thomann TWS 16 BT User Manual

TWS 16 BT

UHF wireless system

user manual

Musikhaus Thomann
Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.thomann.de

17.11.2015, ID: 269805

Table of contents

Table of contents

1 General notes............................................................................................................................................... 5

2 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................................... 7

3 Features and scope of delivery......................................................................................................... 11

4 Installation and starting up................................................................................................................ 17

4.1 General information........................................................................................................................ 17

4.2 Receiver............................................................................................................................................... 19

4.3 Transmitter......................................................................................................................................... 24

5 Components and functions................................................................................................................ 26

5.1 Receiver............................................................................................................................................... 26

5.2 Transmitter......................................................................................................................................... 30

6 Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................... 33

7 Technical specifications....................................................................................................................... 35

7.1 Receiver............................................................................................................................................... 35

7.2 Transmitter......................................................................................................................................... 37

7.3 Frequency charts.............................................................................................................................. 39

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Table of contents

8 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 45

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1 General notes

General notes

This user manual contains important information on safe operation of the device. Read and
follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure
that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to other users, be sure
that they also receive this manual.

Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. We therefore reserve the
right to make changes without notice.

Symbols and signal words

This section provides an overview of the symbols and signal words used in this user manual.

Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an

immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or
serious injury if it is not avoided.

NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐

sible dangerous situation that can result in material and
environmental damage if it is not avoided.

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General notes

Warning signs Type of danger

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 micro‐
phones 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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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 cur‐
rent circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and pos‐
sibly 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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3 Features and scope of delivery

The UHF wireless system TWS 16 BT is ideal for professional audio transmission, for example, at
events, on rock stages and concert halls, in theatres and musicals, or in nightclubs.

Features and scope of delivery

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 800 MHz
(item no. 223626)

Your UHF wireless system TWS 16 BT has the following components:

n 9.5" diversity receiver DS16R

– Adjustable squelch
– Two antennas for optimum reception quality
– Very high sensitivity at a very high signal-to-noise ratio
– Outputs: XLR, 1/4" socket
– 9.5" or 19" rack mounting (side by side with a second TWS 16 receiver)
– Operating voltage supply: DC 12 V

n Transmitter: Condenser clip-microphone for wind Instruments BT TWS

The system operates in one of 16 switchable channels (within a range of 800.875 MHz…

811.875 MHz). Four systems can be operated simultaneously.
Included accessories: 12 V power supply, hardware for rack mounting, cable with two 1/4"

jacks, windscreen.

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Features and scope of delivery

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 854 MHz
(item no. 223628)

Your UHF wireless system TWS 16 BT has the following components:

n 9.5" diversity receiver DS16R

– Adjustable squelch
– Two antennas for optimum reception quality
– Very high sensitivity at a very high signal-to-noise ratio
– Outputs: XLR, 1/4" socket
– 9.5" or 19" rack mounting (side by side with a second TWS 16 receiver)
– Operating voltage supply: DC 12 V

n Transmitter: Condenser clip-microphone for wind Instruments BT TWS

The system operates in one of 16 switchable channels (within a range of 854.375 MHz…

861.875 MHz). Four systems can be operated simultaneously.
Included accessories: 12 V power supply, hardware for rack mounting, cable with two 1/4"

jacks, windscreen.

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Features and scope of delivery

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 863 MHz
(item no. 223629)

Your UHF wireless system TWS 16 BT has the following components:

n 9.5" diversity receiver DS16R

– Adjustable squelch
– Two antennas for optimum reception quality
– Very high sensitivity at a very high signal-to-noise ratio
– Outputs: XLR, 1/4" socket
– 9.5" or 19" rack mounting (side by side with a second TWS 16 receiver)
– Operating voltage supply: DC 12 V

n Transmitter: Condenser clip-microphone for wind Instruments BT TWS

The system operates in one of 15 switchable channels (within a range of 863.125 MHz…

864.875 MHz). Three systems can be operated simultaneously.
Included accessories: 12 V power supply, hardware for rack mounting, cable with two 1/4"

jacks, windscreen.

