SOUNDGATE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
TABLE OF CONTENTS Package contents 6 Introduction 8 SoundGate overview 9 Getting started 10 Charging the battery 10 Battery indicator 11 Battery life 12 SoundGate wireless ranges 13 SoundGate – Instrument range 13 Bluetooth® – SoundGate range 15 Wearing options 16 Operating the SoundGate 20 Key lock 20 Key functions 21 Audio streaming 22 3
Using SoundGate for audio streaming 23 Bluetooth® 23 Bluetooth® keys 24 Pairing to a Bluetooth® device 25 Stored pairings 27 Connecting to Bluetooth® devices 28 How to use with a mobile phone 30 How to listen to music/audio 33 Resetting the SoundGate 38 Use as a remote control 39 Visual indicators 40 Maintenance 44 Troubleshooting 46 International warranty 60 Warnings and safety guidelines 61 Radio communication 64 Declarations of conformity 66 5
Package contents SoundGate Pocket clip Charging unit USB charging cable 6
Neck strap Instructions for use Music/audio cable 7
Introduction The SoundGate provides a wireless connection between your hearing instruments and various audio sources, allowing your hearing instruments to work like wireless headphones. The SoundGate uses Bluetooth® to connect to electronic media and is compatible with most Bluetooth® -enabled sound sources. If you wear two hearing instruments, the SoundGate transmits to both simultaneously.
SoundGate overview Volume control and program change Phone Music connection e.g.
Getting started Before you can use your SoundGate for the first time, the battery must be fully charged. Charging the battery The SoundGate should be charged every night to ensure battery life for a full day of operation. There are two ways to charge the SoundGate: 1. Connect the charger unit to the mini USB connector on the SoundGate. Then plug the power cord into a wall socket. 2. Connect the USB charging cable to the mini USB connector on the SoundGate.
Battery indicator The battery indicator shows a steady red light when the battery is low (about 20 minutes left). The battery indicator will start blinking when the battery is close to empty (about 5 minutes left). Recharging the battery takes approximately 4 hours. When charging the battery, the indicator blinks green. When fully recharged, the battery indicator lights steady green.
Battery life The battery life of the SoundGate depends on the usage. The table shows the maximum time the fully-charged battery will run without recharging for different functions. Use Battery life* Talking on mobile phone 5 hours Listening to music/audio with wired connection 6 hours Stand-by with Bluetooth® on 70 hours Stand-by with Bluetooth off 2 years ® Even though the SoundGate has no dedicated on/off button, turning off Bluetooth® will result in prolonged battery life.
SoundGate wireless ranges SoundGate Instrument range The SoundGate has a digital wireless transmitter built in that automatically streams information to your hearing instruments. When the SoundGate is streaming audio, the range to the hearing instruments is approximately 0.5 meter (20 inches). The range could be reduced by metal objects and strong magnetic fields. Use of the neck strap is strongly recommended to achieve optimal performance.
SoundGate to hearing instruments: 0.5 meter (20 inches) range. When the SoundGate is used for remote volume control only or ”stand-by” (ready for incoming phone call) the range is up to 1 meter (40 inches).
Bluetooth® SoundGate range The SoundGate has a built-in Bluetooth® receiver that can be manually turned on and off. Bluetooth® is used to communicate and send audio signals from external sound and communication devices to the SoundGate. The wireless range from a mobile phone to the SoundGate is 10 meters (33 feet) in an open space. Bluetooth® range is reduced by objects between the SoundGate and the mobile phone. The range also depends on the quality of the antenna of the other device.
Wearing options The best results are obtained by using the neck strap because it has an additional antenna built in to enhance sound quality. Hands free with neck strap Purpose: mobile phone, music, PC, stand-by, remote control etc.
Stand-by is when the SoundGate is not being actively used. In this situation the unit can be in your pocket and still allow you to receive phone calls.
Important notice To prevent injury, the neck strap will automatically break if it gets caught in something. Do not modify the neck strap in any way, such as tying a knot to shorten the length. If a neck strap breaks, it cannot be repaired. Consult your hearing care professional for a replacement.
Microphone The microphone in the SoundGate is active only during a phone call. In all other situations the microphone is turned off. Microphone During phone communication, the SoundGate microphone must be placed 10 – 30 cm (4–12 inches) from the mouth in order to ensure good sound quality for the person at the other end of the line.
Operating the SoundGate · The SoundGate can be kept in a pocket when not in use, still ready to receive a phone call. · When outdoors, the microphone should be protected against the wind. · The microphone is sensitive to mechanical noise (handling, knocking and scratching). Make sure that the unit is held still during a phone conversation. Key lock To prevent accidental key presses, the SoundGate can be locked. The key lock is not an ON/OFF function.
