Zaxcom ZFR100 User manual

Owner’sManual
ZFR100FaultTolerant
RecordingSystem
230 West Parkway, Unit 9, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 USA
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Revision:100.002
Date:February2007

ChangeHistory
2007-02-11
qInital release.
Trademarks
Zaxcom, Recording Wireless, and the Zaxcom logo are trademarks of Zaxcom, Inc. All rights
reserved.

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
i
What’s in the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Microphone Wiring Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Microphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Adaptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Two Wire Microphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Getting to Know Your ZFR100 Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mini SD Media Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Recording Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Audio Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Audio Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Loop Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Conventional Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Gain Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Time code menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Lock Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Locking the ZFR100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Unlocking the ZFR100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
HIGH-PASS FILTER Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Limiter Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Transport Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Record button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Play button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Stop Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ZFR100 Recording Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Card Formatting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Jamming ZFR100 Time Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting the ZFR100 Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Setting the ZFR100 name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Transport Control Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Dual Color LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
LED status indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
About ZaxConvert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Using ZaxConvert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Output File Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Time Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Sample Rate Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Maximum File Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Output File Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Track Enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ZFR100 Specifcations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ZFR100 Cable Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
ii
STA100 Stereo Adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Setting Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Audio Output Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Time Code Input Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Zaxcom Warranty Policy and Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual Chapter1
1
What’sintheBox
The following items are included in the ZFR100 Recording System:
oZFR100 Recorder
Options
MicrophoneWiringOptions
oZFR100 – Wired according to wiring diagrams provided in this manual on page 19.
oZFR100H – Bias resistors inside of unit pulled high for two-wire microphones.
oZFR100L – Bias resistors inside of unit pulled high for three-wire microphones.
Microphones
oDPA 4063
oCountryman B6
oCountryman B3
oCountryman EMW
oSanken COS11
Adaptors
oSTA100 – Zaxcom Stereo Adaptor
The STA100 turns the ZFR100 into a two track recorder. It provides a two-channel line level
input, time code input, timc code / audio output and an external power input.
oTCA100 – Zaxcom Time Code Adaptor
The TCA100 provides a secondary time code input. In the standard configuration, time code is
jammed to the ZFR100 through the microphone connector. The TCA100 enables auto-load or
continous time code connection. It has a 3.5 mm TRS connector and accepts any source of
SMPTE time code.
oEA100 – Earpiece Adaptor
Used to monitor audio being recorded or played back on the ZFR100. It has a volume knob and
a standard 3.5 mm headphone input connector.
OptionalAccessories
oIFB800 – Zaxcom Time Code/Remote Control Transmitter (IFB)
oTCR100 – Zaxcom Internal Time Code Receiver
Allows internal time code to be remotely jammed. Will go into record or stop mode when time
code is received or stopped. With auto-load, the audio recorded with the ZFR100 will always
match the audio on the camera.
GettingStarted

