Harrison Instruments
Model 204 Theremin User Manual
(Online Version)

Contents

1. Safety Notices
(Back to Contents)

Read all the instructions in this manual prior to using this product. Retain these operating instructions for future reference.

	When this product is connected to an external device such as an amplifier, a shock hazard may be present. To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product in the rain or near water. Do not allow this product to become wet. Do not replace or supplement this product's battery with an external power supply.
	Do not place cables connected to this product in areas where they cause a trip hazard.
	Do not play this instrument at a high volume, especially when using headphones. Hearing experts advise against the continuous, extended use of headphones.

2. Unpacking and Inspection
(Back to Contents)

The following items are contained in the carton:

• One Model 204 Theremin with internal battery (shipped disconnected)
• One antenna assembly
• One Model 204 Theremin User Manual
• One Warranty Registration Form   (You can click here for a printable image of the Warranty Registration Form.)

Please complete the Warranty Registration Form and mail it within 14 days. Retain the carton and wrapping material in the event that the instrument has to be returned to Harrison Instruments for service.

Carefully remove the wrapping material from the theremin and antenna assembly. Inspect them for damage.

If damage is apparent

• Notify the shipper immediately to make a damage claim.
• Notify Harrison Instruments to report the damage and to obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. IMPORTANT: Harrison Instruments must provide an RMA number for all returns.

• Carefully pack the items to be returned, providing at least an inch of padding around all surfaces. Use the original carton, if it is still intact, or an equivalent. Seal the carton on all edges with packing tape, and include the RMA number on the shipping label. Send the merchandise POSTAGE PREPAID and INSURED for its purchase value to the following address:
  
  

  HARRISON INSTRUMENTS RMA _____ PO BOX 9012 SILVER SPRING MD 20916

3. Parts of the 204 Theremin
(Back to Contents)

4. Battery Installation
(Back to Contents)

The 204 Theremin uses a single IEC 6LR61 9 volt alkaline battery such as Duracell type MN1604 or Energizer type 522, supplied with the instrument. To prevent accidental discharge, the theremin is shipped with the battery installed, but partially disconnected. Refer to the illustrations above to connect the battery.

1. Place the POWER switch in the down ("off") position.
2. Remove the two SLOTTED SCREWS with a small screwdriver and carefully pull the BATTERY PLATE away from the panel so that the plate can rest on the work surface.
3. Connect both contacts of the snap-on battery connector to the battery, observing the correct polarity.
4. Replace the BATTERY PLATE with the battery snap connector toward the bottom of the instrument. Do not overtighten the SLOTTED SCREWS.
5. Place the POWER switch in the up ("on") position.

When used as a stand-alone instrument with its internal speaker, the battery will last at least 20 hours. The battery will last much longer when an external amplifier is used and the internal speaker is off. A weak battery will be evident if the tone in the internal speaker has a distorted quality, the loudness of the tone is decreased, the pitch does not change smoothly as the hand approaches the antenna, or a combination of these conditions. A dead battery will result in no tone at all.

5. Playing the 204 Theremin
(Back to Contents)

The 204 can be played as a stand-alone instrument without a cord. It is ready to use this way as soon as it is removed from its shipping carton and its battery is connected.

1. Place the theremin on a level surface, such as a desk, with the front facing you. Objects, especially metal ones, should be at least two feet away from the antenna.
2. Turn the ZERO knob counterclockwise, until it stops. It may take several turns to reach the stop.
3. Place the theremin POWER switch in the up position. You will immediately hear a tone from the speaker.
4. Turn the ZERO knob clockwise, and notice that the tone descends in pitch until it stops. Do not touch the case of the theremin while you turn the knob. When the tone stops, note the position of the white line on the knob, and continue rotating the knob clockwise one complete turn.
5. Move your hand and body at least two feet away from the theremin. With your hand and body away, there will be either a very low-pitched tone or no tone. If there is a low-pitched tone, then readjust the knob position by turning it about 1/4-turn counterclockwise.
6. When the above steps are completed, the theremin will produce no sound with your hand and body away from it and produce a low-pitched tone when your hand is about 15 inches directly above the antenna. The tone will increase to a high pitch when your hand is very close to, or touching, the antenna. If the low-pitched tone is not present when your hand is 15 inches away from the antenna, readjust the ZERO knob a slight amount in either direction, as necessary, until you obtain the low-pitched tone.
7. The theremin is now ready to be played as a stand alone instrument. Hold your hand directly above and parallel to the antenna. Move your hand up to lower the pitch, and down to raise the pitch.
8. To conserve the battery, place the POWER switch in the down position when the theremin is not being played.

The 204 can also be played while connected to a grounded PA amplifier, monitor amplifier, audio mixing console, or effects device and amplifier chain.

