Clear-Com FreeSpeak II Integra User manual

User Guide
FreeSpeak II Integra
User Guide
Eclipse HX 10.0 and above
Part Number: 399G262 Rev A
Date: July 31, 2018

User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
Document reference
FreeSpeak II Integra User Guide
399G262 Rev A
Legal disclaimers
Copyright © 2018 HME Clear-Com LtdHME Clear-Com Ltd
All rights reserved
Clear-Com, the Clear-Com logo, and Clear-Com Concert are trademarks or
registered trademarks of HM Electronics, Inc.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement
and may be used only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
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.
Clear-Com Offices are located in California, USA; Cambridge, UK; Dubai, UAE;
Montreal, Canada; and Beijing, China. Specific addresses and contact information
can be found on Clear-Com’s corporate website: www.clearcom.com
Clear-Com contacts:
Americas and Asia-Pacific Headquarters
California, United States
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Europe, Middle East, and Africa Headquarters
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
China Office
Beijing Representative Office
Beijing, P.R. China
Tel: [phone]
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
Table of contents
1 Important Safety instructions 5
1.1 Safety symbols 6
2 Introduction to FreeSpeak II® 7
2.1 An FS II communication system 7
2.2 FreeSpeak II with an FSII Transceiver (1.9 and 2.4) 11
2.3 FreeSpeak II with an FSII IP Transceiver 11
2.4 FSII 1.9 GHz/FSII 2.4 GHz 13
2.5 National Radio Carrier Frequencies 14
3 Installing a system 16
3.1 Installing and removing an E-IPA-HX card 16
3.2 Adding an E-IPA-HX card to the software 16
3.3 Adding the E-Que card for an FS II transceiver or splitter to the matrix 17
3.4 Connecting to transceivers 20
4 Operating the wireless beltpack 23
4.1 Overview of the wireless beltpack 23
4.2 Beltpack user controls 26
4.3 Using the beltpack 31
5 Programming on the beltpack 37
5.1 Introduction to programming on the beltpack 37
5.2 Configuring the beltpack volume settings 39
5.3 Configuring the beltpack headset 41
5.4 Configuring the beltpack microphone 42
5.5 Configuring the beltpack display and LEDs 43
5.6 Configuring the beltpack alarm options 44
5.7 Selecting the beltpack role default set 47
5.8 Selecting the beltpack administration 47
5.9 Setting the listen again option 48
5.10 Control audio on keys C & D (beltpack)(advanced menu option only) 49
5.11 Accessing beltpack information 50
5.12 Setting display mode 50
5.13 Setting system connect 50
5.14 Enabling over the air (OTA) registration mode from a beltpack 51
5.15 Performing a site survey 52
6 Operating the FS II IP Transceiver (IPT) 53
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
6.1 FS II IP Transceiver 53
7 Operating the FS II Transceiver 75
7.1 FS II Transceiver 75
8 Transceiver splitter (PD2203) 92
8.1 PD2203 Front connector panel 92
8.2 Matrix connection indicator light 92
8.3 Matrix connector 92
8.4 Splitter-to-transceiver signal indicator light 93
8.5 Transceiver connectors 93
8.6 PD2203 rear panel 93
8.7 Serial data connector 93
8.8 Power Indicator 94
8.9 DC IN power connector 94
8.10 EXP IN connector 94
8.11 EXP OUT connector 94
8.12 Connecting a transceiver splitter 94
9 Specifications 95
9.1 FreeSpeak II Beltpack 95
9.2 FreeSpeak II IP Transceiver 96
9.3 FreeSpeak II Transceiver 96
9.4 FreeSpeak II Transceiver Splitter 97
9.5 Transmission Method 97
9.6 Notice about specifications 98
10 Regulatory compliance 99
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
1 Important Safety instructions
lRead these instructions.
lKeep these instructions.
lHeed all warnings.
lFollow all instructions.
lDo not use this apparatus near water.
lClean only with dry cloth.
lDo not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
lDo not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
lDo not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or
the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit
into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
lProtect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
lOnly use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
lUse only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
lUnplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
lRefer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when
the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-cord supply or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
lUse only chargers provided by HME/Clear-Com to charge the battery packs or
beltpacks. These include:
lBAT60 Battery pack and beltpack charger manufactured by HME/Clear-
Com
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
lUSB Charger model PA1015-050SIB200/PA1015-1SI/ PA1015-
1SI050200 provided by HME/Clear-Com with your beltpack.
