Active Antenna Combiner ACA 1 - Sennheiser€¦ · ACA 1 is a compact, cost-effective and easy to deploy antenna combiner to allow Wireless Microphone coverage over multiple rooms

ACA 1Active Antenna Combiner

Instruction manual||

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Contents

Contents

Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2The ACA 1 active antenna combiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Delivery includes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Operating controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Front side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Rear side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Putting the ACA 1 into operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Preparing the ACA 1 for use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Using the ACA 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Example 1: Studio Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Example 2: Large Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Cleaning the ACA 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16If a problem occurs ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Manufacturer Declarations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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Important safety instructions


• Read this instruction manual.

• Keep this instruction manual. Always include this instructionmanual when passing the device on to third parties.

• Heed all warnings and follow all instructions in this instruc-tion 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 anyway, liquid has been spilled, objects have fallen inside, thedevice has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operateproperly or has been dropped.

• WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do notuse the device near water and do not expose it to rain or mois-ture. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases orcoffee cups, on the device.

• Only use the NT 3-1 table top power supply (see “Accesso-ries” on page 18).

• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install the device inaccordance 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 tech-nician uses replacement parts specified by Sennheiser or thosehaving the same characteristics as the original part. Unautho-rized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or otherhazards.

Safety check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to this device, ask theservice technician to perform safety checks to determine thatthe device is in a safe operating condition.

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Intended use of the device

Intended use of the ACA 1 includes:

• having read and understood this instruction manual espe-cially the chapter “Important safety instructions” on page 2,

• using the device within the operating conditions andlimitations described in this instruction manual.

“Improper use” means using the ACA 1 other than as describedin this instruction manual, or under operating conditions whichdiffer from those described herein.

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The ACA 1 active antenna combiner

The ACA 1 active antenna combiner

ACA 1 is a compact, cost-effective and easy to deploy antennacombiner to allow Wireless Microphone coverage over multiplerooms and large or complex sites such as large churches,broadcast installations, outdoor sporting events and reality TVshows.

With the ACA 1 2-channel active antenna combiner, thereceived signals of up to four active or passive antennas perchannel 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 withmore than four diversity pairs of antennas.

Delivery includes

1 ACA 1 active antenna combiner

1 NT 3-1 mains power supply

2 BNC cables 0.5m, 50 ohm

1 instruction manual

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Product Features

Product Features

RF function2 x 4:1 combiner at unity gain

Switchable DCSupplied on antenna each input for head amplifiers or active antennas, e.g. AB 3, AB 3700, A12-AD, AB 1036

Switchable RFRF from each of the eight antenna inputs is switchable to isolate unused antennas

Visual indicationLEDs indicate input state; RF ON, DC ON and DC LIMIT (current overload).

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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 LEDGRN (green)- indicates DC ONRED - indicates DC overload (> 250 mA)

# RF ON Status LED

$ STANDBY button

% Operation indicator

& '() *

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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

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CAUTION! Connecting transmitters to the outputs can damage the elec-tronics of the device!

The outputs are provided for connecting receivers. Connectingthe ACA 1 to transmitters will cause malfunction and couldresult in permanent damage

!

dianewilesMarked set by dianewiles


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Putting the ACA 1 into operation


Preparing the ACA 1 for use

! Place the ACA 1 on a flat, horizontal surface.

Mounting the ACA 1 into a 19” rack

Please note that the device feet can leave stains ondelicate surfaces!

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 tempera-ture, the mechanical loading and the electrical potentials will bedifferent from those of devices which are not mounted into arack.

! The ambient temperature within the rack must not exceedthe temperature limit specified in the specifications.

! Ensure sufficient ventilation; if necessary, provide additionalventilation.

! Make sure that the mechanical loading of the rack is even.

! When connecting to the power supply, observe theinformation indicated on the NT 3-1 table top power supply.Avoid circuit overloading. If necessary, provide overcurrentprotection.

! When rack mounting, please note that intrinsically harmlessleakage currents of the individual power supplies mayaccumulate, thereby exceeding the allowable limit value. Asa remedy, ground the rack via an additional groundconnection.

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Rack mountingone ACA 1

! Unscrew and remove the two recessed head screws (M4x8)on each side of the ACA 1.

! Secure the rack mount “ears” 1 (supplied with the optionalGA 3 rack adapter) to the ACA 1 using the previouslyremoved recessed head screws.

! Secure the blanking plate 2 to one of the rack mount“ears” 1 using two recessed head screws (M 6x10).

! Insert the two blanking plugs 3 into the holes of theblanking plate.

! Slide the ACA 1 with the mounted blanking plate 2 into the19” rack.

! Secure the rack mount “ear” 1 and the blanking plate 2 tothe 19” rack.

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Connecting devices to the ACA 1

Connectingthe antennas

The ACA 1 provides two channels A and B. You can connect upto 4 antennas per channel (diversity). Each input can supply upto 250 mA for an active antenna.

Active Antennas

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 connectedantenna:

The supply current for active antennas is limited to250 mA per input.

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Switch ! Meaning

DC & RF ON For active antennasThe 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 antennasThe RF path from the respecting input to the corresponding output is ON.The 12V DC supply to the corresponding input is OFF

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Connectingthe receivers

You can connect two receivers or receiver systems (e.g.receivers combined via ASA 1, ASA 3000) to the ACA 1. Groupsof daisy-chainded receivers such as or EM3732 may also be connected.

