LightSpeed Technologies Topcat User Manual

Classroom audio system
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TOPCAT
Classroom Audio System
U s e r M a n u a l

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Summary of Contents for LightSpeed Technologies Topcat

  • Page 1 TOPCAT Classroom Audio System U s e r M a n u a l...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Optional Components SECTION 2: Installation Planning Installation Step 1. Select Mounting Location Step 2. Installing the TOPCAT into the Ceiling Grid Step 3. Securing the TOPCAT Step 4. Installing and Wiring Electrical Power Alternate Power Step 5. Location of the Media Connector Step 6.
  • Page 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS CONT’D Troubleshooting Guide SECTION 4: Troubleshooting SECTION 5: Warranty, Safety & Specifications Warranty & Safety Warnings and Certifications Specifications System Specifications SECTION 6: Important Safety Instructions Installer’s Manual...
  • Page 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read these instructions. 11. Only use attachments/ accessories specified by the Keep these instructions. manufacturer. Heed all warnings. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, Follow all instructions. tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, Do not use the apparatus near or sold with the apparatus.
  • Page 5 • USE A CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN FOR POWER CONNECTIONS. The TOPCAT system uses standard 100 – 240VAC power. Obtain the services of a certified electrician when supplying and connecting power to the Ceiling Enclosure. BE SURE electrical installation complies with local building codes.
  • Page 6: Overview

    SECTION 1: OVERVIEW SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND UNPACKING The standard configuration of the TOPCAT will contain: ® TOPCAT Module Media Connector Module Charging Cradle and Power Supply REDMIKE® VC Volume Control Microphone...
  • Page 7: System Components And Unpacking

    SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND UNPACKING CONT’D Audio Cable Kit USB Cable Screws and Anchors for optional wall mounting OPTIONAL COMPONENTS Optional equipment which may be part of your TOPCAT system: REDMIKE® Share Handheld Mic & Charger Cable DC Cable...
  • Page 8: System Components

    SYSTEM COMPONENTS Equipment which may be part of your TOPCAT: Standard Accessories TRX-TC TOPCAT all-in-one ceiling mount system PS-24V-2.5 24V/2.5A power supply for TOPCAT REDMIKE VC microphone with battery BA-NH2A27 AA NiMH rechargeable sensing battery for REDMIKE AC-RMLC2 REDMIKE lavaliere cord...
  • Page 9: Section 2

    TOOLS & MATERIALS In addition to the contents of the TOPCAT system, you will need the following tools & materials: • Flat Blade screwdriver (small) • Pliers • Wire cutters • Drill...
  • Page 10: Select Mounting Location

    1. SELECT MOUNTING LOCATION The TOPCAT is shipped ready to mount in a standard suspended ceiling grid. All mounting hardware need to secure the TOPCAT in the ceiling is provided except for that needed to wire the AC power to the chassis.
  • Page 11 The dimensions of the TOPCAT speaker are 595mm x 595mm and is designed to lie onto any standard suspended ceiling tile grid. Spacers are attached to center the TOPCAT in a 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 4’ ceiling grid. (Remove these spacers when installing into a 600 x 600 mm grid.) 1.
  • Page 12 5. Loop one end of the safety wire through the eye screw (or anchor), then twist it around itself at least five times. 6. Pull one of the tabs up on the TOPCAT rear panel (located in opposite corners) and loop the other end of the safety wire through the tab. Pull the wire through until it is taught and twist it around itself at least five times to secure the speaker.
  • Page 13: Optional

    Turn off the current at the main breaker. Attach the electrical wiring to the TOPCAT Ceiling Module as shown b. Find the electrical box hole on the TOPCAT back can. Insert the mains electrical wire through the hole. c. Find and open the front panel door on the TOPCAT.
  • Page 14 TOPCAT. Use the wire anchor supplied with the cable to secure the cable to the side of the TOPCAT chassis. Use the cable tie provided to secure the end of the power cable remaining in the TOPCAT.
  • Page 15: Location Of The Media Connector

    Use the guidelines below when selecting the site. NOTE: The MC does not require a direct line of sight to the TOPCAT. However it functions best when no obstructions are between the two devices. Do not place in an enclosed metal cabinet.
  • Page 16: Connecting The Power Supply

