Wireless Systems Guide For Antenna Setup (English)

ANTENNA SETUP

By Gino Sigismondi and Crispin Tapia

A Shure Educational Publication

WIRELESS

SYSTEMS

GUIDE

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Table of Contents

Antenna Setup

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Section One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Antenna Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Omnidirectional Antennas

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Unidirectional Antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Antenna Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Antenna Spacing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Antenna Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Antenna Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Antenna Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Passive Splitters (2 receivers)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Active Antenna Distribution

(3 or more receivers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Antenna Remoting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Antenna Combining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Multi-room Antenna Setups

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Antenna Combining for

Personal Monitor Transmitters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Quick Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Suggested Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Section Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2 receivers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3-4 receivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

5-8 receivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

9-12 receivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

13-16 receivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Large system: 50 channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Antenna combining:

2-4 systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

5-8 systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

9-12 systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

13-16 systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Remote antenna:

100 feet (

30 m) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

75 feet (

20 m) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

50 feet (

15 m) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

30 feet (

10 m) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

<30 feet (

10 m) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

About the Authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Introduction

The world of professional audio is filled with

transducers. A transducer is a device that converts

one form of energy to another. In the case of

microphones and loudspeakers, sound waves are

converted to electrical impulses, and vice versa.

The proliferation of wireless audio systems has

introduced yet another category of transducer to

professional audio, the antenna. As defined in the

ARRL (American Radio Relay League) Antenna

Book, “The purpose of an antenna is to convert

radio-frequency electric current to electromagnetic

waves, which are then radiated into space.”

Attached to a receiving device, antennas can also

work in the reverse fashion, converting the

electromagnetic wave back to an electric current.

This reciprocity is similar to the manner in which

a loudspeaker can also function as a microphone

when attached to an audio input.

As with any transducer, following certain

guidelines helps ensure maximum performance.

When dealing with radio frequencies in particular,

considerations such as antenna size, orientation,

and proper cable selection, are important

factors not to be overlooked. Without getting too

technical, this guide presents a series of good

practices for most typical wireless audio

applications. Note that these recommendations

only apply to professional wireless systems with

detachable antennas. For entry-level systems

with permanently affixed antennas, antenna

distribution and remote antenna mounting are

simply not possible.

One final note: These recommendations are

useful guidelines to help achieve satisfactory

performance from wireless audio systems, but

not hard-and-fast rules that need to be followed

to the letter. However, if a wireless system fails

to operate as expected, it is often due to the

disregard of several of these guidelines,

compounding the negative effects. Rarely

does a system fail to function if only a single

recommendation is overlooked!

SECTION ONE

ANTENNA TYPES

The size of an antenna is directly related to the

wavelength of the frequency to be received. The most

common types used in wireless audio systems are 1/4-

wave and 1/2-wave omni-directional antennas, and

unidirectional antennas.

Omnidirectional Antennas

The size of a 1/4-wave antenna is approximately

one-quarter of the wavelength of the desired frequency,

and the 1/2-wave is one-half the wavelength. Wavelength

for radio signals can be calculated by dividing the speed of

light by frequency (see “The Wave Equation”). For example,

a 200 MHz wave has a wavelength of approximately 6 feet

(2 m). Therefore, a 1/2-wave receiver antenna would be

about 3 feet (1 m) long, and a 1/4-wave antenna would be

about 18 inches (45 cm). Note that antenna length

typically needs to only be approximate, not exact. For VHF

applications, an antenna anywhere from 14-18 inches

(35-45 cm) is perfectly appropriate as a 1/4-wave

antenna. Since the UHF band covers a much larger range

of frequencies than VHF, 1/4-wave antennas can range

anywhere from 3 to 6 inches (7-15 cm) in length, so using

the proper length antenna is somewhat more important.

For a system operating at 500 MHz, a 1/4-wave antenna

should be about 6 inches (15 cm). Using an antenna

tuned for an 800 MHz system (about 3 inches, 7 cm,

in length) in the same situation would result in less than

optimum pickup. Wideband omnidirectional antennas

that cover almost the entire UHF band are also available

for applications where receivers with different tuning

ranges need to share a common antenna (see “Antenna

Distribution” page 9).

