WILLIAMS SOUND PFM 350 Hearing Helper Personal FM System User Manual

: June 16, 2024
: WILLIAMS SOUND

WILLIAMS SOUND PFM 350 Hearing Helper Personal FM System

Models PFM 350, PFM 300, PFM 350E RCH, & PFM 300E RCH Transmitter Model PFM T32 Optional Receiver Models PFM R32, R31

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Thank you for purchasing the Hearing Helper™ Personal FM System from Williams Sound Corp. Anyone needing auditory assistance to overcome background noise, reverberation, or distance from the sound source can benefit from the Personal FM System.
Your PFM 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 receiver and earphone are used to pick up the broadcast up to 100 feet 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 Williams Sound Personal FM System. If you have problems with the PFM system, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-843-3544. WILLIAMS-SOUND-PFM-350
-Hearing-Helper-Personal-FM-System-fig-1

The speaker wears the body-pack transmitter and a clip-on microphone. The speaker’s voice is broadcast as an FM radio signal over a distance of 100-150 feet (30-45 m). Listeners use the pocket receiver and earphone or headphone to hear the speaker’s voice directly, with reduced background noise. A neck loop telecoil coupler allows the system to be used with telecoil (T-Switch) equipped hearing aids.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Body Pack Transmitter (PFM T32) with (2) AA batteries (BAT 001)
Lavalier microphone (MIC 090)
Mini earphone (EAR 013)
Soft Nylon System Carry Case (CCS 020)
(2) Belt clip cases (CCS 001)
Instructions (MAN 072)
PFM System 300 Only: Personal FM Receiver (PFM R32) with (2) AA batteries (BAT 001)
PFM System 350 Only: Personal FM Receiver (PFM R31) with Plug Mount Microphone (MIC 014) and (2) AA batteries (BAT 001)
PFM System 300E RCH Only: Personal FM Receiver (PFM R32) with CHG 200A Drop-in Charger and (2) AA NiMH rechargeable batteries (BAT 026)
PFM System 350E RCH Only: Personal FM Receiver (PFM R31) with CHG 200A Drop-in Charger and (2) AA NiMH rechargeable batteries (BAT 026)

SAFETY INFORMATION

HEARING SAFETY

CAUTION!
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 earphones or headphones and adjust 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 earphones or headphones.
Do not allow children or other unauthorized persons to have access to this product.

BATTERY SAFETY AND DISPOSAL

CAUTION!
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:

CAUTION!

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 by the safety guidelines established by your physician or the pacemaker manufacturer.

RECYCLING INSTRUCTIONS

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 an 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.

USING THE PFM T32 TRANSMITTER

Install two (2) AA batteries. If you’re using rechargeable batteries, they must be charged before using. See battery information on page 13.
Plug the microphone cord into the “Mic” jack on top of the transmitter.
Place the transmitter in the belt clip case provided.
Slide the Power Switch on top of the transmitter to “On.” The Power ON LED indicator should illuminate Red.
The microphone should be placed as close to the speaker’s mouth as is practical. For lapel mics, attach the microphone to a collar, lapel, or tie.
When you are ready to speak, turn the Mic Mute Switch (speaker icon) to the “On” position. When you are done speaking, mute the mic by turning the Mute Switch to the “Off” position (speaker icon with line through it). The transmitter can be placed in a pants pocket, or clipped onto a belt or waistband.

Note On The Transmitter Antenna:
The microphone cord is the transmitting antenna. Do not bunch up the cord or wrap it around the transmitter. For maximum range, the cord should hang as straight as possible.

