Community W2-112W, W2-228WT Users Manual

W SERIES

W

Premium Quality All-Weather/All-Purpose

Installation Loudspeakers

ET

II

Weather Environmental Technology

Operation and Installation Manual

COMMUNITY PROFESSIONAL LOUDSPEAKERS

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION

Since the founding of our company in 1968, Community has been a constant developer and
innovator of loudspeaker technology. Many of our engineering achievements were
undertaken to solve problems, where no prior solutions existed. Others resulted from simply
seeing a better way to do things. Over the years our technologies have been imitated, and our
methods have become common practice throughout the professional sound industry.
However, developments like carbon fiber diaphragm compression drivers still stand alone,
and well ahead of the competition. Just a few of Community’s unique accomplishments
include the following:

First successful fiberglass mid, high frequency, and large-format bass horns.
First compression loaded mid-range horn for touring systems - the LMF.
First suspension-less diaphragm HF driver - the VHF100.
First mid-range, full-decade (200 Hz - 2 kHz) high-power compression driver - the M4.
First carbon fiber diaphragm compression drivers - M4, EM280, EM282.
First Ferrofluid-cooled professional woofers - the VBS Series.
First product series with all drivers Ferrofluid-cooled.
First air-cooled loudspeakers for touring systems - AirForce.
First three-way cinema loudspeaker systems - Paramount Executive Studio Theatre, Warner
Bros. screening theatre and dubbing rooms.
First electro-acoustic system to equal the sound level of pneumatic warning sirens.
First to provide loudspeaker coverage over an entire country – Denmark Emergency System.
First comprehensive, calibrated data acquisition of sound reinforcement products.
First integral signal-aligned three-way sound reinforcement systems - RS Series.
First pro audio company with an Internet Web site.
First all horn-loaded, high-fidelity, weather-resistant loudspeakers - R2 Series.

In line with our history of excellence and innovation, each Community product is manufactured in
accordance with a complicated and exacting chain of procedures that ensure absolute quality. With
our unique designs, our sophisticated techniques, and our proprietary materials and transducers, we
are committed to bringing only the finest quality audio products to the many thousands of professional
sound engineers, performers, and end users who rely on them daily.

Community’s philosophy is to build products that are uncompromised in sound quality, reliability,
durability and flexibility, all at a fair price. We provide comprehensive technical support and we stand
behind every product we manufacture. We pledge to do our best to insure that you are satisfied with
your Community purchase!

Community Professional Loudspeakers

333 East Fifth Street
Chester, PA 19013-4511 USA
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.communitypro.com

© 2015 All Rights Reserved

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 2

REFERENCE TO EC STATEMENT OF CONFORMITY

This document confirms that the range of products of Community Professional Loudspeakers bearing
the CE label meet all of the requirements in the EMC directive 89/336/EEC laid down by the Member
States Council for adjustment of legal requirements. Furthermore, the products comply with the rules
and regulations referring to the electromagnetic compatibility of devices from 30-August-1995.

The Community Professional Loudspeaker products bearing the CE label comply with the following
harmonized or national standards:

DIN EN 55013:08-1991

DIN EN 55020:05-1995

DIN EN 55082-1:03-1993

The authorized declaration and compatibility certification resides with the manufacturer and can be
viewed upon request. The responsible manufacturer is the company:

Community Light & Sound
333 East Fifth Street
Chester, PA 19013-4511
USA

TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

Chester, PA USA March 2015

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 3

Community WET II Operation and Installation Manual

Table of Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

W SERIES WET II Loudspeaker Systems from Community ............................................................................................... 6

Important Safety Information ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

C-Tips ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Precautions & Safety Considerations ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Introduction to Weather-Resistant Loudspeakers ............................................................................................................. 9

Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

Important Note – Mounting/Rigging Provisions ................................................................................................................. 10

WET II FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................................................................................. 10

GETTING ACQUAINTED ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Physical Features ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11

GENERAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................................................... 13

