Teradek User Guide

Bolt 7 Quick Start Guide

Updated on

Bolt 7 combines Teradek's Zero-Delay wireless video technology with a dedicated data radio for camera control, live color management, and telemetry. The transmitter and receiver support video resolutions up to 4Kp60 over the 5GHz and 6GHz bands, while the dedicated data link connects compatible Ethernet and USB devices without requiring a separate Wi-Fi network. USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode provides additional video connectivity for compatible cameras, phones, and monitors. A full-color OLED display, customizable Quick Actions, and built-in diagnostic tools help you adjust settings, monitor connections, and troubleshoot on set. Bolt 7 also supports direct wired pairing between the transmitter and receiver to simplify setup.

Table of Contents

Bolt 7 XT TX/RX - What's Included

  • Bolt 7 Transmitter and Receiver
  • (Bit 118) 2pin Conn. to PowerTap - 18in Cable
  • SDI 12G BNC to BNC Cable Length: 18in / 46cm
  • 5 pin to USB-C - 12in Cable
  • DP ALT Mode USB-C Straight to USB-C Straight Cable, 36in
  • 5 pin to USB-C - 36in Cable
  • PSU 2pin Conn. to 36W AC Adapter (Int) - 6ft Cable
  • Antenna 916Mhz whip straight sma male
  • Antenna 868Mhz whip straight sma male (For EU only)

 

Physical Properties

1. 2dBi Flexible H-antenna6. Data radio antenna
11. 10-28V DC power input
2. 2dBi Flexible V-antenna7. DP Alt USB-C
12. 5-pin USB port
3. Front panel display8. HDMI input
13. HDMI output
4. Power button9. SDI output

5. Menu joystick
10. SDI input

Power and Connect

  1. Connect power to the Bolt 7 transmitter and receiver with the included A/C adapter, or if both devices are equipped with battery plate accessories, attach a compatible battery (Gold or V-mount).
  2. Connect the output from your video source to either the SDI or HDMI input on the Bolt transmitter.
  3. Connect either the SDI or HDMI output from the Bolt 7 receiver to the video input on your monitor. NOTE: If you mount the receiver upright on a stand above the monitor, use a right-angle SDI adapter to relieve strain from the cable's weight and avoid damaging the SDI output’s internal connectors.
  4. Press and hold the Power button to power on the unit.

Pairing

Bolt 7 transmitters and receivers purchased as a set come paired and ready to use. Pair separately purchased units using the new Wired pairing feature, the front-panel menu, Bolt Manager, or the Bolt App. Wired pairing lets you pair a transmitter and receiver by connecting them with the included 5-pin to USB-C cable. Use Bolt Manager or the Bolt App to pair multiple receivers with one transmitter. Note: Before pairing, confirm that both units run the same firmware version and have Bluetooth enabled.

Wired Pairing

  1. Power on the Bolt 7 transmitter and receiver.
  2. Connect the transmitter and receiver using the included 5-pin to USB-C cable.
  3. Wait five seconds for the devices to pair automatically.
  4. Open the Paired Devices menu to confirm that pairing is complete.

Via Front Panel

  1. Using the Menu Joystick, navigate to the Pairing menu on the receiver.
  2. Select the type of device you will be pairing with: Bolt 7, Bolt 4K, or Bolt 6.
    Bolt 7:
    The receiver will search for nearby discoverable Bolt 7 transmitters. Make sure your Bolt 7 transmitter is in Discoverable mode. 
    Bolt 4K/6: The transmitter will scan for a receiver within range and automatically pair with it.

3.     Once paired, the front panel will indicate whether or not Pairing is successful.

Pairing Tips
If you’re having trouble getting units to pair, we recommend keeping the transmitter and receiver six feet apart when pairing. Keep all other RF devices nearby turned off or out of range to ensure the transmitter and receiver are only detecting each other. To eliminate any chance of interference, perform the Wired Pairing process via Bolt Manager.

Via Bolt App

  1. Open the Bolt App from your iOS or Android device, then tap the Pairing button.
  2. Select the transmitter you wish to pair, then tap the Next button.
  3. Select the receiver(s) you wish to pair with the transmitter, then tap the Pair! button. The Bolt App will indicate when the pairing process is complete.

Via Bolt Manager

  1. Connect both the transmitter and receiver(s) to your computer (Windows/Mac) via USB.
  2. Open Bolt Manager, select the Pairing tab, then tap the Wired Pairing button.
  3. Select the devices you want to pair, then click the Pair Devices button. Bolt Manager will indicate whether or not Pairing is successful.

Power Cables

2-Pin Power Connector
Bolt devices use a locking 2-pin power connector similar to the 0B 302 series LEMO connector.

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

Input Voltage: 10-28V DC
Max Power Consumption: 20W (TX) and 18W (RX)

Custom/3rd Party Cables

  • Test the power cable polarity with ONLY the power cable connected to Bolt. Do not connect video cables.
  • Check the power cable for shorts and proper grounding.

12G-SDI Input/Output Cables
Bolt 6 XT units require the use of 12G-SDI cables to reliably transport 12G video signals, and are included as a standard item. Ensure that your cables are rated for compatibility with your camera's output.

