AUDIOTEC FISCHER HELIX BT HD Hands Free Microphone Kit User Manual

AUDIOTEC FISCHER HELIX BT HD Hands-Free Microphone Kit

Specifications

• Product Name: BT HD STREAMER
• Manufacturer: AUDIOTEC FISCHER
• Power Input: +12V / +24V
• Microphone Input
• Optical Digital Output
• Optical Digital Input
• Pair Button
• Status LED

Product Usage Instructions

Connection and Controls

Locate the various connection ports and controls on the device as listed in the user manual.

Hardware Configuration

Follow the instructions in section 3 of the manual to configure the hardware components of the BT HD STREAMER, including connecting the Multifunction Power Connector.

Additional Functions

• Pair Button: Use the Pair Button to establish connections with other devices.
• Status LED: The Status LED provides information on the current connection status.
• Passthrough Function: This function allows for seamless signal pass-through.

Connection Examples

Refer to the connection examples provided in sections 5 and 6 of the manual for different setup scenarios involving the BT HD STREAMER.

Optional HELIX BT HD Hands-Free Microphone Kit

For instructions on connecting the optional Hands-Free Microphone Kit, please refer to section 6 of the user manual.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues, consult section 7 of the manual for troubleshooting steps.

Legal Information

Review section 9 of the manual for important legal disclaimers and information regarding product usage.

FAQ

Q: What should I do if the Status LED does not light up?

A: Check the power source and connections to ensure the proper functioning of the device. If issues persist, refer to the troubleshooting section.

Q: How do I pair the BT HD STREAMER with my audio device?

A: Press the Pair Button on the device and follow the pairing instructions on your audio device to establish a connection.

Congratulations

Dear Customer,

• Congratulations on purchasing this high-definition Bluetooth® Audio receiver.
• We developed the BT HD STREAMER based on state-of-the-art engineering which is reflected in its exceptional quality and the impressive use of sophisticated technologies.
• We hope you enjoy using this product

The AUDIOTEC FISCHER Team

General information

• To make optimal use of all the possibilities this product provides, please carefully read through the following installation instructions. We guarantee that the flawless condition of every device has been checked before delivery.
• We recommend appointing a specialist to install the product, as the verification of professional installation and connection of the device is a prerequisite for the warranty services.
• Before starting the installation, disconnect the negative connection of the car battery.
• The audio receiver may only be installed in vehicles that have a 12 / 24 Volts negative terminal connected to the chassis ground. Any other system could cause damage to the BT HD STREAMER and the electrical system of the vehicle.
• Install your BT HD STREAMER in a dry place in the car. Do not fit the device near parts that radiate heat or near the vehicle’s electronic control units.
• For safety reasons, the BT HD STREAMER must be installed professionally to prevent hazards to the vehicle and/or risk of injury to the passengers during a critical driving situation such as an emergency braking.
• The audio receiver should be secured to a solid mounting surface using proper mounting hardware. Important: During assembly, make sure that none of your vehicle’s safety systems (e.g. airbag) are negatively affected in their function.
• Before mounting, carefully examine the area around and behind the proposed installation location to ensure that there are no electrical cables or components, hydraulic brake lines, or any part of the fuel tank located behind the mounting surface.
• Failure to do so may result in unpredictable damage to these components and possibly costly repairs to the vehicle.
• Before installation, plan the wire routing to avoid any possible damage to the wire harness. All cabling should be protected against possible crushing or pinching hazards.
• Also avoid routing cables close to potential noise sources such as electric motors, high-power accessories, and other vehicle harnesses or supply lines to vehicle devices (fan motors, fire control modules, fuel lines, etc.).

Connectors and control units

1. Multi-purpose Power Connector point 3.6
2. Optical output point 3.2
3. Optical input point 3.1
4. Microphone input, point 3.4
5. Pair pushbutton, point 4.1
6. Status LED point 4.2
7. Hands-free Protocol switch point 3.5
8. Standby switch point 3.3

Pin assignment of the multi-purpose Power Connector

1. 1. Bluetooth® Pairing
2. 2. Remote out
3. 3. Remote in
4. Ground (GND)
5. +12 V / +24 V

Plug of the Multi-purpose Power Connector (Power Input Plug)

Hardware configuration

• Configure the BT HD STREAMER in the following order.
• To avoid connection errors and damage, ask your installation specialist in case of doubt, and be sure to observe the general connection and installation instructions (see page 22).