1/4-wave antennas should only

be used when they can be mounted

directly to the wireless receiver

or antenna distribution system;

this also includes front-mounted

antennas on the rack ears. These

antennas require a ground plane

for proper reception, which is

a reflecting metal surface of

approximately the same size as the

antenna in at least one dimension.

The base of the antenna must be

electrically grounded to the receiver.

The chassis of the receiver (or

distribution system) provides the

necessary ground plane. Do not use

a 1/4-wave antenna for remote antenna mounting.

A 1/2-wave antenna does not require a ground plane,

making it suitable for remote mounting in any location.

While there is a theoretical gain of about 3 dB over a

1/4-wave antenna, in practice, this benefit is seldom

realized. Therefore, there is no compelling reason to

“upgrade” to a 1/2-wave antenna unless remote antennas

are required for the application.

Unidirectional Antennas

A second type of antenna suitable for remote

mounting is a unidirectional, such as yagi or log periodic

antennas. Both types consist of a horizontal boom and

multiple transverse elements. They can provide up to 10

dB more gain than a 1/4-wave antenna, and can also reject

interfering sources from other directions by as much as 30

dB. Yagi antennas are rarely used in wireless microphone

applications due to their quite narrow bandwidth, usually

just a single TV channel (6 MHz). The log periodic antenna

achieves greater bandwidth by using multiple dipoles

whose size and spacing vary in a logarithmic progression.

A longer boom and more elements result in greater

bandwidth and directivity. Some unidirectional antennas

have built-in amplifiers to compensate for losses due to

long cable runs.

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

The Wave Equation

1/4 wave and 1/2 wave antennas: UHF range

Wideband

omnidirectional

antenna

With regard to wireless microphone applications,

unidirectional antennas are typically only employed in

UHF systems. Directional antennas are somewhat

frequency specific, so some care must be taken in

selecting the proper antenna to cover the required

frequencies. A directional VHF antenna is 3-5 feet

(1-2 m) wide (just like a roof-mounted television

antenna), which makes mounting a mechanically

cumbersome task. Note that these antennas should be

mounted with the transverse elements in the vertical

direction, rather than horizontal as in a television

application, because the transmitting antennas are

usually also vertical. Unidirectional antennas are

primarily used for long range applications. A minimum

distance of 50 feet (15 m) is recommended between

transmitter and unidirectional antennas.

ANTENNA PLACEMENT

Most wireless receivers have their primary antenna

inputs on the back of the receiver. Since diversity receivers

are discussed here almost exclusively, there will be both

an A antenna input and a B antenna input on the rear

panel of the receiver. BNC connections are most often

used for antenna inputs, although some older (primarily

VHF) systems may have used PL-259 connectors.

Rack-mountable receivers often provide pre-cut holes on

the rack ears to accommodate antenna connections for

front-mounting the antennas. Short coaxial cables and

bulkhead adapters with the proper connector type are all

that is needed to bring the antennas to the front.

When deciding where to mount antennas, always try

to maintain line of sight between the receiving and

transmitting antennas. For example, if the back of the rack

faces the performance area, then rear-mounting the

antennas will provide better line of sight. If the front of the

rack faces the performance area, then front-mounting may

be better, unless a front door to the rack needs to be

closed. Metal equipment racks will block RF from reaching

the antennas mounted inside. Rear-mounted antennas

may not work inside of a metal equipment rack. If the

receiver is not rack-mounted at all, then simply maintain

line of sight, that is, the receiving antennas should be

directly visible from the transmitting position.

Antenna Spacing

Antennas should be separated from each other by a

minimum of one quarter wavelength – about 16 inches (40

cm) for VHF units and about 4 inches (10 cm) for UHF

units. This helps ensure adequate diversity performance.

Diversity reception can be improved by separating

the antennas further, but beyond one full wavelength

the advantage becomes negligible. However, greater

separation may be useful if it results in more strategic

antenna location. For example, increasing separation to

ensure line-of-sight with at least one of the antennas from

any location in the room.

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

1/2 wave

(with amplifier)

log periodic

Summary:

• 1/4-wave antenna

–

must be mounted on

receiver; do not remote mount.

