ASL INTERCOM VAR8 Operation And Maintenance Manual

VAR8 and Variants

Audio Router and System Controller

ASL Document Ref.: U-0450-1378.doc Issue: 03 - complete, approved - Date: 18/08/10

Operation, Commissioning, FaultFinding and Maintenance Guide

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Application Solutions Limited

Safety, Security and Control Division Unit 17 Cliffe Industrial Estate Lewes - East Sussex BN8 6JL - UK

Tel: +44(0)1273 405411 Fax: +44(0)1273 405415

www.asl-electronics.co.uk

Information contained in this document is believed to be accurate, however no representation or warranty is given and Application Solutions Limited assumes no liability with respect to the accuracy of such information.

Is

Page 2 of 166

This equipment is designed and manufactured to conform to the following EC standards:

EMC EN55103-1/E1, EN55103-2/E5, EN50121-4, EN50130-4, EN61000-6-3,

ENV50204

Safety EN60065

Failure to use the equipment in the manner described in the product literature will invalidate the warranty.

A ‘Declaration of Conformity’ statement to the above standards, and a list of auxiliary equipment used for compliance verification, is available on request.

This product must be disposed of in accordance with the WEEE directive.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 3 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

Contents

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 7

1.1 Important Notes .......................................................................................................................... 7

1.2 Equipment Requirement............................................................................................................. 8

1.3 SW Versions ............................................................................................................................... 8

1.4 Configuration Safety Checklist ................................................................................................... 9

2 Control and Indicators........................................................................................................................... 10

3 User Interface Description .................................................................................................................... 12

3.1 Accessing the User Interface....................................................................................................12

3.2 Navigating the Menus............................................................................................................... 12

3.2.1 Menu Selection Markers ................................................................................................... 12

3.2.2 Selecting Menu Item and Saving Changes ...................................................................... 13

3.2.3 Changing an Option.......................................................................................................... 13

3.2.4 Rotary Encoder ................................................................................................................. 13

3.3 LCD Display Timeouts.............................................................................................................. 13

3.4 Menu Map of Functions ............................................................................................................ 14

4 VAR8 Commissioning Procedure......................................................................................................... 15

5 Access to the System............................................................................................................................ 18

5.1 Logging On ............................................................................................................................... 18

5.2 Logging Off ............................................................................................................................... 18

6 Amplifier Commissioning ..................................................................................................................... 19

7 Stand-alone Operation Setup ............................................................................................................... 25

8 Network Operation Setup...................................................................................................................... 27

8.1 Network Topology..................................................................................................................... 27

8.1.1 4x4 ACU Network Topology ............................................................................................. 27

8.1.1.1 System Parameters................................................................................................... 28

8.1.1.2 Main Network Features ............................................................................................. 28

8.1.2 8x8 ACU Network Topology ............................................................................................. 29

8.1.2.1 System Parameters................................................................................................... 29

8.1.2.2 Main Network Features ............................................................................................. 29

8.2 Slave Unit Configuration........................................................................................................... 31

8.3 Audio Control Unit Configuration.............................................................................................. 35

9 Local Input Configuration ..................................................................................................................... 36

9.1 Input Type and Name Configuration ........................................................................................ 38

9.2 Input Emergency Class Configuration...................................................................................... 38

9.3 Audio Parameter Configuration ................................................................................................ 39

9.4 Priority Set-up........................................................................................................................... 42

9.5 Local Fallback Configuration ....................................................................................................43

9.6 Microphone Button Configuration............................................................................................. 44

9.6.1 Paging or Zoneable Fire Microphone Button Configuration ............................................. 44

9.6.1.1 Unused Button .......................................................................................................... 45

9.6.1.2 Microphone Routing or Zone Select Button.............................................................. 46

9.6.1.3 DVA Routing/Other Input Routing Button ................................................................. 48

9.6.1.4 Play DVA Button ....................................................................................................... 52

9.6.1.5 All Call Button............................................................................................................ 55

9.6.1.6 Cancel All DVAs Button ............................................................................................ 57

9.6.2 Single Button Microphone Button Configuration............................................................... 59

9.7 Unused Audio Inputs ................................................................................................................ 60

10 DVA Input Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 61

10.1 DVA Input Name Configuration ................................................................................................ 61

10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class Configuration ............................................................................. 62

10.3 Audio Parameter Configuration ................................................................................................ 64

10.4 Priority Set-up........................................................................................................................... 65

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 4 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

11 Music Input Configuration .................................................................................................................... 67

11.1 Input Type and Name Configuration ........................................................................................ 67

11.2 Music Input Emergency Class Configuration ........................................................................... 68

11.3 Audio Parameter Configuration ................................................................................................ 69

11.4 Priority Set-up........................................................................................................................... 72

12 Mute Input Configuration ...................................................................................................................... 74

12.1 Mute Input Emergency Class Configuration............................................................................. 74

12.2 Priority Set-up........................................................................................................................... 75

13 Output/Zone Configuration ................................................................................................................... 76

14 Permanent Route Configuration........................................................................................................... 79

15 Remote I/O Unit or Fire Loop Interface Configuration ....................................................................... 80

16 DVA or Route Triggers via Contact Configuration............................................................................. 82

16.1 DVA or Route Trigger via outer Digital Input (Contact) ............................................................ 83

16.2 DVA or Route Trigger via Remote I/O Unit Digital Input (Contact) .......................................... 86

17 DVA or Route Triggers via Third Party Fire Loop Interface .............................................................. 89

18 Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS) Configuration....................................................................................... 91

18.1 ANS Connection to Remote I/O Unit ........................................................................................ 91

18.2 Output Configuration for ANS Monitoring................................................................................. 93

18.3 Input Configuration for ANS Monitoring.................................................................................... 96

19 Volume Control Configuration.............................................................................................................. 99

20 Programme Selector Configuration ................................................................................................... 101

21 External Fault Configuration............................................................................................................... 103

21.1 Router Digital Input as External Fault..................................................................................... 103

21.2 Remote I/O Unit Digital Input as External Fault...................................................................... 105

21.3 Remote I/O Unit Analogue Input as External Fault ................................................................ 107

22 Busy Indication Configuration............................................................................................................ 109

23 Night Time Volume Control Configuration........................................................................................ 111

24 System Configuration.......................................................................................................................... 113

24.1 Changing the System Access Code....................................................................................... 113

24.2 System Date and Time ........................................................................................................... 113

24.3 System Name ......................................................................................................................... 113

24.4 Emergency Sounder Operation.............................................................................................. 114

24.5 Host Routing Timeout Configuration ...................................................................................... 114

24.6 Temperature ........................................................................................................................... 114

24.7 Clearing the Configuration Data and Restoring the Default Settings..................................... 115

24.8 System Software Versions ..................................................................................................... 115

24.9 RS232 Asynchronous Port Configuration............................................................................... 116

25 Diagnostic Tools .................................................................................................................................. 118

25.1 Viewing the Routing Status .................................................................................................... 118

25.2 Viewing the Contact Status .................................................................................................... 118

25.3 Viewing the Current Ambient Noise Sensor Readings........................................................... 119

25.4 Audio Monitoring..................................................................................................................... 119

25.5 Sounder and Lamp Test ......................................................................................................... 120

25.6 Frame Testing Facilities ......................................................................................................... 120

25.6.1 Frame Configuration ....................................................................................................... 120

25.6.2 Amplifier Changeover Testing ........................................................................................ 121

25.6.3 Dip Switch Settings......................................................................................................... 122

25.6.4 Raw Battery Voltage ....................................................................................................... 122

25.6.5 Battery Voltage ............................................................................................................... 122

25.6.6 Battery Voltage at Charger ............................................................................................. 123

25.6.7 Voltage on First Supply Channel .................................................................................... 123

25.6.8 Voltage on Second Supply Channel............................................................................... 123

25.6.9 Voltage Output by the Charger ....................................................................................... 123

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 5 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

25.6.10 Frame Ambient Temperature.......................................................................................... 123

25.6.11 Amplifier Type and Revision Level ................................................................................. 124

25.6.12 Amplifier Detailed Status ................................................................................................ 124

25.6.13 Amplifier Input Surveillance Tone Level ......................................................................... 124

25.6.14 Amplifier Output Surveillance Tone Level ...................................................................... 124

25.6.15 Amplifier DC Line Reading ............................................................................................. 125

25.6.16 Earth Leakage Reading .................................................................................................. 125

26 PC Configuration Tool......................................................................................................................... 126

26.1 Connection.............................................................................................................................. 126

26.2 Starting a New Configuration.................................................................................................. 126

26.3 Loading the Configuration from the Unit................................................................................. 126

26.4 Loading the Configuration from a File .................................................................................... 127

26.5 Saving the Configuration as Text File .................................................................................... 127

26.6 Applying Changes to the Unit ................................................................................................. 127

27 VAR8 User Interface Menu .................................................................................................................. 128

27.1 VAR8 Menu Description ......................................................................................................... 130

28 Fault Indication and Fault Finding ..................................................................................................... 148

28.1 Fault Indication ....................................................................................................................... 148

28.2 Fault Acceptance.................................................................................................................... 148

28.3 Fault Clearance ...................................................................................................................... 148

28.4 Viewing Active Faults ............................................................................................................. 149

28.5 Fault Logging.......................................................................................................................... 149

28.5.1 Viewing the System Fault Log ........................................................................................ 149

28.5.2 Viewing an Amplifier Frame Fault Log............................................................................ 149

28.5.3 Clearing the System Fault Log ....................................................................................... 149

28.6 System Fault Finding Guide ................................................................................................... 150

28.6.1 General Faults ................................................................................................................ 150

28.6.2 Frame and Amplifier Related Faults ............................................................................... 152

28.6.3 Numeric Fault Codes and Their Meaning....................................................................... 153

29 Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................... 154

29.1 Training................................................................................................................................... 154

29.2 Records .................................................................................................................................. 154

29.3 Maintenance Instructions........................................................................................................ 155

29.3.1 Routine Maintenance...................................................................................................... 155

29.3.1.1 Daily Attention ......................................................................................................... 155

29.3.1.2 Weekly Attention ..................................................................................................... 155

29.3.1.3 Monthly Attention .................................................................................................... 155

29.3.1.4 Quarterly Inspection and Test ................................................................................. 155

29.3.1.5 Annual Inspection and Test..................................................................................... 155

29.3.1.6 Replacement of the Real Time Clock Battery ......................................................... 156

29.4 Corrective Maintenance.......................................................................................................... 157

29.4.1 Action by the User after Any Fire (Whether Detected Automatically or Not).................. 157

29.4.2 Action Following a Fault.................................................................................................. 157

30 Manual Settings ................................................................................................................................... 158

30.1 Manual Restoration of Default Settings.................................................................................. 158

30.1.1 Restoring Access Code .................................................................................................. 158

30.1.2 Restoring All Defaults ..................................................................................................... 158

30.1.3 Default Settings............................................................................................................... 159

30.2 Link Settings for Stand-Alone, 1 or 2 Channel Only Network Operation ............................... 160

31 Safety and Precautions ....................................................................................................................... 161

31.1 Environmental......................................................................................................................... 161

31.2 ESD ........................................................................................................................................ 161

31.3 EMC........................................................................................................................................ 161

31.4 Electrical Safety...................................................................................................................... 161

31.5 Lithium Battery........................................................................................................................ 161

31.6 Unpacking and Handling ........................................................................................................ 161

31.6.1 Packing for Repair .......................................................................................................... 161

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 6 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

32 Documents............................................................................................................................................ 162

33 Index...................................................................................................................................................... 163

Service and Warranty.................................................................................................................................. 165

Document Change History

Issue Amendment Details Date

01 First Draft – Internal Release 21/06/07

02 CR0518-1099: ACU Fire Microphone ‘Busy’ LED mode (ACU V1.5.0114)

Update DAU to V1.5.0115

Corrections and updates

14/12/07

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 7 of 166 Page 7 of 166

1 Introduction 1 Introduction

This guide provides guidance on the commissioning, configuration, operation, fault finding, and maintenance of the VAR8 Router and its variants, as described in the following table.

Section Section

Task

No. Title Page

Commissioning 4 VAR8 Commissioning Procedure 15

Commissioning and Operation 6

to

24

Amplifier Commissioning

to

System Configuration

19

to

113

2 Control and Indicators 10

3 User Interface Description 12

5 Access to the System 18

Operation

27 VAR8 User Interface Menu 128

Fault Finding 28 Fault Indication and Fault Finding 148

Maintenance 29 Maintenance 154

30 Manual Settings 158

26 PC Configuration Tool 126

Supporting tasks

25 Diagnostic Tools 118

L

• The Configuration Tool is included for reference aiming better understanding of the configuration procedure. This guide is not intended to describe the operation of the Configuration Tool.

• To obtain a licensed copy of the Configuration Tool, please refer to Application Solutions Limited.

1.1 Important Notes

Please read and observe the “Safety and Precautions” section on page 161 of this manual.

!!

Only qualified personnel who are very familiar with the VAR8 equipment, the installation and its configuration requirements should ‘Log-on’ to alter the system configuration.

Any adjustment of audio parameters or DVA zoning may leave the system in a dangerous state where it will not correctly respond to alarm inputs or may not produce adequate sound pressure levels or intelligibility to comply with Voice Alarm Standards.

Similarly it is possible for the untrained operator to inadvertently disable system surveillance functions, which are mandated by Voice Alarm Standards.

!!

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 8 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

1.2 Equipment Requirement

Item Description Model

Calibration

Status

1. Portable appliance tester PAC1000 Calibrated

2. Digital multimeter Any Calibrated

3. Impedance Meter Millbank LZM1000 or equivalent Calibrated

4. Null modem cable Any N/A

5. Intellevac RS232 adaptor Lead Any N/A

6. Laptop computer with 9WD – RS232 Port Any running Windows 2000 N/A

7. Software: latest versions of ASL Router Configuration Tool

RtrVarCfg.EXE N/A

8. Signal generator (optional for fault finding) Neutrik Minirator or suitable equivalent Calibrated

9. Signal analyser (optional for fault finding) Neutrik Minilyzer or suitable equivalent Calibrated

10. Sound pressure level meter Neutrik Mini SPL and Minilyser or

suitable equivalent

Calibrated

1.3 SW Versions

The VAR8 is a software-controlled piece of apparatus. The information in Table 1 shows the software version used at the time of writing this guide.

If your system has a later (or earlier) version of software, then it may mean that some aspects of the menu operation are subtly different from the operation described in this guide, or that enhanced features have been added.

