-16 16-CHANNEL CAMERA-MOUNTABLE UHF WIRELESS SYSTEM PRODUCT MANUAL
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING POLSEN. The Polsen ULW-16 and ULW-16-HL are 16-channel camera-mountable UHF wireless systems designed to transmit audio more than 100 feet. Engineered to be exceptionally quiet, and with many professional features like headphone monitoring, line input, and frequency agility, both systems are ideal for EFP (electronic field production), ENG (electronic news gathering), DSLR, and other video applications that can benefit from the advantages of a user-friendly wireless system.
The included windscreen can be used to reduce vocal plosives (pops) and wind noise, and the mics can be readily placed on a collar, necktie, or costume with the included tie clip. The ULW-16-HL system includes a sturdy, broadcast-quality handheld transmitter ideal for a variety of applications such as news reporting or recording interviews.
OVERVIEW Transmitter Receiver 18. 4. 16. 2. 17. 3. 1. 15. 24. 25. 9. 23. 20. 6. 19. 5. 21. 10. 26. 7. 22. 8. 11. 27. 12. 14. 13. 4 28.
Transmitter Receiver 1. Level control 15. Headphone-level control 2. TX LED 16. RF LED 3. Microphone input 17. Headphone output 4. Antenna 18. Antenna 5. Line-level input 19. Audio output (line level) 6. Channel indicator LED 20. Channel indicator LED 7. Channel up/down buttons 21. Channel up/down buttons 8. Battery compartment panel 22. Battery compartment panel 9. Belt clip 23. Locking wheel 10. Charging contacts 24. Mounting foot 11. PL4/PL5 omnidirectional microphone 25.
Handheld Transmitter 1. 1. Grille and windscreen 3. 2. Mic capsule 3. Anti-roll ring 2. 4. LCD display 4. 5. 6. 5. Channel indicator 6. Battery use meter 7. 7. Power switch 10. 9. Battery compartment 11. 8. 10. Channel selector button 9. 11. Gain level control 12. 6 8. Battery cover 12.
P R E C AU T I O N S • Exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Avoid listening at high volumes for extended periods of time. • Keep this product away from water and any flammable gases or liquids. • Handle this product with care. • Clean this product with only a soft, dry cloth. • Keep this product away from children. • Use only parts provided by the manufacturer. • All photos are for illustrative purposes only..
I N S TA L L I N G B AT T E R I E S The transmitter, receiver, and handheld transmitter are each powered by two AA batteries. To install the batteries, follow these steps: Transmitter and Receiver 1. Make sure the unit is turned off by rotating the control knob to the OFF position. 2. Gently squeeze the battery compartment panel by the arrows on both sides and pull out to swing the panel open. 3. Insert fresh batteries in the proper orientations. 4. Close the panel completely so it locks into place.
O P E R AT I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S Before you connect the system to your camera and talent, you should test and set initial parameters as detailed below: Test for interference 1. Test your RF environment before recording. To do this turn on only the receiver. If the RF LED is illuminated, then there is interference on this channel. Change the channel and repeat until you find a channel that is free of interference. Connect transmitter and receiver ULW-16 1.
b. Change the channel with short presses of the up or down buttons while the channel number is blinking. c. The channel number will continue to blink for 6 seconds. The channel number stops blinking to indicate that the channel has been selected. Note: If you experience interference or noise on one channel, try a different channel. If you are using multiple ULW-16 wireless systems, make sure each system is set to a different channel – at least three channels apart as a guard band. 4.
To select the channel on the ULW-16-HHT, follow these steps: a. Remove the battery compartment cover. b. Press and hold the SELECT button. The channel indicator on the LCD display will begin to blink. c. Change the channel with short presses of the SELECT button until the desired channel is selected. The channel indicator will continue to blink for 10 seconds and then stop indicating that the channel has been selected. d. Replace the battery compartment cover.
Note: When holding the ULW-16-HHT handheld transmitter, hold it in the middle of the transmitter body, not at the end where the antenna is located. Covering the antenna with your hand will degrade the transmission quality. MOUNTING Once you have determined that the transmission quality and level are good, mount the receiver and transmitter. Receiver 1. Loosen the receiver’s locking wheel and slide the mounting foot all the way into your camera’s shoe.
Transmitter (ULW-16 only) 1. Use the integrated belt clip to secure the transmitter to your talent. Use the included tie clip to place the microphone on your talent. 2. If you are connecting to a line-level source, use an appropriate cable to connect to the mono 3.5 mm jack. Note: The line-level input overrides the microphone input. The transmitter’s TX LED will glow red when the unit is transmitting, and the receiver’s RF LED will glow red when the unit is receiving a strong radio frequency signal.
TROUBLESHOOTING Because of the widespread use of wireless technology, many RF signals pervade our environment. This can sometimes make it challenging to work with a wireless system like the ULW-16. In some cases, you may be doing everything correctly and still be experiencing some difficulties. Included in this troubleshooting guide are some tools and tips for dealing with RF signals and interference. Problem Possible Cause Solution Comment The audio is noisy or distorted.
Problem Possible Cause Solution Comment The audio is noisy or distorted. This can include drop outs, white noise, bursts, pops, and clicks. The RF signal is weak. Make sure there is an unobstructed line of sight between the receiver’s and the transmitter’s antennas. Keep in mind that your body, wardrobe, and onstage sets are possible obstructions. If the RF light is blinking, the signal is not strong enough. Check the audio. The RF light should consistently glow red.
Problem Possible Cause Solution Comment The audio is noisy or distorted. This can include drop outs, white noise, bursts, pops, and clicks. The batteries are weak. Replace the batteries in the receiver and transmitter or handheld transmitter. Make sure to bring extra batteries with you. The unit will not turn on. The batteries are dead. Rechargeable batteries will save money over time and NiCad batteries generally have a longer performance time.
Problem Possible Cause There is no audio The audio levels or the audio is are too low. intermittent. Solution Comment Turn up the microphone level on the transmitter. The target level mark on the transmitter is a good start. Adjust the headphone level on the receiver and listen to make sure the signal is transmitting. Turn up the input levels on your camera, recording device, or mixer. Too much ambience is being picked up. The transmitter and receiver are set to different channels.
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S Transmitter C H . 1 584.400 MHz C H . 9 601.275 MHz C H . 2 587.500 MHz C H . 10 603.775 MHz C H . 3 589.575 MHz C H . 1 1 605.500 MHz F R E Q U E N C Y R E S P O N S E 60 Hz to 18 kHz R F O U T P U T P O W E R 10 mW S P U R I O U S R E J E C T I O N >55 dBc M A X I M U M I N P U T V O LTA G E 1,000 mV I N P U T 1/8″ (3.5 mm) P O W E R S U P P LY Two AA batteries O P E R AT I N G T I M E Approximately 8 hours D I M E N S I O N S 4.4″ × 2.6″ × 1.1″ (11.3 × 6.5 × 2.
PL-4 Microphone PL-5 Microphone Handheld Transmitter T R A N S D U C E R Back electret condenser T R A N S D U C E R Back electret condenser T R A N S D U C E R Dynamic P O L A R PAT T E R N Omnidirectional P O L A R PAT T E R N Omnidirectional P O L A R PAT T E R N Cardioid (Unidirectional) FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20 Hz to 20 kHz FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20 Hz to 20 kHz F R E Q U E N C Y R E S P O N S E 60 Hz ~ 18 kHz S E N S I T I V I T Y -45 dB ±3 dB S E N S I T I V I T Y -45 dB ±3 dB, 1.
O N E -Y E A R L I M I T E D WA R R A N T Y This Polsen product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs later.