RCF TTL55-A Users Manual
OWNER MANUAL
TTL31-A
TTL33-A
TTL55-A
LINE ARRAY MODULES
Rev E
2
CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION
2.
GENERAL SAFETY
INSTRUCTION AND WARNINGS
3.
POWER REQUIREMENTS AND SET-UP
4.
THE TTL SYSTEM
5.
RIGGING THE SYSTEM
TRANSDUCERS TECHNOLOGY
ELECTRONICS
CABINET AND MECHANICS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
GENERAL OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
VOLTAGE
CURRENT
GROUNDING
AC CABLES DAISY CHAINS
POWERING FROM THREE PHASE
AUDIO CONNECTIONS AND CABLING
SIGNAL CABLE DAISY CHAINS
INPUT PANEL LEDS
GENERAL RIGGING WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
“RCF SHAPE DESIGNER” SOFTWARE AND SAFETY FACTOR
RIGGING SYSTEM
FLY-BAR SYSTEM
RIGGING PROCEDURE
TTL33-A GROUND STACKING
RCF TTL33-A KART
6.
SOUND DESIGN
7.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
8.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
HOW LINE ARRAYS WORK
DISTANCE TO THE FAR FIELD OF A LINE ARRAY
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
ARRAY SYSTEM DESIGN
RCF SHAPE DESIGNER SOFTWARE
CLIMATIC EFFECTS
AMPLIFIER GAIN SETTINGS
USING SUBWOOFERS
PARTS INSPECTION CHECK LIST
3
The TT+ line arrays are the active line array module
1.
INTRODUCTION
Thanks to digital amplifiers, high power neodymium transducers and well designed cabinet and mechanics the
TTL33-A and TTL31-A are unique products and offers the maximum output per size and weight; acoustically are “fully
horn loaded” in order to properly control directivity and to provide the highest sensitivity. The system is very easily
configurable; the cabinet is 15° shaped and is possible to build very small flown clusters starting from 4 modules or
very big, long throw, systems of 16 modules. A 32 bit floating point DSP, sampling at 96 kHz, is taking care of system
equalization, 24 db/oct crossovers, soft clipping and system configuration parameters like air absorption or cluster size
correction.
of RCF TT+ family. The TT+ line arrays are a full range,
ultracompact, wide dispersion, line array modules that
sets a new standard in the touring and theatre sound
reinforcement.
TRANSDUCERS TECHNOLOGY
Each transducer has been specifically designed for the application. The woofer provide large excursion and very light
weight, the midrange has an incredibly high BL for best vocal presence, the unique compression driver design offers the
minimum spacing between throats to avoid HF cancellation. Thanks to the extensive use of neodymium and new basket
designs, the total weight of the transducers is negligible!
TTL33-A 8” NEO WOOFERS
The MB8N251 is a high output, high power handling mid-bass
designed to provide a very tight and fast response in band-pass
designs. Extended response down to 60 Hz, inside-outside voice coil,
M-roll surround. The voice coil size is 2.5”.
The TTL33-A is equipped with 2
MB8N251in bandpass configuration:
4
The TTL31-A is equipped with 1 MB8N252 in a
hybrid reflex-hornloaded bandpass configuration:
THE TTL31-A 8” NEO WOOFERS
The MB8N252 is a high output, high power handling mid-bass
designed to provide a very tight and fast response in hybrid reflexhornloading designs. Extended response down to 60 Hz, insideoutside voice coil, M-roll surround. The voice coil size is 2.5”.
THE TTL33-A 8” NEO MIDRANGE
The MR8N251 is a high efficiency, low distortion midrange specially
designed to provide superior sound pressure level in a very compact size.
The total weight is reduced to less than half of a comparable ceramic
midrange thanks to an incredibly powerful neodymium magnet assembly.
Every detail of this speaker has been optimised to offer maximum linearity
and perfect control to the midrange and midhigh frequencies. The voice coil
size is 2.5”.
In the TTL33-A application, the MR8N251 is frontally horn loaded
and equipped with a lightweight aluminum back-can.
