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HM Electronics XCVR1G9, BP1G9 User Manual

FreeSpeak II™ User Guide (Base station version)

Document Reference

Clear-Com FreeSpeak II User Guide Part Number: 399G087 Revision: 9 Legal Disclaimers
Copyright © 2014 HME Clear-Com Ltd. All rights reserved. Clear-Com, the Clear-Com logo, Clear-Com Concert and HelixNet are registered trademarks
of HM Electronics, Inc. The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may be
used only in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The product described in this document is distributed under licenses restricting its use,
copying, distribution, and decompilation/reverse engineering. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written authorization of Clear-Com, an HME Company.
Clear-Com Offices are located in California, USA; Cambridge, UK; Dubai, UAE, Montreal, Canada; and Beijing, China. Specific addresses and contact information can be found on Clear-Com’s corporate website:
www.clearcom.com Clear-Com Contacts
Americas and Asia-Pacific Headquarters California, United States Tel: +1.510.337.6600 Email: CustomerServicesUS@clearcom.com
Europe, Middle East, and Africa Headquarters Cambridge, United Kingdom Tel: +44 1223 815000 Email: SalesSupportEMEA@clearcom.com
Canada Office Quebec , Canada Tel: +1 (450) 653-9669
China Office Beijing Representative Office Beijing, P.R.China Tel: +8610 65811360 / 65815577
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FreeSpeak II User Guide
Contents
Document Reference......................................................................................................... 2
1 Important Safety instructions ....................................................................... 9
1.1 Safety symbols .............................................................................................. 10
2 Introduction to FreeSpeak II™ ................................................................... 11
2.1 An FS II communication system .................................................................... 12
3 Installing a system ...................................................................................... 14
3.1 Placing the Base station ................................................................................ 14
3.2 Placing the antennas and splitters ................................................................. 14
3.2.1 Wiring the antennas and splitters ......................................................................... 15
3.2.2 Power supplies to the components of an FS II System ........................................ 15
3.2.3 Determining coverage areas ................................................................................ 17
3.3 Doing a site survey to determine coverage areas .......................................... 18
3.3.1 Doing a site survey with a beltpack ...................................................................... 18
3.3.2 Testing antenna handoff ....................................................................................... 20
3.3.3 Getting information on active antenna status ....................................................... 20
3.3.4 Assigning beltpacks to coverage areas ................................................................ 21
3.3.5 Conditions affecting coverage areas .................................................................... 21
3.4 Registering beltpacks .................................................................................... 21
3.4.1 Over the air (OTA) registration of a beltpack from the Base station .................... 22
4 Connecting the Base station ...................................................................... 24
4.1 Understanding the Back-Panel Connectors ................................................... 25
4.2 Connecting to partyline intercom systems ..................................................... 28
4.2.1 Clear-Com and compatible partyline .................................................................... 28
4.2.2 Connecting directly to Clear-Com partyline beltpacks ......................................... 29
4.2.3 Connecting to an RTS™ wired beltpack .............................................................. 30
4.2.4 Front-panel adjustments for partyline connections............................................... 30
4.2.5 Troubleshooting partyline connections ................................................................. 30
4.3 Wireless partyline .......................................................................................... 32
4.4 Connecting to 4-Wire and digital matrix intercom .......................................... 33
4.4.2 Connecting to Clear-Com matrix plus .................................................................. 34
4.4.3 Connecting to Clear-Com Eclipse digital matrix ................................................... 35
4.4.4 Connecting with other digital matrix intercom systems ........................................ 35
4.4.5 Connecting with other 4-wire devices ................................................................... 36
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4.5 Connecting to a program audio source .......................................................... 36
4.6 IFB configuration ........................................................................................... 36
4.7 Connecting to the stage announce output ..................................................... 37
4.8 Connecting to a PC ....................................................................................... 38
4.8.1 Connecting using the serial port ........................................................................... 38
4.8.2 Connecting using the LAN port............................................................................. 39
4.9 Connecting to transceiver/antennas .............................................................. 40
4.9.1 Connecting one transceiver/antenna directly to a transceiver port ...................... 40
4.9.2 Connecting transceiver/antennas with a splitter (PD2203) .................................. 40
4.9.3 Powering an antenna or antenna splitter .............................................................. 41
5 Operating the Base station ......................................................................... 42
5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 42
5.2 Understanding Front-Panel Operation ........................................................... 43
5.2.1 Call Channel A ...................................................................................................... 43
5.2.2 Call Channel B ...................................................................................................... 43
6 Programming a system from the Base station .......................................... 46
6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 47
6.2 Using the Base station’s programming menus .............................................. 47
6.3 Saving changes ............................................................................................. 48
6.4 Changing beltpack labels .............................................................................. 48
6.4.1 To change a beltpack label ................................................................................... 48
6.5 Setting and changing port labels ................................................................... 49
6.5.1 To create a port label ............................................................................................ 50
6.6 Setting and changing group labels ................................................................ 51
6.6.1 To create a group label ......................................................................................... 51
6.7 Adding group members ................................................................................. 53
6.7.1 To assign members to a group ............................................................................. 53
6.8 Beltpacks ...................................................................................................... 54
6.9 Assigning audio routes to a beltpack ............................................................. 54
6.10 Setting the beltpack audio level ..................................................................... 56
6.11 Setting beltpack latching ............................................................................... 57
6.12 Over the Air (OTA) beltpack registration from the Base station ..................... 57
6.13 Setting input and output port levels ............................................................... 57
6.13.1 Input level ............................................................................................................. 57
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6.13.2 Output level........................................................................................................... 57
6.13.3 To set the audio level for a port ............................................................................ 58
6.14 Setting port call destination ........................................................................... 59
6.15 Configuring a wired partyline ......................................................................... 61
6.15.1 To select the type of partyline system for a partyline port .................................... 61
6.15.2 To configure the Noise Gate for a partyline port .................................................. 62
6.15.3 To configure the levels for a partyline port ........................................................... 63
6.16 Base station System Menu ............................................................................ 65
6.17 System Info ................................................................................................... 66
6.18 Restoring the Defaults ................................................................................... 66
6.19 Antennas ....................................................................................................... 66
6.20 Setting the IP address ................................................................................... 67
6.21 Locking front-panel enable buttons................................................................ 67
6.22 Remote microphone kill ................................................................................. 68
6.22.1 Kill beltpack microphones ..................................................................................... 68
6.22.2 Kill partyline microphones ..................................................................................... 68
6.22.3 Kill all microphones ............................................................................................... 68
6.23 Battery indicator ............................................................................................ 68
7 Operating the wireless beltpack................................................................. 69
7.1 Overview of the wireless beltpack ................................................................. 69
7.2 Beltpack user controls ................................................................................... 70
7.2.1 Top controls .......................................................................................................... 70
7.2.2 Beltpack display .................................................................................................... 71
7.2.3 Front controls ........................................................................................................ 71
7.2.4 Beltpack bottom connectors ................................................................................. 72
7.2.5 Beltpack rear panel ............................................................................................... 73
7.3 Using the beltpack ......................................................................................... 74
7.3.1 Registering the beltpack ....................................................................................... 74
