FrontRow Pro Digital Assembly instructions

pro digital
INSTALLER guIdE

YOU’RE ABOUT TO MAKE
LEARNING MORE FUN
Welcome to Frontrow -- the teacher-friendly way to
improve the learning environment in every classroom.
With your new active learning system, you’ll enjoy
greater student attention, less teacher fatigue, and
very likely better test scores.
To help you start benefiting from your Frontrow Pro
Digital system right away, we recommend that you
first read the section in this guide called Before You
Begin, and from there proceed to Steps 1 through 10.
Be sure to consult the system user guide as well.
If you follow the steps set out in this Installer Guide
and organize everything you need beforehand, you’ll
find setting up your Frontrow Pro Digital system to
be quite simple. Of course, if you run into any obstacles,
you can always call us at the number below. Our
technical support representatives are happy to help.
Thank you for choosing Frontrow!

Read
Me
CONTENTS
Be sure to read the helpful tip boxes found throughout this guide. Of
course, if you need further assistance, you can always call us at one of the
numbers found on the previous page.
Step 1................................................................................Pages 1-5
Before you begin
Step 2...................................................................................Page 6
Get yourself ready
Step 3...............................................................................Pages 7-10
Plan your installation (Speakers)
Step 4..............................................................................Pages 11-14
Plan your installation (Sensors)
Step 5..............................................................................Pages 15-16
Install the receiver
Step 6..............................................................................Pages 17-18
Connect media
Step 7..............................................................................Pages 19-24
Install speakers
Step 8..............................................................................Pages 25-26
Install sensors
Step 9.................................................................................Pages 27
Test system
Appendix A ............................................................................Pages 28
Pro Digital Teacher's Tips
Appendix B ............................................................................Pages 29
Special speaker connections
Appendix C.........................................................................Pages 30-31
Troubleshooting

Make sure you’ve got everything you need to set up your Frontrow Pro Digital active learning system. By
taking a few minutes to prepare, you’ll help ensure the actual set-up is as quick and problem-free as possible.
Visualize your goal
When your FrontRow Pro Digital system is installed, it will look something like this:
General safety precautions
• Donotinstallorusethereceivernearwaterorheatsources
• Cleanonlywithadrycloth
• Donotblockanyventilationopenings
• Protectallcablesfromwearanddamagefromfoottraffic,doors,andotherhazards
• UseonlyaccessoriesspecifiedbyFrontRow
• Referservicingtoqualifiedservicepersonnel
• Wearsafetygoggleswhenusingpowertools
• Followallsafetyguidelineswhenusingladders
• Observeyourlocalbuilding,electrical,andfirecodeswheninstallinganyelectricalequipment
•
Use at least 18-gauge plenum speaker wire (included with system)
1
Step 1: Before you begin

Get your classroom ready
1. Does your classroom meet the system requirements?
Check the table below to confirm that your classroom is set up properly for the Frontrow Pro Digital
system you have. In most cases one ceiling sensor will be sufficient. However, some classrooms may require
one or more additional sensors for optimal room coverage. While other classroom configurations may work
with your Frontrow Pro Digital system, we can only support those listed below.
2. Think about combining your other teaching technologies
Your Frontrow Pro Digital system is the communication center of your classroom. Take advantage of this
opportunity to connect your TV, VCR, computer, CD player, MP3 player and other teaching technology to
your active learning system. This will allow children to hear not only your voice, but also the rich multimedia
content you’re providing, regardless of where they’re seated.
Deciding what other devices you’ll want to connect to your FrontRow Pro Digital system now will make
positioning the receiver easier in Step 1. There are four ways to approach integration.
Example 1
Many classrooms use a computer as a multi-media "hub" (with an LCD projector), which is connected to
the internet or school network to download/stream all audio and video, and MP3 files. For these class-
rooms, you may only require one auxiliary audio input connection to the 940R.
Computer
940R (back)
LCD Projector
Audio
Out
Screen or
Interactive White Board
Internet
Audio
Video
2
Cable: stereo RCA
to stereo 3.5mm
Size
Walls
Windows
Obstructions
(hanging art, tall free-standing
bookshelves, suspended lights)
Shape
< 900ft2
Light colors
Few
Few
Simple
900ft2 - 1500ft2
Dark colors
Many (>50% window-to-wall area)
Many
Complex
(Alcoves/bays where teachers may walk)
______ x 1 +______ x 3 =
If your score is: We recommend:
< = 5 1 ceiling sensor
6 - 10 1 ceiling sensor + 1 wall* sensor OR 2 ceiling sensors
11+ 3 sensors (any combination of wall* or ceiling)
*Wall sensors can help where there are ceiling obstructions (hanging lights, artwork, etc.)
(Square, Rectangle)
Total
Checked Total
Checked

