Owner’s Manual TRX900 & TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Microphone Transceivers ENG Diversity Receiver Date: December 2007 Rev : 900.005 230 West Parkway, Unit 9, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 USA Tel: 973.835.5000 Fax: 973.835.6633 interstage Phistersvej 31, 2900 Hellerup, Danmark Telefon 3946 0000, fax 3946 0040 www.interstage.
Zaxcom TRX900 Owner’s Manual Change History 2007-03-15 o 900.003 - Updated with current information. 2007-04-06 o 900.004 - Added ZaxConvert section, Updated wiriting diagrams. 2007-12-17 o 900.005 - Updated information on power switch, new manual format.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Audio Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Battery Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Channel Code Selection Page .
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual The Audio/Time Code Output Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Time Code Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Operation of the STA100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 1 Chapter 1 What’s In the Box The following items are included in the TRX900/TRX900AA: o TRX900 transmitter o Antenna o Case o Belt Clip Options o TRX series diversity receiver o Receiver A/C power supply o Lavaliere microphone o TRX901 - internal recording option o STA100 - Stereo Adaptor o EA100 - Earpiece Adaptor o TCA100 - Time Code Adaptor Introduction Both the TRX900 and TRX900AA are identical in operation.
Chapter 1 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Firmware Each TRX900 is shipped with the latest version of the firmware. As newer firmware is available, it is available from Zaxcom. Each time the transmitter is powered on, the firmware revision code is displayed for brief period in the upper right of the LCD screen. Getting to Know Your TRX900/TRX900AA 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Chapter 1 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Microphone Use one of the following microphone models: Brand Model Voltage Countryman B6 1.5 V EMW 1.5 V DPA Miniture LAV 4063 3V Shure WL50 5V Sennheiser MKE-2 Platinum 3V Notes Use only the Zaxcom 3.3v model Do not use the Gold model Other microphones will be added to this list when verification of their 3.3v power performance and RF interference susceptibility has been completed.
Chapter 1 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Battery Installation The TRX900 requires one CR123 battery, and the TRX900AA requires two AA batteries. Place the batteries in the battery compartment. Ensure the batteries are placed into the unit with the proper polarity. The negative contact on the battery is always connects to the spring contact in the TRX900. Caution: Damage can occur to the TRX900/TRX900AA if the batteries are installed backwards.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Standard Menus Chapter 1 Specialized Menus Group Select Page Unit Select Page Power Up Lock/Unlock Page Pressing the Menu key cycles through the various menus. Standard Menus Pacifier Page This page displays the three items. The transmit frequency, battery level, and record mode. The up and down keys have no affect on items on this page. This is the page the TRX900/900AA displays when powered on.
Chapter 1 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual be as low as .6 MHz when set to US modulation or .5 MHz when set to European modulation. When you use a large channel spread between transmitters, it aids in reception. Maintaining a distance of 20 feet or more between any transmitter and receiver also aids in reception when several transmitters are used at the same time. This prevents any transmitters from de-sensing the receiver.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 1 ID Code Pages There are two Security ID Codes, identified as ID0 and ID1. Note: These codes should always be set to 000 for normal un-coded operation. ID0 and ID1 On these two pages, a three digit security ID code is entered. The code from these two pages is formed into a single six digit identification code. This six digit identification code, is your security key for this transmitter.
Chapter 1 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual High-Pass Filter Page The High-Pass Filter page displays the current high-pass filter cutoff frequency. The range of the high-pass filter is from 30 Hz to 220 Hz. The filters are implemented digitally. Since the high-pass filter is implemented in the digital domain, the automatic compressor/limiter may engage even when you do not hear any substantial audio.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual TRX900/TRX900AA Specifications Transmitter RF Power Output 50 mW RF Modulation Digital RF Bandwidth 200 KHz US Model RF Frequency Range 518-870 MHz (must be ordered in a 30 MHz block) RF Frequency Step 100 KHz Emission Designator 180 KV2E FCC Part 74.861 125 KHz European Model RF Output Connector SSMA Transmitter Audio Dynamic Range 106 dB Distortion .01% Frequency Response 30 Hz to 16 KHz (Mode 0) .
