Flexible Audio for Group Learning User Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: Overview 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 Important Safety Instructions System Components and Unpacking Optional Components Charge Base Indicators Charge Base Connections Student Group Speaker Controls and Connections Teacher Belt-pack Controls and Functions Remote Control Functions and Indicators Headset Functions SECTION 2: Initial Set-up 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 1. Determine Set-up Location 2. Connect the Base Station 3. Charge the FLEXCAT Components 4. Power On All Components 5.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use the apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND UNPACKING The standard configuration of the FLEXCAT will contain: Charging base station with power supply REGISTER SPEAKERS LINK MULTIPACKS REGISTER LINK REMOTES REGISTER 3. DaiIy Operation POWER 4. Additional Information OVERVIEW 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 1: 2. Initial Set-up Student group speakers (x4) 1.
Equipment which may be part of your FLEXCAT: Additional student group speakers 1 4 All 2 3 M ute 6 l Vo 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation l Vo Team teaching kit: 2nd belt-pack, headset and remote control 5 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications OPTIONAL COMPONENTS Standard Components FCCB FCGS 1. Overview FCTT FCBP FCHRC HS-FCOE NH12V NH2.
6. Safety & Specifications CHARGING BASE INDICATORS 5 SPEAKERS LINK 2 1. Power Switch and LED: turns the FLEXCAT system power on or off. The LED will glow blue when the system is on. 2. Student Group Speaker Register and Link a. Register: press this button if there is a new speaker to be registered. b. Registration in progress: this LED will turn yellow to indicate the base station is searching for a speaker. c.
5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications CHARGING BASE CONNECTIONS 4. Additional Information 4 3 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4 8 1. DC Power input: Plug the power supply (16V/2.0A) into this jack. 2. Charging outputs: these DC charging output connections are designed to charge 2 additional desktop speakers. 3. Audio inputs: plug a 3.5mm cable from a computer or other audio device to play that audio through the desktop speaker(s). 4.
4 2 ON POWER OFF 1 VOL 6 ON POWER OFF 6. Safety & Specifications REG LINK REGISTER STATION # 4. Additional Information 3 VOL 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting STUDENT GROUP SPEAKER CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS REG LINK REGISTER 1. POWER SWITCH: turns the speaker power on or off. The power shuts off automatically when charging. 2. VOLUME: adjust the speaker volume up or down. 3. REGISTER: press this button to register a new group speaker. The speaker comes preregistered with the base station.
6. Safety & Specifications 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting STUDENT GROUP SPEAKER CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS CONT’D Audio Out 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 8 Audio Out Vol Vol 9 Charge 16V/0.3A 10 Charge 16V/0.3A 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up Audio Out Audio Out 10 8. USB AUDIO OUTPUT: this USB connection acts only as an audio output, sending the signal out to an external device. 9.
16 14 6. Safety & Specifications POWER 3. DaiIy Operation CHARGE 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 15 4. Additional Information STUDENT GROUP SPEAKER CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS CONT’D 12. POWER/LOW BATTERY INDICATOR: this Power LED turns blue when powered on, red when the battery is low. 13. CHARGING INDICATOR: this LED turns RED when charging, green to indicate charging complete. 15. LOUDSPEAKER: the internal loudspeaker distributes the teacher’s voice. 16.
6. Safety & Specifications TEACHER BELT-PACK CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 4 9 1 4. Additional Information 7 10 1. POWER SWITCH: powers the belt-pack on/off. Press up to power on. The power automatically shuts off for charging. 2. TEACHER 1 STATUS INDICATOR: this multi-purpose LED indicates power, low battery and ready for operation for the belt-pack registered as Teacher #1. 2. Initial Set-up 3.
5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 2 1 4 1 All 6. Safety & Specifications REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS AND INDICATORS 2 3 4 Mute Vol 7 6 1. GROUP SPEAKER SELECTION (1-6): press to select a specific speaker. The button turns green when addressing that group, red when monitoring (listening only). 2. ALL MODE: press this button to address the whole class (all group speakers simultaneously). 3. MICROPHONE MUTE (MONITOR): press this button to mute the microphone and monitor the different groups. 4.