The SoundGate can still accept a call from the mobile phone when the keys are locked. (All keys will then be active until the call is ended.) If you try to operate the SoundGate while the keys are locked, the back light in the buttons will flash to indicate the locked mode. Keys functions Some of the SoundGate keys have multiple functions depending on the amount of time the keys is pressed. The duration of keys presses is defined as: Key press definitions Duration Short Less than 1 second Long Approx.
Audio streaming The SoundGate and a set of hearing instruments is a secure system. The hearing instrument(s) will only accept audio streaming from the SoundGate to which they are linked. Linking has been done by your hearing care professional. This ensures that other hearing instruments cannot intercept phone calls or audio from your SoundGate. Note: Audio streaming is one-way communication from the SoundGate to the hearing instruments.
Using SoundGate for audio streaming SoundGate uses audio streaming to connect your hearing instruments to a mobile phone or to other audio sources such as computers and MP3 players. Bluetooth® Bluetooth® is the wireless application that connects external wireless audio sources to the SoundGate. Bluetooth® is a global standard used in many electronic devices.
Bluetooth® key The Bluetooth® function must always be turned ON when you expect to communicate with your Bluetooth® devices. The Bluetooth® key operates as follows: 24 Short press (1 sec.) A short press will prompt the status of the Bluetooth® function. If Bluetooth® is ON, the rim light around the button will light for a few seconds. Long press (2 sec.) This switches the Bluetooth® function ON/ OFF. Bluetooth® must be active to connect with the SoundGate.
Pairing to a Bluetooth® device Before using the SoundGate with a Bluetooth® mobile phone or other Bluetooth® -enabled audio source, the SoundGate must be paired to the device. This means, a secure relationship is established between the two units, enabling them to identify each other and communicate whenever they are turned on and within range of each other. You only have to make the pairing once and then the units will recognize each other. Pairing is done by putting both units (i.e.
Pairing steps: Prepare Bluetooth® device Refer to the manual of the mobile phone or audio device and prepare for Bluetooth® as instructed. Set SoundGate into pairing mode SoundGate Bluetooth® function must be OFF. Press the Bluetooth® key for 7 seconds until the blue light flashes rapidly. Pairing mode is active for 120 seconds. Pairing can be cancelled with a long press on the Bluetooth® key. Activate pairing on the Bluetooth® device 26 Activate pairing on the device.
Enter pin code The SoundGate code is 0000. Once entered, the device should be paired to the SoundGate. (The device may require that you manually activate the connection by selecting ”Connect” in the display menu.) Stored pairings The SoundGate may be paired with up to 8 devices at the same time, however it can only stream one signal at a time. When the maximum is reached, the SoundGate will start to overwrite the oldest pairings.
Connecting to Bluetooth® devices Whenever the Bluetooth® function in the SoundGate or in the external audio source has been turned off, the devices must find and connect to each other again when turned on. Reconnection tip Normally, two paired Bluetooth® devices will find each other when turned on. If the devices do not connect automatically, they must be connected manually. Always turn on your mobile phone before turning on the Bluetooth® function in the SoundGate.
blue rimmed light every 4 seconds. If the Bluetooth® connection is lost during a phone call, the phone will hang up or transfer the call from the SoundGate to the mobile phone. If the Bluetooth® connection to an audio/music player is lost while streaming, the audio streaming will stop and must be started again when the devices are inside their Bluetooth® range again.
How to use with a mobile phone Your hearing instruments and the SoundGate work together similar to a wireless Bluetooth® headset. If you have two hearing instruments you will hear phone conversations in both ears. In noisy environments it may be necessary to position the SoundGate closer to your mouth. Answer incoming phone calls Bluetooth® function must be active. When your mobile phone rings, the phone key will blink green. You will also hear a ringing tone in your instruments.
Hanging up When you wish to end the call, the phone press the phone key. The green light turns off. Make a call Use your mobile phone to make the call as you normally would. When the call goes through, talk into the SoundGate microphone – do not press the phone key. To reduce Turn the hearing instrument background microphones OFF by pressing sounds the music/audio key for 2 seconds.
Different phones have different behavior when used with SoundGate. If a problem occurs in the connection between your mobile phone and the SoundGate, you should consult your mobile phone manual for detailed trouble shooting. Mobile phone sounds Some mobile phones will try to send their ringing tones, key-press beeps, keyboard locked beep, etc. to any connected headset over the Bluetooth® connection. In mobile phone manuals, this is normally called In-band ringing.
How to listen to music/audio The SoundGate provides a link between your hearing instruments and many different audio sources and allows you to use your hearing instruments as wireless headphones. There are two ways to connect an audio source through the SoundGate: · by wired input to the micro jack · by a wireless Bluetooth® connection Before streaming audio, you must place the SoundGate inside the wireless range. It is recommended to use the neck strap.