FrontRow
930R
VCR
TV
940R (back)
Audio
In
Computer LCD Projector
Wireless
Transmission
Audio In
Example 2
Some classrooms use a computer as the multi-media "hub", but it is connected to a TV instead of an LCD
projector. They also occasionally use the TV/DVD/VCR as a stand alone media. For these classrooms, you
may need to use both auxiliary audio input connections to the 940R.
DVD Player
VCR
TV
940R (back)
Audio
Out
Computer
Audio
Out
Internet
Audio
Video
Signal
Converter
Example 3*
Some classrooms may have many different types of media, but because of the age of the equipment
or incompatible input/outputs, they may not integrate with each other. For these classrooms, you may
choose to use an auxiliary audio box to connect all the sources to one location, then connect it to one
audio input connection to the 940R.
CD Player
TV
DVD Player
VCR
Internet
Audio
Video
Example 4
This is less work for the installer, but slightly more involved for the teacher.
3
12
1Cable: stereo RCA to stereo 3.5mm
2Cable: stereo RCA to stereo RCA
2 2 2 2
2
1
1Cable: stereo RCA to stereo 3.5mm
2Cable: stereo RCA to stereo RCA
*Additional cords may be required

Get your FrontRow Pro Digital parts ready
Check the contents of your FrontRow Pro Digital installation kit against the parts listed below. To help you
stay organized, we recommend that you keep the parts needed for each step separate.
1. Open your main component box
940 System Box
940TM microphone
202-01-400-00
940TM microphone
AA (LR6) NiMH
Rechargeable Batteries
Aux-in Cord
Accessory Pack
890-88-664-00 (US)
890-88-667-00 (UK)
890-88-665-00 (AU/NZ)
890-88-666-00 (EU)
940R Power Supply
890-88-027-00
940R Cord Kit
Two-unit charge cord
Mono RCA to mono 3.5mm
(12in/30cm)
Aux-in Cord
Stereo RCA to stereo 3.5mm
(20ft/6m)
Power Supply
940R Pro Digital Receiver
202-00-400-00
940R Pro Digital Receiver
AC Power Cord
4
202-00-410-00 (US/CAN)
202-00-411-00 (AUS/NZ)
202-00-412-00 (EU)
202-00-413-00 (UK)

940CS Ceiling Sensor Kit
204-01-006-00
(1) 940CS Ceiling Sensor
with mounting bracket
950WS Wall Sensor Kit
204-01-007-00
(2) 950WS Wall Sensor
(2) Mounting Brackets
(2) Sensor Cables
950H Student Mic Kit
202-01-430-00
950H Student Microphone
or
(1) Sensor Cable
950C Charger
Power Supply
(optional)
Receiver Tray
4. Open your speaker box
This box should contain:
2. Open your sensor box 3. Open other optional boxes
or
ceiling speaker
5
IR speaker mounting bracket
Plenum-rated tile bridge/
Plenum-rated speaker cover

Nearly everything you need to install your FrontRow Pro Digital system is included in the boxes we shipped.
You will need some basic tools and materials, depending on how your classroom is built:
1. What kind of walls do you have?
For drywall installations (similar to most houses) gather the following tools:
Drill Wall anchors
Drill bits Cable tacks/staples
Phillips #2 driver bit Plastic cable (zip) ties
Level or ruler/tape measure Plastic raceway with screws
Crimp pliers or scissors Tin snips (optional)
Hammer Ladder
Staple gun Safety goggles
For concrete walls, assemble the following tools:
Hammer drill Hammer
Masonry drill bits Plastic cable (zip) ties
Phillips #2 driver bit Plastic raceway with adhesive
Level or ruler/tape measure Tin snips (optional)
Crimp pliers or scissors Ladder
Concrete screws Safety goggles
2. Are you installing ceiling speakers?
If so, you’ll also need:
Keyhole saw or sabre saw or RotoZip
Electrical tape
Short length of string or twine
6
Step 2: Get yourself ready

