Crowson T108SCI User manual

T 108S
Installation Manual
T108SCI (Screw Attached Shadow Actuator)
T108SM (One Shadow Actuator)
T108SS (Two Shadow Actuators)
Shadow Series

Warnings:
1. Read instructions — Read all the safety and operating instructions before operating this product.
2. Heed Warnings — Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.
3. Servicing — Do not attempt to repair or service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel.
4. Use caution when lifting heavy furniture. Serious injury may occur.
5. The T108S Actuator contains a powerful magnet.
6. Use caution when handling T108S Actuators near magnetic material (steel).
7. The T108S Actuator may become hot during operation.
8. Avoid contact with materials that are sensitive to heat.
9. Do not tip furniture with Actuators installed. Doing so may result in damage to Actuators.
10. Do not slide furniture with Actuators installed. Doing so may result in damage to Actuators and/or Motion Isolators.
11. Do not allow metal objects to touch the Actuator Binding Posts. Doing so may cause damage to the amplier.
12. Do not expose the T108S Actuator to excessive amounts of moisture.
Table of Contents:
Section Page
I. Product and Performance 3
II. Installation 4 - 8
A. T108SS Dual Actuator Motion System 4 - 5
B. T108SM Single Actuator Motion System 6 - 7
C. Multiple Seat Installation 8
III. Usage and Calibration 9
A. Setting Filter Level 9
B. Setting Intensity Level 9
C. Bass Management 9
D. Stereo vs. Mono Motion 9
IV. Troubleshooting 10
V. Specications 10
VI. Warranty 11
VII. Contact information 12
Warnings / Table of Contents
T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL
2

Product and Performance
T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL
Motion Isolator (MIS) T108S Actuator
2 1
4
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Thank You and Welcome to Crowson
Congratulations on your purchase of a T108S Tactile Motion Actuator. The Crowson Technology T108S Actuator
delivers the world’s most true-to-life low frequency motion effects. The integration of a Crowson system with your
home theater or audio system delivers accurate, ultra-low frequency motion for a visceral experience that is otherwise
impossible to achieve.
Ultra-low (infrasonic) frequencies exist in the natural world as inaudible motion, experienced largely through our sense
of touch rather than through our ears. Examples of real world events that produce frequencies in this range include
everything from the pluck of a double-bass string, to a roaring jet engine, to an Earth-shuddering explosion. The lower
the frequency of the event, the less we “hear” and the more we “feel” it. The T108S Actuator, powered by Crowson’s
patented LDDTM (Linear-Direct-Drive) Technology, is the only device of its kind able to achieve audiophile-grade accuracy
and is a proud addition to any ne home theater or audio system.
I. Product and Performance:
T108S Actuator: The unique T108S Actuator is unlike any other “low-frequency effects” device in the world. Assembled
and tested by hand in California, each Actuator is a precise, high-end device that represents the nest in modern audio/
home theater engineering. The T108S is driven by patented LDDTM (Linear-Direct-Drive) technology which effectively
translates audio signals into the world’s most true-to-life Tactile Motion. In a separate league from “shaker” devices,
who’s performance can be severely limited in both frequency response range and linearity, the T108S is the most
accurate way to experience ultra low-frequency, visceral effects (ref g.2).
 T108SActuatorFeatures(refg.2):
1. Gold Plated Binding Posts—accepts bare wire or “banana” style plugs.
2. Nickel-coated lower plate with nylon feet—improves long-term durability.
3. Aluminum housing—helps regulate operating temperature for high reliability.
4. Traction Pad on Stainless Steel Top Plate—adds extra grip for sure “footing”.
MotionIsolators(MIS):Special Sorbothane Motion Isolators are provided to support and level your furniture as well
as isolate the motion and vibration from the furniture surroundings. The MIS are made with an advanced Sorbothane
core that allows your furniture to move with more freedom than any other material. Crowson MIS Motion Isolators are far
better performing than typical rubber feet and allow your furniture to respond to motion efciently and accurately (ref:
g. 1).
Performance: Just as loudspeakers sound best in an acoustically suited room, and a projector performs best under
certain light and screen conditions, tactile motion can be optimized with well-suited furniture and ooring. Hard
ooring with a rigid foundation is best for crisp articulate motion. Solid, well-made reclining theater chairs will help to
achieve the best possible performance. Crowson collaborates with and recommends many of the nest theater seating
manufacturers in the world, selected specically for their well-constructed designs. Visit www.crowsontech.com for a list
of recommended theater seat manufacturers.
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Figure2
Figure 1
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3
2
4

