Page 1 FreeSpeak II™ User Guide (Base station version) PN: 399G087 Rev B 08/11/14...
Page 2: Document Reference
The product described in this document is distributed under licenses restricting its use, copying, distribution, and decompilation/reverse engineering. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written authorization of Clear-Com, an HME Company.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Understanding the Back-Panel Connectors ........... 27 Connecting to partyline intercom systems ............. 30 4.2.1 Clear-Com and compatible partyline ..............30 4.2.2 Connecting directly to Clear-Com partyline beltpacks ......... 31 4.2.3 Connecting to an RTS™ wired beltpack .............. 32 4.2.4 Front-panel adjustments for partyline connections..........32 4.2.5...
Page 4 6.10 Setting the beltpack audio level ..............58 6.11 Setting beltpack latching ................59 6.12 Over the Air (OTA) beltpack registration from the Base station ..... 59 6.13 Setting input and output port levels ............... 60 FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 5 Powering on the beltpack ..................80 7.3.4 Using the beltpack to communicate ..............80 7.3.5 Entering and exiting Menu mode ................81 7.3.6 Setting and Adjusting Listen Levels ..............81 7.3.7 Upgrading beltpack firmware ................81 FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 6 Setting display mode ..................93 8.12 Setting system connect ................. 93 8.13 Enabling over the air (OTA) registration mode from a beltpack ..... 93 8.14 Performing a site survey ................94 Operating the transceiver/antenna ............95 Transceiver/antenna ..................95 FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 7 Configuring the Reply key .................. 118 10.4.10 Key assignment types ..................119 10.5 Configuring ports ..................120 10.5.1 Selecting the port to edit ..................120 10.5.2 Changing the label of the port ................120 10.5.3 Selecting the port type ..................121 FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 8 10.10.5 Event Log ......................133 10.11 Upgrading the Configuration Editor ............. 134 Specifications .................... 135 11.1 FreeSpeak II Base station ................135 11.2 FreeSpeak II Beltpack ................. 136 11.3 FreeSpeak II Transceiver/Antenna .............. 136 11.4 FreeSpeak II Transceiver/Antenna Splitter ..........137 11.5...
Page 9 Compliance ....................141 FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 10: Important Safety Instructions
• Use only chargers provided by HME/Clear-Com to charge the battery packs or beltpacks. These include: ...
Page 11: Safety Symbols
Familiarize yourself with the safety symbols in Figure 1: Safety symbols. These symbols are displayed on the apparatus and warn you of the potential danger of electric shock if the system is used improperly. Figure 1-1: Safety symbols Note: For compliance notices, see 12 Compliance. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 12: Introduction To Freespeak Ii
This chapter provides an overview of the FreeSpeak II digital wireless beltpack system. With a FreeSpeak II (FS II) wireless beltpack you can roam freely around a studio or production facility while talking and listening to all, or selected, members of the production team.
Page 13: An Fs Ii Communication System
When the signal from an antenna starts to diminish due to the distance from a beltpack, the beltpack automatically “hands off” its signal to the nearest antenna, ensuring smooth transfer. Figure 2-2 Configurations for a studio and large-scale broadcast facility FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 14: Freespeak Ii System Capacity
2.1.1 FreeSpeak II system capacity Using an antenna splitter allows up to five antennas to be connected to each antenna port. The Base station can connect to two splitters and so support up to 10 antennas. Each antenna supports up to five beltpacks. This means that up to 50 beltpacks can be present, giving a great deal of flexibility in placing beltpacks where they are needed most, and providing wireless reliability.
Page 15: Installing A System
Installing a system This chapter explains how to install a FreeSpeak II system, including cable connections, positioning the equipment, registering beltpacks and performing a site survey to optimize system performance. It contains the following sections: • Placing the Base station •...
Page 16: Wiring The Antennas And Splitters
3.2.2 Power supplies to the components of an FS II System See figure 3-1 and figure 3-2 below for recommended powering and cable lengths for an FS II system. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 17 Figure 3-1 Recommended antenna and splitter powering schemes and cable lengths, PSU at splitter only Figure 3-2 Recommended splitter and antenna powering schemes and cable lengths, PSU at splitter and antenna/transceiver FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 18: Determining Coverage Areas
Cells can be completely overlapped for density (by co-locating multiple antennas). Cells can be overlapped at boundaries (increases radio coverage). For most working systems Clear-Com uses a ratio of 3-4 users per antenna. This is due to system losses. To determine coverage areas:...
