Teradek Bolt 4K LT Series: Quick Start Guide

4K Zero-Delay Wireless System

The Bolt 4K LT is an entry-level wireless video system compatible with the Bolt 4K family. It transmits 10-bit, 4:2:2 HDR video up to 750, 1500, or 5000 feet line-of-sight over the 5GHz band. It supports multicasting to up to 6 receivers simultaneously and is compatible with HDR-10, PQ, and HLG standards. The system can also transport camera metadata, timecode, and record triggers.

What's Included

• 1x Bolt 4K LT Transmitter
• 1x Bolt 4K LT Receiver
• 1x Lightstand Adapter 1/4"-20
• 1x Hot Shoe Adapter
• 1x 2pin Connector to Power Tap - 18in Cable
• 1x Micro-USB (5pin) to USB Cable (Firmware)
• 2x Ultra Thin HDMI Male Type A (Full) - HDMI
• 2x 3G-SDI BNC to BNC Cable Length: 10in
• 1x 2pin Connector to 18W AC Adapter (Int) - 6ft
• 7x Antenna 2dBi WIFI 2.4/5.8GHz (Small Antenna)

Physical Properties

The Bolt 4K LT Transmitter (TX) and Receiver (RX) units share similar physical characteristics, with specific ports for input/output and power.

Transmitter (TX) Ports

• A: RP-SMA connectors (for antennas)
• B: 6-28V DC power input
• C: HDMI input
• D: 3G-SDI output
• E: 3G-SDI input
• F: OLED display
• G: Menu joystick
• H: Power switch
• I: USB port (not shown)

Receiver (RX) Ports

• A: RP-SMA connectors (for antennas)
• B: 6-28V DC power input
• C: HDMI input
• D: 3G-SDI output
• F: OLED display
• G: Menu joystick
• H: Power switch
• I: USB port (not shown)
• J: HDMI output

The diagram shows the layout of these ports on both the TX and RX units.

Power and Connect

1. Connect the video source output to the SDI or HDMI input (C or E) on the Bolt transmitter. Connect the Bolt receiver's SDI or HDMI output (D or J) to your monitor's video input.

NOTE: If mounting vertically above a monitor, use a right-angle SDI adapter to prevent cable strain and potential damage to internal connectors.

2. Attach four 2dBi antennas to the transmitter and five antennas to the receiver using the RP-SMA connectors (A). If using Horizontally Polarized "H" antennas, attach one "H" antenna to the front connector of the transmitter (near the display) and one 2dBi antenna to the opposite connector. For the receiver, attach the three 2dBi antennas to the center connectors and the two "H" antennas to the left and right connectors.
3. Connect power to both the transmitter and receiver using the included AC adapter, or attach compatible batteries (Gold or V mount) if battery plates are installed.

The image shows the transmitter and receiver units with multiple antennas attached.

Array Antenna Connection

For the Array Antenna, connect its three center connectors to the receiver's "V" labeled connections. Then, connect the left and right Array Antenna connectors to the receiver's "H" connections using the RP-SMA connectors. This configuration ensures optimal signal reception.

The diagram illustrates the "H-V configuration" for connecting the Array Antenna to the receiver.

Initial Setup

4. Move the power switches (H) on both the transmitter and receiver to the ON position. Video transmission should begin within a few seconds.

Power Connector/Pin-Out

The Bolt system uses a 2-pin power connector:

* Pin 1 is closest to the red dot on the connector.

The diagram shows the 2-pin connector and its pinout.

Custom/Third Party Cables

• Test power cable polarity with ONLY the power cable connected to the Bolt device. Do not connect video cables during this test.
• Ensure the power cable is checked for shorts and proper grounding.

CAUTION: Using a reverse polarity or improperly-constructed power cable can damage the product and is not covered under warranty.

Mounting

Bolt 4K LT devices feature a 1/4"-20 threaded hole on the bottom for mounting accessories like the included light stand adapter. The receiver also has an additional 3/8"-16 threaded hole.

• Mount the Bolt transmitter vertically, ensuring antennas are clear of obstructions.
• Orient the transmitter and receiver antennas so they are parallel to each other.
• For optimal performance, position the transmitter antennas for clear line-of-sight to the receiver.

The image shows examples of vertical mounting for both transmitters on cameras and receivers on light stands or monitors.

CAUTION: DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN SCREWS INSERTED INTO THE 1/4"-20 OR 3/8"-16 THREADED HOLES. Doing so can damage the device's chassis and internal components, voiding the warranty.

Mounting Array Antenna

The Array Antenna has three 3/8" threaded holes: one on the bottom for mounting and one on each side for yoke mount bracket assembly.

• Mount the Array Antenna vertically, keeping it clear of obstructions.
• Orient the transmitter and receiver so they are parallel to each other.
• For best results, orient the Array Antenna so its front (with the Teradek logo) has a clear line-of-sight to the transmitter.

CAUTION: DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN SCREWS INSERTED INTO THE RECEIVER'S 3/8" THREADED HOLES. Doing so can damage the receiver's chassis, voiding the warranty.

