Zaxcom ENG receiver

Mr. Sanders, could you please tell us the following specs on your new
ENG 2-channel RF equipment. I understand it is a product that is now
available for USA sale.
(I don't see any new info or specs on the website)

This is information that would be useful those of us who are
considering purchasing new wireless equipment within the next 6
months:

2-channel Transmitter dimensions, (H x W x D, in inches)
2-channel Transmitter antenna connector (type, e.g. SSMA)
2-channel Transmitter weight (in US pounds and ounces)
2-channel Transmitter internal battery powering type (9v, (2) AA, etc)
2-channel Transmitter input level (Mic level, +4 Line level?)
2-channel Transmitter autonomy at 50 mW output using disposable
alkaline batteries (in hours)
2-channel Transmitter autonomy at 50 mW output using disposable
lithium batteries (in hours)

2-channel Transmitter input connector (type) , approximate cost of
assembled cable that adapts to (2) XLR female connectors (inputs). Do
you need a different cable assembly for Mic/Line level XLR inputs?
Are there components (resistors, capacitors) that need to be soldered
into the input connector during assembly?)

2-channel Receiver dimensions, (H x W x D, in inches)
2-channel Receiver antenna connector (type, e.g. SMA x 2)
2-channel Receiver weight (in US pounds and ounces)
2-channel Receiver analog output connector (type, e.g. XLR5 male)
2-channel Receiver analog output level (Mic level, +4 Line level?)
2-channel Receiver internal battery powering type (9v, (2) AA, etc)
2-channel Receiver autonomy using disposable alkaline batteries (in
hours)
2-channel Receiver autonomy using disposable lithium batteries (in
hours)
2-channel Receiver DC input connector (type. e.g. Hirose 4-pin)
2-channel Receiver DC input voltage requirement (e.g. 9-16 volts DC)
2-channel Receiver DC consumption @ 12 volts external DC input in
2-Channel mode, in mA, (i.e 300 mA @ 12 volts external DC input) Does
consumption go down or up with 11 volts or 14.4 volts external DC
input?

US suggested retail price of a complete 2-channel system. (1) 2-Ch.
Transmitter with disposable battery compartment, (1) 2-Ch. Receiver
with disposable battery compartment and external DC input connector,
three antennas (one for transmitter, two for receiver), one analog
2-channel XLR input cable for transmitter , one analog 2-channel XLR
output cable for receiver)

US suggested retail price of one additional 2-Channel receiver with
disposable battery compartment and external DC input connector, one
analog 2-channel XLR output cable for receiver.

-All USA Frequencies available for sale (range, e.g. Block 26,
665.600 - 691.100 MHz)
-Frequency incremements available within that range (e.g. 100 KHz
steps)
-Proximity that one digital ENG receiver can operate near another
analog or digital transmitter frequency, in KHz, (i.e. multiple units
must be spaced at least 400 KHz apart)
-Overall bandwidth of transmitter in operation during the most severe
error correction (i.e. frequency hopping example: 1 MHz bandwidth (+)
or (-) the selected operating frequency.)

-Overall frequency response in 2-Channel mode (e.g., 50 Hz - 20 KHz,
+/- 0.5 dB)
-Overall delay (in milliseconds) between 2-Channel transmitter analog
input and 2-Channel receiver analog output during normal use.
-Does the delay increase during error correction?
-Is there ever a difference in delay between the Left and Right (Ch. 1
and Ch. 2) analog outputs in normal use or during error correction?

This information would be most helpful.

Thanks
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

Charles Tomaras wrote:
>
> I see
> the external/internal power toggle on the receiver..so that is good. I will say
> that I would prefer the toggle be replaced by a small slider so the camera
> person cannot inadvertently hit the toggle.

Changing to a slide switch would likely require changes to both the
circuitboard and case. Changing to a locking toggle (or one with a
*very* short handle) might do the trick...
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

Here are the answers to a group of questions from different people.



You can use any of our current transmitters with the ENG RX. Sizes are
available on the web for each model.

