Catchbox is an interactive, throwable microphone.

Currently the Catchbox is available in select locations on the University campus as part of a partner program between Learning Spaces Technology and The Center for Teaching.

The Catchbox can be quickly passed from one audience member to the next in crowded spaces, making it an easy and fun way to get audience members to ask questions and make comments, whether it be in a lecture, a meeting, a workshop, or even a conference.

The microphone comes with an integrated professional sound element connected to the unique auto-mute technology, which turns off the audio signal when the microphone is in movement, ensuring the system doesn’t make any unwanted noises when being passed around. 

While the Catchbox is a fun way to make events more engaging, improper use can lead to personal injury and/or property damage. Make sure that the Catchbox Module, along with the wireless transmitter, is securely locked inside the foam cover before using the product. 

Do not throw long or hard passes, and avoid using the device in situations where there are glasses, fragile items, liquids, unsuspecting people, or people susceptible to injury, like the very old or young. Also, avoid swinging or throwing the device from its handle as this may cause the locking mechanism to fail, releasing the inner part and potentially causing injury.

 

Status LED Meaning

OFF	The microphone element is not powered on
GREEN	The microphone element is powered on
RED	The microphone element has less than 2 hours of battery life left

 

Turning the Device On/ Off

To turn on the device, place one AA battery in the muting circuit of the Catchbox Module and an appropriate battery into the transmitter.

Then turn on both the muting circuit and transmitter. The LED on the back side of the Catchbox Module should turn green.

Secure the "AA" battery and the transmitter in place by tightening the velcro strap around the device as shown in the picture.

There will be "AA" batteries available in the locations that the Catchbox is being piloted. The batteries are available in the microphone drawer with the standard room microphones. 

Turn off the device once you are finished using it. This will help preserve the battery life of the unit. The average life for the battery is about 20 hours.

 

 

Locking the Module Into the Cover

To lock the Catchbox Module unit into the cover, align the pictures located at the bottom of the Catchbox Module and bottom of the cover with each other. The locking mechanism is composed of two magnets that attract each other when correctly aligned.

To test whether the locking has been successful, one can try to pull on the Catchbox Module and attempt to remove it with a vertical force. If it does not come out with significant force, the magnets are correctly aligned. 

 

 

Opening the Catchbox

To remove the Catchbox Module, simply twist it 90 degrees and pull upward. This motion will misalign the magnets and allow for easy removal of the unit.

 

 

Throwing the Catchbox

To throw the Catchbox microphone, find someone in the audience who wants to ask a question or make a comment.

Make sure that the person and those around him or her are aware of the situation and are prepared to catch the microphone.

Avoid throwing the Catchbox if there are fragile electronics or hot liquids nearby, as these might spill or be damaged from the throw. Short, underhand passes of around 5 meters distance are recommended. If someone farther away has a question, try to get the entire audience involved by having members pass the Catchbox short distances to the person who wants it. This is a great way to activate the crowd.

 

 

Speaking Into the Catchbox

To use the Catchbox, simply speak into the foam cap located on top of the product. It is advisable to inform audience members at what distance to speak into the Catchbox. A distance of 20cm / 8in is ideal. This will provide the clearest sound while not blocking the persons face who is speaking. Avoid using the Catchbox near speakers as this can cause audio feedback.

 

 

The Catchbox should be kept on the podium in the room between sessions.