Connection of a digital signal source in SPDIF format

• If you have a signal source with an optical digital output, this can be connected to the BT HD STREAMERs optical digital input. The sampling rate must be between 12 – 96 kHz.
• Note: The Bluetooth® audio signal always has priority when forwarding the signal.
• IMPORTANT: The remote input of the Multi-purpose Power Connector has to be connected to use the pass-through function of the optical input.

Connection of the optical digital output in SPDIF format

• Optical, digital stereo signal output in SPDIF format for connecting a signal processor (DSP) or DSP amplifier. Depending on the connected signal source, the output has a sampling rate of up to 96 kHz / 24 Bit and provides a volume-controlled signal.
• Note: This output only provides a stereo signal. Fader information and multi-channel surround sound formats such as Dolby or DTS are not supported!

Configuration of the standby mode (STBY)

• The BT HD STREAMER offers a standby mode that reduces power consumption to a minimum (approx. 3 mA) when switched on continuously and allows you to connect to the streamer from the signal source (smartphone, audio player, etc.) at any time, even when the rest of the sound system is switched off.
• When a Bluetooth® audio signal is detected, the BT HD STREAMER is automatically activated and generates a remote signal that can be used to switch on the connected sound system. If no Bluetooth® audio signal is active for more than three minutes, the connected sound system switches off and the BT HD STREAMER returns to its energy-saving mode. The standby mode must always be activated if the streamer should be activated by a Bluetooth® signal source, e.g. a smartphone.
• On: The BT HD STREAMER is permanently switched on and in standby mode so that you can connect to the device at any time. When a Bluetooth® audio signal is detected, a remote signal is generated and the connected sound system is switched on. If no stream is active for longer than three minutes, the sound system is switched off and the streamer switches back to energy-saving mode.
• IMPORTANT: When standby mode is activated, the optical input signal pass-through function is not possible. To be able to use this, the remote input must be connected.
• Off: The streamer is only switched on via a remote signal. To do this, the remote input on the Multi-purpose Power Connector must be connected.

Optional: Connection of a hands-free microphone

Connection for the optional HELIX BT HD Hands-Free Microphone Kit for retrofitting a hands-free function. Further information on the connection can be found in et seq. of these operating instructions.

Optional: Configuration of the hands-free protocol

• If you connect the optional HELIX BT HD Hands-Free Microphone Kit, it is necessary to set the hands-free protocol switch (HFP – Hands-free protocol) to “on”.
• If a factory-installed hands-free kit is to be used, the hands-free protocol must be deactivated (HFP = off) to avoid conflicts between the hands-free kits.
• Note: This exact configuration is essential when the streamer is switched off. In addition, a new pairing with the signal source is required if it was previously used with the BT HD STREAMER without an active hands-free protocol.

Connection of the Multi-purpose Power Connector

An overview of the pin assignment of the Multi-purpose Power Connector can be found. Only connect the supplied Power Input Plug with integrated screw terminals.

• +12 V / +24 V: Connection for the positive cable. The supply cable must be connected either directly to the positive terminal of the battery or to a power distributor that is connected to the positive terminal of the battery. Although the current consumption of the HELIX BT HD STREAMER is very low at approx. 100 mA (additionally, plus up to 200 mA due to the maximum output current of the remote output), cables with a cross-section of at least 1 mm² / AWG 18 should be used for the power supply.
• Ground (GND): Connection for the ground cable. The ground cable must be connected to the vehicle chassis at a non-insulated point.
• The cable cross-section should have the same diameter as the positive cable. Insufficient ground contact will lead to malfunctions.
• Remote Input: The remote input is used to switch on the BT HD STREAMER if the optical input is used as signal input.
• Note: This input must not be connected, if the streamer is switched on via a Bluetooth® audio signal. In this case, it is necessary to activate the standby mode of the device (point 3.3).
• Remote Output: The remote output is used to switch on the DSP or DSP amplifier connected to the optical digital output. Connect the remote output to the remote input of your DSP product
• Bluetooth ®  Pairing: This input allows to connection of an optional external pushbutton to perform various pairing functions of the BT HD STREAMER.

