SACOM FAQ
Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
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Misc.

SACOM Remote Operating Systems:

SACOM Remote software runs under MS Windows XP and MS Windows 7 (both 32 and 64 bit).

Sacom vs DECT

Mission Critical Reliability

Encryption

High Channel Count

Extension Antennas

Do the analog, mixed, and digital audio outputs all work at the same time?

Yes!

What is the phantom-power rating for the belt-packs?

5 volts (5V) is the electret bias voltage (sometimes called “phantom power”) rating for the belt-packs TA4 microphone connector.

What is the phantom power rating for the antennas?

Antenna phantom power is 3.3 V. Note: Some aftermarket antennas, like yagi antennas, are designed to produce a DC short to ground. Use SACOM Remote software (Settings tab) to turn off the phantom power before connecting these types of antennas.

Will daisy-chained antennae keep passing signal if one of the receivers fails?

There is an amp inside every receiver that overcomes the antenna loss that occurs as the units are daisy-chained together. If one of the amps in a receiver fails, or if a receiver power supply goes down, the antenna signal will not be transmitted to the receivers below.

Do the receivers get hot in the rack (power dissipation)?

The SACOM 8-module receiver draws about 12 Watts of power. This is about ½ the power required to run a typical 2-channel analog receiver. Another way to say it is that eight channels of typical analog receivers will draw about 8 times the power compared to a SACOM 8-channel system. SACOM systems reduce power consumption, reduce heat in the rack, and reduce air-conditioning costs.

Batteries

Do the transmitters work in the charger?

• Case 1. If the transmitter is in the docking station, the RF automatically mutes.
• Case 2. If a single transmitters is connected to the USB port on a computer, it will transmit (with or without batteries) and it    will charge if there are NiMH batteries installed.
• Case 3. If the transmitter is connected to a wall wart USB charger, it will transmit (with or without batteries) and it will charge    if there are NiMH batteries installed.

What happens if I accidentally put alkaline batteries in the charger?

The system checks the battery type before starting the charging cycle. It only charges NiMH batteries. Other batteries will not be charged.

What is the battery life of a transmitter with 2500 mWH NiMH batteries?

For all transmitters except goosenecks with transmitter power setting at:
1 mW = 6 hours typical
10 mW = 5.5 hours typical
25 mW = 5 hours typical
50 mW = 4.5 hours typical

For goosenecks with transmitter power settings at:
1 mW = 12 hours typical
10 mW = 11 hours typical
25 mW = 10 hours typical
50 mW = 9 hours typical

NOTE: All transmitters hold two AA batteries, except gooseneck transmitters, which hold 4 AA batteries.

How long does it take to recharge the batteries?

SACOM transmitters recharge dead batteries overnight. Faster charging cycles increase the heat within the transmitter that could eventually reduce reliability. Inexpensive aftermarket NiMH battery chargers are commonly available anywhere batteries are sold. SACOM recommends that a spare set be keep charged as backup.