Shure Computer Headset,TC3 User Manual

The Computer Headset
User Guide

SHURE Incorporated Web Address: http://www.shure.com
222 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202–3696, U.S.A.
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
In Europe, Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
In Asia, Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Elsewhere, Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

27B8666 (TL)

2000, Shure Incorporated

Printed in U.S.A.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING SHURE

Congratulations!

You have purchased the finest wireless system
in its class. Y our Shure wireless system incorporates a clean, low­noise sound that is comparable to other systems costing much
more. Built in the tradition of reliability that has made Shure a sym­bol of quality for more than half a century, this wireless system
should provide you with excellent sound for years.

T o get the most out of your Computer Wireless system, please
read this guide before you attempt to use the system. If you have
any questions not answered in this booklet, please contact Shure
Customer Service at (847) 866–2553, Monday through Friday,
from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, CST.

INTRODUCTION

The Computer Wireless microphone system brings the freedom of wire­less to computer-based voice communication and voice recognition applica­tions. With the system’s headset and transmitter you are free to roam while
maintaining a quality voice link with your computer.

SYSTEM CONTENTS

The Computer Wireless system includes the following:



TC1 Transmitter



TC3 Standard Receiver



PS20 (120 V) or PS20E (230 V) Receiver Power Supply



Shure Headset Microphone with Windscreen and Clothing
Clip



DURACELL 9 V Alkaline Battery



Screwdriver (for setting transmitter gain and receiver
squelch)



Vinyl Transmitter Carrying Bag



Rubber Feet (for mounting Receiver)



VELCRO Fastening Strips (for alternate mounting of Re­ceiver)

1

COMPONENT FEATURES

TC1 TRANSMITTER

2

1

9

5

8

7

6

4

3

TC1 TRANSMITTER

FIGURE 1

1. Antenna. For best transmission, the antenna must hang vertically; don’t
wind or coil it.

2. Battery Compartment. Holds one 9 V alkaline battery.

3. Belt Clip. For attaching the transmitter to your belt or clothing.

4. Power On Indicator. Illuminates when the transmitter is on.

5. Power On/Off Switch. Turns the transmitter on and off. It is recessed to
prevent accidental turn off.

6. Audio Mute/On switch. Turns off audio transmission only (when set to
“MUTE”) but leaves the transmitter on.

7. Low Battery Indicator. When this red light is glowing, you have one hour
or less of useful operating time.

8. Audio Gain Control (Bottom). Controls audio level from headset. Facto­ry preset and normally does not need adjustment. Refer to the section

Au-

dio Transmitter Gain Adjustment

in this guide.

9. Headset Microphone Input Jack. For connecting the headset micro­phone to the transmitter.

TC3 RECEIVER

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БББББ

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7

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

8

TC3 RECEIVER

FIGURE 2

1. Audio Output Jack: For connecting the receiver to the MIC input on your
computer or sound card.

2. Power Input Jack: For connecting the receiver to the supplied ac adapt­er.

3. Telescoping Antenna: Receives signals from the transmitter. Make sure
the antenna is fully extended vertically.

4. Power On/Off Indicator (Green): Illuminates when the receiver is
plugged into an electrical outlet.

5. RF Signal Indicator (Yellow): Illuminates when rf (radio frequency) sig-
nals are received from the transmitter.

6. Audio Peak Indicator (Red): Flickers when the audio signal from the
transmitter approaches the overload (clipping) level.

7. Volume Control: Adjusts the volume of the receiver audio output. Does
not affect the PEAK indicator. Rotate the volume control clockwise to

in-

crease

audio output. Rotate it counterclockwise to

decrease

audio output.

8. Squelch Control (Bottom): Factory preset and normally does not need
adjustment. Refer to the section

Receiver Squelch Adjustment

for more

information.

2 3

SETUP

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Receiver

Transmitter

Headset

Computer

SETUP OVERVIEW

FIGURE 3

RECEIVER SETUP (SEE FIGURE 4)

1. Affix the four adhesive rubber feet or the VELCRO fastening strips to the
bottom of the receiver and mount it on a flat surface.

NOTE: It is best not to place the receiver directly next to or on top of your
computer, monitor , or other electronic equipment, as these type of devices
can generate rf interference.