Student desks
Teacher’s desk
TV / VCR / DVD
White board
Top view of an example classroom
Windows
A good place for the receiver
You’ll install the receiver
at teacher eye-level in a
corner from which it can
‘see’ the whole room
Windows
7
Step 3: Plan your installation (Speakers)
Estimated time for this step: 5-10 minutes
Your classroom is ready and you’ve organized all the parts and tools you’ll need to set up your active learning
system. Now it’s time to decide where you’ll place major components. To help you decide, we’ll use the
following layout of a typical classroom as an example:
1. Decide where to put the receiver
We recommend locating the receiver in a corner with good visibility of the classroom, at about the teacher’s eye-level.
If you’re going to be connecting other audio sources to your receiver (see Before You Begin), consider a location
near the teacher’s computer or TV/VCR/DVD. There are probably convenient power sources near these as well.

2. Plan speaker placement
Proper speaker placement is critical to getting optimum benefit from any active learning system.
Improperly chosen or installed speakers can actually harm intelligibility, so please take the time to plan this
step thoroughly.
It’s useful to imagine each speaker as a flashlight, and that your goal is to light up the areas where students
are sitting. Speakers should therefore be focused on the students and facing them.
Speaker symbols:
= ceiling speakers
= IR speakers
8

9
Each speaker fully covers
one-fourth of student
listening area
Avoid covering area in
front of white board
Install speakers in ceiling
tiles centered over
one-fourth of the student
listening area
Correct
✔
Inadequate coverage of
student listening area
Too much coverage in
front of white board
(feedback risk)
Incorrect
✘
a Installing ceiling speakers?
Use the following guidelines when choosing where to put your ceiling speakers:
Define the area where students are sitting -- this is the area you want to cover with speakers; not the
entire room.
Divide this area into four equal sections.
Using a piece of tape, mark a ceiling tile in the center of each of the four sections -- these are the tiles
where you’ll mount your ceiling speakers.
Avoid installing speakers directly in front of the white board -- this not only covers an area not used by
students but increases the chance of feedback.

10
b Installing IR speakers?
Use the following guidelines when choosing where to put your IR-Speakers:
– Define the area where students are sitting — this is the area you want to cover with speakers; not the entire room.
– Mentally divide this area into two equal sections running parallel to the whiteboard/main lecture area.
– Using a piece of tape, mark a desk in the center of each of the sections — these are the targets at which you'll
aim each of your IR-Speakers.
– Speakers should only be placed on the side walls of the classroom.
– Walls should have a space approximately 10in wide by 5in tall (25 x 13cm) to solidly mount the wall bracket.
– If the room has drop lighting, the speaker should be placed just below the bottom of the lights — the teacher
should be able to see at least one speaker from all parts of the room.
– Avoid installing speakers directly in front of the white board — this not only covers an area not used by
students – but increases the chance of feedback.
Correct
✔
Incorrect
✘
Avoid covering area in
front of whiteboard
Too much coverage
in front of whiteboard
(feedback risk)

11
SENSOR & SENSOR CABLE
The sensor and sensor cable are critical elements in the system and the most sensitive to
electrical noise.
a. DO NOT shorten OR lengthen the sensor cable. Its factory-specified length is critical to the
performance of the system.
b. DO NOT use a splitter with the sensor cable.
c. DO NOT use a different cable.
d. DO NOT alter the RCA connectors on the cable.
e. AVOID routing the sensor cable next to other cables or electrical systems (e.g., other electrical
conduit, Ethernet cable, video cable, fluorescent light ballast, etc.). Leave at least 6 in. (15cm)
space around the sensor cable.
f. The sensor cable is UL listed. Excess cable can be coiled, tied and placed safely in a plenum
space. DO NOT place the sensor coil near other cables or electrical systems (e.g., other
electrical conduit, Ethernet cable, video cable, fluorescent light ballast, etc.).
g. Route the sensor cable AWAY from the speaker wires as far as practical. We recommend
leaving at least 6 in. (15cm) between the two whenever possible.
Possible external sensor combinations:
sensor combinations maximum connections
ceiling sensor only 2*
wall sensor(s) only 3
ceiling & wall sensor 1 ceiling sensor, 2 wall sensors
*1 ceiling sensor can be connected to the wall sensor port.
Step 4: Plan your installation (Sensors)
(If you are using IR-Speakers, skip to section 7)
Your FrontRow Pro Digital receiver has a powerful built-in sensor -- often sufficient to serve your entire classroom.
The walls or design of some classrooms may not allow for the direct transmission and reflections of infrared
light that your active learning system relies on. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan for external sensors.
Sensor symbols:
= ceiling sensor = wall sensor
Interference and IR Coverage
The FrontRow Pro Digital system uses infrared light to transmit the voice signal from the microphone to the
sensor in the ceiling/wall sensors. Proper placement of the sensors is critical for optimal system performance.
a. Adjacent classrooms that use FrontRow infrared systems can interfere with each other if the rooms are
separated by windows. The windows allow the infrared light to “escape” from the classroom only to be picked
up by the sensors in the adjacent classroom, causing interference and “cross talk”. Be sure to recommend
window coverings to the greatest extent practical when using the system.
b. Direct sunlight can reduce system performance. Be sure to recommend window coverings to the greatest
extend practical when using the system.
c. Infrared light has better reflection off of white and glossy surfaces. The ceiling sensor can be placed to help
provide coverage in areas where the signal may be weak due to insufficient infrared reflection.

