Phonak SmartLink SX User Manual

This unit sold by:

www.phonak.com

029-0654-02/V00 1004/A+W Printed in Switzerland © Phonak AG All rights reserved

SmartLink

™

SX

User Guide

0682

!

Contents

Controls 4

Welcome 6

SmartLink and accessories 7

First steps 8

Charging the SmartLink 8
Switching on/off 10
Operating range 13
Attaching/detaching the lavalier cord 14
Choosing the best microphone setting 16
Keypad lock 18

Using the hearing instrument remote control 19

Program selection 21

Using an external microphone 22

Connecting SmartLink to a television 26

SmartLink and mobile phones 30

Bluetooth link 30
How SmartLink interacts with a mobile phone 32
Pairing SmartLink 33
Activating SmartLink for mobile phone use 35

Answering a call 37
Rejecting a call 39
Making a call 40
Switching off the Bluetooth link 41

Special functions 42

Changing the FM channel 42
Finding a third-party channel (scan) 44

Using SmartLink – examples 46

Optional charging units 49

FM-Receivers 50

Setup of FM-Receivers 50
Principle benefits of multi-frequency receivers 50
Switch settings on MLxS 52

Important points 53

Troubleshooting 54

Declaration of conformity 58

Service and warranty 59

Phonak distributors worldwide 60

4

Controls













5

 Microphone on/off switch

 Microphone functions

SuperZoom

2

(narrow-angle sound pickup)
Zoom (wider-angle sound pickup)
Omni (360° sound pickup)

 LCD

 Telephone keys

Call answer
Call end

 Hearing instrument remote control

Hearing instrument volume increase
Hearing instrument volume decrease
Hearing instrument program change
Program change: “FM active”/
”FM + hearing instrument microphone active”

 Keypad lock

To lock: Press and together
To unlock: Press the same keys again

See page 42ff. for key combinations to access
special functions.

P

F

F

–

–

+

6

Welcome

This unique combination of an FM transmitter, mobile
phone link and hearing instrument remote control is
the gateway to a completely new hearing experience.

To obtain maximum benefit from the SmartLink and
its comprehensive features, please read this user
guide carefully. Ask your hearingcare professional if
you have any questions.

Phonak wishes you much hearing enjoyment with
the SmartLink.

The following symbols appear
in this user guide:

Important notes for all users.

Special notes for users of Phonak hearing
instruments with remote control compatibility
(Perseo, Claro, Supero and all future remote­controllable Phonak hearing instruments.)

!

7

SmartLink and accessories

 SmartLink

 SmartLink home

and travel case

 Soft case

 Adapter for external

connections

 Lavalier cord with

integrated antenna

 Short antenna

 Audio cable

 Charging unit

 MicroLink FM receiver *

 Audio shoe *

*

MicroLink receiver or audio shoe may differ, depending on the
hearing instrument model.

8

D

C

7

.5

V

DC 7.5V

click

First steps:
Charging the SmartLink

The SmartLink contains a non-removable Lithium-ion
battery with fast-charge capability. A fully exhausted
battery takes around 2 hours to charge. The battery
will be about 80% charged within an hour.

Attach the
SmartLink adapter

Plug the charging unit
into the power jack marked

9

Use only original Phonak charging units

• The battery symbol in the SmartLink display

flashes during charging. The battery cannot be
over-charged.

• The battery symbol stops flashing when the
SmartLink is 100% charged.

• Battery consumption greatly depends on the
functions in use (especially Bluetooth).
Fully charged, the SmartLink operates for approx.
10–12 hours in normal use.

!

10

Switching the SmartLink on/off

To switch on:

• Press and hold

the main switch
for 2 seconds.

• The display shows startup information during
switch-on. When the SmartLink is ready, the
following information appears:

FM channel number

Battery status

Microphone setting

11

• At switch-on, the SmartLink automatically selects
the most recently used FM channel.

The SmartLink automatically synchronizes multi­channel receivers to this channel.

