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Split Headset Adapter (with optional amplification)

A common need of computer users who are blind or visually
impaired is to be able to listen through headphones to both
their speech synthesizer and another audio source such as a
transcribing machine.  For example, computer speech in the
left ear and transcriber audio in the right ear.  To do
this, use a stereo plug coupler (Radio Shack 274-1555) to
connect your stereo headset to a Y-adapter (Radio Shack
274-375) that splits the left and right channels.  Then,
connect each of two mini phone plug cables (Radio Shack
42-2420) to the Y-adapter.  Connect one cable to the
earphone jack of your speech synthesizer.  Connect the other
cable to your transcriber earphone jack.  If your equipment
uses anything other than the usual 1/8" mini phone plugs you
may need additional adapters.  Set the volume controls on
each device to achieve the desired balance in each ear.

For users who are also hearing impaired, the above
arrangement may not supply sufficient amplification.  In
this case, use a small stereo amplifier (such as the Radio
Shack 31-1957 for about $60).  Use two cables (Radio Shack
42-2444) to connect the speech synthesizer and transcriber
earphone jacks to the amplifier left and right inputs.
Connect your stereo headset to the built-in headphone jack
on the front of the amplifier.  To maximize the
signal-to-noise ratio, set the volume controls on the
synthesizer and transcriber to near full volume.  Then
adjust the amplifier volume and balance controls to achieve
the desired level in each ear.  If distortion occurs, you
may have to reduce the volume level controls on the
synthesizer and/or transcriber.

Any questions, call Wayne Thompson at the Kentucky Department
for the Blind, 800-321-6668, Ext. 245, or, email to
wayne.thompson@mail.state.ky.us
 

Kentucky Office for the Blind
P.O. Box 757    209 St. Clair Street    Frankfort, Kentucky    40602-0757     USA
Phone (Toll Free): 800-321-6668  or  877-592-5463   Phone: 502-564-4754
   Fax: 502-564-2951     TDD: 502-564-2929
Website Administrator -- blind@ky.gov
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This page was last updated on December 30, 2002