Williams Sound T17 Series Troubleshooting guide

Installation
Guide &
User
Manual
PERSONAL PA System 400
Narrow-Band FM Wireless Listening System
Transmitter Model T17/*
Williams Sound
®
Receiver Model R19/*, R19-4A, or R19-6
Helping People Hear
MAN 061B

PERSONAL PA SYSTEM 400
Installation Guide & User Manual
Contents Page
System Overview 4
Narrow-Band Basics 5
System Controls and Features 6
System Set-Up and Operation
Antenna Connection
Power Connection
Audio Connection
Using a Microphone
Using R19/R19-4/R19-6 Receivers
Adjusting Receiver Tone Controls
Battery & Charger Information
7
Receiver Management Suggestions 10
Using a Remote Antenna 11
Troubleshooting Guide 12
Radio Interference / Tuning Instructions 14
Warranty 15
System Specifications 16
Williams Sound
®
Helping People Hear
3

System Overview
Thank you for purchasing the Personal PA System
400 from Williams Sound Corporation. The PPA
System 400 is a Narrow-Band FM Listening System
which operates in the 72-76 MHz frequency band.
Designed for hearing assistance in places of public
access, the PERSONAL PA System 400 is for those
who need help overcoming background noise,
reverberation, or distance from the sound source.
The versatile PPA 400 is easily integrated with your
existing sound system or can be used with a
microphone as a stand-alone system.
Your PPA System 400 has two principal parts: the
T17 Transmitter and the R19 Receivers. Much like a
miniature radio station, the transmitter and
microphone pick up the sounds you want to hear and
broadcast them over an FM radio signal. The
receivers are used to pick up the broadcast up to 500
feet away.
To avoid difficulties, please read through these
instructions as you begin to use the system. Then
save the manual for questions that arise as you
continue to use your PERSONAL PA System 400.
If you have any problems with this Williams Sound
product, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at
1-800-843-3544.
Sound System Amplifier
Loudspeakers
Microphones
Line-Level Output
Line-Level Input
Figure 1: Overall System Diagram
R19 / R19-4 / R19-6 Narrow-Band T17 Transmitter
Receivers w/Earphones
Williams Sound
®
Helping People Hear
4

Narrow-Band Basics
Less Interference
All FM receivers are tuned to a specific carrier
frequency. The selectivity of the receiver determines
how close nearby radio signals can be to this carrier
frequency before interference occurs. True narrow-
band receivers like the Williams Sound R19 use
dual-conversion circuitry to achieve a very narrow
“window” of acceptance for radio signals. This
allows them to operate in areas that have a lot of
different radio signals with less likelihood of
receiving interference.
More Simultaneous Channels
This narrow window of acceptance means more
channels can be squeezed into the designated
frequency band. Instead of dividing the Auditory
Assistance Band (72-76MHz) into 10 wide channels
(wide-band), the same band can be divided into 40
closely spaced (narrow-band) channels. The
selectivity of the R19 dual conversion receiver
allows you to operate on these closely-spaced
channels without interference from the next channel.
Greater Operating Range
Another measure of FM receiver performance is
sensitivity, measured by the weakest radio signal that
the receiver can respond to and still operate properly.
All hearing assistance transmitters are limited by
FCC Rules to the same transmitted signal strength,
so you can’t boost transmitter power or antenna
efficiency to get more operating distance. The
farther you move from the transmitting antenna, the
weaker the signal becomes. A very sensitive receiver
like the R19 will allow greater operating distance.
Because of its excellent operating distance, the
PPA System 400 can be used in situations where
maximum coverage area is needed.
Sound Quality
Narrow-band systems give up some frequency
response (extended highs and lows) and noise
performance compared to wide-band systems.
This is usually not a drawback for spoken word
presentations, but may not be optimal for programs
which are primarily music.
Manufacturers often list a minimum signal strength
needed to maintain an acceptable noise level in the
receiver before it “squelches” or goes quiet. The
Williams Sound R19 receiver is designed to offer
maximum sensitivity with minimum noise and a
reasonable squelch action.
Overload Protection
Making a receiver sensitive for greater reception
range of weak signals can create a problem when the
receiver is used in an area that has strong radio
signals. Unless the receiver has an superior dynamic
range, it can be overloaded by the strong signal
and become noisy, distorted, or vulnerable to
interference. The Williams Sound R19 receiver uses
state-of-the-art circuitry for improved RF dynamic
range.
Capture Effect
When an FM receiver is presented with two radio
signals on the same channel, it will “lock on” to
whichever signal is stronger. This is called the
“capture effect.” Because signal strength is related
to distance, this usually means that the closest
transmitter antenna will produce the strongest signal
and “capture” the receiver.
Williams Sound
®
Helping People Hear
5