The pushbutton must be connected as shown in the following diagram:

• a. Bluetooth® Pairing connector
• b. Ground connector (GND)
• c. External pushbutton
• Alternatively, the Bluetooth® pairing connector can also be connected directly to chassis ground in most of the locations within the vehicle via the optional pushbutton.
• The following functions can be controlled via an optional pushbutton which is connected to the Bluetooth® pairing gate connector.
• Short button press ( <3s): Reconnect → Automatically connects to the last paired device if no device is connected when the button is pressed
  • or
  • Disconnect → Disconnects the currently connected device
• Long button press ( >3s & <10s): Start pairing mode
• Very long button press ( >10s): Delete all paired devices
• Note: Only use the supplied plug with the integrated screw terminals for the connection.

Hardware configuration

Pairing of a Bluetooth® device

Once you have connected and configured the BT HD STREAMER as described before, you can connect a signal source, such as a smartphone, via Bluetooth® via the following steps:

1. Activate pairing mode
   • Activate the pairing mode of the BT HD STREAMER using the pair pushbutton (, point 5), via the gate input of the optional HELIX BT HD Hands-Free Microphone Kit, or an optional external pushbutton connected to the Bluetooth® pairing connector (point 3.6) of the Multi-purpose Power Connector.
2. Pair a new Bluetooth® device
   • Go to the Bluetooth® settings of your signal source and start the search for new available devices.
3. Establish connection
   • To establish a connection tap on BT HD STREAMER in the list.
4. Confirm connection
   • As soon as the connection is established, your signal source displays a confirmation and the Status LED of the BT HD STREAMER flashes blue every 2 seconds.
5. Testing the connection
   • Play a song title on the signal source to ensure that the sound is played back via the sound system.

• Note: This process only has to be done once for each Bluetooth® signal source. You will then find the paired Bluetooth ® device in the list of your known Bluetooth® devices.
• After this procedure, the BT HD STREAMER will automatically attempt to connect to the last paired device each time it is switched on.
• The BT HD STREAMER stores internally up to 8 paired devices. When the maximum number is reached, the oldest device is always deleted from the list of known devices.
• With all 8 devices, it is possible to directly connect to the BT HD STREAMER by selecting the streamer from its Bluetooth® device list of your known Bluetooth® devices.

Additional functions

Pair pushbutton

• This button is used to execute various pairing functions of the BT HD STREAMER. The Status LED (point 4.2) provides information on the current connection status.
• Short button press ( <3s): Reconnect → Automatically connects to the last paired device if no device is connected when the button is pressed
  • or
  • Disconnect → Disconnects the currently connected device
• Long button press ( >3s & <10s): Start pairing mode
• Very long button press ( >10s): Delete all paired devices

Status LED

• The status LED uses two LEDs to indicate the operating status of the BT HD STREAMER and its Bluetooth® connection status.

Operating status:

• Green fast flashing: Device start/device switch-off
• Green permanently on Streaming active
• Green slow flashing: BT HD STREAMER is in update mode
• Green very slow flashing: Pass-through function active
• Green flashing every 10 sec. slowly: BT HD STREAMER is in standby mode

Bluetooth® connection status:

• Blue 1s on, 2s off No device connected
• Blue flashing every 2s : Device connected
• Blue double flashing every 2s: Signal playback
• Blue/red fast flashing: Pairing mode active

Pass-through function

• The BT HD STREAMER offers a pass-through function that bypasses the audio signal directly and is lossless from the optical digital input to the digital output.
• This is particularly convenient if the optical signal input of the connected DSP or DSP amplifier is already used, for example by a head unit or high-res player.
• In this case, the digital signal source can be connected to the BT HD STREAMER, which in turn can be connected to the sound system without losing the fully digital signal chain.
• Connection examples for various applications can be found in et seq.
• Note: The pass-through function is always active when no Bluetooth® audio signal is being played.
• IMPORTANT: The remote input of the Multi-purpose Power Connector has to be connected to use the pass-through function of the optical input.

