Clear-Com FreeSpeak II User manual

FreeSpeak II™
Quick Start Guide for the transceiver/antenna
A FreeSpeak II (FS II) transceiver/antenna (FSII-TCVR-19) forms the transmission link between the FS II
beltpacks and the FS II Base station. 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
Note: For more information about the system see the FreeSpeak II User Guide.
1. Installing the transceiver/antenna
The unit has two methods of fixing:
•Three screw points for mounting on a flat surface.
•Two microphone stand connectors, 3/8 in and 5/8 in.
2. Connecting the transceiver/antenna
1) Connect 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. A green LED
indicates that power is present.
3) Ensure that the amber status LED is lit and is
not flashing.
The transceiver/antenna is now ready to use.
Mounting
holes
Mounting
holes
Mounting
holes
USB connector
Base/matrix
connector
DC power
connector Status LEDs
Mode button
(future use)
Microphone stand
connectors (3/8
and 5/8 inch)
1 399G109 Rev B09/04/14

3. 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 metres (800 feet), but with typical
range between 50 metres and 150 metres – 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. If it will be five or fewer users, then place one transceiver/antenna in the center of that area. If it is
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.
4. Transceiver/antenna placement and coverage
Note: You can mount the transceiver/antenna units horizontally or vertically.
Consider the following points when setting up
your system:
•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.
Copyright © 2014 HME Clear-Com Ltd. All rights reserved.
2 399G109 Rev B09/04/14