• The initial microphone setting at switch-on is

always Omni (display symbol: )

At switch-on, the SmartLink automatically sets
Phonak hearing instruments with remote control
compatibility to the “FM + hearing instrument
microphone active“ program.
If you prefer another program, it is easy to select
using the remote control (see page 19).

To switch off:

• Press and hold the main switch again

for 2 seconds.

12

At switch-off, the SmartLink automatically resets
Phonak hearing instruments with remote control
compatibility to the program that was previously
in use.

Example:

• Multi-channel FM receivers automatically enter

power-saving mode about 40 seconds after the
SmartLink is switched off. Because they consume
practically no current in this mode, the receivers
can stay connected to the hearing instrument
without having to be switched off.
The receivers automatically resume normal opera­tion when the SmartLink switches on again.

Program 1

SmartLink

switched on

SmartLink

switched off

Automatic reset

to program 1

FM + hearing

instrument

microphone active

13

SmartLink operating range

With built-in antenna: up to 3 meters ( 10 ft)
With short antenna: up to 10meters ( 32 ft)
With lavalier cord antenna: up to 30 meters (100 ft)

The short antenna and lavalier cord plug in at the
front of the SmartLink, next to the on/off switch.
The lavalier cord is recommended when:

• The distance between the SmartLink and the
hearing instrument user is greater than 10 meters.

• The SmartLink is handed to a speaker
(for example at a lecture or presentation).

• SmartLink is used in the presence of interfering
radio signals.

• The short antenna or lavalier cord must also
be connected when using the SmartLink with an
external microphone or a television set.

High-powered electronic equipment, larger
electronic installations and metallic structures
may impair and significantly reduce the
operating range.

!

14

Attaching and detaching
the lavalier cord

• To attach: Slide in gently, following a straight line.

• To adjust the cord length:

Press on the large button and retract or withdraw
the cord. The cord length should be adjusted so that
the SmartLink is 20–30 cm (8–12") away from the
wearer’s mouth.

click

1.

2.

15

• To detach:

Press together the side buttons and gently slide
out from the SmartLink.

16

Choosing the best microphone setting

Recommended for

Noise level Focus

Super high fewer speakers
Zoom

2

Zoom medium fewer speakers

Omni low more speakers

17

Voice pickup Symbol in
pattern display

focused in
a narrow angle
in front of
the SmartLink

wider angle
in front of
the SmartLink

360° around
the SmartLink

18

Keypad lock

The SmartLink features a keypad lock, to prevent
inadvertent operation of the controls.

• To lock the controls:

Switch on the SmartLink, then simultaneously press

and . ”LOC” appears in the display.

• To unlock the controls:

Press the same two keys again.

Incoming calls can be answered while the SmartLink is
locked: simply press the green telephone key.

The keypad lock automatically reactivates at the end of
the call.

F

–

19

Using the hearing instrument
remote control

• The built-in remote control is a simple and con­venient way to operate Phonak digital hearing
instruments with remote control compatibility.

• The remote control works all the time, even if the
SmartLink is switched off.

Program selector

Switches hearing
instrument
programs without FM

Switches hearing
instrument
programs with FM

Volume adjustment

Increase

hearing aid volume

Decrease

hearing aid volume

20

Using the hearing instrument remote control

Symbols in the display

• Your hearing instruments produce an acoustic con-

firmation of program selection. Refer to your hearing
instrument user guide for further information.

• Pressing the key automatically synchronizes the
frequency, indicated by a sequence of 4 confirmation
beeps.

• We recommend holding the SmartLink less than
50 cm (20") away from the hearing instruments, in
a position where the LCD is easily visible.

Press key

Symbol in display
for one second

V+

V-

P1 (or P2, P3, P4)

FM or FM+M

P

F

–

+

F

21

Program selection

• Press the key to activate the next program in
your hearing instruments.

• Every time is pressed, the program alternates
between FM (SmartLink active, hearing instrument
microphones switched off) and FM+M mode
(SmartLink and hearing instrument microphones
active simultaneously).

