contacta IR-TX2 Medium Area IR Transmitter with Modulator User Guide

contacta IR-TX2 Medium Area IR Transmitter with Modulator

Important Safety Instructions

Receiver Safety Warnings
Hearing Safety

Caution!

Many Contacta receivers are designed to amplify sounds to a high volume level, which could potentially cause hearing damage if used improperly. To protect your hearing and the hearing of others:

1. Make sure the volume is turned down before putting on the earphone or head-phone – only then adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
2. Set the volume level at the minimum setting that you need to hear.
3. If you experience feedback (a squealing or howling sound), reduce the volume setting and move the microphone away from the earphone or headphone.
4. Do not allow children or other unauthorized persons access to this product.

Battery safety and disposal

Caution!

Many receivers are supplied with non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries; they may explode, release dangerous chemicals, cause burns, or cause other serious harm to the user or product.

Pacemaker safety

Caution!

If you have a pacemaker or other medical device, make sure that you are using the receiver in accordance with safety guidelines established by your physician or the pacemaker/medical device manufacturer.

Transmitter Safety Warnings

Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the system to rain or moisture. Do not use this apparatus near water. The system should not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and objects filled with liquids such as beverages should not be placed on the transmitter or receivers. Clean only with a dry cloth.
Servicing or attempting to service this device will void the warranty!

• Refer servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the system has been damaged in any way: if liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the unit, if the unit has been exposed to moisture, if the unit does not ope-rate normally, or if the unit has been dropped.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat sinks, stoves, or other apparatus that produces heat.
•  Use only attachments/accessories as specified by the manufacturer.
•  Unplug the transmitter during lightning storms or when unused for long peri-ods of time.
•  Be advised that different operating voltages require the use of different types of line cord and attachment plugs. Check the voltage in your area and use the correct type.
•  Use only the power supply provided by Contacta. Other power supplies may have similar specifications, but may not be equivalent in emissions ratings, in-rush current, etc.
•  Use of an unapproved power supply may leave the device partially or completely inoperable, and will void the warranty.
•  Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, receptacles, and near the power jack on the transmitter.
• The mains plug or a switchable appliance coupler can be used to disconnect the device, so the disconnecting plug / coupler should remain easily accessable.

System Overview

The IR-TX2 two-channel infrared transmitter combines infrared modulator and emitter technology into a single mountable enclosure – which reduces operating costs, eliminates the need for rack space and eases set-up.
The IR-TX2 is ideal for high-quality audio programs such as music, theater and audio description. The IR-TX2 will accept any line level, balanced or unbalanced audio inputs.
Infrared receivers detect the transmission and convert the light signal back into audio signals. The 2.3/2.8 MHz operating frequencies minimize interference caused by high-efficiency lighting equipment.

A further IR-TX2 emitter can be connected for additional coverage area. Power and audio signal are shared between the emitters via the according connection cables. All necessary cables are included.

No FCC license or radio approval is required with this equipment. It can be used anywhere in the world.

Attention:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the according EC- regulations. The limits stated therein are designed to provide reason-able protection against harmful interference when the equipment is oper-ated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Please note:
Sunlight, a plasma monitor or television can degrade the audio quality of the IR-TX2 transmission.
For best performance, the transmitter should be positioned as far away as possible from any exposure to the sun, plasma monitor or television.

Installation Procedures

Determine Coverage Area
When using the IR-TX2 transmitter in single-channel mode with the IR-RX2 receiver, the system coverage area will exceed 186 m². IR-TX2 units automatically adjust to give the best coverage area possible in both 1-channel and 2-channel modes.
Figure 1 illustrates the typical coverage pattern for the IR-TX2 This can be affected by direct/indirect sunlight, reflections on walls and room construction.

Reflections of the infrared light from walls, ceilings, and floors may change these patterns.
Important: Remember to point the transmitter towards the listening audience.
Remember: Most objects block infrared light. The transmitter cannot be concealed behind walls, glass, curtains, etc. These patterns are the direct radiation pattern. The infrared radiation does not drop to zero outside the illustrated patterns; it decreases. It still may be useable at a greater distance, depending on the receiver sensitivity and the reflective characteristics of the room.

