Lightspeed Redcat media User manual

User Manual
Classroom Audio System

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: 4 System Components and Unpacking
Overview 5 Optional Components
6 Side Panel Controls and Connections
7 Rear Panel Controls and Connections
8 REDMIKE Controls and Connections
9 Cradle Charger Controls and Connections
SECTION 2: 10 Step 1. Determine Set-up Location
Set-up & Use 10 1A. To Set-Up on Table Top
11 1B. To Set-Up Mounted on a Wall
14 Step 2. Audio Integration
16 Step 3. Connecting the Power Supply
17 Step 4. Charging the REDMIKE
18 Step 5. Operating the REDMIKE
19 Step 6. Additional Adjustments &
Connections
20 Output to Assistive Listening Device (ALD)
21 Using the REDMIKE to Amplify External
Audio Equipment
SECTION 3: 22 REDMIKE VC: Controls and Connections
Optional Accessories 23 Charging
23 Initial Set-Up
24 LT-71: Controls and Connections
25 Charging
26 Initial Set-Up
27 REDMIKE Share: Controls and Connections
28 Charging
29 Initial Set-Up
30 iR Media Connector: Initial Setup
31 Audio Integration
31 Other Optional Accessories
SECTION 4: 32 Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting 33 Tips to Obtain Optimal Audio Performance
SECTION 5: 34 Warranty Statement
Warranty &
Specifications
35 Safety Instructions
36 Safety Warnings and Certifications
37 System Specifications

4
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
SECTION 1:
OVERVIEW
SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND UNPACKING
The standard configuration of the REDCAT® Media will contain:
Charging Cradle and
Power Supply
REDMIKE®
Classroom
Microphone
REDCAT® Media Infrared
Receiver/Amplifier
with Table Stand and
Power Supply

5
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
OPTIONAL COMPONENTS
Optional equipment which may be part of your REDCAT Media system:
REDMIKE® VC
Volume Control
Microphone
LT- 71
LT-71 LightMic
and Charger
Cable
Standard Accessories
RX-RCM REDCAT Media all-in-one system
PS-24V-2.5 24V/2.5A power supply for REDCAT Media
RMT REDMIKE classroom microphone with battery
BA-NH2A27 AA NiMH rechargeable sensing battery for REDMIKE
AC-RMLC2 REDMIKE lavaliere cord
BC-RMCC REDMIKE cradle charger
PS-5V-1.0 5V/1.0A power supply for cradle charger
Optional Components
RMV REDMIKE VC microphone with battery
RMS REDMIKE Share handheld microphone with battery
pack
LT71 LightMic microphone with batteries
BA-NH2APK NiMH rechargeable battery pack for REDMIKE Share
BA-NH1 AA NiMH rechargeable battery for LT71 (2 per
microphone)
REDMIKE® Share
Handheld Mic &
Charger Cable

6
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
SIDE PANEL CONTROLS AND
CONNECTIONS
1. CH A VOLUME: Controls the
volume level of the microphone
set to Channel A.
2. CH B VOLUME: Controls the
volume level of the microphone
set to Channel B.
3. IR INDICATORS: These lights
glow RED when the corresponding
microphone is turned on a
transmitting. A steady light
indicates a strong signal.
4. COMPUTER VOLUME: Controls
the volume level of the audio input
from a computer or other device
connected to the “computer”
input.
5. DVD/VCR VOLUME: Controls the
volume level of the audio input
from a DVD/VCR or other device
connected to the “DVD/VCR”
input.
6. ALD VOLUME: Controls the
volume level of the audio output
to an assisted listening device
(ALD).
7. ALD OUT: 3.5mm outputs to an
ALD or recording device.
8. POWER SWITCH: Turns the
REDCAT Media ON or OFF. The
LED indicator will glow red when
the system is on.
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1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
Page First
Jacks For
Testing Purposes Only
INPUT ADJ
Jacks For
Testing Purposes Only
250 400 700 1K 1K4 2K5 4K 6K3
— AUDIO INPUTS —
COMPUTER DVD/VCR
DC POWER INPUT
24VDC @ 1.75A PageFirst
INPUT ADJ
REAR PANEL CONTROLS AND
CONNECTIONS
1. CARRYING INSET: Cutaway grip
for moving or carrying the REDCAT
Media.
2. 8-BAND GRAPHIC EQUALIZER:
The sliding controls adjust
the levels of the various audio
frequencies. This allows the
installer to properly equalize the
system to produce optimum sound
quality.
3. DC POWER INPUT: Plug the
power supply (24V/2.5A) into this
jack.
4. COMPUTER AUDIO INPUT: Plug
a 3.5mm cable from a computer to
this jack to play all computer audio
through the REDCAT Media.
5. DVD/VCR AUDIO INPUT: Plug a
stereo RCA cable from your DVD/
VCR or other device into this jack
to play that audio through the
REDCAT Media.
6. PAGEFIRST INPUT AND ADJ:
Connect the input from optional
PageFirst sensor here when
interface with a buildings paging
system. Use the ADJ control to
adjust the sensitivity if needed.
7. JACKS FOR TESTING PURPOSES
ONLY: These connections are only
for use at the Lightspeed factory
for test and diagnostics.
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2
345
67