2. Plug the supplied ac power adapter (PS20 or PS20E) into a wall socket
or other electrical outlet.

3. Connect the ac adapter cable to the receiver DC INPUT connector. The
green POWER light on the receiver should come on.

4. Connect the receiver ’s AUDIO OUT to the MIC input on your computer
or sound card using the supplied audio cable.

5. Fully extend the telescoping antenna and adjust it so that it is vertical.

Á

ÁÁÁÁÁ

Á

Á

Á

Á

Á

ÁÁ

MIC Input

90°

AUDIO OUT

Computer

Receiver

TRANSMITTER SETUP

FIGURE 4

TRANSMITTER SETUP

1. Install the supplied 9 V alkaline battery.
a) Turn off the transmitter.
b) Press down on the OPEN side of the battery compartment cover, slide

it back and flip it open, as shown in Figure 5.

c) Insert the supplied 9 V alkaline battery into the battery compartment

as shown in Figure 5. Make sure the “+” and “–” battery terminals
match the “+” and “–” terminals on the transmitter.

NOTE: A Duracell MN1604 battery, like the one supplied, is recommended.
A fresh 9 V alkaline battery should typically provide 18 hours of perfor­mance time. A fully charged 8.4 V NiCad rechargeable battery should pro­vide 2 hours of performance time. When the red LOW BATTERY light on
the transmitter glows, you have 1 hour or less of useful battery life remain­ing.

IMPORTANT: Carbon-zinc and zinc-chloride batteries will not provide ad­equate power and are not recommended.

Á

TC1 BATTER Y INSTALLATION

FIGURE 5

2. Attach the transmitter belt clip to your belt so that the antenna hangs
downward and is not coiled or bundled.

USING THE BELT CLIP

FIGURE 6

3. Slide the transmitter power switch to the ON position. The green POWER
ON light on the transmitter should illuminate, indicating that the transmitter
is working properly.

NOTE: When not in use, turn the transmitter power off to conserve battery
power.

4 5

HEADSET MICROPHONE SETUP

1. The headset features a collapsible boom for shipment and storage.
Before wearing the headset, unfold the boom until it snaps and locks into
place. Refold for storage or transportation.

2. Place the headset wireframe around the head so that the wireframe and
elastic band are horizontal across the back of the head and the ends
of the wireframe fit over and in front of the ears (see Figure 7).

WEARING THE HEADSET

FIGURE 7

3. If the headset feels loose or uncomfortable, carefully bend the sides of the
wireframe to make it tighter or looser (Figure 8A). The angle of the wire­frame earpieces may also need adjustment (Figure 8B).

BA

ADJUSTING THE WIREFRAME

FIGURE 8

POSITIONING THE MICROPHONE
IMPORTANT: For maximum gain before feedback, position the gooseneck so

that the microphone grille (silver side) is within 25 mm (1 inch) of the

right cor-

ner

of the mouth. Do NOT position it directly in front of the mouth (see

Figure 9).

POSITIONING THE MICROPHONE

FIGURE 9

USING THE CLOTHING CLIP

The supplied spring-loaded clothing clip secures the microphone cable to
the user’s clothing and keeps it from becoming entangled with the user’s
movements.

CABLE

CLOTHING CLIP

USING THE CLOTHING CLIP

FIGURE 10

CONNECTING THE HEADSET TO THE TRANSMITTER

1. Insert the headset microphone cable connector into the transmitter input

jack.

2. If desired, use the spring-loaded clothing clip to secure any slack from the

microphone cable to your clothing.

6 7

SYSTEM OPERATION

ESTABLISHING A WIRELESS LINK

When turned on, the transmitter generates a radio frequency (rf) carrier sig­nal that transmits steadily, regardless of whether or not you are using the mi­crophone. When the receiver detects this signal, the yellow rf light on the re­ceiver illuminates, indicating that it recognizes the presence of the transmitter.

In the following steps you will use the transmitter’s carrier signal and the re­ceiver’s rf light to test whether or not your setup and environment allows the
transmitter and receiver to establish a link.

1. Plug in the receiver so that the green power light illuminates.

2. While wearing the transmitter, stand back from the receiver, but close

enough so that you can see the LEDs.

3. Turn the the transmitter power switch on and off. As you do so, the yellow

rf light on the receiver should also turn on and off.
 If the the yellow light does not go on, this indicates that

the receiver is not picking up the transmitter’s carrier
signal. See the troubleshooting section in this guide.