Standard over-ear headset: 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications HEADSET FUNCTIONS 1. 2. 14 EAR HOOK: this rubber hook is designed to be placed over the ear. It can slide up or down to adjust for ear size and can be swiveled around the center post to allow the headset to be worn on the left or right side of the head.
6. Safety & Specifications HEADSET FUNCTIONS CONT’D 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Optional under-ear headset: 2 4. Additional Information 1 1 5 4 3. DaiIy Operation 2 5 1. MICROPHONE: this microphone boom should be located near the mouth as shown in the diagram. It can rotate to be positioned either on the left or right side. 2. EAR PIECE: the ear piece should be inserted into the ear canal as pictured. It can be swiveled to fit on either the left or right ear. 3.
6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 2: INITIAL SET-UP 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 1. DETERMINE SET-UP LOCATION The FLEXCAT base station can be set up anywhere in the classroom, but it is best suited to be in a location near the teachers desk and is highly accessible for both teachers and students. • Close proximity to AC power outlet • Accessible for daily charging of all components • Close proximity to audio source (computer) for multimedia integration 3. DaiIy Operation 4.
2. Plug the AC power cord into an electrical outlet. 3. Insert the DC connector into the “DC POWER INPUT” jack on the base station. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Locate the power supply and AC power cord. Connect the AC power cord into the DC power supply. 4. Additional Information 1. 6. Safety & Specifications 2. CONNECT THE BASE STATION Switch the power to the ON position. 1. Overview 4. 2. Initial Set-up 3.
Prior to full operation, all system components should be fully charged (up to 8 hours) to ensure optimum performance. 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications 3. CHARGE THE FLEXCAT COMPONENTS 18 1. Insert all four group speakers into the charging cradle. The charging LED will turn RED to indicate normal charging. When fully charged, it will turn GREEN. 2.
TEACHER BELT-PACK: Locate the power switch on the side of the unit. Switch to the ON position. The blue teacher indicator will flash for several seconds and then turn solid to indicate it is ready for use. 3. TEACHER REMOTE: There is no power switch on this component, it stays in the ON position. 6. Safety & Specifications 2. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting DESKTOP SPEAKERS: Locate the power switch on the bottom of all four speakers. Switch to the ON position.
1. Determine which side of the face you would like to wear it on. The ear hook and microphone boom can be rotated to wear on either side. Adjust as necessary. 2. Place headset onto the ear and adjust. Place the hook over the ear and insert the earpiece into the ear canal. Adjust the headset is needed so the microphone boom is near the mouth. 3. Connect the headset to the belt-pack. Insert the 2.5mm connector into the headset input on the belt-pack. 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3.
Placed on a stable, flat surface • Within 3-6 feet of all students in that group • Top surface of the speaker should be clear with nothing set on top to ensure optimum sound quality and microphone pickup. The FLEXCAT base station has two audio input connections for integration with other classroom technology. When connected, the teacher can send that audio directly to the students’ desktop, ensuring clarity and quality of audio. • Using an optional 3.
1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 3: 22 DAILY OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 1. OPERATING THE FLEXCAT 1. Remove the desktop speakers from the charger and place them on the group tables. 3. Remove the remote and begin instruction. Use the remote to: • Address the whole class • The speakers will automatically power on when the switch is left in the on position.
6. Safety & Specifications 1 4 All 2 3 Vol Vol Command Press ALL Description Sends the teachers voice to all desktop speakers at once. Small Group Instruction Press #1-4 Activates a 2-way audio connection to a small group. The teacher can address and listen to that group simultaneously. Small Group Monitoring Press MUTE, then #1-4 Mutes the teacher's microphone while allowing the teacher to listen in on group conversations. The speaker # button will turn RED.
5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 4: ADDITIONAL OPERATION INFORMATION Determining optimum placement of the group speakers • Group speakers should be placed in the approximate center of the group • They can be placed on the center of a table or on the floor where the students are sitting. • The microphone is designed to pick up students in a 360 degree radius, so it also operates best when in the middle of a group.
