RECORD key ............................................. 13 PLAY key ............................................. 13 STOP key ............................................13 INC key ............................................... 13 DEC key .............................................. 13 ON/OFF Switch – Internal/External Power Switch ..............................13 ZFR100 Configuration Menus......................................14 ZFR800 H ........................15 ETTING TO ANDHELD ECORDER Device Interface ............................................
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Manually Jamming TC with a Cable ..................................... 33 Continuously Jamming TC using the IFB100 ................................33 Automatically Starting and Stopping the Recording using Timecode from the IFB100 ................33 CHAPTER 4 – ZFR100 ADAPTERS ........................34 STA100 S ....................................34...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 1 Chapter 1 – Topics that apply to both units What’s Included with the ZFR100 1 – media slot dust plug 1 – belt clip 1 – blue Zaxcom storage/carrying case ...
Integrated TC reader/generator accurate to 1 frame in 6 hours Efficient keypad for one-handed operation Integrated timecode reception (ZFR100 only) RF remote control of recorders (ZFR100 only): o Audio gain (Raise/Lower) o Recording (Start/Stop) Battery runtime: o ZFR100 –...
IMPORTANT: If operating using internal batteries, it is recommended that you use only Lithium or rechargeable NiMH. Any other battery chemistry including Alkaline and Ultra batteries have a substantially reduced runtime compared to Lithium or NiMH cells. This is true for all Zaxcom units. External Power Some of the units can be powered from an external power source.
Chapter 1____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Common Settings for Associated IFB Transmitter and Receivers The following settings must agree, to allow associated IFB transmitters and receivers to work together, (this assumes that the same or compatible versions have been installed in all units): IFB Receiver side IFB Transmitter side Extended Menu...
This chapter is intended to quickly familiarize you with the functions of each of the Digital Wireless System transmitters and was written based on firmware version 6.10. Getting to Know Your ZFR100 Bodypack Recorder The ZFR100 uses two AA batteries (Lithium or NiMH). 1. REC Key 7. Microphone/Timecode Input 2. MiniSD Media Slot 8.
When using a Line-level input, an inline pad is required on the standard dynamic microphone input cable (XLR-3 to 3-pin micro-LEMO). When using a phantom powered microphone with the ZFR100, you must use an external 48 VDC power supply. NOTE: Once upon a time, the Denecke 48V power supply could damage the now discontinued Goldline...
The Power switch is intentionally set below the frame of the recorder to prevent accidentally turning it „OFF‟ during use. When the Zaxcom Stereo Adapter is connected, the ON/OFF switch becomes an internal or external power select switch. No Stereo Adapter...
{p.27} ADC Location page {p.28} Battery Type page {p.29} Recording Mode page {p.29} Track Name page {p.29} Table 2-4 ZFR100 Standard & Extended Menus Each time the MENU key is pressed, the menu advances to the next page, in sequence.
The ZFR800 uses a single CR123 battery. Uses screw-on microphone capsules made by Shure™ and Neumann™. Be aware that to use a Neumann capsule, a special adapter is required. Check with Zaxcom Sales for price and availability. 1. Mic Capsule 6.
Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Device Interface Media Slot This slot holds a MiniSD card for local recording. To insert a card, with the screen facing you, turn the card so the finger contacts are facing away from you and down toward the slot. Insert it into the slot and press it down until you here a slight click.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Common Recorder Standard Menu Normal Startup Sequence (without any card inserted) NOTE: several optional pages appear and are explained in this sequence. Each is present in the other startup sequences. They have not been include in those sequences for economy of space.
FOUND F SEGS GGGGGGG – indicates which Record Format is set in the Extended MODE=GGGGGGG Menu.) ZAXCOM VA-AAA ZFR100 SN:ZZZZZ STOP 00:00:00:00 (The unit does not go into auto-record once it has completed its boot-up 000: sequence.) Transport Control page...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Audio Gain page GAIN 20dB Page purpose: This page adjusts the mic gain, using the INC or DEC key. Parameters: (value range: , step: When audio is applied to the microphone input, the LCD indicates the signal strength using a bar graph displayed horizontally from left to right (-40 to 0 dBFS).
