Clear-Com BAL-8 User Manual

CLEAR-COM ECLIPSE

BAL-8 TRANSFORMER

GROUND ISOLATION INTERFACE

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual
© 2008 Vitec Group Communications Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Part Number 810403Z Rev. 1
Vitec Group Communications LLC

850 Marina Village Parkway
Alameda, CA 94501
U.S.A

Vitec Group Communications Ltd
7400 Beach Drive
IQ Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
United Kingdom
CB25 9TP

Vitec Group Communications
Room 1806, Hua Bin Building
No. 8 Yong An Dong Li
Jian Guo Men Wai Ave
Chao Yang District
Beijing, P.R. China 100022

® Clear-Com, CellCom/FreeSpeak and the Clear-Com Communications Systems logo are registered trademarks of
The Vitec Group plc.

CONTENTS

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

Control, Indicators and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Installation in a Matrix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Spares for BAL-8 Main PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

WARRANTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W-I

Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .W-i

Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .W-i

Warranty Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W-ii

Non-Warranty Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W-ii

Vitec Group Communications
BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual

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BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual

Vitec Group Communications

Please read and follow
these instructions
before operating a
BAL-8 Ground Isolation
Interface.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

For your safety, it is important to read and follow these
instructions before operating a BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface.

(1) WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose a BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface to rain or moisture. Do not
operate a BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface near water, or place
objects containing liquid on it. Do not expose a BAL-8 Ground
Isolation Interface to splashing or dripping water.

(2) For proper ventilation, make sure ventilation openings are not
blocked. Install the BAL-8 according to the directions in the Inst allation
chapter of this manual.

(3) Do not install a BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface near a heat
source such as a radiator, heat register, stove, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produces heat. Do not place naked flame
sources such as candles on or near a panel.

(4) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades, with one blade wider than the
other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an ele ctrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

(5) Protect the power plug from being walked on or pinched p articularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the panel chassis.

(6) Only use attachments/accessories specified by Clear-Com
Communication Systems.

(7) Unplug the BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of time.

(8) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when:

• The BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface has been damaged in any
way, such as when a power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

• Liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the BAL-8
Ground Isolation Interface chassis.

• The BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface has been exposed to rain
or moisture.

• The BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface does not operate normally.

• The BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface has been dropped.

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BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual

iii

Please familiarize yourself with the safety symbols in Figure 1. When
you see these symbols on a BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface, they
warn you of the potential danger of electric shock if the station is used
improperly. They also refer you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the manual.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

This symbol alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous
voltage within the product's enclosure that might be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. Do not open
the product's case.

This symbol informs you that important operating and main­tenance instructions are included in the literature accompanying
this product.

Figure 1: Safety Symbols

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BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual

Vitec Group Communications

1

OPERATION

This chapter describes the BAL-8 Interface and how to operate it.

DESCRIPTION

The BAL-8 provides eight channels of transformer isolation for up to 8
direct interface ports to the Eclipse matrix. The transformer isolation
eliminates the hum and noise caused by ground or earth loops. Each
channel handles four signals (two bi-directional audio and two RS-422
data lines). Only the bi-directional audio lines are transformer iso lated;
the RS-422 lines are not isolated.

With the easy-to-operate slide switch, located to the right of each
Input/Output connector pair, you can place each channel in Normal or
Interface mode. In normal mode (Figure 1-1), the data pairs are not
affected. In Interface mode (Figure 1-2), each data pair (i.e., call
receive and call send) is connected, indicating to the Eclipse status
software that the port is in “direct” mode.

Vitec Group Communications
BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual

Figure 1-1: BAL-8 in Normal Mode (equivalent schematic)

Figure 1-2: BAL-8 in Interface Mode (equivalent schematic)

1-1

CONTROL, INDICATORS AND CONNEC­TORS

The only controls on the unit are the slide switches to select between
Normal and Interface modes.

The BAL-8 does not have any indicators.
All 16 of the unit’s RJ-45 connectors are on the back panel. Each

channel has one Input and one Output connector.

Figure 1-3: BAL-8 Rear Panel

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2

INSTALLATION

This chapter describes how to install the BAL-8 ground isolation
interface.