CHANGING THE PFM T32 FREQUENCY

WILLIAMS-SOUND-PFM-350-Hearing-Helper-Personal-FM-System-
fig-5

By default, the T32’s frequency is to set 72.9 MHz (Channel E). If you experience FM interference, or if you need to match a receiver’s frequency, it may be necessary to adjust the frequency on the T32. Instructions:

Open the battery compartment using a coin in the slot in the bottom of the transmitter. Remove the batteries.
Lift the battery compartment door up and pull to your left to expose the circuit board.
Refer to FIG 5 to locate the Channel Switch.
Use a small screwdriver to rotate the Channel Switch to correspond with the desired operating frequency. Choose between 16 standard channels. Refer to the Channel Selection Chart in FIG 5 for available channels.
Reinstall the batteries, then close the back of the transmitter.
Plug the microphone in and turn the transmitter on to provide a tuning signal for the receivers. Important: Make sure all receivers being used match the frequency of the transmitter. Refer to the receiver’s instruction manual for frequency change instructions.

ADVANCED FEATURES ON THE PFM T32

Gain Control Adjustment
If necessary, the microphone gain control on the T32 can be increased or decreased to meet the demands of specific listening applications.

Instructions

Open the battery compartment using a coin in the slot in the bottom of the transmitter. Remove the batteries.
Lift the battery compartment door up and pull to your left to expose the circuit board.
Refer to FIG 6 to locate the microphone gain control.
Using a small screwdriver, turn the gain control fully counterclockwise to reduce the gain. Turn the gain control fully clockwise to increase the gain
Close the back of the case and the battery door.

COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT

By default, the T32 transmitter compression jumper is set to “Off” for normal operation, or 1:1 compression. For hearing assistance applications, the compression jumper can be set to “On” for 2:1 compression.

Instructions

Open the battery compartment using a coin in the slot in the bottom of the transmitter. Remove the batteries.
Lift the battery compartment door up and pull to your left to expose the circuit board.
Refer to FIG 6 to locate the Compression Selector.
Gently remove the jumper from the circuit board by pulling it up and away from the unit. You will see three exposed “pins.”
- To turn compression “On” (2:1 Compression): Press the jumper onto the top two pin locations as shown on left.
- To turn compression “Off” (1:1 Compression): Press the jumper onto the bottom two pin locations as shown on the left.
Close the back of the case and the battery door.

USING THE PFM R32 RECEIVER (PFM 300 & PFM 300E RCH)

The receiver model PFM R32 has a single volume control and an earphone output jack.

Make sure there are two charged AA batteries in the Receiver. If batteries are not installed, see Battery Information on page 13.
Plug the earphone or headphones into the “Ear” jack on top of the Receiver.
Turn the power on by rotating the volume control knob on top of the Receiver.
Place the earphone in your ear.
Choose the correct channel using the right switch on the R32’s back panel. Unless you have changed the Transmitter channel, set the receiver to channel 1. If the Transmitter is on and tuned to channel 1, the FM Indicator light on the R32 will light.
Adjust the receiver volume control to a comfortable listening level. You should be able to hear someone speaking into the Transmitter microphone.
Adjust the receiver tone control to your needs. Lo – more low frequencies; Mid – some low-frequency cut; Hi – maximum low-frequency cut, emphasizes higher frequencies. (See Figure 8.)
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.

Notes:
The earphone cord is the receiving antenna. Do not bunch up the cord or wrap it around the receiver. For best reception, the cord should hang as straight as possible. Make sure the Receiver is turned OFF when not in use. The channel selector can be used to switch between an individual and a group channel.

USING THE PFM R31 RECEIVER (PFM 350 & PFM 350E RCH)
The receiver model PFM R31 has two volume control knobs (one for the FM signal, one for environmental sounds), a microphone input jack, and an earphone output jack.

Make sure there are two charged AA batteries in the Receiver. If batteries are not installed, see Battery Information on page 13.
Insert the small Plug Mount Microphone (MIC 014) into the “Mic” jack on top of the R31 Receiver.
Plug the earphone or headphone into the “Ear” jack on top of the Receiver.
Turn the power on by rotating the taller “FM” volume control on top of the Receiver.
Place the earphone in your ear.
Choose the correct channel using the right switch on the R31’s back panel. If the Transmitter is on and tuned to channel 1, the FM Indicator light on the R31 will light.
Adjust the receiver tone control to your needs. Lo – more low frequencies; Mid – some low-frequency cut; Hi – maximum low-frequency cut, emphasizes higher frequencies. (See Figure 10.)
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.

