Zaxcom RX-12RR User manual

1
USER MANUAL
Published August 2017
Firmware Version 1.24
Zaxcom RX-12RR / QRX212 Module
Streamlined Reception

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KNOW YOUR RX-12R................................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
FRONT PANEL ............................................................................................................................................................4
RIGHT SIDE................................................................................................................. ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
LEFT SIDE ................................................................................................................... ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
REAR ........................................................................................................................................................................5
INSERTING THE QRX212 MODULES ..............................................................................................................................6
HOME SCREEN EXPLAINED ...........................................................................................................................................7
SYSTEM MENU.............................................................................................................................................. 8
RECEIVER CONFIGURE MENU ........................................................................................................................ 9
RX MODE .................................................................................................................................................................9
Mode.................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Power ................................................................................................................................................................. 9
FREQUENCY ...............................................................................................................................................................9
TRANSMITTER GAIN ....................................................................................................................................................9
UNIT CODE................................................................................................................................................................ 9
OUTPUT TYPE ............................................................................................................................................................9
AES MODE................................................................................................................. ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
TONE........................................................................................................................................................................9
CENTER FREQUENCY SET ..............................................................................................................................10
SCAN MENU.................................................................................................................................................11
CENTER FREQUENCY..................................................................................................................................................11
MARKER .................................................................................................................................................................11
FREQUENCY LIST / AUTO-PICK......................................................................................................................12
HOW TO USE AUTO-PICK ...........................................................................................................................................12
ENCRYPTION................................................................................................................................................13
SETTINGS MENU ..........................................................................................................................................14
FAN SPEED ................................................................................................................. ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
LCD BRIGHTNESS .....................................................................................................................................................14
QRX PROGRAM .......................................................................................................................................................14
How to update the firmware for the QRX212 modules................................................................................... 21
RECALL FACTORY DEFAULTS .......................................................................................................................................14
ZAXNET FREQUENCY CONTROL ...................................................................................................................................14
SERIAL PORT MODE ..................................................................................................................................................14
How to send remote commands ........................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
ADVANCED SET UP....................................................................................................................................................14
Burn Boot loader.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Debug Bits ........................................................................................................................................................15
Allow Logging................................................................................................................................................... 15
Log Screen........................................................................................................................................................ 15

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RX-12R CONNECTOR ASSIGNMENTS .............................................................................................................16
SINGLE ANALOG CHANNEL OUT OF ONE TA5.................................................................................................................16
TWO ANALOG CHANNELS OUT OF ONE TA5..................................................................................................................16
AES DIGITAL OUT OF TA5............................................................................................. ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
DC POWER IN (HIROSE HR10A-7P 4PIN MALE) ..........................................................................................................18
SERIAL CONNECTOR (USB RS-485) ............................................................................................................................19
Nomad or QRX .................................................................................................................................................19
IFB200 or TRX900 Camera Link ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
UPDATING THE RX-12R FIRMWARE ..............................................................................................................20
PRODUCT SUPPORT .....................................................................................................................................22
ZAXCOM RX-12R SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................23
ZAXCOM WARRANTY POLICY AND LIMITATIONS...........................................................................................24

Zaxcom RX-12R Front
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RX-12R
Front Panel
1. QRX212 Modules - The RX-12R can accommodate up to 6 modules.
2. Numeric keypad
3. Back Key
4. Daylight Readable Color LCD Screen
5. Headphone out (3.5mm TRS) - The headphone output can be used to monitor the A side of each
module. To select the module to monitor press the numeric key that corresponds to the module
number.
6. Enter Key
7. Menu Encoder Knob - Press the menu knob to access the RX-12R menus. Rotate and press to adjust
the menu perimeters. To adjust the headphone monitor volume rotate the knob while holding the
Zero (0) key.

