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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User‟s Manual ZFR100 ZFR200 ZFR800 Updated: 2010-11-18 - 16:03 230 West Parkway, Unit 9, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 USA Tel: 973-835-5000 Fax: 973-835-6633 Email: info@zaxcom.com Website: www.zaxcom.com NOTE: All specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 1 o ZFR800 – up to ten hours on one CR123 battery Size and weight: (H x W x D – while looking at the screen) o IFB100 – 3.44” x 3.88” x 0.9”...
Chapter 1____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Menu System Figure 1-1 ZFR100 Front View The user interface for each unit consists of a Liquid Crystal Display with keys, as follows: MENU – Each time the MENU key is pressed, the next page/field in the current menu is displayed on the screen.
Here is a testing procedure to determine if the card will function correctly: 1) Format the card in the Zaxcom unit. 2) Power cycle the unit. 3) Record audio to the card for several hours or more while in standalone mode (with no timecode source to prevent a re-jam event).
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 / ZFR200, you must use an external 48 VDC power supply.
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.
This chapter is intended to quickly familiarize you with the functions of each of the Digital Wireless System recorders. Getting to Know Your ZFR100 Bodypack Recorder The ZFR100 uses two AA batteries (Lithium or NiMH). This section was written based on firmware version 6.80. 1. REC key 7. Microphone/Timecode Input 2.
IFB Jam Threshold page {p.32} Send QRX Program page {p.32} Track Name page {p.32} Encryption Code page {p.33} Table 2-2 ZFR100 Standard & Extended Menus Each time the MENU key is pressed, the menu advances to the next page, in sequence.
Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Getting to Know Your ZFR200 Bodypack Recorder The ZFR200 uses one AA battery (Lithium or NiMH). This section was written based on firmware version 6.80. 1. – Unit Power Switch 6. – DEC key / STOP key 2.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 ZFR200 Configuration Menus There are nine Standard, and twenty-two Extended menu pages, as follows: Standard Menu Extended Menu Transport Control page {p.21} Highpass Filter page {p.25} Audio Gain page {p.21} Limiter page {p.25} Highpass Filter page {p.22}...
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. This section was written based on firmware version 6.10.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Device Interface Media Slot This slot holds a media 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.
”, followed by the unit‟s serial number.) (OPTIONAL PAGE: This statement indicates that an encryption code ENCRYPTION IS ON has been entered. Verify the code matches the associated receiver‟s code.) AUDIO ZAXCOM VA-AAA WWWWWW – Indicates what hardware is being initialized.) WWWWWW...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Standard Bootup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) SYNTH AB PCB REVB BBBB VER A-AAA (CC) FOUND SD CARD EEEEEEEEEE – Indicates the size of the card EEEEEEEEEE {i.e. 2 GBYTES or 512 MBYTES)
– Indicates the month & day the version was created.) A-AAA JJ:KK:LL JJ:KK:LL – Indicates the time of day the version was created.) AUDIO ZAXCOM VA-AAA WWWWWW SN:ZZZZZ EXTENDED MENU PRESS UP TO EXIT Table 2-7 Extended Menu Bootup Sequence (without any card inserted)
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Common Recorder Standard Menu Transport Control page STOP 00:00:00:00 000: Page purpose: This is the default page at startup and displays the following information: • Recorder mode • Current timecode • Current recording segment •...
Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Highpass Filter page HIGH PASS: OFF Page purpose: This page maintains the cutoff frequency for the highpass filter. Parameters: 220Hz (valid range: , value step: Limiter page LIMITER: OFF Page purpose: This page enables/disables the limiter function. Parameters: -2dB -30dB...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Timecode Source page TC SOURCE: IFB (RF) Page purpose: This page maintains which input to use as the timecode source. Parameters: SIDE CONNECTOR – Accept a timecode source connected to the attached STAxxx‟s side connector.
Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual FORMAT FAILED ERROR ## If the recorder displayed , do not use the card in the recorder. 7. Once the Success message (see above) appears, you will need to reboot so the unit can mount the card. To Recreate the Wrapper Files (will not destroy existing audio takes): Repeat each of the steps above, but substitute the following for step 4: FORMATTING FAT32...
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 Highpass Filter page HIGH PASS: OFF Page purpose: This page maintains the cutoff frequency for the highpass filter. Parameters: 220Hz (valid range: , value step: Limiter page LIMITER: OFF Page purpose: This page manages the limiter function.