1. Place the theremin on a level surface, such as a desk, with the front facing you. Objects, especially metal ones, should be at least two feet away from the antenna.
2. Turn the ZERO knob counterclockwise until it stops. It may take several turns to reach the stop.
3. Plug one end of a 1/4" phone cord into the theremin's OUT jack. Plug the other end of the cord into the input jack of a grounded amplifier or other audio device which receives its power from a grounded (3-wire) AC outlet.
4. To prevent damage to your hearing and speakers, set the volume of the external audio amplifier to a very low level.
5. Turn on the audio amplifier.
6. Place the theremin POWER switch in the up position. You will immediately hear a tone from the amplifier speaker. (The theremin's internal speaker is automatically disconnected when a cord is used.)
7. Adjust the amplifier volume control for an appropriate volume level.
8. Turn the ZERO knob clockwise, and notice that the tone descends in pitch and then ceases. Do not touch the case of the theremin while you turn the knob. When the tone ceases, note the position of the white line on the knob, and continue rotating the knob clockwise one complete turn.
9. Move your hand and body at least two feet away from the theremin. With your hand and body away, there will be either a very low-pitched tone or no tone. If there is a low-pitched tone, then readjust the knob position by turning it about 1/4-turn counterclockwise.
10. When the above steps are completed, the theremin will produce no sound with your hand and body away from it and produce a low-pitched tone when your hand is about 18 inches directly above the antenna. The tone will increase to a high pitch when your hand is very close to the antenna and become inaudible when you touch the antenna. If the low-pitched tone is not present when your hand is 18 inches away from the antenna, readjust the ZERO knob a slight amount in either direction, as necessary, until you obtain the low-pitched tone.
11. The theremin is now ready to be played as an externally-amplified instrument. Hold your hand directly above and parallel to the antenna. Move your hand up to lower the pitch and down to raise the pitch.
12. In this setup, the theremin is grounded to the earth through the external equipment. The grounding provides increased coupling between the player and the theremin, which will result in greater pitch range and greater hand-sensing distance. The middle part of the scale will also be "spread out," making it easier to obtain specific notes.
13. To conserve the battery, place the POWER switch in the down position when the theremin is not being played.

6. Warranty and Repair Service
(Back to Contents)

Harrison Instruments One-Year Limited Warranty

Harrison Instruments, Incorporated ("Harrison Instruments") warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase PROVIDED, however, that this limited warranty is extended only to the original purchaser and is subject to the following conditions, exclusions, and limitations hereinafter set forth:

This limited warranty shall be void and of no effect if:

1. The first purchase of the product is for the purpose of resale; or
2. The original purchase of the product is not made from Harrison Instruments or an authorized distributor; or
3. The product has been damaged by accident or unreasonable use, neglect, improper maintenance, or other causes; or
4. The serial number affixed to the product is altered, defaced, or removed; or
5. The product's enclosure is opened by any party not authorized by Harrison Instruments.

In the event of a defect in material or workmanship covered by this limited warranty, Harrison Instruments will repair the defect in material or workmanship without charge or replace the product, at Harrison Instruments' option, provided however, that in any case, all costs of shipping for the purpose of shipping the product to Harrison Instruments for repair are paid by you, the purchaser.

THE WARRANTY REGISTRATION FORM SHOULD BE ACCURATELY COMPLETED AND MAILED TO AND RECEIVED BY HARRISON INSTRUMENTS WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU RECEIVE THE PRODUCT.

If the defect can be remedied under this limited warranty and other terms and conditions expressed herein have been complied with, Harrison Instruments will provide the necessary warranty service to repair or replace the product and will return it to you, the purchaser.

Warranty Repair Service

If you encounter a defect in material or workmanship covered by this warranty, obtain an RMA (Return Materials Authorization) number from Harrison Instruments. IMPORTANT: Harrison Instruments must provide an RMA number for all returns.

Carefully pack the items to be returned, providing at least an inch of padding around all surfaces. Use the original carton, if it is still intact, or an equivalent. Seal the carton on all edges with packing tape, and include the RMA number on the shipping label. Send the merchandise POSTAGE PREPAID and INSURED for its purchase value to the following address:

HARRISON INSTRUMENTS, INC.
RMA _____
PO BOX 9012
SILVER SPRING MD 20916

Limitation of Liability

Harrison Instruments' liability to the purchaser from any cause whatsoever and regardless of the form of action, including negligence, is limited to the the amount of the original purchase price of the product that caused the damage or that is the subject of, or directly related to, the cause of action.

Harrison Instruments does not assume liability for personal injury or property damage arising out of, or caused by, misuse of its products, or any or all alterations or attachments to its products. Harrison Instruments does not assume any responsibility for damage to interconnected non-Harrison Instruments products that may result from the normal functioning and maintenance of Harrison Instruments products.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL HARRISON INSTRUMENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR COLLATERAL, ANY INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, OR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ITS PRODUCTS, EVEN IF HARRISON INSTRUMENTS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE.

7. Contacting Harrison Instruments
(Back to Contents)

Write us at:

HARRISON INSTRUMENTS, INC.
P.O. BOX 9012
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND USA 20916

or e-mail us at:

sales@harrisoninstruments.com

(Back to 204 Theremin Product Page)

---------------------------------------
©2006 Harrison Instruments, Incorporated. No part of this manual may be reproduced without express written consent of the copyright holder.
Rev. 1  20120412

-