ifblue UHF Multi Frequency Belt Pack IFB Receiver Instruction Manual

IFBR1C
UHF Multi-Frequency Belt-Pack IFB Receiver
IFBR1C, IFBR1C-941, IFBR1C-VHF

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

UHF Multi Frequency Belt Pack IFB Receiver

• Compatible with Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid and IFB transmitters
• Stores up to 10 frequency presets in memory
• LCD interface for programming and operation
• High sensitivity for extended operating range indoors or outdoors
• USB port for firmware updates
• Compact, rugged injection molded ABS housing
• Attached battery door
• 2 AA batteries; alkaline, lithium, or NiMH rechargeables (supplied)

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Introduction

Wireless IFB (interruptible fold back) systems are used for talent cueing and crew communications in broadcast and motion picture production. In other cases, the IFB system is used by directors and other management to monitor program audio during a  production. The IFBR1C receiver provides simplicity and flexibility in a package that is intuitive for untrained users to operate. In spite of its tiny size, the new IFBR1C receiver offers excellent performance on par with all of Lectrosonics’ IFB products.
The design uses +/-20 kHz FM deviation for efficient use of the bandwidth, with compandor noise reduction circuitry for an excellent signal to noise ratio. A supersonic Pilot Tone signal controls the audio output squelch to keep the receiver silent when no  transmitter signal is received. The incoming RF signal is filtered and amplified, then mixed down to the IF frequency with a microprocessor controlled synthesizer.
If a monaural earpiece is connected, this condition is automatically accommodated, with no loss of audio output power or battery life. Full output power is available with either type of connector, without the power losses that result from a  resistive circuit design.  The headphone cable doubles as the receiving antenna.
The receiver will drive a wide variety of earbuds, headphones and induction neck loops at substantial levels, with loads from 16 Ohms to 600 Ohms.
The IFBR1C operates on two (2) double A batteries. The LED indicator changes color from green to red as the battery voltage declines to provide plenty of warning before operation ceases. Inside the battery door is a USB port for firmware updates in the field.
The IFBR1C is housed in a rugged, injection molded ABS package. A belt clip is included and provides a secure mounting on a wide variety of belts, pockets and fabrics.

General Technical Description

Frequency Agility
The frequency agile IFBR1C Receiver is designed to operate with the Lectrosonics IFB transmitters and compatible Digital Hybrid transmitters.
Microprocessor control of frequencies within each frequency block provides the ability to work around interference problems quickly and simply.
Frequency Presets There are 10 presets available for programming in the IF- BR1C. The stored frequencies remain in memory during power OFF and even with the battery removed. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to scroll through the previously selected  frequencies stored in the IFBR1C and quickly change frequencies for quick communication.

Simplicity
The unique design in this receiver is not only tiny, but provides simple one knob operation for on/off and audio level and easy on-the-fly programming with simple frequency adjustments and 10 preset slots available. Basic operation is simply a matter of rotating  the knob to turn power on and adjust the volume level.

IFBR1C Features

On/Off and Volume Knob
Turns unit on or off and controls headphone audio level.
When the IFBR1C is first turned on, the firmware version will display briefly.

Battery Status LED
When the battery status LED glows green, the batteries are good. The color changes to red at a midpoint during the runtime. When the LED begins to blink red, only a few minutes remain.
The exact point at which the LED turns red will vary with battery brand and condition, temperature and power consumption. The LED is intended to simply catch your attention, not to be an exact indicator of remaining time.
NOTE: The LCD will also alert when the battery is critically low.

RF Link LED
When a valid RF signal from a transmitter is received, this LED will light up blue.
Headphone Output
A 3.5 mm mini phone jack accommodates a standard mono or stereo type 3.5 mm plug. The unit will drive low or high impedance earphones. The jack is also the receiver antenna input with the earphone cord acting as the antenna. The cord length is not critical  but must be at least 6 inches minimum.
USB Port
Firmware updates via the IFBlue Updater are made easy with the USB port in the battery compartment.