CAUTION: 
Using a reverse polarity or improperly−constructed power cable can damage the product and is not covered under warranty. To prevent the inputs from being damaged, best practice is to plug in the power cable first, THEN connect the video cable from the camera before powering on the TX unit. 

TX/RX Configuration Menus

Wireless Settings

Band/Frequencies - Use the Band/Frequencies menu to select the wireless band and operating frequencies.

The Band menu (right panel) lets you select 5GHz or 6GHz . The 5GHz band allows higher output power, while 6GHz generally experiences less interference. Available bands and frequencies depend on your operating region.

Choose which frequencies Bolt 7 can use in the Frequencies menu (left panel). Select multiple frequencies for automatic selection, or one frequency when Fixed Frequency Mode is enabled on both units. DFS frequencies require a one-minute scan before use. . Refer to the Frequencies By Region chart for available options.

Bandwidth - Select 40MHz or 20MHz to balance video quality and interference. Set the transmitter and receiver to the same bandwidth.

  • 20MHz - Allows more systems to operate simultaneously with less chance of interference, but reduces maximum video quality. Recommended for HD transmission only.
  • 40MHz - (Default) Offers the best video quality and most robust transmission, but provides fewer available channels and is more susceptible to interference.

Note: 20MHz mode supports up to 1080p60 and downscales 4K signals up to 4K30 to 1080p before transmission. It does not support 4K50/59.94/60.

Video Quality (Transmitters Only) - Adjust the balance between video quality, transmission range, and power consumption.

  • Auto Mode  (Default) Automatically adjusts antenna use based on range and signal quality.
  • Long Range Mode  Prioritizes range with a slight reduction in maximum video quality.
  • Medium Quality Mode  Improves video quality at the expense of range.
  • High Quality Mode  Provides the highest video quality for complex, high-contrast scenes.
  • Low Power Mode  Reduces transmitter power consumption and transmission range.

Fixed Frequency - Enable Fixed Frequency Mode on both units to use a single frequency for faster linking and reconnection. Select an available non-DFS frequency under Frequencies, and use the Spectrum Analyzer to find the least congested option. Disable this mode to allow automatic frequency selection.

  1. Non-DFS and non-6GHz channels
  2. Specific non-DFS 5GHz channels

NOTE: By default, Bolt 6 XT will select the lowest available frequency from the Frequencies list if one has not been selected beforehand.

Enable Broadcast Mode (Bolt 7 MAX only) - Enable Broadcast Mode to extend transmission range and send video to an unlimited number of previously paired Bolt 7 MAX receivers without back-channel communication.

  • Disabled (Standard Multicast Mode)  Maintains two-way communication between the transmitter and receivers to optimize frequency usage and video transmission.
  • Enabled  Extends transmission range by disabling back-channel communication and sends video to an unlimited number of previously paired Bolt 7 MAX receivers. Use a Bolt Panel Antenna for additional range.

Note: Bolt 7 750 and 1500 receivers cannot connect in Broadcast Mode and display Broadcast Not Supported.

Video/Audio Settings

RX Video Settings

1D/3D LUT Settings  - Apply a LUT to preview color adjustments on your video output. Display the look in Full or Split-screen mode, and use Bolt Manager to add and save additional LUTs from your computer.

  • 1D/3D LUT Presets - Select a specific look from the list of 3D LUT presets.
  • 1D/3D LUT Mode - Select whether the look is applied to the entire video output (Full Screen) or
    half (Split Screen).

Output Format (Coming soon) - Select Same As Input to match the video sources resolution, or choose a specific resolution from the list. Select SD, HD, or 6G-UHD to adjust the output resolution while maintaining the sources frame rate, such as when displaying 4K video on an HD monitor. Enable Continuous Output to maintain a constant output signal if the wireless link is interrupted, particularly when using a monitor or recorder sensitive to signal changes. Note: Continuous Output adds a small delay to the video output.

HDMI - Bolt 7 supports all HDMI output modes. You can select an option form the list provided.

Background - Choose what the receiver displays when no video is available. Select Black, Blue, or Yellow for a solid-color background, or No Video to disable the output.

Input/Output Range - Adjust the video signal range to maintain correct black and white levels. Select Full or Legal for Input Range to match your cameras output, and for Output Range to match your connected monitor

Anamorphic Desqueeze (Coming soon) - Anamorphic video is a technique where footage is squeezed horizontally during the recording process. Anamorphic Desqueeze restores footage to its native aspect ratio. Choose the amount to de-squeeze your input by.

TX Video Settings

Static Video Optimization - Enable Static Video Optimization (default) to reduce artifacts around fixed, high-contrast areas, such as frame lines and on-screen text. Disable it to improve gradient detail, particularly with LOG video signals.

Input - Select Auto, HDMI, or SDI to choose the transmitters video input.

RX Audio Settings

Use the Audio Settings menu to mute audio or enable a short tone when the camera starts or stops recording.