In operation, the first IFB100 will be closer to (or on) your cart and the second IFB100 will be some distance away to cover the area you anticipate using. While the unit (ZFR100 / ZFR200) is within range of the first IFB100, it will be receiving IFB audio on that lower IFB frequency.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 IFB Frequency page FREQ: 2.403 RX SIGNAL: 01 Page purpose: This page maintains the IFB receiver‟s center frequency and displays the signal strength for the antennas in a numerical and graphical format. 2.403 2.475...
Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Format Recording Card page PRESS UP KEY 5X TO ERASE CARD SUCCESS (REBOOT) #### MBYTES FORMAT FAILED ERROR ## Page purpose: This page erases and formats a media card. This must be done before the card can be used in the unit, or to erase the contents.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 o If an STAxxx/TCA100 is being used and the timecode source is connected to it when the timecode source starts and stops. AUTO-JAM – continuously jams timecode, based on the Timecode Source page {p.29} selection.
Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Expander page EXPANDER Page purpose: This page maintains the info used to expand the unit‟s dynamic range. PARMS Parameters: To enter this page, press the INC or DEC key, “ ” is displayed on the right. To move to the next parameter, momentarily press the MENU key.
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2 CMP KNEE 20dB : (valid range: , value step: (Compressor Soft Knee) Sets the "depth" of the compressor's soft knee. A soft knee of 6 dB will result in more gradual gain reduction in the 6 dB range over the compressor's set threshold.
Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual LOOP RECORD – Once the media has filled up, the new audio will begin over-writing the oldest audio on the card. Side Tone Gain page (requires IFB Audio Option) SIDE TONE GAIN Page purpose: This boosts the audio being fed to the earpiece / headphone.
The six-digit encryption code provides a total of 16,777,216 possible choices. If a Zaxcom receiver has been programmed with an encryption code, it will also continue to receive an uncoded transmitter (both ID#0 and ID#1 set to 000). Since the receiver has to check for two possible code situations, a slight performance penalty may be incurred during long-range reception.
The FAT32 file system can be read on both Windows and Mac OS computers. However, the single file generated by the recorder can only be understood by the Zaxcom ZaxConvert program. It converts the file into a format (Broadcast Wave Format = BWF), that is useable in Post. This utility is available to anyone for free from the Zaxcom website.
NOTE: The unit‟s timecode accuracy is approximately 1 frame in 6 hours (1.54 PPM). Jamming timecode into the unit starts a new recording file. The Zaxcom conversion utility starts the transfer and conversion process at the point where the unit‟s timecode was jammed.
For a TC source that is not a Zaxcom Deva or Fusion recorder; if the TC output counts as normal while the recorder is in RECORD and freezes when the recorder is in STOP, the IFB100 can automatically start and stop all recorders with the same Group ID number as the recorder is started and stopped.
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.
Selecting the stereo setting causes the unit to combine the two input signals together and record them on one INTERNAL STA-100 STA-150 channel. The ADC selection: – selects the internal mic input, selects the appropriate stereo adapter‟s audio. Figure 4-2 STA100 attached to ZFR100...
The STA150 is based on the STA100. The difference is 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.
Chapter 4_______________________________________Zaxcom Digital Wireless System User’s Manual TCA100 Timecode Adapter Figure 4-5 TCA100 attached to ZFR100 & TCA100 The TCA100 timecode adaptor provides a dedicated timecode input to the ZFR100. This is especially helpful for using the auto-load feature manually (without the IFB100).
Zaxcom Digital Wireless System Owner’s Manual _____________________________________Chapter5 Chapter 5 – New System Capabilities Introduction Our Software Engineers make changes to the firmware to make it easier to use or to correct a problem that an Operator has encountered. But, every once-in-a-while, they come up with some truly ground-breaking additions to the system.
Chapter 6____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Chapter 6 – 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 6 ZFR200 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...
Chapter 6____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual 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 9 VDC Mic Connector Compatible with Shure™...
FVB.00.303.NLA – has a latch with a twist release. CAUTION: When wiring a microphone for the ZFR100 / ZFR200, the microphone shield/ground must be connected to the LEMO shell as well as the correct pin on the microphone connector itself.