• 1/2-wave antenna

–

suitable for remote

applications.

• Unidirectional antenna

–

also suitable for

remote mount, provides additional gain.

VHF: 16”

UHF: 4”

Adequate spacing

Minimum: > 1/4 wavelength

Best: > 1 wavelength

Antenna Height

Receiver antennas should be clear of obstructions,

including human bodies, which can absorb RF. Therefore,

placing the antennas higher than “crowd level” (5 or 6 feet,

2 m, from the floor) is always recommended.

Antenna Orientation

Receiving antennas should be oriented in the same

plane as the transmitting antenna. Since th e transmitting

antenna is generally in the vertical position, receiving

antennas should also b e vertical. However, handheld

transmitter antennas, because of the dynamics of

live performers, can sometimes vary in position. As a

compromise, antennas can be placed at approximately a 45-

degree angle from vertical. Additionally, never orient antennas

horizontally! This sometimes occurs when antennas are

mounted on the back of the receivers, inside an equipment

rack where there is not enough clearance for vertical

orientation. If this situation arises, either obtain the necessary

parts to front-mount the antennas, or remote-mount them

outside the rack (see Antenna Remoting). Antennas must

always be kept clear of any metal surfaces by at least a few

inches and not touch or cross other receiving antennas.

Antenna distribution systems can help avoid some of these

problems, and they will be discussed in the next section.

ANTENNA DISTRIBUTION

Proper antenna distribution is key to achieving

optimum performance from multiple wireless systems

operating in the same environment. Stacking or rack

mounting wireless receivers results in many closely spaced

antennas, which is not only unsightly and a physical

challenge, but actually degrades the performance of

the wireless systems. Antennas spaced less than 1/4

wavelength apart disrupt the pickup patterns of one

another, resulting in erratic coverage. Additionally, closely

spaced antennas can aggravate local oscillator bleed,

which is a potential source of interference between closely

spaced receivers. Finally, for remote antenna applications,

antenna distribution is essential to keeping the number of

remote antennas and coaxial cable runs to a minimum.

Antenna distribution eliminates these issues by splitting the

signal from a single pair of antennas to feed multiple

receivers. Splitting can be accomplished by either passive

or active means.

Passive Splitters (2 receivers)

Passive splitters are inexpensive and do not require

any power to operate. Using a passive splitter results in a

signal loss of about 3 dB for every split. As a general

rule, no more than 5 dB of loss is acceptable between

the antennas and the receiver inputs. For this reason,

passive splitters should only be used for a single split (i.e.,

splitting a single antenna to two receivers). An additional

consideration with passive splitters is the presence of DC

voltage on the antenna inputs of some receivers. This

voltage is usually present for powering remote antenna

amplifiers directly off a receiver. If two receivers are

connected together with a passive splitter, each receiver

will “see” the voltage from the other receiver at its antenna

inputs. Depending on the design of the receiver, this may

be a problem. To avoid any potential damage, either use a

splitter that incorporates circuitry to block the voltage,

use an external DC blocker, or defeat the voltage on at

least one of the receivers.

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

✓OK

proper and improper antenna and receiver placement

Summary:

• Always maintain line-of-sight from

transmitting antenna to receiving antenna.

• Separate antennas by at least one-quarter

wavelength.

• Orient receiving antennas in the same

plane as transmitting antennas

(typically a 45-degree angle).

Active Antenna Distribution (3 or more receivers)

If distribution is needed for more than two systems,

an active antenna distribution system is recommended.

Active splitters require power to operate, but provide

make-up gain to compensate for the additional losses

resulting from multiple splits off the same antennas.

A typical active system will have 4-5 antenna outputs.

Many active antenna distribution systems will provide

power distribution to the receivers as well. Multiple active

distribution systems can be used together if more outputs

are needed, but this must be done carefully. A theoretically

perfect distribution system would provide unity gain from

input to output. In practice, the antenna outputs of an

active system may have as much as 1.5 - 2 dB of gain.

Over-amplification of the radio signal can cause unwanted

side effects, such as aggravated intermodulation products

and increased radio “noise”. To prevent these problems,

it is strongly recommended to not cascade antenna

distribution systems more than two deep. A better method

is to use a “master” antenna distribution system to split

the signal to a second tier of “slave” distribution systems.