7.3.2 Charging the beltpack ........................................................................................... 74
7.3.3 Powering on the beltpack ..................................................................................... 75
7.3.4 Using the beltpack to communicate ..................................................................... 75
7.3.5 Entering and exiting Menu mode .......................................................................... 76
7.3.6 Setting and Adjusting Listen Levels ..................................................................... 76
7.3.7 Updating the beltpack software ............................................................................ 76
7.3.8 Updating the Configuration Editor ........................................................................ 76
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8 Programming on the beltpack .................................................................... 77
8.1 Introduction to programming on the beltpack ................................................. 77
8.2 Configuring the beltpack volume settings ...................................................... 78
8.2.1 Configuring the beltpack channel volumes and master volume ........................... 78
8.2.2 Configuring the volume level of the line input ....................................................... 78
8.2.3 Configuring the rotary controls ............................................................................. 79
8.3 Configuring the beltpack headset .................................................................. 79
8.3.1 Setting headset autodetect ................................................................................... 79
8.3.2 Setting the sidetone level ..................................................................................... 80
8.3.3 Setting the headset limiter .................................................................................... 80
8.4 Configuring the beltpack microphone ............................................................ 80
8.4.1 Setting the microphone type ................................................................................. 80
8.4.2 Setting the microphone echo cancellation ............................................................ 81
8.5 Configuring the beltpack display and LEDs ................................................... 81
8.5.1 Setting the display and LED brightness ............................................................... 81
8.5.2 Setting the display dim timeout............................................................................. 82
8.5.3 Setting the display off timeout .............................................................................. 82
8.6 Configuring the beltpack alarm options ......................................................... 82
8.6.1 Setting the low battery alarm ................................................................................ 82
8.6.2 Setting the low battery alarm threshold ................................................................ 83
8.6.3 Setting the out of range alarm .............................................................................. 83
8.6.4 Setting the call alert .............................................................................................. 84
8.7 Selecting the beltpack role default set ........................................................... 84
8.8 Selecting the beltpack administration ............................................................ 84
8.8.1 Enabling OTA registration mode .......................................................................... 85
8.8.2 Setting full menu access ....................................................................................... 85
8.8.3 Setting system sync mode .................................................................................... 86
8.9 Setting the listen again option ....................................................................... 86
8.10 Accessing beltpack information ..................................................................... 86
8.11 Setting display mode ..................................................................................... 87
8.12 Setting system connect ................................................................................. 87
8.13 Enabling over the air (OTA) registration mode from a beltpack .................... 87
8.14 Performing a site survey ................................................................................ 88
9 Operating the transceiver/antenna ............................................................ 89
9.1 Transceiver/antenna ..................................................................................... 89
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9.1.1 IP rating (International Protection Marking) .......................................................... 89
9.1.2 FS II transceiver/antenna connector panel ........................................................... 90
9.1.3 Cabling the antennas ............................................................................................ 91
9.1.4 Beltpack support capacities for transceiver/antennas .......................................... 91
9.1.5 Coverage areas under various conditions ............................................................ 91
9.1.6 Transceiver/antenna setup rules and tips ............................................................ 92
9.2 Transceiver/antenna splitter (PD2203) .......................................................... 92
9.2.1 PD2203 Front connector panel............................................................................. 93
9.2.2 PD2203 rear panel ............................................................................................... 94
9.2.3 Connecting an antenna splitter to the FS II Base station and to
transceiver/antennas ............................................................................................ 94
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FS II Configuration Editor
........................................................................... 95
10.1 Loading configurations .................................................................................. 96
10.1.1 Loading a local configuration file .......................................................................... 96
10.1.2 Loading a configuration file from a Base station using a serial link...................... 96
10.1.3 Loading a configuration from a Base station using Ethernet ................................ 98
10.1.4 Loading a configuration file to the Base station from the Configuration
Editor .................................................................................................................... 99
10.2 Configuration Editor Screen basics ............................................................... 99
10.3 Registering beltpacks using the over the air (OTA) facility ........................... 100
10.4 Configuring beltpacks .................................................................................. 102
10.4.1 Selecting the beltpack to register or edit ............................................................ 102
10.4.2 Registering beltpacks using the micro USB cable.............................................. 103
10.4.3 Viewing beltpack registration information ........................................................... 103
10.4.4 Viewing beltpack properties ................................................................................ 104
10.4.5 Beltpack audio levels .......................................................................................... 106
10.4.6 Beltpack alarm options ....................................................................................... 107
10.4.7 Setting the beltpack role options ........................................................................ 108
10.4.8 Assig ni n g bel t pa ck keys ..................................................................................... 109
10.4.9 Configuring the Reply key .................................................................................. 110
10.4.10 Key assignment types ........................................................................................ 111
10.5 Configuring ports ......................................................................................... 111
10.5.1 Selecting the port to edit ..................................................................................... 112
10.5.2 Changing the label of the port ............................................................................ 112
10.5.3 Selecting the port type ........................................................................................ 112
10.5.4 Selecting a communication path for the port ...................................................... 113
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10.5.5 Setting the input, output and VOX levels ............................................................ 115
10.6 Configuring groups and wireless partylines ................................................. 115
10.6.1 Selecting the group to edit .................................................................................. 116
10.6.2 Changing the label of the group ......................................................................... 116
10.6.3 Changing the members of the group .................................................................. 116
10.6.4 Displaying a group overview ............................................................................... 117
10.7 Reducing antenna interference ................................................................... 117
10.8 Configuring IFBs ......................................................................................... 118
10.8.1 Selecting the IFB to edit ..................................................................................... 119
10.8.2 Changing the label of the IFB ............................................................................. 119
10.8.3 Changing the IFB sources .................................................................................. 119
10.8.4 Setting the IFB dim level ..................................................................................... 119
10.9 Configuring Base station system parameters .............................................. 120
10.9.1 Editing the system parameters: .......................................................................... 120
10.9.2 Enabling Over The Air (OTA) registration .......................................................... 120
10.10 Diagnostics ................................................................................................. 120
10.10.1 Beltpack status ................................................................................................... 121
10.10.2 Static log ............................................................................................................. 123
10.10.3 Antenna status .................................................................................................... 123
10.10.4 Antenna roles...................................................................................................... 124
10.10.5 Event Log ............................................................................................................ 125
11 Specifications ............................................................................................ 127
11.1 FreeSpeak II Base station ........................................................................... 127
11.2 FreeSpeak II Beltpack ................................................................................. 128
11.3 FreeSpeak II Transceiver/Antenna .............................................................. 128
11.4 FreeSpeak II Transceiver/Antenna Splitter .................................................. 129
11.5 Transmission Method .................................................................................. 129
12 Compliance ................................................................................................ 131
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FreeSpeak II User Guide