Chapter1 ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
2
Cables
Listed are some of the known third-party cables available for the ZFR100 recorder. Zaxcom does
not make or supply these cables. They listed for reference only.
oXLR Mic Level Input, 4 ft. (1.2 M)
oXLR Line Level Input, 3 ft. (0.9 M)
oRCA Line Level Input, 3 ft. (0.9 M)
oBNC to 3.5mm time code input, 2 ft. (0.6 M) - Requires TC or Stereo Adaptor
oMic Connector (3-pin Lemo)
oXLR3F mic level to Lemo 3 pin (4' +/-) for Zaxcom ZFR100/TRX900 & Sennheiser SK-50
oXLR3F line level to Lemo 3 pin (4' +/-) for Zaxcom ZFR100/TRX900 & Sennheiser SK-50
oRCA/M line level to Lemo 3 pin (4' +/-) for Zaxcom ZFR100/TRX900 & Sennheiser SK-50
oXLR3F to Lemo 3 pin Time Code Jam Cable for Zaxcom ZFR100
oBNC to Lemo 3 pin Time Code Jam Cable for Zaxcom ZFR100
oLemo 5 pin to Lemo 3 pin Time Code Jam Cable for Zaxcom ZFR100
TwoWireMicrophones
The following table provides a list of tested two-wire microphones for the ZFR100H.
MKE-2 Platinum 3 V
Sennheiser
3
V
3V
MKE 2
Gold
MKE
-
2 Gold
899 L4
899
*
L4
3
V
3V
898 L4
898
*
L4
3
V
3V
892*CL4 3 VAudio-Technica
3
V
3V
H
eadband 4
06
7
Note: Other Headband requires 5 volts
Note:
Other
Headband
requires
5
volts
3
V
3V
Miniture
LA
Miniture LA
V 4063
V 4063
A
AA
DPA
EMW
(Last
2
Letter
order
code
is
S3)
EMW (Last 2 Letter order code is S3)
1
.
5
V
15V
B3 (Last 2 Letter order code is S3) 3 V
Isomax
Instrument
(Cardioid)
M2C
W3
Isomax Instrument (Cardioid) M2C
*
W3
1
.
5
V
15V
Isomax
Instrument
(Hypercardioid)
M2H
W3
3
Isomax Instrument (Hypercardioid) M2H
*
W3
3
3
V
3V
1
.
5
V
15V
B6
(Last
2
Letter
order
code
is
S3)
B6 (Last 2 Letter order code is S3)
E6 (Last 2 Letter order code is S3)Countryman 3 V
VoltageTwo-Wire ModelBrand

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual Chapter1
3
Introduction
The ZFR100 is a fault tolerant recording system. The memory card can be ejected or the power can
be switched off while the unit is in the record mode without the possibility of any audio loss to the
point recording stops. This is unique feature of the ZFR100.
The ZFR100 records audio onto the FLASH memory card using FAT32 file system. This ensures
the FLASH memory card can be read on both Windows and Mac computers. The audio is recorded
as a single file and can only be read using the Zaxcom conversion utility. This utility is freely
available from the Zaxcom website at http://www.zaxcom.com. It allows the audio to be converted
to standard Broadcast Wave files or Zaxcom transcription format (ZTF) files.
Batteries
Two AA batteries are used in the ZFR100 and depending on the type of battery used operate from
10 to 20 hours. For the longest battery life, use Lithium or rechargeable NiMH. Any other battery
chemistry including Alkaline and “Ultra” batteries have a substantially reduced run-time compared
to Lithium or rechargeable NiMH cells.
NOTE: Never use any battery that is missing insulation on its body. This can allow a short circuit in the
battery compartment causing damage to the transmitter.
Features
oBroadcast quality recording
o8 hours of audio directly on a 2 GB FLASH memory card
oIntegrated time code reader/generator
oBroadcast WAV or MP3 recording (recording is done at 24/48)
o8-hour loop mode or tradition record/stop mode
oWindows and Mac software to output many formats from the FLASH memory card
oGraphic LCD display
oSmall and lightweight
Firmware
Each ZFR100 is shipped with the latest version of the firmware. As of the writing of this manual,
this is version 5.67. Each time the recorder is powered on, the firmware revision code is displayed
for brief period in the upper right of the LCD screen.

Chapter1 ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
4
GettingtoKnowYourZFR100Recorder
MiniSDMediaRequirements
The ZFR100 records audio on Mini SD cards, and only SanDisk Mini SD card can be used.
SanDisk media is required because other brands of SD Memory can get jammed in the Mini SD
Slot and damage the unit.
Any damage to the unit due to non-Sandisk media voids the warranty.
Only use SanDisk normal speed MiniSD card media. These cards have been tested to ensure they
have an acceptable write delay time.
Do not use SanDisk Ultra II cards. Formatting an Ultra II card in a TRX900 or ZFR100 may make
the card unusable.
9
8
10
2
1
6
4
4
3
5
5
1. Record Button
2. Mini SD Slot
3. Power Switch
4. Play Button
5. Microphone/Time Code Input
6. Stop Button
7. Power/Record LED
8. Increment/Decrement Buttons
9. Menu Button
10. LCD
Caution
!
Caution
Caution

