ClearOne VB402051 Auditory Assistance Listening Device User Manual venture base cvr p65
ClearOne, Inc. Auditory Assistance Listening Device venture base cvr p65
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Contents
- 1. Compliance Statement
- 2. Complete Users Manual
Complete Users Manual
Assistive Listening Systems Venture-Base Transmitter Installation and Operations Manual Gentner Communications Corporation Copyright Information © Copyright 1997 Gentner Communications Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from Gentner Communications Corporation. Printed in the United States of America. Original version, 1/93. Gentner Communications Corporation reserves specification privileges. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual September 1998 Manual Development: Bill Kilpack Venture-Base Transmitter Installation and Operations Manual Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Page iii Contents Introduction Warranty Registration Product Description Accessories Front Panel Controls Back Panel Controls Installation Step 1 — Antenna Connection Step 2 — Audio Connection Step 3 — Apply Power Step 4 — Rack Mounting Option Operation Set Audio Level High Pass Switch Set the RF Level Receiver Tuning Reception Check Interference 10 10 10 10 Frequency Chart 11 Service 12 Specifications 12 Notice 13 Warranty 14 Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Page iv Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual List of Figures Figure 1. Venture-Base front panel controls Figure 2. Venture-Base back panel controls Figure 3. Remote antenna connection Figure 4. Amplifier connection Figure 5. Y-adaptor connection Figure 6. Venture-Base front panel controls Figure 7. Venture-Base back panel controls ................................ 3 ................................ 4 ................................ 6 ................................ 7 ................................ 8 ................................ 9 .............................. 10 Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Page 1 Introduction Congratulations on purchasing the Venture-Base Assistive Listening Transmitter. The Venture-Base is the heart of the Gentner Assistive Listening System. As the most advanced device of its type, its design and manufacture result from research with audiologists, sound contractors, consultants and end users. It is designed to provide the highest possible audio and RF performance. The VentureBase is reliable, easy to use and provides quality performance. The Venture-Base has audio inputs for audio sources, ranging from microphone to loudspeaker (balanced and unbalanced). It contains a series of audio processors to shape the input dynamics and frequency response. This produces clear sound for the hearing impaired, with minimal adjustment. The RF section is crystal-controlled for long-term stability, and uses digital frequency-synthesizer circuitry, allowing the transmitter to be instantly set to 19 FCC-approved ALS channels. If you need additional information on how to install, set up or operate your Venture-Base, please contact us at Gentner Communications at the location noted below. We welcome and encourage your comments so we can continue to improve our products and better serve your communication needs. Gentner Communications Corporation 1825 Research Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119 TEL: Worldwide 801.975.7200 In U.S.A. 800.945.7730 FAX: Worldwide 801.977.0087 In U.S.A. 800.933.5107 FAX-On-Demand 24-Hour Information Service 800.695.8110 FAX-On-Demand International line 801.974.3661 Worldwide Web Page @ http:\\www.gentner.com Warranty Registration Please register your Venture-Base online by visiting Technical Support at the Gentner Worldwide Web Site. Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Page 2 Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Product Description Making sound clearer for the hearing impaired requires more than just making it louder. The needs of the hearing impaired differ from those with normal hearing. Audio processing is needed to reshape the sound. The most common impairments are reduced sensitivity and dynamic range, and loss of high frequencies. Many of the audio sources have extremely high dynamic range — often difficult to hear under optimal circumstances. The Venture Base’s audio processing is similar to that used at a commercial radio station. Automatic gain control (AGC) controls the long-term levels, equalizing different types of program material. This compensates for variations in level. The audio is tied to the AGC circuit, so incoming audio is always controlled, greatly reducing distortion. Audio passes through a split-band compressor, reducing the signal’s dynamics, making the sound not only louder but more intelligible. Normally, available compression is very limited, since too much compression creates a dull, muffled sound. To prevent this, the Venture-Base splits the audio into high and low bands. It then processes them separately, so each band receives the correct amount of compression. This allows more compression overall, amplifying sound without dullness — and without noticing the compression. After compression, the sound is fed to the patented Aphex Aural Exciter® circuit. This process has been used in the recording and broadcast industries for decades. Aphex processing creates an increase in perceived brightness for the listener. A final signal limiter is used to provide an absolute audio peak level so the FM signal can never be overmodulated (which causes distortion). People with or without hearing impairment appreciate this sophisticated processing, with its clear sound and improved intelligibility. Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Page 3 Accessories Several accessory options are available including receivers, headphones, battery rechargers, portable transmitter, etc., to fit your needs. Contact Gentner Communications or your dealer for information. Front Panel Controls The Venture-Base was designed for ease in operation. The Venture-Base front-panel controls (See Figure 1, below.) perform the following functions: Figure 1. Venture-Base front panel controls 1. Power LED. This LED lights when power is applied. 2. Power Button. This push-on/push-off button turns the Venture-Base ON/OFF. 3. Audio Level LEDs. These three LEDs indicate the incoming audio level: • Amber=Low • Green=Normal (occasional red flashes, 5–10 percent, acceptable • Solid Red=High. 4. Audio Input Level. This control adjusts the audio-input level. To set, slowly turn up the control (with audio playing) while monitoring the LED indicators [3], until the green LED is lit 90–95 percent of the time (red LED flashing occasionally, 5–10 percent). 5. Process. This control sets the overall compression level. Set it wherever the effect is most pleasing (typically at 10 o’clock). 6. In. This push-on/push-pff button activates/ deactivates the Aphex Aural Exciter process. This enhancement can be switched in and out. Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Page 4 Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Front Panel Continued 7. Monitor Level. This control sets the level of the audio at the jack [8]. 8. . This headphone jack provides easy monitoring of transmitter operation. Its output is 1W, capable of driving most headphones. HEADPHONE NOTE: Ensure that the headphone jack does not make metal contact with the face place of the VentureBase. 9. RF. This LED indicates proper RF-circuit function to simplify system troubleshooting (i.e. no signal being received). When lit, the LED indicates RF signal presence. Back Panel Controls The Venture-Base’s back-panel connectors and controls (See Figure 2, below.) are designed for ease in use. Figure 2. TX-37A back panel controls 1. Antenna. This 50 Ohm output is for connection of the supplied local antenna or the remote antenna (see Step 1, Page 6). Do not operate the transmitter without the antenna. 2. RF Level. This switch sets the RF output to onequarter, half or full power to control the amount of coverage and to reduce the chance of interference. 3. RF Channel Switch. RF channels can be changed by setting the thumbwheel to any channel from 01–19. The corresponding frequencies are indicated on the top of the transmitter. If set other than 01–19, the system defaults to channel 01. Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Page 5 4. Tone. This switch sends a 40Hz test tone through the audio circuit to test the transmitter and aid in tuning receivers. To tune receivers, set the transmitter to the desired operating channel, activate the tone, then tune the receiver for clearest reception. (Refer to receiver user’s guide.) 5. Hi Pass. This switch activates the high-pass filter, which rolls off low frequencies below 180Hz (i.e., wind noise and room reverberation). These low frequencies are not needed for voice intelligibility. 6. Unbalanced. This unbalanced RCA audio input jack is a 10 kOhm input intended for connection of unbalanced signals from line/speaker-level outputs. 7. Input Select. This screwdriver-set control selects the input source from balanced mic and line-level signals to unbalanced line and speaker-level signals. 8. Ballanced Input. The balanced audio input XLR connector is 600 Ohms, transformer balanced, for balanced mic and line level-input signals. 9. Power. The Venture-Base requires 11–15Vdc a500mA, supplied by the provided AC power supply, or by other sources (batteries, auto cigarette lighter). Installation The Venture-Base is designed for easy installation and setup. To install the Venture-Base, follow these step-by-step instructions: Step 1 — Antenna Connection Attach the provided rubber whip antenna to the modified TNC connector [1] (Figure 2, Page 4). It may be installed directly on the rear of the Venture-Base, or remotely mounted on the supplied antenna mount and 49-foot cable (Figure 3, below). Unless the transmitter is used in a very small room, best performance is with the remote antenna placed away from the Venture-Base, but as close to the receiver(s) as possible. Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Page 6 Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Figure 3. Remote antenna connection RACK-MOUNTING NOTE: The remote antenna is necessary when rackmounting the transmitter. Position the remote antenna so it is not close to any vertical metal surface. If possible, place it on a horizontal metal surface to provide a ground plane and better performance. Maintaining line of sight with the receivers is not always necessary, but will enhance reception. Walls containing large amounts of wiring, metal studs or concrete can block or reduce the transmitter signal. RF SIGNAL NOTE: Any RF system is susceptible to “dropouts” (reduced RF energy due to reflections and cancellations), which result in a noisy signal. It can usually be cured by moving the antenna around until the signal is clear. Some-times, even a few inches can dramatically alter performance. Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Page 7 Step 2 — Audio Connection The Venture-Base is designed to accommodate almost any type and level of audio source. Microphone Almost any 600 Ohm dynamic or self-powered condenser microphone can be plugged into the balanced XLR connector. When doing so, set the input select switch to MIC. An unbalanced microphone may be used with a suitable adapter. However, Gentner Communications recommends that a balanced microphone be used to eliminate noise pickup. Line Input The line input is most commonly used when connecting the Venture-Base to a sound system amplifier or mixer (Figure 4, below). If the source has a low impedance, balanced output (auxiliary, tape, etc.), use the XLR connector. If a 10 kOhm unbalanced line or tape output is available (usually an RCA jack), use a suitable cable to connect this output to the RCA line input on the transmitter. After, set the input select switch to the proper position. If you have a tape recorder or other device already connected to the line out, a Y cable (See Figure 5, below.) may be used to split the signal between the transmitter and the tape recorder. This type of adapter is generally available at electronic supply stores. Figure 4. Amplifier connection Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Page 8 Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Figure 5. Y-adaptor connection Installation Continued Speaker Input If no suitable signals are available, the VentureBase can be connected to a speaker-level output (last resort). At these low levels, an amplifier out-put may be very noisy and subject to interfer-ence. Connect directly to the amplifier out, not to the remote speaker. If the transmitter is connected to the remote speaker and noise results, turn down the amplifier. The input to the transmitter is probably overdriven. Step 3 — Apply Power Plug the supplied AC adapter into a 110– 120Vac power source, and plug the end of the cord into the sub-mini power jack. The front panel contains the push-on/push-off switch. Turn ON the power and monitor the front-panel power LED. If the transmitter is receiving electricity, the LED will light. Step 4 — Rack Mounting Option The Venture-Base may be rack mounted with the optional single-wide or double-wide rack mount kits. Contact Gentner Communications for kit availability and pricing. Operation The Venture-Base is designed for ease in operation. Set Audio Level Turn the sound system and the transmitter ON, and provide a program source. Have someone Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Page 9 speak into the microphone or connect an audio source to the sound system. Slowly raise the AUDIO INPUT LEVEL control [4] (See Figure 6, below.) until the amber and green LEDs are ON, and the red LED flashes 5–10 percent [3]. The AUDIO INPUT LEVEL control [4] is typically set between 9 and 3 o’clock. If the input cannot be set easily with the front panel control, try setting the input select switch on the back panel to a higher or lower setting, or change the output level of your source device. Figure 6. Venture-Base front panel controls High Pass Switch If the system is to be used primarily with voice transmission, set the back panel HI PASS switch [5] to ON (Figure 7, below). This will cut low frequencies below 180Hz, reducing reverberation. Figure 7. Venture-Base back panel controls Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Page 10 Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Operation Continued Set the RF Level Transmitters must never be set to the same frequency in the same location. Channels must be set as far apart from each other as possible. Test the reception with the RF level at one-half or one-quarter [2] power. The lower it can be operated satisfactorily, the less chance there will be for interference with another system. One-half or one-quarter power should cover most classroom applications. Receiver Tuning Set the TONE switch [4] to ON. To tune the receiver, refer to the respective receiver user’s guide. Reception Check Using the tone or other audio source, walk around with the receiver. Verify the re-ception in all parts of the room. If reception is not optimal, move the transmitter antenna to another location and repeat this procedure. Interference With any type of RF device, other RF sources can interfere with reception. Even the FCCdesignated ALS band is occasionally subject to use by other types of devices. Interference can take the form of rising-andfalling audio. To verify on-channel interference, take the receiver to the place where the interference is worst and turn off the transmitter. The interfering signal should now come in stronger. Since the Venture-Base is frequency-agile, you can set it to another channel and retune the receivers to move away from the interference. Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Page 11 If more than one Venture-Base is to be operating in the same location, try to keep the channels used as far apart from each other as possible. Transmitters should never be set to the same frequency in the same location. FREQUENCY CHART *Frequencies are in MHz Channel 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 *Frequency 216.025 216.075 216.125 216.175 216.225 216.275 216.325 216.375 216.425 216.525 216.575 216.625 216.675 216.725 216.775 216.825 216.875 216.925 216.975 Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Page 12 Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual FCC Service Specifications This transmitter is authorized by rule under the Low Power Radio Service (47 C.F.R. Part 95) and must not cause harmful interference to TV reception or United States Navy SPASUR installations. You do not need an FCC license to operate this transmitter. This transmitter may only be used to provide: auditory asssistance to persons with disabilities, persons who require language translation, or persons in educational settings; health care services to the ill; law enforcement tracking services under agreement with a law enforcement agency; or automated maritime telecommunications system (AMTS) network control communications. Two-way voice communications and all other types of uses not mentioned above are expressly prohibited. The Venture-Base contains no user-serviceable internal parts. Should a problem develop with the system that cannot be resolved by normal adjustments as described in this manual, contact Gentner Communications