THE TTL33-A/ TTL31-A 1” NEO COMPRESSION DRIVER
The ND1411-MT compression driver is a design conceived for array
applications: very high output, high power handling, the overall size
is very small for the minimum spacing. Neodymium magnet, titanium
dome, mylar surround, radial phase plug. The voice coil size is 36 mm.
The TTL33-A /TTL31-A is equipped with 3 ND1411-MT in horn-loaded
configuration.
HIGH FREQUENCY HORN
The high frequency horn is one of the key parts of the line array.
One of the biggest problems in line array designs is the difference in
path lengths from driver to driver in high frequencies; this is cause of
hf comb filtering and cancellation. To avoid this problem many array
designs present in front of the driver complex “acoustic chambers”
to equalise different paths ( sound chambers, reflective chambers,
waweguides,…). Those devices are usually creating impulse response
problems and acoustic loads that are changing with the frequency.
In the TTL33-A/TTL31-A horn design, thanks to the very small overall
diameter of the drivers, the spacing between ND1411-MT centres of
emission in the array application is only 70 mm. Thanks to this small
spacing it has been possible to equalise the different paths with a simple
straight horn, with a very simple design that avoids reflections. The result
is a very even frequency response, a coherent wave source, a very natural
and transparent sound.
The TTL33-A/TTL31-A high frequency horn is designed to create a
continuous and coherent line from cabinet to cabinet.
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TTL55-A LOW SECTION
At low frequency vertical line array pattern control is reached by the constructive interference of the low frequency
sources on line array axis and destructive interference on line array off axis. This is true over a frequency range where
sources are omni-directional (for a 12inch below 400Hz) and its separation is comparable or lower than signal wave
length reproduced (TTL55-A vertical 12inch separation is 380mm this means that we should control vertical pattern with
constructive and destructive interference up to 1100Hz). Both these conditions are satisfies in the range where 12inch
works.
As the sound wave length decreases, more and more drivers, smaller in size and spaced more closely, are required to
maintain directivity. Practical line array systems act as line arrays only in the low and mid frequencies. For the high
frequencies, some other method must be founded to reach vertical directional characteristics that match those of
the low. The most practical method is to use wave guides coupled to the drivers. Rather than using constructive and
destructive interference, the waveguides achieve directionality by confining sound into a specified coverage pattern.
TTL55-A MID FREQUENCIES
TTL55-A mid frequencies are reproduced by one 10 inch dedicated
midrange coupled to dedicated unique 90°H by 15°V wave guide. It has
been designed with exponential expansion area for best low frequencies
coupling and to minimize distortion and back reflections. Wave guide has
been designed to coupled a single annular isophase wave front on 10
inch cone to a unique rectangular horn throat capable to create a single
isophase rectangular output. This wave guide is than coupled to other
horns wave guide to refine the narrow vertical coverage pattern and wide
horizontal coverage pattern. Final result show extremely narrow vertical
pattern control.
TTL55 MID-HIGH FREQUENCY WAVE GUIDES
TTL55 is loaded with three 2.5inch voice coil compression driver
designed with the minimum overall dimension actually on the pro
audio market 4inch (102mm!!). By the driver compact size it has
been possible to fit three of them in only 310mm with evident
benefit on tight directional vertical control over the frequencies. A
dedicated TTL55 high frequency wave guide couples three driver
circular (1.3inch diameter) isophase exit to the six rectangular output
apertures through six channels with exponential area expansions.
Each rectangular channel exit is capable to form a perfect isophase
wave front over the frequencies for best coupling to other adjacent
exits. From here another horns wave guide with constant directivity is
introduced for wide 90° horizontal pattern control. Finally, both mid
and high frequency wave guides are closely fitted on TTL55 for better
coupling on horizontal plane.
6
ELECTRONICS
All the TT+ line arrays electronic is in a strong, separate, extruded
aluminum housing. From the right side of the amplification module
are available Neutrik Powercon input and output, on/off switch
and protected ports for the ventilation fan. From the left side of the
amplification module are available all the inputs and controls. The
amplification module is connected to the main cabinet in 4 points
with M6 metric screws and easily removable.