Chapter 7____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual STAxxx Cables Left (Channel 1) Right (Channel 2) Figure 7-4 Standard XLR-3F to TA-5F Line-level input cable Figure 7-5 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.
By upgrading the software, the range and feature set have and will continue to dramatically increase over time. Zaxcom has a reputation for constantly adding additional features and user suggestions during the product‟s lifetime. This ensures that your wireless system will perform better and better, the longer you own it.
Chapter 8____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual TRX / ZFR / IFB Firmware History =================================================================================================================== Version 6.80: 2010-08-31 Fixed problem with AUTO-LOAD and record-run timecode support (in conjunction with ERX 1.07) Changed increased the record buffer size to help with slow SD cards popping out of RECORD mode =================================================================================================================== Version 6.76: 2010-08-31 Added...
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 8 Added model number “TRX992” Added drop out compensator to IFB reception – DRAMITICALLY INCREASED IFB PERFORMANCE Fixed various ZaxNet bugs =================================================================================================================== Version 6.39B: 2010-02-11 Removed TC READER popup window in IFB Changed Debug page to fit gain code properly =================================================================================================================== Version 6.39A: 2010-02-11...
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Chapter 8____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual =================================================================================================================== Version 6.29T: 2010-02-04 Added some of the new RXhandler heuristics to make smarter packet choices =================================================================================================================== Version 6.27A: 2010-02-04 Changed attempting to combine TRX900 and TR992 software builds =================================================================================================================== Version 6.26C: 2010-02-04 recompile of TRX900 with TRX992 build changes from ERX should not change anything =================================================================================================================== Version 6.26B: 2010-01-28...
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 8 =================================================================================================================== Version 6.22: 2009-12-08 Added upsidedown mask adjustment in LowPwrLED screen (UP*20 = set, DN*20 = clear it) =================================================================================================================== Version 6.21A: 2009-12-01 burn ERX works =================================================================================================================== Version 6.20G: 2009-11-30 Added UBCMD_END_PROG =================================================================================================================== Version 6.20F: 2009-11-28 Added IFB100 –...
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Chapter 8____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual =================================================================================================================== Version 6.15D: 2009-10-27 Re-added IFB100 – remote channel change page =================================================================================================================== Version 6.15C: 2009-10-14 Added IFB100 – ERX programming feature =================================================================================================================== Version 6.15B: 2009-10-06 Changed ClipOutputBuffers to separate ClipTXBuffers func Changed moved ClipOutputBuffers func lower in chunk Changed forced gADCgainSlew in IncDecGainL to fix gain freeze problem check IFB MONOMIX input select menu - missing?
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 8 Fixed TXPWRCAL menu so values can‟t go negative =================================================================================================================== Version 6.14D: 2009-09-15 Added RS232 support thru TC input pin for MIX8->IFB =================================================================================================================== Version 6.14C: 2009-09-15 Changed don‟t force UNKNOWN_MODE forever either (IFB) in TransmitIFBblock() =================================================================================================================== Version 6.14B: 2009-09-14...
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Chapter 8____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Changed demo works now (not continuous commands from Deva) =================================================================================================================== Version 6.12J: 2009-05-28 Added TC debug vars to INC DEC Pacifier page =================================================================================================================== Version 6.12I: 2009-05-28 Fixed 16bit userbits (caused by parse TC cmd block) safe_UB was int not int32 Fixed timecode slate jitter problem ===================================================================================================================...
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Version 5.92: 2009-01-29 Added Card reformat to the FORMAT MINISD CARD page (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 8____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Removed IFB100 – IFB Audio Input Mix page =================================================================================================================== Version 5.88: 2009-01-26 Added TRX992 – VPX battery formula Changed TRX992 – swapped IFB mixer knob rotation to match the silk screening =================================================================================================================== Version 5.87: 2009-01-25 Deleted remnants of BlownPA detector Changed...
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 8 Added TRX992 – mute chunk in IFB audio codec when no packets are arriving =================================================================================================================== Version 5.70R: 2009-01-29 Changed parm==0 problem and some more tweaks to terminal and Trx900.c =================================================================================================================== Version 5.69R: 2008-11-28 Added special IQ cal mode in Terminal.c...
