HSS Hire 578 Troubleshooting guide

Portable PA
System &Loud
Hailer
©HSS Hire Service Group Plc 1997 No. 578/01
Group Office: 25 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4TS
Hire Shops
Portable, tripod-mounted, 30 watt
PA System or Loud Hailer perfect
for fetes and similar events.
Operating & Safety Guide 578
Contact your local
0990 282828

PA System…
To work the MICROPHONE…
Slide the microphone switch forward for ON,
backward for OFF.
Hold the microphone no more than 150mm (6in) from
your mouth and turn the microphones control to
adjust the volume.
Always start with the volume turned right down
and make a test broadcast; gradually increasing the
volume to the desired level.
You will find it easier if you have someone moving
round the area to listen. Remember though, that the
volume may have to be readjusted in the course of your
event – the more people present, the louder the PA
needs to be.
Avoid pointing the microphone at the
loudspeakers or the system will give out an
unpleasantly loud, high-pitched howl. For the best
results, position yourself either behind the
speakers or well off to one side.
To Add Music…
Simply connect the headphone socket to a personal
stereo system to the socket beneath the
microphone’s windshield – using a 3.5mm – 3.5mm
‘jack-jack’ lead – this isn’t supplied but, if you have any
problems, contact your local HSS Hire Shop for advice.
You can now control the music using the volume,
tone and other controls on the personal
stereo system.
You can also speak over the music by operating
the microphone in the normal way.
Loud Hailer…
To amplify your voice, simply squeeze the trigger
on the handle and speak. Some models have the
additional feature of a single tone siren, this
enables you to attract peoples attention. To
opperate the siren, simply flick the switch with your
thumb.
Hold the microphone no more than 50mm (2”) from
your mouth and turn the rotary control to adjust
the volume.
BASIC TECHNIQUES
Multi-Output
For a multi-output PA system, simply link two or more
units in a chain. Having set up the first in the normal
way, connect it to the next using that unit’s
microphone lead – it plugs into the socket on the left
of the first unit’s connector panel. Up to 200 further
units can be added in a chain in this manner.
Always start with the volume turned down and
make a test broadcast; gradually increasing the
volume to the desired level.
You will find it easier if you have someone moving
round the area to listen. Remember though, that the
volume may have to be readjusted in the course of your
event – the more people present, the louder the volume
needs to be.
Avoid using the unit at high amplification in
confined spaces or the unit will give out an
unpleasantly loud, high-pitched howl.
PA System…
Lift the case off its tripod and collapse this for transit.
Open the case, switch the unit OFF and unplug the
microphone – at the same time disconnecting the lead
of any personal stereo that you have used.
Now, pull the microphone lead back into the case
(locating its plug in the lid before sliding back the keyhole
cover) and pack away the microphone.
If you intend to re-use the PA system, recharge the
battery now (see box). If not, just pack the battery
charger back inside the case and close the lid,
making sure this is secure, ready for return to your local
HSS Hire Shop.
Whichever you are using…
Never use the PA system or Loud Hailer for
anything other than their intended purpose. If they
will no do what you want, contact your local HSS Hire
Shop for advice.
Always switch OFF and unplug the equipment
before making any adjustments to it.
Keep the equipment clean. You will find this less of a
chore if you clean up regularly, rather than wait unit the
end of the hire period.
When not in use, store the equipment somewhere
clean, dry and safe from thieves.
FINISHING OFF
Code 90313/90312
AA
Battery
Microphone
Siren
Switch
Trigger
10
98
VOLUME
Volume
Control
Loud Hailer

For advice on the safety and suitability of this
equipment contact your local HSS Hire Shop.
Keep children, animals and bystanders away from
the system.
This equipment should only be used by a
competent person who has read and understood
these instructions.
Never use this equipment if you are ill, feeling
tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If using the equipment where a lot of people are
expected, consider fencing it off – ask about suitable
barriers at your local HSS Hire Shop.
Ensure the unit is switched OFF before making or
breaking connections. Never leave it switched ON
and unattended.
Check the equipment before use. If it shows signs of
damage or excessive wear, return it.
If positioning/placing above ground-level, use the
tripod supplied or a suitable, stable platform – an
access tower for example. Never place on ladders
or steps.
Never place the equipment in a position where
people can fall on to it or it can fall on them, as
injury may occur.
Never place the equipment where liquids may be
spilt on it.
PA System…
In use, the HSS PA system is powered by an internal
12V DC battery.
This should be recharged using the charger
supplied; plugging this into a standard 240V 13A
power socket. Note that the PA system can be used
while charging.
Battery Charging
The internal battery gives at least eight hours
continuous use and takes about 12 hours
to re-charge.
With the system switched OFF, just plug in the
charger, first into the socket on the left of the
connector panel, then into its power supply.
You could also, connect the charger at the very outset;
in effect running the unit off the mains.
However, this won’t work for multi-output systems –
the connecting leads and battery charger use the
same socket.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
GENERAL SAFETY Keep flexes and leads out of harm’s way, keep them
clear of spectators.
Extension leads should be fully unwound and
loosely coiled, away from the equipment. Never run
them through water, over sharp edges or where they
could trip someone.
Using electrical equipment in very damp or wet
conditions can be dangerous.
To reduce the risk of electric shock while
charging the batteries, use a suitable RCD
(Residual Current-Operated Device) available from your
local HSS Hire Shop, or power the charger from a power
circuit with a built-in RCD.
Never carry or pull the equipment by its flex.
If the PA system fails, switch OFF (and unplug the
charger), then check the two fuses; unscrewing each
fuse-holder in turn.
If a fuse has blown, replace it with the spare fuse,
taped inside the case lid.
If the system still fails to operate, or if any of its
plugs, leads or flexes are damaged, return it. Never
attempt to repair it yourself.
Loud Hailer…
The HSS Loud Hailer is powered by 8 size AA
disposable batteries, held in two holders, found
inside the microphone.
If the unit fails to amplify properly, presume the
batteries need replacing.
To replace the batteries unscrew the microphone
from the rear of the unit and remove the battery
holders (see diagram). Replace with new batteries,
re-insert the holders and carefully screw the
microphone back onto the rear of the unit.
PA System…
Stand the tripod on firm, level ground – somewhere
it won’t be knocked over and where it, and the leads,
won’t get in the way.
Next, open the case and take out the microphone,
leaving its lead inside.
Now turn the switch inside the lid to ON, close the
case and check that the indicator light on the connector
panel glows red.
If the indicator light flashes at regular intervals,
recharge the battery (see box).
You can mount the case onto the tripod – it simply
slots on the top – raise it until the speakers are at
or above head-height.
Open the ‘keyhole’ cover on the side of the case pull out
the microphone lead (up to 10m) and plug it into
the microphone.
The system is now set up and ready for use.
GETTING STARTED
Case Clips
ON/OF
Switch
Connection
For Linking Units
Charger
Battery
Connection
Tripod
Stand
Charger
Socket
Pull Lead to
store cable
Auxillary
Speaker Socket
Sterio Jack
Socket
Microphone
ON / OFF
Volume
Control
3 Pin
Connector
Status
Indicator Lamp
Fuse
Holder
PA System