Chapter 1 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Battery Type CR123 (3.0 VDC) 1 Cell (TRX900) AA Lithium 2 Cells (TRX900AA) IFB Receiver (optional) Frequency 944 MHz - 952 MHz (US Only — early models only) 2.
Chapter 2 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 2 Zaxcom Digital ENG Diversity Receiver This guide is intended to quickly familiarize you with the basic functions of the Zaxcom Digital ENG Diversity Receiver. The information in this user guide was written with version 1.0 of the firmware installed in the ENG Diversity Receiver. The firmware revision code is displayed shortly every time the receiver is turned on. Contact Zaxcom to obtain the latest firmware version.
Chapter 2 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Internal Batteries Four AA batteries are used to power the Zaxcom Digital ENG Diversity Receiver. Use either Lithium AA batteries or by Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AA batteries , while alkaline batteries may be used, they will only power the unit for a short period of time (approximately 30 to 60 minutes). Rechargeable NiMH batteries last up to 3 hours, while Lithium batteries last about 6 hours.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 2 between line and mic level. In the mic position, the output level is -42 dB. In the Line position, the output level is -2 dB. There is 20 dB of system headroom. Output Pin Connections Pin Stereo Mono 1 Ground Ground 2 Left Channel + Mono + 3 Left Channel - Mono - 4 Right Channel + 5 Right Channel - Antenna Connectors The front of the receiver contains two SMA thread-on connectors.
Chapter 2 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Signal Strength Characters 2 and 3 display the signal strength from the antenna input. A strong RF input level is shown using a checkered pattern. This is the ideal signal strength. Audio Level The fourth character indicates the audio level. When this character turns into a checkered pattern the transmitter is limiting the gain of its mic preamp due to excessive audio input levels.
Chapter 2 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Channel Scan Page The channel scan page allows you to scan an entire block of channels and quickly choose the quietest channel to operate on. Note: Any time in the Channel Scan page, the MENU key may be pressed to exit the channel scan menu page. Using the MENU key to exit this page will always cause the receiver to revert back to the channel that was previously in effect.
Chapter 2 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Best Practice: Finding the Quietest Channels with Multiple Transmitters Turn all transmitters off and perform one or two scans. Accept the quiet channel by pressing the DEC key. Turn on the first transmitter and tune it to this channel. Place the transmitter at least 20 feet (6 metres) away from the scanning receiver and perform another scan or two.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 2 Specialized Function Menu Pages To access the specialized function menu: 1. Turn off the Receiver 2. Hold down the menu key while powering up the receiver. Backlight Mode Selection The backlight mode selection page controls the backlight on the LCD display. Transmission Format Selection The transmission format page displays the current format selection and allows you to select the transmission format being used.
Chapter 2 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Power saver mode and receiver Heat dissipation The ENG receiver draws .2 amps at 12 Volts, so it must dissipate 2.4 watts of heat. The receiver must have some ventilation even at this low level. When using multiple receivers in a sound bag without ventilation, you may encounter issues if the ambient temperature is high. If you encounter an issue with heat dissipation, you can use the receiver’s power saver mode.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Specifications Power External Power 9-15VDC @ 200 mA (150 mA with power saver) Internal Power 4 AA @ 470 mA (350 mA with power saver) Physical Size 4.75-in. x 3.25-in. x 1.25-in. (120 mm x 82 mm x 32 mm) Weight 9.7 oz (275 g) - without batteries Antenna 50 Ω SMA connector Display Graphic LCD Receiver type Single conversion true diversity Modulation type Digital Modulation Frequency 19 Bandwidth .
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Chapter 3 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 3 Zaxcom TRX900 Series Recording The ability to record with the TRX900 is an optional feature, and it must be configured by Zaxcom when purchased to enable recording. If the TRX900 was not configured by Zaxcom, none of the recording features are enabled. Recording Media The TRX900 records audio on Mini SD cards that are inserted into the Mini SD slot on the top of the TRX900 transceiver (shown below).
Chapter 3 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Wave (BWAV) files are created using the Zaxcom utility. You can control the type of BWAV file generated using the utility. Filters in the utility provide the ability to transfer only audio from the card that is of interest to post. This utility is available to anyone for free from the Zaxcom web site at http://www.zaxcom.com. Recording Battery Life When recording audio on the TRX900 a slight decrease in battery life occurs.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 3 3. When the unit has fully initialized, release the menu key. 4. Press the menu key repeatedly until the instruction appears in the display indicating how to erase the memory card. 5. Press the up arrow key five (5) times to begin the erasing and formatting of the memory card. The TRX900 displays its progress in formatting the memory card.