If any difficulties are encountered, contact ASL or an appointed ASL distributor, quoting the software version of your unit. The appropriate guide can then be recommended. The software version of the VAR8 is displayed via: the ConfigurationÆSystemÆMiscÆSoftware menu, see Section “24.8 System Software Versions”.

Table 1 VAR8 SW Versions

SW Version

Microcontroller V1.5.0115

DSP V3.0.0314

Network Interface EPLD V6

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 9 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

1.4 Configuration Safety Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have completed all tasks required for BS5839 Pt.8 compliance.

“Have I …. Section Page Step(s) Check (9)

Correctly set-up and commissioned AC surveillance on monitored amplifiers (including all standby amplifiers)?

6 20 7

Correctly set-up and commissioned DC surveillance on monitored speaker circuits?

6 21 8

Enabled leakage detection on monitored amplifiers? 6 22 9

Correctly enabled Sleep Mode? 6 22 14

Correctly configured Fire Microphone Input Gains? 9.3 39 6

Correctly configured Fire Microphone Input OP Relative gains?

9.3 39 7

Enabled surveillance monitoring on Fire Microphone inputs?

9.3 39 8

Correctly configured Fire Microphone Input EQ? 9.3 40 9

Correctly assigned (lower) priorities to routine functions, e.g., paging microphones?

9.4 42 12

Correctly configured Fallback DVAs in the event of Network Failure?

9.5 43 13

Correctly configured DVA gains? 10.3 64 5

Correctly configured DVA O/P Relative Gains? 10.3 64 6

Correctly assigned priorities to the DVA messages? 10.4 65 7

Correctly assigned (lower) priorities to routine functions, e.g., background music?

11.4 72 10

Correctly set up Output Gains? 13 76 3

Correctly set up Output EQ? 13 76 4

Correctly set and enabled output surveillance? 13 77 5

Correctly set up Output Override Gains? 13 77 6

16.1 83 1-7

Correctly allocated DVA routing from the Fire Alarm triggers?

16.2 86 1-8

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 10 of 166 Page 10 of 166

2 Control and Indicators 2 Control and Indicators

Figure 1 LCD Display and User Interface Figure 1 LCD Display and User Interface

1

2

3

4 5

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 11 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

Indicators and Controls Description

1

LCD Display

2 x 40 backlit alphanumeric display. Used to display the control menu, faults, and configuration data.

power

green Lit only if the unit is receiving DC power from both

sources.

processor

green Flashes to show that the processor is healthy.

comms

green

Lit to indicate communication activity between the main processor and the amplifier units. Flashes on receipt of a message from an amplifier unit.

2

LED

fault

amber

Lit to indicate that the unit has detected a system fault. Flashes if a fault has not yet been accepted.

W X

The left and right arrow keys move the item selection in the direction selected, to the next item in the menu. The selected item is indicated by [brackets] around the selection.

S T

The up and down arrow keys toggle a selection, or increment a number, or a letter of the alphabet when editing.

The rotary encoder acts in the same manner as these keys, and enables faster editing.

SELECT

Press after selecting an item to confirm the selection.

BACK

Press after selecting an item to cancel the selection. If pressed repeatedly, this returns the display to the top-level menu.

DEFAULT

Press to clear previously configured text strings quickly during system configuration, or to return fields to their default values.

FAULT ACCEPT

Accepts all current faults, steadies the flashing fault LED indication, and turns off the audible alarm until a new fault condition occurs.

FAULT CLEAR

Clears all faults and sets all connected equipment to the 'no faults' state, which also cancels any Amplifier Changeovers in effect. If there are any faults present in the system then they are detected anew, and reported again.

AUDIO MON

Selects Audio Monitor sub-menu on the LCD display.

3

Keys

LAMP TEST

Tests all indicators on the VAR8 and on all connected amplifier units. The sounder is also tested. The display shows ‘LAMP + SOUNDER TEST’ and the menu locks during this time.

This function is also available from the ‘Tests’ menu.

4

Rotary Encoder

Multi-function:

• An alternative for the S and T arrow keys for fast increment

and decrement of menu items.

• During Audio Monitoring it also acts as a Volume Control.

5

Loudspeaker Dual function: Alarm Sounder and Audio Monitor.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 12 of 166 Page 12 of 166

3 User Interface Description 3 User Interface Description

3.1 Accessing the User Interface 3.1 Accessing the User Interface

The VAR8 is password protected in order to prevent unauthorised alteration of the system configuration. Thus the system configuration cannot be changed unless the operator is ‘Logged on’ by entering the correct Access Code.

When the operator is 'Logged off' it is not possible to change any configurable items, or to clear any fault logs. It is, however, possible to view all the system information apart from the access code.

The factory default access code is ‘0999’. The factory default access code is ‘0999’.

Only qualified personnel who are very familiar with the VAR8 equipment, the installation and its configuration requirements should ‘Log-on’ to alter the system configuration.

Any adjustment of audio parameters or DVA zoning may leave the system in a dangerous state where it will not correctly respond to alarm inputs or may not produce adequate sound pressure levels or intelligibility to comply with Voice Alarm Standards.

Similarly it is possible for the untrained operator to inadvertently disable system surveillance functions, which are mandated by Voice Alarm Standards.

!!

3.2 Navigating the Menus

Figure 2 Example of Display (Top-level Menu)

LCD Display Line 1

Displays the menu description and whether the user is logged on or logged off.

On the top-level display the system type, and the current date and time are shown. If a fault occurs, then text describing the fault is displayed. This fault text is alternated with a display of the current date and time. In the event of multiple faults each fault is displayed in sequence, while alternating with the date and time display.

LCD Display Line 2

Displays menu options.

3.2.1 Menu Selection Markers

Different markers are used to aid menu navigation as follows:

• [square brackets] indicate this option is an editable field or can be scrolled using the up and down arrows.

• {curly braces} indicate this option is read-only, for instance if the user is logged off.

• !arrows both sides" indicate this option leads to a sub-menu.

• !arrow on left, bracket on right] indicates this option can be scrolled using the up and down arrows and

when selected will lead to a sub-menu for the selection.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 13 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

3.2.2 Selecting Menu Item and Saving Changes

Use the W and X keys to move to the next item in the menu.

To select a [highlighted] item press the SELECT key. To save changes, press the SELECT key.

To exit from the current menu and to return to the parent menu without saving changes, press the BACK key.

3.2.3 Changing an Option

Use the S and T keys and the rotary encoder to edit or scroll options.

3.2.4 Rotary Encoder

The rotary encoder has multiple functions dependent on the current menu selection as follows:

• Fast increment and decrement of menu items (faster than using

S and T arrow keys)

• Acts as a Volume Control during Audio Monitoring.

3.3 LCD Display Timeouts

All menus timeout to revert to the previous (higher) level after two minutes with no user activity. If logged on, then after five minutes with no activity the user is logged off. Thus with no user activity the LCD display always returns to the top-level display and logged off state.

The LCD backlight is under control of the processor. It is switched on whenever any button is pressed, and stays on for five minutes after the last key press has occurred. Should a fault occur, the backlight is automatically illuminated.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 14 of 166

3.4 Menu Map of Functions

[Configuration] [Tests] [Faults]

[Access] [System] [Date/Time][Frames]

[LogOff] [Change-Code] [Clear config] [Frame#nn - ...]

[Commis.] [Desc.] [Temp] [Slot#nn]

[Desc.] [AC Level]

[Spurs=00]

[Earth]

[Frequency] [Thresholds] [Interval]

[Lamps] [Monitor] [Changeover] [Status]

[Audio] [ANS]

[DIP = 000000] [Measured] [Slot#n]

[BAT] [B1] [BV] [D C1] [DC2] [CV] [Temp]

[Status] [Logs] [Accept] [Clear]

[System] [Frame#nn]

[Type] [I/O] [Measured]

[Surv In] [Surv Out] [DC Line] [Earth Leak]

[Frame#nn - ...]

[Router] [Network] [ Misc] [View] [Learn]

[Level] [EQ] [ANS] [Surv] [Override] [Name]

[Int-Id] [Name] [Software] [Temp] [Clear-Log] [Async-Port] [Terse] [Ver bose]

[Outputs][Inputs] [Ctrl] [Misc] [Noise]

[O/P #n - OUTPUT n]

[Contacts] [Permanent] [Remote]

[Digital#nn]

[Unit address n]

[Sounder] [Amp sleep] [Host T/Out] [Off] [Times] [Outputs] [In puts]

[Expand I/O]

1

4

16 17

[Not Surv]

[DC Line]

[Read]

[Zoning] [Control] [Clear-all]

[Latching] [Busy=On] [DVA-Full]

[Routing]

5

23

6789 1110 12 14 1513

19 20 21 22 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58

59 60 61 62 63

64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

75 76 77 78

80 81 84 85

100 101

115 116 117

123 124 125

95 96

[O/P Map]

[Routing] [Contacts]

[Channels] [Pri] [ACU Type]

[Analogue] [Digital In] [D igital Out]

[UNUSED] [Selector] [Volume] [Fault] [Ans]

[Analogue channel=nn] [Contact #nn]

112 119 120

126 127

134 135 136 137 138

128

[Mic/Line]

[DVA]

[Pri]

[Class]

[Gain] [Name]

[DVA #n - SLAVE DVAn]

[I/P #n - MIC/LINE n]

[Audio]

[Ctrl] [Name]

[Gain][Chime]

[EQ] [Fade]

[Input] [Out put]

[Pri] [Class][Surv]

[Buttons]

[Button #nn] [Security][DVA Routing]

97

131 132 133

145 146 147 148 149 150 151

158 159

130

142

[DVA-full]

[Zoning/Select DVA]

[Control] [Clear-all]

[Latching]

[Busy=On]

143 144

155

156

157

160 161 162

[Fallback]

[Local] [N etwork]

[ANS]

[Local] [Network]

18 23 24

79

82 83 86 88 89 90 91 92 93 9487

102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110

111

98 99

113 114 118

[Input] [Output]

121 122

[Zoning] [Control] [Clear-all]

[Latching] [Busy=On] [DVA-Full]

139 140 141

152 153 154

VAR8 Menu Tree

[Faults]

164

[Learn Check]

163

163: V1.5.0115 or later

164: V1.5.0115 or later

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 15 of 166 Page 15 of 166

4 VAR8 Commissioning Procedure 4 VAR8 Commissioning Procedure

This procedure details the commissioning of the VAR8 and associated system components. Every system is different, so the procedure is quite general, and some of these tasks may not be applicable to your particular system. Each of these tasks can be performed separately after system commissioning for system upgrade or configuration change.

L L

If installation is required follow the procedure described in the VAR8 Installation Guide [Table 10-2].

1. If the unit is not installed, as described in the VAR8 Installation Guide.

2. Ensure unit is powered down.

3. Carry earth bond tests on ASL equipment using temporary supply.

Using a PAC1000, check earth continuity is less than 0.1 Ω at 100 mA and 25 A between mains terminals and the back chassis, door and gland plate.

4. Check loudspeaker line.

a. Ensure all loudspeakers are fitted with blocking capacitors.

b. Check impedance, isolation and fitment of loudspeaker capacitors of all loudspeaker lines are within

amplifier load limits and record results. Impedances should be greater than 200 ohms and the A and B circuits should be evenly loaded.

c. Check isolation of all loudspeaker lines to earth.

5. The following are performed on the V400 Amplifier Mainframe, Amplifier Units, and Surveillance Cards. Please refer to the V400 Amplifier Mainframe handbook [Table 10-9], LSIDC Surveillance Card installation guide [Table 10-11], and LSDDC Surveillance Card installation guide [Table 10-12].

a. Check the DIP switch SW5 and SW6 settings on the V400 Amplifier Mainframe.

b. Check that the LSDDC (if used) surveillance mode is set as required where it is connected.

6. If the VAR8 is fitted with a Network Interface Card, note that the Network Interface Card is configured, by default, for network operation using 3 audio network channels. If stand-alone operation or 1 or 2 channel only network operation is required, set the links on the Router board, as described in Section “30.2 Link Settings for Stand-Alone, 1 or 2 Channel Only Network Operation” on page 160.

7. Power up by connecting the 24V DC power supply.

8. With all equipment powered up check that ‘healthy’ status is indicated.

9. Log in to the system, as described in Section “5 Access to the System” (page 18).

System configuration cannot be changed unless the operator is ‘Logged-on’ by entering the correct Access Code.

Only qualified personnel who are very familiar with the equipment and its configuration requirements should ‘Log-on’ to alter the system configuration.

!!

10. Program amplifiers, as described in Section “6 Amplifier Commissioning” (page 19).

11. If stand-alone operation is required, configure the VAR8 parameters, as described in Section “7 Stand-alone Operation Setup” (page 25).

12. If network operation is required, configure the network parameters, as described in Section “8 Network Operation Setup” (page 27).

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 16 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

13. Configure local inputs, as described in Section “9 Local Input Configuration” (page 36).

14. Configure DVA, as described in Section “10 DVA Input Configuration” (page 61).

15. Configure background music (if used), as described in Section “11 Music Input Configuration” (page 67).

16. Configure mute input priority (if used), as described in Section “12 Mute Input Configuration” (page 74).

17. Configure the local output/zones, as described in Section “13 Output/Zone Configuration” (page 76).

18. Configure any local permanent routes needed for background music functions (if used), as described in Section “14 Permanent Route Configuration” (page 79).

19. Configure any Remote I/O Units or Fire Loop Interfaces on the RS485 bus, as described in Section “15 Remote I/O Unit or Fire Loop Interface Configuration” (page 80).

20. Program DVA triggers via Contacts (if used), as described in Section “16 DVA or Route Triggers via

Contact Configuration” (page 82).

21. Program DVA triggers via Loop Interface (if used), as described in Section “17 DVA or Route Triggers

via Third Party Fire Loop Interface (page 89).

22. Configure Ambient Noise Sensors, if any, as described in Section “18 Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS)

Configuration” (page 91).

23. Configure Volume Controls (if used), as described in Section “19 Volume Control Configuration” (page 99).

24. Configure Programme Selectors (if used), as described in Section “20 Programme Selector

Configuration” (page 101).

25. Configure any external fault (if used), as described in Section “21 External Fault Configuration” (page

103).

26. Configure the Remote I/O Units’ digital outputs for busy indication (if used), as described in Section “22 Busy Indication Configuration” (page 109).

27. Program the Night Time Volume Control (if used), as described in Section “23 Night Time Volume

Control Configuration” (page 111).