12
Position ceiling sensor on the ceiling, centered
in the half of the room opposite the receiver
Receiver
Ceiling sensor placement
1. Positioning a ceiling sensor
A ceiling sensor is designed to ‘see’ the entire room at once, and so can often fill in any gaps in reception
by the main receiver. Use the following guidelines when installing a ceiling sensor:
Mentally divide the room in half, with the main receiver contained within one half.
Use a piece of tape to mark a spot on the ceiling that is centered within the other half of the room --
This is where you will install the ceiling sensor.
Assessing the individual characteristics of the environment is critical to achieving the best performance.
Poor coverage planning can dramatically reduce the performance of the system.
a. DO NOT mount the ceiling sensor or wall sensors in direct sunlight as it will greatly reduce performance.
b. The ceiling sensor must have a clear view of the coverage area and must be mounted parallel to the
floor to function optimally (figure 1). If drop lights are used in the room, wall sensors may be a better
option. Or, a drop mount* may be used to lower the ceiling sensor.
Light
Fixture
Ceiling Sensor
Orientation and coverage
optimized
*
*not supplied by FrontRow
Classroom
Ceiling
Sensor
XSensor performance reduced: Not parallel
to floor AND blocked by light fixtures.
Figure 1: Ceiling Sensor Installation
Sensor cable
Receiver
Amplifier

13
Position wall sensors on the wall, centered
in one-third of the room
Receiver
Wall sensor placement
2. Positioning 2 wall sensors
Wall sensors are ideal for complete coverage of rooms, even those with non-reflective or obstructing walls.
Use the following guidelines when installing wall sensors:
Mentally divide the room into three equal sections, with the main receiver contained within one section.
Use a piece of tape to mark a spot for each of the two wall sensors. The spot you choose should be:
– On the wall, as close to the ceiling as possible.
– In a position such that the teacher can see at least one sensor from all parts of the room.

14
3. Positioning ceiling and wall sensors
Combining external sensors is ideal for complete coverage of odd sized or oversized rooms with or without
non-reflecting or obstructing walls. Use the following guidelines when installing ceiling and wall sensors:
– Mentally divide an odd-shaped room into sections as shown. The receiver and ceiling sensor should
cover the larger sections of the room and the wall sensor should cover the alcove or smaller section.
– For larger sized rooms greater than 2500 sq. ft./225m2we recommend using external wall sensors
only (up to 3 wall sensors maximum) for optimum room coverage in IR challenging room environments.
– Use a piece of tape to mark a spot on the ceiling that is centered within one half of the large section
of the room – this is where you will install the ceiling sensor.
– Use a piece of tape to mark a spot for each of the wall sensors. The spot you choose should be:
– on a wall, as close to the ceiling as possible.
– in a position such that the teacher can see at least one sensor from all parts of the room.
Receiver
Receiver
or
single ceiling & wall sensor placement
(odd-sized room)
three wall sensor or two ceiling sensor placement
(larger room size)
or or
or

