Connevans fmGenie Tx User manual

fmGenie Tx & MicroMLxS/MLxS
Fast Track Guide
This Fast Track Guide takes you through the basic steps required to
get an fmGenie transmitter working with a Phonak MLxS receiver.
The fmGenie transmitter is worn by the teacher/tutor and their voice is
transmitted to the MicroMLxS/MLxS receiver which attaches to a direct
input shoe and then to the user’s own direct input hearing aid.
Part 1 fmGenie batteries
The fmGenie uses standard size AA batteries. Rechargeable batteries are
the recommended option and, once fitted, are charged ‘in situ’ – just like
a mobile phone.
Rechargeable batteries – nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
New rechargeable batteries require charging before use.
1 To fit the batteries, slide open the battery
cover and insert as shown. The technique is a
combination of ‘squeeze, thumb and wiggle’
– you won’t break it and the firm fit stops the
battery cover accidentally falling off.
2 Do NOT turn on the fmGenie.
3 Plug one lead from the twin tail charger into the
socket marked ‘Chg’, rolling battery bars should be
visible on the right of the status display.
The spare lead from the twin tail charger can be left dangling
or neatly coiled and secured with a rubber band.
4 The equipment will be given an initial 4 hour
charge – enough for a few days’ use.
5 When display goes blank, fmGenie is ready for use.
After this initial charge, your fmGenie will automatically
take either a full or top up charge as required.
Alkaline batteries
The fmGenie can also be used with alkaline AA batteries
– which can be useful in an emergency – you could even
borrow some from your TV remote controls!
The performance is the same whatever type of AA battery is used.
Page 55 – fmGenie User Guide (3rd Edition)

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1 Connect either an aerial or
lapel microphone into the
fmGenie transmitter external
microphone socket (Ext mic).
Part 2a fmGenie transmitter
– connecting up and turning on
Part 2b Setting the channels
2 Turn on the transmitter by
pressing and holding the
ON/OFF button until the
display turns on and the alert
indicator flashes.
...or
with a
lapel mic
Either with
an aerial
to use the
internal
mic ...
3 Set the channel number of
the fmGenie transmitter to
the channel used by your MLxS.
Remember that the H prefix MLxS channel
number will differ from the fmGenie channel
number – see next page.
Channel
number
Alert
indicator
Aerial bars
2 To set the fmGenie transmitter default channel to match an
MLxS, follow the instructions on page 11 of this Fast Track
guide – but you must choose the correct channel scheme first or
you will get an E1 error message.
European channel frequencies
All new fmGenies are now supplied on the 50KHz channel grid.
If your MLxS is channel no. H02 or H06 then do nothing except set your
fmGenie to the correct channel:
MLxS on H02=fmGenie on 39. MLxS on H06=fmGenie on 63.
For use with any other MLxS channel numbers: you will need to
adjust your fmGenie to the pre-2004 UK channel scheme by changing
the under flash switch settings 1 & 2 to ‘DOWN, DOWN’ – then choose
the appropriate fmGenie channel from the table opposite. See page 12
of this Fast Track.
Pages 36 and 84 – fmGenie User Guide (3rd Edition)
An MLxS is a multi-frequency device which has a fixed default channel.
The MLxS returns to this default channel when the hearing aid is turned
off or the connection is broken – sometimes simply as the result of an
intermittent shoe.
An fmGenie transmitter works well with MLxS receivers; however, unlike
with Campus S, SmartLink or EasyLink transmitters, an fmGenie cannot
re-sync the MLxS to a different channel.
For the majority of users this should not be a problem – a wallpilot can
be used to change a group of MLxS users for sessions such as group
assemblies.
If frequent channel changing is required for an MLxS then an fmGenie
transmitter may not be the best choice!
4 Check that there are 4 aerial bars on the
left. (3 bars = normal range and 4 bars = long
range). The transmitter should be set to long range
for use with MLxS receivers – see page 11 to change.
The fmGenie transmitter and the MLxS receiver
both have to use the same frequency channel.
1 Check the channel number shown on the side
of your MLxS receiver and then set your fmGenie
transmitter to the appropriate fmGenie channel.
