CoachComm tempest fx User manual

®
®
TFX UM_D0000097_2014_RevB

Tempest FX Wireless System
1.800.749.2761 www.coachcomm.com
CoachComm, LLC
2
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................. 3
General Description............................................................................................................3
System Features ................................................................................................................3
System Overview .........................................................................................................4
Unpacking .......................................................................................................................4
Tempest FX BaseStation ....................................................................................................... 5
Tempest Wired Interface (TWI) ..............................................................................................7
Remote Transceiver (RT) ......................................................................................................8
Wired BeltPack.................................................................................................................. 8
Wireless BeltPack...............................................................................................................9
Equipment Setup..........................................................................................................10
Press Box Main Unit ............................................................................................................10
Antenna System ................................................................................................................10
Tempest Wired Interface & Wired BeltPacks............................................................................... 11
Wireless BeltPacks (on the Field) ............................................................................................11
System Operation.........................................................................................................12
Tempest Wired Interface......................................................................................................12
Tempest FX BaseStation ....................................................................................................... 12
Remote Transceiver ............................................................................................................13
Wired BeltPacks ................................................................................................................13
Wireless BeltPacks .............................................................................................................13
Game Day QuickStart ...................................................................................................15
Game Day Tips .............................................................................................................16
Battery Statement........................................................................................................ 16
Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................17
Specications...............................................................................................................18
System Specications..........................................................................................................18
BaseStation Specications .................................................................................................... 18
Wireless BeltPack Specications ............................................................................................. 18
Customer Support ........................................................................................................19
Returning Equipment for Repair or Maintenance..........................................................................19
Warranty......................................................................................................................19
FCC Statement .............................................................................................................20
Important FCC and Safety Information......................................................................... 20
About CoachComm, LLC................................................................................................21
CoachComm, LLC © 2014

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Tempest FX Wireless SystemCoachComm, LLC
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Introduction
Congratulations and thank you for choosing the CoachComm Tempest®FX wireless headset system. CoachComm is the undisputed
leader in coaches’ communications with more than 97% of D1-A college football programs using our systems. Now CoachComm brings
our experience, expertise, and commitment to quality to a broad range of football programs on every level with Tempest FX. Using
unrivaled technology, Tempest FX offers the same powerful technology that our D1-A customers rely on each game day. In order to get
the most out of your new Tempest FX system, please take a few moments to read this manual completely so that you better understand
the operation of this product. For questions not addressed in this manual, feel free to contact CoachComm directly. CoachComm
support and service personnel are ready to assist you.
General Description
The CoachComm Tempest FX wireless headset system is a secure and reliable sideline-to-press-box full duplex communication system.
The same Tempest wireless technology is used by more than 100 D1-A programs each game day. The system is comprised of a main press
box unit, Wired and Wireless BeltPacks, and multiple antenna options. The Tempest FX remote antenna system provides flexibility
in challenging stadiums where optimal line-of-sight is difficult to achieve. The Tempest FX wireless system uses noise-suppression
technology, which allows every member of your coaching staff to communicate clearly even in high noise situations. As many as 12
coaches in the press box and an unlimited number of wireless field coaches can talk on up to four different channels of communication
(conversations). Each Wireless BeltPack is highly customizable for each coach’s preferred settings.
System Features
• No FCC license or frequency coordination required. Advanced digital FHSS technology does all the work for you.
• Full duplex communication with hands-free operation. Full duplex means that multiple coaches can be speaking at the same
time, and everyone will be heard.
• Up to 12 coaches in the press box and up to 10 wireless coaches on the field in full duplex (5 per FX BaseStation.) An unlimited
number of wireless coaches can be added to the system in a limited push-to-talk/listen capacity.
• Wireless BeltPacks are highly customizable, and settings can be set to each coach’s preference.
• The LCD display on the Wireless BeltPacks provide real-time status of the BeltPack’s signal strength, link quality, battery life,
channel options, and more.
• Capable of up to four separate channels (conversations).
• All coaches, whether on the field or in the press box, can have access to any channel.
• Wireless BeltPacks are powered by rechargeable/removable Lithium batteries.
• Batteries take 2–3 hours to fully charge and have an operating time of 8–9 hours; batteries charge via a 5-bay charger.
• BeltPacks also accept (3) AA batteries as a backup to the rechargeable Lithium batteries.
• The Remote Transceiver and antenna system can be remotely located up to 1500 feet from the main press box unit.