2. Select “ALL” or “SPEAKER # 1-6” on the teacher remote. 3. Play the audio file on the computer, adjusting the volume on the computer as needed. 4. Directing audio to the Students: • Use the remote to direct that audio to all students or a selected group (1-6) • NOTE: the teacher’s voice will also be broadcast to whichever group the multimedia is sent to. Press MUTE on the remote if you only wish the children to hear the audio file. 2.
1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications 2. MULTIMEDIA AUDIO INTEGRATION 26 CONT’D 5. Quick connection of multimedia to belt-pack • For a temporary connection to a portable audio device like an (iPod, MP3 player, etc.) connect the audio device into the audio input on the teacher belt-pack. • Select “ALL” or “SPEAKER # 1-6” on the teacher remote.
Turn the ALD volume control on the group speaker all the way down. 2. Determine the size and type of audio input jack on the device as many manufacturers’ products differ in connector size and shape. 3. Connect a patch cable from the ALD’s microphone or AUX input jack to the “ALD OUT” connection on the group speaker. 4. With the ALD device set to its maximum volume level, slowly turn up the group speaker ALD volume control until the desired level for the student is reached. 6.
6. Safety & Specifications 4. USING OPTIONAL SPEAKERS #5-6 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Although the standard FLEXCAT includes 4 group speakers, it is can to operate with up to 6 group speakers! The additional speakers can be purchased together with the main system or can be added down the road. 1. Operation 2. Charging • If speakers #5-6 are purchased together with the original system, they will already be paired together and operate just as speakers #1-4 do.
6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 5: In order for all system components to operate and communicate with one another, they must be registered to the base station. When purchased as a complete system, all components will be pre-registered and ready for use, so there is no need to manually register anything. In the event a component needs to be replaced or an additional component is purchased down the road, it will need to be registered following the step by step instructions below.
1. Turn on the new group speaker. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications GROUP SPEAKER REGISTRATION PROCESS VOL VOL ON POWER OFF ON POWER OFF 4. Additional Information REG LINK REGISTER REG LINK REGISTER STATION # 2. Press the Group Speaker Registration button on the Base Station. The yellow LED on the Base Station will start flashing. 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3.
VOL ON POWER OFF VOL ON POWER OFF REG LINK REGISTER REG LINK REGISTER STATION # Wait for the yellow speaker registration LED on the Base Station to change to a steady yellow. POWER POWER REGISTER REGISTER SPEAKERS LINK SPEAKERS LINK MULTIPACKS REGISTER LINK REMOTES REGISTER 1. Overview 4. 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation STATION # 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Press the registration button on the group speaker.
5. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications GROUP SPEAKER REGISTRATION CONT’D Wait for the yellow registration LED on the new group speaker to change to a steady yellow. A new speaker ID number will be shown on the seven segment display. VOL VOL 4. Additional Information ON POWER OFF REG LINK REGISTER ON POWER OFF REG LINK REGISTER STATION # 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation STATION # 32 6.
3. Press the Belt-Pack registration button on the new Belt-Pack. Both of the blue Belt-Pack registration LEDs on the new Belt-Pack should start flashing alternately. 4. Wait for the yellow Belt-Pack registration LED on the Base Station to change to a steady yellow. 5. Wait for the blue Belt-Pack registration LEDs on the new Belt-Pack to settle on a single steady blue LED. 6. The registration has failed if any of the registration LEDs start to flash rapidly. 7.
1. Make sure that the Remote is adequately charged enough to be operating. 2. Remove the battery cover. 3. Be sure that the Teacher Select switch is in the proper position. 4. Turn on Base Station if it is not already on. 5. Press the Remote Pairing button on the Base Station and be sure that the yellow pairing LED is lighted. 6. Press the Remote Pairing button on the Remote and be sure that the green pairing LED is lighted. 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5.
Wait for both the yellow and green pairing LEDs to turn off simultaneously, typically after about 5 seconds. 8. If the pairing LEDs turn off after 30 seconds then the Remote did not pair to the Base Station. 9. Press the ALL button on the remote – the button will light indicating the remote is registered. 4. Additional Information 7. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications REMOTE REGISTRATION CONT’D 10. If the pairing fails, repeat steps 5 through 7.