It is the actual frequency that is being matched
rather than the channel numbers.
Eg: MLxS channel H02 is using the frequency
173.400 MHz so it needs to be used with an
fmGenie transmitter set to channel 01.
MLxS
channel
number
Frequency channel coding comparisons
MHz fmGenie MLxS
173.400 39/01 H02
174.120 11 H16
174.415 15 H20
174.600 63/17 H06
174.770 19 H08
As a multichannel device, the MLxS can be programmed to receive on any of
the permitted fm channels, however we advise maintaining a channel
separation of 5 channels to avoid the possibility of cross channel interference
from a nearby transmitter. See page 7 of this Fast Track for more
information on reprogramming.

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Part 3 – MLxS configuration
The MLxS receiver module has two possible mounting
orientations – crosswise and lengthwise.
It is very important to have the correct orientation for
your aid to optimise the performance of the internal
antenna – otherwise you will unnecessarily limit the
operating range.
For best sensitivity the MLxS should be set so that the
Phonak logo is facing to the side and the switch moves
from front to back.
An easy way to check the orientation is to simply fit the hearing aid and
shoe together and then plug in the MLxS – another easy way is to note
the orientation under the icon for your shoe in section 2 of the
Connevans Catalogue!
Lengthwise
Crosswise
User’s own
hearing aid
fitted to direct
input shoe
and MLxS
receiver
MLxS switch moves
from front to back
Battery power for the MLxS
As the MLxS receiver takes its power from the hearing aid battery it is
very important that the battery is in good condition. A low battery will
result in increased hiss and reduced range – the normal life of a hearing
aid battery will be more than halved when used with an MLxS, if in doubt
fit a new hearing aid battery.
Does the switch move from front to back? If
it does, then no adjustment is required; if it
does not then it is necessary to re-orientate.
Orientation instructions are supplied with MLxS
units and re-orientation can be easily carried
out. Please read the Phonak instructions to
avoid damaging the unit but, in essence, use
your fingernails to gently pull out the collar
about 1mm, twist the pins 90 degrees and push
back the collar.
MicroMLxS
Orientation configuration is not required for MicroMLxS receivers.
Part 4 – MLxS operational features
Select ‘FM+M’ () when both FM input and environmental
sound from the hearing aid microphone is required. This
position allows both the hearing aid microphone and FM
signal to be heard simultaneously at the same level.
Variations between different makes of hearing aid may
affect the balance of the two signals.
Select ‘FM’ () to reduce the pickup of ambient noise from
around the hearing aid by 20dB.
For hearing aids where the microphone and audio input are
decoupled – typical for hearing aids with dual microphones
and some programmable instruments – the principal of
microphone attenuation will not work. For these
instruments the MLxS should always be set to ‘FM’ ().
The MLxS takes its power from the hearing aid, typically
1.8mA, so the battery life of the aid is reduced by
more than half. When switched to ‘off’ () position the
MLxS goes into a low current sleeping mode drawing
typically 40
μ A.
The Phonak MicroLinktm receiver has one 3 position switch.
This switch selects the two operating modes ‘FM’ (), ‘FM+M’
() and ‘off’ ().
Note: It should be emphasised that different hearing aids (from different
manufacturers) will respond differently – we are not aware that this is
documented so you will need to confirm for yourself exactly how your
hearing aid performs.
Wearing the MicroMLxS/MLxS receiver
The MLxS receiver fits to the hearing aid itself via
a direct input shoe and therefore needs no leads
or pouches.
It is, however, fair to note the small size of the MLxS
does mean that care must be taken not to lose it!
Connevans Catalogue – Section 2,
Hearing Aid Direct Input Shoes

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Part 5 – Testing for a listening advantage
Pages 64-65 – User Guide (3rd Edition)
Further information
For day to day help, refer to the encapsulated cards
–‘Tutor Courtesy Card’ and ‘Morning & Evening
Check List’.
For detailed information on all
aspects of the fmGenie refer to the
fmGenie Information Booklet &
Operating Guide.
All this information is also available for you to download
from our information website www.connevans.com
The microphone mute is a useful facility for making discreet aside
comments without being overheard or for use when the tutor is talking
to people other than the fmGenie user.
