mini Tempo REF                                                                                                                                                           Patent Pending

INSTRUCTIONS

            Now anyone can use mini Tempo REF as a REFerence tool on a tabletop, music stand or drum. This is a must have unit for all musicians, singers, composers, conductors, DJs, studios, music and dance teachers. It was discovered with earlier models, quite surprisingly, a feedback tool is immensely helpful in introducing the vague concept of meter to new students.

           This kit includes: mini Tempo REF with key ring, installed battery, Velcro pair 1" x 1", loop strip 1" x 3", instructions, sticker.

The REF is sleeping!

Fully advance the threshold knob clockwise (CW) and wake your mini REF with a tap.  A "  1" is displayed for 30 seconds and the mini REF will go back to sleep if no further action is taken. This initial wake period conserves battery power if accidentally awakened.

MONITOR MODE

            The mini REF is now ready to monitor taps heard by its internal sensor and provide an instantaneous beat-to-beat evaluation in real-time; displaying beats per minute it technically is a “TEMPOMETER”. Adjusting the threshold knob on the left side will filter out ghost notes and the decimals will flash when an accented beat has been heard. Drummers…if you’re seeing a “  1” here because of double triggering caused by bounce or sustained overtone ring, raise the threshold CCW and/or isolate with some thin foam or duct tape. Maintaining a consistent reading is the name of the game.

USE

            Place the mini REF on a music stand or tabletop and tap your fingernail next to its display. Your taps will be reflected off the hard surface and hit the mini REF's internal sensor.

            The mini REF will display half the song tempo if a 2,4 backbeat is tapped. Quarter notes will display actual song tempo and subdivisions of quarters will display multiples of song tempo. Irregular patterns can also be monitored, as long as it's a repeating pattern and there's a rest in the pattern long enough for a number to be read. It doesn't matter what or where a number is. As long as you see the same (or nearly the same) number in the same place your meter is steady. (Please don’t try to do the math every time. We will not be responsible for you driving yourself and fellow band members nuts.) Jazz drummers may also monitor their tempo by briefly reverting to a consistent pattern or backbeat.  Range is 10 to 250 bpm. The mini REF will go to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity.

When a drumhead is struck, vibrations radiate from its center and travel across it. The supplied Velcro must be used on a drum to raise the mini REF above the head and transmit vibration to the “sweet spot” at the center of its back surface. Both surfaces must be clean and dry before applying the Velcro. With the two 1" patches of Velcro joined together, peel the paper off of the hook material and stick the hook material to the center of mini REF's back surface. Next, peel the paper off of the loop material. Locate the mini REF ½" from the rim to maximize sensitivity and press it firmly to the drumhead several times with a rocking motion to get a secure attachment.

A vibrating drumhead is an extremely hostile/dirty environment when trying to convert this sustained motion into a single digital pulse/event. A little muffling is a good thing as this reduces overtone ring and double triggering (“  1”). Hard hitters don't need maximum sensitivity and should use larger Velcro strips to ensure attachment. Adjust threshold to only respond to accented beats.

HINTS

Draw up a P-numbered list of songs with respective tempi and keep it handy.

Do not place your mini REF directly over a drum's internal muffler. Use of any muffling device (rings, pads, tape, …etc.) will naturally inhibit skin vibration and obviously decrease sensitivity.

Give your mini REF two very quick love taps then max the threshold CCW before letting it go to sleep. This over-ranging causes a “  1” to be displayed and uses minimal power for the 5 min. wait to sleep, conserving battery power.

Always max the threshold fully CCW when not using your mini REF. This greatly extends battery life.

·IMPORTANT: If at any time your mini REF functions improperly, reset the unit by removing and reinserting the battery. When this remedy fails or needs to be repeated, it’s time to replace the battery or you’re using the wrong brand.

 REPLACING BATTERY

            Not to worry! Your mini REF will never just go dead on you. It uses a large capacity lithium coin cell that will last up to a year before the LEDs become dim. The mini REF will gradually become less sensitive until you ultimately notice the sensitivity adjustment at maximum to correctly follow your taps. The mini REF is telling you its battery should be replaced soon. These batteries have a 10-year shelf life.

A weak battery will not affect accuracy, only LED brightness and triggering threshold.

Unscrew the back cover and notice how the wires wrap around the battery as you SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY SEPARATE THIS COVER! The sensor and wires should remain attached to the cover.

Carefully pry up between the battery and its holder tabs at the top, negative(-) end, pushing the cell against the metal fingers at the opposite, positive(+) end. Do not pry up on the battery holder! There is no overheating and rupture danger as when other types of cells are shorted.

Insert the new cell and push down. It'll noticeably snap into position. Replace the cover remembering to wrap the wires around the battery. Be careful not to over-tighten screws or pinch wires.

Use only RENATA CR2477N cells. Others won’t properly fit the holder, can damage it, and may cause your mini REF to malfunction. Need new batteries? Phone 843/828-4223 or email us from the website below.

 WARRANTY