Notes:
The earphone cord is the receiving antenna. Do not bunch up the cord or wrap it around the receiver. For best reception, the cord should hang as straight as possible. Make sure the Receiver is turned OFF when not in use. The channel selector can be used to switch between an individual and a group channel.

Adjusting The R31 Volume Controls

Adjust the taller “FM” volume control to a comfortable listening level. You should be able to hear someone speaking into the Transmitter microphone.
Now adjust the shorter “Mic” volume control until you can hear sounds picked up by the environmental microphone on top of the receiver.
Adjust the two volume controls for a comfortable mix of FM and environmental sounds. You will normally want to have the FM signal louder than the environmental Mic signal to avoid picking up extra background noise. If no environmental sounds are desired, turn the “Mic” control fully to “Min”. If you want to hear a nearby conversation or your voice, turn the “Mic” control up.

TUNING THE PFM R32 & R31 RECEIVERS

Tuning for the R32 and R31 Receivers is determined by tuning coils, and is stabilized by phase-locked-loop circuitry. A plastic tuning wrench (PLT 005) is needed to adjust the receiver tuning coil.

Use the Transmitter as a tuning signal source. Have someone speak into the microphone so you have something to listen to.
Keep the Transmitter and Receiver about 15 – 20 feet apart while tuning. The receiver must be tuned under weak signal conditions.
Open the battery compartment using a coin in the slot in the bottom of the transmitter. Pull up the receiver battery flap to open the receiver back like a book. This will expose the circuit board.
Move the channel selector switch to channel 2 (right position).
Use Figure 11 below to locate the tuning coils. Use the earphone supplied with the receiver to listen for the transmitter signal while you slowly and gently rotate the tuning slugs inside the tuning coil with the tuning wrench. Adjust the tuning coil for channel 2 slowly and carefully. Do not press down on the tuning slug. Adjust for maximum signal.
Re-tune all the receivers and mark the new frequency inside the case for future reference.

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. WILLIAMS-SOUND-PFM-350-Hearing-Helper-
Personal-FM-System-fig-14

DISPOSABLE BATTERIES
In normal use, two AA 1.5 V alkaline batteries will last about 30 hours in the T32. The batteries will last approximately 80 hours in the R32 and R31 Receivers, respectively. If the sound becomes weak or distorted, replace the battery. The indicator light may still be on, even with a battery that is weak. Do not leave dead batteries in the receivers! Battery corrosion is not covered by the Williams Sound five-year warranty.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

The PFM 350 and PFM 300 Systems can use rechargeable AA batteries (BAT 026). On an overnight charge, these NiMH batteries are designed to operate for 20 hours in a T32 Transmiter. The R32 and R31 Receivers will last for 50 and 60 hours, respectively.

Note: The battery installed in the receiver may be recharged in the receiver only if it is a NiMH battery, and only if the Williams Sound CHG 200A charger is used. Damage from improper charging is not covered by the Williams Sound five year warranty. For charging directions, see Figure 13.

!! 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!
Use only Williams Sound-supplied chargers and batteries!

FIGURE 13: USING THE OPTIONAL CHG 200A BATTERY CHARGER TO CHARGE TRANSMITTERS AND RECEIVERS

Step 1: Plug the CHG 200’s power supply into the Power Input on the charger’s side and a standard AC wall outlet.
Step 2: Route 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/transmitters to be charged are turned OFF.
Step 4: Place the receivers/transmitters 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 BACKWARD.
Step 5: The Charging Indicators will light, indicating that charging is in process. It takes 14–16 hours to fully charge the batteries. Remove the receivers when charging is completed.