Connecting to wired audio input Use the audio cable and connect the larger plug end to the audio source you want to listen to and the smaller plug end to the SoundGate micro jack as shown. Linking to a Bluetooth® audio source The Bluetooth® function between the SoundGate and the audio source must be paired so the two devices can connect and work together. Please follow the pairing instructions on page 25.
To listen to a Bluetooth® audio source · First turn on the Bluetooth® function of the SoundGate · Then turn on the Bluetooth® -enabled audio source · The SoundGate and audio source must be inside their Bluetooth® range · Press the music/audio key to start streaming If more than one Bluetooth® audio source is present e.g. two Bluetooth® stereo devices, the SoundGate will connect to only one of them.
Music/audio key The table shows how to use the SoundGate for all types of audio streaming. Listening to music or audio Press the music/audio key. The orange ring around the key lights up and the music or audio starts. An incoming phone call will play the ringing tone along with the audio. A short press on the phone key will accept the phone call and override the audio streaming. Stop the music/ audio 36 Press the music/audio key. The orange ring around the key turns off.
Turn hearing instrument microphones ON/OFF Press the music/audio key for 2 seconds. Adjust volume Use the key volume up/down. Press up or down until the volume in the hearing instruments is comfortable. When the hearing instrument microphones are ON, both the streamed audio and the environmental sounds can be heard.
Resetting the SoundGate If the SoundGate halts in a non-functional mode, it can be reset. To reset the SoundGate, press the phone key for 10 seconds. All rim lights will flash shortly to indicate that a reset has been made.
Use as a remote control The SoundGate can be used as a remote control with the hearing instruments, operating the volume up and down and switching backwards and forwards in the program cycle. Adjust A short press adjusts the volume level up or down in the hearing instruments. If you have 2 hearing instruments, volume is adjusted in both at the same time. Change program Press and hold up or down for 2 seconds to go forwards or backwards in the program cycle.
Visual indicators The following table is a quick summary of the light indicators on the SoundGate.
Why? SoundGate paired and connected to mobile phone Connection is established – the Bluetooth® or wired connection is present Audio connected from wired music player Pairing is activated 41
Light Action When? Bluetooth® Short flashing BLUE light (every 4th second) Bluetooth® is out of range Battery low Constant RED Light Battery low Blinking RED light Battery very low Blinking GREEN Light Battery charging Constant GREEN light Battery fully charged Constant light for 10 seconds A key pressed 5 short blinks in one second A key pressed Battery charging Backlight 42
Why? Connection has been established to Bluetooth® device ~ 20 minutes left ~ 5 minutes left USB cable connected to the charging unit and to the SoundGate Key lock OFF Key lock ON 43
Maintenance The SoundGate requires a minimum amount of maintenance. It should be regularly wiped with a dry or slightly damp cloth. The microphone opening and the connectors for audio input and charging must be kept free of dirt or debris. The dedicated cleaning brush for your hearing instruments can be used to clean these areas. The SoundGate and the neck strap must never be washed or immersed into water or other liquids. Make sure not to drop the SoundGate, especially onto hard surfaces.
Your SoundGate must never be exposed to extreme heat e.g. left inside a parked car in the sun. Avoid exposing the SoundGate to moisture e.g. steam baths, showers or heavy rain. Do not dry the SoundGate in microwave or any other ovens. Do not use cleaning chemicals or alcohol on the SoundGate.
Troubleshooting Pairing Problem My SoundGate will not enter Bluetooth® pairing mode SoundGate’s key lock is activated SoundGate is out of power Bluetooth® was on when you tried to put your SoundGate in pairing mode My phone is not finding the SoundGate 46 SoundGate is outside the range of your phone SoundGate is already connected to other Bluetooth® devices that are active and within its range
Solution Deactivate the key lock located on top of the SoundGate. When the slider reveals a GREEN label, the keys can be operated. Recharge the battery Bluetooth® must be OFF to enter pairing mode. If the Bluetooth® light fades in and out, it is ON and you will need to turn it OFF by pressing the Bluetooth® key for about 2 seconds. Now repeat the pairing process.
Pairing Problem Pairing was unsuccessful SoundGate is not in pairing mode when your phone is trying to pair with it Wrong passcode was entered 48
Solution Bluetooth® must be OFF for the SoundGate to enter pairing mode. Ensure that Bluetooth® is OFF and repeat the pairing process. Note: The SoundGate’s pairing mode is active for 120 seconds. If the pairing is not completed within this time, repeat the pairing process again.
Phone Problem The phone key does not blink when the phone is ringing and there is no ringing indication in the hearing instruments Bluetooth® is off in the phone and/or in the SoundGate Phone and SoundGate are disconnected from each other The SoundGate is not paired to the mobile phone 50
Solution Ensure Bluetooth® is ON in the phone – please refer to your phone’s user guide Ensure Bluetooth® is ON in the SoundGate. If the Bluetooth® does not fade in and out, it is OFF. Press the Bluetooth® key for 2 to 3 seconds to turn Bluetooth® ON. Reconnection can be accomplished in three ways: 1) Turn SoundGate´s Bluetooth® OFF, then ON. 2) Turn off your phone or SoundGate’s Bluetooth®.