– Accept a timecode source connected to the Audio Input connector. Earpiece Source page IFB EARPIECE: IFB RX AUDIO Page purpose: ZFR100 ONLY – This page establishes the source for the audio being monitored during operation. Parameters: IFB MIX ALL –...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 FORMATTING FAT32 5. Press the INC key 5 times. (displays ERASING SEGMENTS 6. Sometime later displays SUCCESS #### MBYTES FORMAT FAILED ERROR ## #### 7. And finally displays , where indicates the space on the card available for recording and...
– indicates the month and day the installed firmware was created.) HH:MM:SS A-AAA HH:MM:SS – indicates the time of day the installed firmware was created.) ZAXCOM VA-AAA ZFR100 SN:ZZZZZ EXTENDED MENU PRESS UP TO EXIT Extended Startup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) SYNTH AB PCB REVB...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Exiting the Extended Menu Cycle the power, or hold down the MENU key to get back to this page and press the INC key NOTE: All changes are saved to Flash ROM as soon as they are committed.
While the audio recorder(s) (i.e. ZFR100) is within range of the first IFB100, it will be receiving IFB audio on that lower IFB frequency. Once the ZFR100 has gone out-of-range of the first IFB and gone into-range of the second IFB, the ZFR100 IFB receiver will switch to receiving on the frequency assigned to the second IFB.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Power-up Mode page POWER UP MODE: UNLOCKED Page purpose: This page sets whether or not the unit will power up with the keys locked Parameters: LOCKED – The keys are locked upon power-up.
Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual NOTE: The Recreate Function is available in 5.92 and later. The Wrapper Files are everything on the card except the DELETE.ME file, which consists of the folder and the files in the folder, IMPORTANT: This function will not work if you record audio and then delete the files.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Remote Control Unit ID page REMOTE CONTROL UNIT ID=001 Page purpose: This page maintains the number used to uniquely identify this recorder. Parameters: (value range: , step: When using the IFB100, this identifier is used to remotely control one specific unit out of the entire group. This information is also useful in Post to identify the unit since it is recorded in the BWF metadata.
Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual SPEED SLOWEST SLOW NORMAL FAST FASTEST SLOW ] / [ ] / [ ] / [ ] / [ Controls the decay speed of the peak detector used by the dynamics processing. ...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 3 Chapter 3 – Recording Audio using the Miniature Digital Recorder Recording Format The MiniSD card is formatted using the FAT32 file system. While recording, the unit places all recorded audio in a single file on the media.
Chapter 3____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Dual Color LED The dual color LED on top of the unit indicates the recorder‟s transport status: Color Indication Solid Green Stop or Playback mode Green and flickers Red Record mode Recording connection lost. The card may have been ejected, is Solid Red full or was not formatted correctly.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 3 Jamming timecode on the recorder starts a new recording file. The Zaxcom conversion utility starts the transfer and conversion process at the point where the recorder‟s timecode was jammed. NOTE: The recorder does not continue to keep timecode when it is powered down. Every time its power is cycled, it will be necessary to jam its internal-clock.
Audio/Timecode Output Connector Figure 4-1 STA100 Front & Back Views Installation The STAxxx attaches to the ZFR100 with two screws. Tighten the two screws, alternating between them, until the adapter and recorder are tightly connected. CAUTION: Do not over-tighten the screws.
Zaxcom Digital Wireless System User’s Manual_______________________________________Chapter 4 Powering the STAxxx Connection of 12 VDC power to the stereo adapter is optional. If no power source is connected to the STAxxx, it operates from the recorder‟s internal battery. Using an External Power Source When the 12 VDC input is connected to a power source, it supplies power to the recorder when its power switch is in the „OFF‟...
The STA150 is based on the STA100. The difference: the cables exit from the side, instead of out of the back. EA100 Earpiece Adapter Figure 4-4 EA100 alone & EA100 attached to ZFR100 The EA100 is used for monitoring audio (IFB or from the recording) when attached to the side of a ZFR100.
TCA100 Timecode Adapter Figure 4-5 TCA100 attached to ZFR100 & TCA100 The TCA100 timecode adaptor provides a dedicated timecode input to the TRX900 ( /AA) and ZFR100. This is especially helpful for using the auto-load feature manually (without the IFB100).
Getting to Know Your IFB Transmitter It is a 100 mW RF transmitter designed to be used with the Zaxcom Digital wireless system. The IFB100 uses a digital spread spectrum signal to send and receive IFB audio, timecode and remote control signals. By using spread spectrum technology, the IFB is immune to interference.