The 2 channel transmitter will not accept line level. Max input level
is about -20 for 0dBm. There will be a off the shelf cable available
from XLR to 4 pin Lemo. The cost will be $75 USA list per cable. A
line level and mic level input cable will be available.

The 2 channel receiver and the mono receiver differ only in the XLR
output connector. 5 pin for stereo and 3 pin for mono. Power
consumption is about 180ma for both modes.

All USA and European frequencies are available. 536-860 MHz. This
system is licenced for use in Europe as well as the USA.

Frequency steps are 100 kHz. The true range of a system is 30 MHz per
block even though the units are ordered in a 25 MHz block.

Frequency spacing minimum is 500 kHz. We recommend 700 kHz if
conditions permit.

Transmission bandwidth is always 200 kHz no matter the modulation mode
or error correction.

Frequency response is 30 Hz to 16 kHz mono and 2 channel modes.

The current consumption goes down as the input voltage goes up on the
transmitter and the receiver.

System delay is always 3ms in any mode mono or 2 channels.

2 channel transmission phase difference is always 0 degrees.

In the 2 channel system the transmitter does allow for different gain
settings on each of the 2 channels.

If you want to transmit 2 identical channels at different levels you
would have to feed both channels with an external mixer to do it.

Transmitter and receiver tests have been performed with cameras and
other wireless microphones. There are no problems with mixing and
matching analog and digital systems. The fact that our system is
intermod proof can only help current wireless setups.

While we can not test it in every situation all systems are a go.

All settings are remembered in EEprom indefinitely. No power up or
down concern's.

The receiver has a 3 position power switch (internal, external and
off) and an easily visible dual color LED to indicate valid receive
data. We can make the handle on the power switch very short if
necessary.

The 2 channel transmitter has a hard power slide switch and can be
left on and powered directly from 6v-15v external power without
adaptors.

Thanks for all the great questions. We will put them on the web site
under FAQ.

Happy Thanks Giving.

Glenn
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

"Glenn Sanders" <gs DeleteThis @zaxcom.com> wrote in message
news:27b5dc17.0311261718.1f7d6330@posting.google.com...
> Here are the answers to a group of questions from different people.
>
>
>
> You can use any of our current transmitters with the ENG RX. Sizes are
> available on the web for each model.
>
> The 2 channel transmitter will not accept line level. Max input level
> is about -20 for 0dBm. There will be a off the shelf cable available
> from XLR to 4 pin Lemo. The cost will be $75 USA list per cable. A
> line level and mic level input cable will be available.

As a great many of us use Sound Devices 442's and Cooper 104's which feature
dual Switchcraft TA3 type auxiliary outputs which we use to feed RF transmitters
I'd also suggest you stock a "stereo" cable from two TA connectors to two 4-pin
Lemo connectors.
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