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual Chapter1
5
RecordingTimes
Media is available in sizes ranging from 128 MB to 2 GB. The following table shows the
approximate amount of time each card can record audio before recording over previously recorded
audio.
NOTE: All times are calculated using 48 kHz / 24-bit recording.
8 Hours2 GB
1 GB 4 Hours
2 Hours512 MB
1 Hour256 MB
3
0 Mi
n
ut
e
s
12
8
MB
R
ecording TImeMedia Size

Chapter1 ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
6

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual Chapter2
7
All audio from the ZFR100 is placed on the Mini SD card. This card is formatted using the ZFR100
and uses a FAT32 file system. By using the FAT32 file system, all Mini SD cards can be read by
Windows and Mac OS computers.
Audio is recorded to the memory card as a single Broadcast WAV or .ZTF (Zaxcom Transcription
Format) file. To use this audio file, you must use ZaxConvert, a transfer and conversion utility
developed by Zaxcom. ZaxConvert is available for both Windows and Mac OS and freely available
from Zaxcom’s web site at http://www.zaxcom.com. It reads and converts the audio from the Mini
SD card and places it on your computer.
AudioQuality
The high quality error free audio is always the utmost importance on the ZFR100. So when
recording, audio is always stored at 24-bit/48 kHz. The ZaxConvert utility allows you to convert
the file to 16-bits if desired, and a variety of different sample rates from the original 48þkHz.
AudioModes
There are two recording modes on the ZFR100. There is a loop mode and a conventional mode.
LoopMode
The loop mode provides a way to continuously record audio. Once the media card is filled, current
audio replaces the previously recorded audio at the beginning of the recording. The table on the
previous page shows the media sizes and how much recording time is available before audio is
looped. When in the loop mode, the ZFR100 displays LREC on the front status display.
ConventionalMode
The conventional mode never replaces any audio on the media card while recording. When the
Mini SD card is full the recording is automatically stopped and you must erase or change the media
card to continue recording. When in the conventional mode, the ZFR100 displays REC on the front
status display.
Memory cards from 128 MB to 2 GB can be used in the ZFR100. A 2 GB card records a single
track of audio for eight hours without erasing any recorded audio on the card.
Important: The ZFR100 will not record to the memory card if it is not present when the unit is powered up or if
it is removed with power on. If the card is ejected with power on the card must be reinserted and the
ZFR100 power cycled in order to resume the recording function.
RecordingontheZFR100

Chapter2 ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
8
Menus
This section describes each of the menus in the ZFR100 and their function. To access all menus,
except the main menu, the menu button on the unit is pressed until desired menu appears.
MainMenu
The Main menu contains the following four important pieces of information.
oTransport status - upper left corner
oCurrent time code of the segment - upper left
oBattery indication - lower left
oAudio level - bottom of the meter
GainMenu
Access: Press the menu button until Gain appears in the top left of the LCD display.
The audio gain is used to set the gain of the microphone preamplifier. Use the increment and
decrement keys to set the microphone gain. The gain is adjustable over a range of 36 dB. The gain
should be set so that the meter is peaking between –20 and –10þdB. This is about half way between
–20þdB and 0þdB on the meter.
Timecodemenu
Access: Press the menu button until Time Code appears in the top left of the LCD display.
When accessed, the current generator time code value appears in the menu. The current frame rate
also appears. Use the increment or decrement keys to change the current time code rate. If the rate
is set to Auto, the ZFR100 automatically sets the rate when the unit is jammed.
LockMenu
Access: Press the menu button until Lock appears in the top left of the LCD display.
The ZFR100 can be locked so that the Menu Key, INC and DEC keys are inoperative.
LockingtheZFR100
11. Enter the Lock menu.
12. Remain in the Lock menu for 5 seconds.
The ZFR100 automatically locks the keys.
UnlockingtheZFR100
1. Press the Menu and Up Arrow keys simultaneously.
The ZFR100 unlocks the keys.