Connection examples

BT HD STREAMER as external Bluetooth® receiver

• The BT HD STREAMER is integrated into the sound system as an external Bluetooth® receiver and additional signal source.
• The BT HD STREAMER is switched on via the remote output signal of the connected DSP / DSP amplifier.
• Standby mode is switched off (STBY switch = off).
• Functionality: The BT HD STREAMER is switched on and off via the DSP / DSP amplifier. After switching on, the BT HD STREAMER automatically attempts to connect to the last paired device.
• If the device is not within range, you can connect to the BT HD STREAMER manually via the Bluetooth® menu of the signal source. The device is automatically switched off when the sound system is switched off.

BT HD STREAMER as external Bluetooth® receiver with additional digital signal source

• The BT HD STREAMER is integrated into the sound system as an additional signal source, as in example 5.1. In addition, another signal source is integrated into the sound system via the optical digital input of the BTHD STREAMER.
• In this case, the sound system is switched on via an external remote signal or the automatic switch-on function of the DSP / DSP amplifier. The BT HD STREAMER’s standby mode must be switched off (STBY switch = off).
• Functionality: The BT HD STREAMER is switched on and off via the DSP / DSP amplifier. After switching on, the BT HD STREAMER automatically attempts to connect to the last paired device.
• If the device is not within range, you can connect to the BT HD STREAMER manually via the Bluetooth® menu of the signal source.
• The second signal source, which is connected to the optical digital input of the BT HD STREAMER, can now also be used for music playback.
• In this combination, the Bluetooth® music playback always has higher priority than the second signal source, i.e. the music playback of the second signal source is interrupted immediately as soon as music is played via Bluetooth®.
• After pausing Bluetooth® playback, the BT HD STREAMER automatically switches back to the second signal source.
• This application offers a wide range of configuration options, for example, if an audio interface is also to be integrated via an optical digital signal or if a high-res player is to be integrated as an additional signal source.

Connection examples

Stand-alone application

• The BT HD STREAMER is integrated as a main signal source and switches the entire sound system on and off.
• To do this, the device is operated in standby mode (STBY switch = on) so that the Bluetooth® signal source can connect to the Bluetooth® receiver at any time.
• If an audio signal is played after connection, the BT HD STREAMER generates a remote output signal which switches on the connected sound system.
• Note: In this case, the BT HD STREAMER is only switched on via the Bluetooth® signal source, but can also be switched on via the remote input.
• Functionality: The BT HD STREAMER is switched on and off via the Bluetooth® signal source.
• To do this, it is necessary to connect a paired Bluetooth® signal source to the BT HD STREAMER manually, using the Bluetooth ® menu of the device.
• The sound system is then switched on automatically after playing music.
• As soon as the music playback is paused for longer than three minutes, the system is automatically switched off again.
• However, the Bluetooth® signal source remains connected to the system so that music playback can be restarted at any time.
• This application is particularly suitable for retrofitting classic cars and motorhomes.

Stand-alone application in combination with a head unit

• The BT HD STREAMER is integrated as one signal source parallel to the head unit. Both signal sources can now switch the entire sound system on and off.
• The head unit automatically switches the sound system on via the loudspeaker outputs.
• If the head unit is switched off or not in use, the BT HD STREAMER can also switch on the complete sound system via a Bluetooth® signal source, as in example 5.2.
• Therefore, the BT HD STREAMERs standby mode must be switched on (STBY switch = on).
• Functionality: The BT HD STREAMER is switched on and off via the head unit or the Bluetooth® signal source.
• If the head unit is off, it is necessary to connect a paired Bluetooth® signal source to the BT HD STREAMER manually, using the Bluetooth ® menu of the device.
• The sound system is then automatically switched on again after playing music.
• As soon as the music playback is paused for longer than three minutes, the system is automatically switched off.
• However, the Bluetooth® signal source remains connected to the system so that music playback can be restarted at any time.
• This application is particularly suitable if you want to listen to music via your sound system even when the head unit/ignition is not switched on in the vehicle, e.g. in motorhomes.

