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Assistive Listening Systems
Venture-Express Transmitter
User’s Guide
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Copyright Information
© Copyright 1998 by 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,
1/96. Gentner Communications Corporation reserves specification
privileges. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Venture-Express User’s Guide, September 1998
Introduction 1
Contents
Features and Controls 1
Audio Processing 1
Controls 3
Setup 3
Antenna/Microphone 4
Install Batteries 5
Select Audio Input 6
Operation 6
Powering the Venture-Express 6
Selecting a Channel 6
Setting Memory Channels 6
Frequency Chart 7
Check the System 8
Using the Mix Function 8
Low-Battery Indication 8
Interference Problems 8
Specifications 9
Notice 10
W arranty 12
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Introduction
The Venture-Express portable transmitter results from years of
surveying audiologists, sound contractors, consultants and
end users. It is designed to provide every feature and
function with the highest possible audio/RF performance and
reliable operation while remaining affordable and easy to use.
The Venture-Express has audio inputs for both microphone
and line (i.e. tape or CD player). The two sources can also be
mixed. An audio processor shapes the input audio dynamics
and frequency response to produce a signal with maximum
intelligibility and minimal operator adjustment.
The RF section is crystal-controlled for stability. Its digital
frequency-synthesizer circuitry sets the transmitter to 19 of
the FCC-approved Assistive Listening Band’s channels. Six
memory channels can recall frequent-use channels.
Features and
Controls
Audio Processing
To make transmitted sound intelligible to the hearing impaired,
making it louder is not enough. The needs of the hearing
impaired differ greatly from those with normal hearing. The
most common impairments are reduced sensitivity and dynamic
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range, and loss of high frequencies.
The Venture-Express uses a system of program-dependent
AGC with a proprietary frequency-shaping system to control
dynamics and maximize voice intelligibility. This results in a
clear, loud sound, and eliminates the need to constantly raise
and lower receiver volume.
Figure 1. Venture-Express front panel
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Controls
Power: Turns on/off the power to the V enture-Express
transmitter
Channel Select: Allow the user to scroll up or down through
the 19 preprogrammed channels
Memory Recall Buttons: May be programmed to any of the
19 channels for instant recall
Display: LCD display shows the channel the V enture-Express
is currently using. If tuned manually , the channel will be
prefixed by a C (example: C-07). If tuned using a memorized
channel, the channel will be prefixed by the memory-button
number (example: 4-07).
Input Selector: Allows the user to broadcast the audio input
from a microphone, a line source or a mix of both
Line Input Jack: A standard 1/8-inch/3.5mm jack for an
outside audio source (i.e. tape or CD player)
Mic Mute Switch: Allows the user to mute the mic audio input,
not the auxiliary audio input
Mic Input Jack: A mini XLR-type professional connector with
a locking action to prevent the mic plug from being
Figure 2. V enture-Express top view
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accidentally pulled out
Figure 3. Venture-Express back view
Belt Clip: Securely attaches the V enture-Express to the user’s
belt for portable operation
Battery Door: V enture-Express uses two AA batteries
(alkaline or rechargeable Ni-Cad)
Setup
Antenna/Microphone
The Venture-Express antenna is 2/3 internal to the PTX unit,
1/3 in the microphone cord. With this in mind, it is
recommended, although not required, that the microphone be
attached before use and that the cord is as fully extended as
possible during use.
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Also, ensure that you maintain line-of-sight contact with the
receivers, so walls with large amounts of wiring, metal studs or
concrete do not block or reduce the signal.
Please Note: Any RF system is susceptible to “dropouts,” where
reduced RF energy caused by reflections and cancellations results
in a noisy signal. If this happens, try moving the transmitter or
receiver around until the signal clears. Sometimes, even a few
inches can cause a dramatic difference in performance.
Install Batteries
The V enture-Express uses two AA batteries. For best results,
we recommend alkaline types with a minimum of 600 mAHrs
each of power. To install the batteries, slide the battery door
down and place the two batteries as indicated in the battery
compartment.
The Venture-Express can also use the Gentner BC-10A
recharging system and Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries.
Caution: Never use standard Alkaline batteries in a recharger.
