FrontRow Lasso Assembly instructions

lasso
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 classroom sound system, you’ll enjoy
greater student attention, less teacher fatigue, and
very likely better test scores.
To help you start benefiting from your FRONTROW
LASSO 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 LASSO 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! You're just steps
away from a happier, more productive.
USA/Global
FrontRow
Corporate Headquarters
2080 Lakeville Highway
Petaluma, CA 94954-6713
toll-free: 800.227.0735
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
web: www.gofrontrow.com
Australia
Phonic Ear
12/97 Castlemaine Street
Milton Qld 4064
Australia
freecall: 1 800 PHONIC
fax: [phone]
web: www.gofrontrow.com.au
Canada
FrontRow
6950 Creditview Road, Unit 1
Mississauga, ON L5N 0A6
toll-free: 800.340.9894
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
web: www.gofrontrow.com
Scandinavia
Phonic Ear A/S
Kongebakken 9
2765 Smørum
Denmark
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
web: www.gofrontrow.com
www.phonicear.com
New Zealand
Oticon New Zealand Ltd.
142 Lambton Quay
P.O. Box 9128
Te Aro. Wellington
toll-free: 800 OTICON
toll-free fax: 00800 FAX OTICON
web: www.oticon.co.nz
United Kingdom
PC Werth Limited
Audiology House
45 Nightingale Lane
London SW12 8SP
tel: [phone]
web: www.soundfield.info

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 1-6
Before you begin
Step 2...................................................................................Page 7
Get yourself ready
Step 3...............................................................................Pages 8-11
Plan your installation (Speakers)
Step 4..............................................................................Pages 12-14
Plan your installation (Sensors)
Step 5..................................................................................Page 15
Install the receiver
Step 6..............................................................................Pages 16-19
Install speakers
Step 7..............................................................................Pages 20-21
Install sensors
Step 8..............................................................................Pages 22-23
Route and connect cables
Step 9..................................................................................Page 24
Test system
Appendix A .............................................................................Page 25
Teacher Tips
Appendix B ..........................................................................Page 26-27
Special speaker connections
Appendix C.............................................................................Page 28
Troubleshooting

Make sure you’ve got everything you need to set up your FRONTROW LASSO 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 LASSO 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)
Step 1: Before you begin
1

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 LASSO 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 LASSO system, we can only support those listed below.
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 OR IR speakers*
6 - 10 1 ceiling sensor + 1 wall** sensor OR 2 ceiling sensors OR IR speakers*
11+ 3 sensors (any combination of wall** or ceiling OR IR speaker sensors)
*IR speakers have a built-in sensor
**Wall sensors can help where there are ceiling obstructions (hanging lights, artwork, etc.)
(Square, Rectangle)
Total
Checked Total
Checked
2

2. Think about combining your other teaching technologies
Your FRONTROW LASSO system is the audio 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 sound sys-
tem. This will allow children to hear not only your voice, but also the rich multimedia content you’re provid-
ing, regardless of where they’re seated.
Deciding what other devices you’ll want to connect to your FrontRow Lasso system now will make position-
ing the receiver easier in Step 3. There are many ways to approach integration.
Example 1
Many classrooms use a computer as a multi-media "hub" that is connected to the internet or school
network to download/stream and play all audio and video. For these classrooms, you may only need one
audio input connection to the 5301R.
Computer
5301R (back)
LCD Projector
Audio
Out
Screen or
Interactive White Board
Internet
Audio
Video
Cable: stereo RCA
to stereo 3.5mm
3

4
5301R (back)
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 stand alone media. For these classrooms, you
may need to use two or three auxiliary audio input connections to the 5301R.
DVD Player
TV
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 5301R.
12
1Cable: stereo RCA to stereo RCA
2Cable: stereo RCA to stereo 3.5mm
CD Player
TV
DVD Player
VCR
Internet
Audio
Video
2 2 2 2
2
1
1Cable: stereo RCA to stereo 3.5mm
2Cable: stereo RCA to stereo RCA
Example 4
Many teachers have MP3 players, portable CD players or other devices that move around the classroom.
To amplify audio from portable electronics, it may be most convenient to connect these as needed
through the MP3 jack on the front of the 5301R.
5301R (front)
VCR

3. Get your FrontRow Lasso parts ready
Check the contents of your FrontRow Lasso installation kit against the parts listed below. To help you stay
organized, we recommend that you keep the parts needed for each step separate.
Open your main component box
5301 System Box
940TM microphone
AA (LR6) NiMH
Rechargeable Batteries
Aux-in Cord
Aux-in Cord
Stereo RCA to
stereo 3.5mm
(20ft/6m)
Power Supply
5301R Lasso Receiver
5301R (back)
Computer LCD Projector
Wireless
Transmission
Audio In
Example 5
Teachers can also connect either the 940TM or 950H mic to any audio source that's too far from the
receiver to conveniently integrate directly.
5
AC Power Cord
Rack Mount
Brackets
Aux In
VCR
TV
Audio
In