Page 19: Doing A Site Survey To Determine Coverage Areas
Survey mode displays for connected and unconnected beltpacks. Received signal 8-digit system name strength indication and 2-digit RPN (RSSI) Figure 3-4 An unconnected beltpack site survey screen Frame error rate Link quality 2-digit RPN Figure 3-4 A connected beltpack site survey screen FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 20 Zone A 4 users 1 user Zone B 5 users Figure 3-5 Mapping overlapping coverage zones In some environments you might observe that despite having a high signal strength, the beltpack consistently reports a high error rate. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 21: Testing Antenna Handoff
2. An antenna connected directly to transceiver port 2 would appear at position 6. “__” indicates an empty slot on an active antenna that is connected to the Base station. A number in place of a “__” indicates that this slot is occupied by the indicated beltpack. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 22: Assigning Beltpacks To Coverage Areas
Registering beltpacks Before you can use a beltpack, you must first register it with the FreeSpeak II system. You can register the beltpacks using a USB cable or over the air (OTA).
Page 23: Over The Air (Ota) Registration Of A Beltpack From The Base Station
On a new system there will be no previous connections at this point. However, if the beltpack is currently connected to an active system, a confirmation screen will appear. Select Yes to connect to a new system or No to remain connected to the current system. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 24 Configuration > Preferences > Wireless Beltpacks and in the Configuration Editor, under the System tab. If you change the registration code from the Base station, do a black restart before continuing. Select an available role from the list displayed on the beltpack. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 25 If required, the next beltpack can now be registered (Step 2). Note: On the Base station these changes are persistent, but should still be retrieved from the unit by the Configuration Editor so they can be backed up. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 26: Connecting The Base Station
• Wireless partyline • Connecting to 4-Wire and digital matrix intercom • Connecting to a program audio source • IFB configuration • Connecting to the stage announce output • Connecting to a PC • Connecting to transceiver/antennas FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 27: Understanding The Back-Panel Connectors
Understanding the Back-Panel Connectors Figure 4-1 FS II Base station Back Panel FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 28 It is transformer- isolated. Level adjustment is done via the front-panel display programming. The program input can be assigned as an IFB source from the front panel. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 29 “transceivers.” The ferrite should be fitted at the Base station end of the CAT-5 cable. Position the ferrite as close to the Base station as possible. A suitable ferrite is available from FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 30: Connecting To Partyline Intercom Systems
Up to two channels of partyline intercom can be connected to the FS II Base station. The descriptions below will discuss connections with Clear-Com and compatible partyline, RTS partyline, the ability of FS II to power up to four Clear-Com partyline beltpacks by itself, and the front-panel settings associated with these partyline connections.
Page 31: Connecting Directly To Clear-Com Partyline Beltpacks
4.2.2 Connecting directly to Clear-Com partyline beltpacks PL CH-A and PL CH-B have the ability to directly support up to four Clear-Com RS- 501/601/701 partyline beltpacks each, without any other connection to a wired partyline system. This feature gives the convenience of being able to add a few wired beltpacks when needed to an FS II installation.
Page 32: Connecting To An Rts™ Wired Beltpack
VOX gate on the partyline and the partyline being auto nulled. An FS II system has a built-in microphone gain control, but a VOX gate level can also be set in the configuration editor (see next section). FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 33 VOX gate will reject the audio reflections. Note: If both the partyline user and the FS II user speak at the same time, the FS II user may hear the echo as the audio reflections piggy back the partyline audio. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 34: Wireless Partyline
When a beltpack or partyline talks to a wireless partyline group the talk signal from the beltpack or partyline is subtracted from the listen signal to remove the sidetone resulting from the user’s voice being looped back in the conference audio, leaving only the audio from other members. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 35: Connecting To 4-Wire And Digital Matrix Intercom
Up to four channels of 4-wire/digital matrix intercom can be connected to the FS II Base station. The descriptions below will discuss connections with Clear-Com Matrix Plus digital matrix, Clear-Com Eclipse digital matrix, other brands of digital matrix intercoms, other 4-wire audio devices, and the front-panel settings associated with these 4-wire connections.
Page 36: Connecting To Clear-Com Matrix Plus
Table 4-2 FS II Base station 4-wire pinout 4.4.2 Connecting to Clear-Com matrix plus The connection between a Matrix Plus digital intercom port and an FS II 4-wire port is accomplished with a standard 4-pair straight-through CAT-5 data cable with RJ-45 connectors on both ends.
