OTTO V4-110072 NoizeBarrier Range SA Circumaural Headset Instruction Manual

OTTO V4-110072 NoizeBarrier Range SA Circumaural Headset

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS

THIS OTTO NOIZEBARRIER® RANGE SA HEADSET REDUCES EXPOSURE TO NOISE AND LOUD SOUNDS THAT CAN DAMAGE HEARING. BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RECOMMENDATIONS MAY SEVERELY REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF HEARING PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE HEADSET.

• Use the NoizeBarrier Range SA at all times in noisy surroundings to avoid hearing loss/injury
• Misuse of or failure to wear hearing protection when exposed to hazardous noise may result in hearing loss and/or injury. If you experience symptoms of hearing injury (ringing in ears, dulled hearing, headaches), contact your supervisor or a medical professional immediately.
• The headset must be fitted, adjusted and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the expected attenuation and hearing protection. Failure to do so may result in hearing loss and/or injury.
• The NoizeBarrier Range SA headset provides audio signal sound pressure level limitation to limit the radio transmission audio signal to 82 dBA effective to the ear.
• The headset is provided with level-dependent attenuation. The wearer should check correct operation before use. If distortion or failure is detected, the wearer should refer to the manufacturer’s advice for maintenance.
• The thermoplastic polyurethane foam ear seals on the NoizeBarrier Range SA may deteriorate with use and should be examined at frequent intervals for damage such as cracking and leakage. Replace as recommended on page 7.
• Using cloth hygiene covers over the foam ear seals may affect the acoustic performance of the headset.
• The audibility of warning signals at a specific workplace may be impaired while using the NoizeBarrier Range SA headset if the situational awareness functionality is not activated.
• The NoizeBarrier Range SA Headset may be adversely affected by certain chemical substances. Further information should be sought from the manufacturer.
• Warning: performance may deteriorate with battery usage. The typical period of continuous use that can be expected from the headset battery is 72 hours.
• This ear-muff is provided with electrical audio input. The wearer should check correct operation before use. If distortion or failure is detected, the wearer should refer to the manufacturer’s advice.
• Warning – The output of the electrical audio circuit of this hearing protector may exceed the daily limit sound level.
• This headset is provided with level-dependent attenuation. The wearer should check correct operation before use. If distortion or failure is detected, the wearer should refer to the manufacturer’s advice for maintenance and replacement of the battery.
• Warning – The output of the level-dependent circuit of this hearing protector may exceed the external sound level.

Introduction

The OTTO NoizeBarrier Range SA headset provides industry-leading hearing protection and excellent situational awareness/talk-through capability for mission-critical operations. Advanced talk-through sound suppression circuitry enhances the ability to hear low-level sounds while protecting hearing.

Situational awareness functions are controlled by buttons on the left ear cup and powered by two AAA batteries that provide approximately 72 hours of use.

An optional helmet-mount kit is available to change the headset from an over the-head headband configuration to a top or rear rail helmet-mounted configuration while in the field without the use of tools. For convenience, a spare battery for the situational awareness functionality can be stored in each of the two rail-mount assemblies.

This manual covers the following equipment:

NoizeBarrier® Range SA Headset
(Models: V4-11072BK, V4-11072OD; V4-11072FD)

NoizeBarrier® Range SA Helmet Mounting Kit
(Models: C102359BK, C102359FD, C102359OD; C102365BK, C102365FD, C102365OD)

SUPPLIED EQUIPMENT

OTTO NoizeBarrier® Range SA Headset (Figure 1)

• a) Headband
• b) Adjustment frames
• c) Audio cross-over cable
• d) Ear cups
• e) Comply™ foam ear seals
• f) Situational awareness (talk-through) microphones
• g) Battery compartment & cover
• h) Power/Volume control

Optional Helmet Mounting System for Helmets with Rails (Figure 2)

FEATURES OF THE OTTO NOIZEBARRIER® RANGE SA HEADSET

• Circumaural headset compatible with major helmet systems
• Talk-through electronics for situational awareness (SA)
• Limits volume to safe level and lowers sound floor without clipping
• Passive Attenuation: 23 dB NRR
• Amplifies nearby sounds for excellent situational awareness
• Easy-to-access + and – buttons on left ear cup control the volume of the situational awareness circuitry
• 5-step volume control adjusts +/- 12dB
• Situational Awareness/Talk-through is powered by two AAA batteries that provide up to 72 hours of use with no degradation of performance over time.
• Automatic shut down after two hours of idle time
• Scalloped front ear cups reduce interference with rifle stock
• Low-profile silicone headband can easily be worn under most helmet systems
• Proprietary Comply™ thermoplastic polyurethane foam ear seals fit securely and comfortably
• Ear seals snap in for easy field replacement
• MIL-STD-810G compliant
• Immersion tested and fully sealed to IP68 standards for 1 meter/31 minutes
• USA Country of Origin. TAA, BAA, and Berry Amendment compliant
• Optional rail mounting system for Ops-Core and Team Wendy® helmets
• Rail mount system includes battery holder for two extra batteries
• Headset weight: 483 gm (17 oz.)