All receivers are then connected to either the “master”

or “slave” distribution systems. Connecting receivers in

this manner keeps all the receivers closer to the pure

antenna signal.

Pay attention to the frequency bandwidth specified

for the antenna distribution system. They are typically

available in both wideband and narrowband varieties.

Wideband refers to a device that will pass frequencies

over a large range, typically several hundred Megahertz.

“Narrowband” devices may be limited to no more

than 20 or 30 MHz. Since these are active devices,

frequencies outside the bandwidth of the distribution

system will not pass on to the receivers.

ANTENNA REMOTING

As mentioned before, some installations require that

the antennas be removed from the receiver chassis and

placed in another location to ensure better line-of-sight

operation. Antennas can be placed outside of the rack on

microphone stands, wall brackets, or any other suitable

mounting device. As discussed before, receivers may

come supplied with either 1/4-wave or 1/2-wave antennas.

The 1/4-wave antennas rely on the receiver chassis to

maintain a ground plane, without which they lose their

effectiveness. Therefore, 1/2-wave antennas must be used

when remote-installing antennas. They do not require the

ground plane supplied by the receiver. Directional antennas

are obviously designed to be remote-mounted as well.

Because of RF loss issues in coaxial cables, it is

important to use the proper low loss coaxial cable. 50 ohm

low loss cable is typically used in wireless microphone

applications. Using 75 ohm cable results in additional loss

due to the impedance mismatch, but this may not be fatal

to the installation, since this loss is typically less than 1 dB.

Cable specifications from any manufacturer should list

a cable's attenuation (loss) at various frequencies in dB

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Antenna distribution: 4 receivers

Antenna distribution: 8 receivers (master/slave)

Summary:

• 2 receivers = passive antenna splitter

• 4 - 5 receivers = active antenna distribution

systems

• More than 5 receivers = multiple active

systems connected in a “master/slave”

arrangement

per 100 ft (30 m). Use this value to calculate the expected

loss at the receiver for the desired cable run. A loss of

between 3 and 5 dB of signal strength is considered

acceptable. If the cable run results in a loss of greater

than 5 dB, active antenna amplifiers must be used to

compensate in order to avoid poor RF performance. These

active amplifiers may provide a selectable amount of gain.

Power for these amplifiers is drawn from the receiver's

antenna inputs or the antenna distribution system. (Note:

Not all wireless microphone receivers have this voltage

present. Please consult the specifications ahead of time.)

The appropriate gain setting is determined by the loss in

the cable run. The amplifier is placed at the antenna, and

can usually be wall-mounted

or stand-mounted. In extreme

cases, two amplifiers can

sometimes be connected in-

line to achieve longer lengths.

Make certain the receiver or

antenna distribution system

can supply enough current

to power multiple antenna

amplifiers. Finally, as with active

distribution systems, realize

that antenna amplifiers are also

band-specific, available as both narrow or wideband.

Each connection between two sections of cable may result

in some additional signal loss, depending on the connector.

To increase reliability, use one continuous length of cable

to go from the antenna to the receiver. If antenna amplifiers

are being used, mount the antenna directly on the input

of the first amplifier, use one length of cable to go from

the amplifier to the second antenna amplifier (if needed),

and from the second antenna amplifier to the receiver.

Hint: Do not over-amplify the radio signal!

More is certainly not better in this case. Excess

amplification can overload the front-end of the

receiver, causing drop-outs and RF “bleed”

(one transmitter showing up on several

receivers) on an antenna distribution system.

Try to use only the amount of gain necessary to

compensate for loss in the cable. Net gain

should be less than 10 dB.

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Remote antenna amplifier

Summary:

• Always use 1/2-wave or directional

antennas for remote mounting.

• Use the proper low loss cable for the

installation.

• Use the required antenna amplifiers

to compensate for cable loss.