INPUTS
The TT+ line arrays input section offers XLR input, XLR output for daisy chaining, and sensitivity control (+∞, -2 dB).
A set of 5 switch is used for parameters and configuration control: air absorption, cluster size, low frequencies cut off.
A data port is available for firmware upgrade and special applications.
SIGNAL PROCESSING
Each TT+ line arrays cabinet features a last generation, 32 bit floating point DSP for audio processing and a separate
micro-processor for general system management.
Analog-digital conversions are operated from high resolution 24 bit, 96 kHz converters.
The signal processing make use of state-of-the-art algorithms and performs a very accurate system equalization (6 point
each band), 24 dB/oct crossovers, transducers time alignment, hard limiter circuit, soft clipping circuit.
The DSP reads the system configuration and adjust the parameters to optimise the performances related to air absorption, cluster
size and subwoofer filtering. “RCF Shape Designer” software helps defining all parameters for specific projects and system designs.
AMPLIFIERS
The TT+ line arrays amplification power is delivered from high accuracy, high power digital amplifiers. Very low distortion
and very natural sound combined to minimum weight and minimum heat dissipation are the distinctive characteristics of
this unique amplifier’s design.
THE TTL55-A AMPLIFICATION SECTION FEATURES:
• 2x1500 watt switching power supply module
• 2x1000 watt low frequency digital amplier module
• 1000 watt midrange digital amplier module
• 500 watt high frequency digital amplier module
• extra capacitor bus able to sustain the full voltage for over 100 ms burst signals
The total available power supply power is 3000 watts and can be distributed to the 4 final amplifier sections. Each
amplifier section has a very high maximum output power capability in order to provide, when necessary, maximum
output bursts in a specific frequency range. A small fan, speed controlled, guarantee the air circulation inside the
amplifier in the most demanding situations.
7
THE TTL33-A AMPLIFICATION SECTION FEATURES:
• 750 watt switching power supply module
• 500 watt low frequency digital amplier module
• 500 watt midrange digital amplier module
• 250 watt high frequency digital amplier module
• extra capacitor bus able to sustain the full voltage for over 100 ms burst signals
The total available power supply power is 750 watts and can be distributed to the 3 final amplifier sections. Each amplifier section
has a very high maximum output power capability in order to provide, when necessary, maximum output bursts in a specific
frequency range. A small fan, speed controlled, guarantee the air circulation inside the amplifier in the most demanding situations.
THE TTL31-A AMPLIFICATION SECTION FEATURES:
• 750 watt switching power supply module
• 500 watt low frequency digital amplier module
• 250 watt high frequency digital amplier module
• extra capacitor bus able to sustain the full voltage for over 100 ms burst signals
CABINET AND MECHANICS
The TT+ line arrays cabinet is in baltic birch
plywood, coated with high resistance epoxy
paint. The wood quality, the small thickness
in conjunction to a proper internal bracing,
the metal structure design make this cabinet
very light and robust.
The mechanical suspension and orientation
system is in high quality steel, very precise and
easy to use. All the mechanical parts are laser
cut, machined and precision assembled with
metric screws and threat locker.
The design guarantees a precise
inclination of each module from 0° up
to 15° in small 2° steps for TTL33-A /
TTL31-A and from 0° to 7° in steps of 1°
for TTL55-A.
The system is very light and can be moved
or transported from one or two people
using the side handles or rear handles (on
the amplifier sides).
The suspension system is designed to have a
proper safety factor (configuration dependent).
Using the “RCFShape Designer” software it
is very easy to understand safety factors and
limits for each specific configuration.
8
2.
GENERAL
SAFETY
INSTRUCTION
AND WARNINGS
IMPORTANT NOTE
Before connecting using or rigging the system, please
read this instruction manual carefully and keep it
on hand for future reference. The manual is to be
considered an integral part of the product and must
accompany the system when it changes ownership as
a reference for correct installation and use as well as
for the safety precautions. RCF S.p.A. will not assume
any responsibility for the incorrect installation and/or
use of the product.
