aci TIF-401 Installation and operating manual

TIF-401 Telephone Interface
Installation and Reference
ACI-AppliCAD, Inc.
Version 1.81
Applies to serial numbers 0952xxxx and below.

Table of Contents
First Things First ---------------------------------- 2
•Features & Benefits
•What’s In the Box
•FCC Information
Quick Start Guide -------------------------------- 5
•Beginning Operation
•Automatic Answering
•Two-Way Operation
Installation Guide -------------------------------- 9
•Telephone Jacks
•Utility Connections
•Rear-Panel Diagram
•Audio Connections
•Optional Connections
•Wiring Relay Signaling Contacts
•Using A Gated Microphone Mixer
•Adjusting Mic & Line Transmit Gains
•Interconnecting Two TIF-401s
Reference ---------------------------------------- 18
•Troubleshooting
•Changing Your Comment Request Key
•How It Works
•Specifications
•Service and Warranty

2
First Things First – Introduction
Imagine having dial-up callers participating in your conference, meeting, or program.
The TIF-401 Telephone Interface extends two-way discussions over regular phone lines.
Microprocessor control provides many smart features – these make it easy for both your
callers and your on-site participants to enjoy the program. Your Telephone Interface can
make a real accessibility difference for those who need to participate yet cannot be
present. Its quality construction should provide years of reliable service.
Features and Benefits
TIF-401
Feature
What It Does
User Benefit
Four Line Capacity
Handles up to four callers at a
time. An additional unit adds
another four lines (max. eight).
More opportunity for callers to
participate.
Pushbutton controls No switches or knobs to leave in
the wrong position. Nearly foolproof operation
Phone Line Release
Disconnects if the caller hangs
up, the connection drops, or after
three hours elapsed time.
Frees up finished lines.
“Dropped” users can call back.
Microprocessor Control
System
Continuously performs and
monitors all functions
Provides many smart, easily
used features.
Recognition Request
with signaling output.
Callers can get the chairperson’s
attention by pressing a
designated key on their phone.
Phone comments need not
be arranged in advance!
Call Monitoring Switches your external telephone
to a ringing line, or any line.
Allows personally greeting and
screening calls.
Selectable
Auto-Answer
Automatically connects callers
dialing in, if desired. Never miss a call!
Line and Microphone
inputs, Line Output
Connect to any sound system, or
just plug in a microphone.
Suitable for small conferences
or large audiences.
Compression Manages levels both ways. Provides comfortable listening.
Compress Output
for external FM Transmitter
Outputs a level-compressed
version of your program.
Consistent sound level for your
hearing-impaired attendees.
FCC Approval Entire unit tested to comply with
FCC Rules, Parts 15 & 68.
Approved and registered for
use on the telephone network.
Phone Line Protection Telephone lines are fully isolated
and surge protected.
Reliable operation and long life.
No external protectors needed.

3
First Things First – What’s in the Box?
•TIF-401 Telephone Interface
•AC Power Adapter
•Green Grounding Cord
•This Manual, plus Operation and Caller Instruction cards
Help Available
If anything appears damaged or missing, please call ACI-AppliCAD at [phone]
during normal business hours (Eastern Time). You’re also welcome to call for help with
installing and operating your Telephone Interface. Please call from a phone near your
Telephone Interface, and have this manual handy.
Power Requirements
Your Telephone Interface operates on 120 VAC 60 Hz AC power (as supplied
throughout the United States), using the included AC adapter. Please do not use another
power source without first consulting our Engineering Department at [phone].
About Teleconferencing Services
Since your TIF-401 appears as an ordinary telephone set to your phone lines, it’s
compatible with teleconferencing services. However, not all such services allow use of
your Telephone Interface to full advantage. For example, some of them won’t pass the
DTMF (Touch-tone
®
) sound through when a participant presses their “comment” key. As a
result the TIF-401’s recognition request feature can’t work, allowing only pre-arranged
comments. In view of possible limitations with some teleconferencing services, we
suggest that before committing to a particular service, you thoroughly investigate its
operation. The following TIF-401 features facilitate use with teleconferencing services:
Timeout – Built-in timers disconnect each line after three hours continuous use, to limit needless
charges for lines inadvertently left connected.
Selectable Comment Request Key – If the TIF-401’s factory setting of “#” for comment requests
conflicts with systems that use “#” for another purpose (such as disconnecting a call), you can select
a different key. Please see the Reference section (page 19) for details.

