Clear-Com FreeSpeak II User manual

Page 1399G109 Rev C 08/07/15
A FreeSpeak II (FS II) transceiver/antenna forms the transmission link between the FS II beltpacks and the
FS II Base station or Matrix card. You can use multiple units to create larger, customized coverage areas. It
communicates with the following components:
•The FSII Base station, either directly or via a PD2203 splitter
•An Eclipse HX matrix via the Eclipse E-Que card rear panel either directly or via a PD2203 splitter
Note: For more information about the system see the FreeSpeak II User Guide.
Installing the transceiver/antenna
The unit has two methods of fixing:
•Three screw points for mounting on a flat surface (see dimension drawing on next page).
•Two microphone stand connectors, 3/8 in and 5/8 in.
Connecting the transceiver/antenna
1)
C
onnect the base/matrix connector to a Base
station or splitter using Ethernet shielded cable
(CAT5/5e/6).
Note: You can also connect the antenna to
an Eclipse HX matrix. For more
information, see the Eclipse HX
documentation.
2) Ensure that the power supply is connected to
the DC power connector. The LED indicates
that power is present. This will be green on 1.9
GHz devices, and blue on 2.4 GHz devices.
3) Ensure that the amber data status LED is lit
and is not flashing.
The transceiver/antenna is now ready to use.
Quick
Start
Guide
FreeSpeak II™ transceiver/antenna
Microphone stand
connectors (3/8
and 5/8 inch)
Mounting holes
Mounting holes
Mounting holes
USB
connector
Base/matrix
connector DC power connector Status
Mode

Quick Start Guide |FreeSpeak II™ transceiver/antenna
Page 2399G109 Rev C 08/07/15
Beltpack support capacities for transceiver/antennas
Each transceiver/antenna can support five beltpacks within one coverage zone. With the
omnidirectional antennas, the coverage pattern is circular, with a maximum range of up to 250
meters (800 feet), but with typical range between 50 meters and 150 meters – depending on the
environment in which it is installed.
The proprietary technology within FS II permits the beltpack user to go between coverage zones
created by different transceiver/antennas connected to the Base station, and for the system to hand
over the communication between beltpack and Base station from one transceiver/antenna to the
next one. Thus, a larger, customizable communications area may be designed.
When designing the system, determine how many beltpack users will be in or passing through a
given coverage zone. For five or fewer users, place one transceiver/antenna in the center of that
area. For between 6 and 10 users, place two transceiver/antennas next to each other, both with a
direct connection to the FS II Base station or splitter. In larger systems – approaching 20 beltpacks
– you are recommended to allow one transceiver/antenna for every 3 to 4 users to ensure smooth
handoffs between transceiver/antennas. It is good practice to have each beltpack “seeing” two or
more antennas, so a minimum of two antennas in any system is to be considered.
If a sixth beltpack user goes into a coverage zone with only one transceiver/antenna, and that user
is out of range from another transceiver/antenna, it will lose connection with the system. This is
because the transceiver/antenna has a maximum capacity of five beltpacks at a time. If one of the
existing users in that coverage area turns off a beltpack or leaves the area, then the sixth beltpack
will find an open slot and will be reconnected with the system.
Transceiver/antenna placement and coverage
Note: The radiated pattern is omni-directional. You can mount the transceiver/antenna units horizontally or
vertically.
Consider the following points:
•Try to separate units by at least
1m.
•Keep units high and line-of-sight.
However, lower placements away
from interfering objects can be
beneficial.
•Keep them away from larger
metallic objects and surfaces, and
from lighting trusses.
•Antenna coverage is circular so
put the units in the center of the
area in which coverage is
required.
•When overlapping the coverage
zones of transceiver/antennas to
create larger continuous coverage areas, test the in-between areas with a beltpack for
potential areas of low RF signal, and adjust the positioning of the antennas as required.
•Because of potential body shielding during movement, it is useful to place two
transceiver/antennas in different locations within larger working areas to minimize low-
level signals and potential signal dropouts.
Going between a larger area and a corridor via a door, especially a heavy or shielded one, or
where the walls are thick, place a second antenna in the corridor near the doorway to assure
continuous coverage.
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