What is an Audio Tour Guide System?

An audio tour guide system is commonly referred to by many different names. Wireless tour guide system, headset system, assistive listening device and wireless communication system are just a few examples of how interchangeable the names can be to mean the same thing. Simply put, an audio guide system is a short range radio system that consists of headphones with a built in microphone or handheld microphone, transmitter, receiver or transceiver that sends live audio between two users. The presenter will speak into a microphone transmitter and the listener will hear the audio signal through a set of headphones connected to a receiver. The system is very lightweight and rechargeable in a portable storage case.

Headphones are a pair of loudspeaker drivers worn over or around the head of the listener’s ears. They are electroacoustic transducers, which transform an electrical signal to a correlated sound. Headphones allow the listener to hear audio discreetly rather than a loudspeaker which allows everyone in the immediate area to hear the audio. Headphones differ from earphones since earphones are generally inserted into the ear while headphones enclose the ear using ear coverings that are connected by a headband. Headphones with built in microphones can create a more hands-free experience for a user while a handheld microphone has value in situations where there is a group Q&A at the end of a tour or large training session.A microphone is a transducer that transforms sound waves into an electrical signal. Microphones can be integrated into many products including one-way/two-way radios, cell phones and hearing aids. In wireless audio systems the microphone is integrated into the headphone and in other audio tour systems a handheld microphone can be used instead.A transmitter is an electronic device which creates radio waves with an antenna. When it comes to one-way or two-way radio communication the information is provided to the transmitter in the form of an electrical signal from a microphone. This information is in audio form which is converted into soundwaves that will be sent to another user’s receiver. A transceiver is a transmitter and receiver combined into one unit.A receiver is an electronic device that receives radio waves with an antenna and converts the information into a serviceable form. In radio communication this would mean converting the information into audio for the listener to hear.

Audio tour guide systems are portable therefore use a rechargeable NiMH, alkaline or lithium battery. The headset storage cases are also recharging stations which allow for maximum battery life every time the system is used. There is no need for an additional charger, reducing the need for more equipment that could cause clutter.

A tour guide communication system is generally used in a noisy environment and in areas where distance between users is great, especially in social distancing situations. Typical applications include daily meetings/Gemba walks, safety inspections, training including onboarding and process improvement and factory tours of all sizes. Tour guide systems can also be utilized in language interpretation guided tours where the presenter walks with tour groups or multiple language tours where the translators will be stationed in separate rooms nearby. The communication system allows for different presenters to talk to different groups based on the channel the group is switched onto. This allows for simultaneous translation and simultaneous interpretation as long as the groups are on different channels. The separation of groups can be identified by the use of a lanyard that describes the language of that particular tour.One-way systems are generally used for information delivery by a presenter with little or no feedback or collaboration from a group. Typical uses for one-way radio communication are large group tours and presentation style training courses. This allows for complete control of the message by the presenter. Two-way systems are perfect for collaborative sessions and events. Typical applications include interactive tours and training where the exchange of information is very important.Audio guide systems from Plant-Tours.com are extremely easy and user friendly to set up and operate. All equipment is readily available and shipped quickly and efficiently to customers. The packaging of the audio guide system is durable and organized for ease of use. A user guide is provided to allow for a quick and easy set up that takes a couple minutes for a user with no previous experience. The system can be set up immediately on arrival.Range for the audio systems will vary depending on the environment. How many obstructions are in the vicinity? What is the terrain like? All of these factors will have an impact on the sound quality of the communication system. Based on this information, one-way audio tour guide systems will have a range up to 200ft. Two-way systems will have a range up to â…“ of a mile.

Audio tour guide systems are one-way and two-way communication systems which allow users to communicate in noisy environments and where there is distance between participants. The systems are durable, easy to use and produce excellent audio quality for an affordable price. Plant-Tours.com has been the market leader in proprietary communication systems built for manufacturing facilities for many years. Check out the top source for training and complete tour guide systems here!

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