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual Chapter2
9
HIGH-PASSFILTERMenu
Access: Press the menu button until High Pass appears in the top left of the LCD display.
The High-Pass filter menu indicates different high-pass filter cutoff frequencies. You can select a
frequency from 30þHz to 220þHz. Use the Increment and decrement keys to change the high pass
cutoff frequency.
All Filters are implemented in the digital domain, so the automatic compressor/limiter may engage
even when no substantial audio is heard. The purpose of the limiter is to prevent the mic preamp
from over-driving the A/D converter. Therefore the limiter operates on audio before it has been
processed by the high-pass filter. If there is a massive amount of low frequency audio content being
filtered out by the high pass filter, such as wind noise, you may hear the effects of the limiter
without hearing the audio that caused the limiter to engage. If this problem occurs then the gain is
set too high. Reduce the mic preamp gain below that level which triggers the limiter.
LimiterMenu
Access: Press the menu button until Limiter appears in the top left of the LCD display.
The LCD display also displays the current status of the limiter. Use the Increment and Decrement
Keys to enable or disable the limiter.
When the input signal is too high for the gain setting, it is clipped and results in distortion and
popping. The limiter is used to prevent clipping by beginning to engage around 10 dB from
clipping. When using lavaliere microphones, you normally would enable the limiter function on the
ZFR100. However if the input signal being fed to the ZFR100 is coming from a mixer that is using
a limiter, you should not use the limiter function on the ZFR100.
TransportButtons
The transport buttons; record, play, and stop, are located on the top of the ZFR100.
Recordbutton
This button is used to put the ZFR100 into the record mode. If the record button is pressed when the
ZFR100 is already in record mode the ZFR100 closes the current file and open up a new file at the
time the button is pressed. The green LED blinks to confirm the creation of a new file. This is done
to mark a point in time to make it easier to identify in post-production.
Playbutton
Pressing the play button replays the last recording from its beginning. If the play button is pressed
when the ZFR100 is already in the play mode the playback is advanced to the next recorded
segment. The word play on the display changes to show the segment number currently being
played.
StopButton
Pressing the stop button puts the ZFR100 into the stop mode. If the stop button is pressed when the
ZFR100 is in the stop mode the playback segment pointer is decremented to the previously
recorded segment. The word stop on the display change to show the segment number that is ready
to play.

Chapter2 ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
10
ZFR100RecordingOperation
CardFormatting
The memory card must be formatted by the ZFR100 before recording is possible.
To format the memory card do the following.
1. With the power off insert the memory card into the ZFR100
2. When the unit has fully initialized, press the menu key repeatedly until the instruction appears
in the display indicating how to erase the memory card.
3. Press the up arrow key 5 times to begin the Erasing and formatting of the memory card.
The ZFR100 displays its progress in formatting the memory card.
Important: Ensure the ZFR100 indicates that the formatting was successful before the card is used for actual
recording. If the formatting fails do not use the memory card for recording in the ZFR100.
A 2 GB MiniSD card takes approximately 20 seconds to format.
JammingZFR100TimeCode
Time code is jammed into the ZFR100 by connecting it to the microphone input. When time code is
connected it takes the ZFR100 about 3 seconds to recognize the time code input. The display shows
TIME CODE when the code is recognized and the word Jammed a second later. When Jammed
disappears the time code input can be disconnected.
The audio level of the time code needs to be between 0 dB and +10 dB on the ZFR100 meter. A line
level to mic level cable should be used to attenuate the time code signal out of a generator to the
correct audio level.
The ZFR100 automatically identifies the time code rate and type. It sets itself to that rate when the
ZFR100 is jammed. Time code accuracy of the ZFR100 is about 1 frame in 5 hours.
Time code may also be jammed using the optional STA100 stereo adaptor, TCA100 time code
adaptor, or by sending time code to the TCR100 internal time code receiver from the IFB800 time
code/remote control transmitter.
Jamming time code on the ZFR100 will start a new file in the ZFR100. The file shows up in the
Zaxcom conversion utility starting at the time code location the ZFR100 was jammed at.
Important: The ZFR100 will not keep time code running with power off.