With the positions of all your major components settled, you can now install your receiver.
1. Install optional receiver tray to wall at teacher
eye-level according to installation instructions
included with tray.
2. Place receiver on tray.
3. Slightly loosen tightening knob and angle main
sensor toward center of room, and tighten knob.
4. Plug power supply into receiver.
5. Plug power supply into wall socket.
6. Connect any other teaching technology —
TV / VCR / DVD, teacher’s computer, etc. —
to your Frontrow Pro Digital system through the
Aux Input jacks (cables supplied).
15
940R (Back)
6
5
4
1
2
3
eye level of teacher
Step 5: Install the receiver
Estimated time for this step: 15 minutes
The receiver has a built in sensor that works like the ceiling or wall sensors. To maximize the reception of the
internal sensor, it must be mounted so it can “see” as much of the room as possible.
a. Place the receiver at the instructors eye level (approximately 5-6 ft. [1.5-2m] from the floor). The receiver may
be placed on a shelf, however we recommend using the FrontRow receiver tray.
b. If mounted less than 5 ft. (1.5m) from the floor, the receiver should be mounted parallel to the floor. If mounted
6 ft. (2m) or higher from the floor, the receiver should be angled downward slightly.
c. Ensure the receiver is installed to comply with ADA standards.
d. Secure the receiver tray to ensure it can’t easily be rotated or angled into a less than optimal position.
e. DO NOT place the receiver in direct sunlight as it will greatly reduce performance.
f. DO NOT bundle the FrontRow power supply (or any power supply) along with the speaker or sensor cable.
f. DO NOT bundle the FrontRow power supply (or any power supply) directly next to OR on top of
the receiver.

16
Rackmounting
The Frontrow Pro Digital receiver may be placed in a rack using a standard shelf that accommodates the
physical dimensions of the receiver. The Frontrow Pro Digital receiver will not accomodate “wings” or other
rack accessories which attach directly to a unit. Airflow should not be restricted in the rack. The following
guidelines must be considered when rack mounting the receiver:
a. Coverage. The FrontRow Pro Digital receiver has an internal sensor that works like the external ceiling
or wall sensor.
The internal sensor can be used alone or in tandem with external sensors. If the location of the receiver in the
rack prevents the internal sensor from being fully exposed to the coverage area, the sensor should be disabled*.
The internal sensor cannot be disabled in the field. With reasonable notice FrontRow can disable the internal
sensor prior to shipment.
When placing the receiver in the rack where exposure to the coverage area is possible, be sure to secure the
receiver on the shelf to prevent it from sliding to the rear of the shelf or changing orientation.
b. Technical Support. Contact FrontRow technical support at US: 800.227.0735, CAN: 800.340.9894 if you have
any questions regarding installation or troubleshooting.
*Each sensor contributes a small degree of electrical noise in the system. A properly used sensor, one that is
exposed to the coverage area, improves system performance far above the electrical noise that is introduced.
Conversely, a sensor that is NOT exposed to the coverage area (e.g., receiver placed in a closed rack system),
contributes a small degree of electrical noise in the system with no benefit in performance.
Internal Sensor
Tip
Point your receiver away from windows
Your FrontRow Pro Digital system communicates using infrared light. Strong
sunlight can overwhelm that communication. Your receiver will perform best if
it is pointed away from windows that get direct sunlight.

17
Estimated time for this step: 45 minutes
With your receiver installed, you now have a base for routing your cables.
DROP-CEILING ROUTING
If you want to run cables above a drop (acoustic tile)
ceiling, follow the guidelines below. (If you just run
cables along the wall, follow the instructions starting
on page 17.
1. Remove selected ceiling tiles
Remove any ceiling tiles you marked in Step 3.
Remove the ceiling tiles directly above the
sensor or IR speaker locations you marked
in Step 4.
Remove the ceiling tile directly above the
receiver you mounted in Step 5.
2. Prepare and route cable
Tie an object, such as a roll of electrical tape, to
some twine to use as a pull line. This will help
you more accurately direct the cable in the area
above the ceiling.
Standing on a ladder with your head and
shoulders in the space where you’ll install a
ceiling speaker, toss the weighted end of your
twine through ceiling space into the open tile
hole above your receiver.
Connect the other end of the twine to the speaker
cable. Pull cable through to the receiver.
Your goal is to have the cable entirely above the
ceiling, with only the two ends protruding from the
open space above the receiver and your chosen
speaker tile.
Repeat these steps for the other three speakers and for your sensors.
Note: Do not shorten or lengthen the sensor cable. Doing so may reduce system performance.
Tip
Can’t get the pull line to the receiver in one throw?
Get the weighted end of the pull line as close to the receiver as you can.
Then move your ladder under the tile where your cable stopped, remove
that tile, and repeat until you’ve hit the mark.
Step 6: Connect cables