Listen Technologies PLS-900 User Manual

ListenWiFi

PLS-900 System

USER’S MANUAL

INSTALLATION & OPERATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Precautions 3

Compliance Information 3

System Overview 4

PL-900 ListenWiFi Server 5 – 6

PL-400 ListenWiFi Audio Interface 7 – 8

ListenWiFi Coverage 9 – 10

Interconnection, Activation, and Conguration 11 – 16

Troubleshooting 17

Appendix A – Internet Rates by Number of Active Channels 18

Appendix B – Advanced Conguration of Access Point 18 – 23

Appendix C - Expansion Kits 24 - 30

Specications 31 - 38

Warranty Information 39

Contact Information 40

PAGE 2 LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL

Safety Precautions

Hearing Safety:

The PL-900 is designed to amplify audio, which could
potentially cause hearing damage if used improperly.
To protect your hearing make sure the volume is turned
down before putting on an ear speaker or headphones,
then adjust the volume to the minimum setting
required to hear clearly. Do not allow children or other
unauthorized individuals to have access to this product
without supervision.

Recycling Instructions

Help Listen Technologies protect the environment
by taking the time to dispose of your equipment
properly.

Product Recycling Instructions:

Please do NOT dispose of your Listen Technologies
equipment in the household trash. Please take the
equipment to an electronics recycling center; OR,
return the product to the factory for proper disposal.

Compliance Information

No FCC license or radio approval is required to operate this equipment.

Compliance Notice, FCC and Industry Canada Statements

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. These
devices may not cause harmful interference, and 2. These devices must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesirable operation.

FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communiciations. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the

user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the

receiver is connected

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

The user is cautioned that changes and modications made to the equipment without the
approval of manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Industry Canada Statement

This equipment complies with ICES-003 class B.

Can ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL PAGE 3

System Overview

The ListenWiFi Personal Listening System turns Android and iOS mobile devices into everyday audio
receivers. This eliminates the need to purchase and maintain expensive equipment for guests, while
providing an overall unique experience by delivering high-quality audio on an easy to use mobile app.

The system captures analog source audio from TV, Satellite, and Cable and converts it to digital audio
using audio interface units. The server then manages and streams this digital audio through a local
wireless access point (WAP) available to Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices loaded with the free Personal
Listening mobile app. The app is available on both the Apple App and Google Play stores.

The PLS-900 is perfect for high-quality audio applications like tness centers and other multi-screen

environments.

RCA UNBALANCED
AUDIO SOURCES

PL-400

(FRONT)

PL-400

(BACK)

PL-900

(BACK)

POWER SUPPLY

CAT 5/6

TO INTERNET ROUTER

USB 2.0
HIGH SPEED

SINGLE WAP SETUP

PL-200

(FRONT)

CAT 5

(BACK)

POWER SUPPLY

PL-301A

CAT 6

For Mulitple WAPs see Appendix C page 24

PAGE 4 LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL

PL-900 ListenWiFi Server

Package Contents

• PL-900 ListenWiFi Server

• PL-201 Power Supply

• (2) Rack Ears

• (1) Bag of rack ear screws

• Registration Card

PL-201

PL-900 ListenWiFi Server

Quick Start Guide

PLS-900 ListenWiFi Personal Listening System

Let’s Get This Audio Started

1. PLACE

The PL-900 Server should be plugged directly into
the PL-400 Audio Interface. Do not use USB hubs or
extenders. If the audio source is more than 6 ft. (1.8
m.) from the server, it’s recommended to run
shielded audio cable or use audio balun extenders.

The Wireless Access Point (WAP) should be placed
center to the listening area high enough that the
majority of mobile devices will have a clear line of
sight.

If the ceiling is more than 15 ft. (4.5 m.) high,
the WAP should be lowered. Keep the WAP as far
away as possible from other WAPs and electrical
equipment.

Note: The top side of the WAP (opposite of the
mounting holes) should face the coverage area.