Coaxial antenna cable loss at VHF and UHF frequencies Antenna amplifiers

ANTENNA COMBINING

The converse of antenna distribution, antenna

combining, can be employed in one of two ways. With

wireless microphone systems, multiple antennas can be

combined together to feed a single receiver (or multiple

receivers with antenna distribution) to provide coverage

across multiple rooms or in extremely large spaces. For

wireless personal monitor systems, which usually consist of

rack-mounted transmitters, antenna combining is used to

reduce the number of transmitting antennas, i.e. the

antenna combiner allows all the transmitters to share a

common antenna.

Multi-room Antenna Setups

For multiple room coverage, use passive combiners.

Since they do not require power and are typically compact,

they can be located wherever necessary. A passive

combiner will typically result in at least 3 dB of loss, so be

sure to include this figure when calculating cable loss.

Multiple combiners can be used in series, if more than

two locations need to be covered, so long as enough

amplification is provided to make up for whatever additional

losses are incurred. For situations where more antenna

amplifiers are needed than can be effectively powered by

the receiver or antenna distribution system, additional bias

“Tee” power adapters must be used. These adapters allow

a bias voltage to be “injected” into the antenna cable.

It is important to keep multiple antennas feeding a

common receiver input as isolated from each other as

possible in order to minimize potential phase cancellation

that could result in signal dropout. Certain receiver designs

will be better equipped to deal with this situation than

others, but it is a worthwhile precaution nonetheless.

Antenna Combining for

Personal Monitor Transmitters

Antenna combining is crucial to obtaining optimal

RF performance from personal monitor transmitters.

Several closely-spaced, high-power transmitters suffer from

excessive intermodulation (a transmitter interaction that

produces additional frequencies) problems. In this case, a

passive combiner should be used for combining two

transmitters. For more than two, though, an active combiner

is recommended. An active antenna combiner will typically

accept between 4 to 8 transmitters. Unlike active antenna

distribution systems, which can be cascaded together for

larger setups, active antenna combiners should never be

“actively” cascaded. If

more than one combiner

is needed to combine all

the transmitters together,

a passive combiner

should be used to

connect two active

combiners together. As

always, be aware of any

extra losses incurred with

the passive combiners.

Similar to active

antenna distribution

systems, active combin-

ers also have a specified

frequency bandwidth.

Be sure to select the

proper bandwidth for

the given transmitter

frequencies.

= UA221

(passive combiner)

= UA820

(1/2 wave antenna)

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Multi-room coverage: 3 separate rooms – 6 antennas

UA830WB (RF amplifier)

UA221 (passive combiner)

Equipment

Rack

supply

Room C

Room B Room A

bias T (necessary for more than two amplifiers per line)

Multi-room coverage: 1 room divided by airwalls – 4 antennas

Room C Room ARoom B

Airwalls

Equipment

Rack

= UA830WB

(RF amplifier)

Active antenna combining

QUICK TIPS

The following tips are workarounds that can be used in situations where the proper accessories may not be readily

available. In most wireless microphone applications, there is rarely a single element that causes the whole system to fail,

but rather an aggregation of bad practices that leads to poor performance. With that in mind, employing one or two of

these “in a pinch” solutions is perfectly acceptable.

• For a remote antenna application when a 1/2-wave antenna is not available, a 1/4-wave antenna may be used,

as long as it is connected to an amplifier. Performance should be equal in effectiveness to a 1/2-wave antenna

remote-mounted with an amplifier.

• A 1/4-wave antenna can still be used in remote situations without an amplifier, but ONLY if a ground plane is

provided. The ground plane should be a metal surface that is at least 1/4-wavelength in diameter and grounded

to the BNC connector.

• Using 75-ohm cable is acceptable in remote antenna applications, and is more than likely less expensive than

50-ohm cable. Cable loss must still be taken into account.

• Antennas are designed to be sensitive to particular frequencies. Be sure to use the proper antenna for the

frequency of your wireless system. Antenna efficiency degrades somewhat outside of the designated frequency

range, but the slope is often gentle enough that the “wrong” antenna, if it is relatively close to the desired frequency

range, can be used with only minor attenuation of the RF signal. Note that VHF antennas should not be used for

UHF systems, and vice versa. Additionally, active antennas are strictly band-limited, and will not pass radio

frequencies outside of their specified frequency range.