4
First Things First – FCC Information
FCC Part 68 – This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules and the requirements adopted by the
ACTA. Its product identifier US:8T5BR07BTIF401 also appears on the unit’s rear panel. If requested, this number
must be provided to the telephone company.
This equipment is designed to be connected to RJ-11C modular telephone jack(s). Plugs, jacks, and cords used to
connect this equipment to the premises wiring and telephone network must comply with the applicable FCC Part 68
rules and requirements adopted by the ACTA. See installation instructions (Pages 10-11) for details.
Ringer Equivalence – The TIF-401’s Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) is 0.07B. The REN is used to determine the
number of devices that may be connected to a telephone line. Excessive RENs on a telephone line may result in the
devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most but not all areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed five
(5.0). To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to a line, as determined by the total RENs, contact
the local telephone company.
If trouble is experienced with your Telephone Interface,please do not attempt repairs yourself, but see Page 22 in this
manual. If the TIF-401 is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may request that you
disconnect it until the problem is resolved. Otherwise, the telephone company will notify you in advance that
temporary discontinuance of service may be required. But if advance notice isn't practical, the telephone company will
notify you as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it
is necessary.
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures that could affect the
operation of the equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will provide advance notice so you can make
necessary modifications to maintain uninterrupted service.
Connection to party line service is subject to state tariffs. Contact the state public utility commission, public service
commission or corporation commission for information.
If your building has specially wired alarm equipment connected to the telephone line, ensure the installation of your
Telephone Interface does not disable your alarm equipment. If you have questions about what would disable alarm
equipment, consult your telephone company or a qualified installer.
FCC Part 15 – The TIF-401 generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. This equipment has been
tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device as applicable, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in both residential and
commercial installations. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and the affected receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Because your Telephone Interface complies with the tight FCC Part 15 Class B guidelines,
it is unlikely to interfere with your wireless microphones or other sound equipment.

5
Quick Start Guide – Basic Hookup
The best way to get familiar with your Telephone
Interface is to use it. This Quick Start Guide takes you
through the basic connections, and then shows how to operate
the most-used features. You may skip this section and
proceed directly to the Installation Guide if desired.
To set up your TIF-401 for this run-through, you’ll need a
standard desk telephone, a live phone jack, two telephone
cords, some AC outlets, and a line-level audio source (CD
player, etc.). A screwdriver is the only tool needed.
MIC IN LINE
IN
GROUND
AUX 1
IN
AUX 2
IN
16 VAC POWER LINE
OUT
COMPRESS
OUT
PHONE
LINE 4
PHONE
LINE 3
PHONE
LINE 2
PHONE
LINE 1
MONITOR
PHONE
REQUEST
RLY
RING
RLY
FCC-68 Reg. #:
US:8T5BR07BTIF401
Complies w/FCC
Part 15, Class B
Step 1. Attach the included green cord to the GROUND terminal. Plug the other end into a grounded AC outlet.
Step 2. Plug the cable from the included AC adapter
here. Plug the other end into a free AC outlet.
Step 3.
Plug the cord from your telephone
into the MONITOR PHONE jack.
Step 4.
Plug your telephone line
into one of the PHONE
LINE jacks (for this Quick
Start example, please use
the PHONE LINE 1 jack).
Step 5.
Plug your audio source into the LINE IN jack (if your
source is stereo, use either channel for now).

6
Quick Start Guide – Beginning Operation
Now you’re ready to try out your Telephone Interface:
Power Up – Find the power switch at the far right of the panel.
Monitor Phone – The telephone you connected to the MONITOR PHONE jack allows you
to answer and screen calls.
•Pick up its handset – you’ll hear a dial tone. You could place a call this way if you
desire. The TIF-401 “wakes up” with LINE #1 “monitored” (routed to the Monitor
Phone). Since your phone line is plugged into LINE #1 jack, you’re now on that line.
•Press another line’s MONITOR button – LINE #1’s MONITOR LED goes out, and the
LED for the other line illuminates. The phone goes dead, because only LINE 1 has
a live phone line plugged in at this time.
•Press the same MONITOR button again – its LED goes out. You can select any one
line to monitor – or none at all.
Each line of your Telephone Interface features an identical set of three buttons and five
lights. You can perform any function on any of your lines.
Answering a call – Have an assistant call your number from a “remote phone” (on
another line). You can try this yourself with a cell phone. The Telephone Interface
automatically switches the Monitor Phone to the ringing line (in this case, LINE 1), and it
starts ringing. Simply pick up your Monitor Phone’s receiver to answer.
Next, you’ll connect the caller to your audio source. Please start the source playing, and
then continue:
Connecting the caller – Press Line #1’s CONNECT button. This connects the remote
phone to the audio from your source. The associated CONNECT LED illuminates, and
you’ll hear your source playing through both the Monitor Phone and the remote phone.
Cradle the Monitor Phone, and your party remains connected to the program.
Line Release – Hang up the remote phone. After a few seconds, the CONNECT light goes
out. The line is now available for another call.
CONNECT
RING
LINE #1
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
AUTO ANSWER
Compress
Tx Rx
Power
COC
RING

