FAQs
We welcome all of your questions - big and small. If you happen to have one for us, chances are you're not alone as others may have similar questions as well.
Below are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions regarding our products, policies, and service. To help you find the answers you need quickly and efficiently, the faq list is shown by product category. Click on a question to view an answer related to your selection. The links provided within the answers will lead you to more detailed information on our website. Please contact us if you have further inquiries.
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Click on the (View Questions) for each category to open/close the desired list.
General Questions (View Questions)
General (7)
Policies (5)
Q: My unit wasn't working when I received it. What do I do to get a new one?
A: We're sorry about that. Since Califone products are built to such rugged standards, they have a return ratio that's less than half of typical consumer products. You have 30 days from date of purchase to return the unit to Califone free of charge and we will ship a new unit to you. After 30 days, if the unit is still within its warranty period, we will either repair or replace the unit. Click here to read our Return Policy or contact our Customer Service Dept. for more information.
Media Players (View Questions)
Media Players (15)
Q: What’s the difference between Full Auto Stop and Auto Stop?
A: Full Auto Stop means in playback, recording, and rewind/fast forward modes, the cassette player/recorder motor will stop operating once the cassette reaches its end. With Auto Stop, the cassette player/recorder motor will stop operating in the playback mode only when the cassette reaches its end; the motor will continue running in the recording and rewind/fast forward modes until the user manually press the Stop key. Full Auto Stop automatically stops the motor which helps extending the life of the belt, a critical component of the cassette player/recorder. Califone Media Players 1776, 2385-03, 2395AV-02, 2395IR, and CAS1500 feature Full Auto Stop.
PA Systems and Media Players (3)
Cassette Player (1)
Q: A tape is not playing in my 2395AV media player. What could be wrong?
A: First check to make sure that a red light is not "on" the Music Maker™, indicating it is on standby mode. The light should be green which will enable you to use all the functions on your unit. Secondly, also make sure the tape heads are clean and that the cassette tape itself has not broken. Califone recommends using tapes no longer than 60 minutes in length because the longer tapes are thinner and are more prone to breakage.
Q: What is the Voice Over function?
A: The Voice Over function allows you to communicate with the audience through a microphone while the music continues to play. Two separate volume controls are available for you to adjust the microphone volume and the volume of the music. Teachers can use this feature to tape record desired curriculum/lessons that includes music in the background.
Q: Does the 2455AV have a speed increase/decrease function for the tape player?
A: The 2455AV media player has variable speed controls for both CD and cassette. On the top part of the player you will find there is a ‘Tape Pitch’ control knob that can be moved up & down to increase or decrease the speed. For the CD, there are 3 buttons for the variable speed: Speed Normal, Speed – to decrease and Speed + to increase.
Q: What is the purpose of the MODE button on my CD player?
A: The MODE button on the upgraded personal CD player allows you to select between allowing your CD to play in ‘normal’ mode from the first to the last track consecutively without stopping; repeating one track; repeating all tracks when it has completed its cycle; ‘intro’ mode; or ‘random’ mode, which enables all tracks on a disc to play in a random (shuffle) sequence. Click here to learn about other functions.
Q: Can I program tracks in my CD102?
A: Yes. You can program up to 20 tracks on the upgraded personal CD player using the PROGRAM button. Press the PROG button once. You will see “PROGRAM” flashing in the LCD display. Press the CD skip forward button to get to the desired track and press PROG again to set it and repeat for each track until finished. Learn more about the convenience of a 20-track programmable feature.
Learning Centers (View Questions)
Jackboxes (View Questions)
Headphones & Headsets (View Questions)
Headphones (1)
Q: What is the difference between a headphone and a headset?
A: The difference between a headphone and a headset is a headphone is used only for listening and a headset can be used for listening and capturing audio responses (used by many language/reading programs). Put another way, a headset is a headphone with a microphone attached to it.
Headphone Packs (2)
Headsets (1)
Headphones and Headsets (2)
Q: What colors do the Califone headphones come in?
A: Califone headphones are available in silver, blueberry or beige, depending upon what headphone you need. The 3060-series are available in all 3 colors. The 2924AVP, 2924AVPS and 3064AV headset come in both beige and blueberry. However, the color-themed Listening First™ headphones come in blue, red and yellow. The 3068AV is only available in black. The SA-740 and NC500TFC in silver.