28. Configure the system (if required), as described in Section “24 System Configuration” (page 113).

29. Power cycle the unit.

30. Check that the Fire Alarm Interface is operating correctly.

a. Check that all trigger control lines are monitored and indicating OK at the fire alarm system if

sounder circuits are used.

b. If a Loop Interface Card is used confirm that the VAR8 is not reporting any communications faults.

c. Check that the PAVA fault o/p (if used) is connected to the fire alarm system and indicating correctly

in both ‘fault’ and ‘clear’ states.

d. Operate the Alert function from the fire alarm and check for correct message broadcast to all zones.

Check audio quality and level in all (or selected) areas. Note the SPL for information only.

e. Clear the Alert function at the fire alarm and check that message broadcast stops.

f. Operate the Evacuate function from the fire alarm and check for correct message broadcast to all

zones. Check audio quality and level in all (or selected) areas. Note the SPL for information only.

g. Clear the Evacuate function at the fire alarm and check that message broadcast stops.

L

At this stage, if the network is not running, then the system will play local ‘fallback’ DVAs.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 17 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

31. Save the Router configuration and archive the configuration file in accordance with ASL Configuration Management procedures.

Use the Configuration Tool to upload the Configuration from the Router and save to file. Section “26 PC Configuration Tool” (page 126) gives general guidance on how to connect, upload and save the configuration using the Configuration Tool.

The file names should follow the following format:

AVAXXXX_YYY_As_Commissioned.txt

Where: AVAXXXX = Job Number

YYY = Identifier of individual VAR8 in the system

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 18 of 166

5 Access to the System

5.1 Logging On

The Router is password protected in order to prevent unauthorised alteration of the system configuration. Thus the system configuration cannot be changed unless the operator is ‘Logged On’ by entering a valid access code.

To Log into the Router:

1. Select the Access menu.

Menu: ConfigurationÆAccess

2. Enter the access code.

Default value: ‘0999’

L

Entering an invalid access code will display a warning message, and the user will be locked out for 3 seconds.

5.2 Logging Off

To Log off from the Router:

1. Select the ‘Logoff’ in the Access menu.

Menu: ConfigurationÆAccessÆLogOff

L

The system will automatically log the user off after 5 minutes without any user interaction.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 19 of 166

6 Amplifier Commissioning

To Commission the Amplifier System:

1. Ensure that the Frame Learn Check fault is enabled (for V1.5.0115 or later).

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆMiscÆFaultsÆLearn Check.

When Learn Check is enabled, the Router checks if the ‘Learn’ function has been performed following power cycle or fault clearance. If no frames are configured a fault will be raised. This is to prevent the ‘Learn’ step from being omitted when Routers are swapped out on site, and as consequence, the frame and amplifier related faults not being reported.

It is possible to disable this fault when required, for example, when no frame is connected to the VAR Router.

2. Establish communication between Router and Amplifier System by performing SYSTEM LEARN.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆLearn.

The ‘Learn’ function allows the system to automatically detect all connected frames and amplifiers. Once the system has detected the installed configuration, each frame configuration will be available for viewing, and the user will be able to commission the detected frames.

3. Confirm that the Router detected the correct surveillance operation mode. The surveillance mode is displayed with the amplifier type and should match the hardware configuration.

‘N’: Identifies a single circuit surveillance mode. ‘D’: Identifies a dual circuit surveillance mode. ‘L’: Identifies a loop return surveillance mode. ‘S’: Identifies a standby amplifier. ‘–’: No amplifier configured in the slot.

4. Commission the installed/updated frames so that the frame recognises the current amplifier installation as the correct one. In order to commission a frame, scroll the frame list until the applicable frame is displayed, and then press SELECT.

5. Set the amplifier Sleep Mode to SUPPRESSED until the unit has been commissioned. This enables the AC surveillance tone to be set-up.

Menu: ConfigurationÆRouterÆMiscÆAmp sleep

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 20 of 166

6. Set the mapping of amplifier slot against outputs so that alarms from the amplifiers are reported to the corresponding outputs.

a. First select the amplifier frame from the frame list.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>

b. Select the Router output.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆO/P Map

c. Select the slot to which the Router output is connected.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆO/P Map

L

This configuration must match the amplifier mainframe hardware settings.

7. Set-up the AC surveillance functions for each amplifier slot configured in step 6.

The amplifier’s internal audio path surveillance can be performed by a Surveillance Interface Card.

The Surveillance Interface Card monitors the surveillance tone generated at the Router output, see Section “13 Output/Zone Configuration” (page 76, step 5).

Menu: ConfigurationÆFrameÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆAC Level

a. Select the surveillance tone frequency defined by the Surveillance Interface Card installed:

• None: NSINT Non-Surveyed Interface Card

• LF (Low Frequency): LSDDC Dual DC Line Surveillance Interface Card with Loop Return Option,

SSINT Standby Interface Card; or LSDIC Line Sensing Direct Current Interface Card.

• HF (High Frequency): LSDIC Line Sensing Direct Current Interface Card when it is used in customised high frequency applications. Please refer to Application Solutions for further details.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆAC LevelÆFrequency

b. Set the maximum interval between surveillance tones (for pulsed operation) as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆAC LevelÆInterval

If pulses are not received within this interval a fault will be reported.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 21 of 166

c. Set the input and output AC levels.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆAC LevelÆThresholds

The VAR8 presents the input and output AC levels based upon a fixed proportion of the levels being detected. These detected levels can be used as the threshold levels. The user has the option to set other threshold levels. Pressing SELECT stores these values as the reference thresholds. Any deviation from these threshold levels will be reported as a fault if the AC surveillance is to be performed.

When the surveillance tone level is set to the recommended level of –12dB, the typical thresholds values reported by the surveillance card are:

Input Threshold = 200–300mV

Output threshold = 600–900mV

8. Set-up loudspeaker DC line surveillance functions for each amplifier slot configured in step 6 and monitored by a LSDDC or a LSDIC Surveillance Interface Card.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆDC Line

a. Enable the amplifier DC surveillance.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆDC LineÆSurveyed

b. Set the numbers of EOL resistors along the speaker circuit according to the installation.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆDC LineÆSpurs

A fault will be reported on any deviation from the configured number of EOLs if DC surveillance is to be performed.

L

• The Read facility provides the number of EOL resistors on the loudspeaker line detected by the Router, and suggests this as the correct figure by assuming no faults are present. However it is recommended to edit manually the number of EOL resistors according to the installation to avoid an incorrect setting.

• The maximum value for ‘spurs’ is 10, as no more than 10 EOL resistors can be used on one amplifier.

• The number of EOL resistors is referred to as ‘spurs’. This is because there must be an EOL resistor at the end of every spur on the loudspeaker circuit. However improved fault reporting can be obtained on long loudspeaker lines by fitting EOL resistors at regular intervals in long single runs. Therefore there may be more EOL resistors than spurs.

• Note that to commission the values, it is necessary to select SET and then press SELECT.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 22 of 166

9. Enable the Earth Leakage monitoring for each amplifier slot configured in step 6 and monitored by a LSDDC or a LSDIC Surveillance Interface Card.

An earth leakage fault will be reported when the measured resistance of the speaker line conductor to earth is below the threshold value.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFrameÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆEarthÆSurveyed

10. Define a description for the each amplifier slot as required.

This description is for reference only, and is only shown in menus accessing frame slots, such as, commissioning and test menus.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFrameÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆDesc.

By default the slot description is blank.

11. Enable the frame temperature monitoring, if required. It is possible to select the temperature which when exceeded will generate an alarm.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFrameÆFrame#<nn>ÆTemp

12. Define a description for the frame as required.

This description is for reference only, and is only shown in menus accessing frames, such as, commissioning and test menus.

Menu: ConfigurationÆFrameÆFrame#<nn>ÆDesc.

By default the frame description is blank.

13. Confirm correct operation of loudspeakers configured with the surveillance functions above.

Wait at least 100 seconds and confirm no faults are reported. If faults are reported then re-check speaker line impedances and resistances.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 23 of 166

14. Set the amplifier Sleep Mode as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆRouterÆMiscÆAmp sleep

The Sleep Mode is provided to maximise the battery life.

• ‘Suppressed’

The Sleep Mode is suppressed, and the amplifiers are awake all the time the system is turned on.

• ‘Enabled’

In this mode the amplifiers the amplifiers are shutdown and re-awaked only when an announcement is required and every 20 seconds to allow the 30 Hz surveillance tone to be routed.

This is the typical setting.

• ‘Enable on battery power’

A slight audible click may be heard when shutting down and re-awaking the amplifiers in quiet environments, so it may be desirable to set the function to ‘Enable on battery power’. In this mode, the system only sleeps the amplifiers when mains power has failed.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 24 of 166 Page 24 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

Note that Amplifier Frame control functions are not available on the Configuration Tool, except for the “Output/Slot Mapping”, “Amplifier Sleep Mode”, and “Frame Learn Check” functions.

1

14 5

6.a

6.b

6.c

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 25 of 166

7 Stand-alone Operation Setup

L

The VAR8 is by default configured for 3-channel network operation mode. If its configuration is cleared at anytime, it defaults to 3-channel network operation mode.

To Change the DAU from Network Mode to Stand-Alone Mode:

1. Set the RS232 port to be connected to a host PC.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆMiscÆAsync-PortÆConnect to PC

2. Set the number of Network Audio Channels to 0.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆNetworkÆChannels

3. Disable the surveillance tone detection for Mic/Line inputs 1, 3, and 4.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆSurv

4. Set Mic/Line inputs 1, 3, and 4 to Unused in order to exclude these inputs from routing and audio monitoring. An ‘Unused’ input can then be normally used for the connection of microphones or other audio sources.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 26 of 166 Page 26 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

2

1

3

4

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 27 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

8 Network Operation Setup

L

Any network fault causes the Audio Control Unit to operate in All Call mode.

A Slave Unit operating in All Call mode due to a processor fault results in a network fault, thus causing the Audio Control Unit to operate in All Call mode.

8.1 Network Topology

Two types of network topology are available:

• 4x4 ACU Network Topology

The network is hosted by a 4x4 Intellevac ACU Audio Control Unit and assumes the 4x4 architecture. It is the original system and is considered the legacy network.

• 8x8 ACU Network Topology

The network is hosted by an 8x8 Intellevac ACU Audio Control Unit and deploys the Enhanced Network Protocol, which enables any combination of Intellevac DAU Distributed Amplifier Units and VAR Routers as Slave Units. Therefore the 8x8 ACU Network enables wall mount and rack mount systems in the same network adding flexibility to the network configuration.

The 8x8 Audio Control Unit can be either a wall mount 8x8 Intellevac ACU Audio Control Unit or a rack mount VAR8-ACU Router.

The network topology and capabilities are different, as described in the following sections.

L

Data on the original 4x4 Intellevac units is included for reference only. Only 8x8 Intellevac units are available for ordering.

8.1.1 4x4 ACU Network Topology

The original 4x4 Intellevac ACU supports the following Slave Units:

• Wall mount Intellevac Distributed Amplifier Units both, legacy 4x4 DAUs and 8x8 DAUs.

• Rack mount VAR8 Routers fitted with ANIC Network Interface Card.

From the network perspective, an 8x8 unit is a 4x4 Slave Unit.

The Audio Control Unit normally ‘talks’ out of its UPSTREAM port, which is connected to the DOWNSTREAM port of the first Slave Unit in the chain. The UPSTREAM port of that Slave Unit is then connected to the DOWNSTREAM port of the following system until a complete ‘ring’ is implemented back to the Audio Control Unit.

The first Slave Unit is allocated a Slave-ID of 1, the next unit has Slave-ID 2 etc. The Slave-ID corresponds to the Slave Unit’s physical position in the network.

All outputs from the Slave Units then become a contiguous sequence from the Audio Control Unit point of view:

• Slave-ID#1: outputs 1 to 4

• Slave-ID#2: outputs 5 to 8

• Etc.

Figure 3 shows the scheme of an Intellevac Network of DAU (4x4 and 8x8) and VAR8 units hosted by a 4x4

Intellevac ACU.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 28 of 166

8.1.1.1 System Parameters

• Number of Slave Units: up to 30 units (120 network zones)

• Maximum distance between nodes: 1 km

• Network Control Response Time (Fire Alarm trigger to DVA initiation): <1 second

8.1.1.2 Main Network Features

• Slave Units: Intellevac Distributed Amplifier Units (4x4 DAU or 8x8 DAU) or VAR8 Routers fitted with an ANIC Network Interface Card.

• 8x8 DAUs and VAR8 Units are 4x4 from the perspective of the network. The remaining 4 outputs may be locally used but are not addressable across the network.

• Slave-IDs must correspond to the Slave Unit’s physical position in the network.

• All Slave Unit Outputs are Network Outputs.

• Network Outputs are contiguous and numbered in order of Slave Ids and Slave Outputs.

Figure 3 4x4 ACU Network Topology

For local use

For local useFor local use

Slave-ID

9

Slave-ID

1

Slave-ID

2

Slave-ID

3

Slave-ID

6

Slave-ID

4

Slave-ID

5

Slave-ID

8

Slave-ID

7

4x4

Audio Control Unit

UPSTREAM

UPSTREAM UPSTREAM

UPSTREAM

DOWNSTREAM

Network O/P 12

Network O/P 11

Network O/P 10

Network O/P 09

Network O/P 08

Network O/P 07

Network O/P 06

Network O/P 05

Network O/P 04

Network O/P 03

Network O/P 02

Network O/P 01

Network O/P 24

Network O/P 23

Network O/P 22

Network O/P 21

Network O/P 20

Network O/P 19

Network O/P 18

Network O/P 17

Network O/P 16

Network O/P 15

Network O/P 14

Network O/P 13

Network O/P 28

Network O/P 27

Network O/P 26

Network O/P 25

8x8 DAU

4x4 DAU

8x8 DAU

4x4 DAU

VAR8

Network O/P 32

Network O/P 31

Network O/P 30

Network O/P 29

Network O/P 36

Network O/P 35

Network O/P 34

Network O/P 33

4

3

2

1

4

3

2

1

4

3

2

1

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

4

3

2

1

4

3

2

1

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

4

3

2

1

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 29 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

8.1.2 8x8 ACU Network Topology

The Intellevac Network’s 8x8 Audio Control Unit supports the following Slave Units:

• Wall mount Intellevac Distributed Amplifier Units, both legacy 4x4 DAUs and 8x8 DAUs.

• Rack mount VAR12 and VAR20 Routers, using the VAR Network Interface Adapter (VAR-NIA).

• Rack mount VAR8 Routers fitted with ANIC Network Interface Card.

