VoiceBuddy Waist Band Voice Amplifier

Instruction Manual

Congratulations on your VoiceBuddy purchase.

The VoiceBuddy is intended to elevate the vocal output for people with a temporary or permanent voice impairment to a level that is comfortable and effective for everyday communications while reducing vocal stress or strain.

The VoiceBuddy can boost vocal output by as much as 24dB using the 652-HM100NI rearwear headset microphone. It can bring comfort to the user, clarity of sound to the listener, and life to music by following a few simple instructions listed in this user manual.

The VoiceBuddy is a recommended product for Laryngotomy patients, people suffering with MS, ALS, Parkinson's disease, and is the perfect solution for those with a temporary or permanent voice impairment.

You will enjoy the comfort and convenience of the VoiceBuddy's extreme light weight, portability, and the multi-function options it provides.

ALDS

VoiceBuddy Included in Complete Kit

Part Number: VB10WB

• #HM100 VB VoiceBuddy Rearwear Headset w/Boom Mic.: Hands-free, noise-cancelling cardioid high-quality microphone. Offers excellent ambient noise control. Comfortable for all-day use, ideal for teachers & presenters.
• #VB10BC VoiceBuddy Battery Charger
• #VB10AC VoiceBuddy Audio Cable
• #VB10SS VoiceBuddy Shoulder Strap
• #VB10CC VoiceBuddy Carry Case
• #VB10LM VoiceBuddy Lapel Mic

VoiceBuddy Warranty Instructions

Warranty: One Year Limited warranty: ALDS warrants the VoiceBuddy personal voice amplification system against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. The lithium battery and microphones are warranted for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase. The warranty applies to the original user and the term as established by the original purchase receipt or invoice.

Exclusions: The warranty does not cover damage to or failure of the unit components due to heat, moisture, shock, misuse, abuse, poor maintenance, improper charging, unusual wear and tear or tampering.

Warranty Repair or Replacement: In the event of failure, the VoiceBuddy waistband voice amplifier, batteries, microphone, or other accessories will be repaired or replaced at the manufacturer's discretion.

Warranty Procedure:

• (a) Contact your dealer for assistance. If you need help locating a Dealer in your area, contact ALDS at 1-866-845-2537 for referral or assistance.
• (b) Systems being returned for service should be complete with all components and accessories for review.
• (c) All systems being returned for service or review must be carefully packaged to protect the equipment.
• (d) Include your name, address, day time telephone number, a copy of your purchase receipt or invoice, and a written description of the problem.
• (e) Ship by a traceable method to insure arrival, and to protect your investment.

Factory Warranty / Repair Depot:

ALDS
3180 - 216th St. Langley BC V2Z 2E6
Toll Free: 866.845.2537

Specifications:

• Maximum Power: 10Watt
• Frequency Response: 100Hz - 18Khz
• THD: <0.2%
• Working Temperature: -20 to 60C
• Built-in Lithium Battery voltage: 7.4V
• Working distance: 50 meters (Open Field)

Voice Buddy Operation Instructions:

Charging the VoiceBuddy for the first time:

Your new VoiceBuddy is equipped with a 7.4V long-life lithium battery. This battery must receive a deep cycle foundation charge before being placed into regular service. Before charging, short term testing of your new VoiceBuddy is permissible, but the battery requires a 12 hour foundation charge to maximize its life span.

Charging Steps:

1. Insert the battery charger mini-plug into the charging port located on the top of the VoiceBuddy amplifier marked: DC 9V.
2. Plug the AC adapter into a working power outlet.
3. Charge the VoiceBuddy for 12 hours (first charge only). 3 to 4 hours for each following charge will be sufficient.

While charging, the LCD indicator light will blink red & green. When the charge is complete, the light will turn a solid green.

After a full charge, use the battery until the indicator light turns red before recharging. This allows the battery to properly cycle.

The working life of the battery after a full charge is approximately 6 to 8 hours. The actual time will depend on your amplification requirements.

The long-life lithium battery has a life expectancy of approximately two years. Actual life will vary significantly depending upon your usage, the amplification required, and charging habits.

To Change the VoiceBuddy Battery:

Remove the rear backing plate to expose the lithium battery. The battery has a simple quick connect similar to most home telephone batteries.

Voice Buddy Lithium Battery
Part Number: 653-VB10BAT

Wearing the VoiceBuddy Amplifier:

The VoiceBuddy comes with a wide belt for a comfortable snug fit. It's normally worn in front like a fanny pack. Ensure you have a secure snug fit, preventing the amplifier from falling to the floor.

By using a SD card, a USB stick or a MP3 player, you can play music, or a canned presentation over the VoiceBuddy. This can be a very attractive feature for music teachers, trainers, or for easy listening.

Microphone Use:

The VoiceBuddy 653-HM100VB headset boom microphone has been specifically designed to eliminate feedback squeal. When using any of the VoiceBuddy microphones, it is recommended that you keep the microphone mouth piece 2 or 3 cm away from your mouth for best clarity of sound.

