LECTROSONICS Octopack Portable Receiver Multicoupler Instruction Manual

Rio Rancho, NM, USA
www.lectrosonics.com
Octopack
Portable Receiver Multicoupler
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Power and RF Distribution
for SR Series Compact Receivers

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FCC Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. The Octopack has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause interference to radio receivers. Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Lectrosonics, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate it. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between this equipment and the receiver
• Connect this equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

General Technical Description

To address the increasing demand for more wireless channels in location production, the Octopack combines up to four SR Series compact receivers into a lightweight, rugged assembly with a self-contained power supply, power distribution, and antenna signal distribution. This versatile production tool provides up to eight audio channels in a tiny package ready to work in applications from a production cart to a portable mixing bag.
High-quality antenna distribution requires the use of ultra-quiet RF amps plus isolated and optimally matched signal paths through the circuitry to ensure equal performance from all connected receivers. In addition, the amplifiers used must be high overload types to avoid generating IM (intermodulation) within the multicoupler itself. Octopack meets these requirements for RF performance.
The wide bandwidth of the antenna multi-coupler allows the use of receivers over a wide range of frequency blocks to simplify frequency coordination. Receivers can be installed in any of the four slots, or a slot can be left empty with no need to terminate the RF coaxial connections. The receivers interface with the Octopack board via the 25-pin SRUNI or SRSUPER adapters.

Antenna inputs are standard 50 ohm BNC jacks. DC power on the jacks can be switched on for use with Lectrosonics UFM230 RF amplifiers or the ALP650 powered antenna for long coaxial cable runs. An LED next to the recessed switch indicates the power status.
The front panel is designed to accept the standard or the “5P” version of the receiver which provides audio outputs on the front panel of the receiver. The second set of audio outputs can be used for a redundant feed to a recorder in addition to the main outputs that would typically feed wireless transmitters in a bag system, or a mixer on a sound cart. The Octopack housing is constructed of machined aluminum with a reinforced rear/bottom panel to protect the batteries and power jack. The front panel includes two rugged handles that protect the connectors, receiver front panels, and antenna jacks.

Control Panel

RF Signal Distribution
Each antenna input is routed through a high-quality RF splitter to coaxial leads on the control panel. Gold-plated right angle connectors mate to the SMA jacks on SR Series receivers. Frequencies of the installed receivers should be within the frequency range of the antenna multicoupler.
Power Indication
The power switch locks in position to prevent accidental turn-off. When power is engaged, the LED next to the switch illuminates to indicate the source, remaining steady when
external power is selected and blinking slowly when the batteries are providing power.
Antenna Power
A recessed switch on the left side of the control panel enables and disables DC power passed from the power supply to the BNC antenna connectors. This provides powering of remote RF amplifiers through the attached coaxial cable. The LED glows red when power is enabled.
Receiver Versions
SR and SR/5P versions of the receiver can be installed in any combination. Earlier versions of the receivers with fixed antennas cannot be connected to the multicoupler antenna feeds, however, the power and audio connections will still be made via the 25-pin connector.

Battery Panel

The passband of the multicoupler is marked on the label on the housing cover next to the battery panel.
IMPORTANT – The frequency of the receivers installed in the unit must fall within the passband indicated on the label. Serious signal loss can result if the receiver frequencies are outside the Octopack RF passband.
External DC Power
Any external power source can be used if it has the correct connector, voltage, and current capacity. Polarity, voltage range, and maximum current consumption are engraved next to the power jack.
Battery Power
The rear/bottom panel provides a locking power jack and mounting for two L or M style rechargeable batteries. The batteries must be charged separately with the charger supplied by the manufacturer since there is no charging circuitry in the Octopack.
Automatic Backup Power
When batteries and external DC are both connected, power is drawn from the source with the highest voltage. Typically, the external source provides a higher voltage than the batteries, and in the event, it fails, the batteries will immediately take over and the power LED will begin to blink slowly. The source selection is handled by circuitry rather than a mechanical switch or relay for reliability.
WARNING: Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.

Side Panel

Eight balanced outputs are provided on the side panel of the multicoupler. When the receivers operate in a 2-channel mode, each jack provides a separate audio channel. In the ratio diversity mode, the receivers are paired, so adjacent output jacks deliver the same audio channel. The connectors are standard TA3M types, with the same pinout numbering as 3-pin XLR connectors.

Receiver Installation

First, install the SRUNI rear panel adapter.

The mating 25-pin connector inside each slot on the Octopack provides power and audio connections.