HIGH-PASS FILTERS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

CONNECTING THE AMPLIFIER TO THE LOUDSPEAKER ..................................................................................................................14

Impedance and Combining Loudspeakers .............................................................................................................................14

Unequal Impedances .....................................................................................................................................................................14

Know Your Amplifier...................................................................................................................................................................... 15

70V AND 100V OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Using Power Taps ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Wiring Diagrams for 70V/100V Operation ............................................................................................................................. 17

70.7V and 100V Systems .............................................................................................................................................................. 18

SELECTING AMPLIFIERS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Amplifiers for 70V/100V Operation ......................................................................................................................................... 19

AUTOFORMERS ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

WET II APPLICATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................................. 20

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................ 21

Installing with Yokes ..................................................................................................................................................................... 21

RIGGING AND MOUNTING WET II ENCLOSURES .............................................................................................................................. 22

Safety First! ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Rigging Guidelines ......................................................................................................................................................................... 22

WET II MOUNTING YOKES AND MOUNTING KITS ........................................................................................................................... 25

W2-218, W2-228 and W2-2W8 Yoke Assembly ................................................................................................................. 25

SSY25KIT Mounting Kit for W2-112 and W2-312 ............................................................................................................................ 28

MAINTAINING WEATHER RESISTANCE ............................................................................................................................................... 31

SERVICING WET II LOUDSPEAKERS ...................................................................................................................................................... 31

Replacement Parts .............................................................................................................

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ................................................................................................................................................................... 32

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................. 33

Compact WET II Models ............................................................................................................................................................... 33

Large Full-Range WET II Models .............................................................................................................................................. 34

WET II Subwoofer Models .......................................................................................................................................................... 35

SUMMING THINGS UP ............................................................................................................................................................................. 36

WARRANTY INFORMATION AND SERVICE ........................................................................................................................................ 36

........................................................... 31

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 4

TABLE OF FIGURES PAGE

FIGURE 1 - PHYSICAL FEATURES OF A TYPICAL LARGE WET II ENCLOSURE 12

FIGURE 2 - WIRING DIAGRAMS FOR W2-218T 17

FIGURE 3 - WIRING DIAGRAMS FOR W2-228T, W2-2W8T AND W2-312-HT 17

FIGURE 4 - W2-218 YOKE DIMENSIONS 25

FIGURE 5 - W2-218 YOKE ASSEMBLY 25

FIGURE 6 - W2-228 AND W2-2W8 YOKE DIMENSIONS 26

FIGURE 7 - W2-228 AND W2-2W8 YOKE ASSEMBLY 27

FIGURE 8 - SSY25KIT DIMENSIONS 28

FIGURE 9 - SSY25KIT ASSEMBLY 29

FIND THE LATEST ONLINE

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this manual was complete and accurate at
the time of printing. However, due to ongoing technical advances, changes or modifications may have occurred

that are not covered in this publication.
information published by Communtiy is always available at http://www.communitypro.com. The publication date

can be found on the rear cover or last page.

The latest version of this manual and the most recent product

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 5

COMMUNITY W SERIES WET II

OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting Community’s W SERIES WET II premium all-weather/all-purpose installation
loudspeakers. WET is an acronym standing for Weather Environmental Technology, which describes one of
the main design goals of this product line.

WET II products are built using unique weather-resistant materials that can survive sustained exposure to
harsh climatic conditions. In addition to weather-resistance, these materials also possess favorable
acoustical properties. The result is a line of loudspeaker products that not only performs consistently in
tough, problematic environments, but also provides superlative acoustic performance, typically associated
only with high fidelity “indoor” loudspeakers.

WET II Loudspeaker Systems from Community

The upgraded WET II from Community combines all of WET’s original weather-defying characteristics with
improved styling and technology. WET II is entirely constructed of corrosion-resistant materials like
fiberglass, stainless steel, polyimide and carbon fiber, using sophisticated technologies to ensure they will
withstand exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Some of our unique materials include:

Carbon Fiber. Used for LF and MF cones, carbon fiber exhibits a superior strength-to-mass ratio (high
Young’s Modulus [E]), over that of traditional cone material, thus improving transient response and
efficiency while simultaneously lowering distortion.