7
Quick Start Guide – Automatic Answering & Connection
When it’s inconvenient or impossible to have someone answer and connect calls, the TIF-
401 can do it for you. Try out the AUTO ANSWER feature next:
Select Auto Answer – Press the AUTO ANSWER button. Its LED illuminates. In this
mode, the TIF-401 automatically connects to ringing lines. When in Auto Answer mode,
the monitor feature defaults to OFF (you can still select a line to monitor, but it won’t
automatically switch to the ringing line as before). To cancel Auto Answer, just press its
button again.
Auto-answering – With Auto Answer ON, call in from the remote phone. The line’s RING
LED illuminates. At the end of three rings, the TIF-401 automatically connects.
Whether automatically or manually answering, you can manage calls the same way:
Conversing with a caller – To check on a connected caller on any line, first select that
line (press that line’s MONITOR button if not already ON). Then pick up the Monitor Phone.
You’ll hear your outgoing program as they’re still connected. To remove the program so
you can speak with the caller, press that line’s CONNECT button. To resume the program,
press it again before cradling the Monitor Phone.
To keep a party on the line – Either keep them connected to the
program, or have them on the Monitor Phone. The CONNECT
function and Monitor Phone act like “extensions” on a particular
line. As long as either is active, the call on that line stays alive.
Line Release – Hang up the remote phone. After a few seconds, the CONNECT light
extinguishes, and the line becomes free.
Disconnecting a call – After you say “Goodbye” to a caller who’s not connected to the
program, simply cradle the Monitor Phone.
CONNECT
RING
LINE #4
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
AUTO ANSWER
Compress
Tx Rx
Power
CONNECT
RING LINE #1
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
either
both

8
Quick Start Guide – Two-Way Hookup
If you plan on your callers only listening to your program,
you can now place your TIF-401 into regular use. Refer to the
Installation pages in this manual as well as the Operation Card
as needed. However, the TIF-401 is also capable of two-way
operation – callers can actively participate in your program. To
get familiar with how this works, continue below.
When a caller is recognized and speaks a comment, their
voice appears at theTIF-401’s LINE OUT jack. To allow your
on-site audience to hear their speech, normally you’d connect
this output to an available input on your PA system’s mixer.
For this test, any sort of audio amplifier and speaker will do.
This could be a stereo system with an AUX input, a pair of
amplified “computer” speakers, or a small musical instrument
amplifier. Starting with the same hookup shown on Page 5,
add the connection to your amplifier as shown below. We also
recommend you have a willing assistant at a separate land-line
phone away from your sound system to help you try out the
two-way features:
MIC IN LINE
IN
GROUND
AUX 1
IN
AUX 2
IN
16 VAC POWER LINE
OUT
COMPRESS
OUT
PHONE
LINE 4
PHONE
LINE 3
PHONE
LINE 2
PHONE
LINE 1
MONITOR
PHONE
FCC-68 Reg. #:
US:8T5BR07BTIF401
Complies w/FCC
Part 15, Class B
Step 1.
Attach a cable with a RCA plug
to the LINE OUT jack. Plug the
other end into your amplifier.
Step 2. Set your amplifier’s volume control all the way down, and switch it ON.
OR
Y- Adapter
To Amplifier RCA to 1/8” stereo
mini-jack adapter
To amplified
“computer”
speakers
REQUEST
RLY
RING
RLY