WARNING
• To prevent the risk of re or electric shock, never
expose this equipment to rain.
• The system TT+ line arrays should be rigged and
flown by professional riggers or trained personnel
under professional riggers’ supervision.
• Before rigging the system carefully read this manual.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as they provide important information.
2. The power supply voltage of this equipment is sufficiently high to involve a risk of electrocution; therefore, never
install or connect the product with the power supply switched on.
3. Before powering up the amplifier, make sure that all the connections have been made correctly and that the voltage
of your power mains corresponds to the voltage shown on the rating plate on the unit; if it does not, please contact
your RCF dealer.
4. The metallic parts of the unit are earthed by means of the power cable. In the event that the current outlet used
for power does not provide the earth connection, contact a qualified electrician to earth the equipment using the
dedicated terminal.
5. To protect the power cable from damage, make sure that it is positioned so that it cannot be stepped on or crushed
by objects.
6. To prevent the risk of electric shock, never open the amplifier. There are no parts on the inside that the user needs to
access.
7. Make sure that no objects or liquids can get into the amplifier, as this may cause a short circuit.
8. Never attempt to carry out any operations, modifications, or repairs that are not expressly described in this manual.
Contact your authorized service centre or qualified personnel should any of the following occur:
• the amplier does not function (or functions in an anomalous way);
• the power supply cable has been damaged;
• objects or liquids have got into the unit;
• the amplier has been subject to heavy impact.
9. When the amplifier is not to be used for long periods of time, switch it off and disconnect the power cable.
9
10. If the amplifier begins to emit any strange odours or smoke, switch it off immediately and disconnect the power supply cable.
11. Do not connect this product to any equipment or accessories not specified. For suspended installation, only use the
dedicated anchoring points and do not try to hang this product using HANDLES or elements that are unsuitable or
not specific for this purpose. Also check the suitability of the support surface to which the product is anchored (wall,
ceiling, structure, etc.), and the components used for attachment (screw anchors, screws, brackets not supplied by
RCF etc.), which must guarantee the security of the system/installation over time, also considering, for example, the
mechanical vibrations normally generated by the transducer. To prevent the risk of falling equipment, do not stack
multiple units of this product unless this possibility is specified in the instruction manual.
12. RCF Spa. strongly recommends this product is installed by professional qualified installers (or specialised firms)
who can ensure correct installation and certify it according to the regulations in force. The entire audio system must
comply with the current standards and regulations regarding electrical systems.
13. Supports and trolleys. The equipment should only be used on trolleys or supports, where necessary, that are recommended by the manufacturer. The equipment/support/trolley assembly must be moved with extreme caution. Sudden
stops, excessive pushing force and uneven floors may cause the assembly to overturn.
14. Hearing loss. Exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss. The acoustic pressure level that leads
to hearing loss is different from person to person and depends on the duration of exposure. To prevent potentially
dangerous exposure to high levels of acoustic pressure, anyone who is exposed to these levels should use adequate
protection devices. When a transducer capable of producing high sound levels is being used, it is therefore necessary
to wear ear plugs or protective earphones. See the technical specifications in the instruction manual for the maximum sound pressure the loudspeaker is capable of producing.
IMPORTANT NOTE
To prevent the occurrence of noise on the cables that carry microphone signals or line signals (for example, 0 dB), only
use screened cables and avoid running them in the vicinity of:
• equipment that produces high-intensity electromagnetic elds (for example, high power transformers);
• mains cables;
• lines that supply loudspeakers.
GENERAL OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
• Do not obstruct the ventilation grilles of the unit. Situate this product far from any heat sources and always ensure
adequate air circulation around the ventilation grilles.
• Do not overload this product for extended periods of time.
• Never force the control elements (keys, knobs, etc. ).
• Do not use solvents, alcohol, benzene or other volatile substances for cleaning the external parts of this product.
10
WARNING
3.