Polyimide. Used for HF diaphragms due to its excellent flexural strength and low resonance; quite unlike
brittle metallic diaphragms.

Fiberglass. All enclosures and horns are constructed of hand-laid fiberglass. Fiberglass is inherently
weather-resistant while exhibiting the strength, stiffness, and non-resonant characteristics needed to
insure an acoustically inert loudspeaker enclosure.

Stainless Steel. All hardware and fasteners, wherever possible, are made of stainless steel, highly resistant
to corrosion and oxidation.

Weather-Stop™ Grille. Each enclosure is fitted with Community’s proprietary Weather-Stop protective
grille. The grille consists of an outer layer of perforated steel finished with Community’s proprietary dual­layer powder coating process, a center later of reticulated foam, and an inner layer of fine mesh screen
made from a rustproof UV-resistant synthetic material. This grille assembly prevents water intrusion, while
providing a high degree of acoustic transparency.

Ferrofluid. Most LF, MF & HF drivers use Ferrofluid in their voice coil gaps. Ferrofluid provides improved
heat transfer resulting in higher power handling, reduced distortion from fluidic dampening of mechanical
resonance, and it seals the air gaps against corrosion and oxidation.

Input Cables. WET II uses type SJOW neoprene jacketed cables rated for outdoor use.

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 6

These materials provide the absolute best in sound quality, appearance, and longevity.

WET II products offer a wide range of power levels, frequency response capability, and directional pattern
control. The WET II product line consists of a basic complement of six sizes of loudspeaker enclosures with
multiple dispersion patterns available in three of the size formats. The models in this range include:

 The W2-218 compact two-way, 8-inch full-range system

 The W2-228 quasi three-way, 8-inch full-range system

 The W2-2W8 compact two-way, dual 8-inch, fill loudspeaker with ultra-wide 120° HF pattern

control

 The W2-215 two-way, 15” full-range system

 The W2-312 three-way, 12” full-range system

 The W2-322L three-way, dual 12” full-range system

 The W2-315 three-way, 15” full-range system

 The W2-112 single 12” subwoofer system

 The W2-122 dual 12” subwoofer system

 The W2-125 dual 15” subwoofer system

WET II features greater precision and tighter tolerance fit. Frequency dividing networks have been fine­tuned for improved acoustical linearity. Plus, a newly developed low-loss, low-distortion 200 Watt high
fidelity autoformer has been developed and is optionally available for 70V/100V applications in the W2-218,
W2-228 and W2-2W8.

While handling outdoor applications with ease, the elegant styling of WET II makes them suitable for many
indoor applications as well. All WET II systems are available in standard black or white fiberglass finishes,
with an enclosure-matching black or white stainless steel grille finished with Community’s proprietary dual­layer powder coating process. White WET II enclosures include matching white grilles, white bezels, white
gland nuts, and white cable, making them perfect for cruise ships, clubs or residential applications. Custom
color exteriors are also possible at a nominal fee.

A black or white powder-coated stainless steel mounting bracket is included with smaller WET II models
W2-218, W2-228 and W2-2W8, while optional mounting accessories are available for the larger full-range
and subwoofer systems. WET II is protected by a five-year product warranty plus a fifteen-year enclosure
warranty. WET II loudspeakers are flexible, easy to install and most importantly, they provide unparalleled
sound quality. They are designed to withstand sustained use under severe climatic conditions, functioning
year after year in even the harshest environments.

This manual is intended to help you install and use WET II loudspeakers safely and effectively. It provides
useful information to help you obtain the best performance, sound quality, and reliability from your WET II
systems. We’ve provided a series of Quick-Start diagrams to enable you to install and operate the products
immediately if required; however, we recommend that you read this manual in its entirety, to help insure
that your WET II installation meets the highest possible standards. While every attempt has been made to
ensure this information is correct and up-to-date, Community continuously incorporates worthwhile
improvements to each product which may include changes and/or modifications not contained in this
manual.

