Williams Sound TGS 173, TGS 174 Manual And User Manual

Williams Sound

®

Helping People Hear

MANUAL AND USER GUIDE

HEARING HELPER™Tour Guide System

Wireless, Portable FM Listening System

Models TGS 173 & TGS 174

Transmitter Models T1-173.400, T1-174.100, T1-174.300, T1-175.500, T1-176.300
Receiver Models R1-173.400, R1-174.100, R1-174.300, R1-175.500, R1-176.300

MAN 106C

Williams Sound

®

Helping People Hear

FM TOUR GUIDE SYSTEM, MODELS TGS 173 & TGS 174
INSTALLATION GUIDE & USER MANUAL

CONTENTS PAGE

System Overview 3

System Components 4

Transmitter
Microphones
Receiver
Headphones & Earphones

Safety Information 6

Recycling Instructions 6

Operating Instructions 7

Transmitter
Receiver
Hints for Using the System

Battery Information 10

Battery Installation
Rechargeable & Non-rechargeable Batteries
Using Optional Battery Chargers

In Case Of Difficulty 12

Warranty 13

System Specifications 14

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Tour Guide Uses the Body Pack
Transmitter With Microphone

FM Radio Signal

Listeners use Personal Receivers with 
Earphones, Headphones, Or Neckloop

The Hearing Helper™Tour Guide System is a portable, high-performance, wireless system
composed of a transmitter and receivers and designed for use in guided tour applications. The
system allows one-way transmission of a tour guide’s voice to group members using an FM radio
signal. Using the system helps group members overcome background noise and distance from the
person speaking.

™

The Hearing Helper
environments.

Your Hearing Helper
receiver. Much like a miniature radio station, the transmitter and microphone pick up the sounds
you want to hear and broadcast them over an FM radio signal. The receivers and headphones are
used to pick up the broadcast up to 100 meters away.

To avoid difficulties, please read through these instructions as you begin to use the system. Then
save them for questions that arise as you continue to use your system.

If you have problems with the Hearing Helper
Williams Sound Distributor or our European Sales Office.

HOW THE TOUR GUIDE SYSTEM WORKS

System can be used for large or small tour groups and in noisy or quiet

™

Tour Guide System has two principal parts: the transmitter and the

™

Tour Guide System, don’t hesitate to call your

The tour guide wears the body-pack transmitter and headset microphone. The guide’s voice is
broadcast as an FM radio signal over a distance of up to 100 meters. Listeners use the pocket
receiver and headphone to hear the speaker’s voice directly, with reduced background noise. A

neckloop telecoil coupler allows the system to be used with telecoil (T-Switch) equipped
hearing aids, at somewhat reduced range.

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SYSTEM COMPONENTS

þ Body Pack Transmitter with (2) AA batteries (BAT 001)

þ Noise-cancelling head-band microphone (MIC 086)

þ (6) Personal FM Receivers w/batteries (BAT 001)

and headphones (HED 021)

þ (7) Belt clip cases (CCS 001)

þ Instruction Manual (MAN 106)

þ System carry case (CCS 030 S)

THE TRANSMITTER

The transmitter is a battery-powered body-pack model used with a microphone to pick up the
tour guide's voice. The transmitter produces an FM radio signal to broadcast the tour guide's
voice to the receiver units. A simple slide switch on top of the transmitter turns the unit on or off.
The transmitter operates on two AA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (BAT 001), or two AA
rechargeable NiMH batteries (BAT 026).

MICROPHONES

A noise-cancelling, head-band microphone (MIC 086) is the standard microphone. The noise­cancelling microphone helps to reduce background sounds in noisy environments. The
microphone plugs into the “MIC” jack on top of the Transmitter. The microphone should be
positioned directly in front of the tour guide's mouth for to achieve an optimal signal to noise
ratio and so that head movement does not affect the loudness of the signal. The microphone cord
acts as the transmitting antenna.

THE RECEIVER

4

Optional Microphones

An optional Hearing Protector Headset Microphone (MIC 036) is also available for extremely
high noise environments. It features ear muffs that completely cover both ears and provides 24
dB NRR of attenuation for hearing protection.

An optional Lapel Clip Microphone can be used in quieter environments like museums or
galleries. The MIC 050 has an omnidirectional pick-up pattern. The MIC 056 has a directional
(or cardioid) pick-up pattern, which will reduce background noise somewhat.

A small hand-held microphone (MIC 026) is also available for tour guides who prefer to hold the
microphone.