9
Quick Start Guide – Two-Way Operation
Here’s how a remote participant can make comments:
Connect a Caller – Have your assistant call in from the remote phone and get connected
to the program. Either use the AUTO ANSWER feature or connect manually.
Request from a Caller – The TIF-401 is factory set to recognize the “#” key for comment
requests, though you can choose a different button. When a caller wishes to make a
comment, they press this key. To try this now, pause any music, etc. you have been
playing and then have your assistant press “#” on their remote phone. You’ll see the
REQUEST LED for Line #1 blink. It keeps blinking for ten seconds so you won’t miss it.
Enable a Comment – The normal mode for your remote lines is they listen to the program
being transmitted. Any noise coming from their end (for example, if they’re using a
speakerphone and a baby cries) is not received for your sound system. However,
pressing the appropriate line’s COMMENT button allows reception. Then when the remote
caller speaks their voice appears at the LINE OUT jack, allowing your on-site audience to
hear. As long as the Comment feature is engaged, the remote user can carry out a two-
way conversation with on-site participants. You need not hold in the COMMENT button
while the caller speaks, nor cycle this feature ON and OFF to manage a two-way dialog.
The TIF-401 handles the details just as a speakerphone would, automatically.
To try this feature, press the LINE #1 COMMENT button. The associated LED
illuminates. While your assistant speaks into the remote phone, slowly increase the
volume on your sound system or amplifier. You’ll hear their voice. If you were to try this
yourself using a nearby phone, you may experience the characteristic sound of “feedback”
or “echo”, because the remote phone is picking up sound from your on-site loudspeaker.
Completed Comment – When your caller stops speaking, the Telephone Interface
automatically switches back to transmitting the program. After the comment or
conversation has concluded, you can press their line’s COMMENT button again to cancel
comment mode.
This concludes the Quick Start Guide. Now you can appreciate what your Telephone Interface can do,
and see how it connects to your phone lines and your other equipment. To place your Telephone Interface
into regular use, please refer to the Installation and Reference Guides in this manual, as well as the
Operation and Caller Instruction cards.
CONNECT
RING
LINE #1
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
AUTO ANSWER
Compress
Tx Rx
Power
COC
RING

10
Installation Guide – Telephone Jacks
Your Telephone Interface handles up to four lines. These can be shared with phones,
however we recommend you keep one line free for emergency calls. Don’t connect that
line to your Telephone Interface. If your lines already have RJ-11 phone jacks, connect
them to your Telephone Interface using ordinary phone cords. If you need to install jacks,
find them at a hardware store or home center. They’re not difficult to install.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, either unplug your phone lines at the
building’s network interface (if equipped), or leave one telephone on each line “off
hook” while wiring your new jacks.
Each telephone line is a pair of wires individually named tip and ring. The ring wire
carries -48 volts D.C. when phones are idle. The tip wire is near ground potential.
Although phone jacks have four wires, only the first pair – red (ring) and green (tip) – is
used by single-line phones (as well as the TIF-401, which has four single-line jacks).
If each of your telephone lines ends in a single pair cable (as shown below), simply
connect its red and green wires to the corresponding terminals of the jack:
If your wiring uses two-pair cables, the four colors are red, green, yellow, and black.
Wire each of the two pairs to its own jack as shown below:
Telephone
cable
Pair 2
Pair 1
832
-
1234
832
-
1234
832
-
5678
832
-
5678
GRN
RED
RED
GRN
RED
GRN
YEL
BLK
Telephone
line
832
-
1234
832
-
1234
RED
RED
GRN
GRN