Description

The BAL-8 provides eight channels of transformer isolation for direct
interface ports on the Eclipse matrix. The transformer isolation
eliminates the hum and noise caused by ground loops. Each channel
handles four signals (two bi-directional audio and two RS-422 data
lines).

With the easy-to-operate slide switch, located to the right of each
Input/Output connector pair, you can place each channel in Normal or
Interface mode. In normal mode (Figure 2-1), the data pairs are not
affected. In Interface mode (Figure 2-2), each data pair (i.e. call
receive and call and call send) is connected, indicating to the Eclipse
status software that the port is in “direct” mode.

INSTALLATION IN A M ATRIX

Once the BAL-8 is mounted, all connections are made between the
source, the Eclipse frame, and destinations, public-address systems,
radio receivers, etc., via RJ-45 jumpers. A complete connection
includes two RJ-45 jumpers—one connecting a Eclipse port to an

Vitec Group Communications
BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual

Figure 2-1: BAL-8 in Normal Mode (equivalent schematic)

Figure 2-2: BAL-8 in Interface Mode (equivalent schematic)

2-1

Output port in one of the BAL-8’s channels and the other connecting
the same channel’s Input port to the intended destination equipment.

One linking option is to connect the last eight ports of a Clear-Com
matrix to the eight Output ports on the BAL-8 as shown in Figure 2-3.
Each of the BAL-8’s Input ports can then be connected to destination
equipment.

Each channel can operate in either Normal or Interface mode.
Although the BAL-8 is shipped in Interface mode, you can slide the
switch to the right to select the Normal mode.

Use the Normal mode if the channel is directly connected to a Eclipse
panel or other RS-422 data device.

Use Interface mode if the channel is directly connected to an external
device, such as a public-address system or a radio receiver.

2-2

Figure 2-3: BAL-8 Connections

BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual

Vitec Group Communications

3

MAINTENANCE

This chapter provides maintenance information for the BAL-8 and how
to install it.

DESCRIPTION

The BAL-8 provides eight channels of transformer isolation for direct
port interfaces to the Eclipse matrix. The transformer isolation
eliminates the hum and noise caused by ground loops. Each channel
handles four signals (two bi-directional audio and two RS-422 data
lines).

With the easy-to-operate slide switch, located to the right of each
Input/Output connector pair, you can place each channel in Normal or
Interface mode. In normal mode (Figure I7-1), the data pairs are not
affected. In Interface mode (Figure I7-2), each data pair (i.e., call
receive and call send) is connected, indicating to the Eclipse status
software that the port is in “direct” mode.

Vitec Group Communications
BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual

Figure 3-1: BAL-8 in Normal Mode (equivalent schematic)

Figure 3-2: BAL-8 in Interface Mode (equivalent schematic)

3-1

A Chan nel

OUT PUT
FROM
(FRAME)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

J1A
RJ-45

T1

TTPC-1

1
2
3

T2

TTPC-1

1
2
3

4

1

4
5
6

4
5
6

5

6

S1

2

3

<NORMAL - INTERFACE>

Figure 3-3: One Channel in a BAL-8 Circuit Board

INPUT
(EQUIPMENT )

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

J1B
RJ-45

SPARES FOR BAL-8 MAIN PCB

DEVICE DESCRIPTION PART NO. DESIGNATOR

Transformer 600CT/600CT 560018 T1, T2, T3, T4,

T5, T6, T7, T8,
T9, T10, T11,
T12, T13, T14,
T15, T16

3-2

BAL-8 Ground Isolation Interface Instruction Manual

Vitec Group Communications

Clear-Com offers 24/7
customer support.

Return authorization
numbers are required
for all returns.

Both warranty and
non-warranty repairs
are available.

WARRANTY

Clear-Com guarantees this product to be free of manufacturing defects
in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of two
years from the date of purchase.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

To ensure complete and timely support to its customers, Clear-Com
maintains Technical Service Centers (TSC) staffed by qualified
technical personnel. A Technical Service Center is staffed to respond
to all technical inquiries and to troubleshoot technical problems
regarding all products supplied by Clear-Com. A TSC is fully available
to Clear-Com’s customers during the full course of their warranty
period.

Instructions for reaching our Technical Service Centers are given
below.