Page 37: Connecting To Clear-Com Eclipse Digital Matrix
FS II does not currently generate a call signal to the Matrix port. 4.4.3 Connecting to Clear-Com Eclipse digital matrix The procedure to connect between an FS II 4-wire port and the Eclipse digital matrix is similar to that of Matrix Plus 3. An identical connection is made with 4-pair straight-through CAT-5 cable between an Eclipse port and the FS II port.
Page 38: Connecting With Other 4-Wire Devices
4-wire on the FS II side. The Clear-Com IF4W4 interface can be used similarly. The audio input side of the FS II 4-wire connectors could be used for additional program or other audio inputs that could then be accessed by FS II beltpacks.
Page 39: Connecting To The Stage Announce Output
Connect a microphone cable to the male 3-pin XLR connector on the rear of the FS II Base station, and connect the other end to the external audio system. When the output is activated, FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 40: Connecting To A Pc
3 goes to pin 2, and pin 5 goes to pin 5; in other words, the data Tx and Rx lines on pins 2 and 3 are reversed. Those are the only wiring connections on the FS II end of the cable. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 41: Connecting Using The Lan Port
Connecting using the LAN port This connection is used for rapid firmware updates, as well as in the future for system configuration and intelligent connection with the Eclipse digital matrix. It is wired as a standard Ethernet connection. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 42: Connecting To Transceiver/Antennas
The connection between a transceiver port on the FS II Base station and a PD2203 splitter is accomplished with standard 4-pair CAT-5 data cable with RJ-45 connectors. It is connected to the port labeled MATRIX on the splitter. This cable can be as long as 1,000 metres (3,200 FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 43: Powering An Antenna Or Antenna Splitter
Figure 4-7 Recommended antenna and splitter powering schemes and cable lengths, PSU at splitter only Figure 4-8 Recommended splitter and antenna powering schemes and cable lengths, PSU at splitter and antenna/transceiver Figure 4-9 Powering an antenna splitter FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 44: Operating The Base Station
They can be labeled, added to communication groups, and assigned to beltpacks as desired. Additionally the program input or one of the four 4-Wire connections can be assigned as IFB sources on the Base station. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 45: Understanding Front-Panel Operation
Call Channel B Pressing buttons (E) & (D) together will send a call signal to the port, group or WPL assigned under headset channel B. The Talk button (E) must be engaged momentarily before the Call/Reply (D). FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 46 Feature Description Headset connector The 4-pin male XLR-type headset socket connects to Clear-Com headsets and other headsets with 4-pin female connectors. This headset connector is for the on-board two-channel intercom, with controls just to the right of the connector. Headset channel A talk control/listen control...
Page 47 6 through 10.) Pressing and holding the setup/enter encoder for more than three seconds will return the display to the battery monitor. Power switch The power switch will turn the FreeSpeak Base station on and off. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 48: Programming A System From The Base Station
Programming a system from the Base station This chapter describes how to program the FreeSpeak II system using the Base station front panel controls and menu. It contains the following sections: • Introduction • Using the Base station’s programming menus •...
Page 49: Introduction
As the user scrolls through the menu items are highlighted on the screen. To select an item as a new programming option, press the setup/enter encoder in, as if it were a pushbutton, when the desired item is highlighted on the screen. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 50: Saving Changes
Scroll to and select the desired beltpack. The next menu that appears gives the options for programming the selected beltpack, as shown in Figure 6-3 First beltpack programming options menu. Figure 6-3 First beltpack programming options menu FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 51 To edit another beltpack label, scroll clockwise to the BACK command and select the beltpack. The AVAILABLE BELTPACKS screen appears. Select a new beltpack label to edit, and repeat steps 2 through 9. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 52: Setting And Changing Port Labels
Select an audio port from the menu. A screen appears that gives the options for programming the selected port, as shown in Figure 6-9 Port programming options menu. Figure 6-9 Port programming options menu FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 53: Setting And Changing Group Labels
The 5 standard group labels appear on the first page of the menu. The generic labels GP#01 through GP#05 appear on the top row, and their editable versions appear on the lower row. The default values are GRP01 through GRP05. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 54 When the desired new character appears, press the setup/enter encoder to select it. The box disappears, and is replaced by the solid highlight. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for all the characters in the label that are to be changed. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 55: Adding Group Members
