Williams Sound Portable FM Listening System TGS 173 Guide

Williams Sound ®
Helping People Hear
HEARING HELPER™Tour Guide System
Wireless, Portable FM Listening System
MANUAL AND USER GUIDE
MAN 106C
Transmitter Models T1-173.400, T1-174.100, T1-174.300, T1-175.500, T1-176.300
Receiver Models R1-173.400, R1-174.100, R1-174.300, R1-175.500, R1-176.300
Models TGS 173 & TGS 174

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FM TOUR GUIDE SYSTEM, MODELS TGS 173 &TGS 174
INSTALLATION GUIDE & USER MANUAL
CONTENTS PAGE
System Overview 3
System Components 4
Transmitter
Microphones
Receiver
Headphones & Earphones
Safety Information 6
Recycling Instructions 6
Operating Instructions 7
Transmitter
Receiver
Hints for Using the System
Battery Information 10
Battery Installation
Rechargeable & Non-rechargeable Batteries
Using Optional Battery Chargers
In Case Of Difficulty 12
Warranty 13
System Specifications 14

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Hearing Helper™Tour Guide System is a portable, high-performance, wireless system
composed of a transmitter and receivers and designed for use in guided tour applications. The
system allows one-way transmission of a tour guide’s voice to group members using an FM radio
signal. Using the system helps group members overcome background noise and distance from the
person speaking.
The Hearing Helper™System can be used for large or small tour groups and in noisy or quiet
environments.
Your Hearing Helper™Tour Guide System has two principal parts: the transmitter and the
receiver. 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 and headphones are
used to pick up the broadcast up to 100 meters away.
To avoid difficulties, please read through these instructions as you begin to use the system. Then
save them for questions that arise as you continue to use your system.
If you have problems with the Hearing Helper™Tour Guide System, don’t hesitate to call your
Williams Sound Distributor or our European Sales Office.
Tour Guide Uses the Body Pack
Transmitter With Microphone
FM Radio Signal
Listeners use Personal Receivers with 
Earphones, Headphones, Or Neckloop
The tour guide wears the body-pack transmitter and headset microphone. The guide’s voice is
broadcast as an FM radio signal over a distance of up to 100 meters. Listeners use the pocket
receiver and headphone to hear the speaker’s voice directly, with reduced background noise. A
neckloop telecoil coupler allows the system to be used with telecoil (T-Switch) equipped
hearing aids, at somewhat reduced range.
HOW THE TOUR GUIDE SYSTEM WORKS

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SYSTEM COMPONENTS
þBody Pack Transmitter with (2) AA batteries (BAT 001)
þNoise-cancelling head-band microphone (MIC 086)
þ(6) Personal FM Receivers w/batteries (BAT 001)
and headphones (HED 021)
þ(7) Belt clip cases (CCS 001)
þInstruction Manual (MAN 106)
þSystem carry case (CCS 030 S)
THE TRANSMITTER
The transmitter is a battery-powered body-pack model used with a microphone to pick up the
tour guide's voice. The transmitter produces an FM radio signal to broadcast the tour guide's
voice to the receiver units. A simple slide switch on top of the transmitter turns the unit on or off.
The transmitter operates on two AA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (BAT 001), or two AA
rechargeable NiMH batteries (BAT 026).
MICROPHONES
A noise-cancelling, head-band microphone (MIC 086) is the standard microphone. The noise-
cancelling microphone helps to reduce background sounds in noisy environments. The
microphone plugs into the “MIC” jack on top of the Transmitter. The microphone should be
positioned directly in front of the tour guide's mouth for to achieve an optimal signal to noise
ratio and so that head movement does not affect the loudness of the signal. The microphone cord
acts as the transmitting antenna.
Optional Microphones
An optional Hearing Protector Headset Microphone (MIC 036) is also available for extremely
high noise environments. It features ear muffs that completely cover both ears and provides 24
dB NRR of attenuation for hearing protection.
An optional Lapel Clip Microphone can be used in quieter environments like museums or
galleries. The MIC 050 has an omnidirectional pick-up pattern. The MIC 056 has a directional
(or cardioid) pick-up pattern, which will reduce background noise somewhat.
A small hand-held microphone (MIC 026) is also available for tour guides who prefer to hold the
microphone.
THE RECEIVER
The receiver is a battery-powered body-pack receiver used with a headphone to hear the signal
produced by the transmitter. The receiver is pre-tuned to the transmitter and has a user-adjustable
volume control. The headphone plugs into the “EAR” jack on top of the Receiver. The receiver is
turned on by rotating the volume control wheel. The receiver operates on two AA non-
rechargeable alkaline batteries (BAT 001), or two AA rechargeable NiMH batteries (BAT 026).