Each receiver system can use up to four diversity pairs ofantennas.

! Connect the diversity receiver system to the BNC socketsOUT A and OUT B ,. Suitable 50 ohm BNC cables areincluded in the delivery.

Connecting the ACA 1 to the mains

For powering the ACA 1 and the connected RF boosters or activeantennas you require the NT 3-1 table top power supply (see“Accessories” on page 18).

! Insert the DC connector of the NT 3-1 table top power supplyinto the DC IN socket -.

! Plug the NT 3-1 table top power supply into a wall socket.

CAUTION! Connecting transmitters to the outputs can damage the electronics of the device!

The outputs are provided for connecting receivers. Connectingthe ACA 1 to transmitters will cause malfunction and couldresult in permanent damage.

!

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Only use the NT 3-1 table top power supply for safeoperation.

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Using the ACA 1

Using the ACA 1

Switching the ACA 1 on

! Briefly press the STANDBY button $.The operation indicator % lights up green.

The NT 3-1 table top power supply connection can betight fitting at first usage.

& '

LED " # Meaning

RF ON # lights up Switch ! is set to RF ON.The RF path from the respecti input to the corresponding output is enabled.

DC ON # lights upGREEN

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.

DC ON # lights upRED

Switch ! is set to DC & RF ON. The 12V DC supply to the corresponding input is ON and the current consumption is than 250 mA. The antenna or the connection cable causing a shortcuit. The overload indicator lights up RED.









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Using the ACA 1

Passive Antennas,(third party)

Setting the ACA 1 to standby mode

! Press the STANDBY button ! for approx. 2 seconds.

! The operation indicator % and the LEDs " # go off. TheACA 1 switches to standby mode. Connected activeantennas or boosters which are receiving their power fromthe ACA 1 are switched off.

Disconnecting the ACA 1 from the mains

The STANDBY button ! does not disconnect the ACA 1 fromthe mains. To disconnect the ACA 1 from the mains:

Some types of third party passive antennas are a shortcircuit at DC by design. When this type of antenna isused the DC supply to the according inputs should beswitched OFF. If in doubt please check with the antennamanufacturer.

& '

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Using the ACA 1

! Unplug the NT 3-1 table top power supply from the wallsocket.The ACA 1 is switched off.

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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 loca-ted 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 boo-sters 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 withcare to provide appropriate coverage.

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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.

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Cleaning the ACA 1

Cleaning the ACA 1

! Before cleaning, disconnect the ACA 1 from the mains(see page 12).

! Only use a slightly damp cloth to clean the device.

CAUTION! Liquids can damage the electronics of the device!

Liquids entering the housing of the device can cause a short-circuit and damage the electronics.

! Keep all liquids away from the device.! Do not use any solvents or cleansing agents.

If a problem occurs ...

If a problem occurs that is not listed in the above table or if theproblem cannot be solved with the proposed solutions, pleasecontact your local Sennheiser partner for assistance.

Problem Possible cause Possible solution

Active antennas or boosters are not receiving power

Connection problems

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.

Disturbed RF reception

Antennas are not connected correctly

Check the antenna connections

Connection cable is defective

Replace the connection cable

Excessive RF signal attenua-tion due to too long antenna cable or incorrect type of antenna cable

Only use the recommended antenna cable (see “Acces-sories” on page 18)or use a shorter antenna cableor use a low-attenuation RF cable

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Accessories

Accessories

The following accessories are available from your Sennheiserpartner:

Cat. No. 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

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Accessories

Antenna cables (coaxial cable)

002324 GZL 1019-A1 Co-axial cable - 1 m - BNC/BNC



505455 GZL 9000-A5 Antenna Cable - 5 m - N-Connectors



GZL 9000 cables require appropriate adapters to BNC.

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Specifications

Specifications

Frequency range 470 to 790 MHz

Gain 0 dB (±3dB)

RF input power max. 10 mW per input

RF connectors BNC female, 50 ΩSupply voltage 13.8 V DC

(with NT 3-1 table top power supply)

Total current consumption max. 2.5 A

Supply voltage for antennas or boosters with DC ON at IN A1 to IN A4 andat IN B1 to IN B4

13.6 V DC, 250 mAoverload protected

Output IP3 > 37 dBm

Output 1dB compression point >20 dBm

Relative humidity 5 to 95%

Operating temperature range –10°C to +55°C

Storage temperature range –20°C to +70°C

Dimensions of housing approx. 212 x 168 x 43 mm

Weight approx. 1170 g

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Manufacturer Declarations

Manufacturer Declarations

Warranty

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of24 months on this product.

For the current warranty conditions, please visit our web site atwww.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 ACA 1 at the end of its operationallifetime by taking it to your local collection point orrecycling center for such equipment.

CE Declaration of Conformity

•

• R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EU)The declaration is available at www.sennheiser.com.Before putting the device into operation, please observe therespective country-specific regulations.

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Publ. /15

Sennheiser UK Ltd.Pacific House, Third Avenue, Globe Park, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1EY, Great Britainwww.sennheiser.co.uk

Documents

Active Antenna Combiner ACA 1 - Sennheiser€¦ · ACA 1 is a compact, cost-effective and easy to deploy antenna combiner to allow Wireless Microphone coverage over multiple rooms