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Chapter 8____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Fixed TC Reader no longer jams on seconds boundary =================================================================================================================== Version 5.33a: UNKNOWN Changed Loosened jam requirements =================================================================================================================== Version 5.20: 2008-03-07 Added Higher resolution transmit waveform to increase TX range =================================================================================================================== Version 5.19: 2008-02-29 Added Timecode display in Lock page Added...
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 8 Added LED OFF mode in the LED Reverse page =================================================================================================================== Version 5.00: 2007-10-29 Fixed TRX900 - swapped LOW1 / LOW2 display in the Pacifier page‟s remote power display =================================================================================================================== Version 4.99a: UNKNOWN Fixed...
Chapter 9____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Chapter 9 – Menu Sheets Menu Sheet for ZFR100 MENU SETTINGS Standard Menu (Transport Control page {p.21}) While in STOP mode, press the DEC key to move the playback pointer backward. To PLAY, press the INC key.
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 9 (1K Notch Filter Enable page iii. 1K NOTCH FILTER: _____ {p.25}) ([OFF] \ [ON]) (1K Notch Filter Frequency page 1K NOTCH FREQ: _____ {p.25}) (valid range: 960 to 1040 Hz, value step: 2)
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Chapter 9____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual RATIO: ________ (valid range: 1:1.01 to 1:1.30 to 1:4.00, value step: 0.01) THRESH: ________ (valid range: 0 to -40 to -96 dB, value step: 1) REDUCE: ________ (valid range: 0 to -6 to -36 dB, value step: 1) SPEED: ([SLOW] / [NORMAL] / [FAST]) (Dynamics page xix.
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 9 (Recording Mode page xxii. RECORD MODE: ________ {p.31}) ([LOOP RECORD] / [NON-LOOP RECORD]) (Side Tone Gain page xxiii. SIDE TONE GAIN: ________ {p.32}) ([0dB] / [+6dB] / [+9dB]/ [+12dB]) (Allow IFB Remote Control page xxiv.
Chapter 9____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Menu Sheet for ZFR200 MENU SETTINGS Standard Menu (Transport Control page {p.21}) While in STOP mode, press the DEC key to move the playback pointer backward. To PLAY, press the INC key. While in PLAY, press the INC key to move the playback pointer forward. (Audio Gain page ii.
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 9 (IFB Receiver Enable page v. RXMODE: ________ {p.26}) ([OFF] / [RX]) (IFB Voting Enable page vi. IFB VOTING: ________ {p.26}) ([NORMAL (OFF)] / [2 TXERS (ON)]) (IFB Frequency page vii. FREQ: ________ {p.27}) (valid range: 2.403 to 2.475 GHz, value step: 0.001)
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Chapter 9____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual ATTACK: ([SLOWEST] / [SLOW] / [NORMAL] / [FAST] / [FASTEST]) CMP RATIO: ________ (valid range: 1.0:1 to 3.0:1 to 5.0:1, value step: 0.1) CMP THRESH: ________ (valid range: 0 to -20 to -96 dB, value step: 1) CMP KNEE: ________ (valid range: 0 to 20 dB, value step: 1) EXP RATIO: ________...
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 9 5) Press the INC key 5 times to erase and format the card. 6) The display indicates its progress. 7) Wait for successful completion before using. If it fails, do not use it to record.
Chapter 9____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual Menu Sheet for ZFR800 MENU SETTINGS Standard Menu (Transport Control page {p.21}) While in STOP, press the DEC key to move the playback pointer backward. To PLAY, press the INC key. While in PLAY, press the INC key to move the playback pointer forward. (Audio Gain page ii.
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 9 (Expander page vi. EXPANDER {p.30}) PARMS: ([OFF] / [ON]) RATIO: ________ (valid range: 1:1.01 to 1:1.30 to 1:4.00, value step: 0.01) THRESH: ________ (valid range: 0 to -40 to -96 dB, value step: 1)
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Chapter 9____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual (Recording Mode page ix. RECORD MODE: ________ {p.31}) ([LOOP RECORD] / [NON-LOOP RECORD]) (Track Name page x. NAME: ______________________ {p.32}) (max: 8 chars, char = 0 to 9, space, A to Z) RECORDING TO THE CARD i.
_services.htm) and complete the form. You will receive an email or telephone call with the RMA #. Please write the RMA# on the front of the package. If you don‟t have internet access, you may request an RMA # by telephone. Zaxcom will return the warranty repair via 2 UPS or FedEx at their discretion.
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