6
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
202-01-420-00
950H Student Microphone
or
(1) Sensor Cable
950C Charger
940C Power Supply
Open your speaker box
This box should contain:
Open your sensor box Open other optional items
Plenum-rated tile bridge/
Plenum-rated speaker cover
or
ceiling speaker
IR speaker mounting bracket

Nearly everything you need to install your FrontRow Lasso 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
7
Step 2: Get yourself ready

8
Student desks
Teacher’s desk and
computer
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 near
potential audio sources
Windows
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 classroom
amplification 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 near the majority of your potential audio sources — DVD player, computer, etc.
This will make it easier to connect multimedia sources, and 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 classroom amplification 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
There may be cases in which you want to install more speakers than normal (e.g. the room is very large) or
connect speakers in series (e.g. to save cable length). Refer to Appendix B for guidance.
9

10
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 used less
often by students but increases the chance of feedback.

11
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 used less often by
students but increases the chance of feedback.
– IR speakers have a built-in sensor. Be sure to read the general guidelines for sensor and sensor cable
installation on page 12.
Correct
✔
Incorrect
✘
Avoid covering area in
front of whiteboard
Too much coverage
in front of whiteboard
(feedback risk)

12
Step 4: Plan your installation (Sensors)
The FrontRow Lasso 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.
SENSOR CABLE
The sensor cables are sensitive to electrical noise.
•DO NOT use a splitter with the sensor cable.
•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.
• 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.).
• Localregulationsmayrequireplenum-ratedcableifusedinaplenumspace.
• FrontRow recommends using the factory-supplied sensor cables; however, if you need to shorten or
lengthen cables to meet the needs of a specific job, observe the following guidelines for best results:
Sensor Mounting
 • DO NOT mount the ceiling sensor or wall sensors in
direct sunlight as it will greatly reduce performance.
 • Theceilingsensormusthaveaclearviewofthe
coverage area and must be mounted parallel
to the floor to function optimally (see figure). If
drop lights are used in the room, wall sensors or
IR speakers 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
*
*drop mount not supplied by FrontRow
Classroom
Ceiling
Sensor
XSensor performance reduced:
Not parallel to floor AND blocked
by light fixtures.
Ceiling Sensor Installation
Sensor cable
Receiver
Amplifier
Interference and IR Coverage
• 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.
• Infraredlightreflectsbetter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.
Sensor symbols:
= ceiling sensor = wall sensor
SENSOR TYPE GUIDELINE EXAMPLES
IR Speakers only
Ceiling sensor only
IR Speaker with
1 ceiling sensor
Lengths can differ by
up to 40ft/12m
Lenths can differ by
up to 30ft/9m
Ceiling sensor cable
can be 25ft shorter
than up to 50ft longer
than the shortest IR
Speaker cable
Combo A is 50 feet •Combo B is 10 feet
Combo A is 70 feet •Combo B is 30 feet
Ceiling Cable A is 50 ft •Ceiling Cable B is 20 ft
Ceiling Cable A is 50 ft •Ceiling Cable B is 80 ft
Ceiling Cable A is 40 ft •Ceiling Cable B is 10 ft
Combo A is 50 ft •Combo B is 50ft •Ceiling Cable is 25ft
Combo A is 50 ft •Combo B is 50ft •Ceiling Cable is 100ft
Combo A is 50 ft •Combo B is 25ft •Ceiling Cable is 75ft
Combo A is 30 ft •Combo B is 60ft •Ceiling Cable is 80ft
CAVEATS: Avoid lengths >100ft/30.5m •Any extensions must be RG-59U with at least 90% shielding (double
recommended) with proper connectors •FrontRow is not responsible for performance when cables are altered.

13
1. Positioning ceiling sensors
Installing two ceiling sensors
Mentally divide the room half and locate the center of each half as shown.
Use a piece of tape to mark the spots in each half of the room.
NOTE: The sensors must be able to "see" the entire room — do not block them with projector mounts,
lighting, hanging art, or other obstructions. If the teacher can see a sensor from all parts of the room,
you've probably chosen a good spot.
Installing one ceiling sensor
Locate the center of the room as shown.
Use a piece of tape to mark a spot on the ceiling in the center of the room.
NOTE: The sensor must be able to "see" the entire room — do not block the sensor with projector
mounts, lighting, hanging art, or other obstructions. If the teacher can see the sensor from all parts of the
room, you've probably chosen a good spot.