The supplied antenna is recommended for timecode and remote control transmission only. Adjusting the Input Audio Level The input audio level is preset by Zaxcom at +4 dBu. However, this level can be adjusted using the trim pots located on the outside of the unit. See the Side View in Fig 5-1 {p.38}.
The Remote Unit ID page can be set to ALL or a specific unit. NOTE: If the TRX9xx/ZFR100 is not in range of the IFB or is on the fringe of coverage, the gain control command may have to be repeated.
The IFB100‟s timecode generator is in Free-Run mode unless it is connected to a timecode source. If an external timecode source is connected, the IFB100‟s internal timecode generator stays in sync with it. If a TRX9xx/ZFR100 is in Autoload mode, starting and stopping recording is controlled by the external source.
The IFB100 should be adjusted with a minimum 2 MHz separation between channels. However, 8 MHz separation between channels is necessary when using the Zaxcom Voting System (ZVS). If the ZVS is enabled, you need to allocate four adjacent channels, 2 MHz apart, for the IFB100s. For example, the ZVS would use 2.403 GHz, 2.405 GHz, 2.407 GHz and 2.409 GHz.
LOW Q – Selects the standard quality codec. IMPORTANT: All units (TRX9xx/ZFR100) in the same group MUST use the same format to function correctly. IMPORTANT: Any change made to this page requires a reboot before the new setting will take effect.
Chapter 5____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Power-up Mode page POWER UP MODE: UNLOCKED Page purpose: This page determines whether the keys will be consistently locked after power-up. Parameters: LOCKED – The keys are locked upon power-up. UNLOCKED –...
When setting the group code, be sure it is unique. This is very important when multiple wireless groups are in the same area, since any IFB100 on the same group code as yours can affect your TRX9xx/ZFR100 units. To avoid this, coordinate with others in the area and ensure everybody is on a separate group code.
Only the frequencies in one specific block are available to a particular transmitter and its associated receiver. Coordinate with your dealer or Zaxcom to determine which block(s) are the best to use in your area(s). Remote Control, Timecode and IFB Feed If the optional IFB feed and IFB remote control options are included, their frequency range is: Current model for use Worldwide: 2.403 to 2.475 GHz...
Chapter 6____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Chapter 6 – ZaxConvert Utility About ZaxConvert ZaxConvert software is available for both MS 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.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 6 Timecode This menu allows you to pull-up or pull-down timecode or leave the timecode as it was set during audio recording. Figure 6-3 Timecode Options screen Sample-Rate Conversion This menu allows you to convert the sample-rate from the 48 kHz sample-rate used while recording.
Chapter 7____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Chapter 7 – Equipment Specifications ZFR100 Specifications Recorder Audio Dynamic Range 103 dB Distortion 0.001% Frequency Response 20 Hz to 16 kHz Highpass Filter „OFF‟ or 30 to 220 Hz, step: 10 (6 dB per octave) Mic Power 3.3 VDC @ 10mA max...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 7 ZFR800 Specifications Recorder Audio Dynamic Range 103 dB Distortion 0.001% Frequency Response 20 Hz to 16 kHz Highpass Filter „OFF‟ or 30 to 220 Hz, step: 10 (6 dB per octave) Mic Power...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 8 Chapter 8 – Wiring Diagrams NOTE: All of the diagrams in this chapter show the solder side of each connector. ZFR100 cables NOTE: The following 3-pin micro-LEMO connectors mate with the microphone connector: ...
Chapter 8____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual STAxxx and IFB100 Cables Left (Channel 1) Right (Channel 2) Figure 8-4 Standard XLR-3F to TA-5F Line-level input cable Figure 8-5 LEMO-5M to 1/8” male timecode input cable IMPORTANT: A stereo plug is required for external timecode sync. Do NOT connect to the ring on the plug. You cannot use a mono plug.
Upgrading the Firmware in Each Unit Perform the following: 1) Download the firmware from the Zaxcom website and load it onto a MiniSD memory card. 2) Insert the card (with the downloaded firmware) into the unit. 3) Simultaneously hold down the INC and DEC keys while powering up the unit.
