Nady Systems ALD-800 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

ALD-800

Multi-Channel RF Wireless

Assistive Listening System

Contents

Introduction .............................................................................................................................2

ALD-800 Transmitter ............................................................................................................... 3

Confirming Correct Installation ................................................................................................ 4

ALD-800 Receiver Operating Instructions ............................................................................... 5

Architects and Engineering Specifications .............................................................................. 7

Specifications ..........................................................................................................................8

Service Information ................................................................................................................. 9

Warranty .................................................................................................................................10

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Nady ALD-800 wireless RF personal listening assistance system,
we know you will be very pleased with its performance and features.
is the most cost-effective way to provide high quality listening as sis tance in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires public facilities such as
movie theatres, etc. to make listening assistance systems available to their audiences.
The system is designed to be very easy to use and requires no installation.

The ALD-800 is specifically designed to be installed quickly and easily by virtually anyone.

In addition to its ease of use, the ALD-800 provides outstanding sound quality. The system
consists of one wireless transmitter and one or more pre-tuned portable wireless receivers.
The transmitter features eight factory switchable channels; the re ceiv ers are single channel
units that operate on one of eight channels in the 72-76 MHz band, with wide band
modulation for quality audio.

Unlike infrared listening systems, the ALD-800 can be used outdoors and indoors in bright
light without affecting performance.

The ALD-800 is perfect for virtually any application, from a small meeting room, or a
mid-sized house of worship, to a large cinema. The ALD-800 provides high quality hear ing
assistance to any number of audience members, without seating restrictions.

The ALD-800 system has a wireless operating range of 300 feet. The transmitter connects
to the line out or tape out from a venue’s existing sound system, and broad casts the audio
as an FM radio signal. The transmitter can also be used with an optional mi cro phone.

Audience members who desire listening assistance use a pocket size Nady ALD-800
receiver with adjustable volume control and er go nom ic, high performance earphones.
The ALD-800 system is expandable—one transmitter will provide audio to a limitless
number of receivers.

The Nady ALD-800

2

ALD-800 Transmitter

Compact RF transmitter operating within
the 72-76 MHz band designated for auditory
assistance frequencies by the FCC.

Eight factory switchable channels•
Input for line level audio •
Input for microphone•
Audio input gain control•
Automatic level control•
Extendible antenna•
AC-ALD800 9VDC regulated power •
supply adapter supplied
LED power on and audio •
modulation indicators

Setting Up the Transmitter

Your Nady ALD-800 requires minimum
installation. Simply place the transmitter
on any flat surface, connect your mixing
board to the transmitter’s back panel input
(See Connecting Audio Input below),
connect the included power supply
(as explained below), and the transmitter
is ready to broadcast to any number
of ALD-800 receivers operating on the
same channel.

Powering the Trans mit ter

Connect the AC adapter provided into
the 9V DC jack (1) on the back panel of the
transmitter. Plug the other end into an
AC wall socket. Press Power switch (2).
The Pow er On LED (3) will light.

Antenna

Extend Antenna (4) fully and position
90 degrees from top of the transmitter.

Connecting Audio Input

The Line In jack (5) on the rear panel lets
you connect the ALD-800 to your mixing
console. This 1/4” mono phone jack accepts

an un bal anced line level audio source at
zero dBm nominal signal level. If your
mixer has XLR outputs only, you will need
an XLR-to-phone plug adapter, available
from most electronics stores and music
equipment stores.

Using a Microphone

The Mic jack (7) on the front panel allows
wireless cueing of on stage performers.

IMPORTANT: This 1/4” mono phone jack is designed
for an electret condenser mi cro phone, and 9V
DC power is present at the input jack. If you wish
to use a con ven tion al dynamic microphone, at
least 20 dB more gain is required, and a preamp
should be used. If a preamp is used, be sure to
have a blocking capacitor (1 mfd) between the
preamp output and the E03 mic input. If a dynamic
mic is plugged into the mic input by mistake,
there should be no damage because the current
is limited to 1.0 mA. If you have any questions,
contact Nady Customer Service (510.652.2411)
or your Nady dealer.

Audio Input Gain Adjustment

You can quickly adjust the transmitter to
obtain optimum performance with the
Input Gain control (8). The audio modulation
indicator LED, marked TX (6) will increase
in bright ness as the control is turned
clockwise, and decrease in brightness
as the control is turned coun ter clock­wise. When the “TX” LED is flashing
during transmission, the trans mit ter is
broadcasting properly. (If the LED stays off
continuously or barely flashes at all, the
input gain needs to be increased. If the LED
stays on continuously and does not flash
during modulation, the input is overloading
and needs to be decreased.) You will also
need to test the transmitter in use with
an ALD-800 receiver. This procedure is
easy to do, and is ex plained in the receiver
instructions, which follow.

3

Confirming Correct Installation

The transmitter’s TX LED (6) will flash
when a microphone or line level signal is
broadcast by the transmitter. If “TX” does
not flash, turn the audio input gain control
clockwise. This will increase audio level
and cause “TX” to flash along with the
program source. When “TX” is flashing,
the transmit ter is broadcasting properly.
Test the trans mit ter with an ALD-800
receiver. This pro ce dure is explained in
the receiver instructions.

Note: For the best performance, and to minimize
the possibility of interference from another source,
we suggest you experiment to find the minimal
height the antenna must be extended in order to
perform well in your particular environment.

Channel Selection

Channel selection is controlled by
DIP-switches inside the trans mit ter.
The system is preset at the factory.

ALD-800 Transmitter (Front Panel)

Changing the channel can be done
quickly by any qualified service tech ni cian.
Contact your dealer or the Nady Customer
Service Department for details.

Using More Than One ALD-800 System

You may operate up to three ALD-800
systems in the same location. For multiple
system operation, please observe:

If operating two ALD-800 transmitters in •
the same location, use Ch. AA and HH
(or GG).

If operating three ALD-800 transmitters •
in the same location, use Ch. AA, EE
and HH (or GG).

Locate the transmitters ten feet or more
away from the performers wearing
ALD-800 receivers.

7

ALD-800 Transmitter (Rear Panel)

4

5 8 1

4

6

2 3