System Controls and Features
Figure 2: R19 Receiver Controls
EAR Jack
Mono 3.5 mm mini earphone jack
Tone Control
Three-position switch which cuts low
frequencies at certain thresholds: Volume/On-Off Control
Combination volume and on-off
EAR Channel
1 2
Volume
Lo HiMid
2
Off Max
Tone
Off/On Indicator Light
Red LED which indicates
receiver is “on” when lit.
(Lo: 20 Hz, Mid: 120 Hz, Hi: 700 Hz) rotary control.
Channel Slide Switch
2-position slide switch used to
alternate between two pre-set
narrow-band frequencies.
Standard channels are 33 and
53. See page 14 for instruction
on changing system
frequencies.
Figure 3a: T17 Transmitter Front Panel Controls
Level Control
Screwdriver-adjust control used to
set the microphone input level or the
audio input level.
Mic Input
3.5 mm mini phone jack for use
with Williams Sound condenser
microphones. Supplies +DC power
for condenser microphones.
On
Mic
+
-
Williams Sound
Auditory Assistance Transmitter
Level Audio
Audio Indicator Light
Flashes when audio signal is
present.
ON Indicator Light
Glows when power is applied to
the transmitter. There is no
on/off switch. The T17 is
designed to be left on
continuously.
Figure 3b: T17 Transmitter Rear Panel Features
Antenna Mounting Stud
(Top Panel)
For use with the “rubber duckie”
type antenna supplied.
Power Input Jack
Connects to the plug on the wall
transformer power supply.
Antenna Output
Connector
This connector is defeated, as Audio Input
specified by FCC Rules. To use An RCA-type jack for
the ANT 005 remote antenna, connecting the transmitter to
contact your dealer or Williams other sound systems.
Sound. See installation Accepts line-level,
procedures on page 11. unbalanced audio inputs.
Williams Sound Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA
12 VAC
100 mA
Antenna Power Audio In
75 Ohm
Hi-Z
Line
Made in U.S.A
FM Transmitter Model PPA T17
Williams Sound
®
Helping People Hear
6

System Set-Up & Operation
T17 Transmitter
Step 1: Install the antenna.
The “rubber duckie” whip antenna fits into
the hole on top of the transmitter and
threads onto a mounting stud inside.
Guide the antenna onto the stud and turn it
clockwise to tighten. Do not use excessive
force to tighten the antenna. It only needs
to be “finger-tight.”
If the optional remote antenna (ANT 005)
is most appropriate for your situation,
contact your dealer or Williams Sound
Corp. The remote antenna installation is
detailed on page 11.
Step 2: Connect the transmitter to power.
The T17 is supplied with a wall
transformer power supply. Plug the
transformer into a 120 Volt, 60 Hz wall
outlet. Then plug the power cord into the
“Power” connector on the rear panel of the
T17. The green indicator light on the front
panel of the T17 should glow when the
power is connected.
There is no on/off switch. The T17 is
designed to be continuously on. The wall
transformer can be plugged into a
switched outlet that turns on when the
other sound equipment is turned on. If
turning the T17 on creates a hum or
buzz in the sound system, see the
Troubleshooting section on page 12.
Step 3: Make audio connections.
Step 3a: (If you will be using the T17 with its own
microphone as a stand-alone system)
Any Williams Sound microphone with a
3.5 mm mini phone plug can be used with
the T17. Plug the microphone into the
“Mic” jack on the front panel of the T17.
The T17 is designed to supply positive
DC voltage to the plug tip of 2-wire,
“barefoot” electret (power condenser)
microphones. If you will be using the
T17 with a non-Williams Sound, Lo-Z
(dynamic) microphone, this DC power
should be turned off. (See Figure 4.)
If you use both the Microphone input and
the Audio Input on the T17, the signals
will be mixed together.
Step 3b: (If you will be using the T17 with an
existing sound system)
Refer to the Overall System Diagram on
page 4. Use the audio cable supplied to
connect the T17 “Audio In” jack to an
appropriate audio output jack on the sound
system mixer or amplifier. The T17 is
designed to work with an unbalanced, line-
level audio signal.
Williams Sound
®
Helping People Hear
7
Front
HD4 Jumper
Step 1: Unplug the power cord from the T17 and remove its
antenna.
Step 2: Use a phillips-type screwdriver to loosen the two
screws on the rear of the transmitter. Remove the
cover. Slide the circuit board out of the case.
Step 3: Use the diagram to locate the HD4 Jumper. This
black jumper is also labeled on the T17 circuit
board.
Step 4: Pull the HD4 Jumper off the two pins it connects.
DO NOT MAKE ANY OTHER ADJUSTMENTS! For
handy storage, simply turn the jumper sideways
and place it on just one of the two pins.
Step 5: Re-assemble the transmitter.
Figure 4: Turning Off DC Microphone Power

Suitable connections are:
Choice 1: TAPE OUT or LINE OUT Jack
Choice 2: BOOSTER or BRIDGING Jack
Choice 3: Speaker Terminal, 8 Ohm Tap
If your amplifier or mixer does not have
RCA-type connectors, you can obtain
adapters from your Williams Sound
Authorized Dealer or a local radio parts
store. If the TAPE OUT jack is already in
use, a Y-Cord can be used to connect the
T17 and a second device to the same jack.
Step 4: Use a receiver to test the system and set
the input level control. The steps in the
next section explain receiver operation.
R19 / R19-4 / R19-6 Receivers
Step 1: Install the batteries.
Pry open the battery compartment door
with a coin. Press the batteries into place,
observing proper battery polarity. Do not
force the batteries in backwards!
Step 2: Plug the earphone or headphone into the
earphone jack.
Step 3: Turn the receiver on by turning the
volume control clockwise. Turning the
knob clockwise will increase the volume.
Turning the knob counter-clockwise will
decrease the volume. To avoid draining
the battery, make sure the receiver is
turned off when not in use.
Step 4: If you are using the PPA System 400 with
an existing sound system, make sure the
sound system is turned on. Have someone
speak into a microphone while you listen
with the receiver and earphone. You
should be able to hear their voice through
the receiver.
If you are using the PPA System 400 with
its own microphone, have someone speak
into the microphone while you listen with
the receiver and earphone. You should be
able to hear their voice through the
receiver.
Step 5: The T17 Transmitter has a screwdriver-
adjust input level control located on the
front panel to compensate for different
input signal levels. The yellow audio
indicator light should flash with the signal.
If the sound through the receiver is clear
and loud and the audio indicator light
flashes with the signal, no adjustment is
needed. If the sound through the receiver
is weak and the audio indicator light does
not flash even with the volume control
turned all the way up, turn the T17 input
level control clockwise to increase the
signal. If noise (room noise or electronic
noise) seems to grow after talking stops,
the input level control should be turned
counter-clockwise to decrease the signal.
Step 6: If you don’t hear the signal in the receiver,
try moving the R19 channel selector
switch to the other channel. The R19-4
features a four-channel selector knob
preset to channels 13, 23, 33, and 53.
R19-6 features a six-channel selector knob
preset to channels 13, 23, 33, 53, 38, and
43. Turn the selector knob until you hear
the desired program.
Adjusting The Receiver Tone Controls
The R19, R19-4, and R19-6 allow adjustments to cut
low frequency sounds. Use the three-position slide
switch on the receiver control panel to make this
adjustment.
Battery & Charger Information
Alkaline Batteries
In normal use, two BAT 001 heavy-duty, AA
alkaline batteries will last 90-100 hours. If the sound
becomes weak or distorted, replace the battery. Do
not leave dead batteries in the receivers.
Rechargeable Batteries
The receivers can also use a rechargeable batteries.
We recommend only the BAT 026 AA Ni-Cad
battery. These batteries will last about 45-50 hrs per
charge. Batteries from other suppliers may provide
shorter operating life.
Williams Sound
®
Helping People Hear
8

Figure 5: Using The Optional CHG 200A Battery Charger
Step 1: Plug the CHG 200’s power supply into
the Power Jack on the back of the unit
and a standard AC wall outlet.
Step 2: Wrap the power cord around the Cord
Hook (See figure at right.) This will
minimize strain on the cord and jack and
insure that the power cord is not detached
during charging.
Step 3: Make sure the receivers to be charged are
turned OFF.
Step 4: Place the receivers in the slots so that the
CHG 200’s Charging Pins and receiver’s
side panel contacts are coupled. Make
sure that the charging contact holes line
up with the charging pins. The receivers
should drop easily into the slots. DO
NOT FORCE THEM IN BACKWARDS.
Step 5: The Charging Indicators will light,
indicating that charging is in process.
It takes about 14 hours to fully charge
the batteries. Remove the receivers
when charging is completed.
Further Suggestions
Receivers SHOULD NOT be left charging
continuously when not in use. Receivers should
always be turned OFF while charging.
It’s best to allow the batteries to fully discharge
before charging.
If the batteries are near end of life and the LED
turns off while the receiver is operating, this is an
indication to change or recharge your batteries.
Approximately one hour of battery life remains.
Repeatedly charging the batteries after short periods
of use (1-2 hours) will shorten battery life.
Rechargeable batteries will need to be replaced
after 1–2 years of use.
Charging
Indicators
Charging
Pins
Cord Hook Power Input
Charging
Contact Holes
!! WARNING !!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RECHARGE
DISPOSABLE BATTERIES!
The batteries may heat up and burst, causing
possible injury and damage to the equipment.
Avoid shorting the plus and minus battery
terminals together with metal objects. Battery
damage and burns can result!
Use only Williams Sound supplied chargers and
batteries!
Williams Sound
®
Helping People Hear
9

Suggestions For Receiver Management
Different types of facilities will use different
approaches for receiver management and earphone
sanitation. Below are some options that customers
have used successfully.
1. Regular users purchase their own receiver and
take care of their own batteries and earphone.
2. Some facilities label the receiver and earphone
with the names of regular users so each person
uses the same receiver and earphone.
3. Ushers issue receivers to people who request
them. Earphones are sanitized after use. Foam
ear cushions can be replaced or washed with a
mild detergent, rinsed thoroughly and air
dried. The EAR 022 Surround Earphone can
be sanitized with an alcohol pad.
4. The receivers can be stored in a multiple
compartment storage case with a credit card or
driver's license left as collateral for the
receiver.
5. Regular users purchase their own earphone or
headphone and bring them to use with
receivers at the facility.
Williams Sound
®
Helping People Hear
10