LarryF

Hi Brad, See this data sheet and look at the graph of the vertical pattern. http://www.lectrosonics.com/images/TD-sheets/alpseriestd.pdf By stacking the antennas vertically, you are operating in the 90 degree area where the antennas have a null, i.e., they don't see one another. You can probably use less than 18" if you wanted to but that separation is very good. Best Regards, Larry Fisher Lectrosonics

A ground loop problem between the external power supply ground and audio ground. If this proves to be the problem, there are various fixes. First thing, though, is to nail down the problem. LarryF lectro

I strongly recommend testing with internal batteries as the only power source, as Oleg suggested in his post. LarryF Lectro

Perfect answer. I wish all our customers would try that fix first. Of course, we should put it in the manual. LarryF

For coax lengths less than 15', we recommend and sell an RG58 like cable. At 25' and more we sell the more expensive and bulkier 9913. We will sell the more expensive solution if we think it has value but less than a decibel is below our cost benefit level. Cheers, LarryF

Hi Brad, The original elements for the ALP700 were made of hardened aluminum for some dumb reason with a thread (break point) right at the insertion point of the mast. They were "designed" to break if you dropped them. The later replacement elements are a softer aluminum with a ferrule that puts the bend point up on the smooth part of the rod. The replacements bend and can be straightened. The sharkfin LPDA ALP600 version works as well as the mast and element ALP700 and is many, many times more rugged. The only drawback was the wind load. The weird ventilation hole pattern pretty much fixed that. Therefore,we dropped the original LPDA, the ALP700, even though it looked much cooler. Best, LarryF

When a transmitter is turned on, the RF output stage is shut down until the PLL locks itself onto the set frequency. While it is unlocked, there are very low levels of RF in the transmitter. If the transmitter is turned on when really close to another transmitter, the RF from the second transmitter can override the low RF levels and fool the first unit into thinking it is "off" frequency. It can be pulled so far off frequency that it can't find it's way back to the correct frequency. Removing the second transmitter and starting up the first one again, will allow it to lock onto the correct frequency. This is a very rare occurrence but there have been a few cases. Sometimes the PLL is out of adjustment (not centered) and the transmitter can work at one end of the block but not the other. It can be used in a pinch in a range where it works but eventually needs factory readjustment or repair. More commonly, the PLL is plain broken and the unit needs to come back to the factory. Best Regards, Larry Fisher Lectrosonics

The D4 uses a reverse thread SMA connector as required by our friends at the FCC. The SRa's and SM's use a standard thread SMA connector and that antenna will come after the D4. Best Regards, Larry Fisher Lectrosonics

We are designing a new smaller, tougher antenna for the D4 system that uses our standard steel rope antenna wire with a 90 deg flexible joint. Lectro is also tired of the breakage problem in the previous antenna that we purchased. The new antenna will be ready in a month. We will cheerfully exchange, if you have a fragile one. Best, Larry F Lectro

Perfect, John. I think I'll frame this and put it on my office wall. Best Regards, LarryF Lectro

IMHO, it's the only way to efficiently view the forum. Cheers, LarryF

Yes, it's the new paradigm. You heard it here first. LarryF Lectro

I think you gals and guys are getting on to us. Though three dealers asked about Bounded Squelch, only one placed a firm order. LOL LarryF Lectro

Hi Jack and others, The RF off mode was not chosen lightly and is necessary for applications in which there are multiple microphones in critical live performances. Consider a stage production with 40 wireless systems, not untypical. If it is necessary to re-tune one transmitter for a replacement during a performance, you don't want the RF on as the stage crew tunes it from the bottom of a block to the top, stepping on every other transmitter for a moment. Also, the SM does not display frequency when it is off. How do you know what frequency it is on unless you turn it on and then discover that the main character's frequency is the same as the one you just turned on, and that Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" is not. The UM400's didn't have this problem because you had switches that could be read out when the unit was off. Speaking of a "...pain in the ass", the reason for the two button press and the three second turn on and off was to combat real occurrences of accidental turn on and off due to ample glutus maximuses (glutei maximi ?) being applied to the membrane switches. Telling the user that they really should have put the unit in the lockmode, doesn't cut any ass, ...er ice. All this to say, we are listening, we know it is a PITA and have come up with a scheme that is simpler and should address 98% of your concerns. Stay tuned, so to speak. Best Regards, Larry Fisher Lectrosonics