11
Larger installations may use 5-pair cables. The “standard” colors for each pair is
shown below. Be careful to keep each pair to itself.
Tip – After wiring each phone jack,
plug in a telephone and check for dial
tone. Then use that phone to call a
nearby cell phone -- its Caller ID display
identifies your line’s telephone number.
Label each jack with its number.
Mounting –The TIF-401 fits into one 19" rack space. It needs no support beyond the
panel mounting screws. Place it where the operator can reach it, as well as one rack
space away from heat-generating gear such as power amplifiers.
Installation Guide – Utility Connections
All installations use the following:
Power – Locate the included AC Adapter. Plug its cord into the Telephone Interface’s
POWER jack. Plug the adapter into a 120 VAC outlet. If desired, you may use a switched
outlet strip to power your Telephone Interface along with other equipment.
Ground – Your Telephone Interface includes phone line surge protection. This limits
electrical surges from the telephone lines traveling through your Telephone Interface to
your sound equipment. Any effective surge protection must provide an alternative path for
surge currents to go. You provide this path by connecting the included green cord
between the GROUND terminal on your Telephone Interface and a grounded AC outlet.
Use either a nearby wall outlet or an outlet on the power strip feeding your sound gear.
Telephone Lines – Connect your lines to the rear-panel PHONE LINE inputs starting with
#1. Often, multiple lines are set up as a hunt group, which diverts calls from a busy line to
the next available line. In that case, we suggest matching the order of the lines in the hunt
group to the #1, #2, etc. order on the Telephone Interface. With any line including DSL
Internet service, install a DSL filter between that jack and your Telephone Interface.
Tip – You may wish to label your phone lines on a blank panel placed immediately above or below your
Telephone Interface, as shown here:
Monitor Phone – Connect any standard telephone set to this jack using a phone cord.
You’ll use this phone to answer calls, screen calls, and assist callers.
Pair # Tip
wire colors:
Ring
wire colors:
Line 1 White with blue stripes Blue with white stripes
Line 2 White with orange stripes Orange with white stripes
Line 3 White with green stripes Green with white stripes
Line 4 White with brown stripes Brown with white stripes
Line 5 White with grey stripes Grey with white stripes
CONNECT
RING
LINE
#
1
MONITOR
COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE
#
2
MONITOR
COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE
#
3
MONITOR
COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE
#4
MONITOR
COMMENT
REQUEST
832
-
1234
832
-
5678
832
-
9012

12
Installation Guide – Rear Panel Diagram
`
FCC-68 Reg. #:
US:8T5BR07BTIF401
Complies w/FCC
Part 15, Class B
MIC IN LINE
IN
GROUND
AUX 1
IN
AUX 2
IN
16 VAC POWER LINE
OUT
COMPRESS
OUT
PHONE
LINE 4
PHONE
LINE 3
PHONE
LINE 2
PHONE
LINE 1
MONITOR
PHONE
REQUEST
RLY
RING
RLY
Telephone Line Jacks 1 – 4
Connect up to four telephone
line cords with RJ-11 plugs.
1
2
3
1 – Ground (Shield)
2 – White wire
3 – Black wire
Provides sound pickup for small
groups. Lo-Z, balanced XLR.
Standard microphone wiring:
Microphone Input Jack
Provides program
pickup from your
sound system.
Connect an un-
balanced, line level
feed from your
mixer.
Line Input Jack
This jack provides a level-
compressed version of your
program from the LINE IN or MIC
IN jacks. Connect a FM
transmitter for your hearing-
impaired attendees to this output.
To avoid feedback, don’t feed this
output to your mixer or amplifier.
Compress Output Jack
Outputs your telephone
participants’ speech.
Connect to an available
LINE or AUX input on your
mixer (large groups), or an
amplified “computer”
speaker (small groups).
Line Output Jack
Power
Jack
Plug in the
AC adapter
(included).
Ground Terminal
Provides telephone line surge
protection. Use the included
green cord to connect to a
grounded AC outlet.
Connect any line-level
sources for mixing with the
telephone voice appearing
at Line Out. Use as pass-
through inputs to conserve
channels on your mixer.
Auxiliary Input Jacks
Contact closures signal
when an incoming call
rings, and when a caller
requests attention. Wire
in series with lights or
other signaling devices.
Warning: Handles low
voltage only (28V, 0.5A).
Relay Outputs
Monitor Phone Jack
Plug in a standard
telephone here to
greet / screen calls.

