To many of my speaker friends, the knobs, plugs and lights on the FREEDOMIKE® look complicated. Let me assure you that after two outings you will be able to do your hook-up in less than ninety seconds. Here are six quick steps:
- Unplug the "house" microphone from the cable that runs to a wall plug. This is usually a cigar size silver plug with three connector pin holes. There will be a small latch to push with your thumb to allow separation. That plug goes into the dime-sized three pin plug on the back of your receiver. The receiver is the larger of the two black items.
- Push and twist the antenna into the matching connector on the front of the CR175 receiver.
- Plug small end of CH12 electrical adapter wire into back of the receiver. The input is marked 12V DC in lower right corner. The CH12 adapter is then plugged into an electrical outlet. If you have a CR175 mini unit, it will operate on a 9V battery. The bright panel light will become a dull glow when the battery is becoming weak. Always carry spare batteries.
- Plug the end of the small microphone cord into your belt pack transmitter. Be sure to note that after the small mike plug is in place, you can turn the small screw head to secure the microphone into that jack. This is important to prevent the plug disconnecting with pressure. With the clip included, attach the tiny microphone to your clothing above chest level. The women sometimes appreciate the additional plastic "snap strap" that allows the mike to be attached to underclothing straps as a method to hide the microphone if desired. Be careful with this process if you are recording since the rubbing against clothing could be picked up on the recording. You may prefer to leave the microphone plugged into the transmitter for storage and transport. A couple of ziplock freezer bags work great to protect the transmitter and receiver during travel. A regular "shaving kit" makes an excellent carrying case for your microphone system and spare batteries.
- Turn your belt pack (M175) transmitter "on" (be sure a good ALKALINE battery has been installed--this battery will last about 14 hours of operating time--be sure you turn it off at completion of speech). If you have the LS version transmitter turn the mute switch on. ALWAYS keep spare batteries with you. Be sure battery is ALKALINE! Your indicator red light will begin a dull glow as battery becomes weak.
- Turn the CR 175 front panel volume to the mid or "high noon" position. Move the CR 175 "on-off" front panel switch to "on." Have a great speech!
Part II in more detail:
If you have a regular stereo system or even a recorder, it is easy to give the system a try. You will need a standard hi-fi cable to go from the small plug with "headphone symbol" into your stereo "aux or tape" input. You can test the system by make a recording or broadcasting through your home system. Be aware that this same procedure is an excellent way to make your own recording during a speech/seminar without going into the meeting room sound system, a slick way to get a quality recording.
As you enter the meeting room head straight for the microphone that is in place. The meeting room mike is usually mounted to the holder on the lectern. You are going to uncouple the "in place" microphone and insert the "female" end [the part that continues to the wall plug] into the 3 prong output in the back of your receiver, push firmly until you feel the "click." If you are not aware of hi-tech terminology, the female has holes, and the male has prongs. You conduct this uncoupling by pressing the coupling latch found on every microphone and pull to separate the cables. (This coupler has been described as "cigar" sized and usually silver in color). If it is a hand-held mike this is at the base of the mike. If it is a lavaliere, you will find the coupling back about three feet. I leave the supplied microphone laying in a handy place in the event of some system failure. It is only fair to say this has NEVER happened to me in twelve years of speaking with the FREEDOMIKE®. If there were a failure you could detach the plug from the receiver and return it to its original microphone to continue your presentation.
Find a standard electrical wall outlet near the place the sound cables go into the wall and plug in the small transformer (CH 12 adapter). Insert the small female end securely into the input on your receiver.
The model 175 transmitter is cigarette pack size (it has one red light on the face) that attaches to your belt or under your clothing. If you have the T187 "hand-held" version, your controls are on the base or bottom of the mike, and the battery is inside (see your manual). The M175 model has a small door that swings open when you apply pressure to lift and turn for the battery slot. Install your ALKALINE or Lithium 9 volt battery in this slot. Notice the contacts inside and match the small with the small as you insert your battery, contacts first, by applying a small amount of pressure. Your ALKALINE ONLY battery (never use an inexpensive standard battery with this elegant unit) will last about 14 hours with the switch on. When you flip the switch, the red light will come on. This tells you that you are "on" and that the 14 hour count down has begun. As you near the end of battery life the red light will struggle to give you a strong glow! At your FIRST OPPORTUNITY buy a few spare 9 volt ALKALINE batteries. Tip: Buy a years supply right after the Christmas holidays when they are always on sale at the best prices of the year, especially the large chain drug stores.
