PAVA Application Guide

Audix Systems, Station Road, Wenden, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4LG. Telephone: +44(0)1799 540888 Facsimile: +44(0)1799 541618

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PA-VA Application Guide

PA/VA Systems Application Guide V2.0


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Revision History Version Modifications Date 1.0 Initial Draft 09/08/01 2.0 Major Revision 20 February 2003

© Copyright Audix Systems 2003

DISCLAIMER

This manual contains information that is correct to the best of Audix Systems’ knowledge. It is intended to be a guide and should be used as such. It should not be considered as a sole source of technical instruction,

replacing good technical judgement, since all possible situations cannot be anticipated. If there are any doubts as to exact installation, configuration and/or use, call Audix Systems at


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+44 (0)1799 540888

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Windows™, Windows 95™ and Windows 98™ are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation All other trademarks are recognised


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REVISION HISTORY..............................................................................................................................................................2

1 INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................................5 1.1 SYSTEM DESIGN...........................................................................................................................................................6

2 INPUT CONTROLLERS ............................................................................................................................................6 2.1 MICROPHONES .............................................................................................................................................................6 2.2 BACKGROUND MUSIC ..................................................................................................................................................8 2.3 FIRE ALARM INTERFACE ..............................................................................................................................................8

3 AUDIO SWITCHING MATRIX ...............................................................................................................................9 3.1 STANDARD ALPHA .....................................................................................................................................................11 3.2 NETWORK ALPHAS.....................................................................................................................................................11 3.3 ALPHA BLOCK SCHEMATIC........................................................................................................................................11 3.4 MATRIX BYPASS UNIT ...............................................................................................................................................12

4 SIGNAL PROCESSING ............................................................................................................................................12 4.1 EQUALIZATION...........................................................................................................................................................12 4.2 NOISE SENSING ..........................................................................................................................................................12

5 AMPLIFICATION ......................................................................................................................................................13

6 FAULT MONITORING.............................................................................................................................................14 6.1 SPEAKER LINE SURVEILLANCE (BSEN60849) ..........................................................................................................15 6.2 MICROPHONE SURVEILLANCE ...................................................................................................................................16 6.3 DATA PATH SURVEILLANCE ......................................................................................................................................17 6.4 REMOTE FAULT REPORTING.......................................................................................................................................17

7 BATTERY BACKUP ..................................................................................................................................................17

8 EQUIPMENT RACKS ...............................................................................................................................................18 8.1 RACKS ........................................................................................................................................................................18 8.2 OTHER RACK ACCESSORIES.......................................................................................................................................19 8.3 MAINS DISTRIBUTION ................................................................................................................................................19 8.4 INPUT TERMINATIONS ................................................................................................................................................19 8.5 OUTPUT TERMINATION ..............................................................................................................................................20 8.6 SYSTEM RACKS...........................................................................................................................................................20

9 LOUDSPEAKERS .......................................................................................................................................................21

10 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................................................................21

11 GLOSSARY...............................................................................................................................................................23


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1 Introduction

Typical PA System

Typical VA system The purpose of the Alpha System Controller is to switch or ‘route’ Public Address / Voice Alarm signals from an announcement station i.e. a microphone to a speaker zone or zones. The

MATRIX

INPUT

AMPLIFIER

OUTPUTROUTING AMPLIFICATION

STANDBY BATTERY SYSTEM

FAULT MONITORING

SYSTEM

EOL

FIRE ALARM

INTERFACE

FAULT OUT

MICROPHONEMATRIX

INPUT

AMPLIFIER

OUTPUT

SPEAKER

ROUTING AMPLIFICATION


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Alpha can interface various announcement stations and other line level audio inputs such as a CD or cassette player. The audio switching matrix with digitally controlled input volume, bass and treble controls, switches or ‘routes’ the audio signals to the power amplifiers. Requests for a ‘route’ from the announcement stations are made to the microprocessor within the Alpha. The microprocessor manages these requests with regard to their priority. On a request being valid i.e. no request of a higher priority is being made for the same outputs or ‘destinations’ the audio switching matrix is ‘routed’. The announcement station may have one or multiple zone (routing) selectors. The configuration of these selectors can be programmed with regard to the input source, output destination or destinations and their priority. This configuration is held in memory within the Alpha.