Chapter 9____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Significant Change Reminders Using High Capacity SD Cards (2009-03-03) TX Version 5.98+ A problem with using 4GB, 8GB and 16GB cards has been fixed. This change could possibly cause some older cards to stop working. If you upgrade to this version and find that your brand of SD card no longer works, you may need to use another brand of SD card to downgrade to an older version.
Version 5.92: 2009-01-29 Added Card reformat to the MEDIA ERASE & FORMAT screen (9 DEC key presses) Changed SD card's volume label from ZAXCOM to ZAXCOMSD =================================================================================================================== Version 5.90: 2009-01-27 Added re-start if recording was forced into STOP mode due to an SD card problem =================================================================================================================== Version 5.89: 2009-01-27...
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Chapter 9____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Version 5.86T: UNKNOWN Changed HeadPhone Beep tones are now SUMMED into HP Changed location of channel changer in RX-INT handler (gIFBSlotTimer==1) =================================================================================================================== Version 5.85T: 2009-01-22 Added 500Hz headphone beep to LRSWitch mode Added tone64[] =================================================================================================================== Version 5.84T: 2009-01-22...
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 9 =================================================================================================================== Version 5.67R: 2008-11-22 Changed command line seems to work =================================================================================================================== Version 5.66R: 2008-11-21 Changed RAW RS232 in and out work at 300 baud =================================================================================================================== Version 5.65R: 2008-11-17 Changed forced unit = 1 in RCR software =================================================================================================================== Version 5.64R: 2008-11-15...
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Chapter 9____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Version 5.19: 2008-02-29 Added Timecode display in LOCK screen Added Timecode debug codes to DBG screen Fixed 23/24/25 fps TC reader problems Fixed Transmitter‟s name initialization (was always NLD by default now it's SN#####) =================================================================================================================== Version 5.17: 2008-02-18 Fixed...
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 9 =================================================================================================================== Version 4.99: 2007-10-04 Added support for RCR dual mic side adapter Changed stereo to always be ISO Changed FORMAT_EUNB to FORMAT_MONO_R =================================================================================================================== Version 4.98: 2007-09-25 Fixed IFB Autoload function (remote transport commands TXifb.NS_RemoteTPmode not being set) =================================================================================================================== Version 4.97a: 2007-09-25...
Chapter 10___________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Chapter 10 – Menu Sheets Menu Sheet for ZFR100 MENU SETTINGS Standard Menu i. (Transport Control page) While in RECORD mode, press DEC to STOP recording. While in STOP, press DEC to move the playback pointer backward.
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual___________________________________Chapter 10 ([LOW Q] / [HIGH Q]) v. RXMODE: ________ (IFB Enable page) ([OFF] / [RX]) vi. IFB VOTING: ________ (IFB Voting Enable page) ([NORMAL (OFF)] / [2 TXERS (ON)]) vii. IFB FREQ: ________ (IFB Frequency page) (value range: 2.403 to 2.475 GHz, step: .001)
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual___________________________________Chapter 10 RECORDING TO THE MINISD CARD i. Format the card: 1) With the power „OFF‟, insert the card into the slot 2) Hold the MENU key while powering up 3) Once up, release the MENU key...
Chapter 10___________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Menu Sheet for ZFR800 MENU SETTINGS Standard Menu i. (Pacifier page) (Displays: transmit frequency, remaining battery capacity, available recording time, recording mode, audio input level and recording buffer overrun.) ii. GAIN: ________ (Audio Gain page) (0 to 52 dB, step 2) iii.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual___________________________________Chapter 10 Menu Sheet for IFB100 MENU SETTINGS Standard Menu i. (Pacifier page) (Displays: transmitter frequency, DC power level, audio level meter and remote transport control status.) ii. REMOTE GAIN: __________ (Remote Audio Gain Change page) (UP increases gain, DOWN decreases gain) iii.
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Chapter 10___________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual v. POWER UP MODE: ________ (Power-up Mode page) ([Unlocked] / [Locked]) (Unlock by simultaneously pressing the MENU and UP keys) vi. TC JAM MODE: ________ (Timecode Jam Mode page) ([MANUAL (OFF)] / [AUTO-JAM] / [AUTO-LOAD]) vii.
Distributers may sell Product to resellers who then sell Product to end users. Please see below for warranty information or obtaining service. No warranty service is provided unless the Product is returned to Zaxcom Inc. or a Zaxcom dealer in the region where the Product was first shipped by Zaxcom.
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