free solo HT
UHF wireless system
user manual
Musikhaus Thomann
Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 9546 9223-0
E-mail: info@thomann.de
Internet: www.thomann.de
02.11.2017, ID: 296199, 296161, 296196, 296197, ... (V4)
Table of contents
Table of contents
1 General information................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Further information........................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Notational conventions.................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Symbols and signal words............................................................................................................... 8
2 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................................... 9
3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 13
4 Installation and operation.................................................................................................................. 15
4.1 General Information........................................................................................................................ 15
4.2 Receiver............................................................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Transmitter......................................................................................................................................... 18
5 Connections and controls................................................................................................................... 19
5.1 Receiver............................................................................................................................................... 19
5.2 Transmitter......................................................................................................................................... 27
6 Instructions for use................................................................................................................................. 31
6.1 Receiver............................................................................................................................................... 31
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Table of contents
6.2 Transmitter......................................................................................................................................... 34
7 Technical specifications....................................................................................................................... 37
7.1 Transmitter......................................................................................................................................... 37
7.2 Receiver............................................................................................................................................... 40
8 Plug and connection assignment.................................................................................................... 42
9 Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................... 45
10 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 48
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1 General information
This manual contains important instructions for the safe operation of the unit. Read and follow
the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the manual for future reference. Make
sure that it is available to all those using the device. If you sell the unit please make sure that
the buyer also receives this manual.
Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. Thus, they are subject to
change.
General information
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General information
1.1 Further information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the
following points:
Download This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download.
Keyword search
Online guides
Personal consultation For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service
Use the search function in the electronic version to find the topics of
interest for you quickly.
Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics
and terms.
If you have any problems with the device the customer service will
gladly assist you.
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1.2 Notational conventions
This manual uses the following notational conventions:
General information
Letterings
Instructions
The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.
The individual steps of an instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a step is
indented and highlighted by an arrow.
Example:
1. Switch on the device.
2. Press [Auto].
Automatic operation is started.
ð
3. Switch off the device.
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General information
1.3 Symbols and signal words
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are
used in this manual.
Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos-
Warning signs Type of danger
immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or
serious injury if it is not avoided.
sible dangerous situation that can result in material and
environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning – danger zone.
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2 Safety instructions
Safety instructions
Intended use
This device is intended to be used for the wireless transmission of audio signals from microphones or instruments to amplifiers or active speakers. Use the device only as described in this
user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be
improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for
damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
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Safety instructions
Safety
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not
within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!
Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from
the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!
Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never
expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and
strong vibrations.
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UHF wireless system
Safety instructions
NOTICE!
External power supply
The device is powered by an external power supply. Before connecting the
external power supply, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches the
voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and possibly the user.
Unplug the external power supply before electrical storms occur and when the
device is unused for long periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or
fire.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire due to incorrect polarity
Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries.
Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.
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Safety instructions
NOTICE!
Possible damage by leaking batteries
Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device.
Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer period.
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UHF wireless system
3 Features
Features
The UHF wireless system is particularly suitable for professional audio transmission, for
example, at events, on rock stages and in concert halls, theatres, musicals or discotheques.
Your UHF wireless system free solo HT consists of the following components:
9.5" diversity receiver
n
– Two antennas for optimum reception quality
– Automatic frequency scanning
– Infrared interface for the transfer of the frequency selection from the receiver to the
transmitter
– Very high sensitivity at very high signal-to-noise ratio
– Adjustable squelch
– Outputs: XLR/1/4" phone socket
– Mounting brackets for mounting in a 19" rack
– Power supply: 12 V
Transmitter: battery powered handheld cardioid microphone
n
(DC), a suitable power supply is included
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Features
The system operates with pre-programmed frequency groups and one configurable frequency
group (user bank). The following table shows the available pre-programmed groups and the
number of pro-programmed frequencies. One channel is available in the configurable frequency group.