Figure 6-16 Adding members to a group Scroll through the pages of this list to find the desired members for the group. When a desired member is highlighted, press the setup/enter encoder to select that member. A box appears around it. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 56: Beltpacks
Select KEYS. The KEY EDITING screen appears, A list of the audio routes and groups available for selection is visible. Select the beltpack key to assign communication to (A, B, C or D). See Figure 6.17 below. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 57 For other audio routes (4 wire ports, groups and wireless partylines) it will be necessary to select a key assignment type. See step 8 below. Select either talk (TLK), listen (LIS), talk/listen (T+L), dual talk/listen (DTL), forced listen (FL) or talk/forced listen (TFL) for that key. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 58: Setting The Beltpack Audio Level
Select ‘LEVELS’. The beltpack levels editing menu is displayed, as shown in Figure 6-20 Beltpack levels menu. Figure 6-20 Beltpack levels menu Use the setup/enter encoder to select the input level to display the beltpack input level setup. Figure 6-21 Beltpack Input level setup FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 59: Setting Beltpack Latching
OTA or via a USB cable using the configuration software. For more information, see 3.4.1 Over the air (OTA) registration of a beltpack from the Base station for the procedure. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 60: Setting Input And Output Port Levels
Select the port for which the audio levels are to be adjusted from the AVAILABLE AUDIO PORTS menu. The SELECTED PORT menu will be displayed. Figure 6-25 Selected port menu for level setting Select ‘LEVELS’ from the next menu. The EDITING LEVELS menu appears. Figure 6-26 Port levels menu FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 61: Setting Port Call Destination
If the VOX trigger is set then audio on this port will be routed to the destination when the specified threshold is exceeded. From the MAIN menu, select ‘PORTS’. A menu of the available audio ports is displayed. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 62 ‘KEY’ is displayed rather than ‘CALL’. This indicates than in order to trigger an auto route from the headset to the chosen destination the key on the Base station front panel should be used. From the MAIN menu, select ‘PORTS’. A menu of the available audio ports is displayed. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 63: Configuring A Wired Partyline
Base station so that it can set the proper termination, gain level, and call signalling for that system. The three types of partyline systems are: Clear-Com, Drake, and RTS. 6.15.1 To select the type of partyline system for a partyline port Select PORTS from the main menu, then select PLCHA or PLCHB from the AVAILABLE AUDIO port menu which appears.
Page 64 All the options on the first menu imply that the partyline port will have termination enabled. If this is correct select either Clear-Com, Drake, or RTS. If the partyline port should have termination disabled because the partyline is already terminated by another device scroll rightwards to display the second partyline type menu.
Page 65: To Configure The Noise Gate For A Partyline Port
Select the ‘DELAY’ option on the noisegate menu to set the VOX off delay level. This allows the operator to set a delay in milliseconds before audio is cut by the noisegate. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 66: To Configure The Levels For A Partyline Port
The front-panel display flashes to indicate that the changes are being saved and applied. Select the ‘OUTPUT’ item to display the output level setup menu. Figure 6-46 Partyline output level FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 67 The changes are saved and applied automatically five seconds after the last time the setup/enter encoder was pressed or turned. The front-panel display flashes to indicate that the changes are being saved and applied. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 68: Base Station System Menu
To return to the SYSTEM menu, press the setup/enter button. 6.18 Restoring the Defaults When F.DEFAULT is selected the factory default map is loaded into memory, the IP address is set to 172.30.3.100 and the IP mask is set to 255.255.0.0 FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 69: Antennas
Note: The F.DEFAULT feature will only work on Base stations that have been upgraded by Clear- Com or a qualified Clear-Com representative. Figure 6-53 Restore defaults menu 6.19 Antennas When Antennas is selected the display shows the status of the active antennas that are connected to the Base station, and shows the slots on each antenna that are occupied by beltpacks.
Page 70: Locking Front-Panel Enable Buttons
6.22.1 Kill beltpack microphones Selecting this function will kill the microphones on all the wireless beltpacks connected to the Base station. Beltpack users will have to press a talk key again to re-enable the beltpack microphone. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 71: Kill Partyline Microphones
The line below the title line is battery monitor that shows the battery levels of all beltpacks that are connected to the Base station. When the battery level of a beltpack drops to the alarm level and the battery low alarm is triggered the display for that beltpack will be displayed highlighted. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 72: Operating The Wireless Beltpack
• Using the beltpack Overview of the wireless beltpack Figure 7-1 FreeSpeak II beltpack An FS II wireless beltpack gives you simultaneous access to up to five channels of talk/listen communication, with the ability to switch among them as desired. Any or all of these routes may be kept open during use.