TWS 16 BT

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Features and scope of delivery

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 600 MHz
(item no. 269805)

Your UHF wireless system TWS 16 BT has the following components:

n 9.5" diversity receiver DS16R

– Adjustable squelch
– Two antennas for optimum reception quality
– Very high sensitivity at a very high signal-to-noise ratio
– Outputs: XLR, 1/4" socket
– 9.5" or 19" rack mounting (side by side with a second TWS 16 receiver)
– Operating voltage supply: DC 12 V

n Transmitter: Condenser clip-microphone for wind Instruments BT TWS

The system operates in one of 16 switchable channels (within a range of 606.225 MHz…

629.825 MHz). This frequency range is specially intended to be used in Great Britain. Three sys‐
tems can be operated simultaneously.

Included accessories: 12 V power supply, hardware for rack mounting, cable with two 1/4"
jacks, windscreen.

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Features and scope of delivery

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 740 MHz
(item no. 269807)

Your UHF wireless system TWS 16 BT has the following components:

n 9.5" diversity receiver DS16R

– Adjustable squelch
– Two antennas for optimum reception quality
– Very high sensitivity at a very high signal-to-noise ratio
– Outputs: XLR, 1/4" socket
– 9.5" or 19" rack mounting (side by side with a second TWS 16 receiver)
– Operating voltage supply: DC 12 V

n Transmitter: Condenser clip-microphone for wind Instruments BT TWS

The system operates in one of 16 switchable channels (within a range of 740.625 MHz…

751.500 MHz). This frequency range is intended for use in Germany with regard to LTE. Three
systems can be operated simultaneously.

Included accessories: 12 V power supply, hardware for rack mounting, cable with two 1/4"
jacks, windscreen.

TWS 16 BT

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Features and scope of delivery

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 821 MHz
(item no. 273716)

Your UHF wireless system TWS 16 BT has the following components:

n 9.5" diversity receiver DS16R

– Adjustable squelch
– Two antennas for optimum reception quality
– Very high sensitivity at a very high signal-to-noise ratio
– Outputs: XLR, 1/4" socket
– 9.5" or 19" rack mounting (side by side with a second TWS 16 receiver)
– Operating voltage supply: DC 12 V

n Transmitter: Condenser clip-microphone for wind Instruments BT TWS

The system operates in one of 16 switchable channels (within a range of 821.725 MHz…

831.450 MHz). Four systems can be operated simultaneously.
Included accessories: 12 V power supply, hardware for rack mounting, cable with two 1/4"

jacks, windscreen.

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4 Installation and starting up

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.

Establish all connections as long as the unit is switched off. Use the shortest possible high­quality cables for all connections.

Installation and starting up

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Installation and starting up

Notes on wireless transmission

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: http://www.thomann.de.

n Make sure that transmitter and receiver are both tuned to the same channel.
n Never set multiple transmitters to the same channel.
n Make sure that there are no metal objects between the transmitter and receiver.
n Avoid interference from other radio or in-ear systems.

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4.2 Receiver

XLR connectors for signal
output on the receiver

Installation and starting up

The receiver offers a XLR mounting plug for signal output. Drawing and table indicate the XLR
pin assignment (balanced).

1 Ground, shielding
2 Positive signal (+)
3 Negative signal (–)

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Installation and starting up

1/4" phone socket for signal
output on the receiver

The receiver offers a 1/4" mono phone socket for signal output. Drawing and table indicate the
pin assignment for a suitable TS jack.

1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding

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Installation and starting up

Rack mounting

This device is designed for 9.5" rack mounting, it occupies 1 rack unit. The required mounting
hardware is included.

Two units can be mounted side by side in a 19" rack slot. Connect both units using the sup‐
plied connecting brackets as shown in the drawing below.

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Installation and starting up

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Connecting the supply voltage

Installation and starting up

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 cur‐
rent circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and pos‐
sibly 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 AC adaptor to the receiver and then plug the adaptor into the outlet.

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Installation and starting up

Hooking up audio connections
and starting up

4.3 Transmitter

Inserting batteries into the
transmitter

Connect one of the audio outputs of the receiver to your mixer or amplifier. Make sure that
only one of the two outputs of the receiver is used at the same time. Otherwise, interferences
can by caused.

First adjust the volume control (6) as follows:

n If you use a microphone input of your mixer, turn the knob to about 1 o'clock. The audio

level at the output sockets will be about 77 mV.

n If you use a line input of your mixer, turn the knob clockwise to the right stop. The audio

level at the output sockets will be about 770 mV.

In order to achieve optimal sound quality, a fine adjustment may be required.