The receiver is a battery-powered body-pack receiver used with a headphone to hear the signal
produced by the transmitter. The receiver is pre-tuned to the transmitter and has a user-adjustable
volume control. The headphone plugs into the “EAR” jack on top of the Receiver. The receiver is
turned on by rotating the volume control wheel. The receiver operates on two AA non­rechargeable alkaline batteries (BAT 001), or two AA rechargeable NiMH batteries (BAT 026).

HEADPHONES AND EARPHONES

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R

The HED 021 Lightweight Headphone is the standard headset for the Tour Guide System. It
offers excellent sound quality and wearing comfort. The foam earpads may be removed and
washed in a mild detergent, rinsed thoroughly, and air dried. Replacement pads are part number
HED 013.

The headphone plugs into the “EAR” jack on top of the Receiver. The headphones are wired with
a mono plug. If a stereo headphone is substituted, it will only work on one side of the headphone.

Optional Headphones and Earphones

The HED 008 is a heavy-duty, hearing-protector headset. The HED 008 earmuffs completely
cover the ears and provide 24 dB NRR noise attenuation for hearing protection in high noise
environments.

The EAR 022 Surround Earphone offers excellent sound quality in a unique style that hangs on
the ear. It is easy to keep clean since the earphone does not enter the ear. It is not recommended
for high noise environments.

The EAR 013 and EAR 014 are single and dual Mini Earphones. The earbud-style features a
foam covering that fits in the outer ear. The foam pads can be removed for cleaning or
replacement. Replacement pads are part number EAR 015-10.

The stylish HED 026 Rear-Wear Headphone offers excellent sound quality; it rests comfortably
over the ears and wraps around the back of the head for a less obtrusive, relaxed fit.

EARPHONE / HEADPHONE OPTIONS

HED 021 HED 008 EAR 022

HED 026 EAR 013 EAR 014

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SAFETY INFORMATION

HEARING SAFETY

CAUTION!

This product is designed to amplify sounds to a high volume level which could
potentially cause hearing damage if used improperly.

hearing of others:

Make sure the volume is turned down before putting on the earphone or headphone before

1.
adjusting the volume to a comfortable level.

Set the volume level at the minimum setting that you need to hear.

2.
If you experience feedback (a squealing or howling sound), reduce the volume setting and

3.
move the microphone away from the earphone or headphone.

Do not allow children

4.

BATTERY SAFETY AND DISPOSAL

CAUTION!

This product is supplied with disposable Alkaline batteries. Do not attempt to recharge
disposable batteries, which may explode, release dangerous chemicals, cause burns, or
other serious harm to the user or product.

To protect your hearing and the

or other unauthorized persons to have access to this product.

PACEMAKER SAFETY:

CAUTION!

Before using this product with a pacemaker or other medical device, consult your physician

1.
or the manufacturer of your pacemaker or other medical device.

If you have a pacemaker or other medical device, make sure that you are using this product

2.
in accordance with safety guidelines established by your physician or the pacemaker
manufacturer.

RECYCLING INSTRUCTIONS

BATTERY SAFETY AND DISPOSAL

Help Williams Sound protect the environment! Please take the time to dispose of your
equipment properly.

Product Recycling for Customers in the European Union:

Please do NOT dispose of your Williams Sound equipment in the household trash. Please take
the equipment to a electronics recycling center; OR return the product to the factory for proper
disposal.

Battery Recycling for Customers in the European Union:

Please do NOT dispose of used batteries in the household trash. Please take the batteries to a
retail or community collection point for recycling.

8/18/05

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Mic

Williams Sound FM

Off

On

FM

On/Off Switch

Mic
Jack

ON Indicator

USING THE TRANSMITTER

Note: Rechargeable batteries are shipped in a discharged state and must be charged overnight

before using.

1. Make sure there are two charged AA batteries in the transmitter. If batteries are not installed,
Battery Information on page 10.

see

2. Plug the microphone cord into the “Mic” jack on top of the transmitter.

3. Place the transmitter in the belt clip case provided.

TRANSMITTER TOP VIEW

4. Turn the power switch on top of the transmitter to “On.”

5. Position the Headset Microphone boom as close to the wearer's mouth as possible without

actually touching. Lapel Clip microphones should be attached to a collar or lapel, as close to
the wearer's mouth as possible.

Note On The Transmitter Antenna:

The microphone cord is the transmitting antenna. Do not bunch up the cord, wrap it tightly
around your body, or wrap it around the transmitter. For maximum range, the cord should hang as
straight as possible. The transmitter can be placed in a pants pocket, or clipped onto a belt or
waistband. Make sure the transmitter is turned OFF when not in use.