HEADPHONES AND EARPHONES
The HED 021 Lightweight Headphone is the standard headset for the Tour Guide System. It
offers excellent sound quality and wearing comfort. The foam earpads may be removed and
washed in a mild detergent, rinsed thoroughly, and air dried. Replacement pads are part number
HED 013.
The headphone plugs into the “EAR” jack on top of the Receiver. The headphones are wired with
a mono plug. If a stereo headphone is substituted, it will only work on one side of the headphone.
Optional Headphones and Earphones
The HED 008 is a heavy-duty, hearing-protector headset. The HED 008 earmuffs completely
cover the ears and provide 24 dB NRR noise attenuation for hearing protection in high noise
environments.
The EAR 022 Surround Earphone offers excellent sound quality in a unique style that hangs on
the ear. It is easy to keep clean since the earphone does not enter the ear. It is not recommended
for high noise environments.
The EAR 013 and EAR 014 are single and dual Mini Earphones. The earbud-style features a
foam covering that fits in the outer ear. The foam pads can be removed for cleaning or
replacement. Replacement pads are part number EAR 015-10.
The stylish HED 026 Rear-Wear Headphone offers excellent sound quality; it rests comfortably
over the ears and wraps around the back of the head for a less obtrusive, relaxed fit.
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EARPHONE / HEADPHONE OPTIONS
R
HED 021 HED 008 EAR 022
HED 026 EAR 013 EAR 014

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CAUTION!
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
SAFETY INFORMATION
HEARING SAFETY
This product is designed to amplify sounds to a high volume level which could
potentially cause hearing damage if used improperly. To protect your hearing and the
hearing of others:
Make sure the volume is turned down before putting on the earphone or headphone before
adjusting the volume to a comfortable level.
Set the volume level at the minimum setting that you need to hear.
If you experience feedback (a squealing or howling sound), reduce the volume setting and
move the microphone away from the earphone or headphone.
Do not allow children or other unauthorized persons to have access to this product.
1.
2.
3.
4.
BATTERY SAFETY AND DISPOSAL
This product is supplied with disposable Alkaline batteries. Do not attempt to recharge
disposable batteries, which may explode, release dangerous chemicals, cause burns, or
other serious harm to the user or product.
PACEMAKER SAFETY:
Before using this product with a pacemaker or other medical device, consult your physician
or the manufacturer of your pacemaker or other medical device.
If you have a pacemaker or other medical device, make sure that you are using this product
in accordance with safety guidelines established by your physician or the pacemaker
manufacturer.
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2.
BATTERY SAFETY AND DISPOSAL
Help Williams Sound protect the environment! Please take the time to dispose of your
equipment properly.
Product Recycling for Customers in the European Union:
Please do NOT dispose of your Williams Sound equipment in the household trash. Please take
the equipment to a electronics recycling center; OR return the product to the factory for proper
disposal.
Battery Recycling for Customers in the European Union:
Please do NOT dispose of used batteries in the household trash. Please take the batteries to a
retail or community collection point for recycling.
RECYCLING INSTRUCTIONS
8/18/05

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
USING THE TRANSMITTER
Note: Rechargeable batteries are shipped in a discharged state and must be charged overnight
before using.
1. Make sure there are two charged AA batteries in the transmitter. If batteries are not installed,
see Battery Information on page 10.
2. Plug the microphone cord into the “Mic” jack on top of the transmitter.
3. Place the transmitter in the belt clip case provided.
4. Turn the power switch on top of the transmitter to “On.”
5. Position the Headset Microphone boom as close to the wearer's mouth as possible without
actually touching. Lapel Clip microphones should be attached to a collar or lapel, as close to
the wearer's mouth as possible.
Note On The Transmitter Antenna:
The microphone cord is the transmitting antenna. Do not bunch up the cord, wrap it tightly
around your body, or wrap it around the transmitter. For maximum range, the cord should hang as
straight as possible. The transmitter can be placed in a pants pocket, or clipped onto a belt or
waistband. Make sure the transmitter is turned OFF when not in use.
Mic
Williams Sound FM
Off On
FM
On/Off Switch
Mic
Jack
ON Indicator
TRANSMITTER TOP VIEW