1 Important Safety instructions

• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-cord supply or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• Use only chargers provided by HME/Clear-Com to charge the battery packs or
beltpacks. These include:
BAT60 Battery pack and beltpack charger manufacturered by
HME/Clear-Com
USB Charger model PA1015-050SIB200/PA1015-1SI/ PA1015-
1SI050200 provided by HME/Clear-Com with your beltpack.
• This product uses Lithium Ion Batteries which can be a fire hazard, if used
improperly. Use only HME/Clear-Com supplied BAT60 or equivalent battery packs to ensure safe operation of the beltpack.
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FreeSpeak II User Guide
• When using AA Batteries follow all safety instructions from manufacturer. Do not mix
different battery chemistries. When depleted, replace all batteries.
• The in-belt pack USB charging feature has only been tested utilizing USB2.0 port.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture.

1.1 Safety symbols

Familiarize yourself with the safety symbols in Figure 1: Safety symbols. These symbols are displayed on the apparatus and warn you of the potential danger of electric shock if the system is used improperly.
Figure 1-1: Safety symbols
Note: For compliance notices, see 12 Compliance.
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FreeSpeak II User Guide

2 Introduction to FreeSpeak II™

This chapter provides an overview of the FreeSpeak II digital wireless beltpack system. With a Fr eeSpeak II (FS II) wireless beltpack you can roam freely around a studio or
production facility while talking and listening to all, or selected, members of the production team. With its four communication routes, the beltpack gives you the flexibility to communicate quickly and seamlessly with individuals or groups, and to change communication routes as often as needed.
The system operates in the unlicensed 1.90 GHz band. With its unique and innovative digital technology, which continually searches for unused radio frequency (RF) channels, FS II avoids the noise and interference issues associated with traditional wireless systems using congested UHF and VHF bands.
Figure 2-1 An FS II Base station, antenna, and beltpack
With FS II you can set up a wireless system specifically tailored to local needs by locating antennas and beltpacks in areas where they are needed most. And because the beltpacks operate in the unlicensed 1.90 GHz frequency spectrum, there is no interference with existing wireless systems, even those located in the same production area.
You can use FS II stand-alone or connected with partyline, digital matrix intercom systems or both. The Base station holds connections for several wired interfaces, including partylines, 4­wire sources, a program audio source, and a stage announce output device. When connected to the Base station , these devices communicate seamlessly with the wireless beltpacks. Partyline beltpacks and 4-wire matrix stations and panels can key directly to wireless beltpack by name.
You can configure FS II either from the Base station or from a PC Configuration Editor. FreeSpeak II components can be used either with a Base station or with a matrix equipped
with E-Que cards in antenna or splitter mode. For more information, See the Eclipse HX Configuration Software User Guide.
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FreeSpeak II User Guide