To help prevent feedback squeal, keep the microphone and voice amplifier speaker as far apart as is reasonably possible. Do not turn the VoiceBuddy on until you have your microphone firmly in place. Place the headset microphone around the back of the head and rest it over the top of your ears. Bend the microphone in place keeping it 2 or 3 cm away from your mouth.

Once you have the microphone in place, turn the VoiceBuddy on, and gradually increase the volume to the desired level.

Microphone Options:

The following microphones are available and can be used with the VoiceBuddy. Please discuss your individual needs with your VoiceBuddy Distributor to find out which microphone is best for your individual needs.

• 652-HM100NI: Rearwear Headset w/Boom Microphone
  * Hands-free, Noise cancelling cardioid high quality microphone.
  * Offers excellent ambient noise control.
  * Comfortable for all day use, Ideal for teachers & presenters.
• 652-EH1: Ear Hook Boom Microphone
  * Feather weight, flesh colored.
  * Ideal for Professional use.
  * Form fits to your ear and cheek.
• 652-MM100 Pencil Microphone
  * Hand held pencil microphone with on/off switch.
  * Highly sensitive with amazing dynamic range.
• 652-MIC 054: Lapel Microphone
  * Mini-Lapel directional microphone with lapel clip.
• 652-CM200 Collar Microphone
  * Versatile high performance collar worn microphone.
  * Flexible gooseneck conforms readily to different neck sizes.
  * For Maximum comfort, there is no contact with the head or hair.
  Please Note: Wide movements of the head from left to right will cause the effective output to vary significantly. The collar microphone is most ideal for those using limited head movement.
• 652-Transdermal Throat Conduction Microphone
  * Allows the user to transmit voice signals even at a whisper with superior Sound Quality.
  * Flexible and comfortable with less pressure on the neck.
  Transdermal Neck Microphones: Please Note: Due to the transdermal neck microphone's high sensitivity, this microphone is not appropriate for applications amplifying normal voice. It is designed to permit individuals with a severe voice impairment to benefit from the VoiceBuddy amplification. Placement of the Transdermal neck microphone is somewhat of an art. Each person has a point on their neck where the clearest and most intelligible sound is present. It's necessary to locate this sweet spot by trial and error. It is most often located in the fleshy area off-axis from the normal position of the larynx.
• 652-MICO14/WCA007WC Omni Directional Plug Microphone with 12' microphone Extension Cable
  * Ideal for having a microphone extended toward a fixed sound source that needs to be amplified.
  Tip: Be aware as you approach hard reflective surfaces that can bounce the speaker's voice back into the microphone (i.e. teachers approaching the blackboard). Feedback from reflective surfaces can be overcome by sliding the VoiceBuddy to the side of your waist toward the listeners.

VoiceBuddy: Gym Teachers • Coaches • Trainers • Tour Guides • Indoor/Outdoor Use

Allows voice amplification up to 50 meters (Open Field)

Features:

• Audio input port for connecting audio equipment
• Solid State Circuit Board
• Long life re-chargeable Lithium Battery
• Voice Tone and Volume Control
• Lightweight with secure comfortable wide belt with quick clip
• USB port that will support up to 32gb of audio
• SD Card port that will support up to 32gb of music

VoiceBuddy used by the Professionals

Testimonial:

I would like to thank you kindly in supporting me to get the VoiceBuddy, I received "him" yesterday, and have used it all day. Despite it being Friday, my voice feels like a Monday voice :0) I'm very excited and think you once again.

This is a great product that I'll not hesitate to recommend. I will also e-mail our district Music Coordinator, who liaises with many music teachers. I believe your product is great. Thank you very much for being so supportive in every aspect of getting my voice back on track. I feel so much more positive about the future.

Rosemary Warhurst
Music Coordinator
Pacific Pines Primary

VoiceBuddy: Teachers & Presenters

VoiceBuddy Waistband Amplifier

Controls and Ports:

1. Power On/Off and Volume Control.
2. Charging Jack (unit supplied with 9V/500mA power adaptor).
3. 3.5mm line input to connect external audio source. (When the external audio port is in use, sound from the USB/SD turns off automatically).
4. 3.5mm Microphone input.
5. LED Indicator:
   (a) Constant BLUE light = Power On or Pause.
   (b) Blinking BLUE light = Play.
   (c) Constant RED light = Low Battery. Battery requires charging.
   (d) Blinking RED & BLUE light = Battery in charging mode.
6. Switch to change USB, and SD.
7. In USB/SD mode: Press for previous file. In USB/SD: Hold down the button to decrease volume.
8. In USB/SD mode: Press to pause or play.
9. In USB/SD mode: Press to go to the next file. In USB/SD: Hold down to increase volume.
10. USB port: Will support a maximum 32GB USB.
11. SD card port: Will support a maximum 32GB.
12. Tone control.

VoiceBuddy - Voice Amplifier

Enables Voice Amplification for special needs.