Flexible Audio for Group Learning 4 3 4 3 1 POWER 2 User Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: Overview 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 Important safety instructions System components and unpacking Optional components Redcat Access controls, connections & indicators Flexmike controls and connections Flexcat pod controls and connections Remote control functions and indicators SECTION 2: Initial Set-up 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 1. Determine set-up locations 2. Plug in the charging station and Redcat 3. Charge 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.
6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 1: OVERVIEW 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND UNPACKING The standard configuration of the Flexcat will contain: 1 POWER 2 4. Additional Information Redcat Access whole class speaker with power supply Flexmike + earbud lanyard & teacher remote 1 4 2 3 6 5 UP Vol DN Vol 1. Overview Mute 2. Initial Set-up 3.
. Safety & Specifications OPTIONAL COMPONENTS Equipment which may be part of your Flexcat: 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Additional speaker pods Team teaching kit: 2nd Flexmike + earbud lanyard and remote 1 4 6 5 UP Mute Vol DN Vol 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 2 3 Standard Components RCA FCCS FCP FCTT FM-EBL 1. Overview FCHRC EBL NH6V NH2.4V 16V-2.
1. POWER ON INDICATOR: The power light will glow blue 6. Safety & Specifications REDCAT SPEAKER CONTROLS, CONNECTIONS AND INDICATORS when power is applied. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 2. MIC 1 & MIC 2: Mic link and registration indicators a. Flashing amber indicates registration is in process. b. Solid green indicates a link has been established. 1 2 POWER 2 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 1 2 3 2.
6. Safety & Specifications 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 4. Additional Information 3. DaiIy Operation 2. Initial Set-up 1. Overview REDCAT SPEAKER CONTROLS, CONNECTIONS AND INDICATORS CON’T 5. REGISTRATION: Press this button if there is a new microphone, pod, or remote to be registered. 5 REGISTER 6. AUDIO INPUT JACK & VOLUME CONTROL: 3.5mm stereo connector for connecting multimedia sources to the Redcat Access. Controls the volume level of the audio input from the connected audio source.
4 1 5 8 6 7 9 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 2 3 6. Safety & Specifications FLEXMIKE CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS 1. POWER/MUTE SWITCH: press and hold to power on, press to mute, press and hold to power off. 2. MIC 1 STATUS: lighted to indicate microphone is registered as MIC 1. 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 10 MIC 2 STATUS: lighted to indicate microphone is registered as MIC 2 (same behavior as MIC 1 status light above). 4.
6. Safety & Specifications FLEXCAT POD CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS 5 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 4 4. Additional Information 3 2 3. DaiIy Operation 1 7 6 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up CALL 10 1. CHARGING INDICATOR: this light turns red when charging, green to indicate charging complete. 2. POWER/LOW BATTERY INDICATOR: this light blinks blue when powered on, turns solid blue when ready for operation and turns red when the battery is low. 3.
5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 1 1 4 2 6. Safety & Specifications REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS AND INDICATORS 2 UP 3 Mute Vol DN Vol REG 8 7 6 1. CLASSROOM SPEAKER SELECTION: press to select the Redcat speaker to address the whole class. The button turns green when selected. 2. SPEAKER POD SELECTION (16): press to select a specific pod. The button turns green when addressing that group, red when monitoring (listening only).
6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 2: INITIAL SET-UP 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 1. DETERMINE SET-UP LOCATIONS Flexcat Charging Station: The charging station organizes and charges the pods, microphone(s) and remote(s). It can be set up anywhere, but it is best to be near the teachers desk and highly accessible for both teachers and students. Key considerations: 4.
2. Connect the AC power cords into the DC power supplies. 3. Using the first power supply, insert the DC connector into the “DC POWER” jack on the charging station. 4. Plug the AC power cord into an electrical outlet. 5. The blue power light on the charging station will glow to indicate it is ready to begin charging components. 6. Safety & Specifications Locate the two 16V power supplies and power cables -- one each for the charging station and Redcat Access. 4. Additional Information 1. 5.