2.1 An FS II communication system

An FS II system consists of three main elements:
• The wireless beltpacks.
• The Base station that routes communication to and from wireless beltpacks and other
audio devices, and also allows you to configure the FS II system. Note: You can also configure the system by connecting it to an Eclipse HX Matrix
and using the EHX software. For more information, see the Eclipse HX Configuration Software User Guide.
• The antennas that provide custom coverage zones in which beltpacks can operate.
Beltpacks can roam freely between coverage zones.
FS II also includes a drop-in battery charger for the beltpack Li-Ion batteries. You can conveniently charge the battery by placing the whole beltpack into the charger.
FS II operates using a cellular network of antennas located around a working environment. The antennas connect directly to the FS II Base station with CAT-5 cable. Each antenna provides an area or cell in which four to five full-duplex beltpacks can operate. Figure 2-2 shows an example configuration.
Beltpacks can roam among and between cells without disconnecting because each beltpack continually signals an antenna as to the strongest available signal. When the signal from an antenna starts to diminish due to the distance from a beltpack, the beltpack automatically “hands off” its signal to the nearest antenna, ensuring smooth transfer.
Figure 2-2 Configurations for a studio and large-scale broadcast facility
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FreeSpeak II User Guide
Using an antenna splitter allows up to five antennas to be connected to one Base station antenna port. A single FS II Base st ation supports up to twenty beltpacks and up to ten antennas, giving a great deal of flexibility in placing beltpacks where they are needed most, and for providing wireless reliability. Figure 2-2 illustrates how an FS II system can be set up to operate in a single studio or in a large-scale permanent broadcast facility.
Note: Each antenna is designed to handle five beltpacks simultaneously in good conditions.
However, if int erference or propagation problems occur in an area, to ensure proper operation and reliability, it may be more practical to install four beltpacks for each antenna.
For zones which are likely to need coverage for five or more beltpacks simultaneously you must install a second antenna. Similarly, for good coverage for nine or more beltpacks simultaneously, a third antenna may be required.
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FreeSpeak II User Guide

3 Installing a system

This chapter explains how to install a FreeSpeak II system, including cable connections, positioning the equipment, registering beltpacks and performing a site survey to optimize system performance. It contains the following sections:
• Placing the Base station
• Placing the antennas and splitters
• Doing a site survey to determine coverage areas
• Registering beltpacks

3.1 Placing the Base station

The first stage in setup is placing the Base station in a convenient location, knowing that it is the central routing unit of the FS II system. It should be made accessible.
At this stage you might choose to register all of the beltpacks with the Base station, or at least register one or two for system setup and testing.

3.2 Placing the antennas a nd splitters

The next step is to begin placing antennas and splitters to provide the necessary coverage areas for all of the beltpacks. The first placements of antennas and splitters will be experimental and temporary. After placing the antennas, walk through the coverage areas to check for gaps and then re-locate the antennas accordingly.
More information on checking coverage areas is given later in this chapter, in sections:
• 3.2.3 Determining coverage areas
• 3.3 Doing a site survey to determine coverage areas
Consider the following:
• What areas will have more than five active beltpack users in them at any time? Co-
locate a second antenna there.
• Is there a central place to locate an antenna so that it will provide omnidirectional (all
directions / circular) coverage?
• Are there balcony areas, corridors, or other rooms or areas that will require coverage
with antennas?
For systems with only one or two transceiver/antennas, the cable runs will go directly from the two transceiver ports on the Base station. If you need more than two transceiver/antennas you will need to decide where the splitters that feed these will be located.
The Base station supports two splitters. If you need more than one antenna splitter, the second splitter must be connected directly to
the Base station. Splitters cannot be connected in a daisy chain configuration. Each splitter supports up to 5 antenna/transceivers which in turn support up to 5 beltpacks.
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FreeSpeak II User Guide
For antenna coverage options see 3.2.3 Determining coverage areas in this chapter.

3.2.1 Wiring the antennas and splitters

To wire antennas and splitters:
1) Run 4-pair shielded Ethernet cable from the Base station to the antenna or splitter, and determine that the antenna or splitter is showing both power (green) and signal (amber) LEDs alight when the Base station is on.
Note: To meet FCC emissions requirements, a ferrite must be fitted on any shielded Ethernet cable
plugged into either of the two ports labeled “transceivers.” The ferrite should be fitted at the Base station end of the CAT-5 cable. Position the ferrite as close to the Base station as possible. The manufacturer of the ferrite is Wurth Elektronix (part number is 742 711 32).
2) Run 4-pair shielded Ethernet cable from the splitter to each of the transceiver/antennas.
3) Make sure that the local power supplies are plugged into the antennas.
If the green power LED and the amber data LED light up, then the transceiver/antenna has sufficient power from the cable. If the amber data LED flashes, a data link is established, and if the LED is solid, DECT synchronization is established and the system is ready to use. If there are several longer runs and you are attempting to power the transceiver/antennas from the Base station / splitter connection, check each one again when they are all connected. The local powering for the transceiver/antenna is recommended in most cases to provide the most reliable long-term FS II installation.
During the initial system setup, before walking through the system with a beltpack to check for gaps in coverage, it is wise to avoid “permanently” installing the transceiver/antennas. Hold them in place in some temporary way until their optimal position is determined.
Note: 4-pair shielded Ethernet cable (CAT-5/5e/6) with RJ-45 connectors on each end is specified
for connection between the Base station and the transceiver/antennas. Use of other cable can result in markedly shorter distances of cable runs and other possibly other performance problems.