1.1 System Design

For systems to Comply with BS5839 pt 8 all the loudspeakers are required to have Ceramic terminal blocks and Thermal Fuses, this is to maintain the integrity of the Loudspeaker line in the event of a fire. With ceiling loudspeakers which are fitted into ceiling that are being used as a fire barrier the loudspeaker’s fire dome must be made of steel to maintain the integrity of the of the ceiling in the event of a fire. Where Plastic (typically horn) loudspeakers are used, an external junction box with a ceramic terminal block and thermal fuse must be fitted

2 Input Controllers 2.1 Microphones

Audix offers a range of standard and purpose built Microphones Generally these units may include a number of the following options:

• Desk, wall or equipment rack mounting. • Single or multiple selection buttons generally used for zoning. • General zone selector configurations 1, 8, 16, 32 and 96 • Single button unit (PTT press to talk) using switched pair to alpha (I/O switch-in). • Multi button units using alpha serial data link (reducing cable cores). • Zone selection buttons PTT and microphone (microphone consoles). • Zone selectors without PTT and microphone (BGM or message controllers). • Control of microphone or audio source such as a CD player. • Control of pre recorded messages within Alpha system. • Control of pre recorded messages from an external source. • Built-in microphone pre-amplifiers (Note alpha audio input is line level).


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• Pre announcement chime and audio limiter available with Pre amplifier option.

The standard range of SMU desk mounted microphone consoles offer: SMU1 (570.005.005)

• Goose neck microphone. • Single PTT button. • Speak and busy LED indication. • Microphone level output. For more information on SMU1 please refer to User Manual Ref 21016


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SMU8 (570.005.001) SMU16 (570.005.002) • Goose neck microphone • 8/16 zone selectors with busy and confirm LED indication per selector • PTT button and speaker indicator • Microphone to line level pre amplifier • Digital audio stage offering audio limiter, digital chime and 20KHz-surveillance

generator. • Button, confirm and busy data received and transmitted over RS485 serial link

pair. • Button designations protected by a clear cover.

SMU8BGM (570.005.012) SMU16 BGM (570.005.013) • Desk mount music controllers • 8/16 zone selectors with busy and confirm LED indication per selector • Button, confirm and busy data received and transmitted over RS485 serial link

pair. • Button designations protected by a clear cover. For more information on SMU8 and 16 please refer to User Manual Ref 21004

2.2 Background Music

Typically we Utilize equipment from; Denon, Marantz, Pioneer and Technics Audio Sources:

• Cd player 5-disc rack mounted (570.501.004) • Cd player professional single disc (570.501.005) • Cassette, professional twin auto reverse (570.501.002) • Cd/cassette combined player (570.501.006) • AM/FM tuner - rack mounting (570.501.001)

Switch panels, Zones Selection

• 3 channel/off bgm selector with volume control rack mount (570.501.010) • SMU8BGM Desk mount music controllers (570.005.012) • SMU16 BGM Desk mount music controllers (570.005.013)

2.3 Fire alarm Interface BS 5839 describes a requirement for ‘the voice-alarm system to latch on receipt of a signal from the fire detection and alarm system until de-latched by a separate command from the fire detection and alarm system’. The Audix MSL1000 (570.006.010) is a serial data linked interface for Audix PA VA systems that satisfies this requirement, with a dc monitored parallel interface for volt-free contacts driven by any fire detection and alarm system. Two fault conditions will cause a fault to be detected:


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1. Open-circuit when the monitored voltage exceeds a reference level 2. Short-circuit when the monitored voltage falls below a reference level

The MSL1000 (570.006.010) must be linked to the Master Fault Monitoring System (FMS) which will report faults detected by the unit. The detector is designed signal a fault condition to the FMS if power to the unit is lost This connects the alpha front-end audio processors, which contain the emergency message cards. The data link between the MSL1000 and alpha is continuously monitored and its failure is reported to the master FMS. Whenever the fire alarm contact activates the MSL1000 will send data to the alpha and trigger the emergency message. Messages are stored as raw data files and not as simple tone generators, so any voice and/or alarm message can be recorded and stored on the message cards. Priorities and routing of messages can be configured within the alpha matrix For more information on Monitored Serial link interface please refer to User Manual Ref 21014