The IR-TX2 can be operated with or without the faceplate, if desired. The faceplate can be removed and painted to match the room decor. Lightly sand the face plate with 400 grit sandpaper, apply primer and two coats of the desired final color.
Do not paint the infrared lens behind the faceplate of the IR-TX2!

Figure 1:
Receiver coverage area with IR-TX2 transmitter in single-channel mode.

Additional IR-TX2 for Extended Coverage
For larger facilities, an additional emitter can be used in order to increase the total coverage area. The IR-TX2 is capable of driving another IR-TX2 in a combined mode as a secondary emitter.
The coverage area can be adjusted to the according requirements, by set-ting the direction of the secondary transmitter into the same direction, in sequence or in a different angle to the primary transmitter.
Figure 2:
Example: Two parallel placed emitters with overlapping illumination pat-terns to cover larger listening areas.

Figure 3:
Example: Extended coverage area with a second emitter pointing in the same direction

Control panel

Connect Power

WARNING:

Mains voltage must not fall below 100V AC, or system performance will be greatly reduced. The device may shut down until a sufficient power level is restored.

1. Plug power supply output cord into the “Power IN” (DC IN) of the IR-TX2.
2. Plug the power supply unit into the mains power outlet.

Connecting an Audio Source

Automatic Channel Detection/ Shutdown
The IR-TX2 offers two carrier frequency channels: Ch 1 (2.3 MHz) and Ch 2 (2.8 MHz). It automatically detects the presence of audio on the microphone and RCA audio inputs, and transmits on either/both channels when an audio signal is present on that channel. If audio is present on both the microphone and RCA jack for a given channel, the audio signals will be mixed.
When no audio signal is present on a channel for three minutes, the IR-TX2 will shut down that channel.
Operating the IR-TX2 in single-channel mode provides a 40 percent increa-se in range over the two-channel mode.

Line Level Source
The IR-TX2 will accept line level, balanced or unbalanced audio inputs.

Microphone Source
Plug an electret microphone into the 3.5mm “mic in” jack.
To assign the microphone to Ch 1 (2.3 MHz) use the mic channel selector switch to select “2.3”. To assign the microphone to Ch 2 (2.8 MHz), select “2.8”.

Connecting an XLR-OUT source to RCA-IN
If required, a symmetric line-out port of an audio source device can be connected with an RCA-IN of the IR-TX2 by means of an adapter cable (adapter cable not included, please see the wiring diagram Figure 6).

Adjust the Audio Level

Line Level Source
After an audio signal has been connected to the transmitter, adjust the audio source gain until the IR-TX2 audio-level indicator for that channel blinks periodically.

Microphone Source
Speak into the microphone from a normal distance and at a natural voice level. Use the microphone gain adjustment on the IR-TX2 to set the gain to the point where the audio level indicator on the selected channel blinks periodically. If the audio level indicator is always on or on most of the time, the level is too high. If the audio level indicator is never on, the level is too low.

Combined mode

As previously described, a further IR-TX2 can be added as a secondary transmitter, in order to achieve a larger coverage area within larger facili- ties.
Connecting the two IR-TX2:

Power supply:
Use the included power connection lead to connect the “DC-Out“ socket of the first IR-TX2 (primary transmitter) with the “DC-In“ socket of the second IR- TX2 (secondary transmitter).

Audio signal:
Use the included audio connection lead (3,5 mm stereo jack, on both ends) to connect the “sync out“ port of the primary transmitter with the “sync in“ port of the secondary transmitter.
After the two IR-TX2 have been connected with each other, the Line-In level indicator lights on both transmitters should light up simultaneously.

Figure 7:
Connecting two IR-TX2 for combined mode

Troubleshooting

The IR-TX2 Ch1 or Ch2 “Audio-level Indicator” is not lit:

• Make sure the IR-TX2 is plugged in.
•  Make sure the audio input is connected properly. See page 23 – 24.
• Make sure an active audio signal with an adequate level is being sent to the IR-TX2 transmitter.
•  In combined mode: Check the “sync“ connection (“sync out“ port of primary transmitter with “sync in“ port of secondary transmitter).

No Sound Reproduction by Receivers:

• Make sure the receivers and transmitters are using the same frequency.
• If some of the receivers work but others don’t, check for bad batteries or earphones.
•  If none of the receivers work, check to see if the power and audio input cables are connected to the transmitter. Verify that the ch1 or ch2 audio-level indicators blink every now and then.
•  Check to see if the transmitter is connected properly to the audio sour-ce. The audio-level indicators should flash on channels that have audio.
•  Make certain the transmitter is not covered by objects which would block infrared light.