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 7

Important Safety Information

Always follow these basic safety precautions when installing and using WET II loudspeakers and
accessories:
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions particularly those pertaining to rigging, mounting, hanging, or suspending the
products, and all information pertaining to electrical connections.
Only use accessories that are specified and approved by the manufacturer.
The terms CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER are used throughout this manual to alert the reader to
important safety considerations. If you have any questions or do not understand the meaning of these
terms, do not proceed with installation. Contact your local dealer, distributor, or call Community directly for
assistance. These terms are defined below:

CAUTION: describes an operating condition or user action that may expose the equipment or user to

potential damage or danger.

WARNING: describes an operating condition or user action that will likely cause damage to the

equipment or injury to the user or to others in the vicinity.

DANGER: describes an operating condition or user action that will immediately damage the equipment

and/or be extremely dangerous or life threatening to the user or to others in the vicinity.

C-Tips

Occasionally, in this manual, you’ll come across some useful tips that are intended to help you

better plan and execute your installations. We call these C-TIPS (short for COMMUNITY-TIPS).

These tips originate from Community staff members as well as from installers and end users. We

welcome any C-TIPS that you may want to share with us, and we’ll acknowledge you as the source if

we print them in future user’s manuals.

Precautions & Safety Considerations

English - The loudspeakers described in this manual are designed and intended to be ‘flown’ or suspended

for maximum acoustical performance using a variety of rigging hardware, means, and methods. It is
essential that all installation work involving the suspension of these loudspeaker products be performed by
competent, knowledgeable persons who understand safe rigging practices. Severe injury and/or loss of life
may occur if these products are improperly installed. Please read the section on rigging for additional
information.

Français - Les haut-parleurs décrits dans ce manuel sont conçus et sont projetés pour être ‘volé’ ou
suspendu pour l'exécution acoustique maximum utilisant une assortiment d'équiper matériel, les moyens, et
les méthodes. C'est essentiel que tout travail d'installation ait impliqué la suspension de ces produits
d'haut-parleur est exécutée par les personnes compétentes et entraînées qui comprennent équiper les
pratiques sûres. La perte sévère de et/ou de blessure de vie peut arriver si ces produits sont incorrectement
installés. S'il vous plaît lire la section d'équiper pour l'information supplémentaire.

Deutsch - Die Lautsprecher, die in diesem Handbuch beschrieben werden, sind entworfen und sind zu sein
‘geflogen' vorgehabt oder sind für maximale hörbare Leistung verschiedene Manipulierenhardware, Mittel,
und Methoden suspendiert benutzend. Es ist wesentlich, dass alle Installationarbeit, die die Aufhängung
von diesen Lautsprechernprodukten verwickelt, von fähigen, ausgebildeten Personen durchgeführt werde,
die sichere Manipulierenpraxis verstehen. Schwere Verletzung bzw. Verlust des Lebens können stattfinden,
wenn diese Produkte unrichtig installiert sind. Bitte lesen Sie den Abschnitt über Manipulieren für
zusätzliche Informationen.

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 8

Italiano - Gli altoparlanti descritti in questo manuale sono disegnati e sono intesi essere ‘volato' o sospeso
per la prestazione massima acustica usando una varietà di attrezzare di hardware, i mezzi, ed i metodi. È
essenziale che tutta il lavoro di installazione coinvolgendo la sospensione di questi prodotti di altoparlante è
eseguita da dalle persone competenti, addestrate che capisce le pratiche di attrezzare di cassaforte. La
lesione severe e/o la perdita di vita possono accadere se questi prodotti sono erratamente installati. Per
favore di leggere la sezione di attrezzare per le ulteriori informazioni.