3 Audio Switching Matrix

The Alpha matrix utilises digital control of analogue audio to provide a 12 input, 16-output matrix incorporating up to 3 message cards with up to 10 messages with a total 180 seconds of high quality digital audio per card. Minimal controls, accessed with a password, allow the user to set volume, bass and treble via the Liquid Crystal Display. All parameters (including microphone controls, signal routing, priority settings and fault monitoring) can be programmed by non-technical staff using a re-configuration package. The majority of controls are accessed via an LCD front panel using 4 buttons and a thumb wheel, this allows:

• Menus of control and utility functions. • Menus for inspection and adjustment of Audio control settings. • Menus for display of CPU reported fault warnings. • Menus for making changes to the configuration data in Flash memory. • Menu for update of embedded program in Flash memory. • Menus to verify and update stored record of program and configuration memory.


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The alpha is designed such that it has in built self testing including:

• Test functions built into front panel menus. • Display and operate any Virtual SIU. • Echo of I/O port status to the display. • Direct (overriding) control of output port states. • Display of Input Live status • The above items complement the configurable features and allow both board-level and

system-level diagnostics.


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3.1 Standard Alpha

• Alpha (standard 12 input - 16 output matrix) c/w itp100 connector panel (570.002.033) • Alpha with 1 message card c/w itp100 connector panel (570.002.032) • Alpha with 2 message cards c/w itp100 connector panel (570.002.031) • Alpha with 3 message cards c/w itp100 connector panel (570.002.030)

3.2 Network Alphas

• Network Alpha c/w itp100 connector panel (570.002.029) • Network Alpha with 1 message card c/w itp100 connector panel (570.002.028) • Network Alpha with 2 message cards c/w itp100 connector panel (570.002.027) • Network Alpha with 3 message cards c/w itp100 connector panel (570.002.026)

3.3 Alpha Block Schematic

Each of the voice alarm system equipment racks (panel) contains a microprocessor Controlled Alpha Audio Switching Matrix. This Matrix switches the audio input Sources from microphones and the message cards holding the evacuate announcement. When an input controller is activated (i.e. paging microphones and/or serial link interfaces) a request is made to the Alpha matrix controller via a serial data link. The matrix controller


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manages the request according to the priority level and destination (route) set by the programmed configuration. The matrix controller then routes the input source to the output destinations via the matrix. The routed signal is passed to the Monitored Vector Power Amplifiers (MVPA) where it is amplified up to 100 volt line. The MVPA amplifiers are configured to match the power requirements of the loudspeaker circuits that they are to drive. Each loudspeaker is fitted with an integral transformer, which reduces the secondary voltage to a level that will achieve the speakers rated output. The transformers have a number of tappings that allow the output sound pressure level to be adjusted by typically +/- 3dB

3.4 Matrix Bypass Unit

A rack mounted Bypass unit (570.002.006) is available. If the Alpha matrix fails, Live announcements can still be made. To make an announcement turn the key on the front panel clockwise. The Bypass indication will illuminate. Any microphone connected to the bypass unit will then be able to make a call to ALL zones.

For complete details on the operation and programming of the Alpha matrix please refer to the alpha User Manual. Ref 21013

4 Signal Processing 4.1 Equalization

On systems requiring optimization for meeting RASTI requirements, or on Pro sound installations Audix can supply Equalization. Typically each channel requiring equalization will be fitted with a 30Band 1/3 octave equalizer. Where the Equalization is fitted on a voice alarm system a bypass unit must also be fitted to bypass the EQ on mains failure.

• Graphic eq single channel 30 band - rack mounting (570.501.008) • Graphic eq dual channel 30 band - rack mounting (570.501.007)

4.2 Noise Sensing

Noise Sensing systems are installed in many large public buildings including Airports, Exhibition Halls and Convention Centres where fluctuations in background noise are sufficient to necessitate an automatic adjustment of system sound pressure level. For more information on Noise Sensing systems please refer to User Manual Ref 21007

• Noise sensing frame, fits 8 cards (570.007.010) • Noise sensing card - (fits in frame) (570.007.011) • Noise sensing microphone flush mount (570.007.001) • Noise sensing microphone suspended (570.007.002)


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5 Amplification

The power amplifiers for the system are designed in a modular form. Amplifiers are grouped together to meet the specific power requirements of each zone. This enables efficient use of output power capability and reduces the mechanical size of the PA power racks. The Audix system utilises two levels of redundancy;

a) Small zone, single amp, single speaker line.