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USING THE RECEIVER

EAR

Volume

1

On/Off Volume Switch

Headphone Jack

"On" Indicator LED

Note: Rechargeable batteries are shipped in a discharged state and must be charged overnight

before using.

1. Make sure there are two charged AA batteries in the Receiver. If batteries are not installed,
Battery Information on page 10.

see

2. Plug the earphone or headphone into the “Ear” jack on top of the Receiver.

RECEIVER TOP VIEW

3. Place the headphones over your ears.

4. Turn the power on by rotating the volume control thumbwheel on top of the Receiver.

5. Adjust the receiver volume control to a comfortable listening level.

You should be able to hear someone speaking into the transmitter microphone.

6. Place the receiver in the belt clip case provided. The receiver can be placed in a pants pocket,

or clipped onto a belt, harness, or waistband.

Note On The Receiver Antenna:

The earphone cord is the receiving antenna. Do not bunch up the cord, wrap it tightly around
your body, or wrap it around the receiver. For maximum range, the cord should hang as straight
as possible. The receiver can be placed in a pants pocket, or clipped onto a belt or waistband.
Make sure the receiver is turned OFF when not in use.

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HINTS FOR USING THE SYSTEM

Tour Group 1



Channel A

30 Meters

Tour Group 2



Channel A

Normal operating distance between the transmitter and receiver is about 30 meters. The operating
range will vary in different buildings and surroundings. In some locations, the signal may
momentarily disappear. This is called a “drop-out” and is due to reflection and cancellation of the
radio signal. Moving a few feet will restore the signal.

Keep the transmitter and receiver units at least a meter apart. If the transmitter gets too close to a
receiver, it can overload the receiver, causing noisy reception or blocking of the signal.

Do not use more than one transmitter on the same channel (frequency) at the same time unless
they are physically separated by more than 30 meters. Operating more than one transmitter on the
same channel at the same time in the same place will result in interference.

USING MULTIPLE SYSTEMS FOR MULTIPLE GROUPS:

For multiple tour groups within the same facility, multiple Tour Guide Systems may be operated
on the same channel at the same time by maintaining physical separation of 30 meters between
groups. The physical separation of groups takes advantage of the FM capture effect which causes
receivers to lock onto the closest transmitter.

TOUR GUIDE GROUP SEPARATION

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BATTERY INFORMATION

+–

+

–

Battery 
Compartment

Ta b

Rear of Transmitter
or Receiver

Note Proper 
Polarity

INSTALLATION

Open the battery compartment using a coin in the slot in the bottom of the receiver or transmitter.
Press the batteries into place, observing proper battery polarity. Incorrect insertion of the battery
is difficult, and if forced, may cause both mechanical and electrical damage to transmitters or
receivers not covered by the five year warranty. Units will not work with the battery incorrectly
installed.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

In normal use, two AA 1.5 V alkaline batteries (BAT 001) will last about 12 hours in the
Transmitter and approximately 30 hours in the Receiver. If the sound becomes weak or distorted,
replace the batteries. Do not leave dead batteries in the receivers. Battery corrosion is not covered
by the Williams Sound five year warranty.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

The transmitter and Receivers can use rechargeable AA batteries (BAT 026). On an overnight
charge, these NiMH batteries are designed to operate a Transmitter for approximately 8 hours,
and Receivers for 20 hours.

The battery installed in the receiver may be recharged only if it is a Nickel-Metal Hydride
(NiMH) battery, and only if a Williams Sound CHG 1600 Multi-Charger is used. Damage from
improper charging is not covered by the Williams Sound five year warranty.

Important Rechargeable Battery Information

Rechargeable batteries are shipped in a discharged condition. They must be charged for a
complete charge cycle before the first use (approximately 15 hours). Rechargeable batteries will
need to be replaced after 1-2 years of use. Do not dispose of batteries in fire. Do not open
batteries, there are toxic chemicals inside.

!! IMPORTANT WARNINGS !!

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RECHARGE ZINC CARBON (“HEAVY DUTY”), ALKALINE, OR LITHIUM BATTERIES!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RECHARGE DISPOSABLE BATTERIES!

causing possible injury and damage to the equipment.

Avoid shorting the plus and minus battery terminals together with metal objects. Battery damage and burns
can result!

These batteries may heat up and explode,

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USING THE OPTIONAL CHG 1600 BATTERY CHARGER

Charging 
Indicators

Charging
Contact Holes

Charging Pins

With AC power connected, the CHG 1600 Multiple Charger operates in a “trickle charge” mode.
Units can be left on trickle charge indefinitely without risk. Pressing the Overnight Charge button
switches the charger to a higher-rate, overnight charge mode on a 15 hour timer. After 15 hours,
the “Complete / Maintain” light will come on and the CHG 1600 reverts to trickle mode. Any
time the button is pressed, the 15 hour timed charge begins again. The CHG 1600 Charger does
not monitor individual unit battery state.

