Troubleshooting Guide; Troubleshooting Wireless Microphone Systems - Shure Wireless Microphone Systems Operation Manual

C
H A P T E R
TROUBLESHOOTING WIRELESS
MICROPHONE SYSTEMS
Even when wireless microphone systems appear to be
properly selected and set up, problems may arise in
actual use. While it is not practical here to offer
comprehensive solutions for all possible situations some
general guidelines are suggested.
Though problems with wireless microphone systems
eventually show up as audible effects these effects can be
symptoms of audio and/or radio problems. The object of
troubleshooting in either situation is first to identify the source
of the problem and second to reduce or eliminate the problem.
The following abbreviations are used in these charts:
Conditions: TX on, RCV on, single system
Symptom
No AF signal and no RF signal
No AF signal and no RF signal
No AF signal and no RF signal
No AF signal and no RF signal
No AF signal but normal RF signal
No AF signal but normal RF signal
Distortion with no AF peak indication
Distortion with AF peak indication
Distortion with AF peak indication in
subsequent equipment
Noise with low AF signal and normal RF signal
Noise with low AF signal and normal RF signal
Noise with normal AF signal and low RF signal
Noise with normal AF and RF signals
Intermittent AF signal and low RF signal
Intermittent AF signal and low RF signal
Intermittent AF signal and low RF signal
Intermittent AF and RF signals
Intermittent AF and RF signals
Intermittent AF and RF signals
Intermittent AF and RF signals
When multiple systems are in use some additional problems can occur due to interaction between the systems. Turning individual systems
on and off and trying systems in different combinations can help to pinpoint the cause. However, this can become much more difficult as the
number of systems increases.
Following are some multiple system troubleshooting suggestions for symptoms observed when all systems are active.
Conditions: TX on, RCV on, multiple systems
Symptom
Distortion on two (or more) systems with no
AF peak indication
Distortion on one (or more) systems with no
AF peak indication
Distortion on one (or more) systems with no
AF peak indication
Distortion on one (or more) systems with no
AF peak indication
4
T
ROUBLESHOOTING
TX - RCV Possible cause
Distance
any low TX battery voltage
any TX and RCV tuned to
different frequencies
average multipath dropout
long out of range
any TX muted
any microphone or other input source
any low TX battery voltage
any excessive TX input level
any excessive RCV output level
any insufficient TX input level
any strong RFI
average moderate RFI
any very strong RFI
long out of range
long insufficient antenna gain
long excessive antenna cable loss
average multipath interference
average obstructions in signal path
average squelch set too high
average very strong RFI
Distance Possible cause
any units on same frequency
TX-TX short TX + TX intermod
TX-TX short TX + TX intermod
TX-RCV short TX + TX + RCV intermod
TX-RCV short TX + TX + RCV intermod
AF-audio frequency, RF-radio frequency, RFI-radio
frequency interference, TX-transmitter, RCV-receiver
A common symptom in multiple system operation is
apparent activation of two receivers by a single transmitter.
This can be due to one of several causes:
frequencies the same or too close, crystal harmonics,
transmitter at the image frequency of the second receiver, IM
with an unknown source, etc.
transmitter results in proper operation of both systems this
effect can usually be ignored. Recommended operating
procedure is to turn up a receiver only when its transmitter is
active. If it is desired to allow open receivers without
transmitters, readjusting the squelch settings may suffice.
Otherwise the operating frequencies may have to be changed.
G
UIDE
Action
replace battery
retune one or both units
use diversity RCV or reposition TX
and/or RCV
move TX closer to RCV
un-mute TX
check input source
replace battery
decrease source level or TX input level
decrease RCV output level
increase source level or TX input level
identify source and eliminate, or change
frequency of wireless microphone system
increase squelch setting until RCV mutes
identify source and eliminate, or change
frequency of wireless microphone system
move TX closer to RCV
use higher gain antenna
use low loss cable and/or less cable
use diversity RCV or reposition TX
and/or RCV
remove obstructions or reposition TX
and/or RCV
decrease squelch setting
identify source and eliminate, or change
frequency of wireless microphone system
Action
change frequencies
change frequencies
increase TX to TX distance
change frequencies
increase TX to RCV distance
operating
If activating the second
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