Sound Through the Receivers is Weak and Noisy:

•  Try adjusting the audio input level (see page 24). If the signal sounds  okay, you may need to reposition the transmitter beam or add an addi-tional IR-TX2 secondary transmitter to the system.

Buzzing or Humming Noise in Sound System:

•  Check for ground loops or noise on the input signal.

• Check if optical interferences are present (see page 19).

If these instructions do not address your problem or the issue persists, please call Contacta / Contacta or your authorized dealer or representa-tive.

Mounting Options

Use the included wall- and ceiling fixture set to mount the transmitter as desired. The set consists of connecting rods, a bracket and a ball-head clamp. The double-ended connecting rod (featuring ¼“ bolts at both ends) serves to mount two IR-TX2 on top of each other in combination. The IR-TX2 can also be mounted on any camera tripod with a 1/4” threaded con-nector.

Dimensions, Weight| L 25,2 cm x B 7,9 cm x H 3,8 cm w/o faceplate or H 6,4 cm w/faceplate; 0,4 kg
---|---
Color| Anthracite
Power Supply| Power supply with IEC line cord, 100-240V AC input, 50- 60Hz, / 24 V DC output at 800 mA
DC Power Input| 2.5mm ID barrel connector, center positive
Sleep/Power Save Mode| Shuts off carrier when no audio is present for 3 minutes
Modulation| FM Wideband, ±50kHz deviation max, 50 µS pre-emphasis
Carrier Frequencies| 2.3 MHz (Ch1) and 2.8 MHz (Ch2). Default at power on =

carriers off.

Carriers are automatically enabled upon presence of au- dio.

Emitter IR Power| 0.7 W
Audio inputs| RCA jack for Ch1 and Ch2 accept line level, balanced or unbalanced

audio

Line in balanced/unbalanced switch: selects balanced or unbalanced line level audio for RCA jacks

Microphone input| 3.5 mm, stereo jack with signal and bias connected to

tip, electret microphone compatible (12 VDC bias supply with 2.7k ohm series resistor)

Microphone gain adjust| Rotary potentiometer
Microphone channel switch| Selects microphone input to Ch1 or Ch2
Audio indicators| Red LED blinks at nominal audio level. One per channel
Signal-to-Noise Ratio| 70 dB, (line input)
Frequency Response| 95Hz to 17.6kHz, -3dB re 1kHz (line inputs)

125Hz to 17.0KHz, -3dB re 1kHz (microphone input)

Total Harmonic Distortion| <1% (1 kHz, nominal deviation, line or microphone input)
Operating Requirements| 0-50°C
Mounting Kit| Wall or Ceiling mount bracket, omnidirectional ball-head clamp,

connecting rods

Approvals| CE, WEEE, RoHS
Compatible Receivers| IR-RXU, IR-RX2

Maintenance and Care
The IR-TX2 does not require any maintenance. If the unit becomes dirty, simply wipe it clean with a soft, damp cloth. Never use spirits, thinners or other organic solvents. Do not set up the unit where it will be exposed to full sunlight for long periods. In addition it must be protected against excessive heat, moisture and severe mechanical shock.
Note: This product is not protected against splash water. Do not place any containers filled with water, such as flower vases, or anything with an open flame, such as a lit candle, on or near the product.

Warranty

The IR-TX2 is a very reliable product. Should a malfunction occur despite the unit having been set up and operated correctly, please contact your dealer. The warranty covers the repair of the product and returning it to you free of charge during the warranty period. It is recommended that you send in the product in its original packaging, so keep the packaging for the duration of the warranty period.
The warranty does not apply to damage caused by incorrect handling or attempts to repair the unit by people not authorised to do so (destruction of the seal on the unit). Repairs under warranty are only carried out pro-viding you have filled in and returned the enclosed warranty card from the dealer as well as a copy of the sales slip.
Always specify the product serial number in any event.

UK & ROW

+44 (0) 1732 223900

sales@contacta.co.uk

US & Canada

+1 616 392 3400

info@contactainc.com

www.contacta.co.uk

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