UM500 FREQUENCY-AGILE UHF BELT-PACK TRANSMITTER (Includes IFB Compatibility Mode) OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 0560 LECTROSONICS, INC. Rio Rancho, NM www.lectrosonics.
UM500 2 LECTROSONICS, INC.
Frequency-Agile UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter Thank you for selecting the Lectrosonics UM500 frequency agile, belt-pack transmitter. The UM500 combines over 80 years of engineering experience with the very latest components, in a design that addresses the most demanding professional applications. The design of the UM500 was the direct result of numerous conversations with users, staging and touring companies and dealers across the US.
UM500 GENERAL TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION GENERAL The 500 system uses 50kHz wide deviation for an extremely high signal to noise ratio. The switching power supplies provide constant voltages to the transmitter circuits from the beginning (9.3 Volts) to the end (5.5 Volts) of battery life. The input amplifier uses an ultra low noise op amp for quiet operation. It is gain controlled with a wide range dual envelope input compressor which cleanly limits input signal peaks over 30dB above full modulation.
Frequency-Agile UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter INPUT LIMITER The 500 series transmitters employ a digitally-controlled analog audio limiter just before the analog-to-digital con verter. The limiter has a range of more than 30dB for excellent overload protection. A dual release envelope makes the limiter acoustically transparent while maintaining low distortion. It can be thought of as two limiters in series, connected as a fast attack and release limiter followed by a slow attack and release limiter.
UM500 CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS Input Jack Power LED Power ON/OFF Switch Low Frequency Roll Off Control AUDIO LEVEL Control Modulation LEDs ANTENNA Jack E D C B A F 0 1 2 3 4 5 9 8 7 6 E D C B A F 0 1 2 3 4 5 9 8 7 6 1.6M 100K Frequency Select Switches INPUT JACK The input on the UM500 accommodates virtually every lavaliere, hand-held or shotgun microphone available. Differ ent line level signals can also be accommodated. (See Line Level Signals and Transmitter 5-Pin Input Jack Wiring.
Frequency-Agile UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter MODULATION LEDS The Modulation LEDs provide a visual indication of the input audio signal level from the microphone. These two bicolor LEDs can glow either red or green to indicate modulation levels. The Modulation LEDs are also used to indicate the Compatibility Mode when the transmitter is initially turned on.
UM500 BATTERY INSTALLATION The transmitter is powered by a standard alkaline or lithium 9 Volt battery. It is important that you use ONLY an ALKALINE or LITHIUM battery for longest life. Standard zinc-carbon batteries marked “heavy-duty” or “long lasting” are not adequate. Ni-cad rechargeable batteries will only provide 1.5 hours of operation, or less, and will run down quite abruptly. Alkaline batteries provide over 6 hours of operation. Lithium batteries can be used to provide up to 13 hours.
Frequency-Agile UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter The –20 and –10 LEDs will blink: • Once for 110 Series mode • Two times for 300 Series mode • Three times for some other receivers • Four times for 500 Series mode • Five times for IFB mode* At powerup the transmitter will confirm the current compatibility mode with the number of blinks listed here. This setting will remain the same until you reset it with the procedure listed above.
UM500 MICROPHONE CORD TERMINATION Caution When wiring the connector, do not use the connector body for any electrical connections. A common mistake is to use the connector body as an audio ground. The connector body is already used as an RF ground on VHF models and no other use is permitted. TA5F Connector Assembly 1 4 5 2 3 VIEW FROM SOLDER SIDE OF PINS 0.15" 0.
Frequency-Agile UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter 5-PIN INPUT JACK WIRING The wiring diagrams shown on the next page represent the basic wiring necessary for the most common types of microphones and other audio inputs. Some microphones may require extra jumpers or a slight variation on the diagrams shown. Caution When wiring the connector, do not use the connector body for any electrical connections. A common mistake is to use the connector body as an audio ground.
UM500 The best RF protection is accomplished by installing RF bypass capacitors at the mic capsule. If this is not possible, or if you are still having problems, capacitors can be installed on the mic pins inside the TA5F connector housing. 2 WIRE MIC 3 WIRE MIC Preferred locations for bypass capacitors SHIELD SHIELD AUDIO AUDIO BIAS CAPSULE TA5F CONNECTOR CAPSULE Alternate locations for bypass capacitors TA5F CONNECTOR Install the capacitors as follows: Use 330 pF capacitors.
Frequency-Agile UHF Belt-Pack 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) Battery is inserted backwards. 2) Battery is dead. NO TRANSMITTER MODULATION LEDs 1) Gain control turned all the way down. 2) Battery is in backwards. Check power LED. 3) Mic capsule is damaged or malfunctioning.
UM500 SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES Operating frequencies: 525.000 to 862.000 MHz Frequency selection: RF Power output: Pilot tone: 256 frequencies in 100kHz steps normally, 25kHz steps in customized configuration 50 mW (nominal) 25 to 32 kHz frequency; 3.5 kHz deviation Frequency stability: Deviation: Spurious radiation: Equivalent input noise: ± 0.002% ± 50 kHz (max) 90 dB below carrier –120 dBV, A-weighted Input level: Nominal 2 mV to 300 mV, before limiting. Greater than .
Frequency-Agile UHF Belt-Pack Transmitter Rio Rancho, NM – USA 15
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.