A

b) Dual redundant zones (2 speaker lines)

A

B

c) Dual redundant zones with parallel amplifiers.

Figure 3 Amplifier Configuration

60 watt 'PowerBloc' amplifier modules are used individually or combined to provide 100 Volt line outputs of 60, 120, 180 or 240 Watts R.M.S. A rack mounting chassis/power supply occupying 3U of space holds up to four PowerBloc modules which may be arranged as four totally independent 60 watt amplifiers or in any of ten other output configurations.


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Small zones which do not require dual speaker lines (such as Lifts) will use a single 60W PowerBloc driving a single speaker line (figure ?a) Larger zones requiring dual speaker lines but with less than 120W total power required will have dual redundant speaker lines each driven by one 60W PowerBloc amplifier (figure ?b). Therefore, if one PowerBloc fails the sound coverage in the affected zones will reduce but will not be lost. Large zones requiring dual speaker lines but with more than 120W total power required will have dual redundant speaker lines each driven by multiples of 60W PowerBloc amplifiers in parallel (figure ?c). Therefore, if one PowerBloc fails the power into one speaker circuit will be reduced (but not lost) and the sound coverage in the affected zones will be slightly reduce. Using the latest MOSFET circuit techniques results in an efficient and extremely reliable power amplifier. The amplifiers are protected from short circuit speaker lines by current limiting on the output stage. Also the amplifiers are protected from persistently being over-driven by a thermal cut-out which is triggered at 85 °C this reduces the amplifier input drive to reduce the transistor load. The output power of existing units can be increased at any time by the addition of more PowerBloc output modules (subject to available space in the mainframe). The use of parallel reliable amplifiers to drive each zone negates the need for hot or cold standby spare amplifiers as the system will remain available under the failure of one PowerBloc. For more information on amplifiers please refer to User Manual Ref 21015 The following standard amplifier configurations can be utilised;

Monitored Non-monitored 1 X 120W POWER AMPLIFIER 570.001.024 570.001.010 2 X 120W POWER AMPLIFIER 570.001.013 570.001.020 1 X 120W + 1 X 60W POWER AMPLIFIERS 570.001.022 570.001.018 1 X 120W + 2 X 60W POWER AMPLIFIERS 570.001.023 570.001.019 1 X 180W POWER AMPLIFIER 570.001.014 570.001.011 1 X 180W + 1 X 60W POWER AMPLIFIERS 570.001.025 570.001.012 1 X 240W POWER AMPLIFIER 570.001.001 570.001.003 1 X 60W POWER AMPLIFIER 570.001.026 570.001.009 2 X 60W POWER AMPLIFIER 570.001.015 570.001.021 3 X 60W POWER AMPLIFIER 570.001.027 570.001.017 4 X 60W POWER AMPLIFIER 570.001.002 570.001.004

6 Fault Monitoring Audix offers the opportunity to monitor the audio path of public address and voice alarm systems.


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This monitoring is carried out using the Fault Monitoring System or ‘FMS’ system using a single “Master” FMS frame (570.003.001) and additional “Slave” frames (570.003.002) The FMS system offers a wide range of monitoring options:

• Audio path. • Serial data link. • Control contacts. • Amplifier. • Mains and battery supplies

For voice alarm systems that comply with BS5839 require all of the above to be monitored on critical paths and components. Critical paths are those paths through the voice alarm system that rely on equipment and the connections between them to achieve a voice alarm broadcast. As the alpha forms a major part of the signal control and routing, it is a critical component and therefore requires monitoring. The alpha can also be configured to perform monitoring on other critical paths and components connected to it. Each voice alarm system that is to comply to BS5839 part 8 and other standards requires to be specifically designed to achieve that end.

6.1 Speaker Line Surveillance (BSEN60849)

A Surveillance Monitor Module (570.003.005) slotted either in the FMS Master or Slave Chassis provides loudspeaker line surveillance. Each detector monitors the presence on the loudspeaker lines of 20kHz signal injected into the system by the microphone pre-amplifier MPAB3 located in the PA Equipment Rack. Two front panel indicators give separate warnings of line shorted to ground and line open or short circuit. End of line monitoring devices (570.003.006) have a third indicator giving indication should the remote detector become disconnected. To allow monitoring of the integrity of the entire line each detector is connected to an end of line transponder functioning on a 3 conductor circuit.