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS TALK-THROUGH OPERATION

The OTTO NoizeBarrier Range SA Headset’s talk-through technology allows users to hear normal sounds around them and maintain complete situational awareness (SA). At the same time, sound suppression circuitry reduces dangerously loud noises over 85 dB to safe levels. The OTTO NoizeBarrier Range SA is unique in that it does not shut down situational awareness when loud noises, including impulse noises such as gunfire, are blocked. The headset will continue to transmit sounds at a safe volume.
When talk-through is not activated the headset works simply as a passive noise reducing headset.

OPERATION

Install the Batteries to Power the Talk-Through Functionality (Figure 3-6)

The OTTO NoizeBarrier Range SA headset uses battery or radio power to operate the situational awareness/talk-through functions. Batteries are not required for radio communication. When replacing batteries, be sure headset is off before opening battery compartment. (See instructions on page 9).

1. Identify the rubberized battery covers on the ear cups.

2. With finger pressure, pry off the battery cover on one ear cup (Figure 3).
   

3. Install a AAA battery, aligning the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ symbols on the battery with the markings in the battery compartment.

4. To close the battery cover, start by inserting one end of the cover into the battery compartment (Figure 4).
   

5. Slightly bend the cover and insert the other end into the opposite end of the compartment (Figure 5).
   

6. Press the battery cover securely into place over the chamber by applying pressure from the middle and moving outward to the ends (Figure 6).
   

7. Repeat the operation with the other ear cup.

Wearing the Headset

(Note: If mounting the headset to the helmet with the optional Rail Mounting Kit, please see instructions beginning on page 8.)

1. Identify the left and right ear cups. The Power/Volume buttons are on the left ear cup.
2. Place the headset over the head.
3. Adjust ear cup height by pulling or pushing on the cups until the ear seals are securely positioned over the ears. Adjustment is accomplished by extending and contracting the ear cup frames on either side of the ear cups while holding the headband in place.
4. For effective sound protection, be sure that the ear seals are completely sealed around the ear and obstacles such as hair, jewelry, or clothing are out of the way.

Powering Up and Using the Talk-through SA Function (Figure 7)

1. Place the headset on your head.
2. Power up active talk-through by pressing and holding either the + or – button on the left side of the headset until a long tone sounds to indicate that talk-through SA is active.
3. Volume + and – buttons adjust the talk-through SA audio for five volume levels. A tone will sound when maximum or minimum volumes are reached.
4. To power down the unit, press and hold either the + or – button on the headset until a different long tone sounds to indicate that talk-through SA is turned off.

MAINTENANCE

Low Battery/Replacing Batteries
The OTTO NoizeBarrier Range SA headset uses two AAA batteries to control situational awareness (talk-through). A low battery alert of three short chirps at two minute intervals is emitted when about 30 minutes of battery power remains. Replace the batteries following the Battery Installation Instructions on page 6. Be sure the headset is powered off before replacing the batteries.

Replacing the Ear Seals (Figures 8-12)
The ear seals are mounted in a removable frame for easy replacement.

1. Remove the ear seal by sliding fingers under the inside of the frame and pulling it straight out with a firm motion.
2. The foam liner inside the ear seal will fall out. Replace it with a new one.
3. Position a new ear seal over the ear cup. Align the TOP of the ear seal with the TOP label inside the ear cup.
4. Press firmly to squeeze the ear seal into the cup until it snaps into place.

Cleaning the Headset

• Use a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris from the headset.
• Use a damp soft cloth to wipe down the ear seals.
• DO NOT immerse the OTTO NoizeBarrier Range SA headset in liquid for cleaning.

Storage
When not in use, store the headset in temperatures between -40° and +71°C.

USING THE HEADSET WITH OPTIONAL OTTO NOIZEBARRIER RANGE SA HELMET

MOUNTING KIT (Figures 12-16)

(Parts: C102359BK, C102359FD, C102359OD; C102365BK, C102365FD, C102365OD)

The OTTO NoizeBarrier Range SA headset can easily convert from over-the-head use to be able to mount on helmet rails with the use of the optional helmet mounting kit. The helmet mount kit also includes a compartment for a spare battery on each ear cup. Follow the steps below to convert to rail mounting:

1. Identify the ear cup cross-over cable that runs along the rear of the headband. Pull the cross-over cable out from under the lip on the headband so that it hangs free (Figure 13).
   

2. Holding an ear cup with one hand, with the other hand firmly grasp the plastic adjustment frame where it attaches to the ear cup. Pull the adjustment frame off the pivot point on the ear cup, being careful not to pull on the wire form portion of the adjustment frame. The frame will unsnap from the retention ball on the ear cup (Figure 14).
   