For technical support from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

Call: [phone] Monday through Friday 09:00 – 17:00 (GMT)

[phone]hrs, any day (But you must have your PIN
number ready.)

Web site: www.clearcom.com

For technical support from the Americas and Asia

Call: [phone]
Web site: www.clearcom.com
Email: [e-mail]
FAX: [phone]

EXCEPTIONS

This warranty does not include damage to a product resulting from
cause other than part defect and malfunction. The VGC warranty does
not cover any defect, malfunction, or failure caused beyond the control
of VGC, including unreasonable or negligent operation, abuse,
accident, failure to follow instructions in the manual, defective or
improperly associated equipment, attempts at modification and repair
not approved by Clear-Com, and shipping damage. Products with their
serial numbers removed or defaced are not covered by this warranty.

WARRANTY

W-i

WARRANTY REPAIRS

While Clear-Com will ensure complete system integrity by providing
whatever support is necessary to resolve any failure covered under the
terms of the warranty, the normal procedure will be to repair or replace
any defective Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) that is returned to
Clear-Com during the warranty period.

A Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) is defined as: an assembly that can be
safely removed from the system and readily replaced by plugging in a
new unit. In the case of ancillary items such as power supplies, the
entire power supply would be returned. Whereas, in the case of circuit
cards, control panels, etc., only these assemblies would be returned
for repair. All equipment provided by Clear-Com is covered under the
warranty.

This warranty does not include defects arising from installation (when
not performed by Clear-Com), lightning, power outages and
fluctuations, air conditioning failure, improper integration with
non-approved components, defects or failures of customer furnished
components resulting in damage to Clear-Com provided product.

NON-WARRANTY REPAIRS

Equipment that is not under warranty must be sent prepaid to
Clear-Com. If requested, an estimate of repair costs will be issued prior
to service. Once repair is approved and completed, the equipment will
be shipped freight collect from the TSC.

REPLACEMENT UNITS

Should Clear-Com determine, in its reasonable discretion, that any
part of a product is defective due to faulty materials or workmanship,
Clear-Com shall at its expense, repair or replace such part and return
the repaired/replacement part to the customer. The provisions of this
warranty shall apply to the repaired/replacement part for the unexpired
portion, if any, of the warranty period.

EMERGENCY ON-SITE ASSISTANCE

Clear-Com can provide emergency on-site technical assistance in
support of warranty activities. The level of support effort required will
be decided on a case-by-case basis. Clear-Com has the qualified
technical staff to support any and all emergency site activities should
they occur.

W-ii

LIABILITY

The foregoing warranty is Clear-Com’s sole and exclusive warranty.
There are no other warranties (including without limitation warranties

WARRANTY

for consumables and other supplies), or guarantees, expressed or
implied (including, without limitation, any warranties of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose), of any nature whatsoever, whether
arising in contract, tort, negligence of any degree, strict liability or
otherwise, with respect to the products or any part thereof delivered
hereunder and/or with respect to any non-conformance or defect in
any such product and/or part thereof delivered hereunder and/or with
respect to any non-conformance or defect in any such product and/or
part thereof delivered hereunder, or any other warranties or
guarantees, including but not limited to any liability of Clear-Com for
any consequential and/or incidental damages and/or losses (including
loss of use, revenue, and/or profits). In any event, the maximum extent
of Clear-Com’s liability to customer hereunder shall not under any
circumstances exceed the cost of repairing or replacing any part(s)
fount to be defective within the warranty period as aforesaid.

RETURNING EQUIPMENT FOR REPAIR

All equipment returned for repair must be accompanied by:

• Documentation stating the return address, telephone number, date of
purchase, and a description of the problem.

• A repair reference number.

To obtain a repair reference number, contact the appropriate Technical
Service Center at the phone numbers or Web site listed below. Our
representatives will give you instructions and addresses for returning
your equipment. By talking with our representatives, many problems
can be resolved on the phone.

For returns from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

Call: [phone] Monday through Friday 09:00 – 17:00 (GMT)

[phone] anytime, any day
(But you must have your PIN number ready)

Web site: www.clearcom.com

For returns from the Americas and Asia

Call: [phone]
Web site: www.clearcom.com
Email: [e-mail]
FAX: [phone]

WARRANTY

W-iii

W-iv

WARRANTY