 If the yellow light stays on when you turn the transmit-

ter off, this indicates that the receiver is picking up
some

other

rf signal. Computers, monitors, or other
electronic equipment can give off rf interference. Try
relocating the receiver so that the yellow rf light goes
off when the transmitter is off. If the source of interfer­ence cannot be eliminated, you may need a wireless
system that operates at a different frequency. Contact
your Shure dealer.

ADJUSTING AUDIO LEVELS

Proper adjustment of system audio levels helps deliver a strong audio signal

without distortion. Use the following steps:

1. Power on the transmitter and set the transmitter audio mute/on switch to
ON.

2. While wearing the headset, talk normally and observe the red peak light
on the receiver. It may flicker occasionally. If the peak light remains on as
you talk, try positioning the microphone more to the side of your mouth.

3. Activate the computer sound software so that you can view the incoming
sound level. Most software has some type of meter or indicator that allows
you to do so. You can also use the Windows

Sound Recorder

applet.

4. Talk at a moderate level as you observe the sound level in the software.
Adjust the receiver’s volume control and the software’s audio input control
so that the loudest sounds do not exceed the maximum level. Windows

Sound Recorder

displays a waveform. Make sure the top of the waveform

is not being clipped flat.

5. If the software does not respond, check the following:

 The transmitter should be on and the receiver rf light-

should be illuminated.

 The audio mute/on switch on the transmitter should be

set to the ON position.

 The receiver volume control should be turned up.
 The receiver audio output should be plugged into the

MIC input on the computer or sound card (NOT the
LINE IN input).

 In the computer audio software, the microphone (MIC)

should be selected as the input (or recording) device
and the input level control turned up.

 Make sure the software and sound card are properly

installed.

 The transmitter audio gain control should be fully ro-

tated clockwise (refer to the

Transmitter Audio Gain

Adjustment

section of this guide).

TESTING SOUND QUALITY

1. Prepare your computer audio software so that you can record sound from
your sound card.

2. Record yourself talking normally for 15 seconds or so.

3. Review the recording and check for the following:
 A distorted or fuzzy sound probably means that the

sound level is too high. Reduce the receiver audio out­put volume and/or software audio input levels slightly.

 If your voice sounds weak or distant, increase audio

levels.

 If there is excessive background noise, try positioning

the microphone closer to your mouth and adjusting the
audio levels down a bit. Be sure that the microphone
metal grill is facing towards the mouth.

 If breath noise or “popping” can be heard, either posi-

tion the microphone more to the side of the mouth or
install the supplied windscreen over the microphone
element.

8 9

USING THE AUDIO MUTE/ON SWITCH

When set to MUTE, the transmitter does not transmit audio signals from the
microphone to the receiver. Use the mute switch for brief pauses in dictation or
when you don’t want the computer to receive voice commands.

NOTE: The audio mute/on switch does NOT turn off the transmitter. When set
to MUTE, the transmitter continues to transmit a carrier signal and draw power
from the battery. Always turn the transmitter off when not in use to conserve
battery power.

TRANSMITTER AUDIO GAIN ADJUSTMENT

The audio gain control on the transmitter allows you to decrease the audio
signal level coming from the headset. It is factory preset at the maximum set­ting (full clockwise). In most circumstances, this control should not require ad­justment.



To decrease Audio Gain:

Rotate the transmitter gain con­trol counterclockwise with the supplied screwdriver. See
Figure 11.



To Return Gain to the Factory Setting:

Rotate the trans-

mitter gain control clockwise as far as it will go.

R

TRANSMITTER GAIN ADJUSTMENT

FIGURE 11

RECEIVER SQUELCH ADJUSTMENT

Squelch is a circuit in the receiver that mutes audio output in the absence of

the desired transmitter signal. The squelch control on the TC3 receiver is

factory preset for optimum performance. No further adjustment is nor­mally required. It is possible to adjust the squelch control setting to empha-

size either signal quality or system range. Adjusting the squelch control pro­duces the following results:



Turning the squelch control clockwise causes the receiver
to demand a higher quality signal (less noise before mut­ing), but

decreases

operating range.



Turning the squelch control counterclockwise allows a low­er quality signal through (more noise before muting), but

increases

operating range.