Type Frequency group Available channels
the t.bone free solo HT 600 MHz (item no. 296199) 14 15
the t.bone free solo HT 740 MHz (item no. 296161) 3 12
the t.bone free solo HT 823 MHz (item no. 296196) 8 8
the t.bone free solo HT 863 MHz (item no. 296197) 1 3
the t.bone free solo HT 520 MHz (item no. 380965) 10 12
the t.bone free solo HT 590 MHz (item no. 380966) 18 14
the t.bone free solo HT 660 MHz (item no. 380967) 15 16
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UHF wireless system
4 Installation and operation
4.1 General Information
Unpack and carefully check that there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep
the equipment packaging. To fully protect the device against vibration, dust and moisture
during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material
suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for
all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.
Installation and operation
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Installation and operation
Notes on wireless transmission
4.2 Receiver
Rack mounting
n This device utilizes frequencies that are not harmonized within the European Union (EU)
and therefore may only be used in certain EU member states. In all European countries, the
frequencies used for the transmission of audio signals are strictly regulated. Before you
start, make sure the frequencies are allowed in the respective country and check whether
the operation must be reported to the appropriate authority.
For more information, please visit:
Make sure that transmitter and receiver are both tuned to the same channel.
n
n
Never set multiple transmitters to the same channel.
Make sure that there are no metal objects between the transmitter and receiver.
n
n
Avoid interference from other radio or in-ear systems.
The unit has been designed for rack mounting in a standard 19" rack; it occupies one rack unit.
The fixing material required for assembly is included.
http://www.thomann.de.
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Connecting the power supply
Installation and operation
NOTICE!
External power supply
The device is powered by an external power supply. Before connecting the
external power supply, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches the
voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and possibly the user.
Unplug the external power supply before electrical storms occur and when the
device is unused for long periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or
fire.
First, connect the power adapter to the receiver and then plug the power adapter into the
power outlet.
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Installation and operation
Attaching the antennas
Connecting audio and starting
up
4.3 Transmitter
Inserting batteries into the
receiver
Attach the included antennas to the rear panel of the transmitter. To improve the transmission
quality and to adapt to the spatial conditions they are rotatable and swivelling.
In case the space provided on the device for direct assembly of the antennas is not sufficient,
for example because the space on the rack is narrow, you can use the optionally available
coaxial cable to assemble the antennas separately from the device. For larger combinations
with up to four receivers, an antenna distributor is optionally available.
Connect one of the audio outputs of the receiver to your mixer or your amplifier. Ensure that
only one of the two outputs is ever used at a time, because faults might occur otherwise.
Unscrew the bottom housing section of the hand-held microphone. Insert the batteries. Pay
attention to the correct location of the poles. The correct arrangement of the batteries is indicated with symbols in the battery compartment. Close the battery compartment, screw the
bottom housing section back on, and switch the transmitter on.
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5 Connections and controls
5.1 Receiver
Front panel
Connections and controls
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Connections and controls
1 [POWER]
Press the switch for several seconds to switch the device on or off.
All previous settings are retained even when you switch the device off and disconnect it from the mains.
2 Infra red receiver.
3 [ADL]
Starts the synchronization of the settings with the transmitter.
4 Display.
5 [SET]
Opens the menu.
6
Increases the displayed value by one.
7
Decreases the displayed value by one.
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UHF wireless system
8 [AUTO]
Starts an automatic search to find a free channel.
12, 13 Suitable UHF antennas.
The receiver evaluates the radio signal from both antennas and selects the signal with the higher quality for further
processing.
Connections and controls
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Connections and controls
Rear panel
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UHF wireless system
Connections and controls
9 [DC 12-18V]
Socket for connecting the supplied AC power supply. If you are using a different power supply, observe the correct
voltage, the polarity of the plug and the power consumption.
10 [BALANCED OUTPUT]
Male XLR panel connector as symmetrical audio signal output for direct connection with a mixer, a power amplifier,
or a recording device.
11 [UNBALANCED OUTPUT]
1/4" phone socket as unbalanced audio signal output for direct connection to a mixer, a power amplifier or recording
device.
12, 13 [ANTENNA-B], [ANTENNA-A]
Suitable UHF antennas.