The Audio Control Unit normally ‘talks’ out of its UPSTREAM port, which is connected to the DOWNSTREAM port of the first Slave Unit in the chain. The UPSTREAM port of that Slave Unit is then connected to the DOWNSTREAM port of the following system until a complete ‘ring’ is implemented back to the Audio Control Unit.

The first Slave Unit is allocated a Slave-ID of 1, the next unit has Slave-ID 2 etc. The Slave-ID corresponds to the Slave Unit’s physical position in the network.

Figure 4 shows the scheme of an Intellevac Network hosted by an 8x8 Audio Control Unit in which the

different types of Slaves Units are interconnected.

8.1.2.1 System Parameters

• Number of Slave Units: up to 30 units (120 network zones)

• Maximum distance between nodes: 1 km

• Network Control Response Time (Fire Alarm trigger to DVA initiation): <1 second

8.1.2.2 Main Network Features

• Slave Units can be any combination of: Intellevac 4x4 DAUs; Intellevac 8x8 DAUs; VAR8 Routers fitted with an ANIC Network Interface Card; and VAR12/20 Routers using a VAR-NIA interface unit.

• Slave-IDs must correspond to the Slave Unit’s physical position in the network.

• Not all Slave Unit Outputs have to be Network Outputs.

− On legacy 4x4 DAUs, all outputs need to be Network Outputs.

• Network Outputs do not have to be numbered in the same order as the Slave Ids and Slave Outputs, nor

do they have to be contiguous (i.e. there can be gaps).

− On legacy 4x4 DAUs, Network Outputs are numbered based on its Slave Id and they do need to be

contiguous.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 30 of 166

Figure 4 Intellevac 8x8 ACU Network Topology

Network O/P 44

Network O/P 42

Network O/P 41

Network O/P 101

Network O/P 48

4

3

2

1

8

7

6

5

8

7

6

5

Network O/P 106

Network O/P 95

Network O/P 45

4

3

2

1

Network O/P 07

Network O/P 05

12

11

10

9

Network O/P 63

Network O/P 61

Network O/P 68

Network O/P 24

Network O/P 23

Network O/P 22

Network O/P 21

Network O/P 56

Network O/P 55

Network O/P 54

Network O/P 53

Network O/P 36

Network O/P 35

Network O/P 34

Network O/P 33

Network O/P 12

Network O/P 11

Network O/P 09

Network O/P 06

Network O/P 15

Network O/P 74

Network O/P 10

Network O/P 20

Network O/P 19

Network O/P 18

Network O/P 17

Slave-ID

7

Slave-ID

1

Slave-ID

5

Slave-ID

2

Slave-ID

4

Slave-ID

6

8x8 ACU

Audio Control Unit

UPSTREAM

UPSTREAM UPSTREAM

UPSTREAM

DOWNSTREAM

VAR20

4x4 DAU

VAR8

VAR12

Slave-ID

3

UPSTREAM

DOWNSTREAM

8x8 DAU

Local

4

3

2

1

12

11

10

9

16

15

14

13

20

19

18

17

4

3

2

1

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 31 of 166 Page 31 of 166

8.2 Slave Unit Configuration 8.2 Slave Unit Configuration

To Configure the DAU as Slave Unit for Network Operation: To Configure the DAU as Slave Unit for Network Operation:

1. Set the RS232 port for network operation. 1. Set the RS232 port for network operation.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆMiscÆAsync-PortÆConnect to network Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆMiscÆAsync-PortÆConnect to network

2. Select the Audio Control Unit type: 4x4 ACU or 8x8 ACU.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆNetworkÆACU Type

The ACU type must match the system build’s hardware configuration.

3. Set the Slave Unit Network ID.

The Network ID is used by the system to differentiate between different Slave Units in the network.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆNetworkÆInt-Id

Possible Network Ids: 1 to 30.

L

Slave Units must be physically located in the same order as their Network Ids, i.e., the Network Id is the physical position in which the Slave Unit appears on the ring. There can be no gaps in Slave Id numbering.

4. Set the number of Network Audio Channels to be as required.

L

The number of network audio channels must match the system build’s hardware configuration. Both hardware and software default number of network channels is 3.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆNetworkÆChannels

5. Check that the corresponding Mic/Line inputs are configured as Network Channels according to the number of channels set in the previous step.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>

No of Network Channels Mic/Line

1 1

2 1 and 3

3 1, 3, and 4

Note that if reducing the number of network channels from a network configuration with more channels, then the Mic/Line inputs which are no longer used as Network Channel should have surveillance tone disabled and Mic/Line type set to ‘Unused’, as described in Section “7 Stand-alone Operation Setup”.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 32 of 166

6. Ensure that for all Network Channel inputs the audio parameters are set as follows:

a. Surveillance tone detection is enabled and tone level is set to its default setting of –40 dB in order to

enable recovery in case of network faults.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆSurv

b. The relative gain for each frequency band (low, mid, and high frequencies) of the 3-band equaliser is

set to its default setting of 0 dB, and the High Pass filter is disabled.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆEQ

c. The fade up/down times are set to their default setting of 00.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆFade

d. The chime is disabled. The chimes of the network audio sources are set at the Audio Control Unit.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆChime

e. The input gain is set to its default setting of –20 dB.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆGainÆInputs

f. Each output relative gain is set to its default setting of 0 dB.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆGainÆOutputs

7. Change the name of the Network Channel inputs to reflect the actual use of the input, as required. Note however that this is for reference only, and is shown in menu options to help the configuration process.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆName

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 33 of 166 Page 33 of 166

8. Define the priority of each Audio Control Unit audio source at the Slave Unit. 8. Define the priority of each Audio Control Unit audio source at the Slave Unit.

The Slave Units arbitrate between the audio inputs into the Audio Control Unit, and their own local inputs according to the input priorities. Therefore in a networked system it is essential that the Slave Units are programmed so that they know the Priorities of the Audio Control Unit’s audio sources.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆNetworkÆPri Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆNetworkÆPri

IPCH: Audio Control Unit Mic/Line Inputs

DVA: Audio Control Unit DVAs

9. Define which Slave DVAs act as a fallback for each of the network DVAs in the event of network failure.

These DVAs will be programmed with the same messages as the associated network DVAs. This will ensure that in case of a network failure during an emergency the emergency broadcast will continue, albeit no longer in synchronisation across the whole site.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆFallbackÆNetwork

Reference to Configuration Tool

1

3

4

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 34 of 166

5

Input 1

6.b

6.f

6.e

6.c

33

6.d

7

8

9

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 35 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

8.3 Audio Control Unit Configuration

The VAR8 needs to be configured as Slave Unit at the Audio Control Unit (wall mount Intellevac ACU or rack mount VAR8-ACU). This configuration is described in the Audio Control Unit’s Commissioning and Operation Guide. This guide also describes how to establish and test the network connection. Please contact ASL quoting the type and the software version of your Audio Control Unit. The appropriate guide can then be recommended.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 36 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

9 Local Input Configuration

Table 2 summarises the input types supported by the Router’s Mic/Line inputs, and the type of audio source

that can be connected to each of these input types.

The Router inputs are not all equivalent with regards to how they can be configured for each audio input type, and how many buttons are available on microphones connected to each input.

Table 3 gives a detailed breakdown of which input types can be used on each Router input, with which

buttons.

Table 4 summarises the configurable input parameters, and indicates those parameters available for each

type of Mic/Line input with a tick (

9). Each parameter configuration is described in the following steps.

Table 2 Router Mic/Line Input Types

Available Input Types Used for Examples of ASL Microphones

ASL Fire Microphone All Call Emergency or Fire Microphones FMS01, EAP01

ASL Zoned Fire Microphone Zoneable Emergency or Fire Microphones

FMS05, FMS10, FMS20, SMC01,

SMC02, ZEC20

ASL Paging Microphone Multiple button paging microphones DMS5, DMS10, DMS20, ZPC20

ASL Single Button Microphone Single button paging microphones SAP01, SAP02

Miscellaneous Input

Background music, non-ASL microphones,

PC/DVA systems,

Long Line PA (LLPA)

audio

TMS01 Touchscreen Microphone

Unused Unused input N.A.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 37 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

Table 3 VAR8 Mic/Line Input Capabilities

Inputs Available Input Types Microphone Buttons Router Applicability

ASL Fire Microphone N/A

ASL Zoned Fire Microphone

Up to 30 microphone

buttons

Configurable for zone select, DVA routing, play DVA, all call, cancel-all-DVAs, route reset.

ASL Paging Microphone

Up to 30 microphone

buttons

Configurable for zone select, DVA routing, play DVA, all call, cancel-all-DVAs, route reset.

ASL Single Button Microphone PTT

Configurable for routing, see Section “9.6.2 Single

Button Microphone Button Configuration”.

Miscellaneous Input N/A

Network Channel N/A

Option available only on Input 1.

Input 1 is normally used for network operation.

Refer to Section “8.2

Slave Unit Configuration”

for configuration.

1 & 2

Unused N/A

Input is excluded from routing and audio monitoring.

Refer to “9.7 Unused Audio Inputs”.

ASL Paging Microphone

Up to 20 microphone

buttons

Configurable for zone select, play DVA, all call, cancel-all-DVAs, route reset.

ASL Single Button Microphone PTT

Configurable for routing, see Section “9.6.2 Single

Button Microphone Button Configuration”.

Miscellaneous Input N/A

Network Channel N/A

Option available only on Inputs 3 and 4.

Inputs 3 and 4 are normally used for network operation.

Refer to Section “8.2

Slave Unit Configuration”

for configuration.

3 to 8

Unused N/A

Input is excluded from routing and audio monitoring.

Refer to “9.7 Unused Audio Inputs”.

Table 4 Configurable Mic/Line Input Parameters

Input Type Surv EQ Fade Chime Gain

O/P

Gains

Pri Class Name Buttons Fallback

Fire Microphone

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

X

9

Zoned Fire Microphone

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Paging Microphone

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Single Button Microphone

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

9

1)

9

Miscellaneous

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

X

9

1) PTT button is configurable for zone selection.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 38 of 166

9.1 Input Type and Name Configuration

To Configure the Input Type and Name:

1. Select the Mic/Line input connected to the local microphone or other audio source.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>

2. Program the Mic/Line input type according to the audio source connected to it.

Table 3 summarises the Mic/Line capabilities.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>

3. Change Mic/Line input name as required. It is for reference only, and is shown in input related menu options.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆName

9.2 Input Emergency Class Configuration

The Emergency Class is only relevant in networked units, and is used by the ACU and Fire Microphones connected to an ACU to indicate the emergency DVA message status of the zone group configured for a zone select button via its red and green LEDs, see Section “10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class Configuration” for further details.

L

From ACU V1.5.0114 or later, it is possible to configure a microphone connected to an ACU between this mode and the standard mode. In the standard mode the Emergency Class does not affect the behaviour of the LEDs with the red LED turning ON continuously to indicate that the zone (either one or more of the group of zones controlled by this button) is already in use by another input, and the green LED indicating the zone selection state. Please refer to the Audio Control Unit’s Commissioning and Operation Guide for further details.

To Modify the Emergency Class:

4. Access the following menu, and then modify the Mic/Line input emergency class as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆCtrlÆClass

L

As standard Mic/Line input class is set to ‘Non Emergency’. This setting should remain unchanged in networked units as it may result in an inappropriate indication of the emergency message status on the ACU’s front panel, and on Fire Microphones connected to an ACU, as described in Section “10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class Configuration”.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 39 of 166 Page 39 of 166

9.3 Audio Parameter Configuration 9.3 Audio Parameter Configuration

To Configure the Input Audio Parameters: To Configure the Input Audio Parameters:

5. Select the input, and then modify the required audio parameters as follows. 5. Select the input, and then modify the required audio parameters as follows.

6. Define a gain to be applied to the input audio, in respect of any output to which it may be routed. 6. Define a gain to be applied to the input audio, in respect of any output to which it may be routed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆAudio

ÆGainÆInputs

L

• The input gain of each audio input should normally be set so that all inputs are balanced and give the same output level on each of the outputs.

• The default setting for an ASL microphone is –14dB. With ASL microphones any further volume adjustments should be made using the output specific relative gains, as described in next step.

7. Define the output specific relative gains.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆAudio

ÆGainÆOutputs

L

• Normally all input gains will be set to ‘balance’ each of the inputs, and the output gain will be set to give the required level at each output. However, if any input is desired to have a different gain in a particular output or outputs, then these inputs can be given a different gain relative to each appropriate output. This could be used to e.g. avoid feedback for a microphone which is located in one of its output zones.

• Any output level adjustment should be performed with the ANS function for that output disabled, as described in Section ”18.2 Output Configuration for ANS Monitoring”.

8. Select whether or not the Router detects and reports loss of a low-frequency (LF) surveillance tone. The detection threshold level is also adjustable.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆAudioÆSurv

For BS5839 compliance the input surveillance MUST be enabled on Fire Microphone.

!!

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 40 of 166

L

• ASL Microphones produce this surveillance tone as standard and typically this feature would be enabled (set to ‘LF’) if any ASL proprietary microphone is used, in order to provide monitoring of the audio cabling.

• The surveillance tone level adjustment is described in the following guideline. Note that after each setting the SELECT key should be pressed to save the new configuration.

• When the Router input is connected to an audio source other than an ASL microphone, this feature should be disabled (set to ‘Off’) in order to prevent faults from being raised, e.g., background music, PC/DVA system, non-ASL microphones, etc.

To Adjust the Surveillance Tone Level on ASL Microphones:

a. Set ‘Mode=LF’ and ‘Level (dB)=–40’.

b. Clear any existing faults by pressing the FAULT CLEAR button on the system front panel.

c. Any fault reported by the microphone at this stage should be cleared.

d. Raise the surveillance tone level slowly (1dB step) from –40dB until the “IPXX AUDIO INPUT” fault is

reported. Where XX is the Mic/Line input to which the microphone is connected.

e. Set the surveillance tone level to 4dB below the level that caused the fault to be reported.

E.g. if a –18dB level causes the fault, then set the surveillance tone level to –22dB.

f. Make sure that no fault is reported for the microphone.

9. Define the relative gain for each frequency band (low, mid, and high frequencies) of the 3-band equaliser.

A switchable High Pass filter is also configurable. This would typically be used on microphone inputs to prevent excessive ‘pop’ noise.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆAudioÆEQ

10. Define the time over which this audio channel is faded up/down when audio sources change.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆAudioÆFade

L

• The time is given in tenths of a second, so divide by ten for the time in seconds.

• It is important for Fire Microphones to be able to override other sources quickly;

therefore Fire Microphones are set-up for a short Fade Down time.

