Troubleshooting Tips
Custom
ear batteries…
When you put your battery inside the ear receiver, make
sure you close gently. Just in case you put it in backwards,
don’t force it to close. The battery connects with
the system at a certain point. The ear is fragile. The
system is small, yet powerful. It may short out your battery.
If this happens, call IMS for a replacement or repair.
Use your backup hardwire or extra ear. All professional
film technicians carry backup equipment on set. It’s
important to secure your ear in a case. See IMS travel
case or pro-pack briefcase to secure all equipment.
Adjusting the Ear
Bud volume control…
On your ear piece next to the battery door is a small
volume control. Use your mini screwdriver to adjust. If
the sound tech hears your earpiece, you’ve probably
let the volume creep up on you. Turn it down. Then check
to make sure your earpiece is securely inside your ear.
Make sure the cables are plugged in the recorder. If the
sound is too low, turn it up. Use the brush to clean the
sound port in case your earpiece is clogged. IMS sells
a silicone gel for the Hardwire Ear-Prompter, and soft
ear tips for the new Wireless ear bud that helps seal
sound more effectively. If you have good hearing, you
should be able to manage the volume control.
I
hear a loud hum…
You should always hear a hum. That means your ear is working.
Remember, you’re near a source of electricity. Imagine
your ear against a speaker. However, if the hum is extremely
loud, you may be too close to a computer, television,
or poorly insulated power source. Move if possible. Even
inches help. Turning your head to a different plane works
wonders. Ask if the computer or monitor can be slightly
moved. Carry a hardwire system as a static free backup.
The
sound is mushy or distorted…the volume is dropping...
Check all batteries. Put new ones in your ear and recorder.
Long before the battery runs down it begins losing volume
and crispness. Once you’ve put the fresh batteries
in, you will need to re-record the scene. Also, the earpiece
may be clogged. Wax from your ear will build up. Use the
brush to gently clean the ear- piece, use alcohol q-tip
for you ear. It happens. After years of use, you may need
to get your ear receiver replaced or professionally cleaned
by IMS.
Maintaining
your micro-cassette recorder…
Tape recorder heads will become dirty. Even a speck of
dirt will keep the tape from contacting the heads. Carry
a few cotton swabs and alcohol. Open the cassette player
door and clean the metallic head.
Sound breaks up…cuts in and out…
First determine that the problem is not with the recorder.
Again, always carry a backup. Unplug the neck loop and
play the cassette. If the recorder works, investigate
the neck loop. The neck loop plug may have worked part
way out of the recorder. Re-set it. Move the neck loop
around until you find a spot where the sound is restored.
Use a piece of tape to tape the cord in place.
My sound volume and clarity drifts in and out…
You may be moving the recorder away from your mouth while
recording. When recording, try and planting your thumb
on the point of your chin to assure that the recorder
stays at uniform distance. Also, the tape may be worn
or have a crease. Put in a new tape. Or, fast forward
to the end of the tape and turn it over using the other
side.
Equipment
difficulties…
Your best solution is to have backup equipment. It’s
O. K. to pull the sound technician aside for help. You
are a part of the crew. You are bringing equipment to
the show. Take control of the situation by quietly working
through the problem. Be assured that all technical crew
has various difficulties with equipment. Solve the problem;
then go to work. Once you’re comfortable with your
equipment, you’ll be confident and fast to find
the solution. Organize and secure your equipment in a
case.
Practice
and work with your equipment…
The Ear-Prompter is a fantastic way to flawlessly cover
pages of script. It enables you to use your valuable time
effectively and efficiently. This is a specialty, a craft.
Once you’ve mastered the use of the Ear-Prompter,
you can perfect your skills as a presenter and blow the
competition away. Be professional and confident. Practice,
practice, practice.
Rush
orders....slam and cram
IMS will rush you equipment. However, using the Ear-Prompter
is a craft. You are dealing with technical equipment variables
while using your skill as a presenter and performer. If
you try and slam cram, be prepared. Have backups. This
equipment is an investment to be used for many future
jobs. Perfecting this craft gives you an opportunity to
enhance your financial status and become specialized in
your field. Replacements and exchanges may be necessary.
Plan ahead and give yourself time to become Ear-Prompter
proficient. |
Troubleshooting Tips
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