Open the battery compartment cover (20) by pressing the tab highlighted by ‘PUSH’ and insert
the battery. Pay attention to the correct alignment of the poles. Close the battery compart‐
ment and turn on the transmitter. The LED (15) lights up briefly.

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Installation and starting up

Taking the transmitter into
operation

n Make sure that the transmitter is switched off, so the main switch (14) is in ‘OFF’ position.
n Adjust the gain with the ‘GAIN’ control (16) to a medium value. Use a suitable screwdriver.
n Use the clip to attach the transmitter to your instrument. The gooseneck allows optimum

positioning of the microphone. The inclination and the spring tension of the clip are
adjustable so that the transmitter can be optimally adapted to the instrument.

n If you notice disturbing noises by direct air flow attach the supplied windscreen on the

microphone.

n Turn on the transmitter and the receiver and test the transmission by playing the instru‐

ment. If necessary, adjust the gain of the transmitter (using the ‘GAIN’) and the levels on
your mixer or amp.

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Components and functions

5 Components and functions

5.1 Receiver

Front panel

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Components and functions

1 POWER

Main switch to turn the device on and off.
2 This indicator lights up red when the unit is turned on and operational.
3 CH

Rotary control to select a channel 1 to 16.
4 AF

This indicator lights up red when an audio signal is received.
5 RF LEVEL

These LEDs indicate the strength of the received carrier signal. The more LEDs light up, the better is the reception. If

no LED is lit no signal is received.
6 VOLUME

Use this control to adjust the output level of the two audio outputs on the rear panel.

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Components and functions

Rear panel

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UHF wireless system

Components and functions

7 Tuned UHF antennas. The receiver evaluates the radio signal from both antennas and selects the signal with the

highest quality for further processing.
8 AUDIO OUTPUT – BALANCED

XLR mounting plug as balanced audio output for the direct connection to a mixing console, power amp, or recording

device
9 AUDIO OUTPUT – UNBALANCED

1/4" phone socket as unbalanced audio output for the direct connection to a mixing console, power amp, or

recording device

10 LINE/MIC

Switch for adjusting the levels of the audio outputs. Select the ‘–0dBV’ position when connecting the audio output of

the unit to a line level input. Select the ‘–20dB’ position when connecting the audio output to a mic level input.

11 SQUELCH

Use this control to set the threshold for the squelch. Note: Setting the threshold too high will reduce the dynamic of

the system.

12 DC INPUT

Connect the supplied wall plug transformer to this socket. If you want to use a different power supply you have to

consider the correct voltage, polarity of the plug, and the power consumption.

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Components and functions

5.2 Transmitter

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UHF wireless system

Components and functions

13 Flexible antenna
14 ON/MUTE/OFF

Main switch. Either to turn the device on and off or to mute it.

15 LOW BATT

Shows the charging level of the battery. If you turn on the transmitter the LED briefly lights up and indicates that the

battery supplies a sufficient voltage. If the LED is lit continuously the battery is depleted. In this case, the battery

should be changed or -if applicable- recharged.

16 GAIN

Rotary control to adjust the input sensitivity to the level of the input signal.

17 Adjustable clip to be connected to your instrument.
18 Gooseneck
19 CHANNEL

Rotary control to select a channel 1 to 16.

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Components and functions

20 Battery compartment for one micro battery (AAA, LR03), 1.5 V or rechargeable battery.
21 Indication of the frequency range in which the device operates. This specification must match the indication printed

on the underside of the receiver.

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Troubleshooting

6 Troubleshooting

In the following we list a few common problems that may occur during operation. We give you
some suggestions for easy troubleshooting:

Symptom Remedy

No sound 1. Check the operating voltage supply of transmitter and receiver.

2. Make sure that transmitter and receiver operate within the same frequency
range. The respective frequency range is indicated on the units.

3. Are both transmitter and receiver set to the same channel?

4. Check the connection between the receiver and the connected audio device
(amplifier, mixer). Is the connected audio device turned on and is the output
level of the receiver well adjusted for the audio input device?

5. Try to improve the transmission by moving the transmitter closer to the
receiver. Maybe the ‘SQUELCH’ controller is set too high.

6. See if any metal parts near the transmitter or receiver interfere with the trans‐
mission.

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Troubleshooting

Symptom Remedy

Transmission is disrupted 1. Change the orientation of the antennas.