lThis product uses Lithium Ion Batteries which can be a fire hazard, if used
improperly. Use only HME/Clear-Com supplied BAT60 or equivalent battery
packs to ensure safe operation of the beltpack.
lWhen using AA Batteries follow all safety instructions from manufacturer. Do
not mix different battery chemistries. When depleted, replace all batteries.
lThe in-beltpack USB charging feature has only been tested utilizing USB2.0
port.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to
rain or moisture.
1.1 Safety symbols
Familiarize yourself with the 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.
Note: For compliance notices, see Regulatory compliance on page 99.
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
2 Introduction to FreeSpeak II®
With a FreeSpeak II (FS II) wireless beltpack you can roam freely around a site or
facility while talking and listening to all, or selected, members of the production
team. With its four communication routes, the beltpack gives you the flexibility to
communicate quickly and seamlessly with individuals or groups, and to change
communication routes as often as needed.
With FS II you can set up a wireless system specifically tailored to local needs by
locating transceivers and beltpacks in areas where they are needed most. And
because the beltpacks operate in the unlicensed 1.90 and 2.4 GHz frequency
spectrum, there is no interference with existing wireless systems, even those
located in the same area.
FreeSpeak II offers a choice of two transceivers:
lFS II transceiver that operates using E1 digital transmission
lFS II IP transceiver (IPT) that leverages your existing IP infrastructure for
convenience and ease of installation.
With FreeSpeak II Integra, wireless beltpack users can communicate with any
Eclipse HX panel users on a one-to-one or group basis.
Note: This User Guide covers the use of FS II with a matrix only (FS II Integra). For more
information on running an FS II system with a Base station, please see FreeSpeak II
User Guide, Base Station Version.
To use FreeSpeak II with a matrix, the matrix must be equipped with
lE-IPA-HX cards for connection to FS II IP transceivers
lE-Que cards in transceiver or splitter mode for connection to FS II
transceivers.
The system must be configured using the Eclipse HX Configuration Software. For
more detail, please refer to the Eclipse HX Configuration Software User Guide.
Note: You cannot configure FreeSpeak and FreeSpeak II on the same Eclipse matrix. If
you attempt to do so, the Eclipse HX Configuration Software displays a warning.
2.1 An FS II communication system
An FS II system consists of three main elements:
lThe wireless beltpacks.
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
lAn Eclipse HX matrix (Omega, Median or Delta) with an E-IPA-HX card or E-
Que card.
lThe transceiver network that provide custom coverage zones in which
beltpacks can operate. Beltpacks can roam freely between coverage zones.
FS II also includes a drop-in battery charger for the beltpack Li-Ion batteries. You
can conveniently charge the battery by placing the whole beltpack into the charger,
or by placing individual batteries into the charger.
FS II operates using a cellular network of transceivers located around a working
environment. The transceivers connect to the matrix via an E-IPA-HX or E-Que card
installed on the matrix. Each transceiver provides an area or cell in which up to ten
full-duplex beltpacks can operate.
Beltpacks can roam among and between cells without disconnecting because each
beltpack continually detects which transceiver has the strongest available signal.
When the signal from a transceiver starts to diminish due to the distance from a
beltpack, the beltpack automatically “hands off” its signal to the nearest
transceiver, ensuring smooth transfer.
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
Note: The E-IPA-HX card with IP Transceiver offers twice the beltpack density compared
to the E-Que card .
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
2.2 FreeSpeak II with an FSII Transceiver (1.9 and 2.4)
Using a transceiver splitter allows up to five transceivers to be connected to each
transceiver port. Each E-Que card can connect to two splitters and so support up to
10 transceivers. Each transceiver 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.
If a transceiver card is selected in the configuration software, this supports 8
transceivers.
Note: Each transceiver is designed to handle five beltpacks in the 1.9 GHz range and four
in the 2.4 GHz range, simultaneously and in good conditions. However, if
interference or propagation problems occur in an area, to ensure proper operation
and reliability, it may be more practical to install one less beltpack for each
transceiver.
