Active Antenna Combiner ACA 1 Instruction manual
Contents Contents Important safety instructions................... 2 The ACA 1 active antenna combiner.............. 4 Delivery includes............................... 4 Product Features.............................. 5 Operating controls............................. 6 Front side..................................... 6 Rear side...................................... 7 Putting the ACA 1 into operation................ 8 Preparing the ACA 1 for use..................... 8 Using the ACA 1.............................. 12 Example 1: Studio Complex.................... 14 Example 2: Large Church....................... 15 Cleaning the ACA 1............................ 16 If a problem occurs............................. 17 Accessories.................................. 18 Specifications................................ 20 Manufacturer Declarations..................... 21 1
Important safety instructions Important safety instructions Read this instruction manual. Keep this instruction manual. Always include this instruction manual when passing the device on to third parties. Heed all warnings and follow all instructions in this instruction manual. Clean only with a slightly damp cloth. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required if the device has been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled, objects have fallen inside, the device has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate properly or has been dropped. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use the device near water and do not expose it to rain or moisture. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases or coffee cups, on the device. Only use the NT3-1 table top power supply (see Accessories on page 18). Do not block any ventilation openings. Install the device in accordance with the instructions given in this manual. Do not install the device near any heat sources. Only use attachments/accessories specified by Sennheiser. Replacement parts When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses replacement parts specified by Sennheiser or those having the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards. Safety check Upon completion of any service or repairs to this device, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the device is in a safe operating condition. 2
Important safety instructions Intended use of the device Intended use of the ACA 1 includes: having read and understood this instruction manual especially the chapter Important safety instructions on page 2, using the device within the operating conditions and limitations described in this instruction manual. Improper use means using the ACA 1 other than as described in this instruction manual, or under operating conditions which differ from those described herein. 3
The ACA 1 active antenna combiner The ACA 1 active antenna combiner ACA 1 is a compact, cost-effective and easy to deploy antenna combiner to allow Wireless Microphone coverage over multiple rooms and large or complex sites such as large churches, broadcast installations, outdoor sporting events and reality TV shows. With the ACA 1 2-channel active antenna combiner, the received signals of up to four active or passive antennas per channel can be combined for one receiver or receiver system. Two channels (A, B) are available. Multiple ACA 1 units may be combined to cater for systems with more than four diversity pairs of antennas. Delivery includes 1 ACA1 active antenna combiner 1 NT 3-1 mains power supply 2 BNC cables 0.5m, 50 ohm 1 instruction manual 4
Product Features Product Features RF function 2 x 4:1 combiner at unity gain Switchable DC Supplied on antenna each input for head amplifiers or active antennas, e.g. AB 3, AB 3700, A12-AD, AB 1036 Switchable RF RF from each of the eight antenna inputs is switchable to isolate unused antennas Visual indication LEDs indicate input state; RF ON, DC ON and DC LIMIT (current overload). 5
Operating controls Operating controls Front side INPUT A / INPUT B: two groups of identical switches and LEDs according to the rear side antenna inputs IN A1-IN A4 and IN B1-IN B4: RF ON / OFF / DC & RF ON switch to select active/passive antennas DC ON / DC LIMIT Status LED GRN (green)- indicates DC ON RED - indicates DC overload (> 250 ma) RF ON Status LED STANDBY button Operation indicator 6
Operating controls Rear side IN A1 to IN A4 / IN B1 to IN B4: 2 x 4 identical antenna inputs IN A1 to IN A4 / IN B1 to IN B4: 2 channels (A, B) with 4 BNC sockets for connecting active or passive antennas. Each of these RF inputs can power one active antenna or booster. 1 BNC socket OUT A / OUT B per channel for connecting a receiver or receiver system DC IN socket for connecting the NT 3-1 table top power supply CAUTION! Connecting transmitters to the outputs can damage the elec-tronics of the device! The outputs are provided for connecting receivers. Connecting the ACA 1 to transmitters will cause malfunction and could result in permanent damage 7