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A

B

Rac

k Te

rmin

atio

ns

EOLEOL

EOLEOL

The surveillance monitors the speaker loop cable up to the terminal block leading to the speaker Loudspeaker lines are protected from short circuit in the first instance by current limiting on the output of the amplifiers. If the failure persists, the amplifier output transistors will start to get hot. A thermal cut-out is triggered at 85 °C which reduces the amplifier input to reduce the transistor load.

6.2 Microphone Surveillance

Surveillance tone (20kHz) is injected into the microphone capsule via the MPAB3 (570.005.007) pre-amplifier (for SMU1) or built in pre-amp (SMU8/16). Failures of any part of the circuit, including open or short circuit of the microphone capsule will result in the level of tone being reduced to an undetectable level. On arriving at an equipment rack the audio path is monitored by the FMS which detects the presence of the surveillance tone. If the tone level falls significantly a fault is indicated on the FMS front panel and the common fault output is activated. Monitoring at this point is not critical as the fault will be detected further on in the system. This point is monitored to assist in fault diagnosis. The tone then follows the same audio path as the microphone signal into the switching matrix. Surveillance beyond this point is continued as described under the heading 'Audio Path Surveillance' below. Surveillance of the data outputs from the microphone units is carried out in the matrix controller and is described under the heading 'Data Path Surveillance' below.


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6.3 Data Path Surveillance

The matrix controller continually polls serial devices connected to it. On failing to receive a valid response from a serial input, the matrix controller will report a matrix fault to the associated FMS. A fault will be indicated on the FMS and the common fault output will be activated.

6.4 Remote Fault reporting

Two relays are provided in the FMS frame giving dry contacts for interfacing to external fault reporting equipment (i.e. fire alarm or building management). Fault; This relay changes state whenever a fault is present on the system and remains active for the duration of the fault. The Fault relay can only be reset by resetting the FMS from the front panel. New Fault; This relay changes state when a New Fault occurs on the system. This relay is de-activated when a fault is ACCEPTED from the front panel or by remote. If a new fault occurs after the current one is accepted, the relay is activated. The fault indications are output via a 9 pin D type connector on the rear of the master FMS chassis as follows;

Pin Function 1 New Fault Normally Closed 6 New Fault Wiper 2 New Fault Normally Open 7 System Fault Normally Closed 3 System Fault Wiper 8 System Fault Normally Open 4 Remote Fault Accept switch (short 4-9 to operate) 9 Remote Fault Accept switch

7 Battery Backup

The SBS Standby Battery System are primarily designed for use with Voice Alarm Systems requiring battery Backup to comply with BS 5839 pt 8. The SBS Standby Battery System features;

• Standby battery units are designed to provide a self-contained 24V DC supply that can be

exactly tailored to provide the standby supply capability required • They are provided in standard 19” rack frames and three standard capacities, each in a 3U

chassis • Up to 4 Individually fused protected outputs for amplifiers are available on each battery unit


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• Dual 24AH battery units incorporate 2 separate chargers • 48AH battery units maintain similar performance with a double capacity charger unit

To workout battery requirement for a VA system please refer to the battery calculator spreadsheet For more information on SBS Battery systems please refer to User Manual Ref 21017 The following standard battery configurations are availble; • Battery frame 1 x 24ah with integral battery charger (570.004.001) • Battery frame 2 x 24ah with integral battery charger (570.004.003) • Battery frame 1 x 48ah with integral battery charger (570.004.002)

8 Equipment Racks 8.1 Racks

IMPORTANT; If a rack is bought as part of a system this includes all necessary rack runners, mains distribution and labels. The Audix Standard range of attractive and versatile 19” cabinets are ideal for mounting Public Address and Voice Alarm equipment. They come fully assembled with lockable, removable side panels and doors for good all round accessibility. SPECIFICATIONS: Rigid / welded frame One pair full height 19” adjustable profiles Full height glass front door, complete with lock and two keys Pilkington safety glass, kite marked to BS6206 Class A Ventilated top and base Ventilated side panels removable from the inside only Removable gland plate with access for cable tray top and bottom Manufactured to IEC 297-2 Supplied fully assembled Door can be hinged left or right Cabinet powder coated 00-A-05 leatherette (Goose Grey) Panels powder coated 00-A-01 leatherette (Ash Grey) Equipment racks are supplied in the following standard sizes.