Connection of the optional HELIX BT HD Hands-Free Microphone Kit

• The following section describes the most important steps for connecting the HELIX BT HD Hands-Free Microphone Kit.
• For safety reasons, the microphone and its cable harnesses must be installed professionally to prevent hazards to the vehicle and/or risk of injury to the passengers during a critical driving situation such as an emergency braking.
• Important: During assembly make sure that the safety systems of your vehicle (e.g. airbag) are not impaired or that the cables cannot interfere with driving.
• Do not attach the microphone to an airbag cover (e.g. steering wheel or dashboard passenger side)
• Do not mount the microphone in the driver’s field of vision
• Do not place the microphone unsecured on top of the dashboard

1. Select a mounting location for the microphone
   • To ensure good voice pick-up, it is advisable to mount the microphone as close as possible to the front of the person speaking and not behind panels, fabrics, or covers, e.g. on the dashboard or on the roof lining in front of the person speaking.
2. Preparing the cable harness
   • Check that the cable harness is long enough to reach from the microphone to the BT HD STREAMER.
3. Preparing the mounting location
   • Thoroughly clean the surface where you want to place the microphone to ensure it is free of dirt, dust, and grease.
   • This will ensure better adhesion for mounting.
4. Mounting the microphone
   • Clean the bottom of the microphone and then stick it on the enclosed adhesive pad. Then stick the microphone onto the prepared mounting surface you have previously selected.
   • To ensure maximum adhesion, it is important that the microphone’s bottom with the adhesive surface is fully applied on the mounting surface.
5. Installing the cable harness
   • Install the microphone cable in such a way that it does not cause any disturbance while driving and prevents risks of pinching hazards or crushing. Make sure that the wiring is fully protected from cutting or wear at sharp edges.
6. Connecting the cable harness to the BT HD STREAMER
   • First, connect the 3.0 m / 9.8 feet supply cable of the microphone to the 30 cm / 1-foot connection cable. Afterward, insert the NanoFit plug into the microphone input of the BT HD STREAMER.
7. Optional: Connecting the function inputs
   • The flying leads of the 30 cm / 1 foot connection cable allow to connection of optional external pushbuttons to perform various functions.
   • It is not necessary to use all connections. It is not necessary to use these connections for the proper function of the hands-free system.
   • Important: Unused flying leads must be insulated to prevent short circuits.

• Accept call (green cable): (and track selection) By connecting an optional external pushbutton, incoming telephone calls can be answered and the “Next track” or “Previous track” function can be activated.

  • Short button press ( <3s): Accept incoming call
  • Double, short button press: Next track
  • Triple, short button press: Previous track

• Reject call (red cable): By connecting an external pushbutton, incoming telephone calls can be rejected or active calls can be ended.

  • Short button press ( <3s): Reject incoming call or end active call

• Bluetooth® pairing (purple cable): By connecting an external pushbutton, various pairing functions can be activated.

  • The Status LED of the BT HD STREAMER (, point 4.2) shows information on the current connection status.

  • Short button press ( <3s): Reconnect → Automatically connects to the last paired device if no device is connected when the button is pressed or
    Disconnect → Disconnects the currently connected device

  • Long button press ( >3s): Start pairing mode

The pushbuttons must be connected as shown in the following diagram:

• a. GND (Ground) / chassis ground
• b. External pushbutton
• c. Bluetooth pairing
• d. Reject call
• e. Accept call

Activate hands-free protocol on the BT HD STREAMER

• Set the hands-free protocol switch (HFP) to “on”.
• Note: Activation must be done when the device is switched off.

Reconnect mobile device

• Start your sound system and activate the pairing mode of the BT HD STREAMER either with the pair pushbutton ( point 5) or an external pushbutton. Connect your mobile device to the BT HD STREAMER according to the instructions in this manual.
• Note: Pairing is also required if your mobile device was previously connected to the BT HD STREAMER without an active hands-free function.

Test connection

• Check if the microphone is working properly by making a test call. Make sure that you can be heard and that the audio quality is clear and distinct.
• If the test was not successful, check the cabling and all plug connections and carry out the installation steps again. If the problem persists, contact your installation specialist for further assistance.

