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[BradPinder]

Hi All,

I've just pulled my g3 belt pack out after quite a period of non use, and cannot seem to get static free operation. when running the belt pack transmitter, we hear bad static (sounds like pink noise) whenever it is turned on both through the main mixer, and also throws headphones plugged directly into the receiver (this is whether the microphone is plugged into the transmitter or not). We have a number of handhelds also operating (4 G3s and 2 G4s) that are all operating fine, with frequencies set as per the sennheiser banks (static does not change with other units turned on or off, so i don't think it is intermodulation related). I have rescanned several times, tried the belt pack into a different receiver (including using the same frequency as a handheld was using no problems). I have removed the receiver from the antenna system and gone back to the 1/4 wave antennas, i have tried various squelch, power, and sensitivity settings; and have tried the pilot tone both on and off. I have even pulled a belt pack transmitter from a camera pack and tuned to the same frequency. I've run out of things to vary (the i can think of at least); is there anything that could influence a belt pack but not a handheld signal?

it has been a while since we have used the belt pack, but i'm pretty sure the level of static is not normal. Any advice greatly appreciated.

thanks

[Jason Glass]

Hi All,

I've just pulled my g3 belt pack out after quite a period of non use, and cannot seem to get static free operation. when running the belt pack transmitter, we hear bad static (sounds like pink noise) whenever it is turned on both through the main mixer, and also throws headphones plugged directly into the receiver (this is whether the microphone is plugged into the transmitter or not). We have a number of handhelds also operating (4 G3s and 2 G4s) that are all operating fine, with frequencies set as per the sennheiser banks (static does not change with other units turned on or off, so i don't think it is intermodulation related). I have rescanned several times, tried the belt pack into a different receiver (including using the same frequency as a handheld was using no problems). I have removed the receiver from the antenna system and gone back to the 1/4 wave antennas, i have tried various squelch, power, and sensitivity settings; and have tried the pilot tone both on and off. I have even pulled a belt pack transmitter from a camera pack and tuned to the same frequency. I've run out of things to vary (the i can think of at least); is there anything that could influence a belt pack but not a handheld signal?

it has been a while since we have used the belt pack, but i'm pretty sure the level of static is not normal. Any advice greatly appreciated.

thanks

You've obviously done the work to clearly determine that this specific TX device is malfunctioning.  G3 was discontinued on 7/1/2018.  If your TX is less than 2 years old, then of course you should pursue manufacturer support for that unit.  But don't expect anything for free after 1 year, especially for an officially obsolete model.  If it's older than that, then sadly, you've joined our old people's club of antique equipment owners.  There are so few failure points in these devices that are repairable, even by skilled SMD qualified bench techs, while they're currently offered products, that the manufacturers usually simply replace them or swap out entire PCB's.  Really, if it's beyond reflowing the solder on the the antenna terminals, volume pot pins, headphone jack pins, or battery contact pads, the pack is done and should be retired.

[BradPinder]

You've obviously done the work to clearly determine that this specific TX device is malfunctioning.  G3 was discontinued on 7/1/2018.  If your TX is less than 2 years old, then of course you should pursue manufacturer support for that unit.  But don't expect anything for free after 1 year, especially for an officially obsolete model.  If it's older than that, then sadly, you've joined our old people's club of antique equipment owners.  There are so few failure points in these devices that are repairable, even by skilled SMD qualified bench techs, while they're currently offered products, that the manufacturers usually simply replace them or swap out entire PCB's.  Really, if it's beyond reflowing the solder on the the antenna terminals, volume pot pins, headphone jack pins, or battery contact pads, the pack is done and should be retired.

Thanks Jason, interestingly enough i get the same issue with two different TX units, leading me to suspect that it is something more fundamental than a failed piece of hardware (unless both have failed in the same way). From a physics point of view i can't think of any interference that would affect the belt pack but not the handheld models though...

[Russell Ault]

Thanks Jason, interestingly enough i get the same issue with two different TX units, leading me to suspect that it is something more fundamental than a failed piece of hardware (unless both have failed in the same way). From a physics point of view i can't think of any interference that would affect the belt pack but not the handheld models though...

My recollection is that the G3 beltpack transmitters could be noisy with no source plugged in; is it possible that your microphone is toast? Do you have any other lavs (etc.) you could test the beltpack with?

The other thing to mention is that, depending on the application, the 3.5mm TRS connector on the beltpack (and the mic, for that matter) can be subject to corrosion, which can also cause noise (often intermittent). Spraying contact cleaner on the mic's plug, then inserting and giving it a good spin should take care of it if that is the problem.

-Russ

[Tim McCulloch]

Hi Brad-

These aren't B or C band, are they?

[JohnPinchin]

I used to suffer with similar static noises and occasional louder noise bursts when i used G2 wireless systems.     
I moved over shure but as I'm considering a change of my mics I had hoped the G3 and 4 would be better.   
Does the G4 have better reliability and fewer issues or is it a likely to be the same story if it's a small upgrade from the old technology.

[BradPinder]

My recollection is that the G3 beltpack transmitters could be noisy with no source plugged in; is it possible that your microphone is toast? Do you have any other lavs (etc.) you could test the beltpack with?

The other thing to mention is that, depending on the application, the 3.5mm TRS connector on the beltpack (and the mic, for that matter) can be subject to corrosion, which can also cause noise (often intermittent). Spraying contact cleaner on the mic's plug, then inserting and giving it a good spin should take care of it if that is the problem.

-Russ

Thanks Russ, that is the one thing that i haven't tried. i will test.

[BradPinder]

Hi Brad-

These aren't B or C band, are they?

Hi Tim, this is an A band unit. I am in Brisbane Australia, and it is all in our legal range.

[Ike Zimbel]

My recollection is that the G3 beltpack transmitters could be noisy with no source plugged in; is it possible that your microphone is toast? Do you have any other lavs (etc.) you could test the beltpack with?

The other thing to mention is that, depending on the application, the 3.5mm TRS connector on the beltpack (and the mic, for that matter) can be subject to corrosion, which can also cause noise (often intermittent). Spraying contact cleaner on the mic's plug, then inserting and giving it a good spin should take care of it if that is the problem.

-Russ

+1 I have had 2000 Series packs get noisy when the nut for the input jack got loose. Try backing the nut off and then tightening it again. Note that the contact cleaner may alleviate the issue for a while, but if the nut is loose it will come back. Doing both, cleaning and tightening, is your best bet.

[BradPinder]

+1 I have had 2000 Series packs get noisy when the nut for the input jack got loose. Try backing the nut off and then tightening it again. Note that the contact cleaner may alleviate the issue for a while, but if the nut is loose it will come back. Doing both, cleaning and tightening, is your best bet.

Thanks Ike, i will test later this week.

I'm enjoying your Signal to Noise podcast episode as well thanks 

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