13
Installation Guide – Audio Connections
Make these connections to a sound system for large audience coverage:
Line In – Your callers hear the audio you provide at the LINE IN jack. Connect a feed of
your program to this input. This feed is usually available as an “Auxiliary Output” at your
sound system’s microphone mixer.
If your sound system has an “integrated amplifier” or a “powered mixer”, examine its
rear panel for a suitable output. If there’s an RCA jack labeled “Auxiliary Output”, “To Tape
Recorder”, etc., this should work fine. If not, your amplifier may have an “EQ or Effects
Loop” – a pair of jacks possibly labeled “Mixer Out” and “Power Amp In”. You’ll find these
jacks either jumpered together or wired to your equalizer if equipped. By inserting a Y-
adapter into this loop, you can tap your mixed program to feed the Telephone Interface.
If you can’t find any line-level output on your sound system, please call us for help.
Line Out – When callers are recognized and speak, their voice appears at the LINE OUT
jack. Connect to an available line-level input at your sound system’s mixer. If your mixer’s
line inputs are all taken by existing sources, try passing one of them through the TIF-401’s
AUX Input(s) -- see bottom of page 14.
Make these connections for use with a small group (no sound system in use):
Microphone In – Use this option without a sound system, or when
your sound system isn’t needed. Plugging a microphone into this
jack allows callers to hear whatever it picks up. Use a good-quality
microphone with a balanced, low-impedance output and cable.
The MIC IN jack provides “phantom power” for use with condenser
microphones. Dynamic microphones are also suitable. For
applications where you place a microphone in the midst of a
conference, consider using a boundary mic. These lie flat on a
table, or can be mounted on a wall or ceiling. The surface the
boundary microphone sets on becomes part of the process, gathering sound for pickup.
As a result, voices several feet away are heard clearly, with less “echo” than with
conventional microphones. A Crown PZM is an excellent boundary microphone. Another
fine choice is the CAD model ST-100. You can also use a handheld microphone, a stand
microphone, or a wireless mic. If your microphone has a high-Z output and ¼” unbalanced
plug, use a ¼” to XLR adapter (such as Radio Shack # 274-017). When using a wireless
microphone, set your wireless receiver for a “microphone level” output.
Place the mic in the midst of your group so everyone is within range.
When using the MIC input for the first time, adjust its gain by following the procedure on
page 16. The MIC gain is factory set to zero, thus the MIC input won’t work otherwise.

14
Installation Guide – Audio Connections (Continued)
Automatic MIC-LINE Switching – Even when your
TIF-401’s LINE IN jack is connected to a sound
mixer’s output, you can still plug a microphone into
the MIC IN jack. Whenever the Telephone Interface
senses that the sound system is inactive (no signal
at its LINE IN jack for 20 consecutive seconds), it
automatically switches to its MIC IN jack. Thus,
you’re free to use the Telephone Interface with large
groups (using your sound system’s mics), or small
ones (where the only microphone in use is that
plugged into the Telephone Interface).
Line Out – When callers are recognized and speak, their voice appears at the LINE OUT
jack. To allow on-site participants to hear the remote comments, connect this output to
any sound amplifier and speaker. You can use amplified computer speakers, a
component stereo amplifier and speakers, or a small musical instrument amplifier. Use
whatever cables and adapters are needed to facilitate the connection. For example, if
using amplified computer speakers, please see the diagram on Page 8. No amplifier or
speaker is needed if you’re not planning on taking phone comments.
Installation Guide – Optional Connections
The following connections are optional for any application:
Compress Out – This provides a compressed version of the mixed
program you provide at the LINE input (when active), or the on-site
speech received from the MIC input. If your sound system includes a
low-power FM transmitter for hearing-impaired attendees, connect its
audio input here. The COMPRESS output’s consistent level provides
better results than would a direct feed from your mixer. Bass
response is rolled off at this output for best speech intelligibility.
Caution – Because this output includes the program feed from your mixer (supplied
at the LINE IN jack), never run it back into your mixer! Use this output only for devices
otherwise independent from your sound system.
AUX In – Two AUX Inputs accept line-level sources, which then mix with the callers’
speech available at the LINE OUT jack. Use these to “pass through” sources to your
sound system while saving your mixer’s AUX or LINE inputs. These inputs mix stereo
sources to mono without paralleling (as would happen with a “Y” adapter). Note that the
pass-through from AUX IN to LINE OUT only functions when the TIF-401 is powered on.
LI
NE
IN
MIC IN goes live whenever LINE
IN remains quiet for 20 seconds.
MIC IN