Charging Instructions

Step 1: Plug the power supply into an AC wall outlet. Plug the power connector into the jack

on the right side of the CHG 1600’s control panel.

Step 2: Make sure the units you will charge are turned OFF. DO NOT attempt to charge

non-rechargeable batteries.

Step 3: Place the units in the slots so that the charging pins and the unit’s side contacts are

coupled. The “CHG” indicator next to the unit will be dimly lit.

Step 4: When all units are in place, press the red button on the CHG 1600’s control panel.

The red “Overnight Charge” indicator on the CHG 1600’s control panel will light
during charging, and the “CHG” indicators next to each unit will be brightly lit.

Step 5: The CHG 1600 will charge the units for approximately 15 hours, then automatically

resume a trickle charge. The “Complete/Maintain” indicator will come on.

Units may be fully charged before the green “Complete/Maintain” indicator is lit. Units may
remain in the CHG 1600 Multiple Charger for more than 15 hours without harm. Williams Sound
rechargeable AA batteries can be charged on a daily or less frequent basis.

USING THE CHG 1600 CHARGER

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IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY

If your Tour Guide System is not working, check the following:

1. Read through the manual and user guide carefully to verify proper setup and installation of

your system.

2. Make sure the batteries are fresh or completely charged and that the “plus” and “minus”

terminals are installed correctly.

3. If the rechargeable batteries will only work for a short period of time (less than 1 hour) even

after they are fully charged, they must be regenerated. Leave them in the receiver or
transmitter with the unit turned on, for 5 - 6 hours. Then turn receiver or transmitter off,
place it in the charger, and charge for 14 - 16 hours. This should restore normal battery life.
Rechargeable batteries will gradually lose their capacity over time and should be replaced
every year.

4. Make sure the

microphone is plugged into the Transmitter and the headphone is plugged into

the Receiver.

5. Move the transmitter and receiver closer together. You may be out of range. When using the

system indoors, it’s normal for the signal to momentarily disappear in certain locations. This
is called a “drop-out.” Moving a few feet will restore the signal.

6. Do not try to use more than one transmitter on the same channel in close proximity to each

other. MORE THAN ONE TRANSMITTER ON THE SAME CHANNEL WILL RESULT
IN INTERFERENCE IF THEY ARE CLOSE TOGETHER. Keep the systems at least 50
meters apart or use separate channels for each system used.

7. If you are still hearing interference on the receivers, turn the transmitter off and listen with a

receiver. If you hear the interference with the transmitter off, you need to change to a clear
channel. Call your Williams Sound dealer or spanish represenative for more information.

NOTICE

Williams Sound Corp. assumes no liability for improper use or operation of this equipment. The
user is cautioned to operate the volume controls at the lowest acceptable level, and in a manner
that will not cause damage to hearing. Ear pieces and accessories should be worn using good
judgement and for their intended purpose.

Users are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Williams Sound
Corp. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment

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LIMITED WARRANTY

Williams Sound products are engineered, designed, and manufactured under carefully controlled conditions to

™

provide you with many years of reliable service. Williams Sound warrants the Hearing Helper

Tour Guide
System against defects in materials and workmanship for FIVE (5) years. During the first five years from the
purchase date, we will promptly repair or replace the Hearing Helper™Tour Guide System.

Microphones, earphones, headphones, batteries, chargers, cables, carry cases, and all other accessory
products carry a 90-day warranty.

WILLIAMS SOUND HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS PRODUCT
IS USED. WILLIAMS SOUND, THEREFORE, DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES NOT SET FORTH
ABOVE, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE HEARING HELPER™TOUR
GUIDE SYSTEM, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. WILLIAMS SOUND SHALL
NOT BE LIABLE TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY MEDICAL EXPENSES OR ANY DIRECT,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY ANY USE, DEFECT, FAILURE OR
MALFUNCTIONING OF THE PRODUCT, WHETHER A CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES IS BASED
UPON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, THE SOLE REMEDY FOR ANY DEFECT,
FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE PRODUCTS REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT. NO
PERSON HAS ANY AUTHORITY TO BIND WILLIAMS SOUND TO ANY REPRESENTATION OR

™

WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE HEARING HELPER

TOUR GUIDE SYSTEM.

UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS OR MODIFICATIONS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.

