Instructions for Phonic Ear System
For our hearing impaired patrons, we
make available the OnWave Phonic Ear system. It consists of a microphone over
the heads of the audience, an audio compressor (to bring up low volume events to
a consistent level), a transmitter and 12 individual receivers with headsets.
On Preview Night
Ensure that the "wall wart" power adapter is plugged in and attached to the
storage suitcase. Make sure that each of the receiver units is turned off
(volume control turned down until it "clicks") and that each is plugged in
to the "CHG" port and the red light is on. See the picture in the "Recharging
returned receivers" section below.
DO NOT plug the charger into the headphone jack!! If you do, the red light
will turn on but the unit WILL NOT charge.
On the evening of each performance
Verify that each of the receiver units is functioning. Note that there
needs to be some sound on stage to be able to tell.
Set aside any defective units and notify Robert Fairbairn.
Handing out receivers
When handing out receivers to patrons, it is important to obtain a drivers
license, OHIP card or other form of identification that they will be sure to
want back. Credit cards may not be a good idea, due to the inherent liability
risk in handling them without proper controls.
The Phonic Ear system is quite easy to use. Remove one of the receiver units
from the storage suitcase and plug in a headset. Show the patron the volume
control wheel on the side, which also serves as the power switch for the unit.
Note that the provided headsets are "of an inexpensive nature". Patrons who have
specialized requirements, such as closed cup headsets or extra-high volume, are
encouraged to bring their own headsets. Any headset with a standard 3.5mm mono
or stereo plug will work with the receiver units.
T-Switch hearing aids
For those with hearing aids so equipped, we have a small number of T-Switch
loops that can be plugged into the receiver units in place of a regular headset.
The T-Switch units look like the following picture and are stored in little
zip-loc bags behind the "flap" in the top of the Phonic Ear storage suitcase.
The patron places the "loop" part over their head and flips a switch
(or whatever) on their hearing aid to enable the T-Switch feature, which
works via a very low intensity magnetic field.
Recharging returned receivers
First, ensure that the patron gets back their ID and they verify that they have
received the correct ID. If the patron had any problems with the unit, please
record the details and the serial number of the unit in question and forward
this information to Robert Fairbairn.
Make sure that each of the receiver units is turned off (volume control turned
down until it "clicks") and that each is plugged in to the "CHG" port and the
red light is on.
DO NOT plug the charger into the headphone jack!! If
you do, the red light will turn on but the unit WILL NOT charge.
Headset cleaning and repair
Before putting the headsets back in the box, inspect them for any signs of wear
or dirt.
If they are unacceptable for any reason, please set them aside. We have extra
headsets, but at the moment it is actually more expensive to buy new headset
pads than the original price we purchased the headsets for.
The reason for setting them aside rather than throwing them out is twofold.
Eventually, we might find a source of inexpensive replacement pads (then it
would be useful to still have the headphones, wouldn't it?). If the headsets are
broken, then they also need to properly disposed of as "Technology Waste".
At the end of the run of a play, forward any set-aside headsets to Robert
Fairbairn.
In event of problems
If the system is not working at all (none of the receivers work), the
transmitter is in the booth in the rack with the sound equipment. It can "lock
up", as it is processor-based, and cycling the power to the unit will usually
correct the problem. Inform the Stage Manager or Sound Technician of the
problem.
If a patron complains of problems with a receiver unit during a performance,
provide them with another unit AND a new headset. Record the details of the
problem and the serial number of the unit in question and forward this
information to Robert Fairbairn. Listen to the unit later to verify if you can
"replicate" the problem and note this with the information recorded.
If the problem is insufficient volume, even with the control at maximum, and
after trying another unit, it is most likely because the headsets are relatively
small and not "closed cup". Regular patrons can bring their own headsets (with
3.5mm mono or stereo plug) and use them with the receiver units.
Batteries
The units use two AA nickel-metal hydride batteries, like the kind often used
for digital cameras. Eventually they will need to be replaced.
In an emergency, regular alkaline AA batteries can be inserted in the receiver
units.
HOWEVER, if you put alkaline AA batteries into a receiver unit, DO NOT attach
it to the charger!! The batteries may leak or explode!!
You have been warned!!
Random Notes
While the receiver units can accept stereo headsets, the signal is monophonic
only. The system does not transmit in stereo, and there is only one microphone.
Therefore, one can hear the sound but not get a sense of direction.
The system evidently is not compatible with cochlear implants.
In the event of deplaning at sea, the receiver units may be used as a flotation
device ... NOT. But you didn't really read this far, did you?