15
Mic gated ON
Installation Guide – Wiring Relay Signaling Contacts
The REQUEST and RING Relay contacts allow your Telephone Interface to operate a
remote signaling device whenever a caller makes a request, or a phone line rings
(respectively). Here’s how to use these features. The REQUEST Relay terminals are
shown connected below; you can wire the RING Relay terminals the same way.
Wire the relay contacts directly in series with a low voltage power source and a signaling
device, as shown above. The green connector unplugs from the Telephone Interface
should you prefer to wire it separately. Pull straight out to unplug.
For power, use a “bell transformer” or any “wall-wart” power cube rated up to 28 volts AC
or DC. You can find power adaptors at electronics or surplus supply stores.
You can operate a lamp, bell, or other device with the same voltage rating as the power
source, using up to 0.5 ampere current (or the rating of the power source if less). Be sure
to observe polarity for DC devices. A 12 volt DC LED light bar, such as the Wolo model
LTB10 (JC Whitney #ZX157504X, or at many auto parts stores) makes a good visual
signal. This uses approx. 400mA at 12VDC. If you prefer an audible indication, a doorbell
might serve well. Whatever signaling device you choose, locate it where those who need
to see or hear it can easily do so.
Installation Guide – Using A Gated Microphone Mixer
A gated mixer automatically shuts off unused microphones, reducing
background noise and feedback. We highly recommend using one. However,
we also suggest leaving one microphone ON at all times for the benefit of your
telephone listeners. Most gated mixers can accommodate both these goals.
Depending upon the model of gated mixer you have, try one of these settings:
•“Force ON” (disable gating of) the microphone channel that’s used
the most (typically the “main” or “chairman’s” mic)
•Set the mixer for “Last mic ON” (the previously used channel
remains live until sound triggers a new channel)
RING
RLY
REQUEST
RLY
Power
Adapter
12 VDC
—
+
+
—

16
Installation Guide – Adjusting Mic & Line Transmit Gains
Adjust the LINE and/or MIC gains immediately after installation:
•The MIC gain is factory set to zero – you need to set it when first used. Adjust the MIC gain to
accommodate the sensitivity and usage of a microphone connected to the MIC IN jack.
•The LINE IN gain is factory set to accept an ordinary level at the LINE IN jack. Adjust the LINE gain
to accommodate the level of your sound system’s mixer.
Correctly adjusted, incoming sound reaches the ideal input range shown on the graph
below. Then the TIF-401 maintains its ideal output range as shown. The Compress
LED responds to sounds within the ideal range, which helps you find the correct settings.
Make either adjustment at the front panel, using a fine slot screwdriver.
MIC Gain Adjustment – Set up your microphone as used normally. Have someone speak
(reading a book works well) at a typical distance from the mic. Watch the Compress LED:
•If the LED remains dark, increase the MIC gain by turning the screw clockwise. The LED should
blink in sync with the “peaks” of any deliberate speech.
•If the LED lights continuously for speech, or blinks at all for background noise, the MIC gain is set too
high. Reduce it by turning the screw counterclockwise.
LINE Gain Adjustment – Set up your sound system with its most-used microphone.
While someone speaks into this mic, adjust your sound system’s volume for good
auditorium listening. Then, watch the Compress LED at your Telephone Interface:
•If the LED remains dark, increase the LINE gain by turning the screw clockwise. The LED should
blink with program peaks when your auditorium level is comfortable. It’s OK for the Compress LED
to light continuously when playing music, etc. at levels higher than normal speech.
•If the LED blinks for background sound levels in your auditorium, reduce the LINE gain by turning the
adjustment counterclockwise.
Tip – It’s easier to tell when the gain is too low than when it’s too high. Try decreasing the
gain until the Compress LED goes dark, and then increase it slowly as directed.
Compress
Tx Rx
MIC Gain Adjustment –
Adjusts the sensitivity
of the microphone
connected to the MIC
IN jack.
LINE Gain Adjustment –
Adjusts the sensitivity of
the LINE IN jack, thus
its response to your
program sound input.
Sound before Compression
O
u
t
p
u
t
S
o
u
n
d
Compress
LED
(Blinks)
(Stead )
Id
eal
Output
Range
Ideal
Input
Range

17
Installation Guide – Interconnecting Two TIF-401s
Two units can be installed to handle up to eight telephone lines. Each unit needs its own power, ground, and monitor phone (we suggest
using a two-line phone). Don’t try to adapt one single-line phone to the two MONITOR PHONE jacks, as that could short two lines
together. Make identical audio connections to both units using “Y” adapters as shown. Each unit operates independently, working its
respective phone lines.
MIC IN LINE
IN
GROUND
AUX 1
IN
AUX 2
IN
16 VAC POWER LINE
OUT
COMPRESS
OUT
PHONE
LINE 4
PHONE
LINE 3
PHONE
LINE 2
PHONE
LINE 1
MONITOR
PHONE
REQUEST
RLY
RING
RLY
MIC IN LINE
IN
GROUND
AUX 1
IN
AUX 2
IN
16 VAC POWER LINE
OUT
COMPRESS
OUT
PHONE
LINE 4
PHONE
LINE 3
PHONE
LINE 2
PHONE
LINE 1
MONITOR
PHONE
REQUEST
RLY
RING
RLY
To Signaling
Circuit (if used)
Monitor
Phone 2
Ground Phone Lines 5 -- 8
Phone Lines 1 -- 4
Monitor
Phone 1
Ground
To FM
Transmitter
(if used)
On-site program
Mic / Line inputs
To Mixer or
Am
plifier
Power
Power
(Connect AUX
inputs similarly
if used)

