Trick Technologies Catchbox 2.4 User manual

User´s Manual
Copyright 2014 Trick Technologies Oy

Catchbox 2.4
Receiver
Catchbox 2.4
Transmitter
Catchbox 2.4
Cover

1 Safety Instructions................................................................................................. 4
2 Quick Start ............................................................................................................... 6
Setting Up the Catchbox ................................................................................... 6
Using the Catchbox ........................................................................................... 12
3 Product Description ............................................................................................ 14
Overview .............................................................................................................. 14
Proper Use and Working Environment .......................................................... 15
2.4 GHz radio Spectrum Overview ................................................................. 16
4 System Overview.................................................................................................. 17
Catchbox 2.4 Receiver...................................................................................... 18
Catchbox 2.4 Transmitter.................................................................................. 19
Catchbox Cover.................................................................................................. 20
Catchbox 2.4 Microphone................................................................................ 21
5 Operations.............................................................................................................. 22
Attaching the Antennas to the Receiver ........................................................ 22
Receiver Setup ................................................................................................... 22
Turning the Device on ....................................................................................... 23
Adjusting Volume................................................................................................ 24
Locking the Transmitter to the Cover............................................................. 25
Opening the Catchbox ...................................................................................... 26
Pairing the Transmitter and the Receiver ...................................................... 27
Connecting to an audio device ....................................................................... 28
7 Troubleshooting.................................................................................................... 29
8 Maintenance, Storage, and Disposal ............................................................. 30
9 Certification ...........................................................................................................31
Contents

4Catchbox 2.4
! NOTICE !
• Before using the product, read and understand the user manual and inform others
of proper usage.
• Follow all warnings and instructions on the product and in this manual.
• Keep these instructions and always include these instructions when passing the
apparatus on to third parties.
! WARNING !
• Not heeding these warnings might lead to serious injury or property damage.
• Do not throw at peoples’ heads and always make sure everyone is aware of the
situation before throwing.
• Do not use in situations with fragile objects, hot liquids, or people susceptible to
injury, like the very young or old.
• Do not throw long passes (>5 m / 16 ft) or hard passes overhand.
• Properly lock the transmitter into the cover before use. Always use the cover and
the foam cap on the transmitter, when using the product.
• Do not swing or throw the product from its handle. This may cause the transmitter
to detach from the cover and cause injury.
• Operating or storing this product at temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius or
122 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the locking mechanism to fail permanently.
• The use of other antennas than those provided by the manufacturer is strictly
prohibited.
• This product contains magnets which could affect the functioning of pacemakers
and other electronic implants. These could stop working or switch into test mode,
causing illness. If you wear these devices keep sufficient distance to magnets.
Warn others who wear these devices from getting too close to magnets.
1 Safety Instructions

5
Catchbox 2.4
! CAUTION !
• Magnets produce a far-reaching, strong magnetic field. Keep magnets
away from devices and objects that could be damaged by strong magnetic
fields, like laptops and other electrical equipment.
• Do not place the product near heat sources such as heating ducts or
radiators and do not expose it to direct sunlight, excessive dust, moisture,
rain, mechanical vibrations or shock.
• Do not use near water. Use equipment indoors only. If the equipment
comes into contact with a liquid, turn off the product, shut down the sound
system and disconnect the power cable from the power outlet immediately.
• Avoid excessive volume. Do not exceed 70dBa for airborne noise.
• Operate the equipment only with the included power supply.
• Clean the equipment with a moistened (not wet) cloth only. Be sure to
disconnect the equipment from the power outlet before cleaning the
equipment. Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when not
in use.
• Protect the power supply cord from being walked on or pinched.
• The equipment should be opened, serviced, and repaired by qualified
service personnel only.
• Do not attempt to modify this product or its accessories and use only
accessories and attachments, like antennas and power supply, specified
by the manufacturer.
• Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by
manufacturer can void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
• Use only AA (LR6) type alkaline batteries with the product.
• Be sure to dispose of dead batteries as required by local waste disposal
rules. Never throw batteries into a fire or a garbage bin.

6Catchbox 2.4
2 Quick Start
Before use, review the important safety instructions. To reduce setup time,
each Catchbox 2.4 Receiver and Catchbox 2.4 Transmitter unit have been
paired before being shipped. Remember that the Catchbox 2.4 system is
designed for audiences of 100 or less, and has a maximum range of 30m.
1.
Connect the two antennas to the
receiver unit by screwing them
clockwise and arranging them
in a V shape.
90°
The use of other antennas than those provided by the manufacturer
is strictly prohibited.
! WARNING !
Setting up the Catchbox

7
Catchbox 2.4
2.
Connect the power supply to the receiver
and plug the cord into an AC power source.
Connect the audio output to a sound mixer or
other audio device such as a stereo system.
Use included adapters to match the audio input
of the given device.