Troubleshooting

Problem: No Bluetooth® connection:

• Possible reason: The BT HD STREAMER cannot establish a connection to the Bluetooth® signal source.
  • There may be an incompatibility between the BT HD STREAMER and the Bluetooth ® signal source, or there may be problems with the Bluetooth® connection.
• Problem solution: Make sure that the Bluetooth® signal source is compatible with the BT HD STREAMER and that its pairing mode is activated.
  • Try to pair the Bluetooth® device again by activating pairing mode on the BT HD STREAMER ( point 3.7). Also, check whether other Bluetooth® devices could be causing the problem by temporarily deactivating them.

Problem: No audio signal from BT HD STREAMER

• Possible reason: The BT HD STREAMER is not putting an audio signal out. There could be a problem with the cabling or the settings of the BT HD STREAMER, which means that no audio signal is being transmitted.
• Problem solution: First check the cabling to ensure all connections are correct and secure. Make sure the Bluetooth ® connection to the BT HD STREAMER is established.
  • Check the configuration settings of the BT HD STREAMER, especially the standby mode (, point 3.3). If the problem persists, contact your installation specialist for further support.

Problem: Problems with standby mode

• Possible reason: The BT HD STREAMER’s standby mode is not working as expected.
  Problem solution: Check the configuration settings of the standby mode according to the instructions in the manual (, point 3.3). Make sure the wiring of the streamer’s remote output is correct and that there are no interruptions or damage.

  • Check whether the Bluetooth® connection to the BT HD STREAMER is established. If this is not the case, reconnect the device as described under point 3.7.
  • If the problem persists, check the power supply to the BT HD STREAMER and contact your installation specialist for further support if necessary.

Problem: The pass-through function of the optical input does not work

• Possible reason: The pass-through function of the optical input is not working. There may be a problem with the configuration or cabling of the BT HD STREAMER that is preventing the pass-through function.
• Problem solution: Check whether the remote input of the Multi-purpose Power Connector is properly connected.
  • Make sure that the cabling of the optical input and output is correct and that there is no damage. Check the configuration settings of the BT HD STREAMER according to the instructions in the user manual.
  • If the problem persists, contact your installation specialist for further assistance.

Technical data

current)
Standby power consumption (Sandby switch on)| ~3 mA
Max. remote output current| 200 mA
Bluetooth ® standard| 5.0 + EDR
Bluetooth ® codec| Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, Qualcomm® aptX™, AAC, SBC
Bluetooth ® profile| A2DP, AVRCP, SPP
Wireless frequency range| 2402 ~ 2480 MHz
Range| Up to 10 m
Number of paired devices| 8
Inputs| 1 x Optical SPDIF (12 – 96 kHz) 1 x Remote Input

1 x Pairing Input

1 x Input for optional “HELIX BT HD Hands-Free Microphone Kit”

Outputs| 1 x Optical SPDIF (depending on the signal source up to 96 kHz / 24 Bit) 1 x Remote Output
Scope of delivery| 1 x BT HD STREAMER

1 x Power Input plug 1 x Mounting material

Legal information

Warranty Disclaimer

• The warranty service is based on the statutory regulations. Defects and damage caused by overload or improper handling are excluded from the warranty service.
• Any return can only take place following prior consultation, in the original packaging together with a detailed description of the error and a valid proof of purchase.
• Technical modifications, misprints, and errors excepted! For damages on the vehicle and the device, caused by handling errors of the device, we can’t assume liability.

Trademarks

• The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Audiotec Fischer GmbH is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners

Correct disposal of this product

• This symbol means the product must not be discarded as household waste, and should be delivered to an appropriate collection facility for recycling.
• Follow local rules and never dispose of the product with normal household waste. Correct disposal of old products helps prevent negative consequences for the environment and human health.

Regular notes

• This product has been issued a CE marking. This means that the device is certified for use in vehicles within the European Union (EU).
• This product has been issued a UKCA marking. This means that the device is certified for use in vehicles within the United Kingdom.
• This product has been issued an EAC marking. This means that the device is certified for use in vehicles within the Eurasian Customs Union.
• Audiotec Fischer GmbH
• Hünegräben 26 – 28 · 57392 Schmallenberg ·Germany
• Tel.: +49 2972 9788 0 · Fax: +49 2972 9788 88
• E-mail:helix@audiotec-fischer.com · Internet: www.audiotec-fischer.com

References

• High-End Car Hifi & Audio - Made in Germany | Audiotec Fischer

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