The receiver evaluates the radio signal from both antennas and selects the signal with the higher quality for further
processing.
14 Indicating the frequency range in which the device operates. The indication here must match the information on the
transmitter.
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Connections and controls
Display
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UHF wireless system
Connections and controls
15 [GP]
Indicates the selected frequency group.
16 [CH]
Indicates the selected channel.
17
Indicates that the unit is locked to prevent unintentional operation.
18
Shows that the receiver does not receive a signal, for example because the transmitter has been switched off, the
connection is disturbed or the channel is currently being switched.
19 [A/B]
Shows which of the two antennas is currently being used for signal transmission.
20 [SQ]
Shows the set squelch level for the radio signal. Setting the squelch too will lower the dynamics of the system.
21 [RF]
Shows the level of the radio signal received.
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Connections and controls
22 Shows the battery status of the transmitter from which the device just received a signal.
23 [AUTO]
Shows that an automatic search is running to find a free channel.
24 [IR]
Shows that an infra red signal is being received
25 [FREQUENCY]
Indicates the frequency that is assigned to the set combination of frequency group and channel.
26 [AF]
Level display for the audio signal.
26
UHF wireless system
5.2 Transmitter
Connections and controls
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Connections and controls
31 Display.
32 Microphone head grill to protect from damage and reduce wind and breathing noise.
33 Main switch
Press the switch for several seconds to switch the device on or off. Press the switch once briefly to mute or unmute
the microphone. When the transmitter is muted, the symbol does not appear on the receiver display.
34 Bottom housing section. Unscrew to open.
35 [SET]
Opens the menu.
36 [SEL]
Selects a menu item.
37 Indicating the frequency range in which the device operates. The specification here must match the specification
printed on the back of the receiver.
38 Battery holder for two round cell batteries (AA, LR06), 1.5 V or comparable rechargeable batteries.
39 Infra red sensor.
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UHF wireless system
Connections and controls
51 [FREQUENCY] / [GP] / [CH]
Depending on selected menu item:
Indicates the frequency that is assigned to the set combination of frequency
n
group and channel.
Displays the set frequency group and the set channel.
n
52
Indicates that the unit is locked to prevent unintentional operation.
53 [GAIN]
Shows the level of the radio signal sent.
54 Battery level indicator. Replace the batteries when only one blinking bar remains
displayed. Reduces the voltage of the batteries even further if the transmitter is
automatically switched off. The battery status is also shown on the receiver.
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Connections and controls
55
Shows that the transmitter has been muted. This is the case if the transmitter and
receiver are working on different frequencies, if the receiver is not getting a usable
signal or if you have muted the transmitter by briefly pressing the main switch.
56 Shows the output power.
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UHF wireless system
6 Instructions for use
6.1 Receiver
Selecting frequency
1. Press [SET].
2. Use the arrow keys to select the frequency group.
3. Use the arrow keys to select a channel within the set frequency group.
Instructions for use
The [GP] display blinks.
ð
Press [SET] to confirm the selection.
The [CH] display blinks.
ð
If you have selected frequency group ‘U’ , you can use the arrow keys to set the frequency directly in 25-kHz increments. First set the value before the decimal point, and
press [SET]. Then set the value after the decimal point.
Press [SET] to confirm the selection.
The display shows that the receiver is being adjusted to the new frequency. After a
ð
few seconds, the display shows the normal sate again.
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Instructions for use
Synchronizing transmitter and
receiver
Setting squelch
1. Open the transmitter to expose the infra red sensor.
2. Press [ADL]. The [IR] display blinks.
3. Hold the infra red sensor of the transmitter near the infra red interface of the receiver for
ten seconds.
4. When synchronization has been successfully completed, the [IR] display stops blinking.
After three seconds, the display shows the normal sate again.
ð
1. Hold down [SET] until the [SQ] area blinks on the display.
2. Use the arrow buttons to set the desired value. The current value is shown on the right
side of the display.
3. Press [SET] to confirm the selection.
After three seconds, the display shows the normal sate again.