USB Headphones/Headsets (1)
USB Headsets (3)
Wireless Headphones (1)
Q: Why does the 2964AV come with two plugs at the end?
A: The monaural 2964AV headset has two ¼” plugs so it can be used for both listening and recording. One plug is for the headphone part and the other is for the boom microphone that can be used to create vocal recordings onto the CardMaster™ card reader. Click here to learn more about headphone and headset plugs.
Q: Are headsets compatible with cassette player/recorders?
A: Only certain types of headsets can be used with monaural cassette recorders. The Califone 2964 is a monaural headset designed to work with cassette recorders with its dual 1/4" plugs. The rest of the Califone headset line
consists of stereo headsets with an attached boom microphone for voice responses that are compatible with stereo boomboxes and/or computers.
Q: How do I charge my CLS headphones and for how long?
A: Simply connect the CLS700AC charging adapter into the CLS-CH8 charging lead and then connect the CLS headphones to the charging lead using the cords it comes with. Be sure to turn OFF your CLS headphone prior to recharging. It is best to charge at all times when not in use to ensure battery life. The charge time is approximately 8 hours or you may charge them overnight.
Q: Why are there three available frequencies (72.100 MHz, 72.500 MHz, 72.900 MHz) to choose from within this product line?
A: Different frequencies exist so that there can be more than one group listening to its own content (wirelessly) at the same time. Each group needs to use a different colored set of matching transmitter and headphones from the other groups.
For instance, if there are three reading levels within an English class, each one would use a different set of materials (textbooks) tailored for that group's particular needs. So one group might have the "fundamental" materials broadcast using the yellow hardware (transmitter and headphones), while the "average" and "accelerated" groups might use the blue and green hardware respectively. Each group hears only the audio that's transmitted in that color hardware's frequency.
PA Systems (View Questions)
PA Systems and Media Players (3)
PA Systems (9)
Microphones (2)
Q: What’s the recommended positioning for the Neck Microphone?
A: The Neck Microphone should be wrapped around the neck from the back. We recommend users to position the microphone so the round microphone element is applying light pressure to the neck off-center but not too far to the side. Positioning the round microphone element closer to the center of the neck results in a louder signal but positioning it more to the side will generate a much clear signal.
Q: What are the differences between the two VoiceSavers™ PA-282 and PA-285?
A: There are four differences between the VoiceSaver models. The bigger PA-285 is a little more powerful at 5 watts RMS compared with 2 watts for the PA-282. It is physically a little larger, but can still be comfortably worn for extended periods of time. The PA-285 also has an Aux-in, so that the audio from projectors can be connected for amplification. The PA-285 also is threaded for a tripod underneath, enabling the user to elevate the unit for enhanced projection to the audience.
Q: What is the range for my PA-285?
A: The PA-285 has 5 watts RMS powerful enough for presentations up to 50 people. The smaller PA-282 is used for smaller tour groups or within smaller classrooms, can typically reach up to 20-25 people
Q: What happens when I try to use two wireless mics at the same time with a wireless PA?
A: The answer depends on whether or not the PA is equipped to work with multiple mics. For a PA to work with a wireless mic, it must have a built-in receiver to capture the message from the microphone.
Some PAs (such as the PowerPro) have two built-in mic receivers, so two wireless mics can be used by presenters at the same time. Since each receiver is set to a different channel, there's no accidental crosstalk or interference between the two mics.
If two wireless mics are used with a PA that's equipped with only a single mic receiver, it can't differentiate between the two signals and the resulting sound would be a garbled, unintelligible mixture.
Q: Where is the volume button on my PA919?
A: There are several ways to adjust the volume on the PowerPro™. Its Master Volume control on the Mixer Panel is located on the right-hand side of the back of the speaker. There are also several individual volume controls for receivers, mic inputs and line-out jacks.
Q: Is there a reset on the volume of the PowerPro?
A: Yes there is an automatic reset. Whenever a PowerPro is turned off, the previously set volume levels are wiped clean and reset to zero. This is a safety feature so you for instance don't accidentally turn the machine on at the same level when it was last used outdoors and you are inside this time.
Q: Will the PowerPro still function if the battery dies?
