On-Line Audio Assistance

This diagram illustrates how your Push-To-Talk microphones and the AT Products Convener Box should be connected.   Rear View of Convener Box shown below. 

(Special thanks to TSGT Mavi Smith, ANG, TEC, Knoxville, TN Who Provided The Diagram and portions of the instructions .)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       AT2001 Instructions

The AT2001 is an audio conferencing system used with a satellite broadcast. 

It enhances classroom interactivity by enabling a student to use a push-to-talk microphone  to speak directly to the satellite instructor. 

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1.      Connect the system according to the attached diagram above. 

-        It is essential you connect the equipment correctly to avoid creating annoying and distracting feedback when a student speaks into the microphone. The AT2001 prevents the audio feedback by muting the television audio when the microphone is activated. 

When equipment is correctly connected, turn your attention to the front panel of the AT2001.

 Unlike the USAF and the Air National Guard and other networks which offer automatic “dial-out” audio connectivity, the ARNG, for at least the forseeable future,  will use the “dial-in” procedures for audio connectivity as described below.) 

2.      For those programs that will offer continuous audio connectivity with this system, (NOT ALL WILL)  prior to the start of a broadcast, generally ½ hour prior, EARLY DURING TEST PATTERN, in accordance with the coordinating instructions you received for  this broadcast, you must call the 800 number at the designated audiobridge being used for the program you are scheduled to receive.  Typically this will be the bridge at Ft. Lee, VA… 800-368-5034… though we may occasionally use another bridge.  The bridge operator will answer, “Ft. Lee Bridge”  … and you respond by depressing your PTT mike  with your location and program title.    “This is St. Paul, MN dialing in for the “Aviation Safety Update” Teleconference…”The Ft. Lee Bridge operator will connect you into the bridge and you will “mute” your system until needed after the program commences.  Instructions for this procedure follow as below. 

3.      To ensure your system is properly set up to dial in to the conference bridge, there are 2 buttons on the front of the AT2001 you need to be concerned with during a broadcast. 

4.      Ensure the “Satellite Audio” button is not pressed in and the light is off.  (with the button in the off position, you are listening to telephone audio) 

5.      Next: 

Press the “On/Off” or “Manual Answer” button (light on)…you will hear dial tone coming through the TV monitor (with the slide volume control set at midpoint and the “Internal Speaker” button depressed (light on), you can also hear the dial tone through the Convener Box speaker).

Use the keypad on  front of the Convener Box to dial the designated bridge number for this program.  (with the “Internal Speaker” button depressed (light on) you can hear the tone of each number  as it is being dialed.....

After making the telephone connection and speaking with the bridge operator (remember to use the PTT mike to speak) as described above in paragraph 2,  press the “Satellite Audio” button (light on) (and disconnect the “Internal Speaker” (light off) if you used it).   You are now listening to Satellite Audio and are ready for your program.

6.      Do not touch any of the buttons during the teleconference as you will risk being dropped from the audio conference.  If this does happen you will significantly delay your participation in the broadcast as you will have to redial into the bridge.  If for some reason you are dropped from the audio conference, you must re-set the AT2001 by turning all buttons off to reset them.  

7.      To hang up the call, press the “On/Off” or “Manual Answer” button (light off). 

PLEASE MAKE THIS CONNECTION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TEST PATTERN TO AVOID THE LAST MINUTE RUSH. 

Also, please remember that the protocol for responding to the instructor is always… 

“This is (Your Name… Lt. Joe Smith)  in  (your location… AASF#2, St. Paul)…my question or comment is…” 

8.      To test the system in advance at your own site:  

-        Correctly connect the equipment

-        Ensure all buttons are off (lights off)

-        Put the television on a channel with audio (like CNN)

-        Press “On/Off” or “Manual Answer”, hear dial tone, and dial to another phone at your site.

-        Answer other phone, ensure connection

-        Press “Satellite Audio” button, hear the broadcast audio to match picture on monitor

-        Press the PTT microphone button and speak

-        The television audio should mute when you speak and for another 2 seconds after you release the microphone button

-        Press the “On/Off” or Manual Answer” button to disconnect the call

If this occurs, congratulations!  Your system is operating correctly!