The exclusions and limitations set out above are not intended to, and should not be construed so as to
contravene mandatory provisions of applicable law. If any part or term of this Disclaimer of Warranty is held
to be illegal, unenforceable, or in conflict with applicable law by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity
of the remaining portions of this Disclaimer of Warranty shall not be affected, and all rights and obligations
shall be construed and enforced as if this Limited Warranty did not contain the particular part or term held to
be invalid.

If you experience difficulty with your system, contact your local Distributor or our European Sales Office.

If it is necessary to return the system for service, a Williams Sound representative will give you a Return
Authorization Number (RA) and shipping instructions.

Pack the system carefully and send it to:

U.S. Office

Williams Sound Corp.
10321 West 70th Street

European Sales Office

e-mail: [e-mail]

[e-mail]

Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

TTY: 952-943-9675

e-mail: [e-mail]

Your warranty becomes effective the date you purchase your system. Your returned warranty card is our
way of knowing when your warranty begins. It also gives us important information about your system
including the serial number. This information will help us serve you better in the future. Please take a
moment to complete and mail the attached card. Thank you. .

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SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

FM Transmitter

Models: T1-173.400, T1-174.100, T1-174.300, T1-175.500, T1-176.300
Dimensions: 3-5/8" L x 2-3/8" W x 7/8" H (92.1 mm x 60.3 mm x 22.2 mm)

Weight: 4.4 oz (125 g) with batteries
Color: Neptune blue, shatter-resistant polypropylene
Battery Type: Two (2) AA 1.5 V Non-rechargeable Alkaline batteries

Operating Frequencies: Fixed 173.400 (UK only), 174.100, 174.300, 175.500, 176.300 MHz
Stability: ± .005%, crystal reference
Modulation: Narrow-band FM, 10 kHz, 100 µS pre-emphasis
RF Output: 1.5 mW typical
Freq Response: 100 Hz to 10 kHz, ± 3 dB at 1% max. THD
Signal–Noise Ratio: 55 - 60 dB, with R1-173 Receiver
Compressor: Compressor uses adjustable slope and noise gate
Transmit Antenna: Integral with 39" microphone cord
Microphone: Noise-cancelling, Headset type, 39 in. cord, 3.5 mm mono phone plug (MIC 086)
Controls & Indicators: On/Off switch, slide-type; “On” Indicator LED
Mic Connector: 3.5 mm mono phone jack
Charging Contacts: Designed for use with CHG 1600 and CHG 200 Multiple Battery Chargers
Approvals: MPT 1345, ETS 300 422, CE

(BAT 001), 100 mA nominal current drain, 12 hours approx. life
(OR)
Two (2) AA 1.5 V NiMH Rechargeable batteries (BAT 026),
8 hours per charge approx., recharges in 14–16 hours, uses CHG 1600 Multiple Battery Charger

FM Receiver

Models: R1-173.400, R1-174.100, R1-174.300, R1-175.500, R1-176.300
Dimensions: 3-5/8" L x 2-3/8" W x 7/8" H (92.1 mm x 60.3 mm x 22.2 mm)

Weight: 4.6 oz (130 g) with batteries
Color: Neptune blue, shatter-resistant polypropylene
Battery Type: Two (2) AA 1.5 V non-rechargeable Alkaline batteries

Operating Frequencies: Fixed 173.400 (UK only), 174.100, 174.300, 175.500, 176.300 MHz
Stability: ± .005%, crystal reference
FM Deviation: Narrow-band FM, 10 kHz, 100 µS de-emphasis
AFC Range: ± 120 kHz
Sensitivity: .5 µV at 12 dB Sinad with squelch defeated,

Freq Response: 200 Hz to 10 kHz, +2, –4 dB
Signal–Noise Ratio: 60 dB at 10 µV
Receive Antenna: Integral with earphone cord
Audio Output: 35 mW, max. at 16 Ω; for use with 8–32 Ω mono headphones
Output Connector: 3.5 mm mono phone jack
Squelch: Set to turn off audio under weak or no signal condition
Controls: Volume: thumbwheel/on/off/volume
Indicators: “On” LED
Approvals: MPT 1345, ETS 300 422, CE
Note: Specifications are electrical performance

(BAT 001), 42 mA nom. current drain, 30 hours approx. life
(OR)
Two (2) AA 1.5 V NiMH rechargeable batteries (BAT 026),
20 hours per charge approx., recharges in 14–16 hours, uses CHG 1600 Multiple Battery Charger

squelches at 8 µV for min. 50 dB S/N ratio

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www.williamssound.com

© 2005, Williams Sound Corp. MAN 106C (ENG)