Tempest FX Wireless System
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CoachComm, LLC
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System Overview
Number of Users — The Tempest FX system supports up to 12 coaches in the press box and an unlimited number of Wireless
BeltPacks. Each Tempest FX BaseStation can support up to 5 Wireless BeltPacks operating in normal, full duplex communication.
However, Tempest FX can also support an unlimited number of Wireless BeltPacks on a single BaseStation when operating in “Split”
mode. When in this mode, some Wireless BeltPacks are put into a “Shared” mode and operate as listen/push-to-talk and on a single
channel. This can be a useful approach for single BaseStation systems where more than 5 Wireless BeltPacks are needed. For more
information on “Split/Shared” mode operation, contact CoachComm.
Tempest FX on Both Sidelines — Every Tempest FX system is uniquely configured at CoachComm. This uniqueness is created by a
series of key codes called Network Numbers and Lockout Keys. These numbers will never match from system to system. Even systems
consisting of two BaseStations will have varying (but coordinated) Network Numbers and Lockout Keys. The Network Number (0-63)
determines each BaseStations’ hopping patterns within the frequency band. The Lockout Key (0-255) is an added security code to
ensure no two BaseStations or systems match.
System Range — The Tempest FX system has an operating range of greater than 1000 feet under ideal conditions. Under normal
operating conditions in typical high school and college stadiums, system range should be more than adequate to support both home
and away sideline operation. To maximize range and avoid noise or drop-outs, a clear line of sight should exist between the system’s
antenna and the BeltPacks on the field.
Unpacking
Your new CoachComm Tempest FX wireless headset system comes complete with everything you need to get started. Please take a
few moments to unpack your system and check the accuracy of its contents. Below is the list of items that you should have received.
(Please note that the exact items and the quantity of what you receive will vary depending on the number of wired and wireless
coaches in your system.)
Press Box Case
• Press Box Main Unit (3RU), which houses the Tempest FX BaseStation(s) and Tempest Wired Interface
• Tempest Wired BeltPack(s)
• Tempest FX Remote Transceiver(s)
• Omni-Directional (Whip) Antenna(s)
Accessory Case (Press Box accessories)
• Multi-colored Cat 5 Cable Bundle for Wired BeltPacks
• Directional Antenna Kit(s)
• Headsets
Sideline Case
• Wireless BeltPack(s)
• 5-Bay Charger(s) with power supply
• Additional Batteries
• Headsets

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Tempest FX Wireless SystemCoachComm, LLC
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Tempest FX BaseStation
Front
1 - ON/OFF Switch
2 - USB Programming Port (firmware updates)
3 - BeltPack Program Port
4 - Wired Intercom Interface (A–D)
5 - Intercom Select Switches
6 - LCD Display
7 - BeltPack Settings Access Buttons (1–5)
8 - MENU Button
9 - ENT (Enter) Button
10 - Base Local Volume/Channel Button and Scroll knob (This multi-purpose knob serves several purposes. It is the volume control for
the Local Headset port and can be pressed to change the channels of the Local Headset port. It also acts as a Scroll knob during
menu navigation.)
11 - Local Headset Channel LEDs
12 - Local Headset Talk Button
13 - Local Headset Port
14 - CALL Button
15 - MIC KILL Button
12
345
68
9 7
1011
1213
1514

Tempest FX Wireless System
1.800.749.2761 www.coachcomm.com
CoachComm, LLC
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Back
1 - AC Power In
2 - DC Power In
3 - Antenna Port
4 - Wired Intercom Connections (A–D)
5 - Stage Announce (SA)
6 - Aux In
7 - Aux Out
8 - Base Sync In
9 - Base Sync Out
10 - LAN Port
11 - Relay Connector
12 - Transceiver Port
1
2
3 4 5 6 8
97
10
11 12
3

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Tempest FX Wireless SystemCoachComm, LLC
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Tempest Wired Interface (TWI)
Front
1 - Power LED
2 - Channel A/B Ports (1–6)
3 - Channel C/D Ports (1–6)
Back
1 - DC Power Out
2 - DC Power In
3 - Channel A XLRs
4 - Channel B XLRs
5 - Channel C XLRs
6 - Channel D XLRs
2 3
1
2 31 4 5 6