FURTHER SUGGESTIONS

Receivers and Transmitters 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 the 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.

!! 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.

USING YOUR PERSONAL FM SYSTEM WITH A HEARING AID

If you have a hearing aid equipped with a Telecoil (T-Switch), you can use a neckloop (NKL 003–children’s size, or NKL 001–adult’s size) to magnetically couple the signal from the PFM Receiver into your hearing aid. The Neckloop plugs into the earphone jack of the receiver. Turn the switch to the “T” position on your hearing aid and adjust the volume control on the receiver to a comfortable level. If you have two hearing aids with telecoils, the signal will couple into both hearing aids (when using a silhouette). Direct Audio Input cords can be used with compatible hearing aids as well as with Cochlear Implant Processors. If your hearing aid has a direct audio input boot, you can obtain a cord from your hearing aid manufacturer to plug directly into the PFM receiver. The cord should have a 3.5 mm plug.

APPLICATIONS FOR VARIOUS HEARING LOSS LEVELS

The Personal FM is designed to provide hearing assistance for anyone when background noise or distance from the sound source makes listening difficult. The microphone and transmitter are placed close to the desired sound source to help minimize background noise and to effectively eliminate the distance between the listener and the sound source. Because hearing ability varies, three categories of amplification have been delineated:

NO HEARING LOSS – LOW AMPLIFICATION
Among Low Amplification applications are classroom and similar uses. The PFM System can be used with headphones or earphones for Central Auditory Processing Disorders, Learning Disabilities, or Attention Deficit Disorders. The PFM System is used primarily to boost speech sounds above other background noises, making it easier for the listener to focus on what is being said. The optional Rugged Headphone (HED 022–children’s size, and HED 021–adult’s size) are recommended for this application. The EAR 013 Single Mini Earphone, EAR 008 Surround Earphone, or EAR 014 Dual Mini Earphone can also be used.

MILD – MODERATE HEARING LOSS
These applications include the classroom, TV listening, car riding, and one-on-one conversations. The PFM System can be used with Single or Dual Mini Earphones (EAR 013 or EAR 014) for moderate amplification fittings. The PFM System is also suitable for temporary mild hearing loss due to Otitis Media. The Rugged Headphones (HED 021) or Surround Earphones (EAR 022 or EAR 008) are recommended since they do not enter the ear canal.

SEVERE – PROFOUND HEARING LOSS
These applications include the classroom, TV listening, car riding, and one-on-one conversations. For severe to profound hearing loss, the PERSONAL FM System should be used in conjunction with a hearing aid. A Neckloop can be used with hearing aids that have a telecoil. An adaptor cord can be used with hearing aids that have direct audio input

IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY

If your Personal FM System is not working, check the following:

Read through the manual and user guide carefully to verify proper setup and installation of your system.
Make sure the batteries are fresh or completely charged and that the “plus” and “minus” termi-nals are installed correctly.
If the rechargeable batteries will only work for a short period of time (less than 1 hour) even after they are fully charged, they must be regenerated. Leave them in the receiver or transmitter with the unit turned on, for 5 – 6 hours. Then turn receiver or transmitter off, place it in the charger, and charge for 14 – 16 hours. This should restore normal battery life. Rechargeable bat-teries will gradually lose their capacity over time and should be replaced every year.
Make sure the microphone is plugged into the T32 Transmitter and the earphone is plugged into the Receiver.
If you have the PFM System 350, make sure the R31 Receiver’s plug mount microphone IS NOT plugged into the Transmitter.
If you’re using the PFM System 350 with the PFM R31 Receiver, make sure that the earphone has been plugged into the earphone jack and not into the R31 Receiver’s microphone jack.
Move the Transmitter and Receiver closer together. You may be out of range. When using the system indoors, it’s normal for the signal to momentarily disappear in certain locations. This is called a “drop-out.” Moving a few feet will restore the signal.
Make sure that the Transmitter and Receivers are tuned to the same channel. The units have stickers inside the back cover identifying the channel. Unless the Transmitter channel has been changed, set the Receiver to channel 1.
Do not try to use more than one Transmitter on the same channel near each other. MORE THAN ONE TRANSMITTER ON THE SAME CHANNEL WILL RESULT IN INTERFERENCE IF THEY ARE CLOSE TOGETHER. Keep the systems 50 – 100 feet apart or use separate channels for each system used.
If you are still hearing interference on the Receivers, turn the Transmitter off and listen with a receiver. If you hear the interference with the Transmitter off, you need to change to a clear channel. See the re-tuning instructions.
If problems remain, contact your dealer for further help. Or call Williams Sound toll-free at 1- 800-843-3544.