5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Prior to full operation, all system components should be fully charged (at least 8 hours) to ensure optimum performance. 4. Additional Information 4 3 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4 3 6. Safety & Specifications 3. CHARGE THE FLEXCAT COMPONENTS 1. Insert all four pods into the charging cradle. Each pod’s charging light will turn red to indicate normal charging. When fully charged, they will turn green.
6. Safety & Specifications 4. POWER ON ALL COMPONENTS Power FLEXMIKE: the microphone will power on when removed from the charger. The solid red light indicates the microphone is muted. Press to unmute the microphone, the light will turn blue. 4. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 3. REG READY REGISTER GROUP # Power / Mute TEACHER REMOTE: there is no power switch on this component, it stays ready for operation. 5. ENSURE ALL COMPONENTS ARE READY 1.
6. Safety & Specifications Initial Setup • Locate the earbud lanyard • Hang the Flexmike on the lanyard opposite the magnetic clasp. • Plug the earbud into the headphone connection on the Flexmike. • NOTE: if you prefer to wear the earbud in your left ear: 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. SET UP THE FLEXMIKE + EARBUD - Turn the lanyard around so the earbud goes up to your left ear. 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3.
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. 6. Safety & Specifications 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting • 4. Additional Information Placed on a stable, flat surface 3. DaiIy Operation • 2. Initial Set-up The pods should be placed in the middle of student groups or learning stations as follows: 1. Overview 7.
1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications 8. SETTING SYSTEM VOLUME LEVELS To allow for maximum flexibility the Flexmike, pods and Redcat Access speaker all have independent volume controls. By default, all devices are set to the center position, which is optimal in most cases.
DAILY OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS Remove the pods from the charger and place them on the group tables. • The speaker pods will stay powered on while charging when the switch is left in the on position. • Note the location of the pod numbers. Power / Mute 3. • The microphone will default to the Mute position, the microphone status light will turn to red. • Place the microphone around your neck and insert the earbud. • Press the power/mute button.
3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications DAILY OPERATION CON’T Using the remote: 1 Function Whole Class 4 Instruction 2 Pod3 Selection Small Group Vol Vol Monitoring Press #1-6 Connect to each individual student group pod. The pod # button will light and a tone will sound in the earbud when connected (1-2 seconds). Press MUTE Move from pod to pod to monitor (listen only) student groups.
5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting ADDITIONAL OPERATION INFORMATION 6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 4: 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. Managing equipment and charging • Leave all components in the on position. - When you place them on the charger, they will charge as normal.
4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications TIPS AND TRICKS TO SUCCESSFUL USE CONT’D Student group sharing • Press #1-6, then center button (rapid press). This allows one student group to address the whole class. Both the center and pod # buttons will light and a tone will sound in the earbud when connected (1-2 seconds). • To select another group to share with the class, simply press another pod #, followed quickly by the center button.
REGISTER 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications MULTIMEDIA AUDIO INTEGRATION AUDIO IN MIN AUDIO (ALD) OUT MIN 4. Additional Information MAX MAX 1. Connect an audio cable from your computer (or other device) into the audio input connection on the Redcat Access speaker. 2. Play the audio file on the computer. 3. Adjust the audio input volume on the Redcat Access as needed (generally 12:00 is an appropriate nominal level). 4.
1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications MULTIMEDIA AUDIO INTEGRATION 24 CONT’D 5. Quick connection + multimedia sharing with individual student groups • For a fast, temporary connection to a portable audio device like an (MP3, tablet, smart phone, etc.) connect the audio device into the audio input on the Flexmike.
The Redcat Access speaker projects and evenly distributes audio throughout the entire class. The following are key considerations to choose the optimum wallmounting location: 6. Safety & Specifications WALL-MOUNTING REDCAT ACCESS • Centered along a side or rear wall of the classroom • Positioned on the wall about 6-8 feet high • AVOID: mounting in corners or any area near to where the teacher usually instructs. 5.
2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING REGISTRATION OF REPLACEMENT OR ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT In order for all system components to operate and communicate with one another, they must be registered to the Redcat Access speaker.
Replacement of battery pack in Flexmike. 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 snap into place. 5. Place the Flexmike in the charging station to fully charge the new battery pack. 6. The charging light will turn red. It will turn green when fully charged (up to 10 hours). 4 2. Initial Set-up 3 1. Overview 4 3.
