EXPLORER 100 SERIES USERS MANUAL
INSTRUCTION MANUAL Covers the following models: EXPLORER 100 SERIES – SR116, TX716 SDR116, TX716A SDR256, TX7256 SDR550, TX700B Part No: EXp100-1
Contents General Description 1 Diversity ................................................................................ 2 Explorer 100 Transmitters .................................................... 5 Explorer 100 Transmitter Front Panel.................................... 6 Explorer 100 Receivers.......................................................... 9 Explorer 100 Receivers Front Panel ..................................... 10 Frequency Control Panel .................................................
General Description THE MICRON HERITAGE MICRON Wireless microphone and communication systems have been setting industry standards in broadcast and location recording for four decades. The company’s designs are focused on using sophisticated electronic engineering to achieve the optimum balance of performance and cost. The Explorer 100 Series combines the legendary MICRON qualities of sonic integrity, long-term reliability and rock-solid construction.
Diversity A diversity receiving system gives a dramatic improvement to the dead spot (signal dropout) problem, when compared to a simple receiver. This is because the diversity receiver has a choice of two RF signals, and when one antenna is receiving a weak signal, the other antenna will be receiving a stronger signal. Signal dropout is usually caused by the direct and reflected signals happening to cancel each other out at 1 the antenna.
Diversity The diagram illustrates how a 2 way diversity system fills in almost all of the dips in received signal strength by utilising the stronger signal at all times.
Diversity Each SDR Diversity Receiver comprises two receiving sections and a combining unit. The receivers operate on the same frequency with their antennas spaced apart, the comparator automatically rejecting the output from the receiver with the weakest received signal. If signals of similar strength are received the audio outputs are mixed to improve the signal to noise ratio.
Explorer 100 Transmitters EXPLORER 100 TRANSMITTERS The Explorer 100’s multi-channel format provides worldwide compliance with regional frequency allocations and maximum freedom from interference. Unique Explorer Companding System An upgraded Explorer Compression/Expansion system ensures best possible signal to noise performance.
Explorer 100 Transmitter Front Panel Audio Input Socket On transmitter models TX716A, TX7256 and TX700B, a 6-pin Lemo connector with gold plated pins is used for the audio input. TX716 is fitted with a 4-pin Hirose connector for the audio input. The transmitter offers many audio input options depending on the ‘Transmitter Cable’ selected. Set Level Control For easy set-up and repeatable gain settings an eight-position modulation level control is used.
Explorer 100 Transmitter Front Panel TX716 TOP PANEL Modulation Level Indicator Set Level Control Antenna Socket Audio Input Socket 4-pin Hirose Battery Status Indicator TX716A & TX7256 TOP PANEL Modulation Level Indicator Set Level Control Antenna Socket Audio Input Socket 6-pin Lemo Battery Status Indicator 7
Explorer 100 Transmitter Front Panel Modulation Level Indicator TX700B TOP PANEL Set Level Control Audio Input Socket 6-pin Lemo Antenna Socket Bass Cut Switch Battery Status Indicator/ Modulation Level Indicator Multiple Input Microphone Socket The 6-pin Lemo & 4-pin Hirose connectors provide: 1. Direct powering connection for electret microphones (+ve and –ve bias). 2. A high sensitivity input for dynamic microphones. 3. Powering for 12V 'T' powered condenser microphones. 4.
Explorer 100 Receivers EXPLORER 100 RECEIVERS Designed to operate with the new generation of DV camcorders, the Explorer 100 receivers are ultracompact. Useful in situations where receiver size and weight are important, the Explorer 100 receivers maintain absolute integrity in terms of overall quality, performance and reliability, and is small and light enough for easy mounting on camcorders.
Explorer 100 Receivers Front Panel Diversity Receivers SDR116 TOP PANEL Battery Status Indicator 4-pin Hirose Connector Audio Level Output Control ‘A’ Side Signal Status Indicator Green ‘B’ Side Signal Status Indicator Green ‘A’ Side Antenna Input Socket ‘B’ Side Antenna Input Socket ON/OFF Switch ‘A’ Side Signal Status Indicator Tri-colour Battery Status Indicator ‘A’ Side Antenna Input Socket SDR256 TOP PANEL 4-pin Hirose Connector Audio Level Output Control ‘B’ Side Signal Status Indicator Tr
Explorer 100 Receivers Front Panel SDR550 TOP PANEL ‘A’ Side Signal Status Indicator Tri-colour Battery Status Indicator 4-pin Hirose Connector TX Battery Status Indicator ‘A’ Side Antenna Input Socket ‘B’ Side Signal Status Indicator Tri-colour ‘B’ Side Antenna Input Socket ON/OFF Switch Audio Level Output Control Antenna Input Socket 50 ohm SMA coaxial socket for direct connection of the antenna. Unscrewing its outer shell disconnects the antenna SMA connector.
