The Cintenna is a great tool when looking to transmit WIRELESS DMX data over obstacles or hard to reach places. Wireless DMX can have its issues when not having a good line of sight between the transmitter and receiver or when dense obstacles such as water and concrete come into play. One way to ensure the highest quality signal strength is to check that there is no damage to the antenna or the antenna connector on either the receiver or transmitter. This document will cover an instance where the antenna connector was damaged and must be replaced. Follow these instructions step by step to replace the damaged antenna connector with a new one without compromising anything else inside the unit.
BATTERY CINTENNA ***Before opening any Cintenna, contact RatPac to confirm that the issue at hand cannot be resolved by simple antenna replacement and that warranty will not be voided by opening Cintenna chassis.*** Step 1: Begin opening the Cintenna by removing the 4 screws on each corner or the back of the chassis. Once the Cintenna is open the internals should look like so. (See Fig. 1) Once opened, you can begin unplugging the connections from the XLR and battery to expose the circuit board and components. Fig. 1 This shows the internals of the battery Cintenna without the connecting XLR Fig. 2 shows where and how the XLR connection is prior to removal.
Step 2: Now that you have removed the XLR back plate and battery you can continue to make room for circuit board removal by taking off both the black foam and Double sided tape that is placed on opposing sides of the chassis. The removal can be done by hand or pliers if necessary. Once the antenna connection to the circuit board is exposed, inspect the connector and antenna wire for any loose connections or tears. Notice the rotation of the wire as it is connected to minimize stress, this will be the proper re installation lay out of the wire when repair is completed. **These inserts are in place for the protection of internal battery and will have to be replaced upon completion of repair.**
Fig.3 Shows the Cintenna chassis with all connections removed, exposing the circuit board and remaining foam inserts. Fig. 4 Now that the foam inserts are removed, the antenna connection to the circuit board can be clearly seen for inspection. Step 3: Now that the circuit board and antenna connections are exposed, remove the two (5/32) nuts that are securing the circuit board down to the chassis. The nuts are fastened on the two black screws that are inserted through the chassis from the front face of the Cintenna and through the circuit board. Carefully pull the circuit board out of the chassis at an angle so that the LED indicators sitting in the holes are not damaged and just enough so that the antenna connection to the board may be removed. If there is hot glue on the connector, remove very carefully with needle nose pliers by pulling the antenna connector straight up and away from the board. Once the Circuit Board is removed, proceed by removing the (5/16) nut on the antenna connector and sliding in a new antenna connector. There should be a silver lock washer on the connector that remains on the inside of the chassis and a gold washer on the outside of the chassis, securing the (5/16) nut.
Fig. 5 Here you can see that the antenna connection to the circuit board is covered in hot glue to ensure a good connection. Remove carefully with needle nose pliers. Fig. 6 The antenna connector slides in and out of the hole at the top of the chassis. It requires a silver lock washer on the inside of the chassis and a gold lock washer on the outside Step 4: Now that the antenna connector has been replaced, reconnect the antenna wire to the board by carefully pressing straight down on the connection until you feel it click firmly into place. Be sure that the connector wire is facing at a slight angle but not rubbing up against any
other components beside it. (Fig.7) With the connection is secure and in position, re apply hot glue over to ensure that it does not move once dried. With the connections secured down you can now re insert the circuit board inside the chassis at an angle so as not to damage the signal strength L.E.D. s that will be lining up inside the face plate holes of the Cintenna chassis. When re securing the circuit board with the 2 black screws and risers, tighten the risers half way to allow minor adjustments need in future step.
Fig. 7 Here you can see the angle at which the antenna wire is connected to the board. Keep the connector away from the board components, pointed out with the needle nose pliers. Fig 8. This picture shows the amount of thread left unsecure when re installing the circuit board. This slack allows for the adjustments needed when final nuts secure the circuit board down.
Step 5: With the antenna connector replaced and the connection to the circuit board completed, re insert and align the circuit board inside the chassis. Make sure that the antenna wire is looped correctly and free of any sharp bends or tension of any kind. (fig. 4) With the board in place, align all L.E.D. s with holes in the front of the chassis and center the push buttons located on the side of chassis label RF LINK & POWER. Hold the board in place and secure it down to the chassis with the (5/32) nuts and the two black screws on going through the faceplate. Now that the board is secure, re insert the foam piece and tape which will protect the battery when installed. Plug battery back into the circuit board with the wire leads facing the black foam. Plug in XLR connector and close chassis. **BE SURE TO AVOID CLOSING CHASSIS
ON BATTERY WIRES** NON-BATTERY CINTENNA
Step 1: Remove 4 screws located on each corner of the back of the Cintenna and open the chassis. Begin by unplugging RF Link, Power and XLR connector in that order. Take note of how the connectors are installed so that they me be re inserted correctly upon completion of repair. Fig. 1- Here you can see the wire orientation of the XLR connector and components. Step 2: With the XLR back plate out of the way, loosen up the nuts and remove both the charging port (3/8) and the RF Link button (9/16). Once both components are removed, loosen the (5/8) nut on the outside of the chassis for the antenna connector for removal. Now
remove the nuts securing the circuit board down to the chassis and pull out the board just enough to remove antenna wire connection. Re attach the new antenna connector and apply hot glue on the wire connector in the position shown before proceeding to secure new antenna connector with (5/8) nut. Be sure to include the lock washer on the outside of the chassis when installing the new antenna connector. Fig. 2- Remove the black plastic nut (9/16) for the RF link button. Do not over tighten when re installing or the button push action will not be smooth. Also remove the silver nut for the charging port (3/8) Fig. 3 The antenna connector should have a lock washer on the outside on the chassis before the (5/8) nut. Step 3- Now that the new antenna connector is installed, re secure the circuit board down to the chassis while making sure that the antenna wire is still Fig 4- Notice the routing of the antenna wire as well as the direction that the connector is facing once secured. Fig. 5- Be sure to run the blue and white wires for the XLR connector underneath the wires for the charging port.
looped and free of tension. Be sure to apply hot glue over the antenna wire connector once installed. Tighten down the nuts on the circuit board and begin to re install the RF link button and the charging port. Once all components are re installed, plug the XLR, RF Link and charging port back into the circuit board. Close the chassis and be mindful not
pinch any of the components wiring.