Page 73 Figure 7-2 Intercom display mode • Partyline display mode – displays role name, signal strength, battery level and volume levels for channel A and channel B. Figure 7-3 Partyline display mode FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 74 Battery life remaining (in hours for Li-Ion, in % for AA battery). Table 7-1 Key to display layout A 4-pin male headset connector is provided for connection with a standard Clear-Com headset or similar device. The FS II beltpack will operate for approximately 18 hours using a rechargeable Li-Ion battery.
Page 75: Beltpack User Controls
Display. When the beltpack is not in menu mode, information about each of the four channels supported by the beltpack is displayed on screen. Exactly what is present on the screen depends on the display mode (intercom or partyline). Table 7-2 Key to beltpack top controls FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 76: Beltpack Display
Signal Bars that indicate the strength of the signal from the Main strength Station. Battery level Indicates the battery time remaining. Table 7-3 Beltpack display icons and indicators 7.2.3 Front controls Figure 7-5 Beltpack front controls FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 77: Beltpack Bottom Connectors
Left rotary level control. Turn clockwise or counter-clockwise to adjust volume. In menu mode, turn clockwise or counter-clockwise to navigate the menus. Table 7-4 Key to beltpack front controls 7.2.4 Beltpack bottom connectors Figure 7-6 Beltpack bottom connectors FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 78: Beltpack Rear Panel
Mic ground Mic + Earphone ground Earphone Table 7-5: Headset socket pin out 3.5 mm stereo jack. Micro USB connector. Table 7-6 Key to beltpack bottom connectors 7.2.5 Beltpack rear panel Figure 7-7 Beltpack rear panel FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 79: Using The Beltpack
Table 7-7 Key to beltpack rear panel Using the beltpack 7.3.1 Registering the beltpack Before you can use a beltpack, you must first register it with the FreeSpeak II system. For more information, see 3.4 Registering beltpacks. 7.3.2 Charging the beltpack The beltpack batteries are located inside the beltpack battery compartment.
Page 80: Powering On The Beltpack
You can program the beltpack keys by using: • The Eclipse HX software. For more information, see the Eclipse HX Configuration Software User Guide. • The FreeSpeak II Configuration Editor. For more information, see 10 FS II Configuration Editor. • The FreeSpeak II Base station.
Page 81: Entering And Exiting Menu Mode
From the Configuration Editor, you can upgrade the beltpack firmware using a USB connection or central upgrade Over The Air (OTA). Note: If you have a matrix connection, you can also do an Over The Air upgrade. For more information, see the Eclipse HX Configuration Software User Guide. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 82 The beltpacks will only be upgraded, when the download file has successfully loaded on all the connected antennas. Note: The Base station front panel will display a download progress screen. To cancel the download, press Enter on the Base station. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 83: Programming On The Beltpack
The menus that appear depend on the menu access level. See 8.8.2 Setting full menu access. To select a submenu turn either of the two rotary dials clockwise. This will scroll down the submenu options. If you turn the rotary dials counter-clockwise, you will scroll upwards. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 84: Configuring The Beltpack Volume Settings
The volume level appears in the footer. To confirm the selection, press the Menu Select key (D). 8.2.2 Configuring the volume level of the line input You can configure the volume of an audio line input: FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 85: Configuring The Rotary Controls
To use this feature, first set Mic Type to Auto. See 8.4.1 Setting the microphone type. To enter the beltpack menu, press and hold the Menu key. Use the rotary and Menu Select keys to select Settings > Headset Options > Auto Detect. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 86: Setting The Sidetone Level
Use this setting to specify the type of microphone you are using. You can also allow the beltpack to automatically detect what kind of microphone is present. To enter the beltpack menu, press and hold the Menu key. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 87: Setting The Microphone Echo Cancellation
To enter the beltpack menu, press and hold the Menu key. Use the rotary and Menu Select keys to select Settings > Display Options > Brightness Level Use either rotary control to select the dim level between 1 and 5 (default). FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 88: Setting The Display Dim Timeout
• Call alert mode 8.6.1 Setting the low battery alarm Use this setting to determine how the beltpack behaves when battery power is low. You can set the following types of alarm: • Audio warning • Vibrate FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 89: Setting The Low Battery Alarm Threshold
To enter the beltpack menu, press and hold the Menu key. Use the rotary and Menu Select keys to select Settings > Alarm Options > Out of Range Alarm. Use either rotary control to select between: • Audio only • FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 90: Setting The Call Alert
On (default) • To confirm the selection and exit the menu screen, press the Menu Select key (D). Selecting the beltpack administration You can select the following administration settings: • System pairing mode • Full menu access FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 91: Enabling Ota Registration Mode
Use the rotary and Menu Select keys to select Settings > Admin Options. You will be prompted to enter a four digit code. The default code is 4632. Select Full Menu Access. Use either rotary control to select between: • Disable (default) • Enable FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 92: Setting System Sync Mode
Accessing beltpack information You can access a list of beltpack information, including battery and fault-finding information. To enter the beltpack menu, press and hold the Menu key. Use the rotary and Menu Select keys to select Information. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 93: Setting Display Mode
Base station or computer. In this case it can be done from a beltpack. The beltpack needs to be previously registered and connected. You need the system admin code, available from Eclipse EHX, the Configuration Editor or the Base station. (The default code is 4632). FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 94: Performing A Site Survey
Note: You can only access this option if you have advanced menu access. You can survey an intercom installation to determine how may FreeSpeak II antennas are present. You can do this in two ways: • Connecting to a system and detecting all FreeSpeak II antennas connected to that system •...