Chapter 3 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual 1. Press and hold the menu key as the TRX900 is powered up. 2. Release the menu key when the unit has fully initialized. 3. Press the menu key repeatedly until NAME: appears in the display with an arrow pointing to the first character. 4. Press the up and down arrows to change the character that the arrow is pointing to. Characters A-Z and 0 to 9 are the available characters. 5.
Chapter 4 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 4 Zaxcom STA100 Stereo Adapter The STA100 stereo adaptor allows the TRX900, TRX900AA, and ZFR100 to transmit or record in stereo from a line level source. Getting To Know Your STA100 Stereo Adapter 1 2 3 1. Power connector 2. Time code input connector 3. Audio/Time Code ouput connector 4. Output level adjustment connector 5.
Chapter 4 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Powering the STA100 Connection of the 12 Volt input of the stereo adaptor is optional. If no power source is connected to the STA100, it operates off the the internal battery of the host unit. Using an External Power Source When the 12-volt input is connected to a power source it powers the TRX900 transmitter unit when the power switch of the host unit is in the off position.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 4 Host Unit functions Selection of stereo mode sets the host unit to its stereo mode of operation. The ADC selection selects the internal mic input if selected to internal or the stereo adaptor audio if selected to external mode.
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Chapter 5 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 5 ZaxConvert Utility About ZaxConvert The ZaxConvert software is available for both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. The software is functionally identical on both operating systems. You must use the ZaxConvert software to convert the audio from .ZAX files to .WAV files. Windows XP – Main Window Mac OS X – Main Window Using ZaxConvert When you use ZaxConvert, you must first assign an output folder.
Chapter 5 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Output File Type This menu allows you to select the number of channels, bit depth, and output file type. In addition, if the Post Production facility is using a DV40, you can force a 48K stamp to be used on the output files. Time Code This menu allows you to pull up or pull down time code, or leave the time code as it was set during the recording of the audio.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 5 Maximum File Size This menu allows you to set the maximum file size of the audio tracks. This is useful when trying to place audio on media or when trying to limit the file size. Many audio applications can only handle files that are 2 GB or smaller due to limitations in the .WAV file format. Output File Name Reserved for future use. Track Enable Reserved for future use.
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Chapter 6 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Chapter 6 TRX900 Series Wiring Diagrams This section contains all the wiring diagrams for the TRX900 series transmitters and receivers. Transmitter Diagrams Three wire microphone configuration 8.2K GND 3.3 V Shield Audio From Mic Audio Mic Power FBV.00.303.NLA (Male Lemo) Two wire microphone configuration GND Shield 3.3V Audio From Mic Mic Audio/Power 6.8K FBV.00.303.NLA (Male Lemo) Balanced Line to TRX900 Shield GND 3.
Chapter 6 Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual STA100 Stereo Adapter Diagrams Stereo Adaptor to XLR Female - Line Level In 1 J2 XLR Female 2 3 Shield 2 Ch1- 1 Ch1+ J2 XLR Female 5 4 3 Ch2+ Ch2- 3 1 Gnd 2 TA5F Shield Length - 2 Feet Use a thin cable to fit into the TA5F Stereo Adaptor Time code input from Male BNC to 3.
Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Warranty Warranty Zaxcom Warranty Policy and Limitations Zaxcom Inc. values your business and always attempts to provide you with the very best service. No limited warranty is provided by Zaxcom unless your Zaxcom TRX900 (“Product”) was purchased from an authorized distributor or authorized reseller. Distributors may sell Products to resellers who then sell Products to end users. Please see below for warranty information or obtaining service.
Warranty Zaxcom TRX900 and TRX900AA Recording Wireless™ Owner’s Manual Limitation of Damages Zaxcom's entire liability for any defective Product shall in no event exceed the purchase price for the defective Product. This limitation applies even if Zaxcom cannot or does not repair or replace any defective Product and your exclusive remedy fails of its essential purpose. No Consequential or Other Damages Zaxcom has no liability for general, consequential, incidental or special damages.