Limited Warranty

Williams Sound products are engineered, designed, and manufactured under carefully controlled condi-tions to provide you with many years of reliable service. Williams Sound warrants the Hearing Helper® Personal FM System against defects in materials and workmanship for FIVE (5) years. During the first five years from the purchase date, we will promptly repair or replace the Hearing Helper® Personal FM System. Microphones, earphones, headphones, batteries, chargers, cables, carry cases, and all other accessory products carry a 90-day warranty.

WILLIAMS SOUND HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS PRODUCT IS USED. WILLIAMS SOUND, THEREFORE, DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES NOT SET FORTH ABOVE, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE Hearing Helper® Personal FM System, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. WILLIAMS SOUND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY MEDICAL EXPENSES OR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY ANY USE, DEFECT, FAILURE OR MALFUNCTIONING OF THE PRODUCT, WHETHER A CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES IS BASED UPON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, THE SOLE REMEDY FOR ANY DEFECT, FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE PRODUCTS REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT. NO PERSON HAS ANY AUTHORITY TO BIND WILLIAMS SOUND TO ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY CONCERNING THE HEARING HELPER® PERSONAL FM SYSTEM. UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS OR MODIFICATIONS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.

The exclusions and limitations set out above are not intended to, and should not be construed so as to contravene mandatory provisions of applicable law. If any part or term of this Disclaimer of Warranty is held to be illegal, unenforceable, or in conflict with applicable law by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions of this Disclaimer of Warranty shall not be affected, and all rights and obligations shall be construed and enforced as if this Limited Warranty did not contain the particular part or term held to be invalid. If you experience difficulty with your system, call Toll-Free for Customer Assistance:

1-800-843-3544 (U.S.A.) or +1 952 943 2252 (Outside the U.S.A.)
If it is necessary to return the system for service, your Customer Service Representative will give you a Return Authorization Number (RA) and shipping instruction. Pack the system carefully and send it to: Williams Sound Corp. Attn: Repair Dept. 10321 West 70th Street Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA Your warranty becomes effective the date you purchase your system. Your returned warranty card is our way of knowing when you warranty begins. Please take a moment to fill it out and mail the enclosed card. You may also register your product online: www.williamssound.com/registration.aspx. This information will help us serve you better in the future. Thank you!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

FM TRANSMITTER, MODEL PFM T32

WILLIAMS-SOUND-PFM-350-Hearing-Helper-Personal-FM-System-
fig-16

RECEIVER, MODELS PFM R31 & PFM R32

WILLIAMS-SOUND-PFM-350-Hearing-Helper-Personal-FM-System-
fig-17

PFM R31 Receiver Only

Mic Connector: 3.5 mm mono phone jack, supplies positive DC for Williams Sound electret mics
Microphone: Plug mount electret, omnidirectional, with windscreen, 3.5mm mono phone plug (MIC 014)
Mic Volume: Rotary control
- DISCLAIMER: FCC RULES LIMIT USE OF THIS EQUIPMENT TO “AUDITORY ASSISTANCE FOR THE HANDICAPPED.”