Page 95: Operating The Transceiver/Antenna
Operating the transceiver/antenna This chapter describes how to use the FreeSpeak II transceiver/antenna. It contains the following sections: • Transceiver/antenna • Transceiver/antenna splitter (PD2203) Transceiver/antenna The FS II transceiver/antennas form the transmission link between the FS II beltpacks and the FS II Base station.
Page 96: Fs Ii Transceiver/Antenna Connector Panel
A solid light is required for normal operation of the system. Power LED. This green LED indicates that the transceiver/antenna is receiving power, either from its local power supply or from the connected CAT-5 cable FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 97: Cabling The Antennas
For more information on the coverage range of the FS II-TA, see 4.2.3 Determining coverage areas. Note: For most working systems, Clear-Com recommends a ratio of 3-4 users per antenna due to system losses. 9.1.5 Coverage areas under various conditions...
Page 98: Transceiver/Antenna Setup Rules And Tips
Connect the antenna to a USB port on the computer running the Configuration Editor. Select Diagnostics > Tools > Apply Wireless Firmware Via USB. Browse to the location of the upgrade file (.FWS), and then select Update Firmware. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 99: Transceiver/Antenna Splitter (Pd2203)
You must power on the splitter before you power on the Base station, otherwise the Base station might power the splitter. In this case there might be insufficient power. 9.2.1 PD2203 Front connector panel Figure 9-3 FS II Splitter Front Connector Panel FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 100: Pd2203 Rear Panel
This 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connector is used for upgrading the firmware in the PD2203. It will typically be unused. 9.2.2.2 Power Indicator This green LED indicates that the splitter is receiving power from the external power supply. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 101: Connecting An Antenna Splitter To The Fs Ii Base Station And To Transceiver/Antennas
LED and the yellow data LED are lit on each FS II-TA. If all are properly lit, then the connection has been successfully made and the coverage zones will be active and will support beltpacks. If the transceiver antennas are not lit, check the connections. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 102: Fs Ii Configuration Editor
• Registering beltpacks using the over the air (OTA) facility • Configuring beltpacks • Configuring ports • Configuring groups and wireless partylines • Reducing antenna interference • Configuring IFBs • Configuring Base station system parameters • Diagnostics • Upgrading the Configuration Editor FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 103: Loading Configurations
Click Open. The configuration loads into the Configuration Editor. 10.1.2 Loading a configuration file from a Base station using a serial link Connect the PC to the Base station using a standard FreeSpeak II serial cable. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 104 If this occurs, check the cable, PC and Base station connection, and also make sure that 30 seconds have elapsed since powering on the Base station to ensure that serial comms have been activated. The following screen is an example of a loaded configuration (with beltpacks selected): FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 105: Loading A Configuration From A Base Station Using Ethernet
IP address on the Base station is described in 6.20 Setting the IP address. In the LAN section of the screen, click Retrieve. A progress window appears. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 106: Loading A Configuration File To The Base Station From The Configuration Editor
Re-connect the Base station (if it has been disconnected) and ensure that at least 30 seconds elapse since Base station power-up to allow serial comms to be activated. In the Serial comms area of the Configuration Editor screen, click Apply. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 107: Configuration Editor Screen Basics
Base station firmware, and to send antenna and beltpack software. • Exit - Exits the Configuration Editor. If a file has been changed or retrieved from the Base station and not saved, you are prompted to save the file before exiting the editor. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 108: Registering Beltpacks Using The Over The Air (Ota) Facility
Go to the System tab in the editor. Click Start Over the Air Registration. If the Base station is unavailable for any reason there will be an error message, otherwise you will see Over the Air Registration Mode Active. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 109 However, if the beltpack has been connected previously, a confirmation screen will appear. Select Yes to connect to a new system or No to remain connected to the current system. Available systems will be visible on the beltpack menu screen. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 110: Configuring Beltpacks
If required, the next beltpack can now be registered (step 3). You may need to re- enable registration mode before registering another beltpack. Registration mode has a two minute inactive time-out. 10.4 Configuring beltpacks From the Configuration Editor, you can use the Beltpacks tab to: FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 111: Selecting The Beltpack To Register Or Edit
