Support & RMA

Support & RMA

Below are resources, how-to's, and troubleshooting tips for Cetacea products. If you have an RMA request, please complete the request form below.

Astronaut

  • Ceiling Mount Guide

    A PDF guide to installing the Astronaut speaker system on a false or hard-surface ceiling.

    Installation Guide 

  • Computer Connections

    Typically these sound sources will be connected by audio cable, HDMI, or IP to the main projection device. Since these audio sources are already connected, there is no need for a separate connection from the computer to the Astronaut.

  • Projector / Whiteboard Connections

    The preferred way to connect the Astronaut to your audio sources is by connecting it to the audio output on your main projection device, e.g. projector. In some cases, you will need to change the device settings to "external speakers", in order for the input audio connections to pass through to the audio output.

  • Volume Control

    There is no direct volume control on the Astronaut. The volume is controlled at the source (laptop) or with the projector / TV remote control. Do not connect a fixed audio output directly to the Astronaut amplifier. A fixed source needs to pass through a receiver that has a variable audio output, e.g. projector.

  • Power

    The Astronaut is powered by a specialized audio-grade 15V DC power supply. Do not use generic power supplies with this product. Included in the Astronaut kit is a DC power extension cable capable of reaching outlets up to 30' away.

  • What's That Buzz?

    • If you're experiencing a loud buzz, this is due to the Astronaut not being terminated (read "Source Termination")
    • If you're experiencing a low level hum, it is common to pick up EMI in the room on unbalanced 3.5mm audio cables (read "Premium Audio Cables")

  • Premium Audio Cables

    Audio cable quality matters! We have sourced many different speaker cables and have found most off-the-shelf cheap speaker cables unreliable. If you are experiencing a low-level hum, it could be the audio cable. The longer the cable run, the higher chance of electromagnetic interference. We recommend and sell a premium, double-shielded speaker cable.

  • Source Termination

    We recommend terminating all speaker cables with an inline volume control which is included with the Astronaut kit. The amplifier is not gated and requires termination either by the source and / or this volume attenuator. As a secondary function, the inline volume control can be used to limit the max volume of the speaker.

Orbiter

  • Lanyard & Position

    Adjust the Orbiter lanyard so that the microphone rests on or near the collarbone. This is so the microphone can best pick up your voice.

  • Volume Control

    Adjust the microphone volume with the rocker arm button on the side. It is best to have a second person listening from the audience location to set the proper volume. Often the correct volume is just barely audible from the presenter's location.

  • On / Off / Mute

    • The Master Button, when clicked, cycles between ON and MUTE. Click once for ON, again for MUTE, and so on.
    • Holding the button down for 2 seconds turns the microphone OFF. The Green LED on the front will turn off as well.

  • Charging

    We recommend charging the Orbiter at the end of the day. The built-in Lithium-Ion battery has quick-charge capability and over-charge protection. 15 minutes on the charger should get about an hour of talk time. When the Orbiter is charging, the front Green LED will flash.

  • Loudness / Feedback

    If you are experiencing feedback, this just simply means the microphone volume is set too loud or the speaker is improperly positioned.

    1. Make sure the microphone is worn on or near the collarbone for maximum voice pickup.
    2. Have a second person standing in the audience help you adjust the volume. The point at which you start to hear yourself is usually the correct setting.
    3. If the speaker was installed over your main presenting location, then it should be moved to the audience location. Your goal is to walk 90% of the room without feedback.
    4. Learn your room. Every presenter with a microphone should walk the room and learn where feedback zones are, if any. Simply mute the microphone in these areas.
    5. Remember "voice lift" not "public address". One common misconception, is that the microphone needs to be loud for effective classroom audio. No. We simply aim to raise the speech level to the recommended 15 dB (SNR) at or slightly above conversation level.

  • Wireless Connection

    When the Orbiter Pendant is ON and connected, there will be a solid Amber LED on the receiver.

    Which Receiver Do I Have?

    • Astronaut Soundfield shown in the upper graphic has two inputs (A, B).
    • Orbiter Commander shown in the lower graphic is an external receiver usually installed on a desk or along the wall.

  • I Don't Hear Anything!

    1. Check to see the Orbiter Pendant is ON shown by a solid Green LED on the front. If no Green LED, place the Orbiter on the charger for 15 minutes.
    2. Next find the receiver and look for a solid Amber LED. If no Amber LED is present, then the microphone is not paired. Follow the pairing procedure under "Orbiter Pairing".
    3. If a solid Amber LED is showing but still no sound, then check the volume setting. Slowly click the volume up while tapping the mic with your finger to hear audible taps.
    4. If still no sound, check the Orbiter receiver is connected to a speaker. This only applies to the Orbiter Commander. There should be an audio cable connected to the "Orbiter Output". Follow this cable to the speaker and check your speaker settings.

  • Orbiter Pairing Instructions

    Pairing mode is indicated by a flashing Amber LED on the Astronaut Soundfield or Orbiter Commander. Follow the procedure outlined in the following document.

    Orbiter Pairing 

  • Which Firmware Version Am I On?

    The current Orbiter firmware version is V3. The software is not backwards compatible. A V2 microphone cannot talk to a V3 receiver.

    Where to locate the firmware version?

    Orbiter Pendant: Model #

    • V3: PMT-003
    • V2: PMT-002
    • V1: PMT-001

    Orbiter Commander: Round Sticker on Base

    • V3: V3.8 sticker
    • V2: V2 sticker
    • V1: V1 sticker (or no sticker at all)

    Astronaut Soundfield: Round Sticker on Base

    • V3: V3.8 sticker
    • V2: V2 sticker
    • V1: No V1 Soundfield systems

RMA Request

Please complete the information requested and a representative will get back to you shortly. If you'd rather troubleshoot over the phone, please give us a call at (763) 559-1019.