• Dipole antennas designed for transmission of radio frequencies (as in wireless personal monitor systems), can

be used as receiver antennas (and vice versa), IF they are in the right frequency range. The same holds true for

passive directional transmitting antennas.

SUGGESTED READING

To learn more about antennas and wireless microphone applications, the following publications are highly

recommended:

The ARRL Antenna Book - 19th Edition

The National Association for Amateur Radio,

Newington, CT, 2000. ISBN: 0-87259-804-7

Selection and Operation of Wireless Microphone Systems

Tim Vear, Shure Incorporated, Niles, IL. AL25573, 2014

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

5-8 receivers

• (2) active distribution systems* w/4 outputs each

• (2) passive splitters

*Note: For 5 receivers, only 1 active splitter required

A antenna

B antenna

3-4 receivers

(1) active antenna distribution system w/4 outputs

2 receivers

(2) passive splitters

A antenna

B antenna

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SLX4

SECTION TWO

DIAGRAMS

See pages 7 and 8

for rear connections.

See pages 7 and 8

for rear connections.

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Large system: 50 channels (dual receivers)

(6) active distribution systems w/5 outputs each

A antenna

B antenna

9-12 receivers

(3) active antenna distribution systems w/4 outputs each

A antenna

B antenna

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

13-16 receivers

(5) active distribution systems w/4 outputs each

A antenna

B antenna

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SLX4

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

UA844

POWER

UHFANTENNA / POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

See page 10,

“Active Antenna Combining”

for rear connections.

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Antenna combining: 5-8 systems

(1) 8-to-1 active combiner

Antenna combining: 2-4 systems

(1) 4-to-1 antenna combiner

345678

PA821

PSM Antenna Combiner

470-870 MHz.

50 OHMS

ACTIVE COMBINER

MAIN OUT

INPUT SIGNAL

A IN B IN A+B OUT

POWER

Shown: Shure PA821

with built-in 2-to-1

passive combiner

345678

PA821

PSM Antenna Combiner

470-870 MHz.

50 OHMS

ACTIVE COMBINER

MAIN OUT

INPUT SIGNAL

A IN B IN A+B OUT

POWER

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Antenna combining: 13-16 systems

(2) 8-to-1 active combiners

with 2-to-1 passive combiner

Antenna combining: 9-12 systems

• (1) 8-to-1 active combiner with

2-to-1 passive combiner

• (1) 4-to-1 active combiner

* For 9 systems, 4 input

combiner not needed.

345678

PA821

PSM Antenna Combiner

470-870 MHz.

50 OHMS

ACTIVE COMBINER

MAIN OUT

INPUT SIGNAL

A IN B IN A+B OUT

POWER

345678

PA821

PSM Antenna Combiner

470-870 MHz.

50 OHMS

ACTIVE COMBINER

MAIN OUT

INPUT SIGNAL

A IN B IN A+B OUT

POWER

Shown: Shure PA821

with built-in 2-to-1

passive combiner

345678

PA821

PSM Antenna Combiner

470-870 MHz.

50 OHMS

ACTIVE COMBINER

MAIN OUT

INPUT SIGNAL

A IN B IN A+B OUT

POWER

345678

PA821

PSM Antenna Combiner

470-870 MHz.

50 OHMS

ACTIVE COMBINER

MAIN OUT

INPUT SIGNAL

A IN B IN A+B OUT

POWER

Shown: Shure PA821

with built-in 2-to-1

passive combiner

345678

PA821

PSM Antenna Combiner

470-870 MHz.

50 OHMS

ACTIVE COMBINER

MAIN OUT

INPUT SIGNAL

A IN B IN A+B OUT

POWER

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Remote antenna – 75 feet,

Remote antenna – 50 feet,

Remote antenna – 100 feet,

Net Gain Calculation

Antenna 0 dB

Amplifier +10 dB

100’ RG213 Cable - 7 dB

Net Gain +3 dB

✓

Net Gain Calculation

Antenna 0 dB

Amplifier #1 + 3 dB

Amplifier #2 +10 dB

75’ RG8X Cable -10 dB

Net Gain +3 dB

✓

Net Gain Calculation

Antenna 0 dB

Amplifier +10 dB

50’ RG8X Cable - 6 dB

Net Gain +4 dB

✓

Amp # 1

Amp # 2

100 ft. (30 m) - RG213

25 ft. (7 m) - RG8X

50 ft. (15 m) - RG8X

30 m

20 m

15 m

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Remote antenna – <30 feet, 10 m