The Fade Down time is:

• The time it takes for the signal to fade down when turned off (un-routed);

• The time it takes for the signal to fade down before an overriding broadcast is made in its place

The Fade Up time is the time the signal takes to fade up when:

• Turned on (routed);

• Override removed.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 41 of 166

This can be set to provide the desired changeover fading, e.g. when a broadcast interrupts background music, or a lower priority broadcast.

This is typically used on background music where a slow fade-up, in particular, is desirable.

The diagram in Figure 5 illustrates the sequence of events during the enabling and disabling of a single audio source (e.g. background music).

Figure 5 Sequence of Events for Single Audio Source

MUSIC

FADE UP=T1

FADE DOWN= T2

T1

MUSIC AUDIO

T2

ON

OFF

The diagram in Figure 6 illustrates the sequence of events during the override of a background music source by a Paging Microphone with chime.

Note that the background music Fade Down time (T2) not used in this instance. Instead the microphone Fade Down time (T4) is used.

Figure 6 Sequence of Events for Paging Microphone Chime Overriding a Background Music

MUSIC

FADE UP=T1

FADE DOWN= T2

T4

T1

MICROPHONE

FADE UP=T3

FADE DOWN= T4

T3

T4

MICROPHONE

PTT

ON

OFF

MUSIC AUDIO MUSIC AUDIO

MIC AUDIO

CHIME AUDIO

MICROPHONE

SPEAK-NOW LED

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 42 of 166 Page 42 of 166

11. Define the type and level of chime, if any, to be sounded prior to microphone announcement. 11. Define the type and level of chime, if any, to be sounded prior to microphone announcement.

If configured, the chime will be triggered when the input source is routed. However the actual audio input will only be routed when the chime is complete. Three types of chime are available: one; two; or three chimes, or none.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆAudioÆChime Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆAudioÆChime

9.4 Priority Set-up

The input priority is used to resolve conflicts when two or more inputs try to broadcast to the same output. In this case the input with the highest priority will be able to broadcast, and the others will not.

Priority is assignable to each input per output. This is so that different inputs may have different priorities according to which zone they are serving. For example a particular audio input may have a high priority only in its local zone.

A lower priority input may be overridden during paging if a higher priority input starts to page the zone. In this case, the lower priority input will however be able to continue to page any remaining zones.

If the override source is removed during the original announcement, then the overridden zones will not be reinstated. This is to minimise the broadcast of potentially ambiguous or annoying message fragments.

Note that the action is different if an announcement from a Fire Microphone is overridden by a higher priority Fire Microphone, in this case the lower priority Fire Microphone will be restored immediately that the higher priority Fire Microphone has completed the announcement.

L

• 19 priority levels are assignable to any of the audio input sources.

• Assignment of equal priorities means that those inputs operate on a ‘first-come-first-served’

basis.

• The lower the priority value, the higher the priority.

To Allocate Priority to a Mic/Line Input:

12. Select the input, and then allocate the priority independently to each of the Router outputs as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆCtrlÆPri

Possible options: 01 to 19 (01 is the highest priority)

Care should be taken in ensuring that Fire Microphones, and Alarm and Emergency DVAs have a high priority and non-emergency sources, such as non-emergency DVAs, Paging Microphones, and music sources, have low priorities. This is to ensure that these emergency inputs can override normal inputs.

!!

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 43 of 166 Page 43 of 166

9.5 Local Fallback Configuration 9.5 Local Fallback Configuration

To Configure a Local Fallback: To Configure a Local Fallback:

13. Select the input, and then define which input acts as a fallback in the event of failure, if any. 13. Select the input, and then define which input acts as a fallback in the event of failure, if any.

Local inputs, typically DVAs, can be configured as fallbacks to microphone inputs. The fallback audio source is used if the original audio source is unavailable for any reason.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆFallbackÆLocal Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆFallbackÆLocal

Reference to Configuration Tool

4

6

8

13

3

11

10

7

9

12

1

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 44 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

9.6 Microphone Button Configuration

9.6.1 Paging or Zoneable Fire Microphone Button Configuration

Microphone buttons may be programmed for either:

• Not-Conf – Section “9.6.1.1 Unused Button”

The button has no associated function. It is important that any button that is not in use should be configured as unused, to prevent inadvertent operation.

• Microphone Routing or Zone Select – Section “9.6.1.2 Microphone Routing or Zone Select Button”

The button function is an output zone selection – i.e. the button is pressed to select an output or group of outputs to which audio from the microphone is to be routed.

• DVA routing – Section “9.6.1.3 DVA Routing/Other Input Routing Button”

The button function is a complex routing control that enables a route to be made that connects any desired combination of audio inputs to any combination of outputs. Audio inputs are typically DVAs, however other type of inputs such as microphone and background music can also be routed.

The route may be Not Latched, Latched, or Play Once:

− Not Latched: the first press of the button in question initiates the route, and the second press

terminates it.

− Latched: a reset button is required. In this configuration the DVA routing button initiates the route,

and the reset button terminates it.

− Play Once: pressing the button plays the DVA associated with the route once only. When the DVA

has completed its full message cycle, the route is terminated.

When routing DVAs the route is configurable for two modes:

− DVA Full: the DVA will play until its end when the route is terminated.

− DVA Part: the DVA will cease playing immediately when the route is terminated.

L

DVA Routing is only available for Paging or Zoned Fire Microphones that are connected to Router’s Mic/Line inputs 1 or 2.

• Play DVA – Section “9.6.1.4 Play DVA Button”

The button function is ‘play DVA to selected outputs’. When the button is pressed a route is made connecting a DVA audio source from the Slave Unit or the Audio Control Unit to outputs which have been pre-selected using buttons configured for zone selection.

The route may be Not Latched, Latched, or Play Once, and programmed for DVA Full or Part in similar fashion to the DVA Routing button.

• All Call – Section “9.6.1.5 All Call Button”

The button function is ‘stop all DVAs’. Pressing the button stops DVAs playing to any zone. The announcement will stop playing immediately, or play until its end depending on how the DVA is configured. Note that contact DVAs, i.e., activated by Fire Panel, are not affected by the activation of this button.

• Cancel-all-DVAs – Section “9.6.1.6 Cancel All DVAs Button”

This option identifies the button function as ‘stop all DVAs’. Pressing the button stops DVAs playing to any zone. The announcement will stop playing immediately or play until its end depending on how the DVA is configured. Note that contact DVAs, i.e., activated by Fire Panel, are not affected by the activation of this button.

• Route Reset – Sections “9.6.1.3 DVA Routing/Other Input Routing Button” and “9.6.1.4 Play DVA

Button”

The button is used to clear a route (reset) triggered by another button, and is configured when setting a DVA Routing or Play DVA button for Latched mode.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 45 of 166 Page 45 of 166

9.6.1.1 Unused Button 9.6.1.1 Unused Button

L L

Any button that is not used should be configured as unused, to prevent inadvertent operation. Any button that is not used should be configured as unused, to prevent inadvertent operation.

To Program a Microphone Button as Unused:

1. Select the microphone button to the programmed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

2. Program button as ‘Not-Conf’.

Reference to Configuration Tool

2

1

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 46 of 166

9.6.1.2 Microphone Routing or Zone Select Button

The Microphone Routing button function is for zone selection, i.e. when pressed it selects a specified output or group of outputs to which the microphone audio is to be routed when PTT button subsequently is pressed.

Re-pressing a button will deselect it.

To Program a Microphone Button for Microphone Routing:

1. Select the microphone button to be programmed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

2. Program button for ‘MIC Routing’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆMic Routing

3. Program the outputs that will be selected when the button is pressed.

4. For microphones provided with security key, program the security key as required by selecting the ‘Protected’ mode, and then the key-switch. By default the button is ‘Not Protected’.

When protected, the key must be turned on for the button function to be allowed. One key-switch may be configured to protect more than one button.

The security key is intended to safeguard emergency DVA triggers from inadvertent operation, however it may be used to protect buttons used for paging.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆSecurity

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 47 of 166 Page 47 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

1

3

4

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 48 of 166

9.6.1.3 DVA Routing/Other Input Routing Button

L

• DVA Routing is only available for Paging or Zoned Fire Microphones that are connected to Router’s Mic/Line inputs 1 or 2.

• Although described as ‘DVA Routing’ this function can route any input or selection of inputs at once, so it can be used to route other non-DVA sources such as background music.

The DVA Routing button function is complex routing, i.e. when the button is pressed a route is made that connects any desired combination of audio inputs to any combination of outputs. Audio inputs are typically DVAs, however other type of inputs such as microphone and background music can also be routed.

Therefore a single button may cause an EVACUATE message to be broadcast in one zone, and simultaneously cause an ALERT message to be broadcast to some other zones while all remaining zones are unaffected.

It is possible to configure how the route will be triggered:

• Not Latched mode

The first press of a DVA Routing button initiates a route, and a second press terminates it.

This mode is suitable for routing any type of input.

• Latched mode

This mode needs a reset button. Pressing a DVA Routing button initiates a route; and pressing the associated reset button terminates it.

This mode is suitable for routing any type of input.

• Play Once mode

Pressing a DVA Routing button plays the DVA associated with the route once only. When the DVA has completed its full message cycle, the route is terminated.

This mode is suitable for triggering and routing DVAs.

The DVA assigned to a button may be configured to cease playing when the route is terminated or reset (DVA-Part), or play until its end (DVA-Full).

It is also possible to configure whether or not the route associated with a DVA Routing button should cause a busy indication on the LEDs associated with microphone zone select buttons. If for instance this routing were used for background music control, then the busy LEDs would not be lit. If another type of route were being made, then the busy LEDs would normally be lit.

To Program a Microphone Button for DVA Routing:

1. Select the microphone button to be programmed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

2. Program button for ‘DVA Routing’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆDVA Routing

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 49 of 166

3. For microphones provided with security key, program the security key as required by selecting the ‘Protected’ mode, and then the key-switch. By default the button is ‘Not Protected’.

When protected, the key must be turned on for the button function to be allowed. One key-switch may be configured to protect more than one button.

The security key is intended to safeguard emergency DVA triggers from inadvertent operation.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆSecurity

4. Program the combination of outputs and inputs that will be selected when the button is pressed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆDVA RoutingÆZoning

The input may be any of the local or Audio Control Unit (network) audio sources, including the Mute input (see Section “12 Mute Input Configuration”).

Local Inputs: Audio Control Unit Inputs:

When re-configuring the route associated to a ‘DVA Routing’ button, the user has the option to clear down the route associated with a DVA Routing button at once by selecting the following menu.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆDVA RoutingÆClear-all

5. Select the routing mode.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆDVA RoutingÆControlÆLatching

• Not-Latched:

This mode is useful for the control of both DVA routes and other sources, such as background music.

When configured for non-latching operation the first press of a DVA Routing button initiates a route, and the second press terminates it.

This is the system default setting.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 50 of 166

• Latched:

This mode is normally used for emergency DVA message routes, but can also be of use for routing other inputs.

When configured for latching operation pressing a DVA Routing button initiates a route; and pressing the associated reset button terminates it.

A group of ‘DVA Routing’ buttons may share a single reset button, or each button may have its own dedicated reset. If multiple DVA routes have been triggered by consecutive triggers in a single group, the activation of that group’s ‘reset’ line will terminate all of the DVA routes associated with that reset.

• Play Once:

This mode is only used for the control of DVA routes.

When configure for ‘Play Once’ mode, pressing a ‘DVA Routing’ plays the DVAs associated with the route once only. When the DVA has completed its full message cycle, the route is automatically terminated.

6. Select if the DVA should play until the end of the message and then stop (DVA-Full), or cease playing immediately that the route is terminated (DVA-Part).

This setting is only relevant when a DVA Routing button is used for control of DVA routes.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆDVA RoutingÆControlÆDVA-Full or DVA-Part

Note that if the DVA is configured to ‘Play Once’, this setting should be ‘DVA-Full’.

7. Select if the route should cause busy indication on the LEDs associated with microphone zone select buttons.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆDVA RoutingÆControlÆBusy=On or Busy=Off

This is typically set to ‘On’ when routing DVAs or microphone audio, and to ‘Off’ when routing background music.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 51 of 166 Page 51 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

1

4

5

6

7

3

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 52 of 166

9.6.1.4 Play DVA Button

The button function is ‘play DVA to selected outputs’. When the button is pressed a route is made connecting a DVA audio source from the Slave Unit or the Audio Control Unit to outputs which have been pre-selected using buttons configured for zone selection.

It is possible to configure how the route will be triggered:

• Not Latched mode

The first press of a Play DVA button initiates a route, and a second press terminates it.

• Latched mode

This mode needs a reset button. Pressing a Play DVA button initiates a route; and pressing the associated reset button terminates it.

• Play Once mode

Pressing a Play DVA button plays the DVA associated with the route once only. When the DVA has completed its full message cycle, the route is terminated.

The DVA assigned to a button may be configured to cease playing when the route is terminated or reset (DVA-Part), or play until its end (DVA-Full).

It is also possible to configure whether or not the route associated with a Play DVA button should cause a busy indication on the LEDs associated with microphone zone select buttons.

To Program a Microphone Button for Play DVA:

1. Select the microphone button to be programmed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

2. Program button for ‘Play DVA’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆPlay DVA

3. For microphones provided with security key, program the security key as required by selecting the ‘Protected’ mode, and then the key-switch. By default the button is ‘Not Protected’.

When protected, the key must be turned on for the button function to be allowed. One key-switch may be configured to protect more than one button.

The security key is intended to safeguard emergency DVA triggers from inadvertent operation.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆSecurity

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 53 of 166

4. Program the DVA that will be played to the selected zones when the button is pressed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆPlay DVAÆSelect DVA

The inputs may be any of the local or Audio Control Unit audio sources.

Local Inputs: Audio Control Unit Inputs:

5. Select the routing mode.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆPlay DVAÆControlÆLatching

• Not-Latched:

This mode is useful for the control of both DVA routes and other sources, such as background music.

When configured for non-latching operation the first press of a DVA Routing button initiates a route, and the second press terminates it.

This is the system default setting.

• Latched:

This mode is normally used for emergency DVA message routes, but can also be of use for routing other inputs.

When configured for latching operation pressing a DVA Routing button initiates a route; and pressing the associated reset button terminates it.

A group of ‘DVA Routing’ buttons may share a single reset button, or each button may have its own dedicated reset. If multiple DVA routes have been triggered by consecutive triggers in a single group, the activation of that group’s ‘reset’ line will terminate all of the DVA routes associated with that reset.