2. CONNECT

Follow the diagram for the directions on connecting
the components.

INTERCONNECTION DIAGRAM - SINGLE WAP SETUP

PL-900

(BACK)

PL-200

(FRONT)

POWER SUPPLY

TO INTERNET ROUTER

CAT 5/6

CAT 5

(BACK)

3. ACTIVATE

After connecting the system, you must register it
online to activate the audio.

Before activating, ensure that the server is on and
connected to an internet connection that doesn’t
require a password.

Using a separate computer, activate the server

online at listenwifi.com/register.

Enter in the required fields including the server’s

serial number that looks like this (found on back of
server):

Activation takes about 2 minutes.

RCA UNBALANCED
AUDIO SOURCES

PL-400

(FRONT)

PL-400

(BACK)

USB 2.0
HIGH SPEED

POWER SUPPLY

PL-301A

CAT 6

2 Rack Ears with 8 Screws

Quick-Start Guide

Registration Card

LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL PAGE 5

PL-900 Quick Reference

Front View

Back View

Power Switch

Indicator Light

On/O

Power Input

Audio Interface

Inputs 9-12

Audio Interface

Inputs 21-24

Internet

LAN Port

Audio Interface

Inputs 5-8

Audio Interface

Inputs 17-20

Wi LAN

Port RJ45

RJ45

Audio Interface

Inputs 1-4

Audio Interface

Inputs 13-16

NOTE: Rack ears are installed using the four open holes on both sides of the server.

NOTE: To remove server feet, pull out center pin on each foot.

PAGE 6 LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL

PL-400 ListenWiFi Audio Interface

Package Contents

• PL-400 ListenWiFi Audio Interface

• TV Channel Labels

• USB 2.0 High Speed Cables 2m (6.6 ft)

• Phono RCA to RCA Cables 2m (6.6 ft)

NOTE: There will be a RCA cable for each input and 1 USB cable per set of 4 inputs.

TV Channel Labels

PL-400 ListenWiFi Audio Interface

NOTE: Actual size will vary based on model ordered.

USB 2.0 High Speed
Cables 2m (6.6 ft)

Phono RCA to RCA
Cables 2m (6.6 ft)

LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL PAGE 7

PL-400 Quick Reference

Front View

Rack

Spacer

RCA

Input 1

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 13

(Stereo)

Input 1A

(mono)

RCA

Input 2

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 14

(Stereo)

Input 1B

(mono)

RCA

Input 3

(Stereo)

RCA
Input 15
(Stereo)

RCA

Input 4

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 16

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 5

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 17

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 6

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 18

(Stereo)

NOTE: Stereo input pairs can
be split to double channels. See

PL-900 Server Conguration for

more details.

RCA

Input 7

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 19

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 8

(Stereo)

RCA
Input 20
(Stereo)

RCA

Input 9

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 21

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 10

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 22

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 11

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 23

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 12

(Stereo)

RCA

Input 24

(Stereo)

Rack

Spacer

Back View

Audio Interface 9-12

Output USB

Audio Interface 21-24

Output USB

PAGE 8 LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL

Audio Interface 5-8

Output USB

Audio Interface 17-20

Output USB

Audio Interface 1-4

Output USB

Audio Interface 13-16

Output USB

Listen WiFi Coverage

The PL-900 ListenWiFi system coverage is determined by the PL-301 WAP, network trac and

environmental conditions. It is recommended to perform a site survey to understand interference,
bandwidth usage and reception strength within the facility before and after the installation.

The table and graphs below roughly estimates general coverage distance and pattern at the
recommended signal strength for the audio stream (>-65dB). Please note that each facility may greatly
vary based upon network and environmental conditions.

Line-of-sight Physical Obstructions*

Frequency

Radius Sq. Ft. Radius Sq. Ft.

2.4 GHz

5 GHz

2 GHz Radio

91 m

(300 ft)

30 m

(100 ft)

26,200 m

(282,000 ft2)

2,900 m

(31,400 ft2 )

Horizontal Vertical

2

45m

(150 ft.)