If there is no flashing , a short press of the star
function button will mute the transmitter microphone
– as long as the facility has not been disabled.
If the feature is active the alert indicator and microphone
mute symbol will flash (as a reminder that users
cannot hear you). Another press of the button returns to normal.
Transmitter microphone muting (Default setting: enabled)
Pages 35 & 89 – fmGenie User Guide (3rd Edition)
Programmable hearing aids – all digital and some analogue
The programming of a hearing aid will affect the way that an MLxS unit
works. For instance, has a specific programme been chosen for use with
fm? At the most basic level, if the direct input facility is
not enabled or turned on at the hearing aid
programming stage then the MLxS will not work!
Many digital hearing aids have more than one
programme, is the direct input facility actually enabled in all of them?
The MLxS receiver can be reprogrammed to have a different output
level and default channel. If your local service does not have a Phonak
MLxS programmer, as a Connevans customer – please return the unit
to the address on the original invoice and we will be pleased to
reprogramme it for you.
In an ideal world, testing system performance would be done with the
help of an audiologist who would follow our fmAdvantage procedure
using a hearing aid test box (yes, you can test an MLxS fm system in a
text box). However, it is also possible for a good listener to adequately
test the system themselves.
The objective is very simply that the
sound heard at a distance through the
MLxS should be slightly louder than
the sound heard from the hearing aid
on its own at close range in
a quiet room. This is known as the
‘fm listening advantage’.
1 Initially establish a satisfactory listening level with the hearing aid(s)
alone, at arm’s length from somebody talking
to you.
2 Turn on the fmGenie & MLxS system, give the
transmitter to your helper and ask them to
walk away whilst talking.
3 You should again listen to the hearing aids but
this time through the MLxS receiver. Check
that the transmitter volume is similar in quality
but slightly louder than the original listening level at arm’s length.
4 Try the different switch positions on the MLxS to confirm how your
particular hearing aid operates. Do not forget to listen and
understand how the different switch positions affect the general
room/own voice sound. Make sure that you and the system user
both understand and are happy with how the system performs.
NOTE: If the sound from the transmitter via the MLxS does not have an
fm listening advantage, re-programming of the MLxS will be required to
increase the level from the MLxS. The and  can have different gain
levels so please indicate the additional gain required for both settings
when returning the unit for re-programming.
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fmGenie transmitter and accessory options
Please refer to the Instruction Booklet for full information, however the following
illustrations will give you a quick guide to some alternatives.
Using fmGenie
Transmitter with
integral microphone
fmGenie
Transmitter
Part No.
FMG110
Sound input
fmGenie aerial
supplied with
transmitter,
fits into
external
microphone
socket (Ext Mic)
Lapel microphone
Black stub
microphone head
Part No. FMG211
Lapel clip for black
stub mic head
Part No. FMG212
fmGenie stub
microphone lead
Part No. FMG21M600
The microphone pack (Part no. FMG2136)
contains 3 items; a microphone head,
lead and lapel clip.
The microphone head plugs
directly into the lead with
a push on fitting.
Using fmGenie
Transmitter
with lapel
microphone
Sound input
fmGenie
Transmitter
with lapel
mic
Page 34 – fmGenie User
Guide (3rd Edition)
Page 34 – fmGenie
User Guide (3rd Ed.)
Page 20 – fmGenie User
Guide (3rd Edition)
Pages 22-25– User Guide (3rd Ed.) and
Connevans Catalogue – section 1
Tx
with
pouch
Tx
with
neck
pouch
External audio equipment
plugs in here – see below
Using an fmGenie
Transmitter with
conference
microphone
Wearing the fmGenie transmitter Connecting an fmGenie
transmitter to a TV
Connecting an fmGenie Tx or Rx
to external equipment
SCART plug to phono sockets
Part Nos  A121BA  and  T114J 
An fmGenie can be directly connected
to a TV SCART socket
Pages 69-70 – fmGenie
User Guide (3rd Edition)
Pages 66-68 – User Guide (3rd Ed.) and
Connevans Catalogue sections 1 & 11
fmGenie transmitter
stereo input adaptor
Part No. FMG81
A transmitter input adaptor allows you
to connect an fmGenie Tx (or Rx) to
other equipment such as hi-fi or
computer
Tx and conference microphone in
centre of table
Conference mic plugged into
receiver, presenter wearing
transmitter
Pack of stereo audio leads
Part No. FMG81PK
2.5mm plug
into ‘Ext mic’
Tx with
pouch &
modular
waist
harness
Tx
with
hip
pouch
3.5mm
stereo
plug
into
‘Aux in’
TV SCART
socket

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Tips for maintaining radio system reliability
Don't scrunch or
wind up your
leads when not in
use – they will
break more
quickly.