Example:

Key

Program P1 FM FM+M P1

P

F

P

P

F

F

22

Using an external microphone

• The SmartLink can be used with an external mini
clip-on or MiniBoom microphone. These can be
advantageous in a variety of situations like college,
lectures or presentations, or in an automobile.

• “ A “ in the display means that the SmartLink is
relaying an audio signal from an external micro­phone or an external source like a television.

Use the short antenna, or the lavalier cord as an
antenna.

Mini clip-on microphone MiniBoom

!

23

• If the SmartLink was switched off before using the
external microphone: When the microphone is
switched off, the SmartLink automatically switches
off 40-50 seconds later.

• Some external microphones have a separate on/off
switch. Ensure that the external microphone is
correctly switched on.

Plug in here:

MICRO

MICRO

24

Usage

External microphone only.

SmartLink microphone and
external microphone simultaneously.

Switch off SmartLink microphone;
only the external microphone remains active.

End of use.

Using an external microphone

25

Action

Plug in the external microphone as illustrated and
switch it on, if necessary.
The SmartLink begins relaying speech as soon as it
detects a signal. “ A “ appears in the display.

Plug in the external microphone and press
the SmartLink key.

Press the key again.

Unplug the external microphone and detach the
SmartLink adapter.
Then switch off the SmartLink .

26

Connecting SmartLink to a television

• The SmartLink can be directly connected to audio
equipment like televisions, CD and MP3 players, and
computers with audio outputs.

AUDIO

Plug in to the television’s
headphone jack

Audio cable (standard accessory)

Plug in to the
audio jack

AUDIO

27

• “ A ” appears in the display to indicate that the
SmartLink is relaying an audio signal from a tele­vision or other external source.

Use the short antenna or the lavalier cord as an
antenna.

• If the SmartLink was switched off before using the

audio cable:
When the television is switched off, the SmartLink
automatically switches off 40-50 seconds later.

• Some televisions have a separate audio output
volume control, or muting. Please refer to the tele­vision’s operating instructions.

!

28

Usage

Television only.

Simultaneous television sound
and people speaking in the room.

Switch off SmartLink microphone;
only the television audio signal remains audible.

End of use.

Connecting SmartLink to a television

29

Action

Plug in the SmartLink as illustrated and switch
on the television.
The SmartLink switches on automatically when it
detects an audio signal from the television.
" A “ appears on the LCD.

Connect the SmartLink to the television as
described previously.
Switch on the television and press
the SmartLink key.

Press the key again.

Switch off the television or disconnect the
audio cable and detach the SmartLink adapter.
Then switch off the SmartLink .

30

SmartLink and mobile phones

Bluetooth link

• SmartLink can communicate with a Bluetooth
compatible mobile phone. Please ask your mobile
phone dealer if you are uncertain whether your
model is Bluetooth-capable.

31

Bluetooth operating range:

• SmartLink works within a maximum 2–3 meter

(7–10 ft) radius of the mobile phone –
similar to the effective operating range of
Bluetooth headsets.

• A line of sight between SmartLink and the mobile
phone is not required.

• Further information about Bluetooth is available
at: www.bluetooth.com

32

How SmartLink interacts
with a mobile phone

• SmartLink works like a Bluetooth headset.

Bluetooth Radio signal

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

*#

Your voice

Speak into

here

Caller’s voice

audible here

Caller’s voice

Caller’s voice

33

Pairing SmartLink

Pairing is the process of associating Bluetooth
devices with the mobile phone. Most mobile phones can
be paired with multiple devices simultaneously.

Pairing is necessary only once, before first use. To do
this, refer to the instructions for your mobile phone
and proceed as follows:

• Switch the SmartLink on and follow the
instructions to select the pairing function from
the mobile phone menu.

• Press and hold both SmartLink telephone keys
for 2 seconds. “P “, then appears in the display.
The entire display flashes.

See illustration on following page.

The mobile phone controls pairing, so exact procedures
may differ among models or manufacturers.

34

Pairing SmartLink

• The mobile phone automatically recognizes the
SmartLink and displays a newly found headset
named “SmartLink”.