8
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
1. POWER BUTTON: Press this
button to turn the REDMIKE ON,
press again to turn it OFF (mute).
2. POWER/LOW BATTERY
INDICATOR: A BLUE light
indicates the REDMIKE is on and
fully charged. A RED light indicates
a charge is needed.
3. BATTERY COMPARTMENT: To
access the battery compartment,
slide the door downward. The
battery should only be replaced
by a Lightspeed AA rechargeable
sensing battery (part # BA-
NH2A27).
4. YELLOW PROTECTIVE TAB:
Slide the battery compartment
door open to remove this
disposable protective tab before
use. NOTE: do not attempt to
remove the tab without first
opening the compartment door, as
it may tear, leaving fragments.
5. AUDIO/MICROPHONE INPUT:
Use this input to plug in a laptop,
MP3 player or other audio
source to wirelessly transmit
audio to be played through the
system. Alternatively, an external
microphone can be connected.
6. CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH
(CH A/B): This switch allows
for selection between Channel
A or B. If you are using a single
microphone, we recommend using
Channel A.
7. CHARGER CONTACTS (+ -):
These contacts interface with the
charging tabs in the BC-RMCC
cradle charger for daily charging.
Simply place the REDMIKE in the
charger.
REDMIKE CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
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6
7
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9
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
1. CHARGE INDICATORS: The light
glows RED while the REDMIKE is
charging. When fully charged, the
light will glow GREEN. A blinking
RED light indicates that no battery
is sensed, (REDMIKE Yellow
Protective Tab may not have been
completely removed—see page
5, item 4.) A blinking Green LED
means a non- Lightspeed battery
has been installed (possibly an
alkaline battery).
2. DC POWER PORT: Connect the
DC power cord here.
3. OPTIONAL CHARGING PORT:
Plug the charging cord for the
optional LT-71 or the REDMIKE
Share microphones here.
CRADLE CHARGER CONTROLS AND
CONNECTIONS
1
2
3

10
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
The REDCAT Media is shipped with a table stand connected and ready for use.
Alternatively, the table stand can be used as the wall mount bracket.
Advantages of either include:
SECTION 2:
SET-UP & USE
1. DETERMINE SET-UP LOCATION
1A. TO SET-UP ON TABLE-TOP
Tabletop (recommended):
• Virtually no setup time
• Greater flexibility to move to
different locations
First, consider that the REDCAT
Media should be placed within within
7 feet of an electrical outlet and on a
surface about 3-6 feet off the ground.
Next, find a location as far away as
possible from the teacher who will
be using the mic. The best place is
against the wall opposite where the
teacher will be speaking. If this is not
possible, other good locations are
along either wall next to the teacher
or in a corner. Avoid placing the
REDCAT Media next to where the
teacher instructs. Putting the REDCAT
Media in close proximity to the
teacher’s mic can result in feedback.
Wall-mount:
• More permanent setup
• Greater security
Avoid!
Good placement Best placement