Explorer 100 Receivers Front Panel Signal Status Indicator SR116: A green LED above the antenna socket displays the received signal strength status. SDR116: A green LED above each antenna socket continuously display the received signal strength status. SDR256, SDR550: A tri-colour LED above each antenna socket continuously display the received signal strength status. Audio Level Output Control SR116: A 3-way slide switch to control the audio output level.
Frequency Control Panel TX716 SR116 Frequency Switches 16-way BCD Label Frequency List Serial No.
Frequency Control Panel TX716A SDR116 Frequency Switches 16-way BCD Label Frequency List Serial No.
Frequency Control Panel SDR256 TX7256 Frequency Switches 2 x 16-way BCD 15
Frequency Control Panel Frequency Change Switches Depending upon the model, the unit is either fitted with a single 16-way BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) switch or two 16-way (BCD) switches, which give the user a choice of up to 256 different operating frequencies. The frequency sets are dependant upon the model.
Powering Internal 9V Battery The internal battery type should be PP3 9V Alkaline or Lithium type IEC 6LR61 (MN1604). (A) Explorer 100 Receivers Setting the power switch to ‘ON’ position, will switch the receiver ON. (B) Explorer 100 Transmitters Connecting the appropriate standard MICRON audio input lead, or Lavalier Microphone, will switch the TX ON. As the transmitter RF driver stage is stabilized, the output power remains virtually constant as the battery voltage falls.
Powering External Powering (A) RECEIVERS External Powering from 7.5 - 16V dc can be supplied by a separate mains unit or from the camera, mixer or tape recorder batteries, providing they are not +ve earth. Always use recommended MICRON combinational cables (these cables are fitted with in-line dc-dc regulator and additional filtering). For powering through the 4-pin Hirose connector, a combination lead is required e.g.
Quick Setting Up Procedure Receiver (RX) Setting Up • Connect provided RX antenna (semi-rigid SMA antenna). • Fit a PP3 9V Battery, check RX battery status LED. • Connect Audio output cable and switch on power switch. • If the battery status LED is AMBER replace RX battery. • Set the receiver to the required operating frequency. Interference Check • Switch off TX - by disconnecting microphone cable.
Quick Setting Up Procedure When setting up the TX700B set the gain control so ‘-10’ LED flashes regularly and ‘0’ LED flashes occasionally. (for any electret microphones the setting will be Level 4 or 5). The system is now ready to use.
How to Get the Best from Explorer The level control, in principle, is a peak limiter. Its function is to prevent distortion due to over modulation. Because of the singular design, it can be used as an audio AGC system with great improvement over the 'automatic record' facility of most tape recorders. The heart of the system is a voltage controlled variable gain amplifier, with a control range of 40dB.
How to Get the Best from Explorer FULLY AUTOMATIC This procedure is for News reporting, interviews and other situations where there is no opportunity for rehearsal with the talent. The objective is to preset the audio gain slightly high and allow the limiter to control the level. Speak in an average to quiet voice with the microphone in a realistic position, while adjusting the SET LEVEL control, so the AF PEAK LED flashes regularly (for any electret microphones the setting will be Level 6 or 7).
Audio and dc Input/Output Details PCB Mounted 6-Way Lemo Connector.
Receiver Connector Details Cable Connectors All connectors viewed from soldering side. The pin numbers indicate the standard set by MICRON and all cables in this manual.