3. Repeat the operation on the frame on the other side of the same ear cup.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other ear cup to fully remove the headband.

5. Position the rail mount over the ear cup and snap the rail mount frames onto the pivot points on the ear cups (Figure 15).
   
   NOTE: The spare battery compartment on the rail mount frames should be positioned at the top of the frame.

6. Attach the other rail mount to the other ear cup.

7. Slide the ear cups on to the rails as shown. They may be positioned either on the top or rear rails. Be sure that the cross-over cable sits at the rear of the headset (behind the head). (Figure 16).
   

8. To remove spare battery from the compartment, remove the helmet mount. Holding the mount by its wire form, sharply strike the mount into the palm of the hand with the battery facing the palm. The battery will eject from the holder into the user’s hand (Figure 17).
   

Positioning the Headset (Figures 18-20)

The rail system mount has two positions. The first position is outward (Figure 18). In this position the ear cups sit slightly off the head for comfort. The second position is inward to provide contact with the head and a solid seal around the ears when in a noisy environment.

To engage the ear cups against the head, press the palms of the hands inward against the wire form adjustment frames until they snap into the inward position against the head (Figure 19). This is best accomplished by pushing against the bend in the wire frames—pushing inward on the ear cups WILL NOT engage the inward detent.

To release the headset to the outward position, squeeze the wire forms together (Figure 20). This will release the adjustment frames to swing outward.

TROUBLESHOOTING

increase volume

NRR (NOISE REDUCTION RATING)

Noise Reduction Rating

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23 DECIBELS
(WHEN USED AS DIRECTED)

---|---

THE RANGE OF NOISE REDUCTION RATINGS FOR EXISTING HEARING PROTECTORS IS APPROXIMATELY 0 TO 30 (HIGHER NUMBERS DENOTE GREATER EFFECTIVENESS)

OTTO ENGINEERING, INC.

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Ear Muffs

Federal law prohibits removal of this label prior to purchase.

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Federal law prohibits removal of this label prior to purchase.

Ear Muffs

Frequency (HZ)| 125| 250| 500| 1000| 2000| 3150| 4000| 6300| 8000
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Mean Attenuation (dB)| 17.9| 19.0| 24.4| 29.2| 31.5| 36.8| 39.2| 37.4| 36.2
Standard Deviation (dB)| 2.7| 1.9| 2.2| 1.8| 2.0| 3.0| 2.7| 2.9| 3.5
NRR=23 dB; Headband Force=2.3 lbs.

SNR (SINGLE NUMBER RATING)

Classification:
NoizeBarrier Range SA EN 352-1: 2002

Frequency (HZ)| 125| 250| 500| 1000| 2000| 4000| 8000| SNR = 29 dB
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Mean Attenuation (dB)| 17.9| 19.2| 25.7| 29.7| 31.1| 37.5| 37.8| H = 31 dB
Standard Deviation (dB)| 2.8| 1.9| 2.2| 1.7| 2.7| 3.3| 2.9| M = 26 dB
Assumed Protection Value (dB)| 15.1| 17.3| 23.5| 27.9| 28.4| 34.3| 34.9| L = 20 dB

EN 352-4: 2001 +A1: 2005

Sound pressure level of external noise for which sound pressure level under the earmuff first exceeds 85 dBA

EN 352-6:2002

Electrical input for which the mean + one standard deviation of A-weighted diffuse-field related sound = 119.1 mV pressure level is equal 82 dB

The European Union testing was conducted by Michael and Associates, Inc.
Report Q5797A, Q6031A and Q6033A.

This product is in compliance with EN 352-1:2002, EN 352-4:2001, EN 352-6:2002 and 2016/425.

Notified Body responsible for EU type examination: SATRA Technology Europe, Ltd., Bracetown Business Park, Clonee, Co. Meath, D15 YN2P, Ireland (Notified Body No. 2777)

Declaration of Conformity available at www.otto-comm.com

SPARE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

**** Information on Disposal of Old Electrical and Electronic Equipment (applicable for EU countries that have adopted separate waste collection systems).

Products with the symbol (crossed-out wheeled bin) cannot be disposed as household waste.

Old electrical and electronic equipment should be recycled at a facility capable of handling these items and their waste byproducts. Contact your local authority for details in locating a recycle facility nearest to you. Proper recycling and waste disposal will help conserve resources while still preventing detrimental effects on our health and the environment.

WARNING: This product may expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

For questions or more information, please contact:

10 West Main Street, Carpentersville, IL U.S.A. 60110
Toll Free Phone: 888-234-OTTO (6886)
Phone: 847-428-7171
Fax: 847-551-1343
E-mail: info@ottoexcellence.com

www.ottoexcellence.com

References

• Manufacturer of Two-Way Radio Communications Accessories – OTTO Communications
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