Zaxcom RX-12R Rear
5
Rear
1. RF In Antenna - A and B (50 Ohm BNC)
2. RF Out Antenna - A and B (50 Ohm BNC) - The antenna out is used to feed additional receivers. Please note
the antenna outputs adds 6dB of gain and is post the bandpass filter.
3. Redundant power input (4 pin Hirose) with LED indicator - The RX-12R will seamlessly switch to the input
with the highest voltage. The LED will illuminate when the RX-12R is receiving externa DC power.
4. Analog out 1 thru 6 (XLR) -These connectors will output analog audio of the A side of the receiver modules.
5. Main AES output (DB25) -This connector will output AES audio of both the A and B receiver for each module.
6. Power switch
7. ZaxNet communication connector (TA5) - This connector is used to interface with an IFB200 to send ZaxNet
remote control commands to the transmitters.
8. USB connector (Standard USB type A cable) - Used to connect the RX-12R with a PC or Mac that is running
Zaxcom wireless monitoring software. Please note the USB connector cannot be used simultaneously with the
RS422 connector.
9. RS422 connector (see wiring diagram) - Used to connect the RX-12R to a Nomad or Oasis Please note the
RS422 connector cannot be used simultaneously with the USB connector.
10. AES and Analog out (DB25) -This connector will output analog audio of the B side of each QRX212 module
outputs (7 thru 12) when the module is set to analog. When the module is set to output AES this connector
will output an AES signal of both the A and B receiver. Please note to output AES the RX-12R will need to have
the optional AES combiner board installed (not currently available).
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10

Zaxcom RX-12R Inserting the QRX212 Modules
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Inserting the QRX212 Modules
Rear view of the QRX212 Module Up to 6 QRX212 modules slide into the RX-12R.
When inserting the modules make sure the arrows pointing up.

Zaxcom RX-12R Home Screen
7
Home Screen Explained
The home screen is divided into six sectors, one sector for each QRX 212 module. Each sector will display the
following information:
Frequency - The current selected frequency will be displayed for each receiver. If the module is in dual
mode both frequencies will be displayed. The A frequency will be on the left and the B receiver will be on
the right. If the frequency is highlighted in red that means the selected frequency is outside the 35MHz
filter. Keep in mind while frequencies outside the range of the 35MHz may still work though performance
will be less than optimal.
Battery level - A battery indicator will display the approximate battery level for each transmitter. A
fully charged battery will display green and then turn red as the battery depletes its charge. The battery
icon will start blinking when the battery has roughly 15 to 30 minutes of charge left. Please note that
when the battery is low the transmitter may not go into record.
Transport status -The transport status of the transmitter’s onboard recorder will be indicated just
above the RF signal strength meter:
STOP - Recording / Playback is stopped
REC - The transmitter is recording
PLAY - The transmitter is playing back
RF Signal Strength - Each module has two RF meters, one for each receiver. The meters show the
amount of RF signal being received. The signal level is visually displayed in the ramp shaped RF meter icon.
As the shading increases from the left to the right the more signal is present. If the icon is shaded red
when the transmitter is powered down that means the receiver is seeing unwanted RF from a source
other than from the corresponding transmitter. If the icon is green the RF is being received from the
corresponding transmitter. Within the icon the actual signal strength, in decibels, is displayed numerically.
Audio Meter - Each module will display audio meter(s) for each signal received. If the module is set to
single mode one large meter will be shown. If the module is set to dual mode two large meters will be
shown. If the module is receiving a signal from a stereo transmitter the large meter will be split in half into
two smaller meters, representing the left and right audio of the transmitter. The meters will show the
audio modulation in dBFS. Within each meter the signal will be represented in green, yellow and red
showing the levels, there is also a peak hold indicator. If a meter has a white X through it that is showing
that the receiver is not receiving a valid signal.
Save Indicator - A pixel on bottom of screen that moves right to left indicates that the RX-12R is saving
a parameter setting to its memory. If the RX-12R is powered down while the pixel is moving the settings
will not be saved and could possibly corrupt the setting memory.

Zaxcom RX-12R System Menu
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System Menu
To access the system menu press the MENU encoder knob.