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual Chapter2
11
SettingtheZFR100Name
The name set into the ZFR100 becomes part of the file name of the audio files generated by the
ZFR100. It is also included in the metadata. 8 characters are provided for the ZFR100 name. The
ZFR100 name will appear for a few seconds on power up in the LCD display window.
SettingtheZFR100name
1. Press and hold the menu key as the ZFR100 is powered up.
2. Release the menu key when the unit has fully initialized.
3. Press the menu key repeatedly until NAME: appears in the display with an arrow pointing to
the first character.
4. Press the up and down arrow keys to change the character that the arrow is pointing to.
The characters A-Z and 0 to 9 are the available characters.
5. Press the menu button to proceed to the next character.
When finished press and hold the menu button to leave this function or power down the ZFR100
and the power it on to resume normal operation.
TransportControlMenu
Press the menu key on the ZFR100 until the transport status is located on the left side of the display.
The current transport time code is displayed. When in this menu it is possible to stop the ZFR100
from recording and to play back recorded material.
Pressing the Down arrow key places the ZFR100 into stop mode. While in stop mode the playback
pointer can be moved backwards by pressing the down arrow key.
Pressing the UP arrow key places the ZFR100 into play mode. While in play mode the playback
pointer can be moved forwards by pressing the up arrow key.
The current playback time code is displayed in the transport control menu.
Leaving the menu by pressing the Menu key returns the ZFR100 to the record mode at the last
location on the memory card that was recorded to.
DualColorLED
The dual color LED on the top of the ZFR100 confirms the transport status of the recorder.
LEDstatusindicators.
oSolid green – ZFR100 is in stop or playback mode.
oGreen and flickers red – ZFR100 is in record mode.
oFlashing Red – indicates there is less than 10 minutes of recording time left on the memory
card. This will never be seen in loop record mode.
oSolid red – ZFR100 has lost communication. Check the SD card, usually it has come out of the
SD slot, it is full, or has not been formatted correctly.

Chapter2 ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
12

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual Chapter3
13
AboutZaxConvert
The ZaxConvert software is available for both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. The software is
functionally identical on both operating systems. You must use the ZaxConvert software to convert
the audio from .ZAX files to .WAV files.
UsingZaxConvert
When you use ZaxConvert, you must first assign an output folder. Next, add your source folder.
The following buttons contain additional options that are available when translating ZAX files to
broadcast WAV files:
oOutput File Type
oTime Code
oSample Rate Conversion
oMaximum File Size
oOutput File Name
oTrack Enable
When displayed on the main screen, the button shows the current setting.
ZaxConvert
Windows XP – Main Window Mac OS X – Main Window

Chapter3 ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
14
OutputFileType
This menu allows you to select the number of channels, bit depth, and output file type. In addition,
if the Post Production facility is using a DV40, you can force a 48K stamp to be used on the output
files.
TimeCode
This menu allows you to pull up or pull down time code, or leave the time code as it was set during
the recording of the audio.
SampleRateConversion
This menu allows you to convert the sample rate from the 48 kHz sample rate used by the ZFR100
when recording audio.

ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual Chapter3
15
MaximumFileSize
This menu allows you to set the maximum file size of the audio tracks. This is useful when trying to
place audio on media or when trying to limit the file size. Many audio applications can only handle
files that are 2 GB or smaller due to limitations in the .WAV file format.
OutputFileName
Reserved for future use.
TrackEnable
Reserved for future use.

Chapter3 ZFR100RecordingSystemOwner’sManual
16