The batteries can explode or leak, severely damaging the
transmitter and charger.
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Select Audio Input
If a microphone will be used (normal operation), select the MIC
position on the input selector. To feed audio from an outside
source, select the LINE position and insert the audio cable from
the external source into the line jack.
For proper microphone operation, ensure the MUTE switch is
positioned in the MIC on position.
Operation
Powering the Venture-Express
Press the POWER button. The LCD display will come on,
indicating which of the 19 channels is tuned in.
Selecting a Channel
The transmission channel is selected in two ways: 1) directly
using the up and down-arrow push-buttons on the front panel;
2) using one of the six memory buttons.
Setting Memory Channels
To set a memory channel, first use the up/down-arrow tuning
buttons to select the desired channel. Next, push and hold the
desired memory button until the display blinks (three seconds).
Let off the button and the channel is set.
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FREQUENCY CHARTFrequenc y
*Frequencies are in MHz
Channel *Frequenc y
01 216.025
02 216.075
03 216.125
04 216.175
05 216.225
06 216.275
07 216.325
08 216.375
09 216.425
10 216.525
11 216.575
12 216.625
13 216.675
14 216.725
15 216.775
16 216.825
17 216.875
18 216.925
19 216.975
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Check the System
Walk around with the receiver while an audio source is playing
and check reception in all parts of the seating area. If there are
more than a few dropouts, change broadcast frequency and try
again.
Using the Mix Function
To use the mic and line inputs together , set the input selector in
the MIX position. The relative levels can be controlled by
varying the level into the line input (i.e. adjusting the taperecorder volume) until the mix of mic and line is satisfactory.
Low-Battery Indication
The Venture-Express operation period is based on the type of
batteries used. Typical duration is 4–5 hours. When the
batteries are close to depletion, the LCD display will flash
“LO.” When the display begins flashing, the V enture-Express
will continue to operate for about 15 minutes.
Interference Problems
With any type of RF device, other RF sources can interfere
with reception. Interference can take the form of intermittent
rising-and-falling audio. To verify on-channel interference,
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take the receiver to a place where the signal should be stronger.
Since the V enture-Express is frequency-agile, you can set it to
another channel and retune the receivers away from the
interference.
For multiple V enture-Express's operating in the same location,
adjust the channel as far from the other unit(s) as possible.
Transmitters should never be set to the same frequency in the
same location.
Specifications
Venture-Express
Dimensions: 4 5/8"H x 3"W x 1 1/8"D
Weight: 4 oz. (dry)
Mic Inputs: >10kOhms (high impedance, varies
Aux Inputs: >3kOhms (high impedance), -10dB
AGC Range: 40dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 52dB
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with frequency), -55dB mic input
level, mini XLR connector
input level, mini jack connector
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Transmission T ype: FM modulation
Max. Radiated Power: 11,310uV/m at 30 M
Frequency Control: Digitally synthesized Crystal
Frequency Stability: .005%
Frequency Selection: 19 channels, 216MHz
Power Requirements: 2xAA batteries
Current Consumption: Transmitting 150mA
controlled
Standby 0.5mA
Notice
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 assistance to persons with disabilities, persons who
require language translation, or persons in educational
settings; health care services tothe ill; law enforcement
tracking services under agreement with a law enforcement
agency; or automated maritime telecommunications system
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(AMTS) network control communications. Two-way voice
communications 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.
The V enture-Express Assistive Listening T ransmitter complies
with Part 95 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1) this device may not cause harmful interference;
2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
any undesired operation.
This device also complies with the requirements of the
Department of Communications (DOC of Canada), as specified
in document RSS-210. The device is permitted only on a nointerference basis, that is, it must cease operation if it is causing
harmful interference of services authorized by DOC, as listed
in the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations. Also, the
operator must accept any radio interference received, including
that which causes undesired operation of the device.
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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 char ge 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.
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THIS W ARRANTY 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 W ARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING W ARRANTY OF MERCHANT ABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR ANY P AR TICULAR 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
1) consequential damages, 2) expenses or loss of revenue or
property, 3) 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.
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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 shipment 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 Corporation
1825 Research Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84119
For Technical Assistance Dial: 800-283-5936 or 801-974-3760
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