Lectrosonics Octopack - Manual (Page 5)

Receiver Multicoupler
Rio Rancho, NM 5
General Technical Description
To address an increasing demand for more wireless
channels in location production, the Octopack com-
bines up to four SRa Series compact receivers into
a lightweight, rugged assembly with self-contained
power supply, power distribution and antenna signal
distribution. This versatile production tool provides
up to eight audio channels in a tiny package ready to
work in applications from production cart to a portable
mixing bag.
High quality antenna distribution requires the use of ul-
tra quiet RF amps plus isolated and optimally matched
signal paths through the circuitry to ensure equal per-
formance from all connected receivers. In addition, the
amplifiers used must be high overload types to avoid
generating IM (intermodulation) within the multicou-
pler itself. Octopack meets these requirements for RF
performance.
The wide bandwidth of the antenna multicoupler allows
the use of receivers over a wide range of frequency
blocks to simplify frequency coordination. Receivers
can be installed in any of the four slots, or a slot can
be left empty with no need to terminate the RF coaxial
connections. The receivers interface with the Octopack
board via the 25-pin Unislot adapter, so in many cases,
the receivers can be moved from the Octopack to a
camera without having to change the adapter.
Antenna inputs are standard 50 ohm BNC jacks. DC
power on the jacks can be switched on for use with
Lectrosonics UFM230 RF amplifiers or the ALP650
powered antenna for long coaxial cable runs. An LED
next to the recessed switch indicates the power status.
The front panel is designed to accept the standard or
the “5P” version of the receiver which provides audio
outputs on the front panel of the receiver. The second
set of audio outputs can be used for a redundant feed
to a recorder in addition to the main outputs that would
typically feed wireless transmitters in a bag system, or
a mixer on a sound cart.
The Octopack housing is constructed of machined alu-
minum with a reinforced rear/bottom panel to protect
the batteries and power jack. The front panel includes
two rugged handles that protect the connectors, re-
ceiver front panels and antenna jacks.
RF IN
FILTER
COMPARATOR
RF IN FILTER
RF OUT
RF OUT
SPLITTER
SPLITTER
DC OUT
BATTERIES
EXT DC
RF
AMP
300 mA
DC (+)
DC (+)
ANT PWR
ENABLE
300 mA
ANT PWR
ENABLE
BLINK: BATTERY
STEADY: EXT DC
POWER LED
RF
AMP