Array Antenna Receive Pattern

The Array Antenna has a built-in directional antenna. Its horizontal receive angle is 55° at 5,000 ft (1.5 km) and 104° at 4,000 ft (1.25 km). It is effectively omni-directional (360°) up to 500 ft (150 m). The vertical receive angle is 20° at any distance.

The diagram illustrates these angles and ranges.

Receiver Menu

Receiver Status Screens

Cycle through status screens or return from the menu by pressing the Menu joystick (G).

• Main Status Screen: Displays receiver status, video resolution, frequency, and link quality.
• Time Code Screen: Displays received time code.
• Info Screen: Displays current voltage and internal temperature.
• TX Info: Displays the name of the transmitter.

Menu Operation

Navigate the menu using the Menu joystick (G) or the Bolt App.

• Switch TX: Select a different paired transmitter.
• Wireless Settings: Configure wireless parameters.
  • Enable Fixed Frequency: Designate a specific non-DFS channel for a stronger connection in difficult environments.
  • Bandwidth: Choose between 20MHz and 40MHz options.
  • Frequencies: Select the frequency to use based on Fixed Frequency Mode.
• Spectrum Analyzer: View available frequencies.
• Signal Quality Graph: Assess signal quality and reliability.
• Pair: Pair your transmitter with another receiver.
• Unpair: Unpair transmitter and receiver.
• HDMI Settings: Select HDMI color output.

Other Menu Options

• Test Pattern: Output a video test pattern. Press left on the joystick to remove it.
• Audio Settings: Configure audio. 'Beep on REC' provides an audible alert when recording starts/stops. Mute Settings allow muting options.
• Bluetooth Settings: Enable or disable Bluetooth communication.
• Video OSD Settings: Control On-Screen Display (OSD) visibility. Options include 'Never show', 'Show when operating', 'Show when no video' (default), and 'Always show'.
• Display Settings: Control OLED display behavior (inversion, dimming, auto-off).
• Reset All Settings: Restore factory defaults.
• Device Info: View model and serial number.
• Firmware Versions: View current firmware versions.

Transmitter Menu

Transmitter Status Screens

Cycle through status screens or return from the menu by pressing the Menu joystick (G).

• Main Status Screen: Displays transmitter status, video resolution, frequency, and link quality.
• Info Screen: Displays current voltage and internal temperature.
• HDMI Status Screen: Displays the status of the HDMI signal.

Menu Operation

Navigate the menu using the Menu joystick (G) or the Bolt App.

• Wireless Settings: Configure transmitter wireless parameters.
  • Enable Broadcast Mode (MAX only): Extends range and allows unlimited receivers on non-DFS channels. Requires re-pairing TX and RX.
  • Enable Fixed Frequency: Designate a specific non-DFS channel for a stronger connection.
  • Bandwidth: Choose between 20MHz and 40MHz options.
  • Frequencies: Select the frequency to use based on Fixed Frequency Mode.
  • Video Quality: Balance range and reliability. Options include 'Longer Distance', 'Better Quality', and 'Low Power'.
• Pair: Pair your transmitter with another receiver.
• Unpair: Unpair transmitter and receiver.
• Bluetooth Settings: Enable or disable Bluetooth communication.
• Display Settings: Control OLED display behavior (inversion, dimming, auto-off).
• Reset All Settings: Restore factory defaults.
• Device Info: View model and serial number.
• Firmware Versions: View current firmware versions.

Bolt Manager

Bolt Manager is software for Mac and Windows that allows configuration, pairing, and upgrading of your Bolt device. It is available for download at teradek.com/pages/downloads. A standalone device version is also available for purchase. Note that configuration settings may vary between Bolt models.

Bolt App

Use the Bolt App to remotely manage and monitor all parameters of the Bolt 4K, including pairing, channel selection, and 3D LUTs.

Connect via Bluetooth

1. Download the Bolt App from the App Store.
2. Navigate to the Bluetooth menu on both the transmitter and receiver, then select 'Enable'.
3. Open the Bolt App on your iOS device and tap the 'Bolt Devices' button.
4. Select the device you wish to monitor.

Transmitter Status Display

The app displays real-time information. Tap the settings button (represented by a gear icon) to customize settings.

• Settings: Access menu items (shortcut to pg. 8).
• Status: Shows current input resolution, frequency, camera recording status, and temperature.

The app screenshot shows a spectrum graph and detailed status information for a transmitter.

Receiver Status Display

The app displays real-time information for the receiver. Tap the settings button (represented by a gear icon) to customize settings.

• Settings: Access menu items (shortcut to pg. 8).
• SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio): Compares signal power level to noise power level.
• Range (Quality/Range Analyzer): Displays transmission distance.
• Spectrum (Spectrum Analyzer): Detects congestion and available frequencies.
• Paired TX: Displays the name, link status, and input resolution of the paired transmitter.
• Status: Shows current output resolution, frequency, camera recording status, and temperature.

The app screenshot shows a spectrum graph and detailed status information for a receiver.