Tempest FX Wireless System
1.800.749.2761 www.coachcomm.com
CoachComm, LLC
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Remote Transceiver (RT)
1 - RX (Receive) LED
2 - TX (Transmit) LED
3 - SYNC LED
4 - CONFIG (Configuration) LED
5 - BASESTATION LINK (RJ-45)
6 - POWER LED
7 - Antenna Port
Wired BeltPack
1 - On/Off/Volume Control
2 - Channel 1 and 2 LEDs (Blue)
3 - Talk LED (Green)
4 - Channel 1 Button
5 - Channel 2 Button
6 - TALK Button
7 - Headset Connector (Bottom)
8 - Wired BeltPack RJ-45 Connector (Bottom)
1 2 3 4 5 6
7
1
2
3
4 5
6
7 8

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Tempest FX Wireless SystemCoachComm, LLC
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Wireless BeltPack
Front
1 - A/B TALK Button
2 - C/D TALK Button
3 - A/B Channel/Volume Knob
4 - C/D Channel/Volume Knob
5 - MENU Button
6 - ENTER Button
7 - LCD Display
8 - Program/USB Ports
9 - CALL Button
10 - Headset Connector (Bottom)
Back
1 - Power Button
2 - Battery Compartment
3 - Battery Door
3
10
9
12
4
56
78
2
3
1

Tempest FX Wireless System
1.800.749.2761 www.coachcomm.com
CoachComm, LLC
10
Equipment Setup
Press Box Main Unit
1. Unpack all of the Press Box Case contents that are needed for the game so that you can use it as a setup surface for the main rack
unit in the event there is no table or bench available.
2. Position the main unit in the press box in a secure area on a table or the case so that it is out of the way from the coaching area.
It is best to get the unit off the floor to provide easier access to it and the display screens.
3. Locate the nearest standard 110VAC power outlet and try to position the main unit near it, if possible, but be sure the unit remains
out of the way of the coaches. Connect power adapter/cord into the wall outlet (or power strip connected to wall outlet.) The
“Power” LED on the front of the Tempest Wired Interface should be lit green. Note: Do not turn on the Tempest FX BaseStation(s)
at this time; if they come on, simply turn them off.
Antenna System
The Tempest FX system comes with two antenna options: an Omni-directional (whip) Antenna and a Directional Antenna. It is
recommended that you use the Directional Antenna System in conjunction with your Remote Transceiver.
1. Locate and unpack the Directional Antenna Kit (antenna, mounting hardware, and
co-axial antenna cable.)
2. Mount your Directional Antenna in a location to achieve the optimal line-of-sight to
the field. The antenna must be able to see the field in order to achieve a proper
signal. Note: Any obstructions between the antenna and field (such as window
tinting) can impact performance negatively; if it is possible to mount your antenna
externally from the press box, it is best to do so. If windows do not open, try and
locate an access point to the roof, a video deck, or something similar.
3. Point the Directional Antenna so that it is pointing toward the field and the sideline
where your coaches will be located. The antenna should be positioned with its “fins”
running top-to-bottom (see Figure 1A).
4. Locate the co-axial antenna cable and connect the (larger) N-Connector to the
rear antenna port of the Directional Antenna. Be careful not to cross-thread the
connector.
5. Locate your Remote Transceiver and mount it near the Directional Antenna. When
using the Directional Antenna, the Remote Transceiver does not have to have line-
of-sight with the field (only the antenna does), but the Remote Transceiver must
reside nearby due to the length limitations of the co-axial antenna cable.
6. Connect the (smaller) RP-TNC end of the co-axial antenna cable to the antenna port on the top of the Remote Transceiver. Be sure
not to cross-thread the connector.
7. Use the provided Cat 5 Remote Transceiver cable to connect the Remote Transceiver to the corresponding BaseStation. The RJ-45
connections can be found on the bottom of the Remote Transceiver (labeled as BASESTATION LINK) and the rear of the BaseStation.
8. If your system has two BaseStations, repeat steps (1–7) for the second BaseStation and Antenna System.
Figure 1A