RF leads are connected to the receivers in a crisscross pattern to avoid sharp bends in the cables. The leads are marked on the control panel as B on the left and A on the right side of each slot. The antenna inputs on the receivers are the opposite, with A on the left and B on the right. The right-angle connectors help to maintain a low profile and visibility of the LCDs on the receivers.

Gently insert the receivers into the slots. A guide around each internal connector centers the housing to align the connector pins.

Plastic inserts are provided to cover empty slots. Sockets in the insert are sized to store loose antenna leads.

Sockets in the slot covers are provided to store unused RF leads and keep the right angle connectors clean.

Receiver Removal

It is difficult to remove the receivers by hand due to the friction in the 25-pin connector in the slot and the difficulty of gripping the receiver housing. The flat end of the tool is used to remove the receivers by prying the housing upward in the notch next to the slot.
DO NOT remove the receivers by pulling on the antennas since the antennas and/or connectors can be damaged.

Pry the receiver housing upward in the notch to release the 25-pin connector
Normally the hex nuts on the coaxial RF leads are secured and removed by hand. The tool is provided if the nuts cannot be removed by hand.
DO NOT overtighten the nuts with the wrench.

The open-end wrench is used to loosen coaxial connector nuts that have been overtightened.

Antenna Power Jumpers

Power for Lectrosonics remote RF amplifiers is provided by DC voltage from the power supply passed directly to the BNC jacks on the control panel. An illuminated switch on the left side of the control panel enables and disables the power. A 300 mA polyfuse protects against the excessive current in each BNC output.

NOTE: The control panel LED will continue to indicate that antenna power is turned on even if one or both jumpers are set to disable it.
Antenna power can be disabled at each of the BNC  connectors with jumpers on the internal circuit board. Remove the cover panel to access the jumpers.

Remove the eight smaller screws from the housing and the three larger screws from the support posts. Jumpers are located near the corners of the board.

Install the jumpers towards the center of the circuit board to enable the antenna power, and towards the outside of the circuit board to disable it.

NOTE: No damage will occur if a standard antenna is connected while antenna power is enabled.
Place the ferrules on top of the support posts before attaching the cover. Be careful not to overtighten the screws.

NOTE: When using any amplifier other than Lectrosonics models, make certain that the DC voltage and power consumption are within an acceptable range.

Antenna Bandwidth and Requirements

The design of Lectrosonics wideband multi couplers helps deal with a changing RF spectrum, however, it also introduces the requirement for specific or more advanced antennas to provide a maximum operating range. Simple whip antennas cut to a single frequency block are inexpensive and effective at covering a 50 to 75 MHz band, but will not provide adequate coverage for the entire range of a wideband antenna multicoupler. Following are the antenna options available from Lectrosonics:

Lectrosonics Antennas:
Model Type Bandwidth MHz

In the table, (xx) with the whip and coaxial antenna model numbers refers to the specific frequency block that the antenna is precut to use. The SNA600 model is tunable to move the center frequency of its 100 MHz bandwidth up and down from 550 to 800 MHz.
The greater the mismatch of frequencies between the antenna and the receiver, the weaker the signal will be, and the shorter the maximum operating range of the wireless system. Experimentation and checking the range before the production starts is always a good idea, and is mandatory if the frequencies of the antenna and receiver do not match exactly. On many production sets, the short operating range that is needed may allow the use of a slightly mismatched whip antenna.
In general, using a whip antenna one block above or below the receiver range will provide an adequate range, often with no noticeable difference from the correct antenna.
Use the RF level meter on the receiver to check the received signal strength. Keep in mind that the signal level varies wildly as the system operates, so be sure to conduct a walk test through the area to identify locations where the signal drops to very low levels.
There are also many antennas made by other companies, which are easily found by searching for their web sites. Use search terms like “Log-periodic,” “directional,” “broadband,” etc. A specialized type of Omnidirectional antenna is called a “discone.” A DIY “hobby kit” instruction manual for building a discone is on this website:
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/downloads/manuals/DA25.pdf

• See Antenna/Block Reference Chart on next page

Antenna/Block Reference Chart

The A8U whip UHF whip antenna is factory cut to a specific frequency block as shown in the table below. A colored cap and label are used on blocks 21 through 29, and a black cap and label are used on the other blocks to denote the frequency range of each model.

The A8UKIT is also available to construct an antenna as needed. The chart is used to cut the length correctly and for identifying the frequency of an antenna that is not
marked.
The lengths shown are specifically for the A8U whip antenna with a BNC connector, as determined by measurements with a network analyzer. The optimal length of the element in other designs will likely be different than those shown in this table, but since the bandwidth is typically wider than the specified block, the exact length is not critical for useful performance.