Zaxcom RX-12R System Menu
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Receiver Configure Menu
The receiver configure menu is where each of the 6 QRX212 receiver modules are
set up from. Once in the receiver configure menu individual receiver modules can
be accessed by pressing the corresponding number key on the numeric keyboard.
In each receiver configuration menu the status of each transmitter will be shown.
This is the same configuration that is in the home screen.
RX Mode
From the RX mode each individual QRX212 module can be set to single or dual mode and can be powered off.
Mode
Single - The QRX212 module is set to receive a single transmitter.
Dual - The QRX212 module is set to receive signal from two transmitters
Power
The power to each QRX212 module can be toggled on and off from the power setting.
Frequency
This is where the frequency of the QRX212 is manually adjusted from. To set the frequency highlight the
receiver that will be adjusted, then rotate the menu encoder knob, or press the desired frequency on the
numeric keypad.
Transmitter Gain
If the RX-12R is connected to an IFB200 the gain for each transmitter can be remotely adjusted from here and
will be sent over ZaxNet to the transmitters.
Unit Code
This is where the ZaxNet unit code for each module is set. The unit code on each QRX212 receiver must match
the unit code set in the corresponding transmitter for the remote frequency and gain commands to be sent to
the proper transmitter. Each receiver and transmitter pair must have its own unique unit code. The unit code
number can be set to any number between 1 and 99.
Output Type
The output type sets what audio signal the individual QRX212 module will output. Each module can be set to
output audio as either an analog signal or an AES signal. This setting will determine what is outputted on the
bottom DB25 connector “AES AND ANALOG OUT”. If this is set to analog the DB25 will output the b side of each
receiver QRX212 receiver module. If this is set to AES, when used with the optional combiner board (not
currently available) the DB25 will mirror the top DB25 connector.
Tone
Each QRX212 module has its own tone generator. Turning tone on will output tone from the TA5 connector
at -20dBFS allowing for the levels to be calibrated at the mixer or recorder.

Zaxcom RX-12R System Menu
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Center Frequency Set
The RX-12R has a 35MHz tracking front end filter that eliminates unwanted stray RF which can desensitize the
receiver and result in poor performance. The center frequency is the middle frequency of the 35MHz window.
After deciding on the 35MHz operating range the center frequency should be set to the middle of that range.
Therefore the best performance of the RX-12R will be frequencies chosen 17.5MHz above and 17.5MHz below
the center frequency. Please note that this is a global setting for all QRX212 modules meaning that that the
35MHz window will be the same for all modules.
To adjust the center filter rotate the menu encoder knob to the desired frequency, or manually enter the
desired frequency using the numeric keypad.

Zaxcom RX-12R System Menu
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Scan Menu
From the scan menu is where the RX-12R can search the spectrum to
determine what RF is present. This will aid in finding a clear operating
frequencies. After a scan the RF that is present will be represented in the
graph by a series of vertical lines extending from the baseline up, the
higher line the stronger the RF signal is.
The horizontal lines show the strength of the signal in decibels. Any stray
RF below 40dB shouldn’t have too much effect on the performance.
The yellow area shows the 35MHz window of the front end filter.
The colored vertical lines will show the frequencies that that the QRX212
modules are currently set to.
Scanning on the RX-12R
To initiate a scan press the star key.
After scanning the current 35MHz window the filter can be repositioned by adjusting the center frequency
and additional scans can be performed to show more of the spectrum; the RX-12R will remember the
previous scans and add the new scan to those.
When in the scan menu pressing the number 1 key will zoom out showing more of the scanned spectrum
and pressing the number 2 key will zoom in magnifying the scanned spectrum.
After the scan is completed frequencies can be chosen and set manually or Auto-Pick can be used which
allows the RX-12R to determine the frequencies.
Center frequency
The center frequency is the frequency that is in the middle of 35MHz filter. The filter extends 17.5MHz above and
17.5MHz below the center frequency. Adjusting the center frequency will physically move the location of the
filter. To adjust the filter rotate the menu encoder knob or enter the desired frequency on the numeric keypad.
Marker
The marker is for visual identification to examine a specific frequency within the scan. To adjust the marker rotate
the menu encoder knob or manually enter the desired frequency on the numeric keypad.
80 dB
70 dB
60 dB
50 dB
40 dB

