CAMBRIDGE Qt 100 Installation And Operation Manual

SOUND MASKING | PAGING | MUSIC

www.csmqt.com | 800.219.8199

Qt 100

™

INSTALLATION AND

OPERATIONS GUIDE

TM

CAMBRIDGE SOUND MANAGEMENT

2

Contents

Qt 100 Introduction 3

Hardware Installation 4

Installing the Control Module 4

Wall Mount (back panel of the controller) 4

Connections to the Front Panel 5

Connect Paging or Music 5

Contact Closure 5

Connecting Power 6

Installing Qt Emitters 7

Emitter Installation Order 7

Custom Cabling Guidelines 9

System Configuration via the Front Panel 10

System Information 10

Setting Sound Masking Level 11

Setting Audio Input Levels 11

Lock/Unlock the Front Panel 11

Error Codes 12

Post Installation Hando 13

Settings Record 13

Warranty 14

Qt 100 INSTALLATION & OPERATIONS GUIDE

3

Qt 100 INTRODUCTION

This manual covers system installation, masking level setting and
system maintenance. This introduction section discusses guidelines to
ensure eective sound masking coverage. The Qt 100 Configuration
App Manual, shipped with our Bluetooth dongle, describes how the
Qt 100 system can be configured using our companion iPad app.

The Qt 100 control module supports one zone of sound masking with
2 cable runs. Each run supports up to 60 emitters. The maximum
coverage area for the Qt 100 is 12,000 square feet (1,115 m

2

). The
module features one audio input for distribution of audio from
paging controllers or background music players.

It is important that the masking volume be set correctly to achieve
the full eectiveness of the Qt 100 system. If volume levels are set
too low, speech privacy will be reduced and workplace distractions
will become more apparent. If volume levels are set too high, the
masking sound could become a source of distraction. The higher the
setting that can be used comfortably, the better the acoustic privacy.

For a given open oce design, including ceiling height, ceiling
material and workstation panel height, we can define the masking
volume required to achieve “normal acoustic privacy,” (i.e., normal
voices are unintelligible yet audible). In an open oce environment,
the target background sound level is in the 45–48 dBA range, as
measured 3 feet (0.9 m) above floor level.

Similarly, for private oces, based on wall panel design and ceiling
construction, we can define masking volumes required to achieve
“confidential privacy,” (i.e., normal voices not audible). Most private
oces have a target background sound level in the 38–42 dBA range.

Setting the masking volumes can be approached in one of three
ways:

Best: The Qt 100 has a companion iPad app that takes acoustic

measurements and relays the results to the control module via
Bluetooth to set the appropriate masking sound level. See Qt 100
Configuration App Manual.

Good: If a sound level meter is available, it is recommended that the

control module’s masking volume be adjusted up or down to achieve
the following readings on the meter:
Sound Level Meter Readings
Private Oce Zones

38-42 dBA, averaged spatially within the oce
Open Area Zones
45-48 dBA, measured 3 feet (0.9 m) above floor level

CAMBRIDGE SOUND MANAGEMENT

4

OTHERWISE: If a sound level meter is not available, the

recommended levels are likely to be achieved in most environments
by setting the control module’s masking volumes as follows:

Control Module’s Masking Volume Settings
Private Oce Zones
05-09, for all ceiling heights
Open Area Zones
13-16, for 08 ft. (2.4 m) ceilings
15-18, for 10 ft. (3 m) ceilings
17-20, for 12 ft. (3.7 m) ceilings

Masking volumes must be set suciently high to improve speech
privacy and reduce distraction but not so high that the masking
sound becomes obtrusive. Settings within the above ranges typically
accommodate both objectives. As a general rule, use the high end
of the range. Base final settings on site conditions and customer
preferences.

Hardware Installation

Installing the Control Module

NOTE: Always plug in/unplug power supply at wall outlet.

Wall Mount (attached to the back of the control module)

Remove the wall mount from the control module. Mount the wall
mount using the 4 screws and plastic anchors provided. Use a ¼
inch drill bit for the anchor hole. The included Plastic anchors are
#6 x 1" with #6 x 1 ¼" screws.

Use the bubble level on the wall mount to guide installation. Make
sure to completely tighten the screws to ensure proper mounting
of the front panel.

All connections are made to the control module and then the
module "snaps" into place on the wall mount.

Qt 100 INSTALLATION & OPERATIONS GUIDE

5

Connections to the Front Panel

Connect Paging or Music

NOTE: The fixed terminal block can be removed for ease of connecting.

Contact Closure

The Qt 100 provides an instant shut-o capability for masking if
connected to a contact closure interface. The contact closure utilizes the
same connector as the audio input. To leverage this feature, connect a
two-conductor cable to the two connectors, labeled “contact”. The other
end of these conductors (treated as pairs/circuits) can be terminated on
closure mechanisms of choice.

1. To shut o masking, form a connection between the two

conductors.

2. To resume masking, break the connection.

Balanced Audio Input: (Most often, but not always
characteristic of paging systems.) Connect signal
wires to + and - at the input. Connect the shield to
GND at the audio source.

Unbalanced Audio Input: (Typical of music systems.)

a. Mono Signals: Connect the mono signal wire

to both L and R (split the wire) on the block.
Connect the ground wire to GND.

b. Stereo Signals: Connect the respective signal

wires to L and R on the block. Connect the
ground wire to GND.