• Play Once:

This mode is only used for the control of DVA routes.

When configure for ‘Play Once’ mode, pressing a ‘DVA Routing’ plays the DVAs associated with the route once only. When the DVA has completed its full message cycle, the route is automatically terminated.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 54 of 166 Page 54 of 166

6. Select if the DVA should play until the end of the message and then stop (DVA-Full), or cease playing immediately that the route is terminated (DVA-Part).

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆPlay DVAÆControlÆDVA-Full or DVA-Part ÆPlay DVAÆControlÆDVA-Full or DVA-Part

L

• This setting is only used for the control of DVA routes.

• If the DVA is configured to ‘Play Once’, this setting should be DVA-Full.

7. Select if the route should cause busy indication on the LEDs associated with microphone zone select buttons.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆPlay DVAÆControlÆBusy=On or Busy=Off

This is typically set to ‘On’ when routing DVAs or microphone audio, and to ‘Off’ when routing background music.

Reference to Configuration Tool

1

4

5

6

7

3

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 55 of 166

9.6.1.5 All Call Button

The button function is ‘select all zones’. When the button is pressed, all outputs, which have been configured as being affected by any zone selection buttons on the microphone, are selected for broadcast from the microphone, i.e. the button press has the same effect as if all zone selection buttons on the microphone have been pressed. Pressing a zone selection button will remove the zones associated to this button from the selection. Any button may be configured as an All-Call button.

To Program a Microphone Button for All Call:

1. Select the microphone button to be programmed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

2. Program button for ‘All Call’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆAll Call

3. For microphones provided with security key, program the security key as required by selecting the ‘Protected’ mode, and then the key-switch. By default the button is ‘Not Protected’.

When protected, the key must be turned on for the button function to be allowed. One key-switch may be configured to protect more than one button.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆSecurity

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 56 of 166 Page 56 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

1

Selected Zones

3

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 57 of 166

9.6.1.6 Cancel All DVAs Button

The button function is ‘stop all DVAs’. Pressing the button stops DVAs playing to any zone. The announcement will stop playing immediately, or play until its end depending on how the DVA is configured. Note that contact DVAs, i.e., activated by Fire Panel, are not affected by the activation of this button.

To Program a Microphone Button for Cancel All DVAs:

1. Select the microphone button to be programmed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

2. Program button for ‘Cancel-all-DVAs’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆButtonsÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>

ÆCancel-all DVAs

3. For microphones provided with security key, program the security key as required by selecting the ‘Protected’ mode, and then the key-switch. By default the button is ‘Not Protected’.

When protected, the key must be turned on for the button function to be allowed. One key-switch may be configured to protect more than one button.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>Æ<mic type>ÆButtons

ÆSecurity

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 58 of 166 Page 58 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

1

3

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 59 of 166 Page 59 of 166

9.6.2 Single Button Microphone Button Configuration 9.6.2 Single Button Microphone Button Configuration

The PTT button of a Single Button Microphone may be configured to broadcast a single output, or a group of outputs. Pressing the PTT button will then cause the microphone audio to be routed to the programmed zone selection.

To Program the PTT Button Zones: To Program the PTT Button Zones:

1. Select the PTT button. 1. Select the PTT button.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆSingle Button Microphone Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆSingle Button Microphone

ÆPROTOCOLÆPTT Zones ÆPROTOCOLÆPTT Zones

2. Program the outputs that will be selected when the PTT button is pressed.

Reference to Configuration Tool

1

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 60 of 166 Page 60 of 166

9.7 Unused Audio Inputs 9.7 Unused Audio Inputs

Any Mic/Line input that is not used should be configured as Unused to prevent inappropriate fault reports. An input configured to Unused is excluded from routing and audio monitoring.

To De-Commission a Mic/Line Input: To De-Commission a Mic/Line Input:

1. Select the Mic/Line input to be de-commissioned. 1. Select the Mic/Line input to be de-commissioned.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn> Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>

2. Configure input as ‘Unused’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆUnused

Reference to Configuration Tool

2

1

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 61 of 166

10 DVA Input Configuration

The system is supplied with a default configuration where the DVA inputs are allocated as follows:

• DVA Input 1: Evacuate (66-second message length)

• DVA Input 2: Alert (66-second message length)

• DVA Input 3: Auxiliary (50-second message length)

• DVA Input 4: Auxiliary (50-second message length)

The following table summarises the configurable input parameters, and indicates those parameters available for a DVA input with a tick (

9). Each parameter configuration is described in the following steps.

Table 5 Configurable DVA Input Parameters

Input Type Surv EQ Fade Chime Gain

O/P

Gains

Pri Class Name Buttons Fallback

DVA

X X X X

9 9 9 9 9

X X

L

There is no equalisation (EQ) adjustment for DVA inputs, however the DVAs can be recorded with the required equalisation settings.

10.1 DVA Input Name Configuration

To Modify the DVA Input Name:

1. Select the DVA input to be programmed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆDVAÆDVA #<n>

2. Change DVA input name as required. It is for reference only, and is shown in input related menu options.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆDVAÆDVA #<n>ÆName

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 62 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class Configuration

The Emergency Class is only relevant on networked units, and is used by the ACU to drive the red and green LED of zone select buttons on the ACU’s front panel and on Fire Microphones connected to the ACU as follows:

− The red LED is turned ON continuously if any output in the group configured for the button is connected to an input that has been configured as a High Priority Emergency source.

The green LED is turned ON continuously.

− The red LED flashes ON and OFF repeatedly if any output in the group configured for the button is connected to an input that has been configured as a Low Priority Emergency source, and no output in the group is connected to a High Priority Emergency source.

The green LED is turned ON continuously.

− The red LED is turned OFF if any output in the group configured for the button is connected to an input that has been configured as a Non Emergency Priority source, and no output in the group is connected to a High or Low Priority Emergency source.

The green LED is turned ON continuously.

− The red LED is turned OFF if all outputs in the group configured for the button are not connected to any input.

The green LED is turned OFF.

This is used to indicate the emergency DVA message status of the zone group configured for a zone select button on the ACU’s front panel and Fire Microphones connected to the ACU, as described in Table 6. This is achieved by setting the appropriate Emergency Class to each of the VAR Router inputs, as described in the following procedure.

Table 6 Zone Select Button LED Indication (ACU and Fire Microphones Connected to an ACU)

Zone Select Button

LED

Green Red

Indication

OFF N.A. No input is broadcasting to any output in the zone group controlled by this button.

ON

EVACUATE message is playing to an output

in the zone group controlled by this button.

Flashing

ALERT message is playing to an output

in the zone group controlled by this button.

No EVACUTE message is playing to any output in the zone group controlled by this

button.

ON

OFF

A Non Emergency audio source, e.g. microphone announcement or music, is broadcasting to an output

in the zone group controlled by this button.

No EVACUTE and no ALERT messages are playing to any output in the zone group

controlled by this button.

L

From ACU V1.5.0114 or later, it is possible to configure a microphone connected to an ACU between the mode described above and the standard mode. In the standard mode the Emergency Class does not affect the behaviour of the LEDs with the red LED turning ON continuously to indicate that the zone (either one or more of the group of zones controlled by this button) is already in use by another input, and the green LED indicating the zone selection state. Please refer to the Audio Control Unit’s Commissioning and Operation Guide for further details.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 63 of 166 Page 63 of 166

To Modify the Emergency Class of a DVA Input: To Modify the Emergency Class of a DVA Input:

3. Select the DVA input, and then modify its emergency class as required. 3. Select the DVA input, and then modify its emergency class as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆDVAÆDVA #<n>ÆClass Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆDVAÆDVA #<n>ÆClass

On networked units, for correct indication of the emergency DVA message status on the ACU’s front panel, as described in Table 6, the EVACUTE DVA should be set to ‘High Priority Emergency’, the ALERT DVA should be set to ‘Low Priority Emergency’, and the remaining audio sources should be set to ‘Non Emergency’ as specified in the system default settings.

The system default setting is:

• DVA Input 1 (DVA1) - EVACUATE: High Priority Emergency

• DVA Input 2 (DVA2) - ALERT: Low Priority Emergency

• DVA Inputs 3 and 4 (DVA3 and DVA4): Non Emergency

• Mic/Line Inputs: Non Emergency

• Music Input: Non Emergency

• Mute Input: Non Emergency

Changes to the system default settings may result in an inappropriate indication of the status of the zone group.

!!

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 64 of 166

10.3 Audio Parameter Configuration

To Configure the DVA Input Audio Parameters:

4. Select the DVA input, and then modify the required audio parameters as follows.

5. Define a gain to be applied to the DVA input, in respect of any output to which it may be routed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆDVAÆDVA #<n>ÆGainÆInput

L

The input gain of each audio input should normally be set so that all inputs are balanced, and give the same output level on each of the outputs.

6. Define the output specific relative gains, if the DVA is desired to have a different gain in a particular output or outputs.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆDVAÆDVA #<n>ÆGainÆOutput

L

• Normally all DVA input gains will be set to ‘balance’ each of the inputs, and the output gain will be set to give the required level at each output. However, if any DVA input is desired to have a different gain in a particular output or outputs, then these inputs can be given a different gain relative to each appropriate output.

• Any output level adjustment should be performed with the ANS function for that output disabled, as described in Section ”18.2 Output Configuration for ANS Monitoring”.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 65 of 166 Page 65 of 166

10.4 Priority Set-up 10.4 Priority Set-up

L L

• 19 priority levels are assignable to any of the DVA inputs. • 19 priority levels are assignable to any of the DVA inputs.

• Assignment of equal priorities means that those inputs operate on a ‘first-come-first-served’

basis.

• Assignment of equal priorities means that those inputs operate on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis.

• The lower the priority value, the higher the priority. • The lower the priority value, the higher the priority.

The input priority is used to resolve conflicts when two or more inputs try to broadcast to the same output. In this case the input with the highest priority will be able to broadcast, and the others will not.

Priority is assignable to each input per output. This is so that different inputs may have different priorities according to which zone they are serving. For example a particular microphone may have a high priority only in its local zone, and a lower priority when broadcasting elsewhere.

A lower priority DVA may be overridden during broadcast if a higher priority input starts to access the zone. In this case, the lower priority DVA will however be able to continue broadcasting to any remaining zones.

If a DVA is overridden the action is different to if Mic/Line input sources are overrriden. The DVA is silenced immediately in the zone(s) in which it is overridden, and then when the override is removed it is re-instated immediately, i.e. does not wait until the beginning of the cycle. This operation is used for DVAs because in many cases DVAs are used for repeating emergency announcements.

To Allocate Priority to a DVA Input:

7. Select the DVA input, and then allocate the priority independently to each of the Router outputs as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆDVAÆDVA #<n>ÆPri

Possible options: 01 to 19 (01 is the highest priority)

Care should be taken in ensuring that Fire Microphones, and Alarm and Emergency DVAs have a high priority and non-emergency sources, such as non-emergency DVAs, Paging Microphones, and music sources, have low priorities. This is to ensure that these emergency inputs can override normal inputs.

!!

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 66 of 166 Page 66 of 166

Reference to Configuration Reference to Configuration

3

5

7

6

1

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 67 of 166

11 Music Input Configuration

The Router provides one unbalanced input typically for background music. Background music can be connected to any of the Mic/Line inputs, in addition to or instead of this dedicated music input.

The following table summarises the configurable input parameters, and indicates those parameters available for the Music input with a tick (

9). Each parameter configuration is described in the following steps.

Table 7 Configurable Music Input Parameters

Input Type Surv EQ Fade Chime Gain

O/P

Gains

Pri Class Name Buttons Fallback

Music

X

9 1)

9

X

9 9 9 9 9

X X

1) High Pass Filter is not available for Music Input.

11.1 Input Type and Name Configuration

To Configure the Music Input Type and Name:

1. If using the unbalanced input, select Input 9, which is the Music input.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>

If using one of the balanced inputs, select the input, and then program it as ‘Miscellaneous Input’.

2. Change the Music input name as required. It is for reference only, and it is shown in input related menus.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆName

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 68 of 166 Page 68 of 166

11.2 Music Input Emergency Class Configuration 11.2 Music Input Emergency Class Configuration

The Emergency Class is only relevant in networked units, and is used by the ACU and Fire Microphones connected to an ACU to indicate the emergency DVA message status of the zone group configured for a zone select button via its red and green LEDs. See Section “10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class

Configuration” for further details.

The Emergency Class is only relevant in networked units, and is used by the ACU and Fire Microphones connected to an ACU to indicate the emergency DVA message status of the zone group configured for a zone select button via its red and green LEDs. See Section “10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class

Configuration” for further details.

To Modify the Music Input Emergency Class: To Modify the Music Input Emergency Class:

3. Select the Music input, and then modify its emergency class as required. 3. Select the Music input, and then modify its emergency class as required.

Note that the in addition to the unbalanced input (Input 9), a balanced input can be used for background music.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆCtrlÆClass Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆCtrlÆClass

On networked units, for correct indication of the emergency DVA message status on the ACU’s front panel, as described in Section “10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class

Configuration”, the background music must be set to ‘Non Emergency’ as specified in the

system default settings.

Changes to the system default settings may result in an inappropriate indication of the status of the zone or group of zones.

!!

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 69 of 166

11.3 Audio Parameter Configuration

To Configure the Music Input Audio Parameters:

4. Select the music input, and then modify the required audio parameters as follows.

Note that the in addition to the unbalanced input (Input 9), a balanced input can be used for background music.

5. Define a gain to be applied to the input audio, in respect of any output to which it may be routed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆGainÆInputs

L

The input gain of each audio input should normally be set so that all inputs are balanced, and give the same output level on each of the outputs.

6. Define the output specific relative gains.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆGainÆOutputs

L

• Normally all Music input gains will be set to ‘balance’ the input, and the output gain will be set to give the required level at each output. However, if the Music input is desired to have a different gain in a particular output or outputs, then these inputs can be given a different gain relative to each appropriate output.

• Any output level adjustment should be performed with the ANS function for that output disabled, as described in Section ”18.2 Output Configuration for ANS Monitoring”.

7. Define the relative gain for each frequency band (low, mid, and high frequencies) of 3-band equaliser.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆEQ

If using a balanced input for background music, make sure that the switchable High Pass filter is disabled.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 70 of 166

8. Define the time over which this audio channel is faded up/down when audio sources change.

A slow fade up time is desirable for music inputs.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆAudioÆFade

L

• A slow fade up time is desirable for music inputs.

• The time is given in tenths of a second, so divide by ten for the time in seconds.