Corporation. Venture-Base Dimensions 8.25"/20.96cmW x 1.75"/4.5cmH x 7.25"/ 18.42cmD Weight 2.5 lb./13 kg. (dry) Audio Inputs MIC: XLR, 600 Ohm balanced, 10mV LINE: RCA, 600 Ohm balanced, 1V LINE: RCA, 10K unbalanced, 1V SPEAKER: RCA, unbalanced Connectors HEADPHONE: 1/4" Phono Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Page 13 ANTENNA: POWER: Modified TNC, 50 Ohm Sub-mini Audio Performance AGC Range 40dB Manual Input Level Control 20dB Signal to Noise Ratio 52dB Transmission Type FM modulation Maximum Deviation +/- 10kHz, 20kHz total Maximum Radiated Power 1600uV/m at 30M Frequency Control Digitally synthesized, crystal controlled Frequency Stability 0.005% RF Level Adjust 1/4, 1/2, and Full Power Selectable Frequencies 19 channels, 216 MHz Power Requirements 9–15Vdc at 300mA Notice The Gentner Venture-Base Assistive Listening Transmitter complies with Part 95 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause any undesired operation. Users are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Gentner Communications Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Page 14 Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. If you experience problems with this equipment, contact Gentner Communications Corporation. Aural Exciter® is a Registered Trademark of Aphex Systems, Inc. FCC This transmitter is authorized bu rule under the Low Power Radio Service (47 C.F.R. Part 95) and must not cause harmful intererence to TV reception or United States Navy SPASUR installations. You do lnot need an FCC license to operate this transmitter. This transmitter may only be used to provide: auditory assistance to persons with disabilities, persons who require language translation, or persons in deucational settings; health care services to the ill; law enforcement tracking services under agreement with a law enforcement agency; or automated maritime telecommunications system (AMTS) network control communications. Two-way voice communiications and all other types of uses not mentioned above are expressly prohibited. This devise may not interfere with TV reception or federal government radar, and must accept any interface received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Warranty Gentner Communications Corporation (Manufacturer) warrants that this Assistive Listening System (ALS) product is free of defects in both materials and workmanship. Should any part of this equipment be defective, Manufacturer agrees, at its option, to: A. Repair or replace any defective ALS product, free of charge (except transportation charges), for a period of one year from the date of the original purchase, provided the owner returns the equipment to the Manufacturer at the address set forth below. No charge will be made for parts or labor during this period; B. Furnish replacement for any defective ALS product parts in the equipment for a period of one year from the date of original purchase. Replacement parts shall be furnished without charge, except labor and transportation; C. Repair or replace any defective ALS accessory, free of charge (except transportation charges), for a period of 60 days from the date of the original purchase, provided the owner returns the equipment to the Manufacturer at the address set forth below. No charge will be made for parts or labor during this period. This Warranty excludes assembled products not manufactured by Manufacturer whether or not they are incorporated in a Manufacturer product or sold under a Manufacturer part or model number. Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com Venture-Base Installation and Operations Manual Page 15 Warranty Continued THIS WARRANTY IS VOID IF: A. The equipment has been damaged by negligence, accident, act-of-God or mishandling, or has not been operated in accordance with the procedures described in the operating and technical instructions; or, B. The equipment has been altered or repaired by other than Manufacturer or an authorized service representative of Manufacturer; or, C. Adaptations or accessories other than those manufactured or provided by Manufacturer have been made or attached to the equipment which, in the determination of Manufacturer, shall have affected the performance, safety or reliability of the equipment; or, D. The equipment’s original serial number has been modified or removed. NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE, APPLIES TO THE EQUIPMENT, nor is any person or company authorized to assume any warranty for Manufacturer or any other liability in connection with the sale of Manufacturer’s products. Manufacturer does not assume any responsibility for consequential damages, expenses or loss of revenue or property, inconvenience or interruption in operation experienced by the customer due to a malfunction in the purchased equipment. No warranty service performed on any product shall extend the applicable warranty period. In case of unsatisfactory operation, the purchaser shall promptly notify Manufacturer at the address set forth below in writing, giving full particulars as to the defects or unsatisfactory operation, upon receipt of such notice, Manufacturer will give instructions respecting the shipment of the equipment, or such other matters as it elects to honor this warranty as above provided. This warranty does not cover damage to the equipment during shipping and Manufacturer assumes no responsibility for such damage. All shipping costs shall be paid by customer. This warranty extends only to the original purchaser and is not assignable or transferable. Gentner Communications Corp., 1825 Research Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84119 Technical or Setup Assistance • Telephone: 800.945.7730 (USA) 801.975.7200 (worldwide) • Worldwide Web @ http://www.gentner.com
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