Hi Glen, is there undependable level settings for each channel ( TX and RX)
and if there a possibility for independent level setting if I run only one
of the two inputs (the same input will be on both channels but with
different level setting)?
Another question, how much current the TX will draw with 7.2 v?
The same as above for the RX?
Is there any possibility for interchangeable connector ( xlr3 to xlr 5) for
zaxcom but plug with dual chanel?
Thanks
Oleg
"William Tzouris" <williamtzouris.RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:872abe60.0311260744.6f1759b4@posting.google.com...
> Mr. Sanders, could you please tell us the following specs on your new
> ENG 2-channel RF equipment. I understand it is a product that is now
> available for USA sale.
> (I don't see any new info or specs on the website)
>
> This is information that would be useful those of us who are
> considering purchasing new wireless equipment within the next 6
> months:
>
> 2-channel Transmitter dimensions, (H x W x D, in inches)
> 2-channel Transmitter antenna connector (type, e.g. SSMA)
> 2-channel Transmitter weight (in US pounds and ounces)
> 2-channel Transmitter internal battery powering type (9v, (2) AA, etc)
> 2-channel Transmitter input level (Mic level, +4 Line level?)
> 2-channel Transmitter autonomy at 50 mW output using disposable
> alkaline batteries (in hours)
> 2-channel Transmitter autonomy at 50 mW output using disposable
> lithium batteries (in hours)
>
> 2-channel Transmitter input connector (type) , approximate cost of
> assembled cable that adapts to (2) XLR female connectors (inputs). Do
> you need a different cable assembly for Mic/Line level XLR inputs?
> Are there components (resistors, capacitors) that need to be soldered
> into the input connector during assembly?)
>
> 2-channel Receiver dimensions, (H x W x D, in inches)
> 2-channel Receiver antenna connector (type, e.g. SMA x 2)
> 2-channel Receiver weight (in US pounds and ounces)
> 2-channel Receiver analog output connector (type, e.g. XLR5 male)
> 2-channel Receiver analog output level (Mic level, +4 Line level?)
> 2-channel Receiver internal battery powering type (9v, (2) AA, etc)
> 2-channel Receiver autonomy using disposable alkaline batteries (in
> hours)
> 2-channel Receiver autonomy using disposable lithium batteries (in
> hours)
> 2-channel Receiver DC input connector (type. e.g. Hirose 4-pin)
> 2-channel Receiver DC input voltage requirement (e.g. 9-16 volts DC)
> 2-channel Receiver DC consumption @ 12 volts external DC input in
> 2-Channel mode, in mA, (i.e 300 mA @ 12 volts external DC input) Does
> consumption go down or up with 11 volts or 14.4 volts external DC
> input?
>
> US suggested retail price of a complete 2-channel system. (1) 2-Ch.
> Transmitter with disposable battery compartment, (1) 2-Ch. Receiver
> with disposable battery compartment and external DC input connector,
> three antennas (one for transmitter, two for receiver), one analog
> 2-channel XLR input cable for transmitter , one analog 2-channel XLR
> output cable for receiver)
>
> US suggested retail price of one additional 2-Channel receiver with
> disposable battery compartment and external DC input connector, one
> analog 2-channel XLR output cable for receiver.
>
> -All USA Frequencies available for sale (range, e.g. Block 26,
> 665.600 - 691.100 MHz)
> -Frequency incremements available within that range (e.g. 100 KHz
> steps)
> -Proximity that one digital ENG receiver can operate near another
> analog or digital transmitter frequency, in KHz, (i.e. multiple units
> must be spaced at least 400 KHz apart)
> -Overall bandwidth of transmitter in operation during the most severe
> error correction (i.e. frequency hopping example: 1 MHz bandwidth (+)
> or (-) the selected operating frequency.)
>
> -Overall frequency response in 2-Channel mode (e.g., 50 Hz - 20 KHz,
> +/- 0.5 dB)
> -Overall delay (in milliseconds) between 2-Channel transmitter analog
> input and 2-Channel receiver analog output during normal use.
> -Does the delay increase during error correction?
> -Is there ever a difference in delay between the Left and Right (Ch. 1
> and Ch. 2) analog outputs in normal use or during error correction?
>
> This information would be most helpful.
>
> Thanks
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

Glenn Sanders wrote:
>
> The 2 channel transmitter will not accept line level. Max input level
> is about -20 for 0dBm.

This implies that your single channel transmitters do accept line level?
Why the change for the 2-channel TX? Seems a significant percentage
of users are likely to be using these for transmitting 2-channel mixer
feeds--attenuating at the mixer out plus adding gain in the TX might not
be the best way to minimize noise buildup.


> In the 2 channel system the transmitter does allow for different gain
> settings on each of the 2 channels.

What gain range is available, with corresponding 0 dBFS levels?



> Frequency response is 30 Hz to 16 kHz mono and 2 channel modes.

So this also differs from your mono TX? And will frequency response of
the ENG receiver increase when used with a mono TX?


Lastly, can a stereo TX be reflashed into a mono TX with full frequency
response?




--thanks again
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

Dear Mr Sanders,

Your website link answers less than half of the specific questions I
asked.