Putting the ACA 1 into operation Putting the ACA 1 into operation Preparing the ACA 1 for use Place the ACA 1 on a flat, horizontal surface. Please note that the device feet can leave stains on delicate surfaces! Mounting the ACA 1 into a 19 rack CAUTION! Risks when rack mounting the device! When installing the device in a closed or multi-rack assembly, please consider that, during operation, the ambient temperature, the mechanical loading and the electrical potentials will be different from those of devices which are not mounted into a rack. The ambient temperature within the rack must not exceed the temperature limit specified in the specifications. Ensure sufficient ventilation; if necessary, provide additional ventilation. Make sure that the mechanical loading of the rack is even. When connecting to the power supply, observe the information indicated on the NT 3-1 table top power supply. Avoid circuit overloading. If necessary, provide overcurrent protection. When rack mounting, please note that intrinsically harmless leakage currents of the individual power supplies may accumulate, thereby exceeding the allowable limit value. As a remedy, ground the rack via an additional ground connection. 8
Putting the ACA 1 into operation Rack mounting one ACA 1 Unscrew and remove the two recessed head screws (M4x8) on each side of the ACA 1. Secure the rack mount ears (supplied with the optional GA 3 rack adapter) to the ACA 1 using the previously removed recessed head screws. Secure the blanking plate to one of the rack mount ears using two recessed head screws (M 6x10). Insert the two blanking plugs into the holes of the blanking plate. Slide the ACA 1 with the mounted blanking plate into the 19 rack. Secure the rack mount ear and the blanking plate to the 19 rack. 9
Putting the ACA 1 into operation Connecting devices to the ACA 1 Connecting the antennas Active Antennas The ACA 1 provides two channels A and B. You can connect up to 4 antennas per channel (diversity). Each input can supply up to 250 ma for an active antenna. The supply current for active antennas is limited to 250 ma per input. Connect the antennas to one of the BNC sockets IN A1 IN A4 or IN B1 IN B4. Set the switch to the correct mode for each connected antenna: Switch Meaning DC & RF ON For active antennas The RF path from the respecting input to the corresponding output is ON. The 12V DC supply to the corresponding input is ON OFF No antenna connected RF ON For passive antennas The RF path from the respecting input to the corresponding output is ON. The 12V DC supply to the corresponding input is OFF 10
Putting the ACA 1 into operation Connecting the receivers You can connect two receivers or receiver systems (e.g. receivers combined via ASA1, ASA3000) to the ACA1. Groups of daisy-chainded receivers such as or EM 3732 mayalso be connected. Each receiver system can use up to four diversity pairs of antennas. CAUTION! Connecting transmitters to the outputs can damage the electronics of the device! The outputs are provided for connecting receivers. Connecting the ACA 1 to transmitters will cause malfunction and could result in permanent damage. Connect the diversity receiver system to the BNC sockets OUT A and OUT B. Suitable 50 ohm BNC cables are included in the delivery. Connecting the ACA 1 to the mains For powering the ACA 1 and the connected RF boosters or active antennas you require the NT 3-1 table top power supply (see Accessories on page 18). Only use the NT 3-1 table top power supply for safe operation. Insert the DC connector of the NT 3-1 table top power supply into the DC IN socket. Plug the NT 3-1 table top power supply into a wall socket. 11
Using the ACA 1 The NT 3-1 table top power supply connection can be tight fitting at first usage. Using the ACA 1 Switching the ACA 1 on Briefly press the STANDBY button. The operation indicator lights up green. LED RF ON lights up DC ON lights up GREEN DC ON lights up RED Meaning Switch is set to RF ON. The RF path from the respecti input to the corresponding output is enabled. Switch is set to DC & RF ON. The 12V DC supply to the corresponding input is ON and the current consumption is lower than or equal to 250 ma. Switch is set to DC & RF ON.The 12VDC supply to the corresponding input is ON and the current consumption is than 250mA. The antenna or the connection cable causing a shortcuit. The overload indicator lights up RED. 12
Using the ACA 1 Passive Antennas, (third party) Some types of third party passive antennas are a short circuit at DC by design. When this type of antenna is used the DC supply to the according inputs should be switched OFF. If in doubt please check with the antenna manufacturer. Setting the ACA 1 to standby mode Press the STANDBY button for approx. 2 seconds. The operation indicator and the LEDs go off. The ACA 1 switches to standby mode. Connected active antennas or boosters which are receiving their power from the ACA 1 are switched off. Disconnecting the ACA 1 from the mains The STANDBY button does not disconnect the ACA 1 from the mains. To disconnect the ACA 1 from the mains: 13
Using the ACA 1 Unplug the NT 3-1 table top power supply from the wall socket. The ACA 1 is switched off. 14
Using the ACA 1 Example 1: Studio Complex The diagram represents a TV studio complex with three studios and a newsroom all sharing the same wireless microphone systems. Four diversity pairs of antennas are deployed, one pair in each of the areas to be covered. 50 ohm coaxial cables connect each antenna to a centrally located ACA 1 combiner which feeds the radio signal from all of the antennas to the radio receivers. Boosters may be required on long cable runs. The ACA 1 provides 12V DC power at each input to power boosters or active antennas as required. Coaxial cable types must be chosen with care to avoid excessive signal loss between the antennas and the combiner. Position and type of antennas in each area must be chosen with care to provide appropriate coverage. 15