Standard Transmitter Cables – 6 pin LEMO FOR TX716A, TX7256, TX700B Dynamic Microphone Cable • TDN15CF-6 (Dynamic Microphone Cable) • TDN15CF-6T (Dynamic Microphone Cable, with in-line Transformer) Condenser AB Powering Cable • T12 MICRON-6 (Condenser AB Powering Cable) • P12 MICRON-6 (Low Voltage 12V Phantom Powering Cable) • P48 MICRON-6 (Phantom Powering 48V) Line Input With External Powering • TL20CF-6 (Line Input Cable) • TLPO7CF-6 (Line Input With External Powering Cable -Y Cable) • 2TLPO7CF-6 (Double
Standard Transmitter Cables – 4 pin Hirose FOR TX716 Dynamic Microphone Cable • DM-MHR4 (Dynamic microphone input adapter cable) • DM-MHR4T (Dynamic microphone input adapter cable with in-line transformer to give 12dB gain) Condenser AB Powering Cable • T12-MHR4 (T-Powering adapter cable) • P12-MHR4 (12V low voltage condenser microphone powering cable) • P48 MHR4 (In-line DC to DC booster cable, for 48V phantom power microphones) Line Input With External Powering • TL20CF-MHR4 (Line input adapter cable) • T
Technical Specification TX716 SR116 TX716A SDR116 Carrier Range (to order) 470 to 870MHz 470 to 870MHz 470 to 870MHz 470 to 870MHz Channels 16 16 16 16 Switching Bandwidth 24MHz 24MHz 24MHz 24MHz Modulation System F3EGN F3EGN F3EGN F3EGN Reference Deviation 40kHz 40kHz 40kHz 40kHz RF Output Power (ERP) 50mW - 50mW - Muting level - 1µV nominal - 1µV nominal >105 dB >105 dB >105 dB >105 dB RF TRANSMISSION SYSYTEM AUDIO System Signal to Noise Ratio 27
Technical Specification TX716 SR116 TX716A SDR116 System Frequency Response 80Hz-20kHz 80Hz-20kHz 80Hz-20kHz 80Hz-20kHz System Distortion @ Limiting threshold <0.3% THD <0.3% THD <0.3% THD <0.
Technical Specification TX716 SR116 TX716A SDR116 Frequency Control Screwdriver pre-set Screwdriver pre-set Screwdriver pre-set Screwdriver pre-set Battery Type IEC 6LR61 (MN1604) PP3 size IEC 6LR61 (MN1604) PP3 size IEC 6LR61 (MN1604) PP3 size IEC 6LR61 (MN1604) PP3 size 9V (alkaline) 9V (alkaline) 9V (alkaline) 9V (alkaline) Current Consumption 65mA +/-10% 55mA +/-10% 65mA +/-10% 80mA +/-10% Battery Life >6 hours with alkaline battery >6 hours with alkaline battery >6 hours with
Technical Specification TX716 SR116 Battery Condition LED Dimensions Accessories Supplied TX716A SDR116 Lights at <6.5V Green: >7.0V Amber: >6.5V Red: <6.5V No light: Battery Flat Lights at <6.5V Green: >7.0V Amber: >6.5V Red: <6.
Technical Specification TX7256 SDR256 TX700B SDR550 Carrier Range (to order) 470 to 870MHz 470 to 870MHz 470 to 870MHz 470 to 870MHz Channels 256 256 256 256 Switching Bandwidth 32MHz 32MHz 32MHz 32MHz Modulation System F3EGN F3EGN F3EGN F3EGN Reference Deviation 40kHz 40kHz 40kHz 40kHz RF Output Power (ERP) 50mW - 50mW - Muting level - 1µV nominal - 1µV nominal >105 dB >105 dB >105 dB >105 dB RF TRANSMISSION SYSYTEM AUDIO System Signal to Noise Ratio
Technical Specification TX7256 SDR256 TX700B SDR550 System Frequency Response 80Hz-20kHz 80Hz-20kHz 80Hz-20kHz 80Hz-20kHz System Distortion @ Limiting threshold <0.3% THD <0.3% THD <0.3% THD <0.
Technical Specification TX7256 SDR256 TX700B SDR550 Frequency Control Screwdriver pre-set Screwdriver pre-set Screwdriver preset Screwdriver pre-set Battery Type IEC 6LR61 (MN1604) PP3 size IEC 6LR61 (MN1604) PP3 size IEC 6LR61 (MN1604) PP3 size IEC 6LR61 (MN1604) PP3 size 9V (alkaline) 9V (alkaline) 9V (alkaline) 9V (alkaline) Current Consumption 65mA +/-10% 85mA +/-10% 65mA +/-10% 85mA +/-10% Battery Life >6 hours with alkaline battery > 5 hours with alkaline battery >6 hours wit
Technical Specification TX7256 SDR256 Battery Condition LED Dimensions Accessories Supplied TX700B SDR550 Lights at <6.5V Green: >7.0V Amber: >6.5V Red: <6.5V No light: Battery Flat Lights at <6.5V Green: >7.0V Amber: >6.5V Red: <6.
AUDIO ENGINEERING LIMITED, MICRON HOUSE, 3 NEW ROAD, LONDON N8 8TA Telephone: +44 (0)20 8341 3500 Fax: +44 (0)20 8341 5100 E-mail: sales@micronwireless.co.uk www.micronwireless.co.