    6. CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY The Media Connector (MC) can be powered in either of two ways: • AC power from a nearby electrical outlet • USB power from a computer Use whichever power source is most convenient to the location of the MC. AC Power 1. Locate the DC port at the rear of the MC.
  • Page 17: Audio Integration

    7. AUDIO INTEGRATION The Media Connector is designed to integrate multiple audio sources quickly and easily. TopCAT AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO VOLUME 1.0A POWER...
  • Page 18: Volume Adjustment For The Media

    2. Set the audio source volume VOLUME 1.0A POWER to provide sound through the TOPCAT 3. Use the Media Connector Volume control to increase or decrease the sound level. NORMALIZING AUDIO SOURCE VOLUME CONTROLS Use the Media Connector as the master audio volume control for the classroom.
  • Page 19: Step 9. Topcat And Media Connector Registration

    (These modules come pre- registered from the factory.) On occasion, one of these modules may be replaced so the registration process will be needed. Use the following table to determine if your TOPCAT and Media Connector are registered. MC Power...
  • Page 20: Step 10. Setup And Operation Of The Redmike Vc And Topcat

    REDMIKE VC AND TOPCAT Once the REDMIKE is charged, follow these steps to set it up for use. NOTE: This procedure is easier with two people. 1. Turn the TOPCAT power on. The REMEMBER: This equipment blue LED on the Media Connector supplements the user’s voice...
  • Page 21: Tips To Obtain Optimum Audio Performance

    TIPS TO OBTAIN OPTIMUM AUDIO PERFORMANCE • Speak in a natural voice. A normal conversational speech level will provide an adequate signal. It is not necessary to increase the intensity of your voice—the audio system provides adequate amplification (approximately 5 – 10 dB) above ambient room noises. • Avoid wearing jewelry that may rub or bump against the microphone.
  • Page 22: Step 11. Charging The Redmike Vc

    REDMIKE VC 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).
  • Page 23: Side Panel Controls And Connections

    Connect the input from optional PageFirst sensor when interfacing with the buildings paging system. Use the ADJ control to adjust the sensitivity if needed. 5. REGISTRATION BUTTON: This button is used to synchronize the TOPCAT with the Media Connector Module.
  • Page 24: Media Connector Front Panel Controls

    MEDIA CONNECTOR FRONT PANEL CONTROLS Audio Input AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO VOLUME 1.0A POWER 1. POWER CABLE INPUT: When using an AC outlet, plug the power supply (5V/1.0A) in to this jack. 2. USB POWER INPUT: Alternatively, use the provided USB cable to power the Media Connector from a USB-enabled computer.
  • Page 25: Media Connector Rear Panel Controls

    5. RF LINK LED: This LED is lit system. Refer to the Registration anytime the RF link is established Procedure in this manual. between Media Connector and the TOPCAT. This LED will glow green while the system modules remain linked.
  • Page 26: Redmike Vc Controls And Connections

    REDMIKE VC (Volume Control) CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS 1. POWER /MUTE BUTTON source to wirelessly transmit audio to be played through the 2. POWER/LOW BATTERY system. Alternatively, an external INDICATOR: A BLUE light microphone can be connected. indicates the REDMIKE VC is on 6.
  • Page 27: Cradle Charger Controls And Connections

    CRADLE CHARGER CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS 1. CHARGE INDICATORS: The light 2. DC POWER PORT: Connect the glows RED while the REDMIKE is DC power cord here. charging. When fully charged, the 3. OPTIONAL CHARGING PORT: light will glow GREEN. A blinking Plug the charging cord for the RED light indicates that no battery optional the REDMIKE Share...
  • Page 28: Section 3

    SECTION 3: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES REDMIKE SHARE: CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS 1. POWER SWITCH: 4. CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH (CH A/B): Located in the battery 2. POWER/CHARGE INDICATOR: compartment, this switch is set to this light glows blue when turned Channel B at the factory. on and turns off to indicate low 5.
  • Page 29 REDMIKE SHARE: CHARGING Before use, the REDMIKE Share should be charged. It will take 8-9 hours for the REDMIKE Share to obtain a full charge. A fully charged REDMIKE Share will last for over 7 hours of use. If the microphone is used daily, it should be kept plugged into the charging cradle - REDMIKE Share can be left in a charging cradle for up two weeks without causing degradation to battery life.
  • Page 30: Optional Pagefirst Interface

