Lectrosonics SR/5P Receiver - A Second Look After The Updates

[Chris Durfy]

Lectrosonics SR/5P Receiver - A Second Look After The Updates

Last week I received the updated SR/5P. The unit had two internal and

one external hardware change and numerous updates to the operating

system.

Hardware Upgrades

The first improvements were for two bugs. The first corrected the

unit’s diversity and the second fixed the second channel’s battery

display. One IMPORTANT note: Lectro tells me that because of the way

the SR is designed, it is better to have the first channel be a LOWER

frequency than the second channel for performance reasons.

The obvious hardware upgrade is the 5P (external 5pin adapter) which

allows the unit to work on cameras that have a slot, but only have a

single channel activated. Basically, you attach an external TA5F cable

that splits into to XLR connectors and attaches to the rear XLR inputs

on the camera. While we all wish it worked in the slot, this is a good

fix until the camera manufacturers get up to speed. I do HIGHLY

recommend you get a backup cable with your 5P as it would difficult to

get a replacement on-the-fly.

Also, as per my request, Lectro got me some Phillips head screws to

swap out for the flat heads in my adapter plates.

BIOS Updates

New Backlight Menu

This is an update I’m very pleased with. Holding down the power and up

button allows you to access the backlight menu. You can choose from

having it “always on”, “always

off”, a “30 second timeout”, or a “5 minute timeout.”

New External Voltage Monitor

While in operation, hitting the power button shows the external

battery voltage. This is nice, but I’d like to see it read the

transmitter voltages in the future. Lectro says they’d like to do

this, but there isn’t room in the processor memory to accommodate

this.

RF Metering

Lectro has updated the display of the RF meters to respond more like a

411.

IN THE FIELD

I haven’t had a chance to run all my tests yet. This week I’ve been

working with BetacamSPs and have only been able to use the external

adapter hanging off the side of a camera.

With the limited tests, I must say that the improvements to the unit

seem to be rock solid. I’m getting much better range and reception out

of the unit and much less touch sensitivity than I had experienced,

previous to the updates.

CONCLUSION

I like it. A lot.

In fact, I just ordered two more SR/5Ps to use on a reality shoot that

I will be on for about four months where I will be feeding three

Panasonic HDX900s (in the slot, with 5P cables). That should be a

great test of the durability of the units and how they operate in a

high use situation.

-Chris Durfy, ATLaudio, http://www.chrisdurfy.com

This post can be found on my blog with pictures at http://blog.chrisdurfy.com/?p=7

[studiomprd]

thanks for the field report.

" I’d like to see it read the transmitter voltages in the future. Lectro says they’d like to do this, but... "

remember to appreciate the design of this product and the target market (and price point!): this product was designed to be placed in a camcorder slot and remain there in use.  the display would not be under constant observation in this intended use by targeted customers, camcorder buyers. (and there are lots more of them than there are of us!)

Lectrosonics has been pretty clear in saying they expect to design  a superior product to sell to production sound mixers based on the dual RX SR platform, and it no doubt have the whistles and bells that production sound folks need and want; the inclusion of these features will, of course, be reflected in the price.

[Chris Durfy]

Third look at the SR/5P

I’ve been using three SR/5Ps in Panasonic HDX-900s on a reality show for two weeks (with two and a half months to go). For the most part, the Camera Operators are shooting hand held. They have performed very well and I only have two issues to report.

1)Heat: In the HDX-900, the SR/5P can get HOT. I’ve measured it at 140+ degrees or more. The heat is due to the camera running hot and the SR conducts it very readily. For reference, we are shooting in Atlanta in 90-99 degree weather for ten plus hours. (Note: the unit is designed and tested by Lectrosonics to fully operate up to 185 degrees F and as cold as -25 degrees F. It will also operate down to -40F, however the LED will stop displaying.)

The heat doesn’t affect operation of the SR/5P, but it can cause burning and irritation on a CamOp’s arm when used with a Hip Shot (which my operators use OFTEN on this show).

Notice the burn line of the 5P and screw in the forearm, and the red irritation on the bicep area.

My working solution has been to wrap the 5P in three layers of Moleskin. So far, this seems to help, but I’m wondering if a thermal break could be installed in between the SR and the 5P to help reduce the heat transfer.

2)5P Cable Connector: I’ve had three cables fail at the TA5 right angle. Again, this is a result of frequent shooting from the hip. The camera operator’s arm rests directly on the 5P . It seems that the stress and the heat, in combination, causes the seam in the connector to open up, which precipitates failure in the connection. Lectro has sent me replacements that have heat shrink wrap around them to help deter this. I’ll continue to test them and report back.

Lectro is in the process of getting a molded boot created, but this may be some months away from production. Switchcraft is also designing a swivel connector for the 5P, but this could be a ways away.

Also at my request, Lectro has been sending my replacement cables using Neutrik NC*MX XLR Connectors instead of the Switchcraft rubber boot connectors. I find the Neutriks to be much hardier when on the back of cameras, as the Switchcraft boots can tend to tear when stressed. The Neutriks are also shorter in length. I also like the fact that they have blue and red colored compression rings that for easy identification of left and right channels.

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This post is available on my blog with more pictures at: http://blog.chrisdurfy.com/?p=7#comment-26