• Select SmartLink on the mobile phone. The mobile
phone requests an identification code (pass key).

Enter: 1234
Pairing is then completed.

The SmartLink is now registered on your mobile phone
as an available Bluetooth device.

P

35

Activating SmartLink
for mobile phone use

To use SmartLink with the mobile phone, activate
the Bluetooth link between the mobile phone and the
SmartLink:

• Select SmartLink from the mobile phone list of
coupled devices (refer to instructions).

• If the symbol is not already showing in the
SmartLink LCD, switch on the SmartLink and press
the green telephone key until the “+” symbol
appears.

±

36

Activating SmartLink for mobile phone use

The SmartLink is now ready to take incoming calls.

For possible options such as automatic language
selection or various Bluetooth operating modes, please
refer to your mobile phone instructions.

Using Bluetooth increases power consumption
by both the SmartLink and the mobile phone.

!

37

Answering a call

To answer calls, the SmartLink must be activated for
mobile phone use. To answer an incoming call, you do
not need to operate the mobile phone.

• The LCD indicator starts flashing when a call is
received.

SmartLink automatically switches hearing
instruments to the “FM + hearing instrument
microphone active“ program to relay the
ringing tone.

• To answer the call, briefly press the green

SmartLink telephone key on the left.

Answer call End call

38

Answering a call

• Speak directly into the SmartLink. You hear the
caller’s voice in both hearing instruments.

• SmartLink continues to relay incoming calls to the
hearing instruments even while it is switched off.

Ensure that the MicroLink receivers are
permanently switched on.

Users of hearing instruments without remote control
must ensure that their hearing instruments are
switched to an FM program, in order to hear the
ringing tone of an incoming call.

!

39

Rejecting a call

If you prefer not to answer a call, press the red tele­phone key on the right until the “+“ symbol appears.
Depending on the mobile phone, this may also
deactivate the Bluetooth link. To reactivate the link,
press the red telephone key again until the
“+“ symbol appears.

Reject call

±

40

Making a call

The SmartLink must be switched on and connected
with the mobile phone in order to make calls
(see page 35).

• Enter or select a number to call on the mobile
phone.
The mobile phone’s voice dialing feature can also
be used, if available. Refer to the mobile phone’s
instructions.

SmartLink automatically switches hearing
instruments to the “FM + hearing instrument
microphone active“ program.

• Speak into the SmartLink when the called party

answers.

• To end the call, briefly press the red SmartLink
telephone key. The hearing instruments auto­matically reset to the program that was previously
in use.

41

Switching off the Bluetooth link

Switching off economizes on power.
To switch off Bluetooth on the SmartLink, press the
red telephone key on the right until the “+“ symbol
appears.

See page 35 for instructions on reactivating the link.

Switch off link

±

42

Special functions

Changing the FM channel

This function should only be used with multi-channel
FM receivers.

• Press the and keys together.
The channel indicator in the display starts flashing.

• Press to move up a channel, or
Press to move down a channel.

• The SmartLink automatically synchronizes multi­channel FM receivers to the new frequency.
The SmartLink and the FM receivers must be no
more than 50 cm (20") apart.

33

Channel
indicator

F

+–+

43

• SmartLink resumes normal mode 10 seconds after
the last key press. The channel indicator stops
flashing, and the frequency change is complete.
The SmartLink remote control is again ready for
use.

Changing the channel is recommended in the
following situations:

• When there is external interference on the current

channel.

• When hearing instrument users with FM are using
the same frequency nearby.

44

Finding a third-party channel (scan)

This function is only available with multi-channel FM
receivers.

With this function, FM receivers can seek out the
channel being used by another system on an unknown
frequency and synchronize accordingly.
It is useful in lectures or presentations, for example,
when the speaker is already using somebody else’s FM
transmitter.

• Switch on the SmartLink and press and
simultaneously.

P

+

45

• The SmartLink automatically switches off while
the FM receivers start scanning for the third-party
channel.
“S“ in the display indicates that the SmartLink is
in scanning mode.