Installation T108SS Dual Actuator Motion System
T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL
Furniture
Supporting
Foot
Motion
Isolator
Wood
Screw
(remove if possible)
(Recommended)
Wood screw must
pass entirely through
the lower hole and seat
against the metal iterior
II. Installation
A: T108SS Dual Actuator Motion System
 Sysemincludes:two(2)T108SActuatorsandtwo(2)MotionIsolators*
1. Install Motion Isolators:
Tip seat(s) forward to access the underside. If possible, remove all of the furniture supporting feet. Position two Motion
Isolators in place of the front supporting feet (ref: g. 3). Orient each Isolator such that the metal threaded hole is close
to the seat. Use the supplied #8 wood screw to secure the Motion Isolators. A 1/8 inch pilot hole may be necessary. In
some situations it may be possible to secure the MIS with the 1/4-20 threaded hole and a 1/4-20 bolt (not supplied). If
removal of the furniture feet is impractical, simply place the Motion Isolators under the supporting feet.(ref: g. 4).
2.ConnectActuatorstoAmplier(seegure5and6):
If using a Crowson Tactile Motion Amplier, consult the Amplier Owner’s Guide for instructions. If you wish to use a
non-Crowson stereo amplier, please select one of high quality. T108S Actuators should be powered by an amplier
producing between 50 and 500 Watts RMS per channel with good performance down to 10Hz. A bass management Pre-
Amplier/booster with a low pass lter may be necessary when using a traditional audio amplier. Use standard speaker
wire to connect the actuators to the Tactile Motion Amplier. Ensure that the polarity (positive and negative) between the
amplier and T108S Actuators are consistent. Use 18AWG or larger wire. Binding posts accept banana-style plugs or bare
wire. If using bare wire, strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the end. Depress the binding posts to open the wire terminals
and insert the bare wire or banana plugs.
3. Install Actuator:
Place two TES-100 Actuators under the chair in place of the rear supporting feet. (Actuators may be placed under the rear
or front feet, though rear feet may afford the Actuators more protection from errant objects.) If the chair’s supporting feet
are not removed, place the rear feet on the center of the TES Actuators. Orient the TES Actuator such that the binding
posts face towards the front of the couch or chair (ref: g. 3).
Warning:Donotattempttoslidethefurnitureafterinstallation.DamagetoActuatorsandMotionIsolators
mayoccur.Tomovechair,pickup,relocateandgentlysetdown.
*Note: Additional Motion Isolators are available for seating with more than four (4) feet, such as sectional couches.
3
1
R
L
Figure 3
Figure 4
4
1
3
2

T108SS Dual Actuator Motion System Installation
T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL
System connections
FL
FR
Pre-amp outputs
Audio Preamp/Receiver
L
ROUTPUTS
1
2
+
_
+
_
2
Option 2: Full Range Stereo Wire Connections (No Subwoofer)
Figure 6
SUB/LFE
FL FR
Pre-amp outputs
Surround Sound Receiver Subwoofer
IN
L
ROUTPUTS
Tactile Motion Amplifier
+
_
+
_
2
Option 1: Surround Sound Wire Connections (With Subwoofer)
Figure 5
RCA “Y” Adaptor
1
2
INPUTS
INPUTS
Tactile Motion Amplifier
RCA “Y”adaptor may
not be necessary if
your Receiver has
multiple SUB/LFE
outputs.
Pre-amp
Additional pre-amp booster
with low pass filter may be
necessary when using a
third party (non-Crowson)
amplifier
Pre-amp
Additional pre-amp booster
with low pass filter may be
necessary when using a
third party (non-Crowson)
amplifier
Additional“Y” adaptor
may be necessary for
“L” input on third party
amplifier
5