3.2.2 Power supplies to the components of an FS II System

See figure 4-1 and figure 4-2 below for recommended powering and cable lengths for an FS II system.
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FreeSpeak II User Guide
Figure 3-1 Recommended antenna and splitter powering schemes and cable lengths, psu at
splitter only
Figure 3-2 Recommended splitter and antenna powering schemes and cable lengths, psu at
splitter and antenna/transceiver
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FreeSpeak II User Guide

3.2.3 Determining coverage areas

After the transceiver/antennas and splitters have been initially set up proceed to test the coverage areas and re-locate antennas and splitters, if necessary, for optimal coverage.
The following figure illustrates some FreeSpeak II coverage scenarios.
Figure 3-3 Coverage areas for FS II TAs
Note: Cells can be completely overlapped for density (by co-locating multiple antennas).
Cells can be overlapped at boundaries (increases radio coverage). For most working systems Clear-Com uses a ratio of 3 -4 users per antenna. This is due to system losses.
To determine coverage areas:
1) When the B ase stati on, splitter(s), and transceiver/antennas have been placed and wired, turn on an FS II beltpack (assuming that it has been registered with the Base station) and walk the coverage area.
Alternatively, use the “site survey” mode on the beltpack (see “Doing a Site Survey to Determine Coverage Areas” below). It is often best to begin with one antenna in place, and then place additional units to enhance coverage.
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FreeSpeak II User Guide
2) Walk through all of the areas where beltpack users will typically be moving, and note
Received signal
strength indication
(RSSI)
8-digit system name
an d 2-digit RPN
2-digit RPN
Frame error rate Link quality
any areas of weak signal, dropout, or disconnection from the system. Pay special attention to the overlap areas between antenna coverage zones, making sure sufficient signal strength is there from each of the transceiver/antennas to make a clean handoff between them for the beltpack.
3) Finally, when the coverage zones have been properly and effectively set up, it is time to program the system. See Chapter 5, “Programming a System from the Base station” for instructions.

3.3 Doing a site survey to determine coverage areas

You might want to test coverage areas more extensively before setting up a complete system. Testing a system in the setting in which it will be located helps to meet operational needs. Factors in the local setting may affect the areas a system can cover, so it is important to plan a site setup accordingly.
Doing a complete site survey, as described below, helps to set up an optimal system. You can do a site survey using a beltpack that is connected to the system or one that is not connected to the system.

3.3.1 Doing a site survey with a beltpa c k

1) Place the FS II Base station in a convenient location. Register one beltpack to the Base station.
2) Place one connected antenna in the center of the coverage area.
3) Put the beltpack into Site Survey mode using t he beltpack menu. See 7 Operating the wireless beltpack. The following figures show the information that the Site Survey mode displays for connected and unconnected beltpacks.
Figure 3-4 An unconnected beltpack site survey screen
Figure 3-4 A connected beltpack site survey screen
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FreeSpeak II User Guide
Parameter
Meaning
Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)
Frame Error Rate (FER)
A measure of the signal connection quality.
Zone A
1 user
Zone C 4 users
Zone B
5 users
A measure of the signal strength in a wireless environment. The higher the value, the stronger the signal.
The lower the FER, the better the signal connection.
Link Quality (LQ)
A combined quality metric ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (high).
Table 3-1 Key to site survey terms
4) Walk around the antenna with the beltpack, monitoring the beltpack signal strength and goodness rating at various distances.
The signal strength is shown in the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) field.
• The signal strength number will fluctuate, ranging between 0 - 59 as you walk through the coverage area, and may even fluctuate as you stand still. As a rule-of­thumb the best system performance will be obtained when the signal strength remains at 30 or above. If the signal strength falls below 30 the beltpack may start losing audio. This is the limit of the coverage zone.
• A high Received Signal strength indication and a high Error rate may indicate that there is another RF system causing interference.
A beltpack can transmit to an antenna at a range of approximately 500m in good conditions.
5) Draw a map of the coverage zone for the antenna. The coverage zone is the area where the signal strength, as a rule-of-thumb, is 30 or above and the Line Quality is 3-5.
6) Repeat this process for as many antennas as necessary to cover the required area. Overlap coverage zones so that there is no area where the signal strength is below 30, and no area where the error rate is above a few percent.
7) The antenna placement will need to be adjusted to get the best coverage.
In some environments you might observe that despite having a high signal strength, the beltpack consistently reports a high error rate.
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FreeSpeak II User Guide
Figure 3-5 Mapping overlapping coverage zones
This could be due to two things:
• In-band interference from an RF source broadcasting in the DECT area of the spectrum. This can be verified using a DECT band monitor or by using a Spectrum Analyzer.
• Long Delay Spread Multipath, where the signal is bounced off a number of reflective surfaces, such as metal ceilings, gantries, walkways or other large structures. This problem is greatest where the reflective surface is large and exists at a range of distances from the antenna. To resolve this problem, consider siting the antenna where it cannot “see” the reflective surface or installing a reflector close to the antenna between it and the reflective surface.

3.3.2 Testing antenna handoff

After testing the coverage areas for individual antennas, test the handoff between the antennas. When you walk through a coverage area with the beltpack, the beltpack searches to find the antenna with the best signal strength, and switches transmission to that antenna. Therefore the beltpack continually hands off transmission among antennas as you move through the coverage area. You can determine which antenna the beltpack is connected to using the Configuration Editor Diagnostics Tool.
To test antenna handoff, connect any additional antennas in the installation and walk through the coverage areas to ensure that the coverage is continuous and complete, without audio breakups. Reposition antennas if necessary.