For zones which are likely to need coverage for up to five or more beltpacks
simultaneously you must install a second transceiver. Similarly, for good coverage
for nine or more beltpacks simultaneously, a third transceiver may be required.
Radio
Frequency
(RF) Band
Minimum number. of
transceivers in one RF
cell
Maximum number of
beltpacks supported in one
RF cell
1.9 GHz 1 4 - 5
2 8 - 10
3 12 - 15
4 16 - 20
2.4 GHz 1 3 - 4
2 4 - 6
3 7 - 9
4 10 - 12
2.3 FreeSpeak II with an FSII IP Transceiver
Using the FreeSpeak II system with an IP transceiver increases the capacity and
range of your system.
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
lThe IP transceiver is used with the E-IPA-HX card (Eclipse 10.0 and above
software).
lE-IPA-HX card operates on a license basis. You can buy a card with a 16, 32,
48 or 64 port license.
The E-IPA card enables up to 64 FS II connections (according to license) which may
be made up of any combination of:
lFS II IP Transceivers (up to 64)
lFS II beltpacks (up to 64)
Radio
Frequency
(RF) Band
Minimum number. of
transceivers in one RF
cell
Maximum number of
beltpacks supported in one
RF cell
1.9 GHz BV32
codec 1 8 - 10
2 16 - 20
3 24 - 30
4 32 - 40
2.4 GHz Not supported Not supported
Note: The IP Transceiver supports up to 10 beltpacks, but to enable effective roaming
Clear-Com recommends eight beltpacks per transceiver.
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
2.4 FSII 1.9 GHz/FSII 2.4 GHz
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
2.5 National Radio Carrier Frequencies
The carrier frequencies allocated for a radio space vary according to location. This
affects the amount of belt packs that can be supported in one RF area.
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
Location Number of carrier
frequencies Maximum belt packs in one RF cell
United States 5 25 belt packs, 50 beltpacks with the
FreeSpeak II IP Transceiver
European Union
and elsewhere 10 50 beltpacks, 100 beltpacks with the FreeSpeak II IP Transceiver
Note: If necessary, using two RF bands (1.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz) will increase the amount of
beltpacks that can be used in one area or cell.
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
3 Installing a system
This chapter explains how to install a FreeSpeak II system, including cable
connections, registering beltpacks and performing a site survey to optimize system
performance.
A FreeSpeak II system can be used with an Omega, Median or Delta matrix.
3.1 Installing and removing an E-IPA-HX card
To install an E-IPA-HX card:
1. Carefully place the card in the appropriate slot. Make sure the card is aligned
with the top and bottom precision guides.
2. Push the card toward the backplane connectors.
3. When the card has almost reached the backplane connectors, open the two
ejector tabs, allowing them to clear the edges of the matrix. Gently insert the
card further until it touches the backplane connector guides.
4. Gently close both ejector tabs at the same time, to propel the card into the
backplane connectors.
3.1.1 To remove an E-IPA-HX card from the matrix
1. Hold the card in place in the matrix.
2. The two card ejector tabs are located at the top and bottom of the card. To
remove a card, open the two ejector tabs at the same time until the card
unseats from its backplane connectors.
3. Pull the card out of the matrix.
3.2 Adding an E-IPA-HX card to the software
To add and E-IPA-HX card to the software:
1. In the EHX configuration software go to: Hardware > Cards and Ports, and
then navigate to an available slot number (marked Empty). Do either of the
following:
a. Double click the slot.
b. Right click the slot and select Set Card Type.
2. Select a card type from the drop-down menu listing the available card types.
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
Note: You cannot have both E-IPA-HX cards and E-Que card on the same matrix.
3.3 Adding the E-Que card for an FS II transceiver or splitter
to the matrix
Note: You can only use the FS II splitter with FS II transceivers that connect to an E-Que
card. You cannot use the splitter with the FreeSpeak II IP Transceiver.
The E-Que card is designed to allow Eclipse HX matrices to connect to FreeSpeak
and FreeSpeak II wireless transceivers/beltpacks or connect together using E1 or
T1 protocol. You will need an E-Que card and a rear port. You will need to make sure
the E-Que card is physically connected to the matrix and configured for
communication in the Eclipse software. See 3.1.1 and 3.1.2. below.