To return the receiver squelch control to the factory setting, rotate it to the

mid-range position (so the slot is vertical).

How the Shure Noise Squelch Improves System Performance

Conventional squelch circuits work on the basis of received rf (radio fre­quency) signal strength. However, such circuits cannot discriminate between
noise and desired signals. When the wireless system is used in an environ­ment where lots of rf noise is present, conventional squelch circuits can “open”
unexpectedly, sending loud bursts of noise through the receiver when the
transmitter signal is weak or turned off.

Unlike conventional wireless systems, all Shure Headset systems use a
noise squelch circuit that analyzes

signal quality

along with signal strength. A
special detector monitors the level of high frequency noise. When the transmit­ter signal is strong, the noise level is low and the receiver sends audio through.
When the transmitter signal is weak or absent, the noise level is high and the
squelch circuit mutes the receiver. This virtually eliminates the possibility of
annoying bursts of noise coming through your receiver.

10 11

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM INDICA TOR STATUS SOLUTION

No sound. Green transmitter

POWER light off.

Slide transmitter power switch to ON
position.

Make sure battery is inserted properly
(+/– battery terminals must match trans­mitter terminals). If battery is properly in­serted and POWER ON light still does not
glow, replace battery.

No sound. Green transmitter

POWER light on.

Make sure headset microphone is
plugged into the transmitter.

Slide transmitter audio mute/on switch to
ON position.

No sound.

Green receiver POW­ER light off.

Make sure ac adapter is securely plugged
into electrical outlet and into dc input con­nector on rear panel of receiver.

Make sure ac electrical outlet works
and supplies proper voltage.

No sound. Receiver RF light on.

Receiver PEAK light
flickers during loud
sounds.

Turn up receiver volume control.
Make sure the cable connection between

the receiver and computer sound port is
good.

No sound. Receiver RF light off.

Transmitter and receiv­er POWER lights on.

Make sure the transmitter and the receiv­er are operating on the same frequency.

Extend receiver antenna vertically as far
as possible.

Move receiver antennas away from any
nearby metal objects.

Remove any obstructions from between
transmitter and receiver.

Make sure you can see receiver antenn a
from the location of the transmitter.

Move transmitter closer to receiver; it may
be outside system range.

PROBLEM INDICA TOR STATUS SOLUTION

Distortion level
increases
gradually.

Receiver RF light on.
Transmitter LOW BAT­TERY light on.

Replace transmitter battery.

Bursts of
noise, distor­tion, or other
radio signals
interrupting
performance.

Receiver RF light on. Identify potential sources of interference

(other wireless systems, TV or radio, CB
radios, etc.) and turn them off or remove
them. If this is not possible, use a wireless
system that operates on a different fre­quency.

Momentary
loss of sound
as transmitter
is moved
around the
area where
system is
used.

Receiver RF light off
when sound is lost.

Reposition receiver and perform walk­through test again. If audio dropouts per­sist, mark “dead” spots and avoid them
during wireless operation.

12 1

3

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

RF Carrier Frequencies

Model Number

Frequency (MHz)

TCHS-V 169.445. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-W 171.845. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-AC 170.245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-CA/ETCHS-CA 176.200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-CC/ETCHS-CC 177.600. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-CE/ETCHS-CE 182.200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-CF/ETCHS-CF 183.600. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-CG/ETCHS-CG 186.200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-CL/ETCHS-CL 192.200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-CQ/ETCHS-CQ 202.200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TCHS-CV/ETCHS-CV 208.200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating Range

100 m (approximately 300 ft) under optimal conditions

Operating Temperature Range

–20° to 50° C (–4° to 122° F) NOTE: Battery characteristics may limit this range

Dimensions

TC1 Transmitter: 64 mm H x 106 mm W x 24 mm D (2.53 x 4.19 x 0.97 in.)
TC3 Standard Receiver: 35 mm H x 152 mm W x 98 mm D (1.1 9 x 6 x 3.88 in.)