• It is important for Fire Microphones to be able to override other sources quickly;

therefore Fire Microphones are set-up for a short Fade Down time.

The Fade Down time is:

• The time it takes for the signal to fade down when turned off (un-routed);

• The time it takes for the signal to fade down before an overriding broadcast is made in its place

The Fade Up time is the time the signal takes to fade up when:

• Turned on (routed);

• Override removed.

This can be set to provide the desired changeover fading, e.g. when a broadcast interrupts background music, or a lower priority broadcast.

The diagram in Figure 5 illustrates the sequence of events during the enabling and disabling of a single audio source (e.g. background music).

Figure 7 Sequence of Events for Single Audio Source

MUSIC

FADE UP=T1

FADE DOWN= T2

T1

MUSIC AUDIO

T2

ON

OFF

The diagram in Figure 6 illustrates the sequence of events during the override of a background music source by a Paging Microphone with chime.

Note that the background music Fade Down time (T2) not used in this instance. Instead the microphone Fade Down time (T4) is used.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

MUSIC

FADE UP=T1

FADE DOWN= T2

T4

T1

MICROPHONE

FADE UP=T3

FADE DOWN= T4

T3

T4

MICROPHONE

PTT

ON

OFF

MUSIC AUDIO MUSIC AUDIO

MIC AUDIO

CHIME AUDIO

MICROPHONE

SPEAK-NOW LED

-

Is

Page 71 of 166

Figure 8 Sequence of Events for Paging Microphone Chime Overriding a Background Music

9. If using a balanced input for background music, ensure that:

a. The surveillance detection is disabled.

b. The chime is disabled.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 72 of 166 Page 72 of 166

11.4 Priority Set-up 11.4 Priority Set-up

L L

• 19 priority levels are assignable to the Music input. • 19 priority levels are assignable to the Music input.

• Assignment of equal priorities means that those inputs operate on a ‘first-come-first-served’

basis.

• Assignment of equal priorities means that those inputs operate on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis.

• The lower the priority value, the higher the priority. • The lower the priority value, the higher the priority.

• DAU:

The input priority is used to resolve conflicts when two or more inputs try to broadcast to the same output. In this case the input with the highest priority will be able to broadcast, and the others will not.

Priority is assignable to each input per output. This is so that different inputs may have different priorities according to which zone they are serving. For example a particular microphone may have a high priority only in its local zone, and a lower priority when broadcasting elsewhere.

When Music input is overridden, then when the override is removed it is re-instated.

• ACU: The input priority is used to resolve conflicts on the allocation of the network channels when two or more

inputs try to broadcast. In this case the inputs with the highest priorities will be able to broadcast over the configured network channels, and the others will not.

Priority is assignable to each input. This is so that the assignment of the network channels can be arbitrated between the audio inputs into the Audio Control Unit.

To Allocate Priority to the Music Input:

10. Select the Music input, and then allocate the priority independently to each of the Router outputs as required.

Assignment of equal priorities means that those inputs operate on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #<nn>ÆCtrlÆPri

Possible options: 01 to 19 (01 is the highest priority)

Note that the in addition to the unbalanced input (Input 9), a balanced input can be used for background music.

The background music may be overridden by any audio sources with higher priority.

Care should be taken in ensuring that music sources have appropriately low priorities to ensure that they can be overridden by emergency and microphone audio sources. For this reason the Music input default priority is 19 (lowest). Priority adjustment may be required when using a balanced input.

!!

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 73 of 166 Page 73 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

1

2

5

7

6

10

8

3

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 74 of 166 Page 74 of 166

12 Mute Input Configuration 12 Mute Input Configuration

The Mute input is a special input, which mutes even fire microphones if needed. For this purpose its priority is set to ‘0’ by default. However, the mute input is configurable, so it is possible to mute just DVAs, and/or any other inputs on a priority basis.

The Mute input can be used for contact activated routes or DVA routing; see in Sections “16 DVA or Route

Triggers via Contact Configuration”, “16 DVA or Route Triggers via Contact Configuration”, and “9.6.1.3 DVA Routing/Other Input Routing Button”.

The Mute input can be used for contact activated routes or DVA routing; see in Sections “16 DVA or Route

Triggers via Contact Configuration”, “16 DVA or Route Triggers via Contact Configuration”, and “9.6.1.3 DVA Routing/Other Input Routing Button”.

The following table summarises the configurable input parameters, and indicates those parameters available for the Mute input with a tick (

9). Each parameter configuration is described in the following steps.

The following table summarises the configurable input parameters, and indicates those parameters available for the Mute input with a tick (

9). Each parameter configuration is described in the following steps.

Table 8 Configurable Mute Input Parameters Table 8 Configurable Mute Input Parameters

Input Type Input Type Surv Surv EQ EQ Fade Fade Chime Chime Gain Gain

O/P

Gains

O/P

Gains

Pri Pri Class Class Name Name Buttons Buttons Fallback Fallback

Mute

X X X X X X

9 9

X X X

Due to the ability of this input to mute any or all others it must be used with great care, to ensure that Fire Microphones are not accidentally muted.

!!

12.1 Mute Input Emergency Class Configuration

The Emergency Class is only relevant in networked units, and is used by the ACU and Fire Microphones connected to an ACU to indicate the emergency DVA message status of the zone group configured for a zone select button via its red and green LEDs. See Section “10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class

Configuration” for further details.

To Modify the Mute Input Emergency Class:

1. Select the Mute input.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #10 – SLAVE MUTE

2. Modify the emergency class as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #10 – SLAVE MUTEÆCtrlÆClass

On networked units, for correct indication of the emergency DVA message status on the ACU’s front panel, as described in Section “10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class

Configuration”, the background music must be set to ‘Non Emergency’ as specified in the

system default settings.

Changes to the system default settings may result in an inappropriate indication of the status of the zone or group of zones.

!!

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 75 of 166 Page 75 of 166

12.2 Priority Set-up 12.2 Priority Set-up

To Set-up the Mute Input Priority: To Set-up the Mute Input Priority:

3. Select the Mute input, and then allocate priority independently to each of the Router outputs as required. 3. Select the Mute input, and then allocate priority independently to each of the Router outputs as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #10 – SLAVE MUTEÆCtrlÆPri Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆMic/LineÆI/P #10 – SLAVE MUTEÆCtrlÆPri

Possible options: 00 to 19 (00 is the highest priority)

L

Note that the default priority is 00 in order to mute even fire microphones. It is possible to set a lower priority to mute only DVAs, and/or any other inputs. The Mute input will mute any input of lower priority.

Reference to Configuration Tool

2

1

3

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 76 of 166

13 Output/Zone Configuration

To Configure the Output Parameters:

1. Select the output to be programmed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆOutputsÆO/P #<n>

2. Program output name to reflect the actual use of the output, e.g. zone number or description, as required. It is for reference only, and it is shown in output related menu options.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆOutputsÆO/P #<n>ÆName

L

• A non-blank name should be assigned to the output. The system uses the output name as the only identifier in some functions, so having a blank name can make the identification difficult.

• The most useful scheme is probably to have both the zone number and a code for its description in the zone name. As there are only twelve characters available then some thought may be needed to come up with a good scheme, e.g. ‘Z1 T.OFFICE’, ‘Z212 PLAT1, ‘Z23 ARENA’, ‘Z7 LIFT’, etc.

3. Define the gain to be applied to the output.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆOutputsÆO/P #<n>ÆLevel

L

• Once all the inputs have been balanced in order to give the same volume as each other, by adjusting the input gain, each output can be set to give the correct sound pressure level in the output zone, by means of its output gain.

• Any output level adjustment should be performed with the ANS function for that output disabled, as described in Section ”18.2 Output Configuration for ANS Monitoring”.

4. Enable or disable the 8-band equaliser for the output.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆOutputsÆO/P #<n>ÆEQ

If equalisation is enabled, define the relative gain for each frequency band (125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz, 16kHz) of the 8-band equaliser.

Equalisation of each output may be useful to obtain the best possible audio performance, given the specific loudspeaker installation surface finishes, and shape of the zone.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 77 of 166 Page 77 of 166

5. Enable the Router to impose a surveillance tone on the output; and set the surveillance tone level if a surveillance interface is used to monitor the amplifier system.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆOutputsÆO/P #<n>ÆSurv Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆOutputsÆO/P #<n>ÆSurv

‘Off’: no surveillance tone is generated on the selected output, e.g., when the Router output is

connected to a non-ASL amplifier system.

‘On’: a continuous 30Hz surveillance tone is generated on the selected output.

‘Pulsed’: a pulsed 30Hz surveillance tone with 20 seconds pulse interval is generated on the selected

output.

The advantage of the pulsed mode over the continuous mode is that less power is used by the surveillance function in pulsed mode, while still providing the required surveillance. This is specially important when operating from batteries.

Typically this is set to ‘Pulsed’ and –12dB in an ASL system.

6. Define the override gain to be applied to the audio when the hardware bypass failsafe mode is used in the event of microprocessor failure.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆOutputsÆO/P #<n>ÆOverride

• While in this menu the VAR Router is put into the hardware bypass failsafe override mode. This is so that if the Fire Microphone PTT is operated it uses the analogue override path NOT the normal DSP path. Therefore the Fire Microphone can be used to demonstrate the effect of adjusting the override gain in order to correctly set the level of the Override Mode gain.

• It is essential that these levels be correctly set to ensure correct emergency broadcast operation in the event of an emergency when the VAR Router is not fully operational for any reason.

!!

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 78 of 166 Page 78 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

3

4

6

5

1

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 79 of 166 Page 79 of 166

14 Permanent Route Configuration 14 Permanent Route Configuration

To Program Permanent Routes: To Program Permanent Routes:

1. Access the following menu, and set-up the required permanent routes. 1. Access the following menu, and set-up the required permanent routes.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆPermanent Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆPermanent

2. Select the input that will be routed to an output.

The input may be either one of the Audio Control Unit (NETWORK IP) audio sources, or the Slave Unit (LOCAL IP) audio sources.

Reference to Configuration Tool

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 80 of 166

15 Remote I/O Unit or Fire Loop Interface Configuration

The VAR8 supports Remote I/O Units and Fire Loop Interfaces connected to its RS485 port. Each of these units has an address on the RS485 bus.

To Configure a Remote I/O Unit or Fire Loop Interface connected to the RS485 Port:

1. Select the unit address.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemote

2. Select the unit type.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemote

a. Remote I/O Unit

b. Fire Loop

3. Pressing the SELECT key will configure the unit at the selected address and display the unit configuration menu, which enables the user to program the selected unit type:

a. For Remote I/O Unit see Sections:

“16 DVA or Route Triggers via Contact Configuration"

“18 Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS) Configuration”

“19 Volume Control Configuration”

“20 Programme Selector Configuration”

“21 External Fault Configuration”

“22 Busy Indication Configuration”

b. For Fire Loop Interface see Section:

“17 DVA or Route Triggers via Third Party Fire Loop Interface”

4. Any address on the RS485 bus that is not used should be configured as ‘Not Configured’. Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆ Not Configured

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 81 of 166 Page 81 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

2

1

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide -

Is

Page 82 of 166

sue: 02 complete, approved

16 DVA or Route Triggers via Contact Configuration

Any Router contact or Remote I/O Unit digital input may be configured to trigger a route connecting any desired combination of audio inputs to any combination of outputs. Audio inputs are typically DVAs, however other type of inputs such as microphone, background music, and test tone can also be routed.

Therefore a single contact may cause an EVACUATE message to be broadcast in one zone, and simultaneously cause an ALERT message to be broadcast to some other zones while all remaining zones are unaffected.

It is possible to configure how the route will be triggered:

• Not Latched mode

The activation of a contact configure for Not Latched mode initiates a route. When the contact is released, the route is cleared.

This mode is suitable for routing any type of input.

• Latched mode

A momentary, or prolonged, activation of a contact configured for Latched mode initiates a route.

A separate contact must be specified to act as a reset contact whose activation clears the route unless the corresponding trigger is still asserted.

This mode is suitable for routing any type of input.

The DVA assigned to a button may be configured to cease playing when the route is terminated or reset (DVA-Part), or play until its end (DVA-Full).

It is also possible to configure whether or not the route associated with a contact should cause a busy indication on the LEDs associated with microphone zone select buttons. If for instance this routing were used for background music control, then the busy LEDs would not be lit. If another type of route were being made, then the busy LEDs would normally be lit.

L

The Remote I/O Unit needs to be programmed prior to configuring its inputs and outputs, see Section “15 Remote I/O Unit or Fire Loop Interface Configuration”.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 83 of 166

16.1 DVA or Route Trigger via outer Digital Input (Contact)

To Configure a DVA or Route Trigger via Router Contact:

1. Select input and then program it for ‘Routing’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆContacts

2. Program the combination of outputs and inputs that will be selected when the contact is activated.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆContactsÆDigital#<nn>ÆRoutingÆZoning

Inputs can be any local or Audio Control Unit input, including the Mute input (see Section “12 Mute Input

Configuration”).

Local Input Audio Control Unit (Network)

3. Select the routing mode.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆContactsÆDigital#<nn>ÆRoutingÆControl

ÆLatching

• Not-Latched:

When configured for non-latching operation the activation a ‘Routing’ contact initiates a route. When the contact is released, the route is cleared.

This mode is useful for the control of both DVA routes and other sources, such as background music.

This is the system default setting.

• Latched:

A momentary, or prolonged, activation of a ‘Routing’ contact configured for Latched mode initiates a route; and activating the associated reset contact terminates it unless the corresponding trigger is still asserted.

This mode is normally used for emergency DVA message routes, but can also be of use for routing other inputs.

This method is used normally to trigger emergency DVAs although any input source may be routed in this way. For Fire Alarm DVA messages, BS5839 Pt.8 recommends the use of latched triggers with separate resets so that the message will continue to run even if the trigger pair fails.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 84 of 166

Each latching trigger is configurable to initiate routing of any DVA to any output. It is possible to initiate simultaneous routing of multiple DVAs to multiple Outputs. This is so that, for example, ALERT and EVACUATE messages may be broadcast to different zones by a single trigger. The DVA(s) will play until a momentary assertion of the matching reset contact, unless the corresponding trigger is still asserted, in which case the DVA will not be reset.

A group of route triggers may share a single reset, or each route trigger has its own dedicated reset. If multiple DVA routes have been triggered by consecutive triggers in a single group, the activation of that group’s reset contact unlatches all the DVA routes associated with that reset. However, if any of the triggers are still asserted, these DVA(s) routes continue to play while the others will be reset.