Installing the Batteries

IFBR1C functions with two (2) AA batteries (+1.5 VDC each); alkaline, lithium, or NiMH rechargeables (supplied).
Pinch the buttons on each side of the battery door, and pull the door toward you to open. Install the batteries according to the polarity diagram. Select either “primary” (non-rechargable) or “NiMH” (rechargeable) via the slide switch next to the USB connector.  Press the battery door closed until you hear the retaining clasps snap.

WARNING! Do NOT select NiMH if you are using Lithium or Alkaline batteries, as these are primary cells and can be damaged by enabling recharging. Use NiMH only with rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Button Controls

Basic Operation

Frequency Selection
Press the FREQ button to select receiver frequency.
Frequency is shown in MHz. The UP and DOWN arrow buttons adjust the frequency in 1 Mz steps. Press the FREQ button again to select receiver frequency in KHz.
The UP and DOWN arrow buttons adjust the Frequency in 25 KHz steps (VHF: 125 KHz steps).

NOTE: Holding down the UP or DOWN arrow button, as opposed to a quick press, will scroll through the frequency steps at an accelerated pace.

Preset Selection
Press the PRESET button to select preset frequencies.
Presets are displayed as:

P on the left and the current preset number (1-10) on the right OR

If the current preset slot is empty, an E also appears on the right. Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to navigate among any programmed presets, tuning the receiver to each.

The UP arrow makes the preset number increase while the DOWN arrow makes it decrease.
NOTE: If the preset number is blinking, the receiver IS NOT currently tuned to that preset.

Preset Programming
There are two options available for setting presets:
Choosing the preset slot first:

1. With the unit turned on, press the PRESET button once, then press and hold the PRESET button until the letter P blinks, indicating programming mode.
   When navigating among the preset slots in this way, all slots are accessible, even the empty ones, and the receivers tuning is not affected.

2. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate to the desired preset slot.

3. If the desired preset slot is occupied, you can clearthat slot by pressing and holding PRESET+DOWN until you see the “E” appear and the preset number is flashing, indicating that slot is now empty.

4. Press the FREQ button to display the frequency.
   Press the FREQ button again and the MHz will begin blinking. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the frequency in MHz steps. Press the FREQ button again and the kHz will begin blinking. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the frequency in kHz  steps.

5. Press the PRESET button to return to the presets page. You should see the slot you chose, with the “E” still there and the preset number blinking.

6. Press and hold PRESET+UP to store the preset.
   The E will disappear and and the preset number will stop blinking, indicating that this slot has now been programmed. The P will continue to blink indicating that you are still in programming mode, and that your receiver is not yet tuned to this frequency.  Press PRESET once more to exit this mode and the unit will now be tuned to this preset frequency. The P will stop blinking.

Choosing the frequency first:

1. With the unit on, the frequency of operation should be in the display. If not, press the FREQ button to display the currently tuned frequency. Press the FREQ button again and the MHz will start blinking. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the frequency in MHz steps. Press the FREQ button again and the kHz will begin blinking. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the frequency in kHz steps.

2. Press the PRESET button to display the preset page. Press and hold PRESET again until the P starts blinking, indicating programming mode.
   When navigating among the preset slots in this way, all slots are accessible, even the empty ones, and the receivers tuning is not affected.

3. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate to the desired preset slot.

4. Press and hold PRESET + UP to store the preset.
   The E will disappear and the preset number will stop blinking. The P will continue to blink indicating that you are still in programming mode, and that your receiver is not yet tuned to this frequency.
   Press PRESET once more to exit this mode and the unit will now be tuned to this preset frequency.
   The P will stop blinking.

Pilot Tone Bypass
When pilot tone bypass is enabled, the IFBR1C will not mute itself in the presence of a pilot tone. It will only mute based on RSSI and window detection.

This feature is enabled and disabled by holding the PRESET button while powering the unit ON and is cycled through by pressing the FREQ and PRESET arrow buttons.

The setting page is labeled “Pb.” The default value is OFF. Pressing the DOWN button changes the value to ON, while pressing the UP button will change the value back to OFF.

NOTE: The LINK LED behaves differently when the Pilot Tone Bypass feature is enabled. In this mode, it indicates if the unit is unmuted. When this feature is disabled, the LINK LED lights up when a pilot tone is present (regardless of whether the device is  muted because of RSSI or the window detector).

Clear a Preset Selection

1. With the unit on, press PRESET to display the preset menu. Press and hold PRESET until the letter P blinks, indicating programming mode. When navigating among the preset slots in this way, all slots are accessible, even the empty ones, and the receiver’s  tuning is not affected.
2. Use the UP and DOWN buttons to navigate to the preset slot you wish to clear.
3. Press and hold PRESET+DOWN to clear the preset. The E will appear and the preset number will blink, indicating that the slot is now empty.

Setup Pages

Circular Navigation of Setup Pages
To access the setup pages, hold down the PRESET button while powering on. From there, use the FREQ or PRESET buttons to navigate circularly among the setup pages. To leave the setup pages, power off and on again.
Battery Type Selection
To access the battery selection option, hold down the PRESET button while powering on. bat A (Alkaline) is the default option. Use the UP or DOWN arrow to select Lithium or Alkaline. Press the FREQ button to access aditional setup items or turn the unit off to  save the settings.
Backlight Settings
Press the PRESET button while powering on the receiver.
Press PRESET again until the backlight time out menu shows on screen. Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to scroll through the options:
bL: Backlight always on; default setting
bL 30: Backlight times out after 30 seconds
bL 5: Backlight times out after 5 seconds

Press the PRESET button to access aditional setup items or turn the unit off to save the settings.

LED On/Off
Press the PRESET button while powering on the receiver.
Press the FREQ button to scroll through the setup menu to the LED on/off page. Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to select LEDs ON or OFF.
Press the PRESET button to access aditional setup items or turn the unit off to save the settings.
Locale (941 band only)
Press the PRESET button while powering on the receiver.
Press the FREQ button to scroll through the setup menu to the Locale page “LC”. Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to select CA (Canada) or “=” all other locations.
Press the PRESET button to access aditional setup items or turn the unit off to save the settings.
IR Sync Testing
One IFBR1C can now be used to test another for IR communication. To use this feature, have two units available and select one as the tester.
On this unit, press the PRESET button while powering on the receiver. Press the FREQ button to select the IR test page where “lr” shows on the screen. This unit is now ready to initiate the test.
Use the second unit as the one being tested. Power it on normally – any display page is fine on the unit being tested.

To start a test, hold the unit being tested up to the tester so that IR windows face each other and are within a few inches apart, and you can see the display on the tester.
Press the UP arrow button on the tester unit to begin.
Within 2 seconds the tester will indicate success: “Ir y” and the power LED will turn green; or failure: “Ir n” and the power LED will turn red. If the test fails, it might be useful to adjust the positions of the units’ IR windows and try again.
NOTE: Even though the unit being tested displays “Ir y” on a successful test, mirroring the tester’s display, it is not then configured as a tester.

When finished, press the PRESET button on the tester unit to access additional setup items or turn the unit off to leave the setup menu. The unit being tested can also be turned off and on again for normal operaton.

IR Settings Clone
One IFBR1C can copy its settings (frequency, presents and preceeding menu settings) to another unit of the same block. To use this feature, have two units available and select one as the source.
On the source unit, press the PRESET button while powering on, then press the FREQ button to select clone.
To start the transfer, hold the destination unit to the source unit so that IR windows face each other and are within a few inches apart, and you can see the display on the destination. Press the UP arrow button on the source unit to begin. Within 5 seconds the  source and the destination will indicate success: “CLonEd” and the power LED will turn green; or failure: “CLonE -” and the power LED will turn red. If the operation fails, it might be useful to adjust the positions of the units’ IR windows and try again.

NOTE: The Clone feature is only active in firmware versions 1.02 and later. If your unit is an early version, update your firmware.

Firmware Updates

Use the free IFBlue Updater to install firmware updates.
The Updater (Windows and macOS), firmware update files and change notes are available from the IFBlue website:  www.IFBlue.com.

1. Open the battery door and connect IFBR1C to your Windows or macOS computer with a USB cable. The cable must have a micro-B male connector.
2. Turn the IFBR1C on. Use the Firmware Update Wizard to open the firmware file and install the new firmware version.

Specifications and Features

Operating Frequencies (MHz):

941.525 – 951.975
952.875 – 956.225
956.475 – 959.825| Locale CA (Canada)
941.525 – 951.975
953.025 – 956.225
956.475 – 959.825
 VHF:| 174.100 – 215.750

NOTE: It’s the user’s responsibility to select the approved frequencies for the region where the transmitter is operating.

Level and Power On
Side Panel: Membrane switches with LCD interface for Frequency
Selection and Preset function
Indicators:| Multi-color LED indicator for power on and
battery status
Battery:| Two AA batteries (+1.5 VDC each)
Battery Life:| 10 hours (Alkaline), 12 hours (NiMh),
20 hours, 40 minutes (Lithium)
Current consumption:| 120 mA
Dimensions:| Height: 107mm/4.20 in.  (including knob)
Width: 67mm/2.60 in. (at widest point)
Depth: 28mm/1.10 in. (at widest point of clip)
Weight:| 4.6 oz (130 g) with batteries

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Optional Accessories

DCR5/9AU
Replacement supply for the charging station. Includes AC power cord.

CHSIFBR1C
IFBlue Receiver battery charging station; up to four units can be charged at once. Includes DCR5/9AU power supply and AC power cord appropriate for region.
55019
Replacement IFBlue gain knob.

55031
Replacement IFBlue NiMh batteries. Unit ships with two  (2) batteries.

Troubleshooting

•  Power not turned on.
NO SOUND IN HEADPHONE| •  AUDIO LEVEL turned all the way down.
•  Headphone plug not inserted fully.
•  Defective headphone or connector
•  Transmitter not operating. (See separate transmitter manual.)
•  Receiver not on the same frequency as the transmitter.
DISTORTED SOUND| •  Transmitter gain (audio level) is far too high. Refer to the operating instructions section in the  transmitter manual for details on gain adjustment.
•  Receiver output may be mismatched with the headset or earphone. Adjust audio level on receiver to  the correct level for the headset or earphone.
HISS AND NOISE, AUDIBLE DROPOUTS| •  Transmitter gain far too low.
•  Receiver antenna missing or obstructed.
(Headphone cable is the antenna.)
•  Transmitter antenna missing or obstructed.
•  Operating range too great.
•  Transmitter antenna obstructed. Move transmitter antenna and/or receiver to a position with a line  of sight between the transmitter antenna and the receiver.
•  Receiver antenna (headset cord) may need to be repositioned for a line of sight to transmitter  antenna
SHORT RANGE| •  Receiver headphone cable is also the antenna. Make sure the cable is not coiled or wound up or  wrapped around the receiver case.
DECIMAL POINT IS BLINKING ON FREQUENCY| •  It is normal to see the decimal point blink briefly when making large changes to frequency, as when  wrapping around the band edges.
•  Can also mean the receiver is currently tuned to an invalid frequency.
•  Otherwise, a blinking decimal point is a sign that something is wrong with the hardware.

Service and Repair

If your system malfunctions, you should attempt to correct or isolate the trouble before concluding that the equipment needs repair. Make sure you have followed the setup procedure and operating instructions. Check the interconnecting cables and then go  through the Troubleshooting section in this manual.
We strongly recommend that you do not try to repair the equipment yourself and do not have the local repair shop attempt anything other than the simplest repair. If the repair is more complicated than a broken wire or loose connection, send the unit to the  factory for repair and service. Don’t attempt to adjust any controls inside the units. Once set at the factory, the various controls and trimmers do not drift with age or vibration and never require readjustment. There are no adjustments inside that will make a malfunctioning unit start working.
LECTROSONICS’ Service Department is equipped and staffed to quickly repair your equipment. In warranty repairs are made at no charge in accordance with the terms of the warranty. Out-of-warranty repairs are charged at a modest flat rate plus parts and  hipping. Since it takes almost as much time and effort to determine what is wrong as it does to make the repair, there is a charge for an exact quotation. We will be happy to quote approximate charges by phone for  out-of-warranty repairs.

Returning Units for Repair
For timely service, please follow the steps below:
A. DO NOT return equipment to the factory for repair without first contacting us by email or by phone. We need to know the nature of the problem, the model number and the serial number of the equipment. We also need a phone number where you can be  reached 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. (U.S. Mountain Standard Time).
B. After receiving your request, we will issue you a return authorization number (R.A.). This number will help speed your repair through our receiving and repair departments. The return authorization number must be clearly shown on the outside of the  shipping container.
C. Pack the equipment carefully and ship to us, shipping costs prepaid. If necessary, we can provide you with the proper packing materials. UPS is usually the best way to ship the units. Heavy units should be “double-boxed” for safe transport.
D. We also strongly recommend that you insure the equipment, since we cannot be responsible for loss of or damage to equipment that you ship. Of course, we insure the equipment when we ship it back to you.

Lectrosonics USA:

Mailing address:
Lectrosonics, Inc.
PO Box 15900
Rio Rancho, NM 87174
USA| Shipping address:
Lectrosonics, Inc.
561 Laser Rd. NE, Suite 102
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
USA| Telephone:
505-892-4501
800-821-1121 Toll-free
505-892-6243 Fax
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Web: www.lectrosonics.com

E-mail:
sales@lectrosonics.com
service.repair@lectrosonics.com

Lectrosonics Canada:

Mailing Address:
720 Spadina Avenue,
Suite 600
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2T9| Telephone:
416-596-2202
877-753-2876 Toll-free
(877-7LECTRO)
416-596-6648
Fax
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E-mail:
Sales: colinb@lectrosonics.com
Service: joeb@lectrosonics.com

Self-Help Options for Non-Urgent Concerns
Our Facebook groups and weblists are a wealth of knowledge for user questions and information. Refer to:
Lectrosonics General Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/69511015699
D Squared, Venue 2 and Wireless Designer Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/104052953321109
The Wire Lists: https://lectrosonics.com/the-wire-lists.html

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. If Lectrosonics, Inc. cannot correct the defect in your equipment, it will be replaced at no charge with a similar new item. Lectrosonics, Inc. will pay for the cost of returning your equipment to you.
This warranty applies only to items returned to Lectrosonics, Inc. or an authorized dealer, shipping costs prepaid, within one year from the date of purchase.
This Limited Warranty is governed by the laws of the State of New Mexico. It states the entire liablility of Lectrosonics Inc. and the entire remedy of the purchaser for any breach of warranty as outlined above. NEITHER LECTROSONICS, INC. NOR ANYONE  INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OR DELIVERY OF THE EQUIPMENT SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS  EQUIPMENT EVEN IF LECTROSONICS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY OF LECTROSONICS, INC. EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF ANY DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional legal rights which vary from state to state.

Designed and Distributed by Lectrosonics, Inc.
581 Laser Road NE • Rio Rancho, NM 87124 USA • www.lectrosonics.com
505-892-4501 • 800-821-1121 • fax 505-892-6243 • sales@lectrosonics.com

References

• Home
• Lectrosonics: Quality wireless microphone, encrypted digital wireless and DSP audio processing systems
• The Wire-Lists

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