It is very confusing to read about tentative run times with internal
batteries. You mention Lithium AA batteries at the top of the page.
Is that the only useable choice? With a current draw of only 200 mA @
12 volts input, you would think that the run time on battery power
would be better... Unless the receiver requires 12 volts internally to
operate. Are you trying to generate 9v or 12v with those (4) AAs
using DC-DC conversion?
That's why my questions about input voltage range were so specific.
What about actual run time with (4) Alkaline AA batteries....

Also, you give size of the receiver, but not weight.
Is the XLR-5 output connection a build to order option? Does the
XLR-5 replace the XLR-3 connector or do we get both?
What is the input voltage range, input power connector type.

What about the audio input on the transmitter? Can we feed it
professional balanced+4 dBu line level on two XLR-3 connectors or do
we have to use Mic level inputs?

Delay in milliseconds, operating bandwidth of the transmitted signal,
etc, etc. too many of my questions remain unanswered by your one page
link.
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

This may seem an obvious question but has the ENG Rx been mounted on a
camera and fired up while the camera is recording? Secondly, have you set up
a test with say 2 analog receivers in a bag and the digital tx transmitting
in the same bag?
Thanks,
Steve Ravich
Sound Recordist
Sydney, Australia
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

Charles Tomaras wrote:

>
> I can see now from the photo that I partially answered my own
> question. I see the external/internal power toggle on the
> receiver..so that is good. I will say that I would prefer the toggle
> be replaced by a small slider so the camera person cannot
> inadvertently hit the toggle. You'd be amazed at the treatment
> cameras get being held under the arm or when jammed into tight
> quarters. I think I'd have to put a piece of gaff tape on it looking
> at it's current configuration on the website.
>
I'll second Charlies motion. That was exactly the first thought I had.
It's much like the switch on the original BDS -- even with the
protective ring around it, it could get bumped and accidentally flipped
off -- even by a really talented, smart and dedicated sound mixer, not
that _I_ have ever done that or anything... :-)

---Matt
Chicago, IL
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

The answer to this problem is the "thimble" that lots of gear once used,
you poked a finger nail in to switch things. It was shaped like a
thimble threaded on the closed end and replaced the nut on the switch.
It made it difficult to accidently switch things off.


Matt Mayer wrote:
> Charles Tomaras wrote:
>
> >
> > I can see now from the photo that I partially answered my own
> > question. I see the external/internal power toggle on the
> > receiver..so that is good. I will say that I would prefer the toggle
> > be replaced by a small slider so the camera person cannot
> > inadvertently hit the toggle. You'd be amazed at the treatment
> > cameras get being held under the arm or when jammed into tight
> > quarters. I think I'd have to put a piece of gaff tape on it looking
> > at it's current configuration on the website.
> >
> I'll second Charlies motion. That was exactly the first thought I had.
> It's much like the switch on the original BDS -- even with the
> protective ring around it, it could get bumped and accidentally flipped
> off -- even by a really talented, smart and dedicated sound mixer, not
> that _I_ have ever done that or anything... :-)
>
> ---Matt
> Chicago, IL
>
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

Thank you for all the details.
It really helps me make an informed decision about the equipment.

William Tzouris
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver 

> This implies that your single channel transmitters do accept line level?
> Why the change for the 2-channel TX? Seems a significant percentage
> of users are likely to be using these for transmitting 2-channel mixer
> > In the 2 channel system the transmitter does allow for different gain
> > settings on each of the 2 channels.
>
> What gain range is available, with corresponding 0 dBFS levels?


The gain range is about -20dB to -50dB. 0dB is full scale at -20dB
input gain. Both channels have independent peak limiters.


>
>
> > Frequency response is 30 Hz to 16 kHz mono and 2 channel modes.
>
> So this also differs from your mono TX? And will frequency response of
> the ENG receiver increase when used with a mono TX?

This is the same as our mono transmitter

>
>
> Lastly, can a stereo TX be reflashed into a mono TX with full frequency
> response?


The 2 channel transmitter can be used in mono mode. There is a slight
audio quality improvement in mono mode but not one you can hear.


Best Wishes

Glenn
 >> Stay informed about: Zaxcom ENG receiver