NAB 2020 may be an idea of the past, but Deity Microphones hasn’t disappointed this year by releasing a new Firmware Update for the BP-TRX that takes its functionality to a whole new level.
New Firmware Update for the BP-TRX Transceiver
This little wireless system keeps getting more and more interesting as time progresses. They are always finding ways to update their firmware in order to keep the BP-TRX coming out of its case more and more. It is not only a wireless transmitter. It is also an IFB, a pocket recorder, a camera hop, and a Time Code Lock-it box.
The BP-TRX goes both ways
The BP-TRX is a “transceiver”. With the new 2.0 firmware update, it can both transmit and receive. This means you can use single-channel units as additional receivers on multi-camera shoots without any issues. One BP-TRX can transmit to up to 4 cameras now simultaneously (which was impossible before with a 2.4 GHz system).
Backup Recording Capabilities
The BP-TRX acts as the cheapest pocket recorder for situations when you need a backup recording. Simply switch an unused BP-TRX into RECORD MODE to record instead of transmitting. If you are purchasing an international unit, you will be able to record and transmit simultaneously. Here is an excerpt taken from Deity’s Website On The Recording Feature and Its Fail-Safe Procedures:
We built the BP-TRX with three safeguards to help prevent you from losing your valuable recorded audio files. The first safeguard is a built-in battery. This eliminates the fear of sudden power failure from a battery door being opened. Secondly the BP-TRX can predict the internal lithium battery’s power depletion curve so it knows when the battery is about to die, automatically saving the current recording before powering down the unit. Lastly we made it so that even if the power button is pressed in the middle of a recording the unit will stop the recording, save the file to the micro SD card, and then power down. Using the BP-TRX screen and button lock can prevent even this last type of user error.
- Max Card Size – 128Gb
- Card Type – microSD
- Card Format – FAT32, exFAT
- Max File Size – 2Gb; automatically keeps recording and creates new file
- File Type – 24bit/48kHz Uncompressed BWF WAV File
- Timecode – Int Free Run, Int Record Run, Ext Sync
- Framerates – 23.976ND, 24ND, 25ND, 29.97ND, 29.97D, 30ND, 30D
- Battery Life (In REC Only Mode) – 21Hrs
If you are curious as to why the BP-TRX cannot Record and Transmit at the same time in America, but it can everywhere else, check out this blog for more information.
Timecode
One of the coolest features of the BP-TRX Firmware Update is that is can also be operated as a standalone TC Box. When doing so the unit turns off its 2.4Ghz radios and goes into a low power mode so it can operate for +25Hrs.
- Accuracy – ±0.2ppm
- Drifts 1 frame every 24Hrs
- Jam to EXT timecode sources via the audio input
- 3.5mm locking TC output (uses industry-standard pinout)
- Manually generate INT TC
- Timecode Modes – INT Free Run, INT Record Run, EXT Sync
- Framerates – 23.976ND, 24ND, 25ND, 29.97ND, 29.97D, 30ND, 30D
- Battery life in TC Box mode – 25Hrs
BP-TRX Specifications:
- Transmit and record simultaneously*
- Multiple Boot Modes (TX + Recorder, RX mode, IEM mode, Camera Hop mode, Master TX mode, TC Box mode, and Audio Recorder only mode)
- Multiple RF Outputs (10mW, 25mW, 50mW, 100mW, AUTO)
- Guard Rail™️ Analog Limiter
- Variable Low Cut Filter – up to 200Hz
- Boost Audio Frequencies 7KHz – 20Khz
- Assign User ID’s to each transmitter
- 1.3″ OLED display
- Rugid metal build quality
- USB Digital Audio Output
- Record 24bit/48kHz BWF WAV files to MicroSD card
- Stereo 3.5mm Input
- Timecode accuracy of ±0.2ppm
- Output Timecode and audio at the same time** via the locking 3.5mm output jack
- ~12Hrs of battery life at 50mW***
- Headphone jack for setup monitoring and listening to playback****
- Screen and button auto-lock
- Firmware updatable
Deity BP-TRX units sold inside the USA will disable audio transmission when you hit record. Only internationally sold units will feature the ability to transmit and record simultaneously.
Deity BP-TRX units sold inside the USA will only output timecode and audio at the same time during TX setup monitoring or when the unit is set to RX mode or Camera Hop mode.
Deity BP-TRX units sold inside the USA will disable the headphone jack when you press record in TX+Record mode or Audio Recorder Only mode.
If these past few disclaimers are confusing, it is because there are intellectual property limitations due to patents. Learn more about why this is so here.