Phone Problem The phone key does not blink when the phone is ringing and there is no ringing indication in the hearing instruments (continued) SoundGate is out of power The Bluetooth® connection between the SoundGate and your phone is unsteady The phone key is SoundGate is out of range blinking when the phone is ringing but I hear no ring indication in the hearing instruments The audio in the hearing instruments drops out SoundGate is out of Bluetooth® range SoundGate is out of range 52
Solution Recharge the battery Bernafon cannot guarantee compatibility with every Bluetooth® product on the market. If both products are Bluetooth® certified, the likelihood that they will communicate is high but some incompatibilities may still exist. Make sure that the SoundGate is kept within 50 cm (20 inches) of the hearing instruments. For optimum performance use the neck strap. Make sure that the SoundGate is kept within 10 m (30 feet) of the phone.
Phone Problem The other party has difficulties hearing me on the phone SoundGate’s microphone does not pick up your voice clearly I have difficulties hearing the other party on the phone in noisy environments Environmental sounds disturb speech understanding The phone call does not go through when the phone key is pressed You may be pressing the phone key too long when you are answering a call. The call will be rejected.
Solution Talk straight into the microphone. Be careful not to let the SoundGate rub against clothes or other material during calls. Turn the hearing instrument microphones off by pressing the audio key for 2 to 3 seconds.
Wired audio Problem No audio in the hearing instruments Audio source needs to be turned ON Volume is too low/ high Volume needs to be adjusted on the audio source 56
Solution Turn hearing instrument microphones off by pressing the audio key for 2 to 3 seconds.
Charging Problem SoundGate does not work even while charging The battery of SoundGate is drained completely Volume Problem When I press a key on the SoundGate, nothing happens Keyboard is locked to prevent accidental button activation When I turn the microphones off, the volume changes The volume changes to the default level 58
Solution The SoundGate needs to charge for at least 20 minutes before it can operate. For optimal battery life avoid draining the battery completely Solution Deactivate the key lock located on top of the SoundGate. When the key lock slider reveals a GREEN label, the keys can be operated.
International warranty The Bernafon SoundGate has a limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 12 months from the date of delivery. This warranty covers the SoundGate itself, but not accessories such as charger units, cables, etc. This warranty becomes invalid if a defect is a result of misuse or maltreatment. This warranty is void if non-authorized personnel have repaired the SoundGate.
Warnings and safety guidelines · SoundGate is not a toy and should be kept away from infants and small children. · SoundGate should not be used in an aircraft unless specifically permitted by the flight personnel. · SoundGate should not be operated in explosive environments such as mines. · For safety reasons the neck strap should never be tied together or used for children weighing less than 11 kg/24 lbs.
· The safety of using SoundGate with auxiliary input cable is determined by the external signal source. Connect only to mains-operated equipment in compliance with IEC-60065, IEC-60601 or equivalent safety standards. · The safety of recharging batteries with the USB connector is determined by the external equipment which should be UL approved or comply with equivalent safety requirements.
In addition to the Bluetooth® transmitter, the SoundGate contains a radio transmitter using short range magnetic induction technology working at 3.84 MHz. The magnetic field strength of the transmitter is < -15 dBμA/m @ 10m. The emission power from the SoundGate is below international emission limits for Human Exposure. For comparison, the radiation of the SoundGate is less than unintended electromagnetic radiation from hair dryers, electric shavers etc.
Information to the user regarding the radio communication part of the device Bernafon AG VE 505 FCC ID IC: U6XSGATE1 7031A-SGATE1 Statement of compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada. 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 undesired operation.
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Declaration of conformity This Class I medical device is in conformance with the essential requirements of the Directive 93/42/ EEC of the Council of the European Communities concerning medical devices, MDD. The radio communication part of the device complies with the essential requirements of the Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment, R&TTE.
Prevention of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) This device contains electronic components. Therefore the Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament on waste electrical and electronic equipment applies. The device was put on the market after the directive came into force.
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Bernafon Canada Ltd. 500 Trillium Drive Unit 15 Kitchener, Ontario N2R 1A7 Canada Toll free 1 800 265 8250 Phone +1 519 748 6669 Fax +1 519 748 9158 www.bernafon.ca Bernafon, LLC 200 Cottontail Lane, Bldg. B Somerset, NJ 08873 USA Phone +1 888-941-4203 Fax +1 732-560-4877 www.bernafon-us.com Bernafon UK Cadzow Industrial Estate Low Waters Road Hamilton ML3 7QE Scotland Phone +44 1698 285 968 Fax +44 1698 421 456 www.bernafon.co.