11
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
1B. TO SET-UP MOUNTED ON A WALL
First, consider that the REDCAT
Media should be placed within within
7 feet of an electrical outlet and
about 6-8 feet off the ground.
Next, find a location as far away as
possible from the teacher who will
be using the mic. The best place is
centered on the long wall opposite
the teacher. If this is not possible,
other good locations are on the wall
next to the teacher. Avoid placing the
REDCAT Media on any wall close to
where the teacher usually stands to
instruct the class. Having the teacher’s
mic too close to the REDCAT Media
can result in feedback.
Good placement Good placement
Best placement

12
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
1B. TO SET-UP MOUNTED ON A WALL CONT’D
1. Grip the bottom of the REDCAT
Media where it meets the base.
2. Slide REDCAT Media off the base
clearing the three guides, then lift
clear.
3. Ensure proper orientation of the
bracket as shown in the illustration.

13
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
1B. TO SET-UP MOUNTED ON A WALL CONT’D
4. Place the base/wall bracket against
the wall and use a level to confirm
the positioning is straight.
5. Mark the wall where the retaining
screws will be installed.
6. Attach the bracket to the wall
using the mounting screws and
drywall anchors (if required).
7. Holding the REDCAT Media firmly
by the bottom quarter, slide the
REDCAT Media onto the wall
bracket as illustrated below.

14
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
2. AUDIO INTEGRATION
The next step in setting up your REDCAT Media system is to connect it to the
other elements of your audio system. Audio systems have varying elements – you
may have a computer, television, DVD/VCR player, a visual projection system
or other devices. In this section you will find instructions on how to connect an
external audio device like a TV, VCR, DVD, MP3 or computer directly into the
REDCAT Media.
One Possible Set-up
Projector
DVD/VCR
Teacher’s
REDMIKE
Projector
Audio In
Audio Out
IR Transmission
Video In
Audio Out
Video Out
VGA Out
REDCAT
REDCAT Media

15
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
1. Turn the Computer or DVD/VCR
volume on the REDCAT Media all
the way down. REDCAT Media
volume controls push in and lock
to prevent accidental adjustment.
2. Connect a patch cable (not
included) from the audio source
into the Computer or DVD/VCR
input jack on the bottom of the
REDCAT Media.
3. With both the REDCAT Media and
audio source power on, adjust the
corresponding volume control until
the desired level is achieved.
NOTE! Be careful to not to set the
volume too high, as this can distort
the speaker and potentially cause
damage.
2. AUDIO INTEGRATION CONT’D
Page First
Jacks For
Testing Purposes Only
INPUT ADJ
Page First
Jacks For
Testing Purposes Only
INPUT ADJ

16
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
Page First
Jacks For
Testing Purposes Only
INPUT ADJ
1. Locate the power supply and
AC power cord. Connect the AC
power cord into the DC power
supply.
2. Place the power supply into the
REDCAT Media base as shown. If
desired, remove the plastic cover
of the included Velcro strip and
attach the supply to the Velcro for
a more secure fit.
3. Insert the DC connector into the
“DC POWER INPUT” connector on
the REDCAT Media and plug the
other end to an electrical outlet.
3. CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY

17
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
4. CHARGING THE REDMIKE
Before use, the REDMIKE should be charged. It will take 8-9 hours for the
REDMIKE to obtain a full charge. A fully charged REDMIKE will last for over 7
hours of use. If microphones are used daily, they should be kept in the cradle –
microphones can be left in a charging cradle constantly for up to 2 weeks without
causing degradation to battery life.
A red light on the charging cradle indicates the REDMIKE is charging. A green
light indicates that charging is complete and a full charge has been reached. A
blinking light indicates a charging or sensing error. See Troubleshooting section
for more information.
REDMIKE incorporates alkaline protection into the microphone design. Always
use a Lightspeed rechargeable sensing battery. Replacement AA NiMH batteries
may only be purchased through Lightspeed Technologies (part # BA-NH2A27).
Do not attempt to charge alkaline batteries. They can overheat and expand
creating a significant hazard and damaging the microphone (this is not covered
by warranty).
1. Plug power cord into the cradle
charger and then plug the AC end
into an electrical outlet.
2. Ensure that the REDMIKE is turned
OFF.
3. Place the REDMIKE into the
cradle. The LED on the cradle
will glow RED indicating charging
has started. When the REDMIKE
is fully charged the LED on the
cradle charger will change to
GREEN.