Using the ACA 1 Example 2: Large Church The diagram represents a large Church such as a Cathedral. A single pair of antennas is unable to provide seamless wireless microphone coverage due to the size and complex shape of the building. Four diversity pairs of antennas are deployed in different areas of the building at locations chosen by conducting a site survey. 50 ohm coaxial cables connect each antenna to a centrally located ACA 1 combiner which feeds the radio signal from all of the antennas to the radio receivers. Boosters may be required on long cable runs. The ACA 1 provides 12V DC power at each input to power boosters or active antennas as required. Coaxial cable types must be chosen with care to avoid excessive signal loss between the antennas and the combiner. The type of antennas in each area should be chosen with care to provide appropriate coverage. 16
Cleaning the ACA 1 Cleaning the ACA 1 CAUTION! Liquids can damage the electronics of the device! Liquids entering the housing of the device can cause a shortcircuit and damage the electronics. Keep all liquids away from the device. Do not use any solvents or cleansing agents. Before cleaning, disconnect the ACA 1 from the mains (see page 12). Only use a slightly damp cloth to clean the device. 17
If a problem occurs... Problem Possible cause Possible solution Active antennas or boosters are not receiving power Disturbed RF reception Connection problems Antennas are not connected correctly Connection cable is defective Excessive RF signal attenuation due to too long antenna cable or incorrect type of antenna cable Check the connections of the NT 3 table top power supply and/or check the BNC sockets IN A1 to IN A4 and/or IN B1 to IN B4. Check the antenna connections Replace the connection cable Only use the recommended antenna cable (see Accessories on page 18) or use a shorter antenna cable or use a low-attenuation RF cable If a problem occurs that is not listed in the above table or if the problem cannot be solved with the proposed solutions, please contact your local Sennheiser partner for assistance.
Accessories Accessories Cat. No. The following accessories are available from your Sennheiser partner: Accessory/spare part 503877 NT 3-1 UK Plug-in mains unit 13.8 V/3.4 A - UK version Mounting material 503167 GA 3 19 rack adapter Antennas 502195 A 3700 Omnidirectional antenna with integrated AB 3700 booster - 470-866 MHz 502197 AD 3700 Directional antenna with integrated AB 3700 booster - 470-866 MHz 002243 GZA 1036-TV Ground plane antenna - 470-800MHz - adjustable Boosters 502196 AB 3700 Broadband antenna booster - 470-866 MHz 502567 AB 3-A Antenna booster - 42 MHz switching bandwidth - 516-558MHz 502568 AB 3-B Antenna booster - 42 MHz switching bandwidth - 626-668MHz 502569 AB 3-C Antenna booster - 42 MHz switching bandwidth - 734-776MHz 504680 AB 3-GB Antenna booster - 42 MHz switching bandwidth - 734-776MHz 502573 AB 3-G Antenna booster - 42 MHz switching bandwidth - 566-608MHz 003598 AB 1036-TV/UHF Antenna booster - 450-960MHz - 24MHz 19
Accessories Antenna cables (coaxial cable) 002324 GZL 1019-A1 Co-axial cable - 1 m - BNC/BNC 002325 GZL 1019-A5 Co-axial cable - 5 m - BNC/BNC 002326 GZL 1019-A10 Co-axial cable - 10 m - BNC/BNC 505455 GZL 9000-A5 Antenna Cable - 5 m - N-Connectors 505456 GZL 9000-A10 Antenna Cable - 10 m - N-Connectors 505457 GZL 9000-A20 Antenna Cable - 20 m - N-Connectors GZL 9000 cables require appropriate adapters to BNC. 20
Specifications Specifications Frequency range Gain RF input power RF connectors Supply voltage Total current consumption Supply voltage for antennas or boosters with DC ON at IN A1 to IN A4 and at IN B1 to IN B4 Output IP3 470 to 790 MHz 0 db (±3dB) max. 10 mw per input BNC female, 50 Ω 13.8 V DC (with NT 3-1 table top power supply) max. 2.5 A 13.6 V DC, 250 ma overload protected > 37 dbm Output 1dB compression point >20 dbm Relative humidity 5 to 95% Operating temperature range 10 C to +55 C Storage temperature range Dimensions of housing Weight 20 C to +70 C approx. 212 x 168 x 43 mm approx. 1170 g 21
Manufacturer Declarations Manufacturer Declarations Warranty Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of 24 months on this product. For the current warranty conditions, please visit our web site at www.sennheiser.com or contact your Sennheiser partner. In compliance with the following requirements RoHS Directive (2002/95/EU) WEEE Directive (2002/96/EU) Please dispose of the ACA1 at the end of its operational lifetime by taking it to your local collection point or recycling center for such equipment. CE Declaration of Conformity 0682 R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EU) The declaration is available at www.sennheiser.com. Before putting the device into operation, please observe the respective country-specific regulations. 22
Sennheiser UK Ltd. Pacific House, Third Avenue, Globe Park, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1EY, Great Britain www.sennheiser.co.uk Publ. /15