Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 2 - Transmitters Offer a Wide Variety of Features

Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 2 - Transmitters Offer a Wide Variety of Features New generations continue to get smaller and more rugged; several target sports By Dan Daley, Audio Editor

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 7:00 am

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It's a small but crowded market. Here's a look at some of the leading wireless transmitters and the features designed to help them stand out.

Click here for Tech Focus: Bodypacks, Part 1 - Increased Demand for Onfield Audio Boosts Wireless Transmitters.

Audio-Technica Audio-Technica ATW-T3201 bodypack transmitter

ATW-T3201 3000 Series fourth-generation bodypack transmitter features a rugged, ergonomic metal body, highly visible OLED screen, power/mute indicator LED, soft-touch controls, 125-Hz high-pass filter, and a programmable function button that can be set to switch to a backup frequency or mute the transmitter. The transmitter is available in two frequency ranges, DE2 (470-530 MHz) and EE1 (530-590 MHz), to provide complete coverage of the receiver's bandwidth. It has a cH-style screw-down 4-pin connector, accommodating A-T's cH-style cables or lavalier and head-worn microphones. Switchable RF power provides 8 hours (alkaline) of battery life in the high setting/9 hours in the low (alkaline), 9 hours (Ni-MH 1,900 mAh) in the high setting/9.5 hours in the low (Ni-MH 1,900 mAh). Battery type is two 1.5-V AA (not included). The ATW-T3201 includes a field-replaceable whip antenna and a protective carrying case. www.audio-technica.com/

Electro-Voice Electro-Voice RE3 bodypack set

The RE3-BPT compact, lightweight UHF bodypack transmitter accepts a wide variety of input devices. The all-metal body is robust and durable and operates on two AA alkaline or rechargeable NiMH cells. An ultrasonic sync function enables simple system setup by syncing the transmitter to the receiver frequency-tuning and other functional data. The selectable output power (band-specific) assists in overcoming the challenges of both long and short transmission ranges. The tuning bandwidth affords generous frequency-tuning options, helping avoid various sources of possible interference. The magnetic sliding-latch-and-lock mechanism keeps the battery door closed securely and facilitates access to the batteries. Recharging contacts provide functional use, with the optional BC2 charging station allowing the NiMH rechargeable cells in two bodypack transmitters to be charged without removal. www.electrovoice.com/

Lectrosonics Lectrosonics DBSM digital encrypted beltpack transmitter

DBSM (single AA) and DBSMD (dual AA) digital encrypted beltpack transmitters feature AES 256-bit CTR encryption with four key policies, including shared key, which is designed specifically for sports broadcast. Both offer wideband tuning (470-608 MHz for U.S., 470-614 MHz for export), a highly linear RF output stage for reduced intermodulation distortion, and 10-, 25-, and 50-mW RF power settings for applications ranging from broadcast studios to the playing field. A special super-narrow HDM (High Density Mode) transmission option allows packing more than 24 channels per 6-MHz TV channel without the need for frequency coordination. DBSM and DBSMD feature 24-bit/48-kHz digital audio and the compact, all-metal casings are well-sealed from sweat and dust. These units include a microSD-card slot and can be configured as transmitters or recorders.

The SSM (Super Slight Micro) digital hybrid wireless micro transmitter weighs 2.3 oz. with battery, tunes across three standard Lectrosonics frequency blocks, features power settings at 25- or 50-mW RF power, and runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The SSM responds to RM remote commands, compatible with the Lectro RM smartphone app.

SMWB (single AA) and SMDWB (dual AA) transmitters can be configured as either transmitters or recorders, with files stored on microSD-card memory in the industry-standard Broadcast Wave (.wav) format at 24 bits. The units tune across 76.8 MHz or three standard Lectrosonics frequency blocks and come in several frequency ranges. RF power for these models is selectable at 100, 50, or 25 mW.

The WM is a fully water-resistant transmitter, featuring a membrane keypad and a specially designed machined-aluminium housing. It offers 1,024 frequencies in 25-kHz steps and is available in nine frequency blocks, each covering a 25.6-MHz bandwidth. Features include selectable RF power at 50, 100 and 250 mW; dual bicolor modulation LEDs for accurate gain adjustment; and a backlit LCD for ease of use. Two AA batteries power the WM, with internal switching power supplies providing constant voltages to the transmitter circuits from the beginning (1.5 V) to the end (0.85 V) of battery life. The WM responds to RM remote commands, compatible with the LectroRM smartphone app, for hands-free setting changes. www.lectrosonics.com/

Q5X Q5X QT-AD10 PlayerMic

The QT-AD10 Axient Digital transmitters expand the Q5X family. Developed in collaboration with Shure, they combine Q5X's safe, small, and rugged form factors with Shure's market-leading Axient Digital technology, which adds encryption and improved spectral efficiency. The QT-AD10 transmitters are available in various frequency blocks between 470-694 MHz and 941-960 MHz. Both the QT-AD10 Axient Digital transmitters and Q5X's long-established family of QT-5100 analog transmitters (470-700 MHz) are available in identical form factors developed over the past decade specifically to meet the requirements of the sports sector. The PlayerMic, AquaMic, RefMic, CoachMic, and BeltMic models are standard with an 8-hour runtime.

PlayerMic S, the smallest remote-controlled PlayerMic to date, features a 3- x 1.5- x 0.4-in. soft, tough, sweat-proof, and flexible polymer enclosure and a runtime of 4 hours. The AquaMic is totally waterproof for wa

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2023/02/22/tech-focus-bodypacks-part-2-tra...
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