4. Select if the DVA should play till it ends (DVA-Full) or cease immediately when the route is terminated (DVA-Part).

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆContactsÆDigital#<nn>ÆRoutingÆControl

ÆDVA-Full or DVA-Part

This setting is only used for the control of DVA routes.

5. Select if the route should cause busy indication on the LEDs associated with microphone zone select buttons.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆContactsÆDigital#<nn>ÆRoutingÆControl

ÆBusy=On or Busy=Off

This is typically set to ‘On’ when routing DVAs or microphone audio, and to ‘Off’ when routing background music.

6. If required, any previously programmed routes may be cleared by selecting the ‘Clear-all’ option.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆContactsÆDigital#<nn>ÆRoutingÆControl

ÆClear-all

7. Any input that is not used should be configured as ‘Not-Conf’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆContactsÆDigital#<nn>ÆNot-Conf

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 85 of 166 Page 85 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool (Router Digital Input) Reference to Configuration Tool (Router Digital Input)

1

2

4

3

5

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 86 of 166

16.2 DVA or Route Trigger via Remote I/O Unit Digital Input (Contact)

To Configure a DVA or Route Trigger via a Digital Input of a Remote I/O Unit Connected to a DAU:

1. Select Remote I/O Unit’s address on the RS485 bus.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemote

L

The unit address should match the address set by a switch internal to the unit.

2. Select contact and then program it for ‘Routing’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆDigital In

3. Program the combination of outputs and inputs that will be selected when the contact is activated.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆDigital In

ÆContact#<nn>ÆRoutingÆZoning

Local Input Audio Control Unit (Network)

Inputs can be any local or Audio Control Unit input, including the Mute input (see Section “12 Mute Input

Configuration”).

4. Select the routing mode.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆDigital In

ÆContact#<nn>ÆRoutingÆControlÆLatching

• Not-Latched:

When configured for non-latching operation the activation a ‘Routing’ contact initiates a route. When the contact is released, the route is cleared.

This mode is useful for the control of both DVA routes and other sources, such as background music.

This is the system default setting.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 87 of 166

• Latched:

A momentary, or prolonged, activation of a ‘Routing’ contact configured for Latched mode initiates a route; and activating the associated reset contact terminates it unless the corresponding trigger is still asserted.

This mode is normally used for emergency DVA message routes, but can also be of use for routing other inputs.

This method is used normally to trigger emergency DVAs although any input source may be routed in this way. For Fire Alarm DVA messages, BS5839 Pt.8 recommends the use of latched triggers with separate resets so that the message will continue to run even if the trigger pair fails.

Each latching trigger is configurable to initiate routing of any DVA to any output. It is possible to initiate simultaneous routing of multiple DVAs to multiple Outputs. This is so that, for example, ALERT and EVACUATE messages may be broadcast to different zones by a single trigger. The DVA(s) will play until a momentary assertion of the matching reset contact, unless the corresponding trigger is still asserted, in which case the DVA will not be reset.

A group of route triggers may share a single reset, or each route trigger has its own dedicated reset. If multiple DVA routes have been triggered by consecutive triggers in a single group, the activation of that group’s reset contact unlatches all the DVA routes associated with that reset. However, if any of the triggers are still asserted, these DVA(s) routes continue to play while the others will be reset.

5. Select if the DVA should play till it ends (DVA-Full) or cease immediately when the route is terminated (DVA-Part).

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆDigital In

ÆContact#<nn>ÆRoutingÆControlÆDVA-Full or DVA-Part

This setting is only used for the control of DVA routes.

6. Select if the route should cause busy indication on the LEDs associated with microphone zone select buttons.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆDigital In

ÆContact#<nn>ÆRoutingÆControlÆBusy=On or Busy=Off

This is typically set to ‘On’ when routing DVAs or microphone audio, and to ‘Off’ when routing background music.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 88 of 166 Page 88 of 166

7. If required, any previously programmed routes may be cleared by selecting the ‘Clear-all’ option. 7. If required, any previously programmed routes may be cleared by selecting the ‘Clear-all’ option.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆDigital In Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆDigital In

ÆContact#<nn>ÆRoutingÆControlÆClear-all ÆContact#<nn>ÆRoutingÆControlÆClear-all

8. Any input that is not used should be configured as ‘Not-Conf’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆDigital In

ÆContact#<nn>ÆNot-Conf

Reference to Configuration Tool (Remote I/O Unit Digital Input)

3

5

6

1

2

4

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 89 of 166

17 DVA or Route Triggers via Third Party Fire Loop

Interface

Third party Fire Loop Interfaces are only supported by the DAU RS485 port.

Any Loop Interface contact may be programmed to trigger DVAs, but any local audio source can be routed by the activation of a contact.

L

• The Fire Loop Interface needs to be programmed prior to configuring its inputs, see Section “15 Remote I/O Unit or Fire Loop Interface Configuration”.

• Only Not Latched routes are supported by Fire Loop Interface contacts.

To Configure a Route Triggered by a Fire Loop Interface:

1. Select the Fire Loop Interface to be configured by selecting its unit address.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>Æ

L

The Fire Loop Interface can only be configured to ‘Unit address 2’.

2. Select the contact to be programmed.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆRoute-trigger <nn>

3. Program the combination of outputs and inputs that will be selected when the contact is activated.

Inputs can be any local or Audio Control Unit input, including the Mute input (see Section “12 Mute Input

Configuration”).

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆRoute-trigger <nn>

ÆZoning

4. Select if the DVA should play till it ends (DVA-Full) or cease immediately when the route is terminated (DVA-Part).

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆRoute-trigger <nn>

ÆControlÆDVA-Full or DVA-Part

This setting is only used for the control of DVA routes.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 90 of 166 Page 90 of 166

5. Select if the DVA route should cause busy indication on the LEDs associated with microphone zone select buttons.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆRoute-trigger <nn> Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆRoute-trigger <nn>

ÆControlÆBusy=On or Busy=Off ÆControlÆBusy=On or Busy=Off

This is typically set to ‘On’ when routing DVAs or microphone audio, and to ‘Off’ when routing background music.

6. If required, any previously programmed routes may be cleared by selecting the Clear-all option.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆRoute-trigger <nn>

ÆControlÆClear-all

Reference to Configuration Tool

1

2

3

5

4

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 91 of 166

18 Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS) Configuration

An Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS), or multiple ANS sensors, may be used to adjust the output gain of any zone based on a measure of the ambient noise in the target zone. With the ANS sensors acting to reduce the output gain of the zone from the maximum configured value when the ambient noise in the zone is below a set maximum threshold value. This is useful to ensure that the broadcast is set to a level above the ambient noise, and therefore is always loud enough to be clearly audible, yet is as quiet as possible to minimise noise nuisance, and unnecessary or uncomfortably loud broadcasts when the target zone is quiet.

If a zone is large then up to twelve ANS sensor can be used for any one zone. However in this use it may be better to split the zone into separate sub-zones, each configured by one or two ANS sensors. Additionally an ANS can be positioned at the junction of two zones, and can then be used to control the volume of broadcast in both zones.

Where multiple ANS sensors are assigned to a single Router output, the highest of the received ANS values is used, i.e. the zone volume is increased to the required level in the worst case area.

L

Ambient Noise Sensors are connected to Remote I/O Unit analogue inputs.

18.1 ANS Connection to Remote I/O Unit

To Connect an ANS Sensor to a Remote I/O Unit:

1. Select the Remote I/O Unit to be programmed by selecting its unit address on the RS485 bus.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemote

L

The unit address should match the address set by a switch internal to the unit.

2. Select the Remote I/O Unit analogue input to which the ANS is connected.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue

3. Select ‘ANS’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue

ÆAnalogue channel=<nn>

The currently configured option (UNUSED in the example) is displayed in upper-case letters.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 92 of 166 Page 92 of 166

4. Select the Router outputs controlled by this ANS sensor. 4. Select the Router outputs controlled by this ANS sensor.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue

ÆAnalogue channel=<nn>ÆAns ÆAnalogue channel=<nn>ÆAns

L

It is possible to assign multiple (up to 12) ANS sensors to a single Router output provided that they are connected to the same Remote I/O Unit. Where this is done the highest of the received ANS values is used.

5. Any analogue input that is not used should be configured as ‘Unused’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue

ÆAnalogue channel=<nn>ÆUnused

Reference to Configuration Tool

2

3

4

1

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 93 of 166

18.2 Output Configuration for ANS Monitoring

To Configure Outputs Controlled by ANS Sensors:

1. For each output, configure the ANS parameters as required, where:

• Min ANS:

This is the minimum threshold value of the ambient noise in the zone (in dBA). This is used to limit the range over which the gain may be reduced. When the ambient noise reaches or is below this value, the Router applies the maximum reduction to the output gain. Therefore this has the minimum gain, and a lower ambient noise will not reduce the broadcast volume further.

• Max ANS:

This is the maximum threshold value of ambient noise in the zone (in dBA). When the ambient noise reaches or exceeds this value, the Router applies the full configured output gain for the zone.

• Attack:

The Attack Time controls the rate at which the Router can increase the gain when the ambient noise rises. This is to stop the ANS system from suddenly increasing the broadcast volume in response to any short-term increases in ambient noise.

The diagram in Figure 9 illustrates the ANS operation.

2. For each output, enable or disable the ANS function as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆOutputsÆO/P #<n>ÆANS

L

• Even if the ANS function is enable, the ANS function is only active if the output has been assigned to an ANS sensor; see Section “18.1 ANS Connection to Remote I/O Unit”, step 4, page 92.

• The output level (see Section “13 Output/Zone Configuration”, step 3, page 76) should be adjusted to provide the required maximum volume with the ANS disabled.

• A test function is provided to help adjusting the output level, and to test the ANS sensor itself. Refer to Section “25.3 Viewing the Current Ambient Noise Sensor Readings” for further details.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 94 of 166

Figure 9 ANS Operation Example

AMBIENT NOISE

LEVEL

Min

ANS=+70dBA

Max

ANS=+90dBA

ANNOUNCEMENT

IN PROGRESS

T

MAX CONTROL RANGE

(+20dB)

B

A A

AREA

AMBIENT NOISE BEL OW MIN ANS THRESHOLD, THEREFORE MINi MUM GAIN IS USED.

AREA

AMBIENT NOISE ABOVE MAX ANS THRESHOLD, THEREFORE MAXIMUM G AIN IS USED.

A

B

PA

SYSTEM GAIN

0dB

-25dB

ANNOUNCEMENT

IN PROGRESS

(FROZEN ANS L EVEL)

MAX CONTROL RANGE

(+20dB)

T

-5dB

OUTPUT GAIN SETTING: MAXIMUM GAIN (WITHOUT ANS) =-5 dB

ANS SETTINGS: MIN ANS THRESHOLD = +70 dBA MAX ANS THRESHOLD = +90 dBA

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 95 of 166 Page 95 of 166

Reference to Configuration Tool Reference to Configuration Tool

1

2

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 96 of 166

18.3 Input Configuration for ANS Monitoring

Ambient noise compensation is applied to outputs, however it is possible to configure the ambient noise compensation to be applied to any particular input routed to an output which has ANS compensation enabled.

This setting may be used to, for instance, ensure that emergency broadcasts are always at maximum volume level when routed to ANS controlled outputs.

To Configure Inputs for ANS Compensation:

1. For each of the local Mic/Line, DVA, and Music inputs configure the ANS compensation as required.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆANSÆLocalÆ<input name>

• Enabled / Disabled:

‘Enabled’:

When ANS operation is enabled for an input then this input will be reduced according to the zone’s ANS level when the input is routed to an output which is under ANS control.

This setting is normally used for all microphone inputs.

Note that if the input is ANS ‘Enabled’, it must be set to ANS ‘Not Tolerant’.

‘Disabled’:

When ANS operation is disabled for an input, then that input is always played at its configured gain, without any ANS reduction.

This setting is generally only used for background music sources, and for emergency broadcast inputs, if these are always required to be broadcast at maximum volume.

• Not Tolerant / Tolerant:

ANS ‘Not Tolerant’:

The ANS system is not tolerant to this input, i.e. the ANS sensing is stopped while this input is routed. This ensures that the broadcast volume is not changed by the ANS system during the broadcast, and ensures that the broadcast does not itself produce feedback into the ANS system affecting the volume during the broadcast.

ANS ‘Tolerant’:

The ANS system is tolerant to this input, and the ANS compensation continues to be calculated, while the input is being broadcast, i.e., the input is considered as part of the ambient noise. This setting is used for audio sources such as background music. Note however that inputs which are set to ANS ‘Tolerant’ must be set at a gain level that is low enough that they do not affect the ANS reading.

Note that if the input is ANS ‘Tolerant’, it must be set to ANS ‘Disabled’.

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 97 of 166 Page 97 of 166

2. On networked VAR8, for each of the network Mic/Line, DVA, and Music inputs enable or disable the ANS function as required in similar fashion to the local inputs.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆANSÆ<input name> Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆInputsÆANSÆ<input name>

Reference to Configuration Tool (DAU)

1

Local Inputs

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 98 of 166

2

Network

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 99 of 166

19 Volume Control Configuration

Volume Controls allow remote control of the volume of specific input sources within a specific zone or zones.

Volume Controls are connected to Remote I/O Unit analogue inputs.

In order to configure a Volume Control proceed as follows.

To Connect a Volume Control to a Remote I/O Unit:

1. Select the Remote I/O Unit to be programmed by selecting its unit address on the RS485 bus.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemote

L

The unit address should match the address set by a switch internal to the unit.

2. Select the Remote I/O Unit analogue input to which the Volume Control is connected.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue

3. Select ‘Volume’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue

ÆAnalogue channel=<nn>ÆVolume

The currently configured option (UNUSED in the example) is displayed in upper-case letters.

4. Select the Router outputs associated to the Volume Control.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue

ÆAnalogue channel=<nn>ÆVolume

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide

sue: 02 complete, approved

-

Is

Page 100 of 166 Page 100 of 166

5. Select the Router inputs whose volume is controlled by the Volume Control when routed to the outputs associated to the Volume Control.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue

ÆAnalogue channel=<nn>ÆVolume ÆAnalogue channel=<nn>ÆVolume

L

It is possible to configure more than one Volume Control for the same output, provided the inputs they govern are unique.

6. Any analogue input that is not used should be configured as ‘Unused’.

Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆCtrlÆRemoteÆUnit address <n>ÆAnalogue

ÆAnalogue channel=<nn>ÆUnused

Reference to Configuration Tool

2

3

4

5

1

ASL INTERCOM VAR8 Operation And Maintenance Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual