LECTROSONICS UMCWBD-L Wideband UHF Diversity Antenna Multicoupler Instruction Manual
- June 14, 2024
- LECTROSONICS
Table of Contents
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
UMCWBD-L
Wideband UHF Diversity Antenna Multicoupler
UMCWBD-L Wideband UHF Diversity Antenna Multicoupler
- Four slots for up to 16 audio channels in 1RU
- Use with DCR822, DSR, DSR4, UCR411 and SR units
- 11-18 VDC
- High quality RF distro covers Blocks 470-26, Bands A1, B1, C1
This product meets the CE Compliance Standards – EN55022 and EN50082-1:1998. A
copy of the Declaration of Conformity may be requested from your dealer or by
contacting the factory directly:
Lectrosonics, Inc.
Marketing Department
581 Laser Rd. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 USA
tel: 505-892-4501 fax:
505-892-6243
e-mail: marketing@lectrosonics.com
Our accessories and parts online store for
US customers is now open: https://store.lectrosonics.com
General Technical Description
The purpose of wideband architecture is to provide the flexibility needed to
deal with a changing RF environment, and for mobile productions that cover
broad geographic areas. The UMCWBD-L provides a mechanical rack mount with
power and RF signal distribution for four diversity compact receivers in a
single rack space. The wideband low version covers frequency blocks from 470
through 26. The UMCWBD-L can hold a DCR822 and slot receivers in any
combination.
The RF multicoupler preserves the sensitivity and overload performance of the
finest receivers. Selective filtering in the front end attenuates RF signals
above and below the passband to suppress intermodulation and noise. Following
the filters is a low noise RF amplifier with gain matched to compensate for
the losses in the splitter that follows.
A precision strip line splitter/isolator divides the RF signal into four
isolated signals preventing spurious RF coupling between receivers. The
splitter/isolator is termination independent which prevents mismatched or
disconnected RF outputs from affecting the other receivers.
The assembly is powered from an external source of 11 to 18 VDC with
individual auto-reset fuses for each receiver in the RF/power distribution
module. This architecture eliminates ground loops and AC hum that can occur
when the receiver outputs are connected to other audio equipment operating
from a different AC source.
Audio outputs come from the receivers. SR and DSRtype units require EXT
backplates (not included).
RF/Power Distribution Module Block Diagram
Antenna Input
Standard 50 ohm BNC connectors are used for the antenna inputs, while right-
angle SMA connectors are used for signal distribution. The RF signals are fed
to the receivers via coaxial cables that loop through the front panel to the
receiver inputs. The antenna cables are labeled as “A” and “B” and routed so
that each receiver has one of each connected for diversity
reception. Power Supply
The multi-coupler is powered by external 12 VDC (11 to 18 VDC is acceptable).
The center pin of the input jack is positive. .
The power supply must be capable of handling up to 2 amps of current. DC power
is distributed to the receivers via rear panel modular connectors.
See pages 11 and 12 for the correct cords for the units you are installing.
The Lectrosonics DCR15/4AU is a switching power supply with coaxial connector
matched to the 12VDC power jack on the multicoupler. The AC receptacle is a
standard, grounded IEC 60320 C14 inlet socket that will accept common cords
like those used on computer equipment (AC cord is not included). Output cable
is 4 ft. long.
Assembly and Installation
Assembly of the unit consists of installing the receivers in the frame (using mounting/power kits shown on Page 11) and connecting the antenna leads and power cables to each receiver.
Installing the Receivers
-
Remove the U-channel wire cover by removing the four Phillips head screws. Underneath the wire cover is a rectangular metal bar held down by five Phillips head screws. Remove the screws and lift off the clamp bar.
NOTE: Before installing the receivers, be sure to record the serial numbers and frequencies. This information is printed on the side panel labels, which won’t be visible after installation. -
Insert the required clamp spacers between the metal posts for any DSR or SR receivers being installed (DCR822 and UCR411 receivers do not require a clamp spacer). Route the “B” antenna cables through the provided slots in the top side of the clamp spacers nearest the electronics cover (or around the metal posts if not using a clamp spacer). Re-install the clamp bar and five Phillips head screws and tighten. Do not overtighten!
-
For each receiver type being installed, insert a corresponding mounting adapter into the front panel by pushing it into one of the openings, until the side tabs click into place.
If installing a DSR, DSR4, SRC or SR5P, slide the receiver through its corresponding adapter while making sure the antenna cables are seated in the provided slots and secure the front panel to the adapter with the four supplied screws.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If installing an SRC5P, it can ONLY be installed in the far left frame slot.
If installing a DCR822 or UCR411, slide the receiver through its corresponding trim bezel while making sure the antenna cables are seated in the provided slots, until the back of the receiver is fully underneath the metal clamp bar. This will require loosening the Phillips head screws in the clamp bar, re- tighten the screws once all receivers are installed. Do not overtighten!
-
Attach the antenna cable for each receiver. We recommend that you cross them in front of the display for a secure, neat connection.
-
The antenna cables can be routed behind thereceivers, or routed under the U-channel cover alongside the power cables. There are cuts in the adapters for those receivers that route that way.
Installing the Wire Cover
Installing the U-channel wire cover can be difficult if the power cables are
routed with the antenna leads under the U-channel wire cover. The cables must
lay flat and straight, and not overlap to allow the wire cover to lay flush
with the rack mount. The technique described here is the easiest way to
install the U-channel wire cover:
- Dress the antenna leads and power cables so that the bundle is as flat as possible. Make sure no wires are on top of the metal bar.
- Starting at the end opposite the power supply, carefully place the U-channel wire cover over the wiring bundle and press down.
- While keeping downward pressure on the U-channel, slide it to the left over the wire bundle.
- As you move the U-channel across the bundle, dress the cables with your other hand to make sure the wires remain as flat and neatly aligned as possible. The power cords in particular need to lie flat and not overlap each other.
- While holding the U-channel down, insert the four Phillips head screws and tighten them slowly while watching the wires to make sure none are pinched.
Installing the Assembled Unit
Mount the assembled frame into the rack, connect the antennas and an
appropriate power supply. There are no special ventilation requirements.
Antenna Types and Bandwidth
While the wide bandwidth of the multi-coupler is very convenient, it also
requires that the antennas used with it also have a bandwidth wide enough to
cover the range of the receivers that are installed. If the entire bandwidth
from block 470 through block 29 is to be used, the best antenna would be one
of the ALP Series log periodic models.
ALP620 Log-periodic antenna
The ALP Series antennas are ideal for use with wideband multicouplers,
offering a directional coverage pattern and a gain of 4.5 dBd. Three different
models are available to suit your specific needs.
Whip antennas can only be used if the frequency block of the antennas is the
same as the installed receivers, or one block higher or lower. For example,
block 24, 25 and 26 receivers can be used with block 25 antennas.
Whip antennas can be used as long as the frequency band matches the receivers
installed in the multi-coupler.
If a circular pattern is needed, the SNA600a dipole model is an excellent
choice, however, it is limited to a 100 MHz bandwidth (about 4 blocks). It is
tuned to match the frequencies of the installed receivers by adjusting the
length of the elements according to the scale on the body of the antenna. It
is supplied with a mounting strap, hardware and a rotatable mounting block,
and folds for storage.
To achieve wideband, circular coverage, two SNA600 antennas tuned to different
frequency ranges can be used with an external combiner, however, loss could
occur depending upon how they are positioned and how much overlap exists in
their tuning ranges.
To reduce the interaction between two SNA600 antennas, mount them in a
vertical orientation, about a half wavelength apart, so they will be in each
other’s null. In theory, there will be some noise generated by mixing the
signal from the “out of band” antenna with the intended one, but it is likely
to be inconsequential in actual use.
The SNA600a dipole antenna folds for storage
Antenna Use and Placement
Try to position the antennas so that they are not within 3 or 4 feet of large
metal surfaces. It is also good to maintain a direct “line of sight” between
the transmitter and the receiver antennas. In situations where the operating
range is less than about 50 feet, the ntenna positioning is much less
critical.
A wireless transmitter sends a radio signal out in all directions. This signal
will often bounce off nearby walls, ceilings, metal surfaces, etc. and a
strong reflection can arrive at the receiver antenna along with the direct
signal.
If the direct and reflected signals are out of phase with each other a
cancellation will occur as the signals mix at the antenna input. The result
will be a “drop-out.”
A drop-out usually sounds like a brief noise burst, click, pop, or something
similar. In severe cases, it may result in a complete loss of the carrier and
the sound. A dropout situation may be either better or worse as a crowd fills
and/or leaves the room, or when the transmitter and receiver antennas are
moved to different locations.
Diversity receiver designs include a method of selecting or combining two
antennas to reduce or eliminate drop-outs. The antennas must be placed at
least a half wavelength apart to achieve a noticeable reduction in drop-outs,
or better yet, several feet apart.
It is generally best to use two of the same type antennas on a diversity
receiver, as some designs combine both antenna signals into a single receiver
with a phase correction between them to maximize the resultant RF signal. If
one antenna signal is significantly stronger than the other, the signal from
the weaker antenna will do little to prevent multipath drop-outs that occur at
the stronger antenna.