5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications BATTERY REPLACEMENT Overview of batteries The group speaker, teacher belt-pack and remote contain rechargeable battery packs that require daily charging. The battery packs are warranted for 1-year but have a useful life of about 2+ years before the should be replaced. The battery packs must be purchased directly from Lightspeed, but can easily be installed by the user. Replacement of battery pack in group speaker 1. Overview 2.
Use a screw-driver to remove the screw and the slide the battery door open. 2. Disconnect the cable and slide the battery pack out. 3. Take the new battery pack, connect the cable as shown and insert the battery pack into the compartment. 4. Slide the cover back on and tighten the screw to secure the door. 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 1. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Replacement of battery pack in belt-pack 6.
Use a screw-driver to remove the screw and the slide the battery door open. 2. Disconnect the cable and slide the battery pack out. 3. Take the new battery pack, connect the cable as shown and insert the battery pack into the compartment. 4. Slide the cover back on and tighten the screw to secure the door. 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 1. 4. Additional Information Replacement of battery pack in remote 3. DaiIy Operation 6.
• Confirm batteries are properly charged each night. • When placing a component in a charger, ensure the RED charging LED turns on. The GREEN charging light will turn on when a full charge is reached. • Regardless of battery life, the RED light will turn on for 20-30 minutes to check status. When battery is full, the light will turn GREEN at some time after that. • Fully charged batteries will operate properly throughout a full school day for a period of at least 1-2 years.
4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications TROUBLESHOOTING CONT’D PROBLEM: Remote does not light or activate any group speakers PROBLEM: Belt-pack does not indicate a “READY” signal SOLUTION: SOLUTION: • Ensure the batteries have a charge. They should be charged nightly. • Ensure the batteries have a charge. They should be charged nightly. • Try pressing the MUTE button. • Ensure the power switch is turned on.
1. Warranty on primary components including: base station, group speakers, belt-pack and remote is THREE (3) YEARS. 2. Warranty on headset microphones and Lightspeed NiMH rechargeable battery packs is one (1) year. 3. Prepaid shipping label provided by Lightspeed for warranty repairs within the U.S. Customers outside the U.S. should refer to the Lightspeed website ( www.lightspeed-tek.com) for warranty repair instructions. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 1. Overview 4.
! 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications SAFETY WARNINGS AND CERTIFICATIONS CERTIFICATIONS 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information Lightspeed Technologies launched a formal product recycle program in Europe that complies with the European Union Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“WEEE Directive”). Please visit our website at www.Lightspeed-tek.com for more information.
DC Charge out: Audio Inputs: Wireless communication: Power switch with LED Indicator Audio Link indicators: Device Registration: push button for speaker(s), belt-pack(s), and remote(s) Dimensions (L x W x H): 16V / 2.0A 1-4 group speakers; 1-2 teacher belt-packs; 1-2 handheld remotes 16V / 0.3A for 1-2 additional group speakers 3.5mm stereo x2 DECT 1.9 GHz wideband for audio connections; RF4CE for control signals 6 LED for link to group speakers 1-6; 2 LED for link to teacher beltpacks 1-2 2.06/2.54; 3.
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS CONT’D HANDHELD REMOTE (1-2) Battery Power: Cradle charging: Wireless communication: 2.5V NiMH battery pack 2 contacts for cradle charging RF4CE Controls: Group speaker selection 1-6; All speaker selection; Microphone mute; Earpiece volume push button and LED for registration with base station 4.25” x 2.0” x 1.0” Registration: Dimensions (L x W x H): HEADSET Description: 44 Connector: under-the-ear headset with boom microphone and in ear piece 2.
LIGHTSPEED TECH NOL OG I E S 11 509 SW HERM AN R O A D / TUA L ATIN , O R 9 7 0 6 2 T O LL FREE: 800.73 2 .8 9 9 9 / PHO N E : 5 0 3 .6 8 4 .5 5 3 8 / FAX : 503. 684. 3197 LI GHTS PEED-TEK.