3.3.3 Getting information on active antenna status

You can also monitor which beltpacks are connected to which antennas using the Base station SYSTEM menu and using the Configuration Editor Diagnostics Tool.
When you select ANTNS from the SYSTEM menu, the display shows the status of the active antennas that are connected to the Base station, and shows the slots on each antenna that are occupied by beltpacks. This information may be useful during a site survey, or when troubleshooting coverage areas or antenna connections.
A typical display is shown below:
Figure 3-6 ANTNS menu
The numbers 1 through 10 represent the maximum number of antennas that can be connected to the Base station. Numbers 1 through 5 can be positions on a splitter connected to transceiver port 1, while 6 through 10 can be positions on a splitter connected to transceiver port 2. An antenna connected directly to transceiver port 2 would appear at position 6.
“__” indicates an empty slot on an active antenna that is connected to the Base station. A number in place of a “__” indicates that this slot is occupied by the indicated beltpack.
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Blank spaces next to an antenna number indicate that no connected antenna has been detected in this position.
So the above display would indicate that five antennas are connected to the Base station in positions 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. There are no active antennas in positions 4, 5, 8, 9, and 10.
There are 4 beltpacks currently connected. Beltpacks 2 and 4 occupy the first 2 slots of antenna 3; beltpack 1 occupies the first slot of antenna 6; and beltpack 3 occupies the first slot of antenna 7.
The display updates every 4 seconds to reflect changes in antenna status and beltpack connections.
Rotate or push in the setup/enter encoder to exit this menu.

3.3.4 Assigning beltpacks to coverage areas

Each antenna is designed to handle five beltpacks simultaneously. Although it can achieve this in good conditions, this may not always be possible for a number of reasons. First, interference or propagation problems may mean that not all antenna slots are available all the time. Second, a beltpack constantly searches for the best antenna signal, and may frequently switch antennas. To make this transmission seamless, a beltpack maintains the connection to its current antenna until it is confident that the new antenna is functioning well. Therefore, for a short period of time during this transition, a single beltpack can occupy slots on more than one antenna.
This means that for zones likely to need coverage for five or more beltpacks simultaneously it is recommended that a second antenna is installed. Similarly, for good coverage for nine or more beltpacks simultaneously, a third antenna may be required.

3.3.5 Conditions affecting coverage areas

The environment in which a system is located affects the coverage area for any particular beltpack/antenna combination. The presence of walls, floors, ceilings, trees, shrubbery, people, and numerous other items may affect the coverage zone. Metallic objects, safety doors, lighting equipment, and bodies of water may possibly block transmission. These factors must be taken into consideration when planning the installation.

3.4 Registering beltpacks

Before you can use a beltpack, you must first register it with the FreeSpeak II system. The beltpacks can be registered to the Base station using the Configuration Editor or, for larger systems, directly to an Eclipse matrix (Omega, Median or Delta) using Eclipse HX software (EHX).
In either case, you can register the beltpacks using a USB cable or over the air (OTA).
• For USB cable registration, use:
o The FS II configuration editor (see 10.4.2 Registering beltpacks using the
micro USB cable.)
o Eclipse EHX software. See the Eclipse HX Sofware Configuration User Guide.
• For Over the air (OTA) registration, use:
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o The FS II Base station (see below) o A previously registered beltpack o The Freespeak Configuration Editor (10.3 Registering beltpacks using the
over the air (OTA) facility.)
o The Eclipse EHX software. See the Eclipse HX Sofware Configuration User
Guide.
When registering beltpacks OTA the basic steps are the same in each context, though the detail is slightly different in each case.
1) The registration process must be enabled.
2) The beltpack must be registered over the air (a DECT connection must be opened between the beltpack and the antenna).
3) The beltpack registration details must be added to the software configuration.

3.4.1 Over the air (OTA) registration of a beltpack from the Base station

Beltpack registration mode can be registered OTA from the Base station.
1) From the Base station menu go to MAIN MENU ->SYSTEM->REG->START using the setup/enter rotary encoder on the front panel of the Base station.
(screenshot) This enables registration mode. Enable registration mode has a two minute inactive
time-out. This is so that several beltpacks can be registered sequentially without the user having to re-enable registration mode. It also prevents unauthorised users from registering beltpacks.
2) On the beltpack to be registered, hold the menu key for two seconds to enter MENU options. Scroll to SYSTEM CONNECT using the rotary controllers and select it using key D. In menu mode the D key on the beltpack operates as SELECT and the C key exits the menu level and cancels the selection.
Note: On a new system there will be no previous connections at this point.
However, if the beltpack is currently connected to an active system, a confirmation screen will appear. Select Yes to connect to a new system or No to remain connected to the current system.
3) Available systems, and previously registered systems, will be visible on the beltpack menu screen.
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Figure 3-6 Beltpack systems
To connect the beltpack to the system, the system must be visible (V) and in registration (pairing) mode (P) on the beltpack screen. If the system is not in registration mode, registration should be re-enabled on the Base station. (Step 1).
Note: If a beltpack is currently registered to a system ‘C’ will be visible in this
screen. If a beltpack is not currently registered but has been in the past ‘R’ will be visible. This shows that the beltpack has been previously registered with the system which might recognise it.
4) Enter the four digit pairing code for the system using both rotary controllers and the menu select key (D). The default code is 0000.
Note: The OTA registration code is available from the Base station menu. Go to
MENU->SYSTEM->REG->PIN. It can also be found in Eclipse HX software, Configuration > Preferences > Wireless Beltpacks and in the
Configuration Editor, under the System tab.
5) Select an available role from the list displayed on the beltpack. (screenshot)
6) The beltpack is now registered and ready for operation. The inactive timer is restarted now.
7) If required, the next beltpack can now be registered (Step 2).
Note: On the Base station these changes are persistent, but should still be retrieved from the unit by
the Configuration Editor so they can be backed up.
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4 Connecting the Base station