From the Name field, select a beltpack slot. See 10.4.1 Selecting the beltpack to register or edit. Note: You can also change the name of the beltpack by over typing the value in the Name field. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 112: Viewing Beltpack Registration Information
To view the beltpack properties: Connect the beltpack to the computer. Switch on the beltpack. Click Set Properties. The Properties window appears. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 113 • Click Remember My Default Settings to save the currently displayed default settings (of the Configuration Editor) for later recall. This allows you to ensure that all beltpacks are set up to the same default settings if required. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 114: Beltpack Audio Levels
If checked rotaries A and B both adjust the beltpack master volume level. If not checked rotary A adjusts the volume for the assignment on Key A and rotary B adjusts the volume for the assignment on Key B. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 115: Beltpack Alarm Options
Use this option to determine what kind of alarm the beltpack issues when it is no longer within range of an antenna. From the Out of Range Alarm list, select from the following options: • Audio only - the beltpack issues an audible alarm • Off - the beltpack issues no alarms FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 116: Setting The Beltpack Role Options
The factory default is 10 seconds. Menu Level Use this option to determine what menu options are available to beltpack users. From the Menu list, select from the following settings: • Advanced- all menu options are available. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 117: Assigning Beltpack Keys
Use this option to enable dimmed tally lights. When enabled, keys will always show a dimmed state of the active state. The factory default is enabled. 10.4.8 Assigning beltpack keys You can use Configuration Editor to assign destinations for each of the four beltpack talk keys, A, B, C and D. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 118: Configuring The Reply Key
This allows you to quickly configure beltpacks when many have the same setup. Use the Clear button to clear all key assignments for the current beltpack. 10.4.9 Configuring the Reply key You can configure the Reply key in the following ways: FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 119: 10.4.10 Key Assignment Types
• Talk and forced listen (T&F L). This is the same as a Forced Listen key, except a talk path is created when the key is pressed. • Talk. The key will only create an outgoing audio path when pressed. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 120: Configuring Ports
• Use the arrow buttons next to the Port edit box to make a selection. 10.5.2 Changing the label of the port To change the port label: • Select the port to be changed, and then over-type the text in the Port edit box. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 121: Selecting The Port Type
You can only select a port type when a partyline port is selected. You can select between the following: • Clear-Com - selects Clear-Com partyline compatibility with termination enabled. • Drake - selects Drake partyline compatibility with termination enabled. • RTS - selects RTS compatibility with termination enabled.
Page 122 For 4-wire and partyline destination ports you can select talk and listen functions as described in 10.4.10 Key assignment types. From the Cross Point Assignment right list, select the required function. Figure 10-13 Cross Point List for Port FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 123: Setting The Input, Output And Vox Levels
From the Configuration Editor, you can use the Groups/WPL tab to: • Select and name groups* • Populate groups • See an overview of configured groups * Within the Groups tab, groups include wireless partylines (WPL). FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 124: Selecting The Group To Edit
Current Membership list shows the current group members. To edit the group lists: • Move the mouse pointer over the member in the list and click. The member will be transferred from one list to the other. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 125: Displaying A Group Overview
150m can interfere with each other. This screen allows you to compensate for the length of the connection of each of the 10 available antennas. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 126: Configuring Ifbs
Download the changes to the Base station with reset. 10.8 Configuring IFBs From the Configuration Editor, you can use the IFB tab to: • Assign IFB sources and destination to an IFB label • Set the dim level for the IFB FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 127: Selecting The Ifb To Edit
You can choose between the following levels: • No cut - the audio feed is not reduced • -3dB to -27dB - the audio feed is reduced by the selected amount • Full cut - the audio feed is reduced to zero FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 128: Configuring Base Station System Parameters
To enable OTA, see 10.3 Registering beltpacks using the over the air (OTA) facility. 10.10 Diagnostics You can use the diagnostics tool to view the current state of the Base station, beltpacks and transceivers/antennas. To access the diagnostics tool: FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 129: 10.10.1 Beltpack Status
Figure 10-22 Diagnostics screen From the list on the upper left of the screen, select the option you require. 10.10.1 Beltpack status The Beltpack Status screen shows the current status of each FreeSpeak II beltpack on the matrix. For beltpacks, users can see: •...