The diagram below depicts a classic multipath drop-out situation. In some
diversity designs, a second antenna in a different location is selected
instead of the first antenna, following the logic that a multipath drop-out is
not likely to occur simultaneously at both antennas. Other designs combine the
two antenna signals and control the phase of one them to make sure they always
add to each to provide a stronger signal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTYCw72dajA
Scan this code to watch our YouTube video on Filtering and Attenuation, which further explains this concept, as well as solutions and strategies to help make the most of your antennas.
Specifications
| RF Gain: | 0.5 to 1.5dB |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth: | 470 to 692 MHz |
| RF Outputs: | Eight outputs, 50 Ohm, BNC |
| Isolation between outputs: | 25 dB or greater |
Any output can be open, shorted or terminated without affecting other outputs.
Splitter type:| Wilkinson 1/4 wave
Filtering:| Two pole ceramic filter per antenna
Noise figure:| 3.5dB
Third Order Intercept:| +27 dBm (input or output)
Power Input:| +11 to +18VDC;
Power Consumption:| 2 amps max.
Antenna Connectors:| 50 ohm BNC
Short Circuit Protection:| Auto-reset thermal fuses
Construction:| Machined aluminum panels and housings.
Dimensions:| 19” wide, 1.75” high, 6.5” deep
Weight:| 5 lbs. (typical) including 4 receivers
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Supplied Accessories
DCR15/4AU
Power supply; 100-240 VAC; 13.8 VDC, 2.8 A output
**Optional Accessories
**
ARG2
RF coaxial cable assembly, 2ft length, BNC male connectors ARG15
RF coaxial cable assembly, 15 ft. length, BNC male connectors
ARG25
RF coaxial cable assembly, 25 ft. length, BNC male connectors ALP500
Log periodic dipole array (“shark fin”) antenna; standard version ALP620
Log periodic dipole array (“shark fin”) antenna; “skeletal” body reduces wind
loading in outdoor use ALP690
Log periodic dipole array (“shark fin”) antenna; built-in RF amplifier with
adjustable gain. Requires BIAST for operation. BIAST
DC power supply, inline for ALP690. SNA600A
Tunable dipole antenna; 100 MHz bandwidth
PF25
Passive inline filter; 30 MHz bandwidth; BNC to BNC connectors; bidirectional
21986
Coaxial adapter. Female SMA to male BNC. Adapts antennas with female BNC
connectors to SMA jacks
Mounting Kits
ZS-UMC-411A-KIT
Kit for UCR411A mounting. Snap-in bezel. Non-lockingDC power tail. Two antenna
conversion connectors.
ZS-UMC-DCR822-KIT
Kit for DCR822 mounting. Snap-in bezel. Thread-locking “LZR”DC power
tail.
ZS-UMC-DSR4-DSR-KIT
Kit for DSR4/DSR mounting. Snap-in bezel. Screw kit.
Mid-mounting plastic frame. Thread-locking “LZR” DC power tail.
ZS-
UMC-DSR4-HIROSE4-KIT
Kit for DSR4EXTUSB mounting with Hirose 4 power.
Snap-in bezel. Screw kit. Mid-mounting plastic frame.
Hirose 4-pin DC power tail.
ZS-UMC-SR-KIT
Kit for SRB/C mounting. Snap-in bezel. Screw kit.
Mid-mounting plastic frame. Thread-locking “LZR” DC power tail.
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 shipping. 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
Web: www.lectrosonics.com| Shipping
address:
Lectrosonics, Inc.
561 Laser Rd. NE, Suite 102
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
USA
E-mail:
sales@lectrosonics.com
service.repair@lectrosonics.com|
Telephone:
505-892-4501
800-821-1121 Toll-free
505-892-6243 Fax
---|---|---
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| 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.
Fill in for your records:
Serial Number:………..
Purchase Date:……………
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
18 September 2023
Documents / Resources
|
LECTROSONICS UMCWBD-L Wideband UHF Diversity Antenna
Multicoupler
[pdf] Instruction Manual
UMCWBD-L Wideband UHF Diversity Antenna Multicoupler, UMCWBD-L, Wideband UHF
Diversity Antenna Multicoupler, UHF Diversity Antenna Multicoupler, Diversity
Antenna Multicoupler, Antenna Multicoupler, Multicoupler
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References
- Lectrosonics: Quality wireless microphone, encrypted digital wireless and DSP audio processing systems
- The Wire-Lists
- Lectrosonics Accessory Marketplace