Remove your tiny microphone cord and insert the silver shaft into the hole at the top of your transmitter. Note the small screw collar at the top of the plug. This is to screw onto the transmitter to prevent pulling out under pressure. I recommend leaving the microphone plugged in permanently. One caution: Wrap the small cable very loosely around the transmitter, secure with a rubber band, leaving the sleeve/wire at the plug standing upright, do not bend as you wrap the wire. It will tire of bending and break after some time! The small foam ball is a wind screen if you use the microphone outside or if you tend to "pop" your "p's" in speaking. Very few speakers use this and mine was lost years ago.
The 175 models use a small screwdriver for setting the volume output from the transmitter. This is most likely set correctly and you will never need to touch this control. It is designed to be sure your voice strength matches for the receiver input for the best quality. Call me if you want a more detailed explanation! I know it is hard for you to believe, but we are ready to be "on the air." Turn the control knob on the receiver to the mid- (high noon) position. Flip your transmitter switch to the "on" position.
You may now do your voice level test by listening to the room speakers. If it is too low, raise the volume control clockwise gradually for a satisfactory level.
I like to "walk the room" in the areas where I expect to be speaking. Look up at the ceiling for loudspeaker covers. Speak under these to be sure you do not cause a "sound loop", also called "feedback" or a "squeal." This is created by the volume being too high, and is usually caused by the meeting room master volume controls being set too high. If your own receiver volume does not satisfy this you will need to find the meeting room control knob and lower the volume. (I have never had to do this, but in some cases it has been marginal). REMEMBER your system is much higher quality and has stronger output than a regular meeting room microphone. Yours is an electronic device and theirs is an antiquated mechanical vibration device much like two tin cans and a long string!
My system travels nicely in my briefcase or carry-on luggage. My receiver and transmitter are kept in a freezer zip-lock baggie, The transformer is in another zip lock bag just to keep the plug prongs from scratching anything and is also secured with a rubber band. You will find shaving kits work great as a carrying case.
One precaution that cannot be over emphasized: GET IN THE HABIT of putting your finger on the transmitter "on" switch just as the introducer begins your introduction. Switch it "on" just at the introducer's final words. If your system is the LS version, you have a useful "mute" switch that prevents a "pop" when the transmitter audio is turned on. If you switch it on earlier, someone will possibly say something to you in hushed tones and you will answer with your words coming through the sound system. (The minister at our church was recently heard debating with the groom about who had the best shoe shine prior to entering before a wedding. The congregation got a good laugh!)
GET IN THE SAME HABIT of reaching for the "off" switch as your final words are spoken or at the signal for a break. There are wonderful "horror" stories about trips to the rest room with a wireless microphone in the "on" position! Remember, the battery is using up the power as long as the switch is "on." Another reason to carry a spare battery is in the event the switch is accidentally left on. Protect your system against theft! Some speakers report just the transmitter stolen when it was left on a table or lectern during break or lunch, keep your transmitter on your person, it is by far the most expensive component of your system.
Please tape my business card to the bottom of your receiver, and call me if you have any problems. My answering machine is awake 24 hours a day. There are many of your clients who could use a FREEDOMIKE®, and they will ask you where to get such a system. Please take their business card and mail it to me (that is another reason to tape my card to the bottom of your unit). Put "send FM info" and your name on their card I will then send them a brochure. If they purchase a FREEDOMIKE®, there will be a FIFTY DOLLAR donation made in YOUR NAME to the Professional Speakers Benefit Fund of the National Speakers Association. Have a great speech!
Those who would like to sometimes use a hand held mike should give me a call. There are some options available that will allow this option. Thank you again for your interest and appreciation for the FREEDOMIKE®!