8Catchbox 2.4
3.
Remove the transmitter from
the outer cover by twisting the
cylinder 90 degrees and pulling
upwards.
4.
Install two AA batteries into the
transmitter and secure them in
place with the velcro strap.
90°

9
Catchbox 2.4
5.
Turn ON the transmitter and receiver.
The status LED should turn green on
both. If they are blinking, see section
on pairing in Operations chapter.

10 Catchbox 2.4
6.
Place the transmitter into the cover,
making sure to align the magnetic
locking mechanism so it is secure.
Use the visual marks for guidance.

11
Catchbox 2.4
7.
Test the volume level by speaking into
the microphone and adjusting it using
the volume knob on the receiver.
Avoid excessive volume. Do not exceed 70 dBa for airborne noise.
Before turning on the device, make sure the volume knob is turned
to zero (fully counterclockwise), to ensure that no unexpected loud
noises appear when the device is turned on.
! CAUTION !

12 Catchbox 2.4
Using the Catchbox
To throw the Catchbox microphone, find someone in the audience who wants to ask a question or make
a comment. Make sure that the person and those around him or her are aware of the situation and are
prepared to catch the microphone. Avoid throwing the Catchbox if there are fragile electronics or hot
liquids nearby, as these might spill or be damaged from the throw. Short, underhand passes of up to
5 m / 16 ft distance are recommended. If someone farther away has a question, try to get the entire
audience involved by having members pass the Catchbox short distances to the person who wants it.
This is a great way to activate the crowd.
Improper throwing and use of the device can lead to serious injury
and/or property damage. Do not throw at peoples’ heads and always
make sure everyone is aware of the situation before throwing. Do not
use in situations with fragile objects, dangerous liquids, or people
susceptible to injury, like the very young or old. Do not throw long
passes or hard passes. Do not swing or throw this product from its
handle as this may cause the transmitter to detach from the cover.
! WARNING !

13
Catchbox 2.4
Speaking into the Catchbox
To use the Catchbox, simply speak into the foam cap located on top
of the transmitter. It is advisable to inform audience members at what
distance to speak into the Catchbox. A distance of 20 cm / 8 in is ideal.
This will provide the clearest sound while not blocking the persons face
who is speaking. Avoid using the Catchbox near loudspeakers as this
can cause feedback.
20 cm / 8 in

14 Catchbox 2.4
Overview
Catchbox 2.4 is the world’s first wireless throwable microphone intended for both small and medium
sized audiences of up to 100 people. The soft cube can be quickly passed from one audience member
to the next in crowded spaces, making it an easy and fun way to get audience members to ask questions
and make comments, whether it be in a lecture, a meeting, a workshop, or even a conference. Operating
in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the device is free to use without a license worldwide. Digital transmission,
adaptive frequency hopping, and antenna diversity ensure a clear wireless audio transmission. The
unique automute technology turns off the audio signal when the microphone is being thrown ensuring
the system doesn’t make any unwanted noises when being passed around.
Included Components
• Catchbox 2.4 Transmitter
• Catchbox 2.4 Receiver
• Catchbox Cover
• Power supply (5V DC)
• Two antennas
• 6.3 mm audio cable
• 3.5 mm audio adapter
• RCA audio adapter
Key Features
• 2.4 GHz transmission for global,
license-free use
• Digital signal ensures no audio
distortion
• Adaptive frequency hopping and
management
• Automute technology
• Diversity receiver with two antennas
Do not attempt to modify this product or its accessories and use only
accessories and attachments specified by the manufacturer.
3 Product Description
! CAUTION !

15
Catchbox 2.4
Proper Use and Working Environment
Safety First
While the Catchbox 2.4 is a fun way to make events more engaging, improper use can lead to
personal injury and/or property damage. Please understand that the manufacturer accepts no
liability for damage or injuries arising from the misuse of this product. It is very important to
read the safety instructions before using the product. Specifically, make sure that the transmitter
is securely locked inside the foam cover before using the product. Also, do not throw long or
hard passes, and avoid using the device in situations where there are fragile items, hot liquids,
unsuspecting people, or people susceptible to injury. Also, avoid swinging or throwing the device
from its handle as this may cause the locking mechanism to fail, releasing the transmitter and
potentially causing injury.
Things to consider with magnets
Since the product contains magnets, care should be taken when setting up the product for use.
Avoid placing the transmitter on electrical devices, such as laptops, as these can be adversely
affected or damaged from the magnetic field. People with pacemakers or other electrical implants
should be especially careful, as these devices could stop working or switch into test mode if they
come into direct contact with a strong magnet.
Limitations on event size
The Catchbox 2.4 is designed for small to medium sized events of up to 100 people. These can
range from lectures to conferences. The important thing to note is that because the product
uses the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency band, it may not work reliably
in large events. This is because in such events there usually are many devices, such as mobile
phones and laptops, that also work in the same frequency band.