18
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
5. OPERATING THE REDMIKE
Once the REDMIKE is charged, follow these steps to set it up for use.
1. Turn the REDCAT Media power
switch to the ON position.
2. Remove the REDMIKE from the
charging cradle and turn it on.
The red IR LED (CH. A or CH. B)
on the REDCAT Media will light to
indicate a signal is being received.
3. Slip the REDMIKE with lanyard
around the neck and position the
top of the microphone just below
the collarbone.
4. Slowly increase the CH. A/B volume
up to the “green” section of
the dial. This designates normal
volume range in the classroom.
5. While speaking in a normal voice,
fine-tune the volume up or down.
Proper volume level should be as
follows:
• Your voice should be clearly
heard by another person on the
other side of the room.
• You should barely be able to
hear your own voice.
• There should not be any audio
“feedback” or squealing
outside of 2-3 feet (if there is,
turn the volume down slightly).
REMEMBER: This equipment
supplements the user’s voice so they
are able to speak in a conversational
tone. Having the volume set too high
will result in feedback and listener
fatigue.
6. Once initial volume level is set,
walk around the room and listen
for audio dropout and overall
audio quality.
7. If further fine-tuning is required,
audio equalization may be
necessary. Please refer to the
following page.
8. If a second REDMIKE was
purchased, repeat steps 2-4.

19
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
250 400 700 1K 1K4 2K5 4K 6K
+10
0
-10
OFF OFF OFF OFF
ON ON ON ON
VOL.
ADJ. ALD OUT AUX OUT
VOL.
ADJ.
COMPUTER
AUDIO INPUTS
TV/VCR CD/DVD
800iX
INPUT
PAGING INPUT
ADJ
DC POWER CHARGERS
24VDC
L L R R SENSOR INPUTS
SENSOR
SHORT
1 2 3 4
6. ADD’L ADJUSTMENTS & CONNECTIONS
Fine-tuning Audio
Optional PageFirst Interface
If the volume is set properly, but there is still a small amount of audio feedback
(squealing) some audio equalization may be necessary. Follow the steps below to
properly EQ the system:
This optional feature interfaces with an independent classroom paging system.
When the page is broadcast, all audio from the system is muted, ensuring
important and even emergency school-wide messages are never missed.
(For full installation details refer to the install sheet included with the optional
PageFirst sensor clip)
1. Slide up and flip down the EQ
cover door.
2. Walk the room listening for
feedback (squealing).
3. Lower the 2K5 and/or 4K sliders if
a high-pitched ring is present.
4. Lower the 400 and/or 700 sliders if
a low-pitched ring is present.
5. If feedback is still present, it is
likely the volume simply needs to
be turned down.
How it works:
1. PageFirst sensor clip is hung
around the lead wires attached
to the classroom paging
speaker.
2. The clip is hard-wired to the
REDCAT Media.
3. As a page is broadcast, the
sensor clip detects the audio
signal through induction and
immediately mutes the REDCAT
Media.
4. When the page is over, the audio
from the REDCAT Media returns to
normal volume level.

20
1. Overview 2. Setup & Use 3. Optional
Accessories 4. Troubleshooting 5. Warranty, Safety
& Specifications
1. Turn the ALD (Assistive Listening
Device) volume control on the
REDMIKE side panel all way the
down.
2. Determine the size and type of
audio input jack on the device as
many manufacturers’ products
differ in connector size and shape.
The Lightspeed LES-370 Personal
FM System requires a 3.5mm to
3.5mm patch cable (part# CA-
MMC3535, not included).
3. Connect a patch cable from the
ALD’s microphone jack or AUX
input to the 3.5mm audio jack
labeled “ALD OUT” on the side
of the REDCAT Media.
4. Adjust the volume control on the
ALD’s receiver to maximum output.
NOTE: This is to set the maximum
allowable signal from
the REDCAT Media.
5. With the REDCAT Media and
ALD turned on, speak into the
REDMIKE and slowly adjust the
ALD
volume control until the
appropriate audio level is
attained in the ALD’s receiver
headphones.
OUTPUT TO ASSISTIVE LISTENING
DEVICE (ALD)