ð
32
UHF wireless system
Automatic search for a free
channel
Locking or unlocking the
keypad
Instructions for use
1. Press [AUTO].
The [AUTO] display blinks; the display shows the number of free channels available.
ð
2. Use the arrow keys to select one of the free channels.
Press [SET] to confirm the selection.
After three seconds, the display shows the normal sate again.
ð
3. If the system does not find a free channel within five seconds, it automatically returns to
the default state.
1.
Hold down [SET] until the symbol appears.
All keys except for the main switch are locked.
ð
2.
To unlock the keypad, press [SET], until the symbol is no longer visible.
The keys have their original function again.
ð
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Instructions for use
6.2 Transmitter
The keys for operating the device are accessible if you unscrew the bottom housing section.
Select frequency
34
If you don't wish to synchronize the transmitter with the receiver using the infra red interface,
you can set the transmitting frequency manually in the configurable frequency group (user
bank).
1. Keep pressing [SET] until the value in the [GP] field blinks on the display.
2. Use [SEL] to select the frequency group.
Press [SET] to confirm the selection.
The number in the [CH] field blinks.
ð
3. Use [SEL] to select a channel within the set frequency group.
If you have selected frequency group "U", you can use [SEL] to set the frequency directly.
First set the value before the decimal point, and press [SET]. Then set the value after the
decimal point.
Press [SET] to confirm the selection.
After a few seconds, the display shows the default state again.
ð
UHF wireless system
Setting gain
Setting transmitter power
Instructions for use
1. Keep pressing [SET] until the number in the [GAIN] field blinks on the display.
2. Use [SEL] to change the transmitter gain in increments of 3 dB (–3 dB, 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB,
9 dB).
Press [SET] to confirm the selection. Press the main switch to close the menu without
making any changes.
1.
Keep pressing [SET] until the symbol blinks on the display.
2. Use [SEL] to change the transmitter power (5 mW, 10 mW, 20 mW).
Press [SET] to confirm the selection. Press the main switch to close the menu without
making any changes.
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Instructions for use
Displaying frequency group and
channel
Locking the keypad
Unlocking the keypad
1. Press [SEL].
The display shows the frequency group and channel being used.
ð
2. Press [SEL] or wait five seconds to return to default state.
Hold down [SEL] until the symbol appears.
All keys except for the main switch are locked.
ð
To unlock the keypad, press [SEL], until the symbol is no longer displayed.
The keys have their original function again.
ð
36
UHF wireless system
Technical specifications
7 Technical specifications
7.1 Transmitter
Carrier frequency UHF band (600 MHz…1.8 MHz)
Frequency band the t.bone free solo HT 600 MHz (item no. 296199): 596 MHz…620 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 740 MHz (item no. 296161): 740 MHz…752 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 823 MHz (item no. 296196): 823 MHz…832 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 863 MHz (item no. 296197): 863 MHz…865 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 520 MHz (item no. 380965): 518 MHz…536 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 590 MHz (item no. 380966): 584 MHz…608 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 660 MHz (item no. 380967): 675 MHz…679 MHz
Bandwidth the t.bone free solo HT 600 MHz (item no. 296161): 24 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 740 MHz (item no. 296199): 12 MHz
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Technical specifications
the t.bone free solo HT 823 MHz (item no. 296196): 9 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 863 MHz (item no. 296197): 3 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 520 MHz (item no. 380965): 18 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 590 MHz (item no. 380966): 24 MHz
the t.bone free solo HT 660 MHz (item no. 380967): 24 MHz
Number of channels the t.bone free solo HT 600 MHz (item no. 296161): 211
the t.bone free solo HT 740 MHz (item no. 296199): 37
the t.bone free solo HT 823 MHz (item no. 296196): 65
the t.bone free solo HT 863 MHz (item no. 296197): 4
the t.bone free solo HT 520 MHz (item no. 380965): 120
the t.bone free solo HT 590 MHz (item no. 380966): 252
the t.bone free solo HT 660 MHz (item no. 380967): 240
Switching bandwidth 25 kHz
Modulation type Frequency modulation (FM)
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Technical specifications
Maximum transmission power the t.bone free solo HT 600 MHz (item no. 296161): 20 mW
the t.bone free solo HT 740 MHz (item no. 296199): 20 mW
the t.bone free solo HT 823 MHz (item no. 296196): 20 mW
the t.bone free solo HT 863 MHz (item no. 296197): 10 mW
the t.bone free solo HT 520 MHz (item no. 380965): 20 mW
the t.bone free solo HT 590 MHz (item no. 380966): 20 mW