Español - Los altavoces descritos en este manual se diseñan y son pensados ser ‘volado' o suspendido para
el desempeño acústico máximo que utiliza una variedad de aparejar hardware, de medios, y de los métodos.
Es esencial que todo trabajo de la instalación que implique la suspensión de estos productos del altavoz sea
realizado por personas competentes y entrenada que entienden aparejar seguro las prácticas. La herida y/o
la pérdida severas de la vida pueden ocurrir si estos productos se instalan impropiamente. Lea por favor la
sección a aparejar para la información adicional.

Introduction to Weather-Resistant Loudspeakers

Weather-resistant is a relative term that implies a loudspeaker’s ability to resist the effects of weather in
outdoor environments. Loudspeakers have been designed to be weather-resistant with varying degrees of
success. Typical weather-related damage problems encountered in such designs, in general order of
significance, concern the enclosure, drivers, hardware, and internal components such as crossovers.

WET II loudspeakers have been designed to be highly weather-resistant. WET II enclosures are fabricated
entirely of hand-laminated fiberglass, making it virtually impervious to weather-related effects. The drivers
and their diaphragms are made of highly weather-resistant materials, as in the case of the mid and high
frequency drivers, or are treated to repel moisture, as in the case of the low frequency drivers. All external
hardware on the loudspeaker is stainless steel. The three-layer Weather-Stop™ grille is acoustically
transparent but highly resistant to moisture intrusion. The crossover is located within a sealed chamber
that forms the enclosure for the low frequency drivers. A weather-tight gland nut provides a seal for the
input cable. The input cable is a type SJOW with neoprene insulation which is resistant to weather and UV
effects.

Unpacking and Inspection

WET II loudspeakers are inherently rugged and are carefully packed in well designed cartons. However, it’s
wise to thoroughly inspect each unit after it has been removed from the packaging, as damage could occur
during shipping.

Please note that once the shipment has left your dealer or the Community factory, the responsibility for
damage is always borne by the freight company. If damage has occurred during shipping, you must file a
claim directly with the freight company. It’s very important to contact the freight company as soon as
possible after receiving your shipment, as most freight companies have a short time limit within which they
will investigate claims. Make sure to save the carton and the packing material, as most claims will be denied
if these materials are not retained. Your Community dealer and the factory will try to help in any way they
can, but it is the responsibility of the party receiving the shipment to file the damage claim.

It’s always a good idea to retain the carton and packing materials indefinitely, if possible, in the event that
the unit may need to be returned to your dealer or distributor for repair in the future.

Each shipping carton contains the following items:

 Loudspeaker System (Qty 1)

 Operation and Installation Manual (Qty 1)

 Warranty Card (Qty 1)

 Mounting Yoke for W2-218, W2-228 and W2-2W8 models only (Qty 1)

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 9

Important Note – Mounting/Rigging Provisions

The mounting/rigging points found on the sides and back of the enclosure must either be used for mounting
hardware or “plugged” with the bolts and washers provided. The rubber washer provides the water seal and
must be used. The reason for this is that if all these holes are not plugged up, they created leaks in the
enclosure that will compromise its weather-resistance. Open holes will also be detrimental to low
frequency performance with reduced output and/or distortion.

DANGER: All rigging fittings must be fitted with either optional mounting hardware or they must remain

sealed with the Stainless Steel hex-head bolts that come installed in the enclosure, in order to maintain

weather resistance. Additionally, if the rigging fittings are not sealed, air leaks could occur in the

enclosure that will compromise the low frequency performance with added distortion and reduced output.

WARNING: WET II rigging fittings are rated at a Working Load Limit of 150 lbs (68 kg) per point. No

single rigging fitting should ever be subjected to a load that is greater than 150 lbs. Failure to heed this

warning could result in injury or death!

WET II FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY

In addition to extreme weather-resistance, WET II loudspeakers offer numerous features and advances in
technology that provide unprecedented sonic quality and installation flexibility. Some of these include:

 Finely tuned internal crossover networks for reduced off-axis lobing, consistent coverage

throughout the crossover region, and greater acoustic linearity.

 Uniform-voicing filters minimize sonic variations among the different models.