Zaxcom RX-12R System Menu
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Frequency List / Auto-Pick
This page displays the current chosen frequency of each receiver module. If a
module is set to dual mode both the A and B frequencies will be displayed. From
this page frequencies can be selected so Auto-Pick can change the frequency of
any receiver(s).
How to use Auto-Pick
1. Select a receiver by rotating the menu encoder knob.
2. Press the encoder knob to select the receiver. That will put a green check
mark to the right of the frequency that will be changed.
3. After all the desired receivers are selected, press the star key to let the
RX-12R choose a frequency with the cleanest scan for each receiver.
4. Press the # Key to uncheck the receiver(s).

Zaxcom RX-12R System Menu
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Encryption
This is where the encryption code of the RX-12R is set. If the corresponding transmitter, that is sending audio,
has encryption turned on the RX-12R can only listened to it if it has the same matching encryption code
entered. When the codes do not match, all that will be heard is white-noise.
Each individual QRX212 module will share the same encryption code therefore if encryption is turned on all
transmitters will need to have encryption enabled as well.
The encryption code should always be set to 000000 for normal un-encrypted operation.

Zaxcom RX-12R System Menu
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Settings Menu
Antenna Power
The RX-12R can supply 12 volts DC voltage to power antennas. This menu setting turns on the power circuit.
Please note the RX12R can supply a maximum of 50ma per antenna.
LCD Brightness
The LCD screen and key board brightness is adjustable from this menu. The brightness can be adjusted between
0 and 10 with 10 being the brightest.
QRX Program
This menu is where the QRX212 modules firmware is updated from. Upon entering the program menu the current
firmware that each module is running will be displayed. Pressing the STAR key will initiate the update process.
Please see the firmware update instructions at the back of this manual for further information on updating the
QRX212 module firmware.
Recall Factory Defaults
From within this menu pressing the star key will reset the RX-12R the factory default setting.
ZaxNet Frequency Control
When control is enabled frequency and gain changes made on the RX-12R will be sent to the corresponding
transmitter via ZaxNet. Please note the RX-12R does not have a ZaxNet transmitter so a ZaxNet transmitter will
need to be connected to the RX-12R for the changes to be executed.
Serial Port Mode
Serial port mode assigns what equipment the RS422 port on the RX-12R will communicate with.
When the serial port mode is set to remote the RX-12R will display data to an external PC running RX-12R remote
firmware.
When the serial port mode is set to Nomad the RX-12R can send frequency and gain changes commands to the
corresponding transmitters via ZaxNet. The serial port will need to be plugged into the serial port of a Nomad 10
or 12. Please note the Nomad will need to be running firmware version 7.24 or higher.
This connector can also be used to connect with Oasis.
AutoPick Channel Spacing
This sets the minimum spacing in MHz that will be left between frequencies when AutoPick is used. Channel
spacing can be individually adjusted for ZHD 48 (300 kHz), ZHD 96 (400k Hz), and XR/Mono/Stereo transmitters
(800 kHz).
AutoPick Bandwidth
This sets how many MHz wide AutoPick will choose the transmitter frequencies from. For example if AutoPick
Bandwidth is set to 10 MHz the RX-12R will only choose frequencies that are 5 MHz above and 5 MHz below the
center frequency. AutoPick can be set from 10 to 34 MHz in 1 MHz increments.
Edit Name
This sets the name of the RX-12R. The purpose of naming the RX-12R is so that if multiple RX-12R units are being used
each unit can be identified by a name rather than the serial number.
Advanced Set up
Burn Boot loader