Height (U) 8 12 15 18 21 24 27 33 39 42 45 Height (mm) 387 565 700 831 1099 1230 1366 1633 1899 2033 2166Weight (kg) 12 15 18 21 24 28 32 38 45 49 53

Width x Depth (mm): All 600 x 600 except 8U, 12U, 15U & 18U which are 541 x 511


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8.2 Other Rack Accessories

BLANK 1,2,3: blank rack panels in the following sizes: 1U (44mm, weight 0.3kg), 2U (89mm, weight 0.5kg) and 3U (133mm, weight 0.7kg). VENT 1,2,3: Black Powered Coated Steel ventilation panels in the following sizes: 1U (44mm, weight 0.3kg), 2U (89mm, weight 0.5kg) and 3U (133mm, weight 0.7kg). These panels are suitable for positioning above amplifiers and other powered equipment to promote airflow and reduce ambient temperatures. BTK – Bolt Together Kit

8.3 Mains Distribution

Audix uses 3 mains distribution panels. MDP4 (4 way Mains panel) (570.509.008) MDP8 (8 way Mains panel) (570.008.001) MDP12 (12 way Mains panel) (570.008.002)

All Audix Mains powered units have IEC mains connectors.

8.4 Input Terminations

The ITP100 termination panel (570.002.003) allows connection of audio input and control signal site cabling to 2.5mm² screw terminals. These screw terminals are connected to the audio inputs and control ports of the alpha via twisted ribbon cables and connectors The ITP100 includes a 19" rack mounting chassis, which is approximately 2U high. The unit maybe mounted horizontally across the rear of an equipment rack on the standard fixings. A

NE

LMains Inlet

CE


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steel cover provides protection of a small number of electronic components and fuses. This cover may also be used to mount wiring designations specific to that system. Connection of the alpha audio outputs is not provided by the ITP100. These 16 line level outputs are via two 25way D-type male sockets on the back of the alpha. The ITP100 provides 12 distributed, fused 24V outputs. These are typically used for powering SMU’s but can also be used to power other 24V equipment. Each output is protected by a 500mA (T) 20mm fuse. Total Current across all of these outputs must not exceed 2A Max. When interfacing to Vector power amplifiers a 5 Volt pulse is required as a wake up signal. The ITP100 provides interface hardware at switched output 16 to implement this. A jumper on this output can select output 16 to operate as either an open collector or as a 5V output. A green LED shows the status of switched output 16 indicating operation of the wake up signal.

8.5 Output Termination

Speaker output terminations are usually via the ODPK (570.001.005). Audix can also supply Din rail mounted terminals

8.6 System racks IMPORTANT; If a rack is bought as part of a system using the following it includes all necessary rack runners, mains distribution, output terminations and labels.

PA VA

6U RACK 570.070.031 570.070.032

8U RACK 570.070.033 570.070.001

12U RACK 570.070.034 570.070.002

15U RACK 570.070.003 570.070.004

18U RACK 570.070.005 570.070.006


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22U RACK 570.070.007 570.070.009

27U RACK 570.070.011 570.070.013

32U RACK 570.070.015 570.070.017

39U RACK 570.070.019 570.070.021

42U RACK 570.070.023 570.070.025

45U RACK 570.070.027 570.070.029

9 Loudspeakers There are 5 main types of loudspeaker. • Ceiling mounted speaker • Surface mounted Cabinet speaker • Column speaker • Projection speaker • Horn speaker

10 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

The electrical installation of which the alpha Controller unit is part must incorporate an all-pole mains isolating switch, with contact separation of at least 3mm.

The mains power supply connecting cord to the alpha Controller unit must have conductor area at least 0.75 mm². The power cord must be BASEC or HAR approved with connectors complying with EN60320 and must provide a safety earth.

The Tannoy-Audix standby battery supply units (Models SBS241, SBS242, or SBS481) all include a separate fuse on each 24V dc output. The fuse rating on the feed to the alpha Controller should be 10A Fast acting (F 10A H)

Where 24V DC standby supply other than Tannoy-Audix range listed are used, The DC feed to the alpha Controller should be fused at source with a supply fuse rating of 10A Fast acting (F 10A H).