Save time by not unplugging leads
more often than
really necessary,
leave them
connected – this
helps reliability
too.
Don't remove shoes
by pulling on the
leads – unclip the
shoe itself.
Stetoclip listener and variable attenuator
Stetoclip is used to listen to the
hearing aid either through the
earmould or direct to earhook.
Pages 59-61 – fmGenie User Guide (3rd Edition) and Connevans Catalogue
– section 1 fmGenie & section 6 for separate items and spares
Daily testing should cover the
overall system and
include the hearing
aids, shoes and leads.
It is not necessary
to change the
HI/LO switch in
the battery
compartment
during routine
testing.
max release
Stetoclip listener and
variable attenuator
Part No. 22880F
Variable attenuator has a
roller wheel to allow
hearing aids to be listened
to at a comfortable level.
The fmGenie default settings can be easily changed – the 3rd edition of the
fmGenie User Guide & Reference Manual has a lot of improved and clearer
information including clear diagrams for activating or changing fmGenie
features. Turn off fmGenie when making changes to settings.
Connevans tip: we advise using the bent out end of a paperclip to change switch settings; we
can sell you a magnifying glass too, if you need one!
Default channel setting – transmitter
fmGenie user facility settings
Tx underflash
default switch settings
UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN
To change the resident channel
reselect using the tool supplied
tens units
Normally the default channel should be set to match the users MLxS channel. Be relaxed
about changing channel, if an invalid channel is chosen by mistake the display will show an
‘E1’ error message to alert you.
Phonak MicroMLxS/MLxS receivers & Cochlear implant processors
– fmGenie transmitter settings
The fmGenie transmitter works well with Phonak MLxS receivers.
The normal fmGenie transmitter features are available – but the Tx must
be set to Long Range.
Channel settings: page 84 and Error messages:
page 98 – fmGenie User Guide (3rd Edition)
Pages 38 – fmGenie User Guide (3rd Edition)

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FMG14FMLxS fmGenie/MLxS Fastrack Guide – Version 2.0 August 2007
54 Albert Road North, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9YR
Switchboard 01 737 247571 Text/Minicom 01 737 243134 Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
Information website: www.connevans.com
Online shopping: www.DeafEquipment.com
Connevans Limited
Euro channel frequencies
From January 2004, all new radio aid equipment has to be supplied on
the new 50KHz Euro channel frequencies.
ALL fmGenies ever made are able to use these frequencies, but from
January 2004 all new fmGenies are supplied factory set to the new Euro
frequency channels.
CONNEVANS ON CD – More than the catalogue and the
websites, the Connevans Information Resource CD has
Powerpoint presentations, sound-clips of doorbells and
telephones and video-clips of fitting direct input shoes.
Also includes information sheets and user guides that
can be printed on site. The CD can be a valuable way of
sharing information without carrying or posting
mountains of paperwork.
Please ask Customer Services if you would like a free
copy with your next order.
Order spares online at: www.DeafEquipment.co.uk
Older fmGenies can be reset to the new channels
by setting the under flash switches 1 & 2 to UP/UP
as shown.
If new fmGenies are being used in conjunction with
other radio aid systems which cannot be changed
over to the new frequencies, then the fmGenies
should be reset to the ‘traditional’ frequencies.
To change to the ‘traditional’ frequency channels,
set switches 1 & 2 to DOWN/DOWN.
It is important that you only use one set of channel frequencies on any site.
For more information see www.connevans.com/fmGenie
Under flash
switches 1 and
2 – settings are
the same for
both Tx & Rx.