ClearOne CHAT User Manual

CHAT® 170 - Group Speaker Phone for Office Communicator

USER’S MANUAL

Telephone [phone]

1.801.974.3760

FAX [phone]

E-mail [e-mail]
On the Web www.clearone.com

CHAT 170 USER’S MANUAL

CLEARONE PART NO. 8xx-xxx-xxx - June 2010 (REV. 1.0)

© 2010 ClearOne Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. No
part of this document may be reproduced in any form or by any
means without written permission from ClearOne Communications.
ClearOne reserves specific privileges.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

U.S. PATENTS: D539,274; D556,189; D531,999.
OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

Ta b l e o f Co n T e n T s

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

PRODUCT OVERVIEW ..............................................................1

Se r v i c e a n d Su p p o r t ................................................................ 1

Technical Support ............................................................. 1

Sales and Customer Service ............................................ 1

Product Returns ................................................................1

UNPACKING .............................................................................. 3

REPLACEMENT PARTS & ACCESSORIES ............................... 3

CHAT 170 CONFIGURATIONS .................................................4

CHAPTER 2: GETTING STARTED

CHAT 170 CONTROLS .............................................................5

Led in d i c a t o r S .......................................................................5

vo L u m e a n d mu t e Bu t t o n S ....................................................... 5

He a d S e t Bu t t o n ...................................................................... 5

vc Br e a k o u t Bo x .................................................................... 5

INSTALLING THE CHAT SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS ............ 6

CONNECTING THE CHAT 170 TO A PC .................................. 6

CONNECTING THE CHAT 170 TO EXTERNAL DEVICES ........ 7

co n n e c t i n g t o a te L e p H o n e ..................................................... 7

co n n e c t i n g t o a vi d e o co n f e r e n c i n g de v i c e ............................ 9

cHatat t a c H : co n n e c t i n g tw o cHat de v i c e S ....................... 12

cHatat t a c H wo r k i n g mo d e S ................................................ 13

cHatat t a c H tr o u B L e S H o o t i n g ..............................................13

CHAPTER 3: CONFIGURING THE CHAT 170

CONFIGURING YOUR CHAT 170 ........................................... 14

DEVICE SETUP .......................................................................14

MY DEVICES ...........................................................................16

OPTIMIZING SOUND QUALITY ..............................................16

Using with Pre-Defined Device Settings ......................... 16

Applying Audio Settings to the CHAT 170 ......................16

CHAPTER 4: USING THE CHAT APPLICATION

USING THE CHAT APPLICATION ........................................... 17

Using A Third-Party Application ......................................17

UPDATE FIRMWARE & DATABASE ........................................ 18

Check for Firmware Updates .......................................... 18

MANUAL UPDATES ................................................................21

HELP .......................................................................................22

ADVANCED ............................................................................. 22

ad v a n c e d Se t t i n g S : au d i o Se t t i n g S ........................................ 23

ad v a n c e d Se t t i n g S : da t a B a S e ................................................. 24

ed i t cu S t o m au d i o Se t t i n g .................................................... 26

ad v a n c e d Se t t i n g S : Log ....................................................... 27

CHAPTER 5: MAINTENANCE

CARING FOR THE CHAT 170 ................................................. 28

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................. 28

INTERRUPTED FIRMWARE UPDATE RECOVERY ................. 29

CHAPTER 6: APPENDIX

SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................... 30

co n n e c t i o n S .........................................................................30

co n t r o L S .............................................................................. 30

au d i o .................................................................................... 30

Speaker ...........................................................................30

Microphone .................................................................... 30

Line Input through VC Breakout Box .............................. 30

Line Output through VC Breakout Box ........................... 30

pr o c e S S i n g ...........................................................................30

po w e r ................................................................................... 30

ex t e r n a L po w e r Su p p L y ......................................................... 30

en v i r o n m e n t a L .......................................................................30

me c H a n i c a L ........................................................................... 30

op e r a t i n g Sy S t e m S Su p p o r t e d ............................................... 30

COMPLIANCE ......................................................................... 31

eu r o p e a n co m p L i a n c e ............................................................ 31

EC Declaration of Conformity ......................................... 31

FCC PART 15/ICES-003 COMPLIANCE..................................32

FCC PART 15.19(A) (3) COMPLIANCE ................................... 32

WARRANTY ............................................................................. 32

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Thank you for purchasing the ClearOne CHAT 170 group speakerphone.

The CHAT 170 is a high performance audio peripheral that provides rich audio for hands-free calls with Microsoft Office
Communicator communication program. The CHAT 170 is completely full-duplex and contains HDConference™, the
suite of audio processing technologies that includes Distributed Echo Cancellation™, noise reduction, automatic level
controls, and adaptive modeling, producing crystal clear conversations.