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USING THE RECEIVER
Note: Rechargeable batteries are shipped in a discharged state and must be charged overnight
before using.
1. Make sure there are two charged AA batteries in the Receiver. If batteries are not installed,
see Battery Information on page 10.
2. Plug the earphone or headphone into the “Ear” jack on top of the Receiver.
3. Place the headphones over your ears.
4. Turn the power on by rotating the volume control thumbwheel on top of the Receiver.
5. Adjust the receiver volume control to a comfortable listening level.
You should be able to hear someone speaking into the transmitter microphone.
6. Place the receiver in the belt clip case provided. The receiver can be placed in a pants pocket,
or clipped onto a belt, harness, or waistband.
Note On The Receiver Antenna:
The earphone cord is the receiving antenna. Do not bunch up the cord, wrap it tightly around
your body, or wrap it around the receiver. For maximum range, the cord should hang as straight
as possible. The receiver can be placed in a pants pocket, or clipped onto a belt or waistband.
Make sure the receiver is turned OFF when not in use.
EAR Volume
1On/Off Volume Switch
Headphone Jack
"On" Indicator LED
RECEIVER TOP VIEW

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HINTS FOR USING THE SYSTEM
Normal operating distance between the transmitter and receiver is about 30 meters. The operating
range will vary in different buildings and surroundings. In some locations, the signal may
momentarily disappear. This is called a “drop-out” and is due to reflection and cancellation of the
radio signal. Moving a few feet will restore the signal.
Keep the transmitter and receiver units at least a meter apart. If the transmitter gets too close to a
receiver, it can overload the receiver, causing noisy reception or blocking of the signal.
Do not use more than one transmitter on the same channel (frequency) at the same time unless
they are physically separated by more than 30 meters. Operating more than one transmitter on the
same channel at the same time in the same place will result in interference.
USING MULTIPLE SYSTEMS FOR MULTIPLE GROUPS:
For multiple tour groups within the same facility, multiple Tour Guide Systems may be operated
on the same channel at the same time by maintaining physical separation of 30 meters between
groups. The physical separation of groups takes advantage of the FM capture effect which causes
receivers to lock onto the closest transmitter.
Tour Group 1

Channel A 30 Meters Tour Group 2

Channel A
TOUR GUIDE GROUP SEPARATION

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BATTERY INFORMATION
INSTALLATION
Open the battery compartment using a coin in the slot in the bottom of the receiver or transmitter.
Press the batteries into place, observing proper battery polarity. Incorrect insertion of the battery
is difficult, and if forced, may cause both mechanical and electrical damage to transmitters or
receivers not covered by the five year warranty. Units will not work with the battery incorrectly
installed.
NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
In normal use, two AA 1.5 V alkaline batteries (BAT 001) will last about 12 hours in the
Transmitter and approximately 30 hours in the Receiver. If the sound becomes weak or distorted,
replace the batteries. Do not leave dead batteries in the receivers. Battery corrosion is not covered
by the Williams Sound five year warranty.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
The transmitter and Receivers can use rechargeable AA batteries (BAT 026). On an overnight
charge, these NiMH batteries are designed to operate a Transmitter for approximately 8 hours,
and Receivers for 20 hours.
The battery installed in the receiver may be recharged only if it is a Nickel-Metal Hydride
(NiMH) battery, and only if a Williams Sound CHG 1600 Multi-Charger is used. Damage from
improper charging is not covered by the Williams Sound five year warranty.
Important Rechargeable Battery Information
Rechargeable batteries are shipped in a discharged condition. They must be charged for a
complete charge cycle before the first use (approximately 15 hours). Rechargeable batteries will
need to be replaced after 1-2 years of use. Do not dispose of batteries in fire. Do not open
batteries, there are toxic chemicals inside.
+–
+–
Battery 
Compartment
Tab
Rear of Transmitter
or Receiver
Note Proper 
Polarity
BATTERY INSTALLATION
!! IMPORTANT WARNINGS !!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RECHARGE ZINC CARBON (“HEAVY DUTY”), ALKALINE, OR LITHIUM BATTERIES!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RECHARGE DISPOSABLE BATTERIES! These batteries may heat up and explode,
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!