Minnesota Fringe

Access equipment can be rented by a trained and authorized access provider or theaters and theater companies who are planning to use a trained and authorized access provider to use the equipment. 

The Minnesota Association of Community Theatres offers Audio Describer Trainings and other workshops. For information on upcoming training opportunities, email Jon.

Equipment rental for up to 10 days is $30. Late equipment return is $10/day. Theater companies fiscally sponsored by Minnesota Fringe receive a 50% discount on rental fees.

Access equipment was acquired through a generous donation from Guthrie Theater and with support from the Minnesota State Arts Board Accessible Arts grant. Rental fees are intended to help offset the cost of program management, equipment upkeep, and eventual replacement.

When requesting access equipment, the requestor must indicate who will be billed for equipment use on the form. It could be the access provider who may pass the cost along to whomever they are providing access for, or it could be the theater where the access performance is taking place.

Equipment usage invoices will be mailed to the address provided after the equipment is returned. You may also request to pay with credit card via PayPal invoice for an additional processing surcharge of $2. Payment is due upon receipt of equipment.

The Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) provides an Accessible Arts & Culture Calendar for patrons who use accessibility accommodations. Anyone can register to establish an account and submit an event. Please allow 48 hours for submissions to be approved.

1. Select Location. Position the transmitter near the audio source from which it will receive sound.
2. Install the Antenna. 
3. Connect to Power. Plug the power supply cord into an outlet. On the power up, the number 8 will scroll across the display while the system initializes. The system will then display the default frequency (72.9 MHz) or the last selected frequency set by the previous user.
4. Select the Frequency. Press and release the down or up buttons until the desired frequency is displayed. After 3 seconds, the frequency selection will be set.
5. Connect the Audio Source. On the back, an audio In jack is available for connecting a line-level, unbalanced audio source. on the front, a Mic Input jack is available to connect to a microphone.
6. Adjusting the Audio Source. With the audio source playing, use a small screwdriver or tuning wand to rotate the adjust control on the front. Turn clockwise to increase the audio level, or counterclockwise to decrease the audio level. 
7. Listen with an FM Receiver. Make sure the receiver is on the same frequency and batteries are installed. Plug in the earphone, turn on the receiver, and walk around the listening area. The signal should be clear and quite loud when the volume is turned up.

If you'd like more details, a digital version of the manual and user guide for our equipment can be found at this link.

A brief how-to video can be found at this link.

Transmitter frequency display (LED) not lit.

• Make sure the wall transformer is plugged into the transmitter.
• Make sure the electrical outlet is on.

No sound through receivers.

• If some of the receivers work but other don't, check for bad batteries or earphones on the receivers that aren't working.
• Check to see that the receiver frequency matches the transmitter frequency. On the transmitter, the frequency is illuminated on the LED panel on the front of the unit. On the receiver, there may be a sticker on the inside of the battery door of the receiver. If these frequencies do not match, adjust them as needed. 
• If none of the receivers work, check to see if the power is connected to the transmitter and the frequency display on the front of the transmitter is illuminated.
• Check to see if the transmitter is connected properly to the sound system.
• On the front panel of the transmitter, turn the audio input level control clockwise using a screwdriver to increase the audio level. Make sure that the audio light is flashing occasionally but not continuously.
• If you are not using an input signal from a sound system, make sure the AV microphone is plugged into the Mic jack on the front of the transmitter.
• Make sure the antenna is installed and connected properly.

Insufficient range, good reception near transmitter, poor at a distance.

• Check to see if the antenna was installed correctly. If not, correct or replace the antenna. The signal should be clearly audible at least 100 ft within the line-of-site to the transmitter antenna.
• Check to make sure no other transmitters (or other devices) are transmitting on the same frequency or channel.

Sound through receivers is loud, but distorted. Noise (room noise or electronic noise) seems to grow after talking stops. Audio Indicator Light is continuously on.

• On the front of the transmitter, use a screwdriver to turn the audio level control counter-clockwise. This will decrease the audio level. The audio indicator light should flash occasionally, but not be lit continuously.

Sound through the receivers is weak and noisy.

• On the front panel, use a screwdriver to turn the audio level control clockwise. This will increase the input signal strength. The audio indicator ight should flash occasionally.
• Increase the input signal level from the sound system.

Buzzing or humming noise in sound system. 

• There is nothing wrong with the transmitter. One or more pieces of equipment in the sound system are being disturbed by radio frequency signals produced by the transmitter. The most likely suspects are the amplifier, mixer, or the audio source. The energy gets into the other equipment primarily through the power cord, speaker wires, or unshielded inputs, all of which can act as antennas. Try moving the transmitter away from the other sound equipment.