BLOCK| FREQUENCY
RANGE| CAP
COLOR|  ANTENNA
WHIP LENGTH
---|---|---|---
470| 470.100 – 495.600| Black w/ Label| 5.48”
19| 486.400 – 511.900| Black w/ Label| 5.20”
20| 512.000 – 537.500| Black w/ Label| 4.95”
21| 537.600 – 563.100| Brown| 4.74”
22| 563.200 – 588.700| Red| 4.48”
23| 588.800 – 614.300| Orange| 4.24”
24| 614.400 – 639.900| Yellow| 4.01”
25| 640.000 – 665.500| Green| 3.81”
26| 665.600 – 691.100| Blue| 3.62”
27| 691.200 – 716.700| Violet (Pink)| 3.46”
28| 716.800 – 742.300| Grey| 3.31”
29| 742.400 – 767.900| White| 3.18”
30| 768.000 – 793.500| Black w/ Label| 3.08”
31| 793.600 – 819.100| Black w/ Label| 2.99”
32| 819.200 – 844.700| Black w/ Label| 2.92”
33| 844.800 – 861.900| Black w/ Label| 2.87”
779| 779.125 – 809.750| Black w/ Label| 3.00”

Note: Not all Lectrosonics products are built on all of the blocks listed in this table.

Optional Accessories

Coaxial Cables
A variety of low-loss coaxial cables are available to avoid signal loss through longer runs between antenna and receiver. Lengths include 2, 15, 25, 50 and 100 foot lengths. The longer cables are constructed of Belden 9913F with special connectors that terminate directly to BNC jacks, eliminating the need for adapters that can introduce additional signal loss.
Customized RF Distribution and Routing
Customized antenna and RF distribution are easy to configure using the UFM230 amplifier, BIAST power inserter, several RF splitter/combiners, and passive filters. These professional-grade components preserve signal quality and suppress noise and intermodulation.

Replacement Parts & Accessories

Troubleshooting

SYMPTOM
NO POWER LED INDICATION
POSSIBLE CAUSE

1. Power switch in the OFF position.
2. Batteries low or dead
3. External DC source too low or disconnected

NOTE: If the power supply voltage drops too low for normal operation, the LCD on the receivers will display a “Low Battery” warning every few seconds. When the voltage drops to 5.5 volts, the LCD will dim and the audio output level of the receivers will decrease.
SHORT OPERATING RANGE, DROPOUTS, OR WEAK OVERALL RF LEVEL
(check RF level with receiver LCD)

1. Passbands of Octopack and antennas may be different; frequency of transmitter must be inside of both passbands
2. Antenna power is switched off when external RF amplifiers are being used
3. Antenna power interrupted by polyfuse; current consumption of the remote amplifier must be less than 300 mA on each BNC
4. Coaxial cable runs too long for the cable type

Specifications

RF Bandwidth (3 versions):| Low: 470 to 691 MHz
Mid: 537 to 768 MHz (export)
High: 640 to 862 MHz (export)
---|---
RF Gain| 0 to 2.0 dB across bandwidth
Output Third Order Intercept: +41 dBm
1 dB Compression: +22 dBm
Antenna Inputs: Standard 50 ohm BNC jacks
Antenna Power: Voltage is passed through from the main power source; 300 mA polyfuse in each BNC output
Receiver RF feeds: 50-ohm right angle SMA jacks
Internal Battery Type: L or M style rechargeable
External Power Requirement: 8 to 18 VDC; 1300 mA at 8 VDC
Power Consumption: 1450 mA max. with 7.2 V battery power; (both antenna power supplies on)
Dimensions:| H 2.75 in. x W 10.00 in. x D 6.50 in.
H 70 mm x W 254 mm x D 165 mm
 Weight: Assembly only:
With 4-SR/5P receivers:| 2 lbs., 9 ozs. (1.16 kg)
4 lbs., 6 ozs. (1.98 kg)

Specifications subject to change without notice

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
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 from 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 ensure 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.
581 Laser Rd.
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
USA
E-mail:
sales@lectrosonics.com
Telephone:
505-892-4501
800-821-1121 Toll-free
505-892-6243 Fax

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

The equipment is warranted for one year from the date of purchase against defects in materials or workmanship provided it was purchased from an authorized dealer. This warranty does not cover equipment that 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 liability 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.

Receiver Multicoupler
Rio Rancho, NM
OCTOPACK
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
3 August 2021

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