2

15m

(50 ft)

*Physical obstructions includes two walls and furniture.

6,500 m

(70,000 ft

724 m

2

(7,800 ft

2

2)

2)

5 GHz Radio

LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL PAGE 9

As visible from the coverage patterns, the location and orientation of the WAP plays a critical role in
performance. Ensure that the top of the WAP points in the general direction of wireless clients, as the
signal strength is stronger in the front.

CLIENTS

CLIENTS

CLIENTS

Ceiling Mount Table Mount

Wall Mount

Designing a System

Use the following steps when designing a ListenWiFi system:

1. Determine the number of unique audio channels needed (1 to 24 channels).

2. Determine the max number of users (PL-301 WAP supports a maximum of 60 clients).

3. Determine room size, shape and RF conditions of facility.

Best performance is achieved:

• When there is an unused wi- channel including unused adjacent channels.

• When the WAP is in the center of and close to the area requiring coverage.

• When the top of the WAP is facing the coverage area without obstructions.

• When the ListenWi WAP is installed away from other WAPs and is away from electrical equipment

The example below is provided for design concept only and does not represent the actual PL-301 coverage.

Example: Center/direct line-of-sight coverage above cardio area.

PAGE 10 LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL

NOTE: If using multiple
WAPs, please see Appendix C
Expansion Kit (page 24)

WAP

Interconnection, Activation and Conguration

The PL-900 supports up to 24 channels of stereo audio depending on the PL-400 audio interface used
with the server. Refer to the diagram below for location of these inputs, power input, network port and
WiFi port. Two ports in the middle are not used and are therefore covered.

Power Input

Power Input Barrel

Connector

Not Used

Network

Port

Audio Interface

Inputs USB

WiFi
Port

Connection of the server’s external power adaptor

Power for the PL-900 is provided by a 19 VDC 3.34A universal switching power
supply.

1. The supplied power adaptor is an in-line universal switching power supply that

can be used with an AC power source from 100-240 VAC 50/60Hz. The overall
length of the line cord and DC power cable is 3 m (10 ft.).

2. The Power Switch / Indicator is a momentary switch located on the front

of the server. The blue light indicates that the server is powered.

Power Switch

Indicator Light

On/O

LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL PAGE 11

Connection of the Audio Interface with Server

Audio is provided to the server through the PL-400 audio interface via a USB connection. There are six

USB ports on the server, each port labeled for a set of four specic stereo pair inputs. The USB port on

the server determines the set of channels the audio interface inherits.

Audio Interface

Inputs 9-12

Audio Interface

Inputs 21-24

Audio Interface

Inputs 5-8

Audio Interface

Inputs 17-20

Audio Interface

output USB

Audio Interface

Inputs 1-4

Audio Interface

Inputs 13-16

USB 2.0 High-Speed

1. The Audio Interface 1-4 input USB on the server connects to the back of the audio interface unit

with inputs 1-4 using the provided USB 2.0 High Speed cables. Repeat for each audio interface unit.

Connection of External Audio Sources

Each audio interface unit contains four pairs of stereo phono RCA inputs that are to be connected with
analog audio sources. Stereo pairs can be separated into unique audio channels through the server’s Web

Admin page (see PL-900 Server conguration). Audio interface units can be paired up to provide up to 24

stereo / 48 mono inputs depending on the number of units purchased.

1. Phono RCA unbalanced audio input is provided through each connector. These are a typical -10
dBu nominal level unbalanced inputs.

RCA Input 1

(Stereo)

NOTE: Stereo input pairs can be split to double channels. See PL-900 Server Conguration for more info.

RCA Input 2

(Stereo)

RCA Input 3

(Stereo)

RCA Input 4

(Stereo)

Input 1A

(mono)

Input 1B

(mono)

PAGE 12 LISTENWiFi-PLS900 MANUAL