Audio Mute: Choose when to mute audio:

  • Off  Keep audio enabled, including while recording.
  • Mute while recording  Mute audio while the camera records.
  • On  Mute audio at all times.

Audio Beep: Enable a short tone to indicate when the camera starts or stops recording.

Tools

Signal Quality Graph (RX Only) - Use the Signal Quality Graph to monitor the quality and reliability of the received signal and find the best antenna position or receiver location. The graph responds quickly as you make adjustments, showing changes in signal quality even when you cannot see a difference in the received video.

  • Figures below 30% indicate poor signal quality
  • Figures between 30% and 45% indicate fair signal quality
  • Figures above 45% indicate good signal quality

Spectrum Analyzer (RX Only) - Use the Spectrum Analyzer to check noise and congestion across the available frequencies and find a less congested frequency to use. Move the Menu joystick left or right to select a frequency.

  • Green - Indicates less congestion.
  • Yellow and Orange - Indicate other signals on the frequency.
  • Red - Indicates the frequency is too congested to establish a connection.

Test Pattern (TX Only) - This menu allows you to select a video resolution format to output a test pattern over HDMI or SDI. Select a specific output resolution from the resolutions list.

SDI Cable Test - Use the SDI Cable Test to check the signal from the camera to the transmitter for interference or possible cable damage. The front panel displays a pattern that indicates signal quality: a larger pattern indicates a better SDI signal.

OSD - Choose when and how to display the On-Screen Display (OSD): Disabled, Show when no video (default), or Enabled. Adjust Position to move the OSD on your monitor, and select Normal or Translucent under Look to change the appearance of its text, icons, and background.

System Settings

Device Info - View your devices model, serial number, firmware version, and region.

Device Name - Change your Bolt 7 device name to easily identify it in the Bolt App.

Quick Actions - Assign shortcuts to frequently used menu items. Use the Menu joystick to select one of the three shortcut positions, press to open the available options, then scroll to an item and press to assign it. Available shortcuts include Frequency Set, Pairing, Spectrum Analyzer, 1D LUT Settings, 3D LUT Settings, Video Output Format, and Test Pattern.

Display - Adjust the appearance of Bolt 7's front panel display

  • Brightness - Adjust the front-panel displays brightness for easy viewing.
  • Dim After - Set how long the display stays active before dimming.
  • Dim Mode - Enable or disable display dimming.
  • Flip Display - Select Normal or Flipped to match the devices mounting orientation.

Bluetooth - Enable or disable Bluetooth communication.

Region - View the video radios operating region, which determines available frequencies and power limits. Connect to the Bolt App to sync the region with your location. The receiver obtains its region from the transmitter during pairing. Note: You cannot manually select this setting.

Data Region (RX only) Select the receivers data radio region to match the transmitter for pairing. Change this setting only when pairing to a transmitter with a different Data Region.

Set Up a Receiver's Region

  1. On the transmitter, open System Settings and check the Data Region.
  2. On the receiver, open System Settings > Data Region and select the same region.
  3. Open the Pairing menu and pair the devices. The receiver automatically obtains its Region from the transmitter.

Regulatory - View radio compliance certifications. Refer to Regulatory Information for complete details and declarations of conformity.

Licenses - Enter a license key to activate features, select Purchase License to view available licenses, or check the Advanced Spectrum status.

Diagnostics - Generate and download a diagnostic report to send to Teradek Support for help troubleshooting your devices configuration and activity.

Reset All Settings - Restore all configurable settings to their factory defaults without affecting pairing. Note: Pairing is not affected when resetting all settings.

Bolt App

Use the Bolt App to remotely manage and monitor every parameter of Bolt 6 including pairing, frequency selection, and 3D LUTs.

CONNECT VIA BLUETOOTH

  1. Download the Bolt App.
  2. Enable Bluetooth on your iOS or Android device.
  3. Navigate to the Bluetooth menu on both the transmitter and receiver, then select Enable.
  4. Open the Bolt App from your iOS or Android device, then tap the Bolt Devices button.
  5. Select the device(s) you want to pair or monitor.

Transmitter Status Display

  • Settings (Descriptions listed in Transmitter Menu section) - Tap the settings button on the top right corner of the screen to customize the transmitter’s various settings.
  • Status - Displays the current status of:
  • Video Input
  • Network Status
  • Connected Receivers
  • Current Frequency
  • Quality
  • Temperature
  • Camera Recording
  • Region
  • Bandwidth
  • OSD name

Receiver Status Display

  • Settings (Descriptions listed in Receiver Menu section) - Tap the settings button on the top-right corner of the display to customize the receiver’s various settings such as the output format, audio, display, and OSD.
  • Signal Quality - Determine the quality and reliability of the signal being received.
  • SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) - Compare the signal power level to the noise power level from the antennas.
  • Range Analyzer - Displays the transmission distance between the transmitter and receiver.
  • Status - Displays the current status of:
  • TX Name
  • Network Status
  • Link
  • Video Input
  • Current Frequency
  • Range
  • Quality
  • Temperature
  • Camera Recording
  • Bandwidth
  • Region
  • Video Output
  • OSD name
Still Need Help? Contact Us