Though designed specifically to be used with Microsoft Office Communicator, the CHAT 170 can also be used with
other devices such as enterprise telephones and other applications such as VoIP softphones, web conferencing, instant
messaging and PC-based gaming. This manual will provide detailed instructions on using the CHAT 170 with Microsoft
Office Communicator, as well as with these additional devices and applications.

Service and Support

If you need additional information on how to set up or operate your CHAT 170 group speaker phone, please contact us.
We welcome and encourage your comments so we can continue to improve our products and better meet your needs.

Technical Support

Telephone: [phone] (USA) or 1.801.974.3760
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web site: www.ClearOne.com

Sales and Customer Service

Telephone: [phone] (USA) or 1.801.975.7200
Fax: [phone] (USA) or 1.801.977.0087
E-mail: [e-mail]

Product Returns

All product returns require a return material authorization (RMA) number. Please contact ClearOne Technical Support
before attempting to return your product. Make sure you return all the items that shipped with your product.

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Important Safety InformatIon

Read the safety instructions before using this product. This personal speaker phone is not designed for making emer­gency telephone calls when the power fails. You must make alternative arrangements for telephone access to emer­gency services.

Read and understand all instructions. Follow all warnings marked on the product.•

Unplug the product from the outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use only a damp •
cloth for cleaning.

Do not use this product in or near water, for example, near a bathtub, kitchen sink, or swimming pool.•

Place this product on a flat, level, dry surface for ongoing operation.•

Never place product near heat radiators or registers. Allow adequate ventilation for heat dissipation.•

This product should only be operated using a power source specified on the product label. If you are not sure about •
the power source at your location, consult your dealer or local power company.

Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords; this can cause fires or electric shock.•

Never spill liquid on or into the product.•

Do not disassemble this product. Opening or removing covers can expose you to dangerous voltages and other •
risks. Incorrect reassembly can cause electric shock during subsequent use. Disassembly voids the warranty.

Unplug the product from the outlet and contact a qualified service technician under the following conditions:•

When the power supply cord or plug is damaged or frayed.a.
If liquid has been spilled into the product.b.
If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions.c.
If the product has been dropped or damaged.d.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.e.

Avoid telephones during an electrical storm. There is a risk of electric shock from lightning.•

Do not use this product to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.•

Do not use this product near intensive care medical equipment or by persons with pacemakers.•

This product can interfere with electrical equipment such as answering machines, TV sets, radios, •

computers and microwave ovens. Do not place the product in close proximity to any of these devices.•

2 Technical Support: 800.283.5936

Save these instructions

UNPACKING

The illustration below shows the parts that ship in the box with each model of the CHAT 170. Contact your dealer for
replacement parts and accessories.

> NOTE: ClearOne is not responsible for product damage incurred during shipment. You must make

claims directly with the carrier. Inspect your shipment carefully for obvious signs of damage. If the ship­ment appears damaged, retain the original boxes and packing material for inspection by the carrier.
Contact your carrier immediately.

REPLACEMENT PARTS & ACCESSORIES

The standard CHAT 170 is used primarily as a USB-configured device connected to your laptop or PC for hands-free
calls with Skype. However, additional accessories can be purchased for the CHAT 170 to make it interoperable with
several enterprise telephone handsets and video conferencing systems. These accessories are designed for use with
ClearOne’s CHAT 170 speakerphone but are also completely compatible with the CHAT 170.

The illustration below shows all parts and accessories available for the CHAT 170 and which will also work with the CHAT

170. Contact your dealer for replacement parts or accessories.

Chapter 1: Introduction 3

CHAT 170 CONFIGURATIONS

ClearOne’s CHAT 170 comes in several configurations, as shown below. The CHAT 170 group speakerphone itself is the
same in all configurations; different accessories have been packaged with the unit to enable a variety of connections. All
CHAT 170 units have a mini-USB port, so every configuration can connect to a PC.

Configuration Usage Profile

CHAT 170 for Avaya & Cisco
Telephone Handsets)

CHAT 170 USB

CHAT 170 VC Connects to any video conferencing system for full-duplex speaker phone capability.

Connects to the headset jack of the Avaya or Cisco handset for full-duplex speaker
phone capability.

Connects to the USB port of a PC (or laptop) for use with softphones, internet tele­phony applications, web conferencing, instant messaging with audio, etc.

4 Technical Support: 800.283.5936

CHAPTER 2: GETTING STARTED

CHAT 170 CONTROLS

LED Indicators

Several blue LED lights show when the CHAT 170 is connected to a PC via USB or when the CHAT 170 is plugged into a
breakout box. The three status indicator LEDs above each microphone are blue when the unit is operational and change
to red when mute is turned on. The seven LEDs next to the volume controls illuminate blue to indicate the current volume
setting—more lights indicate a higher volume level.