Systems that employ standby battery supply units within the rack enclosures should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid accumulation of flammable gases which may occur under abnormal charging conditions.

Battery units must be located at lowest positions in the racks such that any leakage of electrolyte will not cause damage to any equipment insulation.

The alpha Controller should not be exposed to dripping or splashing


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11 Glossary The following descriptions define the terms in this manual, most of the terms have evolved over a period of time and represent PA system language unique to Audix Systems. Source A source is any audio input to the switching matrix e.g. Microphone, CD player. Destination A destination is an audio output from the switching matrix which can be connected to an amplifier etc. Audio Switching Matrix The Audio switch matrix allows any one of the source inputs to be switched to any output destination or destinations. With the alpha this switching is configured using software, and is controlled by the embedded processor. ITP100 Input termination panel for alpha matrix

SIU - Serial Interface Unit The SIU remotely controls the switching of the matrix, routing sources to destinations. The operation of each SIU is configured in the alpha configuration suite. There are three main types of Serial Interface Unit: • SMU • BGM Selector • MSL

SMU – Serial Microphone Unit

There are 3 variants of SMU Name Description Features SMU 1 Single button microphone unit Optional Chime SMU 8 8 button microphone unit Chime Digitally recorded on EPROM.

Built in Surveillance Tone Generator. Built in compressor/limiter. Line Level Output.

SMU 16 16 button microphone unit Chime Digitally recorded on EPROM. Built in Surveillance Tone Generator. Built in compressor/limiter. Line Level Output.

The SMU 8 and 16 are microprocessor based remote control microphone units. To route an audio source to a destination or destinations an operator presses one of the buttons to select the required route and then presses a ‘PTT’ button to make the route;


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Each button has a pair of LED’s associated with it to indicate a call status. The Red ‘BUSY’ LED informs the operator that one or more of the destinations selectable by the button are in use. The Green ‘CONFIRM’ LED informs the operator of the call status. An SMU may be configured for the CHIME/SPEAK LED to indicate when a chime is running. When the operator presses the PTT button the chime will start to play and the CHIME/SPEAK LED will flash for the duration of the chime.

BGM Selector The Back Ground Music selector can be either desk mounted or rack mounted. The BGM selector has buttons for zone selection for background music broadcast. The Background Music Selector is available in two desk mounted versions SMU8BGM and SMU16BGM, providing 8 and 16 zone selection button respectively. MSL – Monitored Serial Link Interface This interface is effectively a SMU in a 19” rack mount chassis. Typically the PCB is jumpered to disable the ‘PTT’ button. The MSL is used to interface to a Fire Alarm System, which requires that the input line is tested for failure. PTT – Push To Talk Push To Talk button, activates selected destinations. Busy Line The Busy line is generally an open collector output, which becomes active when the audio destination port it is associated with is in use. Live Output The alpha Live output is an open collector output, which becomes active when the audio source it is associated with is in use Wakeup Output A Wakeup output is a Logic Level Output (+5V), which precedes the surveillance tone by 1.6sec and is used to ‘Wakeup’ an amplifier from its quiescent state. PA Systems sometimes require a standby battery source in case of power failure, to reduce power consumption the amplifiers are put to sleep when not in use. The amplifiers will normally ‘Wakeup’ on their own when a signal is applied. For correct operation the alpha should be used with the ITP100 Termination Panel. SBS Standby Battery System. Typically a BS5839 Compliant system must have battery backup for 24hours in standby and ½ Hour at full power. Although Audix can design systems with greater backup facilities. FMS


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Fault Monitoring System FMSX Fault Monitoring System Slave Chassis PA/VA Public Address/Voice Alarm VPA Vector Power Amplifier VMU Virtual Microphone Unit. This comprises a PC with zone/message selection buttons configured on screen with a separate Mic unit to take the audio signal. Messages held as WAV files can be played directly from the PC’s hard disk. BS5839 – Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings Part 1. Code of practice for system design, installation and servicing. Part 8. Code of practice for the design, installation and servicing of voice alarm systems. BS7443 (BS EN 60849) Specification for Sound systems for emergency purposes SPL Sound Pressure Level (Typically measured in dBu) RASTI Rapid Assessment of Speech Transmission Index

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