Question: How can I use remote antennas a long distance from the wireless receivers?

Answer: Using remote antennas for wireless microphones allows for better reception between the transmitters and receivers. Traditionally, we recommend using RG8X antenna cable to connect the antennas to the wireless microphone receivers. However, if the cable run is too long the signal may become degraded past the point of dependability. Using signal boosters such as the ATW-B80WB can help in this case, but as with many things, there is a tradeoff. When you boost the intended RF signal, you also boost the RF noise floor or unwanted RF noise. To combat this, add in band pass filters, which will greatly reduce RF signal outside of a designated spectrum, such as 470-560 MHz with the BPF470T560, thus lowering the RF noise floor outside the spectrum of your intended wireless transmission.

The tools mentioned above are great for maximizing wireless transmission performance at shorter distances, but some instances require an exceptionally long distance between the remote antennas and the wireless microphone receivers. In such cases you may need to use the RF Venue OPTIX1-S3-US or OPTIX2-S3-US low noise RF to fiber optic conversion system. These systems convert the RF signal from the remote antenna to a fiber optic line which may run several kilometers!

These distribution systems consist of a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. In a wireless microphone scenario, the remote antenna is connected to the transmit OPTIX with a traditional RF cable with a BNC connection. The RF signal is then converted to a digital optic signal and sent over a long ST/UPC terminated single mode fiber optic cable to the receiver OPTIX. The receiver OPTIX takes the digital optic signal and converts it back to a RF signal, which is then connected to either a wireless microphone receiver or an antenna distribution amplifier to send the signal to multiple wireless receivers.

The OPTIX systems operate in traditional wireless microphone spectrums, including VHF 175-213 MHz, UHF 470-698 MHz, and 900-960 MHz ranges. This allows these systems to be implemented with popular wireless microphone systems, including the Audio-Technica 3000 Series and 5000 Series. There are also additional controls on both the OPTIX transmitter and receiver such as DC output and gain including automatic gain control (AGC). Be certain to refer to the RF Venue OPTIX manual for proper setup and to avoid any misconfigurations prior to setup.

If you have further questions about integrating the RF Venue OPTIX systems into your RF system for extended distances, please contact the Audio Solutions Department.