• When you hear a voice, decide whether it is the
one you are seeking. If yes, there is nothing else to
do. If no, press and once more to continue
scanning.

• To return to your own FM channel, simply switch
on the SmartLink.

The FM receivers may not detect a third-party FM
transmitter or an unknown frequency, if its signal
is too weak. It is also possible for the FM receivers
to stop scanning on a channel with interference or
indistinct voice signals.

P

+

46

Using SmartLink – examples

Recommended for:

- Business meetings

- In restaurants

- Conferences

- At home

In practical use:

Recommended for:

- Parties

- Conversations while
traveling

- Shopping

In practical use:

Around a table

Microphone setting:
Omni

Antenna:
Short antenna

Hand-held

(reporter-style)

Microphone setting:
Zoom

Antenna:
Short antenna

(where necessary)

47

Recommended for:

- Walks

- Lectures

- Sport

- Whenever traveling

with another person

In practical use:

Also recommended for:

- CD players and other

audio equipment

- Computers with

an audio output

- MP3 players

In practical use:

Hand to your
conversation partner

Microphone setting:
Zoom

Antenna:
Lavalier cord

Connected
to a television

Microphone setting:
none

Antenna:
Short antenna

48

Recommended for:

- Use while driving

- General

In practical use:

Recommended for:

- Teaching situations

- Using the telephone

while driving

In practical use:

On the telephone

Microphone setting:
Zoom

(set automatically)

Antenna:
short antenna

Using a MiniBoom
external microphone

Antenna:
Short antenna

49

Optional charging units

The optional automotive charging unit can be used to
charge the SmartLink while on the road.

The solar charging unit can even charge the SmartLink
outdoors, without a mains electricity supply.
(Available starting in Autumn 2004.)

D

C

7

.5

V

50

FM-Receivers

Setup of FM-Receivers

Users of Phonak hearing instruments should check
recommended receiver settings in the respective user
guide.

Principle benefits of multi-frequency
receivers

• Default frequency
MicroLink receivers are programmed with a
standard default frequency activated at startup.
It can be modified at Phonak service centers.

51

• Frequency synchronization
SmartLink can change your MicroLink receiver
frequency directly ‘over the air’ (see page 42).
Changing frequency is quick and easy, for example
when there are nearby FM users on the same
frequency (FM channel).

• Standby mode (power saving)
This function helps economize on power.
Switch off the transmitter, and about 40 seconds
later your receivers automatically enter standby
mode.
The receivers consume practically no power in
standby. They detect when the transmitter switches
on again and automatically resume normal
operation.

52

MLxS switch settings

For correct MLxS switch settings with Phonak hearing
instruments, please refer to the respective hearing
instrument user guide.

For all other models, MLxS switch setting depend on
the type of instrument.

Ask your hearingcare professional about the right
switch settings for your hearing instruments.

53

Important points

• Do not use two transmitters on the same
frequency.

• Do not use water or other fluids for cleaning.

• Use only original Phonak accessories.

• Do not use SmartLink in locations where it is
forbidden to use electronic devices, for instance
in aero planes.

• Be aware that radio signals might also be picked
up and overheard by other receivers.

• Before using the system in another country,
contact your hearingcare professional to make
sure your radio channels are permitted in that
country.

• The SmartLink SX may only be repaired by an
authorized service center.

54

Troubleshooting

Situation

SmartLink does not switch on.

Radio interference.

Voices are inaudible when
the SmartLink is switched on.

Poor speech intelligibility.

55

Remedy

Charge the SmartLink
(2 hours minimum).

Change channel
(see page 42).

a) Check hearing

instrument program/
press .

b) Switch on receiver.
c) Press

to make the
SmartLink
resynchronize.

a) Select another

microphone setting
(see page16).

b) Move the SmartLink

closer to the speaker.

Most probable cause

Battery exhausted.

Extraneous cause: radio
antenna or similar inter­fering devices nearby.

a) Hearing instrument

set to wrong program.

b) Receiver switched off.
c) Radio frequency not

synchronized.