Installation T108SM Mono Actuator Motion System
T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL
B. T108SM Mono Actuator Motion System:
 Systemincludes:one(1)T108SActuatorandthree(3)MotionIsolators*
1. Install Motion Isolators:
Tip seat(s) forward to access the underside. If possible, remove all of the furniture supporting feet. Position three Motion
Isolators in place of the front supporting feet and one rear foot (ref: g. 7). Orient each Isolator such that the metal
threaded hole is close to the seat. Use the supplied #8 wood screw to secure the Motion Isolators. A 1/8 inch pilot hole
may be necessary. In some situations it may be possible to secure the MIS with the 1/4-20 threaded hole and a 1/4-20
bolt (not supplied). If removal of the furniture feet is impractical, simply place the Motion Isolators under the supporting
feet.(ref: g. 8).
2.ConnectActuatorstoAmplier:
If using a Crowson Tactile Motion Amplier, consult the Amplier Owner’s Guide for instructions. If you wish to use a
non-Crowson stereo amplier, please select one of high quality. T108S Actuators should be powered by an amplier
producing between 50 and 500 Watts RMS per channel with good performance down to 10Hz. A bass management Pre-
Amplier/booster with a low pass lter may be necessary when using a traditional audio amplier. Use standard speaker
wire to connect the actuators to the Tactile Motion Amplier. Ensure that the polarity (positive and negative) between the
amplier and T108S Actuators are consistent. Use 18AWG or larger wire. Binding posts accept banana-style plugs or bare
wire. If using bare wire, strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the end. Depress the binding posts to open the wire terminals
and insert the bare wire or banana plugs
3. Install Actuator:
Place the T108S Actuator under the chair in place of a rear supporting foot. (Actuator may be placed under the rear or
front feet, though rear feet may afford the Actuator more protection from errant objects.) If the chair’s supporting feet
are not removed, place the rear foot on the center of the T108S Actuator. Orient the Actuator such that the binding posts
face towards the front of the couch or chair (ref: g. 7) to avoid damage to binding posts from foot trafc.
Warning:Donotattempttoslidethefurnitureafterinstallation.DamagetoActuatorsandMotionIsolators
mayoccur.Tomovechair,pickup,relocateandgentlysetdown.
*Note: Additional Motion Isolators are available for seating with more than four (4) feet, such as sectional couches.
3
1
Furniture
Supporting
Foot
Motion
Isolator
Wood
Screw
(remove if possible)
(Recommended)
Wood screw must
pass entirely through
the lower hole and seat
against the metal iterior
Figure 7
Figure 8
6
1
3
2

T108SM Mono Actuator Motion System Installation
T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL
System Connections
7
FL
FR
Pre-amp outputs
Audio Preamp/Receiver
L
ROUTPUT
+
_
2
Option 4: Full Range Stereo Wire Connections (No Subwoofer)
Figure 6
SUB/LFE
FL FR
Pre-amp outputs
Surround Sound Receiver Subwoofer
IN
OUTPUT
Tactile Motion Amplifier
+
_
2
Option 3: Surround Sound Wire Connections (With Subwoofer)
Figure 5
RCA “Y” Adaptor
INPUT
INPUTS
Tactile Motion Amplifier
RCA “Y”adaptor may
not be necessary if
your Receiver has
multiple SUB/LFE
outputs.
Pre-amp
Additional pre-amp booster
with low pass filter may be
necessary when using a
third party (non-Crowson)
amplifier
Pre-amp
Additional pre-amp booster
with low pass filter may be
necessary when using a
third party (non-Crowson)
amplifier