Cable (Receiver to Computer)

6 ft,

1

/4 in. mono to 1/8 in. stereo
Tip: audio
Sleeve: shield
Ring (

1

/8 in. plug): not connected

Net Weight

TC1 Transmitter: 96.4 g (3.4 oz)
TC3 Receiver: 192 g (6.8 oz)

Power Requirements

TC1 Transmitter: 9 V alkaline battery (DURACELL MN1604 recommended, 1 in-

cluded); 8.4 V NiCad battery optional

Battery Life: 18 hours typical with fully charged 9 V alkaline battery,

2 hours typical with fully charged NiCad battery

TC3 Receiver: 12–18 Vdc nominal, 85 mA

Transmitter Current Drain

TC1 Transmitter: 30 mA, typical

Certifications

TC1 Transmitter: Type Accepted under FCC Parts 74 and 90. Certified by IC in Cana-

da under TRC-78.

TC3 Receiver: Approved under the Notification provision of FCC Part 15. Certified by

IC in Canada under TRC-78.

MICROPHONE SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Response (at 8 mm [0.31 in.])

50 to 15,000 Hz

Polar Pattern

Noise-cancelling, cardioid (unidirectional) response—uniform with frequency, sym-

metrical about axis

Output Level (close–talked at 1,000 Hz)

Open Circuit Voltage: –47.0 dBV (4.5 mV) at 114 SPL (

0 dB = 1 V/100 µbar)

Cable (Headset)

Attached 1.22 m (4 ft), single-conductor, small-diameter, shielded, rubber-jacketed

with right-angle

1

/4 in. phone plug

Net Weight

60.4 g (2.12 oz) including connector

FURNISHED ACCESSORIES

Screwdriver 65A1659. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Receiver AC Adapter PS20 (120 V) or PS20E (230 V). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vinyl Transmitter Bag 26A13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Audio Connector Cable, 6 ft,

1

/4 in. to 1/8 in. Plugs C124. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Neoprene Bodypack Belt Pouch (for TC1 Transmitter) WA570. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Black Microphone Windscreens (2) and Clothing Clip RK318WS. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Belt Clip 90B4392. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SERVICE

For additional microphone service or parts information, please contact
Shure’s Service department at 1–800–516–2525. Outside the United States,
please contact your Authorized Shure Service Center.

LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

Shure Incorporated (“Shure”) hereby warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and work­manship for a period of one year from the date of purchase for all cartridge and housing assembly parts and for
a period of one year from the date of purchase for all transmitter parts. At its option Shure will repair or replace the
defective product and promptly return it to you, or refund the purchase price. You should retain proof of purchase
to validate the purchase date and return it with any warranty claim.

If you believe this product is defective within the warranty period, carefully repack the unit, insure it, and return
it postage prepaid to:

Shure Incorporated

Attention: Service Department

222 Hartrey Avenue

Evanston, Illinois 60202-3696 U.S.A.

Outside the United States, return the product to your dealer or Authorized Service Center.

This warranty does not apply in cases of abuse or misuse of the product, use contrary to Shure’s instruction,
or unauthorized repair. All implied WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE are hereby disclaimed and Shure hereby disclaims liability for incidental, special, or consequential
damages resulting from the use or unavailability of this product.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

THIS WARRANTY SUPERSEDES ALL WARRANTIES THAT ARE INCLUDED WITH THIS PRODUCT

14 1

5

Declaration of Conformity

We of

Shure Incorporated
222 Hartrey Ave.
Evanston IL 60202–3696 U.S.A.
847–866–2200

declare under our sole responsibility that the following product,

Model: TC3 Name: TC3 Receiver
was tested and found to comply with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harm-

ful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including in­terference that may cause undesired operation.

Testing was completed by the following NVLAP or A2LA accredited laboratory:

BZT privat CETECOM GmbH

66117 Sarbruken

Unterturkheimer StrBe 6–10

Deutschland

telephone [phone] – 9000

fax [phone] – 9075
Shure Inc., Manufacturer.

Signed:

Date: June 15, 1999

Name, Title: Craig Kozokar, Senior Quality Engineer

Additional Information for this Shure Wireless System

This Shure wireless transmitter is accepted under FCC Part 74 and/or Part 90.

IMPORTANT: Licensing of Shure wireless microphone equipment is the user’s re­sponsibility, and licensability depends on the user’s classification and applica­tion, and on the selected frequency. Shure urges the user to consult the appropriate

telecommunications authority before choosing and ordering frequencies.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Shure Inc. could void your author-

ity to operate this equipment.
The information on this page supersedes the corresponding information in your Shure

user’s guide.

16