Replacement of battery pack in remote 1. Use a screwdriver 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. 5. Place the remote in the charging station to fully charge the new battery pack. 6. The charging light will turn red.
PROBLEM: low battery condition. SOLUTION: check the batteries and ensure proper charging. • Confirm batteries are properly charged each night. Full charging can take up to 10 hours. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting Note: Many problems are directly related to low battery power. Please run through the “Battery Check” items first. For remaining troubleshooting, use known good, fully-charged batteries. 6.
6. Safety & Specifications TROUBLESHOOTING CONT’D • Ensure teacher remote is working properly. 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting - Press the center “Whole Class” button. It should be lighted green. - If it doesn’t light, make sure the Redcat Access is plugged into power and the blue power light is on. - Ensure there is a corresponding green 1 or 2 ready light on the Redcat Access. - Ensure the batteries are fully charged. If the red battery low light is on, it can experience intermittent operation. 4.
PROBLEM: Feedback or squealing from Redcat speaker 6. Safety & Specifications TROUBLESHOOTING CONT’D - If the feedback or squealing persists, the feedback is being caused by a pod that is in student sharing mode. Turn the “Microphone Volume” on the Redcat speaker down slightly. (NOTE: you may need to press the UP volume on the Flexmike up 1-2 clicks to compensate).
1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3. DaiIy Operation 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting 6. Safety & Specifications SECTION 6: WARRANTY, SAFETY & SPECIFICATIONS THREE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY Lightspeed’s Flexcat Group Audio System is covered under warranty against malfunction due to defects in materials and workmanship for a period of THREE (3) YEARS, beginning at the date of the purchase invoice.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol inside an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of non insulated “hazardous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, which may be of sufficient magnitude to induce a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation mark inside an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instruction in the literature accompanying this product.
6. Safety & Specifications PRÉCAUTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ ET CERTIFICATIONS 4. Additional Information 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting ATTENTION ! RISQUE D’ÉLECTROCUTION NE PAS OUVRIR CONFORMÉMENT AUX NORMES D’INSTALLATION APPLICABLES, CE PRODUIT DOIT ÊTRE INSTALLÉ PAR UNE PERSONNE FAMILIARISÉE AVEC LA CONCEPTION ET LE FONCTIONNEMENT DU PRODUIT ET CONSCIENTE DES RISQUE ENCOURUS.
FCC Notice to user 6. Safety & Specifications SAFETY WARNINGS AND CERTIFICATIONS This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
6. Safety & Specifications SAFETY WARNINGS AND CERTIFICATIONS NOTICE FOR USB 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting NOTE: Lightspeed is not responsible for any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance. Such modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
EU Declaration of Conformity According to EC Directives EMC 2004/108/EC, LVD 2006/42/EC, R&TTE 1999/5/EC Manufacturer: Lightspeed Technologies, Inc. Address: 11509 SW Herman Rd, Tualatin, Oregon 97062 6. Safety & Specifications 5.
6. Safety & Specifications 5. Maintenance & Troubleshooting SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS SPEAKER PODS (1-6) Battery power: 6V NiMH battery pack Battery life: 10+ hours (fully charged) Power output: 5 Watts per speaker Integrated Speaker: 2” balanced mode radiator (BMR) Integrated microphone: Omni-directional electret Audio output: 3.5mm with volume control Battery charging: 2 contacts for cradle charging + 16V/0.3A DC input Access Technology (1.9 GHz) 1. Overview 2. Initial Set-up 3.
Access Technology (1.9 GHz) Audio distortion: <1% Integrated microphone: Uni-directional electret Earbud output: 3.5mm Audio input: 3.5mm Volume control: +/- 6 dB Battery power: 2.5V NiMH battery pack Battery life: 8 hours (fully charged) Charging: 2 contacts for cradle charging USB connection: type Micro-B for charging and audio Power: on/off switch Registration: push button for registration with Redcat Access 2.9” x 1.1” x 1.0” (74 x 28 x 25mm) 1.
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