T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL
Installation Multi-Seat Arrangements
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3
4
C.Multiple-SeatInstallation
Crowson T108S Tactile Motion Systems may be integrated into large home theater environments with multiple seats
and multiple rows. We recommend installing one (1) T108S Actuator and one (1) Motion Isolator per arm (ref: g. 11).
Each “active” seating position must rest, in part, on at least one (1) T108S Actuator. Additional Motion Isolators may be
purchased and added to support the additional feet of a non-standard seating design.
ForExample:A3-seatrowwith4totalarmrests(two“shared”armrests)requirestwo(2)T108SS 
  DualActuatorMotionSystems(four(4)T108SActuatorsandfour(4)MotionIsolators)
1. Install Motion Isolators: Per standard installation instructions (ref: g. 8 and 11).
 2.ConnectActuatorstoAmplier(s): If using a Crowson Tactile motion amplier, please refer to the amplier
Owners Guide. In multiple seat installations, it is often necessary to employ more than one amplier. It is possible to
“stack” ampliers in order to share the input signals between two (2) or more ampliers. This will require the use of
a line-level multi-channel audio distribution system or the use of RCA “Y” adapters. Please consult with your Crowson
Authorized Dealer or a qualied Crowson technician for assistance.
3. Install Actuators: Per standard installation instructions (ref: g. 11).
Figure 11
8

T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL
Usage and Calibration
III. Usage and Calibration
The T108S Actuators are powered by a separate dedicated amplier and therefore must be calibrated to best integrate
with the audible sound system (loudspeakers). Crowson’s recommended calibration levels are meant as a guideline, from
which each customer may choose to customize according to his or her personal preference.
A. Setting Filter Level:
A Low-Pass-Filter (LPF) is employed to remove unwanted high frequency content from Crowson Motion Systems. The
level can be adjusted from a very low 40Hz to a relatively high 120Hz. If the LPF is set too low, you may not experience
some of the faster effects. For example: a gunshot may feel like a “thud” rather than a crisp “crack”. If the LPF is set too
high, you will begin to hear sound from your chair. We recommend setting the LPF at 100Hz to begin. Reduce the setting
if you feel unwanted high-frequency content and increase the setting if you believe that you are missing wanted content.
B. Setting Intensity Level:
Set the motion intensity level relative to the master or main audio system level.
If using a Crowson Tactile Motion Amplier, follow these steps to achieve optimal motion levels:
1. Sit in your active chair and play a movie scene that includes ample low-frequency content.
2. Turn the master audio volume level up to your maximum, comfortable listening level.
3. Set Motion Amplier to min.; slowly increase the volume until the motion begins to feel distracting.
4. Reduce the master audio volume level to your favorite listening level.
5. Replay the movie scene while sitting in your new active seat.
6. Gently reduce the Motion Amplier volume until the motion feels natural* and blends with the Sub.
*Note 1: Though it is certainly possible to achieve impressive motion intensity levels from the Crowson Motion System,
recommended intensity levels will blend seamlessly with the audible sound. Just as you do not want your subwoofer to
overpower your other loudspeakers, motion intensity should not overpower the rest of your home theater experience.
Improper volume calibration, as with any independently controlled output, will not achieve the most realistic experience
and on the contrary, may detract from the immersion you desire.
9