This chapter explains how to connect the Base station to various wired and wireless audio interfaces through its rear-panel connectors. It contains the following sections:
• Understanding the Back-Panel Connectors
• Connecting to partyline intercom systems
• Wireless partyline
• Connecting to 4-Wire and digital matrix intercom
• Connecting to a program audio source
• IFB configuration
• Connecting to the stage announce output
• Connecting to a PC
• Connecting to transceiver/antennas
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A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K

4.1 Understanding the Back-Panel Connectors

Figure 4-1 FS II Base station Back Panel
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Key to FS II Base stati on rear panel
Feature
Description
A
Power connector
B
Partyline channel A connectors
3
Earphone ground
4
Earphone
C
Partyline channel B connectors These connectors are the same as the the partyline channel A connectors.
D
Program input.
The 3-conductor AC power connector and universal power supply accepts voltages from 90 to 250 volts, at 50/60 Hz. Power consumption is 80 watts.
The FS II Base station provides two pairs of partyline connectors, labeled “Channel A” and “Channel B.” Each pair of female and male 3-pin XLR connectors joins a channel of partyline intercom to the FS II, allowing communication between the wired partyline equipment and FS II wireless beltpacks. Input and Output level control is set via the front-panel display programming.
The second connector of each pair is a loop-through, so that the user can continue the connection to another FS II Base station or to another partyline beltpack or station. This connector auto-detects a connection with a powered partyline channel (30-VDC on Pin 2), and the Base station’s internal 200-ohm partyline termination and DC voltage to power PL beltpacks is not activated.
Alternatively, when a wired, unpowered partyline beltpack (up to four) is connected to PL CH-A with standard two-conductor shielded microphone cable, the Base station engages the 200-ohm termination and supplies 24-VDC to the beltpack(s) – allowing them to operate and communicate with the wireless beltpacks in the system.
Pin Function 1 Mic ground 2 Mic +
Table 2-1: Headset socket pin out
This female 3-pin XLR connector accepts a line-level audio signal from an outside source such as a mixing console or audio player. It is transformer­isolated. Level adjustment is done via the front-panel display programming. The program input can be assigned as an IFB source from the front panel.
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Key to FS II Base stati on rear panel
Feature
Description
E
Stage announce output
F
G
Four-wire m atrix ports
H
Base loop connector
I
J
monitoring of the system configuration. It functions as a serial port.
K
should be fitted at the Base station end of the CAT-5 cable. Position the ferrite
This male 3-pin XLR connector allows a line-level audio signal, typically from wireless beltpacks or 4-Wire sources, to be sent to a paging system or other audio system. It is transformer-isolated. Level adjustment is done via the front­panel display programming. More than one audio source at a time can be routed to the Stage Announce, with the audio being combined to give a single audio output.
Stage announce relay
This DB-9 male connector provides a relay closure that is triggered simultaneously with the SA Output. The relay may be used to open an audio pathway for the signal from the SA Output, or could also be used to activate a light or lock or some other device. The relay may be wired for normally closed or normally open operation, and the signal appears on pins 1 & 6 or 2 & 6. It is rated to a maximum of 30-VDC at 1 amp.
These four RJ-45 connectors can connect four full-duplex (input pair and output pair) audio connections from a 4-wire communications device, digital matrix intercom, or similar – making them available to the wireless beltpacks. Any of the 4-wire ports or the program input can be assigned as IFB sources from the front panel.
Each of these connectors has its own time slot, and can be addressed separately from a beltpack, or combined with other beltpacks and rear-panel connectors in a group. Level adjustment is done via the front-panel display programming.
The connector has no function in FS II.
LAN connector
This RJ-45 connector allows the Base station to be connected to a LAN for system software upgrades and configuration downloads from the Configuration
Editor. It is a 10BaseT Ethernet port. PC connector.
This female DB-9 connects to a PC computer for firmware updates and
Transceiver connectors
These two RJ-45 connectors connect the Base station to two remote FS-TA transceiver/antennas or antenna splitters.
Each wired transceiver/antenna communicates with five wireless beltpacks. Each antenna splitter provides connection for five transceiver antennas, providing communication with up to a maximum of 10 beltpacks depending upon available bandwidth.
To meet FCC emissions requirements a ferrite must be fitted on any CAT-5 cable plugged into either of the two ports labeled “transceivers.” The ferrite
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Key to FS II Base stati on rear panel
Feature
Description
as close to the Base station as possible. A suitable ferrite is available from
Wurth, part number 742 711 32.
Pin
Description
2
Power

4.2 Connecting to partyline intercom systems

Up to two channels of partyline intercom can be connected to the FS II Base station. The descriptions below will discuss connections with Clear-Com and compatible partyline, RTS partyline, the ability of FS II to power up to four Clear-Com partyline beltpacks by itself, and the front-panel settings associated with these partyline connections.
Using the front-panel display and rotary encoder, the user may go into the PORTS menu, select the desired partyline channel, and create a five-character alphanumeric label for it. This is the label that would then appear on any beltpacks to which that partyline connect ion was assigned for communications. In the GROUPS menu, the partyline connection can be assigned as a member of any of the groups, as desired.