18
Reference – Troubleshooting
If you experience any difficulty with your Telephone Interface, please use the following
suggestions to work the problem and find out what’s wrong.
Power – Is all your equipment powered ON? Someone may have inadvertently switched
OFF a component. Test outlets with a lamp or voltmeter. If the TIF-401’s POWER LED doesn’t
light and yet you’ve confirmed that power is available, please see Service and Warranty, Page 22.
Sound – Watch the Compress LED while on-site participants speak. If
it remains dark, the Telephone Interface is not finding enough level at
its MIC or LINE inputs. Continue below to resolve this problem:
•Inputs – Check that the LINE input is connected to the AUX output of your
sound system’s mixer. Be sure that this cable is fully inserted at both ends – if not, it can pick up
“hum” which in turn deactivates the MIC input. If using a microphone, inspect its cable at both ends.
If your microphone has a switch and/or is battery powered, check these.
•Gain Adjustments – Are callers having difficulty hearing the program? If only one caller is affected,
it could be their telephone or line. Otherwise, adjust the MIC or LINE gains (as appropriate),
according to the procedure on page 16. Note that if either of these adjustments is set to zero (fully
counterclockwise), the associated input won’t work.
Comments – Missed comment requests, and/or trouble hearing comments are usually
caused by excessive on-site noise. Keep your room or auditorium reasonably quiet while
waiting for comment requests, also while a two-way phone discussion is proceeding.
When comments aren’t audible over your sound system, check
the associated level control at your mixer. 
If that’s OK, watch the Tx and Rx LEDs while the caller speaks. If
your Telephone Interface remains stuck transmitting, listen for and reduce on-
site noises -- such as microphone handling -- that the TIF-401 might mistake
for speech. If only one caller is affected:
•They may be using their phone’s speaker (have them try the handset).
•They might have their phone on mute.
•They simply need to speak more loudly.
If problems with comments persist, try slightly reducing the gain of the input in use (MIC or LINE) –
please see page 16.
If you hear “hum” and/or the COMPRESS LED lights when you advance your mixer’s level
control for phone comments, make sure you have wired your TIF-401’s LINE output (not its
COMPRESS output!) to your mixer input – see bottom of page 14 .
Phone Lines – The TIF-401 tests each phone line for continuity. If any CONNECT LED
doesn’t remain illuminated when you attempt to connect a line, that line is either not
plugged in or is out of order. Try connecting a standard telephone set (such as your
Monitor Phone) to the suspect line as a test. If the line tests good but your TIF-401 doesn’t
recognize it, try another phone cord. If all your tests point to your Telephone Interface as causing the
problem, please see Service and Warranty, Page 22.
Tx CompressRx
Tx CompressRx

19
Reference – Changing Your Comment Request Key
Your TIF-401 comes factory set to recognize callers pressing their “#” button for comment
requests. You can set this to another button if desired. The usual reason for setting a
different key is to resolve any conflict with devices or services already using the “#” key.
To set a new Comment Request key, you’ll need a phone line connected to your TIF-401,
and a nearby telephone (on another line) you can use to call in. Follow this procedure:
•Power ON the Telephone Interface.
•Press all four white COMMENT buttons simultaneously to enter the Set mode. You’ll
see the REQUEST LEDs blink in a “chase light” pattern to confirm Set mode.
•Using your nearby phone, call into any available line and press its CONNECT button
to answer (the diagram below assumes you’re calling LINE #1).
•Press the desired key on the telephone you’re calling from.
The “chase light” LED pattern stops to indicate that your
choice has been programmed into the Telephone Interface.
•Press the active CONNECT button to disconnect the call.
•If you make a mistake, simply follow this procedure again.
The key you set is stored indefinitely until you choose another one. It applies to comment
requests from any line, regardless of which line you used to set it.
Choose the desired key
using the keypad of your
calling phone.
CONNECT
RING
LINE #1
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE #2
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE #4
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE #3
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE #1
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE #2
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE #3
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST
CONNECT
RING
LINE #4
MONITOR COMMENT
REQUEST