Troubleshooting and Specications
IV. Troubleshooting:
No Motion
• Check that the AC is live.
• Is the motion amplier on? See amplier manual for detailed troubleshooting.
• Check that the input cables and speaker wires are secure at both ends.
• Make sure that the pre-amp/receiver is on and that the system speakers are producing low-frequency sound (bass).
• Check for short-circuited speaker wires.
• Check for excessive temperature and inadequate ventilation conditions.
• Check the LPF Knob. Increasing the setting will increase the quantity of motion.
• Check all volume knobs. Increasing the setting will increase the quantity of motion.
• Thermal or power overload circuits may trip under excessively demanding conditions. Actuators will turn on when the
offending condition is mitigated and/or it cools down naturally.
LoworMufedTactileMotion
• T108S motion is crisp and accurate and under proper conditions should never feel mufed or muddy. Degraded
accuracy may be due to sub-optimal conditions: T108S motion is optimized with rigid ooring and well-built furniture.
Extremely padded carpet and/or seat cushions may dissipate motion and necessitate increased power amplication.
• Check all volume levels (AV receiver, pre-amplier and motion amplier).
• Use of a non-Crowson power amplier may require the use of a pre-amplier or booster. Low motion output levels may
indicate a weak amplier input signal. Many audio ampliers have a 1v for peak output gain. T108S Actuators require a
0.2v for peak output gain.
Background Hum
• Check for ground loops.
• Move the audio cables and AC cords away from each other.
• Try different routes for the audio cables and AC cords.
• Make sure that insulating shoulder washers are used if your amplier is rack-mounted.
Overheating
• Remove any external sources of heat near the motion amplier or T108S Actuator.
• Increase ventilation around the motion amplier or T108S Actuator.
Buzzing or Rattling
• Ensure that the T108S Actuator is positioned properly.
• Reduce motion system volume to avoid “clipping”.
• Reduce low-pass lter (LPF) setting.
T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL
V.Specications:
• Actuatorsize5.7”Long,4.8”Wide,1.1”High
• Actuatorweight3.5lb
• Motionsystemtotalmaximumload1000lb(250lbperActuatororMotionIsolator)
• Bindingpostsaccept18to12AWGspeakerwire
• Nominalimpedance 8 ohms
• Overloadprotectiontriptemperature 160°F
• Minimumrecommendedpower 50WattsRMS
• Maximumrecommendedpower 500WattsRMS
• Frequencyresponse1Hzto600Hz
10

Warranty
Warranty
Crowson Technology, LLC warrants that each T108S purchased from Crowson Technology, LLC is free from
defects in materials and workmanship under normal usage during the warranty period. Said warranty shall
commence on the day of purchase by the End-User and continue for a period of (2) years.
To exercise the End-User’s rights under this warranty, the Product must be returned at the End-Users
expense, to Crowson Technology, LLC. The returned product must be accompanied by (i) the End-User’s
original sales receipt or invoice that shows the date of sale and product type (ii) a return authorization number,
issued by Crowson Technology, LLC that is clearly displayed on the outside of the shipping carton. The
Warranty extends only to the original End-User purchase and is not transferable.
During the Warranty Period, Crowson Technology, LLC will, at no additional charge, repair or replace defective
parts or, at the discretion of Crowson technology, replace the entire unit. Crowson Technology, LLC shall
have no other obligation, and repair or replacement shall be the End-User’s exclusive remedy for any defect
in the Product.
Crowson Technology, LLC is condent in the quality of our products. If your product fails, please contact
our technical support by email at [email protected] or by telephone at [phone] to request
repair or replacement. Please have the following information at hand when requesting a return authorization
number for replacement/repair of your T108S: (i) Product Name (ii) Product Serial Number (iii) invoice number
(from invoice/receipt).
For Repair or Return outside the Continental US, please contact your local Crowson dealer or distribu-
tor for guidance. If you are unable to contact your local Crowson dealer of distributor, send an email to
[email protected] for assistance.
Warranty Limitations
This Limited Warranty does not extend to any Product that has been damaged due to accident, unauthorized
modications, tampering, abuse, misuse, alterations, unusual physical or electrical stress, or to any Product
that has been serviced by other than Crowson Technology, LLC or its authorized agents or which has been
used in any manner other than from ordinary use in the application for which it was intended.
Other than those warranties contained in these terms and conditions, manufacturer makes no representations
or warranties with regard to products sold under this purchase order, all of which warranties are expressly
disclaimed hereby. Without limiting the foregoing, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, manufac-
turer disclaims all other express or implied warranties of manufacture, design, and/or suitability for a particular
purpose.
Warranty Disclaimer
Crowson Technology, LLC shall have no liability to anyone for incidental or consequential damages or any
other liability, loss or damage arising out of or related to the merchandise sold. Crowson Technology, LLC
makes no warranty as to the performance of third-party-manufactured merchandise and which does not bear
the Crowson emblem. This disclaimer by Crowson Technology, LLC in no way effects the terms of the manufac-
turers warranty if any.
T108S INSTALLATION MANUAL 11

17