Page 130 Figure 10-24 Live logging screen You can save the current log, clear the values currently displayed or open the live log in a new window: FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 131: 10.10.2 Static Log
You can also navigate to the Beltpack, Role and Panel Programming entries for the role from here. 10.10.3 Antenna status The Antenna status screen behaves in a similar fashion to the Beltpack Status screen, however with a different set of information available for the antennas. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 132: 10.10.4 Antenna Roles
• The cable length compensation • Whether a log is available on the antenna • Whether the antenna is live logging 10.10.4 Antenna roles The Antenna Roles screen shows which beltpack roles are currently operating on each transceiver/antenna. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 133: 10.10.5 Event Log
Figure 10-25 Antenna roles 10.10.5 Event Log The Event Log shows a list of log messages produced by the Base station. An example is shown below: FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 134: 10.11 Upgrading The Configuration Editor
To start receiving messages from the Base station, from the right hand pane click the Play icon at the top right of the screen. 10.11 Upgrading the Configuration Editor Update the Configuration Editor using the update file supplied. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 135: Specifications
Specifications 11.1 FreeSpeak II Base station Base station-to-Beltpack Frequency Response 100 Hz – 7.1 kHz Number of FS-BP Beltpacks per Base station Number of FS-TA Transceiver/ Antennas Supported by Base station: 10 Number of transceiver/ antenna Ports Programming port Relay port DB9;...
Page 136: Freespeak Ii Beltpack
(1.5 x 5 x 3.75 inches) Weight (with batteries) Approx. 400g (9 oz). 11.3 FreeSpeak II Transceiver/Antenna Beltpacks Supported Per Transceiver/Antenna 5, in one cellular zone Transceiver Antenna Transmission Range Up to 500 m (1475 ft.), line of sight FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 137: Freespeak Ii Transceiver/Antenna Splitter
50 x 140 x 175 mm (dwh) (2.0 x 5.5 x 6.9 inches) Weight Approx. 460g (16.1 oz). 11.4 FreeSpeak II Transceiver/Antenna Splitter Number of Transceiver/Antennas Supported Number of Splitters Per Base station 2 Connection Between Base station and Splitter...
Page 138 FreeSpeak Base station. NOTICE ABOUT SPECIFICATIONS While Clear-Com makes every attempt to maintain the accuracy of the information contained in its product manuals, that information is subject to change without notice. Performance specifications included in this manual are design-center specifications and are included for customer guidance and to facilitate system installation.
Page 139: Upgrading The Base Station From Fs To Fs Ii
Upgrading the Base station from FS to FS II This section explains how to upgrade a FreeSpeak/CellCom Base station to FreeSpeak II using the Configuration Editor. 12.1 Setting the Base station IP address Power up the Base station, and select SYSTEM > IP.
Page 140: Loading The Default Map
From the Map File area of the screen, select Save As, and save the file in the required location. Click Save & Apply. Click Unlock SYS ID, and enter the following password: Clear-ComMapOff. Close the Configuration Editor. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 141: Fcc Notice
FCC / IC sur l’exposition aux radiofréquences et doivent donc être évitée. - Pour se conformer aux exigences sur l’exposition aux radiofréquences de la FCC / IC, l’antenne émettrice doit être installé et utilisé à plus de 20 cm (8 po) de tout utilisateur. FreeSpeak II User Guide...
Page 142 Avis de conformité à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Hereby, HM Electronics, Inc. declares that FreeSpeak II products are in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC.
Page 143 (manufacturers, distributors and/or retailers) to take-back electronic products at the end of their useful life. The WEEE Directive covers most Clear-Com products being sold into the EU as of August 13, 2005. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers are obliged to finance the costs of recovery from municipal collection points, reuse, and recycling of specified percentages per the WEEE requirements.

Clear-Com FreeSpeak II User Manual

1 Important Safety Instructions

2 Introduction to Freespeak II

3 Installing a System

4 Connecting the Base Station

5 Operating the Base Station

6 Programming a System from the Base Station

7 Operating the Wireless Beltpack

8 Programming on the Beltpack

9 Operating the Transceiver/Antenna

10 FS II Configuration Editor

11 Specifications

12 Upgrading the Base Station from FS to FS II

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