14
2. Positioning wall sensors
•Mentally divide a large room into 3 sections as shown.
•Use a piece of tape to mark a spot for each of the wall sensors. The spots you choose should be:
•onawall
•inapositionsuchthattheteachercanseeatleastonesensorfromallpartsoftheroom.
•Twoofthesensorsshouldflankthewhiteboard/mainlectureareaatrightanglestotheboard,
1-2ft/30-60cm from the whiteboard wall
three wall sensor placement (larger room size)
3. Positioning ceiling and wall sensors
•Mentally divide an odd-shaped room into sections as shown. The ceiling sensor should cover the larger
section of the room and the wall sensor should cover the alcove or smaller section.
•Useapieceoftapetomarkaspotontheceilingthatiscenteredin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 the wall sensor. The spot you choose should be:
 •onawall
 •inapositionsuchthattheteachercanseeatleastonesensorfromallpartsoftheroom.
single ceiling & wall sensor placement
(odd-shaped room)
1-2ft/30-60cm 1-2ft/30-60cm

Estimated time for this step: 15 minutes
With the positions of all your major components settled, you can now install your receiver.
1. Place the receiver at a level that is accessible to the instructor. The receiver may be placed on a shelf, in a
rack, or in a cabinet. Ensure the receiver is installed to comply with ADA standards.
2. Plug power supply into receiver.
a. DO NOT bundle the FrontRow power supply (or any power supply) along with the speaker or sensor cable.
b. DO NOT bundle the FrontRow power supply (or any power supply) directly next to OR on top of
the receiver.
3. Plug power supply into wall socket.
4. Connect any other teaching technology —
TV / VCR / DVD, teacher’s computer, etc. —
to your FRONTROW system through the
Audio In jacks. Review Step 1 for guidance.
Step 5: Install the receiver
Rackmounting
The LASSO receiver may be placed in a rack using
a standard shelf that accommodates the physical
dimensions of the receiver using the rack mount
brackets supplied. Airflow should not be restricted
in the rack.
5301R (Back)
4
3
2
accessible height for teacher
1
15
Tip
If you are installing the optional page override module, you may wish to do
so now.

16
If you’re putting in ceiling speakers, do the following:
a. Take down the ceiling tiles you marked in Step 3.
b. Cut ceiling tiles
Lay each bridge on its tile so that the ends of the bridge
are flush with both edges of the tile.
Use the bridge as a template to trace a circle on the
ceiling tile.
Using a keyhole saw, cut the traced circle out of the tile.
Repeat for your other speaker tiles.
Step 6: Install speakers
1. Plenum-rated listed ceiling speaker
3 speaker input terminals
front 1 speaker support tabs
back
2 speaker grill
4 metal tile bridge
1
2
34
5
5 speaker back can
Estimated time for this step: 30 minutes
Now that your cables are in place, you’re ready to install your speakers.
Tip
Local building codes may require a safety line attached to speaker/tile
bridge assembly.

c. Assemble speakers, bridges, and tiles
1. Remove the front grill from a speaker.
Insert the back of the speaker up
through the hole you've cut in the tile
and then through the hole in the tile
bridge. Be sure the finished side of the
tile is facing downward (toward the front
of the speaker) and that the ends of the
tile bridge are flush with the edges of
the tile.
2. Fold out the speaker support tabs.
3. Tighten the mounting screws to
compress the tile bridge and tile
between the mounting tabs and
the speaker front. The speaker should
be snug against the tile and bridge.
4. Feed speaker wire through opening at
the top of the speaker back can.
5. Attach speaker wire to terminals. Be sure to match red wire to red terminal and black wire to black terminal.
6. Secure back can to tile bridge by folding clips into the four slots in the bridge.
7. Tighten wire clamp to secure speaker wire.
8. Reattach speaker front grill.
d. Replace tiles
Drop the tile/speaker assembly back into position in the tile grid by tilting it slightly, lifting it above the frame-
work, and letting it fall into place. Be certain that the two short sides of the metal tile bridge are resting on
top of the T-bar rails holding the ceiling tiles in place, and that the speaker wire is free for routing in Step 8.
e. Speaker wires
a. MINIMIZE speaker wiring and save time by daisy-chaining in parallel left and right speakers.
Running individual speaker wire from each speaker to the terminal block on the receiver is not
required.
b. DO NOT coil up the excess speaker wire. Excess speaker wire should be trimmed and used for
other speakers, if possible.
c. AVOID bundling sensor cables and speaker wires together (except for final run from ceiling to
receiver unit). We recommend leaving at least 6 in. (15cm) between the two whenever possible.
17
2
3
18
tile bridge
tile
47
6
5