    REDMIKE SHARE: INITIAL SET-UP 1. Ensure the TOPCAT is ON. The blue LED on the Media Connector will glow. 2. Turn on the REDMIKE Share by sliding the switch to the top position. 3. Grip the barrel in the center section.
  • Page 31 USING THE REDMIKE VC TO AMPLIFY EXTERNAL AUDIO EQUIPMENT The REDMIKE includes a 3.5mm audio input jack to connect to an audio source like a laptop or MP3 player. The REDMIKE VC will transmit the audio signal to be played through the system. If your system includes two REDMIKE VCs, we recommend using Channel B (student mike) to amplify the external audio equipment so the teacher’s volume on the Channel A (teacher mike) does not have to be adjusted.
  • Page 32 Media Connector. many manufacturers’ products 5. With the TOPCAT and ALD turned differ in connector size and shape. on, speak into the REDMIKE VC The Lightspeed LES-370 Personal and slowly adjust the ALD FM System requires a 3.5mm to...
  • Page 33 OPTIONAL: IR SENSOR/RECEIVER (ISR) INSTALLATION Sometimes having the Integrated Sensor Receiver (ISR) mounted on the TOPCAT in the center of the room is not the ideal location. A poor location will cause substandard performance of the Classroom Audio System. The ISR should be as high as possible in the room –...
  • Page 34 CONT’D ISR Removal from TOPCAT The system ISR is shipped mounted to the TOPCAT front panel. For most installations, it will not need to be moved. However, there are some room situations where the center of the classroom is not the best location and needs to be removed from the TOPCAT and installed else where in the classroom.
  • Page 35 Turn the ISR over and remove the ISR Clip from the ISR (release the spring latch and slide it out). 4. Place Cover Plate Over ISR Opening Install the blank cover plate (provided with the TOPCAT) by snapping into place where the ISR was located.
  • Page 36: Suspended Ceiling Mount

    IR SENSOR/RECEIVER (ISR) INSTALLATION CONT’D Suspended Ceiling Mount 1. Attach the bracket to the ceiling tile grid (t-bar). a. Slide the tabs onto the outsides of the t-bar, starting with one corner. b. Attach the second tab around the other side of the t-bar. c.
  • Page 37 3. Uncoil the Cat 5 sensor cable. Connect one end of the cable to the ISR. Secure wire overhead and route it back to the TOPCAT system, making sure to follow all local codes. 4. Insert the CAT 5 cable into the TOPCAT chassis through the 1 inch diameter hole provided.
  • Page 38 ISR off the bracket 4. Remove the metal cover (move over to cover the other hole or discard if electrical power is installed) over the 1 inch dia. round hole of the TOPCAT back can to pass the cable into the TOPCAT.
  • Page 39 Troubleshooting TOPCAT may require the amplifier module to be replaced. Troubleshooting and repair can be accomplished without requiring the service of an electrician as long as the TOPCAT chassis is not removed from the ceiling. Once replaced, the amplifier will need to be registered with the Media Connector Module and the microphone channel A and channel B will need to be setup with the classroom microphone(s).
  • Page 40 REMOVAL AND REPLACE AMPLIFIER MODULE CONT’D Loosen the screws holding the Amplifier to the chassis. See Figure Remove Screws Unplug the following cables from the amplifier module a. Cone Speaker b. Flat panel speaker c. ISR Cat 5 cable...
  • Page 41 Remove the Amplifier module To install the new amplifier module, perform this procedure in reverse order. Registering the TOPCAT with the Media Connector Module perform the TOPCAT AND MEDIA CONNECTOR REGISTRATION procedure in this manual. To adjust the optimum microphone volume level,...
  • Page 42: Section 4

    (refer to sensor placement • Confirm signal is being received in manual). A single sensor will at the ISR on the TOPCAT. The IR cover a 1600 sq. ft. enclosed signal light will be RED (Green for classroom. CH B) indicating a signal is being received.
  • Page 43: Section 5

    Repair by other than Lightspeed or its authorized service agencies will void this guarantee. Information on authorized service agencies is available from Lightspeed Technologies, Inc. Our Service Department (800.732.8999, 5 a.m. – 5 p.m., PST) will handle all your...
  • Page 44: Safety Warnings And Certifications

    • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help Caution: To maintain the compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guideline, place Media Connector & TOPCAT at least 20 cm from nearby persons.
  • Page 45: System Specifications

    SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS OVERALL SPECIFICATIONS TOPCAT Specifications Descriptiont Two-way hybrid speaker system with NXT distributed mode panel and low frequency cone driver Panel Size 16.25” x 8.25” Frequency Response 60 Hz - 18 kHz @ 10dB Impedance 4 Ohms Power Handling...
  • Page 46 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS CONT’D INFRARED SENSOR INTEGRATED SENSOR / RECEIVER (ISR) Power From TOPCAT Reception Coverage Rooms up to 1600 sq ft / 150 m (ceiling 12ft / 3.66 or less) Mounting Integrated on TOPCAT ceiling clip / wall bracket Receiving Diodes...
  • Page 50 TOPCAT I n s t a l l e r ’ s M a n u a l...
  • Page 51: Important Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read these instructions. 11. Only use attachments/ accessories specified by the Keep these instructions. manufacturer. Heed all warnings. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, Follow all instructions. tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, Do not use the apparatus near or sold with the apparatus.
  • Page 52 USE A CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN FOR POWER CONNECTIONS. The • TOPCAT system uses standard 100 – 240VAC power. Obtain the services of a certified electrician when supplying and connecting power to the Ceiling Enclosure. BE SURE electrical installation complies with local building codes.
  • Page 53 SECTION 1: OVERVIEW SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND UNPACKING The standard configuration of the TOPCAT will contain: ® TOPCAT Module Media Connector Module Charging Cradle and Power Supply REDMIKE® VC Volume Control Microphone...
  • Page 54 SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND UNPACKING CONT’D Audio Cable Kit USB Cable Screws and Anchors for optional wall mounting OPTIONAL COMPONENTS Optional equipment which may be part of your TOPCAT system: REDMIKE® Share Handheld Mic & Charger Cable DC Cable...
  • Page 55 SYSTEM COMPONENTS Equipment which may be part of your TOPCAT: Standard Accessories TRX-TC TOPCAT all-in-one ceiling mount system PS-24V-2.5 24V/2.5A power supply for TOPCAT REDMIKE VC microphone with battery BA-NH2A27 AA NiMH rechargeable sensing battery for REDMIKE AC-RMLC2 REDMIKE lavaliere cord...
  • Page 56: Installation Planning

    TOOLS & MATERIALS In addition to the contents of the TOPCAT system, you will need the following tools & materials: • Flat Blade screwdriver (small) • Pliers • Wire cutters • Drill...
  • Page 57 1. SELECT MOUNTING LOCATION The TOPCAT is shipped ready to mount in a standard suspended ceiling grid. All mounting hardware need to secure the TOPCAT in the ceiling is provided except for that needed to wire the AC power to the chassis.
  • Page 58 The dimensions of the TOPCAT speaker are 595mm x 595mm and is designed to lie onto any standard suspended ceiling tile grid. Spacers are attached to center the TOPCAT in a 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 4’ ceiling grid. (Remove these spacers when installing into a 600 x 600 mm grid.) 1.
  • Page 59 5. Loop one end of the safety wire through the eye screw (or anchor), then twist it around itself at least five times. 6. Pull one of the tabs up on the TOPCAT rear panel (located in opposite corners) and loop the other end of the safety wire through the tab. Pull the wire through until it is taught and twist it around itself at least five times to secure the speaker.
  • Page 60 Turn off the current at the main breaker. Attach the electrical wiring to the TOPCAT Ceiling Module as shown b. Find the electrical box hole on the TOPCAT back can. Insert the mains electrical wire through the hole. c. Find and open the front panel door on the TOPCAT.
  • Page 61 TOPCAT. Use the wire anchor supplied with the cable to secure the cable to the side of the TOPCAT chassis. Use the cable tie provided to secure the end of the power cable remaining in the TOPCAT.
  • Page 64 LIGHTSPEE D TE CHNOLOGIES 1 1509 SW HERMAN RO AD / TUAL ATI N, OR 970 62 TOL L F REE: 800.732 .89 99 / PHO NE: 503.68 4.5 538 / FAX: 503.684.3197 LIG HTSPEE D-TEK. COM MN0375US01-1...

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