Here's the latest menu, times, info on the R.A.M.P.S. get together at 2011 NAB. I think all the info is here. http://www.lectrosonics.com/RAMPS/SatayGrill_RAMPSplan.pdf Lectro will bring name tags, raffle tickets, and our state of the art 7 Watt sound system. The link above added prices for their Margarita pitcher at $18. This is a better deal than the $10 drinks. If anyone has questions or needs more info, now's the time to ask. Please fill out Jim Feeley's RSVP form so we can know how many plan to attend. It is at: http://bit.ly/hfHt9u Secret word needed to successfully complete the form: I'm hungry Best Regards, Larry Fisher Lectrosonics

Here are the results on a Sony Li-Ion battery. Karl W. organized the test. "I had Derek do two rundown tests with an SRa receiver using an SRBATTSLED and a Sony NP-F570 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. He recorded battery voltage over time using a pen recorder. Specs: NP-F570 7.2V, 15.8 W/h Translates to approximately 2,200 mA/h SRa receiver draws 180 mA at 7.2 V draws 200 mA at 6 V So, in theory, this battery should run the unit for approximately 11.5 hours Testing results: Rundown #1: 10.5 hrs. Rundown #2: 11.25 hrs I think these numbers confirm what should be expected from a battery of this type and this capacity used with the SRa-type receiver. Karl Winkler 505-892-4501 Lectrosonics, Inc.

We spec closer to 200 mA at 7 Volts. I'll have some real numbers from real batteries in a few days. Best, Larry F Lectro

Hi Pascal, The battery sled voltage is just the battery voltage, i.e., 7.4 Volts on typical li-Ions and 9 Volts on the 9 Volt battery adapter for the battery sled. The battery sled is "dumb" with only a diode and polyfuse to prevent problems. All regulation is handled by the receiver power supply. Best, Larry F Lectro

Keep in mind that the current draw varies with voltage since switching power supplies pull a fairly constant power not current. That is, at 16 Volts you will pull half the current as at 8 Volts. The lower currents you mention are probably at a higher voltage than the Sony Li-Ions put out (7.4V). Best, Larry F Lectro

Sounds like the China battery is not making its rating. I will try a Sony battery here with an SRa just to triple check. Best, Larry F Lectro

The new firmware has been released to production and is going in all new units. We need to make a D4 location for the download on our website. Right now the D4 Update Utility is part of the Lecnet2 downloads and we want a separate location to keep the confusion down. I think we can get it done by this Friday. Best Regards, Larry Fisher Lectrosonics

Two out of three ain't bad. We have the new firmware. Your D4T will need to have it loaded and as will your D4R to remain compatible. It is the new low latency firmware for all D4 systems. I was shown a mockup of the antenna last Friday and it looks good. Uses our usual steel wire rope with a movable joint to give 90 degree movement. I should have one in several weeks to try on a guinea pig. I assume you will volunteer to break it. Nothing started on the plastic cover, yet. Best, LarryF Lectro

1 800 821-1121. Sales can interrogate the S/N system. Larryf Lectro

I am glad to be able to say that our service turnaround time is averaging 3 days once again, not counting shipping and weekends. We had been hammered by block changes on equipment and were seeing more than twice the usual repairs. Service time turnaround had stretched out to two or three weeks, which was unpleasant for both our customers and ourselves. Block changes dried up in January and we were able to catch up. So for those of you who have been using Charlie's TV and Dishwasher Repair for your Lectro gear, you might try us again. Best Regards, Larry Fisher Lectrosonics

Thanks, John. You beat me to the post. One comment: Most of the limiters we've tested on wireless mics are pretty sad. They are too far down the signal chain, have limited range or created using left over circuitry in the compander. One big name unit unit we checked had a 10 sec attack AND release time. Not only was it useless but was obviously there to get by the FCC and Euro requirements in the simplest, cheapest way. I recommend testing wireless gear with an overdriven voice signal and listen to the results. It's better to find out on your own before the talent does it for you. Limiters are necessary evils but some examples are very evil. If you haven't guessed by now, it is one of my pet peeves. Cheers, LarryF Lectro