Remote antenna – 30 feet,

Net Gain Calculation

Antenna 0 dB

Amplifier +3 dB

25’ RG8X Cable - 3 dB

Net Gain +0 dB

✓

Net Gain Calculation

Antenna 0 dB

6’ RG58 Cable - 1 dB

Net Gain -1 dB

✓

30 ft. (10 m) - RG8X

6 ft. (2 m) - RG8X

10 m

Many more system diagrams are available in the Shure Knowledge Base at

www.shure.com/support.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Gino Sigismondi

Gino is a Shure Associate since 1997 and has been

active in the music and audio industry for over twenty

years. In addition to his work as a live sound and

recording engineer, Gino’s experience also includes

performing and composing. Gino earned his BS

degree in Music Business from Elmhurst College, where

he was a member of the Jazz Band, as both guitar

player and sound technician. Currently leading the

Systems Support group at Shure, Gino and his team

provide technical support for high-end Shure wireless

and conferencing products that rely on software,

firmware, and networking. Additionally, he conducts

training seminars for Shure customers, dealers,

distribution centers, and internal staff.

Crispin Tapia

Crispin Tapia is a Systems Support Engineer at

Shure Incorporated. He has been active in the Chicago

music scene for many years as a performer, and has

experience in live sound engineering and studio

recording. He has earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in

Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago,

and a Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Engineering from

Columbia College Chicago. His responsibilities at

Shure Incorporated include providing technical support

via phone, email, web forums, live chats, etc., and

conducting product training seminars to Shure dealers,

Shure staff, and end users. Since joining Shure in 1996,

Crispin has authored several educational booklets,

numerous FAQ’s, and has presented on technical

audio topics for professional trade organizations such

as NAMM, WFX, and the GRAMMY

Foundation.

ANTENNA SETUP

Wireless Systems Guide for

Additional Shure Audio Institute Publications Available:

Printed or electronic versions of the following guides are available free of charge. To obtain your

complimentary copies, call one of the phone numbers listed below or visit www.shure.com.

• Microphone Techniques for Recording

• Microphone Techniques for Live Sound Reinforcement

• Selection and Operation of Audio Signal Processors

• Selection and Operation of Personal Monitor Systems

• Selection and Operation of Wireless Microphone Systems

• Audio Systems Guide for Video and Film Production

• Audio Systems Guide for Houses of Worship

• Audio Systems Guide for Meetings and Conferences

Application and Product Videos:

The Official Shure Incorporated YouTube channel can

be found at www.youtube.com/user/shureinc.

The Shure YouTube channel includes many

how to

videos, product descriptions and features, artist and

engineer interviews, as well as other valuable content

to help microphone users and audio professionals

stay on top of advancements and get the most out of

their audio equipment.

Our Dedication to Quality Products

Shure offers a complete line of microphones and wireless microphone systems for everyone

from first-time users to professionals in the music industry–for nearly every possible application.

For over nine decades, the Shure name has been synonymous with quality audio.

All Shure products are designed to provide consistent, high-quality performance under the

most extreme real-life operating conditions.

AL32312 04/16

Asia, Paciﬁc:

Shure Asia Limited

22/F, 625 King’s Road

North Point, Island East

Hong Kong

Phone: +852-2893-4290

Fax: +852-2893-4055

Email: [email protected]

www.shureasia.com

United States, Canada,

Latin America, Caribbean:

Shure Incorporated

5800 West Touhy Avenue

Niles, IL 60714-4608 USA

Phone: +1 847-600-2000

Fax: +1 847-600-1212 (USA)

Fax: +1 847-600-6446

Email: [email protected]

www.shure.com

Europe, Middle East, Africa:

Shure Europe GmbH

Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12,

75031 Eppingen, Germany

Phone: +49-7262-92490

Fax: +49-7262-9249114

Email: [email protected]