2. If you use more than one wireless system at the same time, control the fre‐
quencies and channels used. The systems should work within separate fre‐
quency ranges.

3. Also televisions, radios, or mobile phones can cause interference.

Sound is distorted Change the setting of the ‘VOLUME’ controller on the receiver.

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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UHF wireless system

7 Technical specifications

7.1 Receiver

Output XLR mounting plug, balanced

1/4" phone socket, unbalanced

Technical specifications

Carrier frequency
Modulation type Frequency modulation (FM)
Oscillator PLL synthesizer, 15 or 16 channels, depending on model version
Intermediate frequency 1: 243.95 MHz; 2: 10.7 MHz
Frequency stability
Signal-to-noise ratio
Normal deviation
Image and spurious rejection 80 dB min.

UHF band (518…928 MHz)

± 0.005 %
> 94 dB, @ 48 kHz deviation and 60 dBµV from antenna input
± 20 kHz

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Technical specifications

Input sensitivity
Selectivity > 50 dB
Pilot tone 32.768 kHz
Audio frequency response
THD < 1 %
Dynamic range > 96 dB
Operating voltage DC 12 V
Dimensions (W × D × H, w/o antennas) 210 mm × 189 mm × 50 mm
Weight 515 g

8 dBµV

50 Hz…15 kHz (±3 dB)

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Technical specifications

7.2 Transmitter

Carrier frequency UHF band (518…928 MHz)
Modulation type Frequency modulation (FM)
Oscillator PLL synthesizer, 15 or 16 channels, depending on model version
Transmission power 10 mW max.
Frequency stability
Normal deviation
Spurious emission > 60 dB below carrier frequency
THD < 1 %
Pilot tone 32.768 kHz
Voltage supply 1 × micro (AAA, LR03, 1.5 V) or rechargeable battery
Current draw

±0.005 %
±20 kHz

130 mA ±10 mA

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Technical specifications

Dimensions (W × D × H, w/o antenna and wind
shield)

Width with antenna 245 mm
Weight (w/o batteries) 56 g

175 mm × 33 mm × 90 mm

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7.3 Frequency charts

Technical specifications

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 800 MHz (item no. 223626)

Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)

1 800.875 9 806.625
2 801.375 10 807.375
3 802.375 11 807.875
4 803.125 12 808.375
5 803.875 13 809.125
6 804.500 14 810.250
7 805.125 15 810.875
8 805.875 16 811.875

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Technical specifications

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 854 MHz (item no. 223628)

Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)

1 854.375 9 858.500
2 854.875 10 858.875
3 855.500 11 859.375
4 855.875 12 860.125
5 856.500 13 860.750
6 857.125 14 861.250
7 857.750 15 861.500
8 858.125 16 861.875

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UHF wireless system

Technical specifications

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 863 MHz (item no. 223629)

Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)

1 863.125 9 863.250
2 863.375 10 863.500
3 863.625 11 863.750
4 864.000 12 864.125
5 864.250 13 864.375
6 864.500 14 864.625
7 864.750 15 864.875
8 864.875

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Technical specifications

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 600 MHz (item no. 269805)

Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)

1 606.225 9 619.625
2 607.225 10 621.225
3 609.625 11 621.625
4 610.225 12 624.825
5 611.025 13 625.425
6 611.625 14 627.225
7 615.025 15 628.625
8 619.225 16 629.825

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UHF wireless system

Technical specifications

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 740 MHz (item no. 269807)

Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)

1 740.625 9 746.625
2 741.375 10 747.250
3 742.375 11 747.875
4 743.125 12 748.500
5 743.750 13 749.375
6 744.375 14 750.125
7 745.250 15 750.875
8 745.875 16 751.500

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Technical specifications

the t.bone TWS 16 BT 821 MHz (item no. 273716)

Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)

1 821.725 9 827.300
2 822.250 10 827.825
3 822.925 11 828.525
4 823.375 12 828.925
5 823.950 13 829.475
6 824.850 14 829.875
7 825.450 15 830.975
8 826.525 16 831.450

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UHF wireless system

8 Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging mate‐
rial

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 bat‐
teries 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.

Protecting the environment

TWS 16 BT

45

Protecting the environment

Disposal of your old device

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.

46

UHF wireless system

Musikhaus Thomann · Hans-Thomann-Straße 1 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de