Zaxcom RX-12R System Menu
15
The boot loader is part of the firmware that helps boot up RX-12R. Generally, the boot loader will not need to
update. If the boot loader needs to be updated there will be a note released with the firmware to do so. The
boot loader firmware is already contained within the RX-12R firmware.
Debug Bits
The debug bits are a factory diagnostic setting and should stay set to 0.
Allow Logging
Allow logging will turn on the logging feature which will allow the RX-12R to log warning and error messages
which then can be used by the factory to diagnose the RX-12R. The logged messages are displayed on the log
screen. If logging is not turned on, and an error occurs the RX-12R will not log the errors.
Log Screen
This is where the RX-12R displays the logged errors and warnings.

Zaxcom RX-12R Pin Configuration
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RX-12R Connector Assignments
Main AES Outs - DB25
RECEIVER MODULE
DB25 PIN ( - , + )
1
12 & 24
2
23 & 10
3
9 & 21
4
20 & 7
5
6 & 18
6
17 & 4
Ground pins 2, 5, 8, 11, 16, 11, 26
AES and Analog Out - DB25
When output type is set to Analog
RECEIVER MODULE
B Side Output
DB25 PIN ( - , + )
Analog 1
20 & 7
Analog 2
6 & 18
Analog 3
17 & 4
Analog 4
3 & 15
Analog 5
2 & 14
Analog 6
1 & 13
Ground pins 5, 8, 11, 16,19, 22, 25
When output type is set to AES - and using optional combiner (not currently available)
RECEIVER MODULE
DB25 PIN ( - , + )
Combined RX 1/2
12 & 24
Combined RX 3/4
23 & 10
Combined RX 5/6
9 & 21
Ground pins 5, 8, 11, 16,19, 22, 25

Zaxcom RX-12R Pin Configuration
17
Analog Out - XLR
XLR Out on
RX-12R
XLR into
Mixer
PIN 1
GROUND
PIN 2
SIGNAL (+)
PIN 3
SIGNAL (–)

Zaxcom RX-12R Pin Configuration
18
IFB200 - TA5
TA5 on
RX-12R
TA5 in
IFB200
PIN 1
Ground
PIN 2
No Connection
PIN 3
No Connection
PIN 4
PIN 4
PIN 5
PIN 5
DC power in (Hirose HR10A-7P 4 Pin Male)
Hirose
4 - Pin
DC Power
Source
PIN 1
Negative (Ground)
PIN 2
No Connection
PIN 3
No Connection
PIN 4
Positive

Zaxcom RX-12R Pin Configuration
19
Serial Connector
To communicate with Nomad
Standard USB Type A to Type A cable
To communicate with Oasis
RX-12R
Oasis
WHITE (TXP)
RED (RXP)
GREEN (TXM)
BLACK (RXM)
RED (RXP)
WHITE (TXP)
BLACK (RXM)
GREEN (TXM)

Zaxcom RX-12R Firmware Update
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Updating the RX-12R Firmware
Each RX-12R is shipped with the latest firmware version installed. When newer firmware becomes available, it can be
downloaded from the Zaxcom website: https://zaxcom.com/support/updates/
Newer version of beta firmware may be found on the Zaxcom Forums: http://www.zaxcom.com/forum
Updating the RX-12R Firmware
1. Format a micro SD card using a PC or Mac.
2. Download the new firmware (RX-12RProfile_vX.XX.bin) and copy it to the card. Make sure only one .BIN file is
on the card.
3. Remove the cover of the RX-12R.
4. With RX-12R powered down, insert the micro SD card, which contains the .bin file, into the card slot inside
the RX-12R.
5. Press and hold the STAR key while powering on the RX-12R. If the RX-12R goes blank shortly after powering up,
cycle the power again while holding the star key.
6. Once "PREPARING TO BURN ROM” is displayed, the STAR key can be released.
7. After “POWER DOWN NOW” is displayed, cycle the power.
8. Verify that RX-12R is running the version just installed in the about RX-12R menu.