SmartLink is positioned
too far away from the
speaker.

F

F

56

Troubleshooting

Situation

Insufficient operating range.

A second person’s voice is audible.

Remote-controllable
Phonak hearing instruments
do not respond.

SmartLink does not couple
or connect with a mobile phone.

57

Remedy

Connect the short
antenna, or the lavalier
cord.

Change channel
(see page 42).

Hold the SmartLink
50 cm (20") or closer
to the hearing
instruments when
using remote
control functions.

Ask your mobile
phone dealer.

Most probable cause

Antenna not connected.

Another hearing aid user
uses the same channel.

SmartLink and hearing
instruments too far apart.

Non-Bluetooth phone.

58

Declaration of conformity

Phonak AG,
Laubisrütistrasse 28, CH-8712 Stäfa, Switzerland

confirms that the SmartLink conforms to EN 300-422,
EN 300-328 and EN 301-489 guidelines including
all necessary annexes.
The SmartLink is used by hearing-impaired people.
To operate the SmartLink, BTE hearing instruments
with MicroLink receivers are required.
The user benefit of FM is an improved signal-to-noise
ratio, which leads to an optimized speech under­standing even in very difficult listening situations.

Phonak AG

Stäfa, Switzerland

Date: March 8, 2004

59

Important Notes for Users in the USA and Canada

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1)this device my not cause harmful interference, and
(2)this device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Warning: Changes or modifications made to this
equipment not expressly approved by Phonak Inc.
may void the FCC authorization to operate this
equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a 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 communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not 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
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct

60

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 different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

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

Restrictions

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 to the ill; law
enforcement tracking services under agreement with
a law enforcement agency; or automated maritime
telecommunications system (AMTS) network control
communications. Two-way voice communications
and all other types of uses not mentioned above are
expressly prohibited.

This device may not interfere with TV reception or
Federal Government radar.

61

Service and warranty

Phonak provides a manufacturer’s limited warranty for
your

SmartLink

. This covers all manufacturing and

material defects. Problems with

SmartLink

arising from
improper handling or care and repairs made by an
unauthorized party are not covered by the warranty.
Please ask at the point of sale for full details of this
warranty. The salesperson will note the serial number of
your

SmartLink

below. It will be needed in the event

of a warranty repair.

Serial number
SmartLink:

Date of purchase:

Serial number FM receiver:

62

0682

!

Phonak distributors worldwide

Group companies: (detailed information on

www.phonak.com)

Australia Phonak Australasia Pty. Ltd.

Baulkham Hills N. S. W. 2153

Austria Hansaton Akustische Geräte GmbH

5020 Salzburg
Belgium Lapperre N.V., 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden
Canada Phonak Canada Limited,

Mississauga, Ontario L5S 1V9
Denmark Phonak Danmark A/S, Nitivej 10

2000 Frederiksberg
France Phonak France SA, 69500 Bron
Germany Phonak GmbH, 70736 Fellbach-Oeffingen
Italy Phonak Italia S.r.l., 20159 Milano
Japan Phonak Japan Co., Ltd., Tokyo 101-0044
Jordan Phonak Middle East, 11181 Amman
Netherlands Phonak B.V., 3439 ME Nieuwegein
New Zealand Phonak New Zealand Ltd.

Takapuna, Auckland 9
Norway Phonak AS, 0105 Oslo
Spain Phonak Iberica S.A., 03008 Alicante
Sweden Phonak AB,11734 Stockholm
Switzerland Phonak AG, Phonak Schweiz, 8712 Stäfa
United Kingdom Phonak UK Limited

Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1PP
USA Phonak LLC, Warrenville, IL 60555-3927

Independent A complete list of Phonak distributors
general agents: is available at Phonak's Internet site:

www.phonak.com. Please visit us or ask

your hearingcare professional for

information.
Manufacturer: Phonak AG, Laubisrütistrasse 28

CH-8712 Stäfa, Switzerland

63

Notes

64

Notes