Once successfully connected to your computer, the CHAT 170 will automatically become the default audio device for
Windows (speaker and microphone). When you run Skype, the CHAT 170 will also become the default speaker and
microphone for Skype calls, replacing your computer’s speakers and microphone.

Volume and Mute Buttons

Use the Volume Up/Down buttons to adjust the volume level of the CHAT 170. Use the Mute button to mute the CHAT
170’s microphones until the button is pressed again.

If you are using the CHAT 170 with a PC (for Office Communicator calls), you can also use the volume controls in Win­dows or in the CHAT software application to make these adjustments.

> NOTE: If your sole purpose for purchasing the CHAT 170 is to use it with Microsoft Office Communica-

tor and you do not intend to use it with hardware devices other than your PC, you do not need to review
the rest of this manual. The remaining pages of this manual describe how to connect the CHAT 170
with other devices other than a PC and how to install and use the CHAT software in order to correctly
configure the CHAT 170 for use with those devices.

Headset Button

Press the Headset button on the Phone Breakout Box to send audio from your phone to your headset connected to
the CHAT 170 Breakout Box. This will also disable audio going from the Breakout Box to the CHAT 170 — it is routed
strictly to the headset. The phone breakout box LED indicator illuminates indicating that the headset audio is activated
and the CHAT 170 LED indicators will remain lit. The audio is no longer routed to the CHAT 170 from the Breakout Box
(USB audio is still active). Press the Headset button again to disable the headset audio and reactivate the audio from the
Breakout Box to the CHAT 170. The LED dims out to indicate the change.

VC Breakout Box

Once you have properly connected the CHAT 170 VC Breakout Box to your video conferencing device and TV using the
included RCA Connection Cable, all settings changes such as mute, microphone and speaker level adjustments, etc.,
are controlled through the CHAT 170 software. The VC Breakout Box itself has no buttons and no functionality for making
settings changes. The LED indicates that the device has power.

> NOTE: If your CHAT 170 is connected to a PC, any changes you make to volume by pressing the CHAT

170 volume buttons will also change the volume settings in Windows.

Chapter 2: Getting Started 5

INSTALLING THE CHAT SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS

> NOTE: The install procedure is the same for all versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7

operating systems.

The CHAT 170 can be used right out of the box and there’s no software to download or install if it is to be used only with
a PC.

The following procedure can be used to download and install the CHAT software for the CHAT 170 if it is to be used with
other devices or if the CHAT 170 firmware requires updates.

Download the CHAT software by accessing the following:1.

http://www.clearone.com.support/downloads.php?content=main

Select your device from the “2. BY PRODUCT” window and click SEARCH and the screen will display only those
downloads available for your specific device. Select the latest version of the CHAT 70/170 Software and the system
will display a confirmation window for the software to be downloaded to your computer.

Unzip the downloaded folder and run 3. Setup.exe to begin the installation process.

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the software installation.4.

When the CHAT software installation is complete, start the CHAT software by double-clicking the

ClearOne CHAT icon that is now on your Windows desktop, or by clicking

(Start > All Programs > ClearOne Communications > CHAT > ClearOne CHAT).

Before using the CHAT 170 for the first time, proceed with the audio settings configuration procedure
located in Chapter 4 under the Advanced section of this manual. This will ensure optimal sound quality
for each device and application you plan to use with the CHAT 170.

CONNECTING THE CHAT 170 TO A PC

Using the included USB cable, connect the CHAT 170 to your PC or laptop. The blue LED indicators on the CHAT 1.
170 illuminate, indicating that the CHAT 170 is powered and ready for use.

6 Technical Support: 800.283.5936

CONNECTING THE CHAT 170 TO EXTERNAL DEVICES

Connecting to a Telephone

ClearOne provides configurations of the CHAT 170 that make it possible to connect the CHAT 170 to enterprise tele­phone handsets from Cisco and Avaya (see CHAT 170 Configurations in the Introduction to this manual). The CHAT
170 phone Breakout Box is the interface between the CHAT 170 and the particular telephone.

Using the included 25’ RJ-45 cable, connect the Phone Breakout Box to your CHAT 170.1.

Using the included 2’ RJ-9 telephone cable, connect the Phone Breakout Box’s 2. phone jack to your telephone’s

headset jack.

DO NOT plug the cable into the telephone’s line jack, handset jack, or a telephone different from that

listed on the bottom of the Phone Breakout Box as damage to the telephone and/or CHAT 170 might
occur.

Chapter 2: Getting Started 7

3. If you have a headset that you typically use with your telephone, connect it to the headset jack on the CHAT 170

Phone Breakout Box.

4. Slide the correct power supply clip for your country into the included power supply. The power supply may contain a
plastic shield that must be removed before inserting the clip.

8 Technical Support: 800.283.5936