3.3.1 Installing and removing an E-IPA-HX or E-Que card.
To install a card:
1. Carefully place the card in the appropriate slot. Make sure the card is aligned
with the top and bottom precision guides.
2. Push the card toward the backplane connectors.
3. When the card has almost reached the backplane connectors, open the two
ejector tabs, allowing them to clear the edges of the matrix. Gently insert the
card further until it touches the backplane connector guides.
4. Gently close both ejector tabs at the same time, to propel the card into the
backplane connectors.
To remove a card from the matrix
1. Hold the card in place in the matrix.
2. The two card ejector tabs are located at the top and bottom of the card. To
remove a card, open the two ejector tabs at the same time until the card
unseats from its backplane connectors.
3. Pull the card out of the matrix.
3.3.2 Adding an E-Que card to the software
To add an E-Que card to the software:
1. In the EHX configuration software, go to Hardware > Cards and Ports, and
navigate to an available slot number (marked Empty).
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
2. Do either of the following:
nDouble click the slot.
nRight click the slot and select Set Card Type.
3. A drop-down menu is displayed, listing the available card types. Select an FS II
transceiver or splitter from the drop-down menu.
You cannot have both E-Que Transceiver/Splitter and E-Que FS II
Transceiver/Splitters configured on the same matrix.
For information about integrating 2.4 GHz FSII with 1.9 GHz FSII IP, please contact
Clear-Com Technical Support.
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
3.3.3 Selecting an FS II-TA transceiver card type
Selecting an FS II-TA transceiver card type automatically configures an E-Que card
with eight transceiver ports (1 to 8 on the rear card). Each of those transceiver
ports provides five user ports and one control port.
3.3.4 Selecting an FS II-TA splitter card type
Selecting an FS II-TA splitter card type automatically adds an E-Que card with two
splitter ports (1 and 5 on the rear card) configured. Each splitter can support up to
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User Guide| FreeSpeak II Integra
five transceivers and each transceiver provides five beltpack ports.
Note: At this stage you might choose to register all of the beltpacks with the matrix, or at
least register one or two for system setup and testing. See Eclipse HX Software
Configuration User Guide, 5.59 FreeSpeak II Beltpacks.
3.4 Connecting to transceivers
3.4.1 Connecting one transceiver directly to a transceiver port
A transceiver connects to the transceiver port on the E-Que card using a standard
4-pair CAT-5 data cable with RJ-45 connectors. It may be located up to 800 metres
from the matrix if 24AWG cable is used or for 400 metres if 26AWG cable is used
creating a coverage area for five FS-BP wireless beltpacks in that location.
Note: It is recommended that shielded CAT-5 cable or better is used.
To know that a transceiver is active, observe the green power LED and the yellow
signal LED on the face of the unit where the RJ-45 connector is connected. Both
must be lit. Also, wireless beltpacks in the vicinity of the active transceiver will be
connected to the system and their displays will show labels and other information.
For the best, most reliable coverage, it is advisable to use a minimum of two
transceivers in any installation, positioned in different locations in the coverage
area. When more transceivers are required to support a larger coverage area or
more wireless beltpacks, a transceiver splitter will need to be introduced.
In some situations, particularly in outdoor venues, interference from non-DECT
sources can severely reduce the range of the system. In these cases we
recommend a site survey as described in Chapter 8, “Installing a System”.
3.4.2 Connecting transceivers with a splitter (PD2203)
Note: You can only use the FS II splitter with FS II transceivers that connect to an E-Que
card. You cannot use the splitter with the FreeSpeak II IP Transceiver.
A splitter (PD2203) will connect up to five transceivers to one of the transceiver
ports on the E-Que card, creating up to five coverage zones that can be overlapped
to make large areas where beltpacks can have continuous coverage. The use of the
splitter also extends the distance that the transceivers can be located from the
matrix to 1600 metres (5250 feet) if 24AWG cable is used or 800 metres (2625
feet) if 26AWG cable is used (assuming the same cable type is used to connect the
transceiver to the splitter and the splitter to the matrix).
Note: It is recommended that shielded CAT-5 cable or better is used.
For example, a splitter can be used to connect to a matrix that is located in a
production truck outside an arena or stadium, with a single CAT-5 cable going to the
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