16 Catchbox 2.4
2.4 GHz radio Spectrum Overview
The Catchbox 2.4 uses the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band and is free to use without a license. While this
is very convenient, it also creates limitations and drawbacks, mainly caused by the prevalence of other
devices which also work in the same frequency band. To ensure flawless operation, the Catchbox 2.4
uses adaptive frequency hopping, antenna diversity, intelligent frequency management, and two way
audio packet control and buffering. This said, by understanding the limitations of 2.4 GHz systems and
knowing of ways to improve signal strength users can make sure that their device works as intended.
Limitations of 2.4 GHz Systems
Devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band have a limited range, usually around 20-30 m / 65-
100 ft in ideal working conditions. This, in turn, means the Catchbox 2.4 may not work in large events
where there is a long distance between the transmitter and the receiver. 2.4 GHz frequency signals
are also easily absorbed by walls, metallic materials, and human bodies. This means one should not
place the Catchbox 2.4 Receiver into another room from the transmitter, or place it inside a cupboard,
specifically a metal one. If there are many other devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz spectrum in the same
space (WiFi and Bluetooth enabled devices, such as smartphones and laptops) dropouts may occur due
to the frequency band being overcrowded. To avoid this, do not use the product in audiences with over
100 people, like large conferences or exhibitions.
Improving signal strength
Users can improve the performance of the system through the following measures:
• Ensure that there are no objects or walls between the receiver and transmitter.
• Keep the distance between the transmitter and the receiver short.
• Position the antennas of the receiver in a 45 degree pattern, like the letter V.
• Do not place the receiver or transmitter near other 2.4 GHz devices, such as laptops or WiFi routers.
• Avoid heavy wireless network activities, like downloading movies, in the same space.
This product may cause interference to other products and devices
operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band. These other devices
can also interfere with the wireless transmission of the device,
causing signal dropouts.
! CAUTION !

17
Catchbox 2.4
4 System Overview
Catchbox 2.4
Transmitter
Catchbox 2.4
Receiver
Catchbox
Cover
General Specifications
Frequency band 2.4 GHz ISM band
Operation range Up to 30 m / 100 ft (Line of Sight)
Audio frequency response 50-10000 Hz
System latency
(audio in to audio out) 20 ms
Operating temperature range 0-50 degrees Celsius
32-122 degrees Fahrenheit

18 Catchbox 2.4
Catchbox 2.4 Receiver
Parts
1) Power switch
2) Status LED
3) Volume knob
4) Antenna 1 & 2
5) Antenna port 1 & 2
6) Pairing button
7) Audio output
8) Power jack
Specifications
Weight 270 g / 9.5 oz
Dimensions (without antennas) 13 x 12.5 x 3.5 cm / 5.1 x 5 x 1.4 in
Power supply 5 VDC
Audio out 6.3 mm / ¼ in jack
Status LED Meaning
Off The receiver is not powered
Blinking (-----I-----I-----I-----) The receiver is not paired to a transmitter
Blinking rapidly (-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I) The receiver is attempting to pair to a transmitter
On The receiver is on and is paired to a transmitter

19
Catchbox 2.4
Catchbox 2.4 Transmitter
Parts
1) Foam Cap
2) Pairing Button
3) Power Switch
4) Velcro Straps
5) Microphone element
6) Status LED
7) Battery Compartment
8) Magnetic Lock
Specifications
Weight 165 g / 5.8 oz (with batteries)
Dimensions (height x diameter) 16 cm x 11.5 cm / 6.3 in x 4.5 in
Battery type 2xAA(LR6) alkaline
Battery life >8 hours (with alkaline batteries)
Status LED Meaning
Off The transmitter is not powered
Blinking green (-----I-----I-----I-----) The transmitter is not paired to a receiver
Blinking green rapidly (-I-I-I-I-I-I-I) The transmitter is attempting to pair to a receiver
Green on The transmitter is on and is paired to a receiver
Red The transmitter is low on battery
(less than 2 hours operating time left)

20 Catchbox 2.4
Catchbox Cover
Parts
1) Opening for transmitter unit
2) Magnetic lock
3) Handle
Specifications
Weight 200 g / 7 oz
Dimensions 18 x 18 x 18 cm / 7 x 7 x 7 in