the t.bone free solo HT 660 MHz (item no. 380967): 20 mW
Spurious response rejection > 55 dBc
Peak deviation ± 55 kHz
NF frequency response
THD < 0.5 %
Signal-to-noise ratio > 102 dB (A)
Operating supply voltage 2 AA cells (LR6, 1.5 V) or corresponding rechargeable batteries
Operating time > 8 h (with alkaline cells)
60 Hz…18 kHz
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Technical specifications
Dimensions (L × D) 9.7 in × 2.1 in (246 mm × 53 mm)
Weight 250 g
7.2 Receiver
Outputs XLR chassis plug, balanced
1/4" phone socket, unbalanced
Sensitivity –102 dBm
NF frequency response
THD < 0.8 %
Signal-to-noise ratio > 105 dB (A)
Operating supply voltage
50 Hz…15 kHz (±3 dB)
DC 12 V , 500 mA
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Dimensions (W × D × H, without antennas) 212 mm × 160 mm × 44 mm
Weight 900 g
Carrier frequency, frequency band, number of channels, bandwidth, switching bandwidth and
modulation type of receiver and transmitter are identical.
Technical specifications
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Plug and connection assignment
8 Plug and connection assignment
Introduction
Balanced and unbalanced transmission
42
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.
Please note these advices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a
plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short
circuit or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!
Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and in hifi use.
Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of
the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is transmitted through the core.
Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low
levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.
In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred, because this
enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers
the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.
UHF wireless system
1/4" TS phone plug (mono,
unbalanced)
1/4" TRS phone plug (mono, balanced)
Plug and connection assignment
Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the
interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.
1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding
1 Signal (in phase, +)
2 Signal (out of phase, –)
3 Ground
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Plug and connection assignment
XLR plug (balanced)
1 Ground, shielding
2 Signal (in phase, +)
3 Signal (out of phase, –)
44
UHF wireless system
9 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
In the following we list a few common problems that may occur during operation. We give you
some suggestions for easy troubleshooting:
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Troubleshooting
Symptom Remedy
No sound 1. Check the power supply of the transmitter and receiver.
2. Make sure that both transmitter and receiver operate in the same frequency
range. The frequency range is stated on the devices.
3. Are both transmitter and receiver set to the same channel?
4. Check the connection between the receiver and the connected audio device
(amp, mixer). Is the connected audio device switched on and does the signal
level on the output of the receiver match the input sensitivity of the audio
device?
5. Try to improve the transmission by moving the transmitter closer to the
receiver.
6. Make sure that no metal objects near the transmitter or receiver obstruct the
transmission.
Transmission is disturbed 1. Modify the orientation of the antennas.
2. If you use more than one wireless system at the same time, check the used
frequencies and channels.
46
3. Interference can also be caused by other radio or in-ear systems.
UHF wireless system
Troubleshooting
If the procedures recommended above do not succeed, please contact our Service Center. You
can find the contact information at www.thomann.de.
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Protecting the environment
10 Protecting the environment
Disposal of the packaging material
For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been
chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that
they are fed to a recovery. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.
Disposal of batteries
Batteries must not be disposed of as domestic waste or thrown into fire. Dispose of the batteries according to national or local regulations regarding hazardous waste. To protect the
environment, dispose of empty batteries at your retail store or at appropriate collection sites.
48
UHF wireless system
Disposal of your old device
Protecting the environment
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(WEEE). Do not dispose with your normal household waste.
Dispose this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste
facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your
country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.
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Notes
50
UHF wireless system
Musikhaus Thomann · Hans-Thomann-Straße 1 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de
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