4.2.1 Clear-Com and compatible partyline

Clear-Com and Clear-Com-compatible wired partyline intercoms connect to the PL CH-A and PL CH-B connectors in a similar manner to connecting beltpacks or remote stations to the intercom line. Typically that wired intercom connection would have a 30-VDC current on Pin 2, coming from a main station or an intercom power supply. The second connector in the pair may be used as a loop-through to go to other wired partyline stations or beltpacks, or to a second FS II Base station. The pinout for partyline connector is shown in Table 4-1.
1 Ground (shield)
3 Audio
Table 4-1 Partyline pinout
4.2.1.1 To connect partyline equipment to the Base station
1) Check that the partyline LED on the front-panel is out, which indicates that the partyline connection is disabled from the Base station.
2) Connect, and if appropriate, power up, the external partyline equipment.
3) Enable the partyline by pressing the “enable” button on the Base station’s front panel.
The Base station detects power and termination settings when the partyline is enabled by pressing the “enable” button on the Base station’s front panel, or when the Base station is powered up after having enabled the partyline. The Base station remembers that the partyline is enabled when it powers up.
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When the FS II Base station detects a wired partyline being connected with 30 VDC on Pin 2, it does not enable the 24-VDC power supply that the FS II Base station supplies to the connector to support a handful of locally connected wired partyline beltpacks. The Base station then appears to the wired partyline system as a remote station.
The first call to a Partyline channel A or B results in the call alert and subsequent ones do not give any further alerting unless the Partyline channel buttons on the Base station are toggled. This prevents all calls giving alerts when this is not necessary.

4.2.2 Connecting directly to Clear-Com partyline beltpacks

PL CH-A and PL CH-B have the ability to directly support up to four Clear-Com RS­501/601/701 partyline beltpacks each, without any other connection to a wired partyline system. This feature gives the convenience of being able to add a few wired beltpacks when needed to an FS II installation.
Connect a standard two-conductor shielded microphone cable to the PL CH-A connector, and then connect it to a Clear-Com single-channel partyline beltpack. Enable the partyline and the Base station will enable the required 200-ohm termination, and will supply 24-VDC to Pin 2 to power the beltpack(s)
It is possible to daisy-chain up to four beltpacks, or use an intercom XLR splitter at the Base station to feed microphone cables connected to the individual beltpacks. Because it is a 24­volt rather than a 30-volt current, the maximum length of cable that can be connected (the sum of all of the runs) will be shorter than what is expected with the standard partyline voltage. Do the same with PL CH-B to support an additional four beltpacks.
4.2.2.1 To connect to the partyline
1) From the main menu, scroll to PORTS and select by pressing the setup/enter encoder in.
2) Scroll to PLCHA or PLCHB and press to select. The SELECTED PORT screen appears.
3) Scroll to and select CALLS. The CALL DESTINATION screen appears.
4) Select the port or group to be connected to the partyline by scrolling to it and pressing the rotary encoder. Doing so creates a route to the selected destination— this port or group can now hear the activity on the partyline.
Note: This option can also be set to NONE.
5) Select TYPE from the menu.
6) Select either Clear-Com, Drake, or RTS.
7) The Base station automatically sets the termination, audio levels, and call signaling options for the selected partyline system.
Note: The Base station does not detect the RTS call signal.
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8) If the changes are saved the route will be reinstated on power up.
Note: Suggested settings for a partyline connection are that the VOX should be set to -26dB, the
gain output to -6dB and the input to 0dB.

4.2.3 Connecting to an RTS™ wired beltpack

FS II can only transmit and receive audio from channel 2 of an RTS wired beltpack. Connect using a standard XLR cable. Ensure that the partyline type is set to “RTS” using the menu on the Base station before enabling the partyline. See the chapter “Programming a System from the Base station” for more information.
Warning: Previous versions of this manual described a cable which would allow access
to channel 1 of a dual channel RTS beltpack. DO NOT attempt to use a cable like this as it could result in damage to the FS II Base station.

4.2.4 Front-panel adjustments for partyline connections

To connect the partyline channels to FS II and make the communication available to the rest of the system, press the CH-A and/or CH-B enable switches. The LED will light, and the connection is made. To disconnect the partyline connections, press these switches again. The switch may be “locked” in the SYSTEM menu so that the partylines may not be disconnected.
Because partyline intercom does not have global level control on a channel, input and output level controls are provided via the front panel programming. Scroll to PORTS on the main display screen and press the rotary encoder to select. Scroll to PLCHA or PLCHB and press to select. Select LEVELS, then select the input or output level. This notation is relative to the Base station–input level refers to the level at which everyone else hears the partyline, and output level refers to the level at which the users on the partyline channel hear everyone else. Use the rotary encoder to adjust the numerical level—clockwise to increase the level and counter-clockwise to decrease the level.
Make the estimated changes in level and press the rotary encoder to save the changes. Test the levels between the partyline and FS II beltpack, and make additional changes as needed. When the levels are set as desired, press to select and the display will go to the previous INPUT/OUTPUT screen. When both are adjusted, select BACK on each screen until the main screen is displayed.
Users connected to the Base station can be forced to listen to the activity on the partyline by initiating a “call”.
For more information on programming the Base station, see the chapter “Programming a System from the Base station”.

4.2.5 Troubleshooting partyline connections

4.2.5.1 Reducing FS II beltpack echo when talking to a analogue partyline
If the Base station and beltpack are not set up correctly the FS II user will experience an echo when talking to a partyline (either directly or via a group or a wireless partyline). The echo is caused by either local audio coupling in the headset due to the microphone gain being set too high or audio reflections from the partyline that can minimized by setting a VOX gate on the partyline and the partyline being auto nulled. An FS II system has a built-in microphone gain control, but a VOX gate level can also be set in the configur ation editor (see next section).
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