 Geometrically correct large-format hand-laid fiberglass mid and high frequency horns. A wide

selection of dispersion patterns is available.

 Aesthetically pleasing, uniquely shaped curved fiberglass enclosures. The enclosure

composition and the enclosure geometry work together to reduce internal reflections and
standing waves, resulting in superior sound quality. Externally, the lack of flat surfaces
minimizes water buildup.

 Envirotech coating seals crossovers against moisture.

 Stainless steel mounting points.

 Powder-coated stainless steel yoke brackets included with the four smaller models (W2-218,

W2-228 and W2-2W8); available as an optional accessory kit for the W2-312 and W2-112.

 Optional internal 70V/100V autoformer available for the W2-218, W2-228, W2-2W8 and W2-312

for constant voltage distributed systems.

 All models are available in black or white finish at no additional charge. Custom colors are

available at a nominal fee.

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 10

GETTING ACQUAINTED

y

y

y

Physical Features

Note: These drawings show the physical features of a W2-218 and a W2-312 enclosure. Other WET II

enclosures may differ in size, shape, and number of mounting points.

Figure 1 – Physical Features of a Typical Compact WET II Enclosure

NO. FEATURE DESCRIPTION

MOUNTING/RIGGING
POINTS

GRILLE Powder-coated perforated steel backed b

INPUT CABLE For signal connections to the loudspeaker. About 12 feet of 16-2 SJOW (or 18-

WET II LABEL Model number, coverage pattern and serial number.

MOUNTING YOKE The

NAMEPLATE Communit

1

½”-13 captive zinc plated inserts with ½”-13 x 2” stainless steel bolts and
lock, flat and rubber washers. Used for attaching the yoke mounting brackets
or customer-supplied mounting system.
W2-218, W2-228 and W2-2W8 include two ½”-13 rigging points.
W2-112 and W2-312 include four ½”-13 rigging points.
W2-215, W2-322L, W2-315, W2-122 and W2-125 include six ½”-13 rigging
points.

resistant layer of fine-mesh screen. Supplied, mounted to front of enclosure.

gauge, 5-conductor, UV-resistant for 70V/100V models) retained by a
factory-sealed gland nut.

oke shown is supplied with W2-218, W2-228 and W2-2W8. An optional
mounting kit (model SSY25KIT) is sold separately for W2-312 and W2-112 that
utilizes two metal plates in addition to a yoke for added safety.

logo.

reticulated foam and a UV-

1

150 lbs (68 kg) Working Load Limit / 15:1 Safety Factor

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 11

Figure 1 - Physical Features of a Typical Large WET II Enclosure

y

p

y

NO. FEATURE DESCRIPTION

MOUNTING/RIGGING
POINTS

2

½”-13 captive zinc plated inserts with ½”-13 x 2” stainless steel bolts and lock,
flat and rubber washers. Used for attaching the yoke mounting brackets or
customer-supplied mounting system.
W2-218, W2-228 and W2-2W8 include two ½”-13 rigging points.
W2-112 and W2-312 include four ½”-13 rigging points.
W2-215, W2-322L, W2-315, W2-122 and W2-125 include six ½”-13 rigging points.

GRILLE Powder-coated perforated steel backed b

INPUT CABLE For signal connections to the loudspeaker. About 12 feet of 16-2 SJOW (or 18-

layer of fine-mesh screen. Supplied, mounted to front of enclosure.

gauge, 5-conductor, UV-resistant for 70V/100V models) retained by a factory­sealed gland nut.

WET II LABEL Model number, coverage pattern and serial number.

MOUNTING YOKE

The yoke shown is an o
for W2-312 and W2-112 that utilizes two metal plates in addition to a yoke
bracket for added safety.

NAMEPLATE Communit

logo.

reticulated foam and a UV-resistant

tional mounting kit (model SSY25KIT) sold separately

2

150 lbs (68 kg) Working Load Limit / 15:1 Safety Factor

Community WET II - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 12