A: Yes it will still work if you plug in the AC cord. While it's plugged in, the battery will also recharge. To avoid this situation from happening again, notice there is a small light on the rear of the unit that's normally green when there is adequate power in the battery. When it becomes depleted, the light changes to a red warning color instead.
Q: Where is the output volume control of the headset microphone?
A: For your convenience, the output volume of the headset microphone can be controlled from two different locations. One way to adjust it is from the volume control on the beltpack transmitter, the other way is through the system’s “Teacher Mic” volume control knob.
Q: Can the volume be adjusted several ways?
A: Yes it can. By keeping the volume button depressed the loudness slowly increases, but by tapping the button instead (pressing it and then letting go) the volume jumps in larger increments.
Student Response System (View Questions)
Q: What’s the transmission range for the Got It!™ Infrared receiver?
A: The transmission range for the Got It! Infrared receiver is 49 ft, which is sufficient for a typical classroom. If using the system in a meeting room that is wider than 49 ft, it is recommended to use a second Infrared receiver located in the front of the room. If the meeting room is longer than 49 ft, a second receiver is necessary in the middle of the room to receive signals from participants in the back.
Supplemental Reading & Writing (View Questions)
Q: Can I cut the blank magnetic cards in half to be used for short vocabulary?
A: Yes. The blank magnetic cards can be cut in half to be used for short vocabulary with CardMaster CAR2020. However, we do not recommend using half-sized magnetic cards with the Card Reader READER. The READER is not designed to be operated with a half-sized magnetic card so audio quality could be impacted.
Q: How do I use the teacher track function on my CAR2020?
A: To use the CAR2020 teacher track, you will first need to unlock the hidden teacher record interlock located inside the battery compartment. Then, switch the teacher track record key to the down position. Once unlocked, proceed with sliding the card reader program cards through as desired.
Q: Does the CardMaster™ CAR2020 feature a low battery indicator?
A: Instead of a low battery indicator, the CAR2020 features a Battery Check Button which allows users to press and test the battery level. When the batteries are in good condition, the LED light will light red as the Battery Check Button is pressed; if the LED light doesn’t light up, it means it’s time to replace the batteries.
Visual Presentation (View Questions)
Computer Peripherals (View Questions)
Q: Is there an on-off switch on the Computer Microscope?
A: No. The Computer Microscope does not feature an on-off switch. For your convenience, the Computer Microscope is in function as soon as its USB plug is connected to a computer; and it remains in function until it is disconnected from the computer. It enables users to focus on the task at hand without putting in extra effort to operate the Computer Microscope.
Q: What are the Hot Keys included in the Kids Keyboard?
A: The Hot Keys included in the Kids Keyboardare Open Folder, Save File, Print, Cut, Copy, Paste, Rotate Window,
Wakeup Screen, Sleep (Standby) and Power Off. Read more on why Kids Keyboard was selected by Betsy Brown at the Technology Department of Norwich City School District to boost literacy skills and also chosen by Alison Ostertag, Literacy Leader, at Atchison County Community Schools to inspire young students.
Q: What can I do if the LED light on the LP3 is not working?
A: Connect the USB receiver that comes with the LP3 Laser Presenter to your computer’s USB port. Then lock your ‘CAPS’, ‘NUM’, and ‘SCROLL’ buttons on your keyboard and press all 3 together at the same time quickly 10 times. The LED light will blink for 1.5 seconds at which point you need to press any button to operate a function on the laser presenter.
Q: We will be using multiple units of Wireless Tablet Interface (WT1) in our computer lab. How do we prevent interference?
A: To prevent interference from having multiple units of WT1 within a 100 foot radius, assign a unique channel to each WT1. The channel can be assigned by right click on the “Califone WT1 Wireless Tablet” icon on the taskbar located on the lower right side of the screen. Next, choose a channel number from 1 to 18 and click OK. After the “Setting Device’s Channel” message is displayed, press the “OK” and “L” buttons on the tablet simultaneously. A message stating “Set Device’s Channel Success” will then appear to confirm the channel has been assigned.
Q: How is the Wireless Tablet Interface (WT1) clock counter different from the timer?
A: The WT1 clock counter counts time second by second forward, it’s a tool to use for checking the time students spent on a task such as reading a picture book or complete a worksheet. The timer enables users to set a fixed time span before beginning a task, it counts time second by second backward until the time is up which is a tool to use in a timed test.
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