fails, the one with the lower voltage will take over.
3.2. Audio
3.2.1. Microphone Inputs
Microphone inputs are designed for input levels from -64dBu to 0dBu (GUEST: -60dBu...-15dBu).
Depending on the configuration setting the inputs provide 48V phantom power.
Important Note: Before connecting a microphone always check if the input configuration on your
AIRCOM complies with the microphone data. In case of incompatibility there is a risk of damaging your
microphone.
3.2.2. Headphones Outputs
Only connect stereo-wired jack connectors on the headphones outputs. AIRCOM provides dedicated
output circuits for left and right channel. Do not connect Tip and Ring on a stereo jack and never use a
mono jack.
The headphones outputs deliver voltages up to 10Veff. Only connect headphones with an impedance of
more than 30 Ohms per system.
Please consider that the headphones output stages provide high gain margin in order to drive high
impedance as well as low impedance headphones. Using low impedance headphones it is most unlikely
that you need to set the PHONES volume controller to maximum position.
Important Note: Always set the phones level potentiometer labelled „PHONES“ to minimum (fully
counter-clockwise) before you connect your headphones. Otherwise there is a risk of damaging your
ears by high sound pressure level. Furthermore there is a risk of damaging your headphones.
3.2.3. Other Audio Inputs and Audio Outputs
Standard audio inputs and audio outputs are transformer balanced and designed to a reference level of
+6dBu and a maximum level of +18dBu (typ.).
Auxiliary audio inputs/outputs and GUEST line input are designed as electronically balanced stages at the
same reference level and maximum level as above.
Important Note: Connecting DC exceeding 1V is not allowed and can lead to damages inside the unit.

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Distributor (National/International):
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AIRCOM Manual
3.3. Control ports REMOTE GPI
All control outputs are designed to be interfaced with 5V logic circuitry.
Important Note: Connect DC in the 0-5V range to the control inputs only. Control outputs may only be
connected to circuits which operate in the 0-5V DC range. Never connect any supply voltage directly to a
control output. Refer to chapter „Technical Data“ to find information about maximum allowable current.
Exceeding any limits can cause damage on the unit or the circuitry you connect.
Refer to chapter „Technical Data“ for more details about circuitry and connection.
3.4. Lamp Supply/USB
Right hand on the front panel there is a USB Type A socket designated “DC ONLY”. It serves exclusively
for supplying a standard 5V LED Lamp with USB connector (commercially available with gooseneck).
Important Note: Never connect any other equipment. Especially never connect a PC or PC peripheral
equipment to this USB socket. There is the danger of damage to your AIRCOM as well as the connected
equipment.
More details about technical data, functions and connector pin-outs are specified in the following
chapters of this manual.

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Zähl Elektronik-Tontechnik • Odenthaler Str. 47 • D-51465 Bergisch Gladbach • [email protected] • www.zaehl.com
Distributor (National/International):
sono Studiotechnik GmbH • Haagerstraße 5 • D-81671 München • Tel. [phone] • [email protected] • www.sono.de
AIRCOM Manual
4. Front Panel Overview

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Distributor (National/International):
sono Studiotechnik GmbH • Haagerstraße 5 • D-81671 München • Tel. [phone] • [email protected] • www.sono.de
AIRCOM Manual
5. Basic Functions
This chapter is dedicated to basic functions only. When you work with AIRCOM for the first time, we
recommend to study this chapter step by step.
Before you start, please set all volume controls to minimum (counter-clockwise position).
Enhanced functionality and comprehensive configuration are described in the following chapters.
5.1. Configuration
All configuration elements are accessible on the front panel, normally hidden behind a cover. For access
loosen the two knurled head screws on the left and right end of the cover and flap it up.
There are four configuration banks, numbered from left to right, each consisting of 12 miniature rocker
switches. All switch functions are labelled in short form on the inside of the cover.
In this manual the switches are designated by bank number followed by the switch number, eg. 1-11
(bank 1, switch 11) or 4-2 (bank 4, switch 2).
Bank 1, designated MIC/GUEST,
provides basic settings of the
commentator channels.
Bank 2, designated MONITOR A,
provides monitoring options for
commentator A,
Bank 3, designated MONITOR B,
(the same) monitoring options for
commentator B.
Bank 4, designated MASTER,
provides special functions like
operational options, remote/link
options or test oscillator activation.
The rocker switches are off, when they are actuated to the lower position; they are on,
when they are actuated to the upper position.
When you get started with AIRCOM and this manual, we assume that all configuration
switches are in the off position.
On the left there are 3 configuration trimmer potentiometers. Normal working
position complies to the shown arrow position. In this manual the trimmers are
designated „Gain Trimmers“ with the affix MIC A, MIC B or GUEST.
On the right there are configuration elements for remote/link operation,
a latching push button switch labelled „Remote Enable“ and 5 LED-
displays. Before you go on, please make sure that the switch is in the
idle (not depressed) position.

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AIRCOM Manual
5.2. Commentator Channels A and B
5.2.1. Inputs and Configuration
Microphone inputs, XLR 3pole connectors labelled „MIC A“ and „MIC B“, are located on the rear panel.
Prior to connecting a microphone use configuration bank 1 in order to perform an input configuration
appropriate to your microphone.
Setting a switch to the ON position will activate the described function.
Function MIC A MIC B
Phantom power +48V 1-1 1-9
- 20dB Pad 1-2 1-10
LoCut 80Hz 24dB/Oct. 1-3 1-11
Limiter 1-4 1-12
Phantom power: Only choose this option for microphones which are designed for operation
with 48V-phantom power. Otherwise there is a risk of damage to your
microphone.
- 20dB Pad: Just in case you expect very high microphone levels. Also refer to section
“Gain Setting” (see below).
LoCut 80Hz 24dB/Oct.: Frequencies below 80Hz are suppressed very effectively. Use depends on
speaker, microphone and environmental conditions. LoCut will also reduce
“pop noises” or low frequency interference caused by air condition systems.
Limiter: Output level is limited to reference level. If selected, a green LED (LIMITER
ON) will light up on the front panel.
Note: Limiter configuration setting only affects the commentator channel
outputs. Intercom outputs are always post limiter.
Gain Setting
Set microphone gain at the gain trimmers labelled “MIC A” and “MIC B” on the front panel, left hand in
the configuration area. Always set gain with limiter off.
You can use the OVERALL ON AIR OUTPUT LEVEL to control your gain setting, if the respective ON AIR
button is activated. The O/L (Overload) LED at the right end of the display lights up if there is the
danger of signal clipping (1-2 dB below clipping), also refer to chapter 5.5.
In case your setting is fine with gain trimmer near its minimum (counter clockwise) and -20dB Pad OFF,
please consider:
Best S/N ratio is assumed with this setting. But if you expect high unpredictable levels, i.e. you need
maximum headroom, you should switch -20dB Pad to the ON position and on the other hand rise the
gain setting.
Limiter function
If a channel signal level exceeds reference level, the signal is controlled by the integrated limiter circuit
at the output (As the limiter provides a soft-knee technique, in fact signals somewhat below reference
level are controlled as well.). There is internal headroom of approximately 18dB before limiter.
Gain setting with Limiter
As described above, the limiter will to a certain amount affect levels below limiter threshold. If you set
gain with limiter activated referring to the “0” LED on the level meter, you give away some headroom.
So always set gain with limiter OFF, then switch it ON.
Please consider that a too high gain setting in combination with a limiter can lead to a loss of speech
comprehensibility. E.g. background noise may be audible in speech intervals.