Lectrosonics Octopack – Portable Multicoupler for SR Series Receivers (Mid / Blocks 21-29) Lectrosonics

To address an increasing demand for more wireless channels in location production, the Octopack combines up to four SRa Series compact receivers into a lightweight, rugged assembly with self-contained power supply and antenna signal distribution. This powerful 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 ultra quiet RF amps plus isolated and optimally matched signal paths through the circuitry to ensure equal performance from all connected receivers. In addition, the amplifiers used must be high overload types to avoid generating IM (intermodulation) within the multicoupler itself. Octopack meets these requirements for RF performance.

Features:

• Modular configuration accommodates up to four SRa Series compact receivers
• High performance antenna multicoupler with isolated outputs
• Switchable antenna power for remote coaxial RF amplifiers
• Discrete power distribution with individual protective fusing
• External DC or onboard battery powering
• Automatic power source switching triggered by voltage comparator
• Machined aluminum chassis for sound cart or portable bag use

Octopack meets the requirements for professional quality RF signal distribution with the use of ultra quiet RF amps plus isolated and optimally matched signal paths through the circuitry to ensure equal performance from all connected receivers. The amplifiers provide a very high overload threshold to avoid generating IM (intermodulation) within the multicoupler itself.

The wide bandwidth of the antenna multicoupler allows the use of SRa Series 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 Unislot 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 antenna 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 housing is constructed of machined aluminum with a reinforced rear/bottom panel to protect the batteries and power jack. The front panel includes two rugged handles that protect the connectors, receiver front panels and antenna jacks.

Powering Options
The rear/bottom panel provides a locking power jack and mounting for two L or M style rechargeable batteries. The batteries must be charged separately with the charger supplied by the manufacture as there is no charging circuitry in the Octopack.
When batteries and external DC are both connected, power is drawn from the source with the highest voltage to allow the batteries to function as a backup to the external power. If the external source fails, the batteries will immediately take over and the power LED will blink slowly. For reliability, the switching is handled by circuitry rather than a mechanical switch.

Audio Outputs
Eight balanced outputs are provided on the side panel of the multicoupler. When the receivers operate in a 2-channel mode, each jackprovides a separate audiochannel. In the ratio diversity mode, the receivers arepaired, so both output jacksdeliver the same audiochannel.

The connectors are standard TA3M types, with the same pinout numbering as XLR connectors.