• The TT+ line arrays System is designed to operate in
POWER
REQUIREMENTS
AND SET-UP
VOLTAGE
The TT+ line arrays amplifier is designed to work within the following AC Voltage limits: 230 Volt NOMINAL
VOLTAGE: minimum voltage 185 Volt, maximum voltage 260 Volt 115 Volt NOMINAL VOLTAGE: minimum voltage 185
Volt, maximum voltage 260 Volt . If the voltage goes below the minimum admitted voltage the system stops working If
the voltage goes higher than the maximum admitted voltage the system can be seriously damaged. To obtain the best
performances from the system it is very important that the voltage drop it is as low as possible.
hostile and demanding situations. Nevertheless it is
important to take extremely care of the AC power
supply and set up a proper power distribution.
• The TT+ line arrays System is designed to be
GROUDED. Always use a grounded connection.
• PowerCon appliance coupler is a AC mains power
disconnection device and must be readily accessible
during and after the installation.
CURRENT
The following are the long term and peak
current requirement for each TTL33-A/TTL31-A
module:
The total current requirement is obtained multiplying the single current requirement by the number of modules. To obtain the best
performances make sure that the total burst current requirement of the system doesn’t create a significant voltage drop on the cables.
MODEL VOLTAGE BURST (100 ms) LONG TERM
TTL33-A / TTL31-A 230 Volt 4.5 A 3.15 A
TTL33-A / TTL31-A 115 Volt 9.0 A 6.3 A
TTL55-A 230 Volt 17.7A 6.3A X 2
TTL55-A 115 Volt 28.2A 10A X 2
GROUNDING
Make sure that all the system is properly grounded. All the grounding points shall be connected to the same ground node.
This will improve reducing hums in the audio system.
TTL33-A / TTL31-A, AC CABLES DAISY CHAINS
Each TTL33-A/TTL31-A module is provided with a Powercon outlet to daisy
chain other modules. The maximum number of modules that is possible to
daisy chain is:
230 VOLT: 6 modules total
115 VOLT: 3 modules total
WARNING - RISK OF FIRE
A superior number of modules in daisy chain will
exceed the Powercon connector maximum ratings
and create a potentially dangerous situation.
POWERING FROM THREE PHASE
When the TT+ line arrays system is powered from a three phase power distribution it is very important to keep a good
balance in the load of each phase of the AC power. It is very important to include subwoofers and satellites in power
distribution calculation: both subwoofers and satellites shall be distributed between the three phases.
11
4.
THE TTL SYSTEM
AUDIO CONNECTIONS AND CABLING
The TT+ line arrays input panel presents balanced XLR input/output.
SIGNAL CABLES DAISY CHAINS
Audio signal can be daisy-chained using the male XLR loop through connectors. A single audio source can drive multiple
speakers modules (like a full left or right channel made of 8-16 speaker modules); make sure that the source device is
able to drive the impedance load made of the modules input circuits in parallel.
The TT+ line arrays input circuit presents a 100 KOhm input impedance. The total input impedance seen as a load from
the audio source (ex. audio mixer) will be:
• system input impedance = 100 KOhm / number of input circuits in parallel.
The required output impedance of the audio source (ex. audio mixer) will be:
• source output impedance > 10 * system input impedance
• always make sure that XLR cables used to feed audio signal to the system are:
- balanced audio cables
- wired in phase
A single defective cable can affect the performance of the overall system!
12
TTL55-A
INPUT PANEL
1 2
10 11
1 XLR INPUT.
2 XLR LINK OUTPUT.
3 DATA INPUT. This port is used for the network input of RD NET
remote monitoring
4 DATA OUTPUT. This port is used for the network daisy chain output
of RD NET remote monitoring.
5 BY PASS (RESET). This switch by-pass (reset) the last preset loaded
on TTL55A DSP with RD NET remoting control.
12
5
6
7
3 4
8
TTL55-A
INPUT PANEL LEDS
The input panel presents 4 system LEDs:
1 2
10 11
12
5
6
7
13
9
13
9
6 HIGH FREQUENCY CORRECTION. The combination of the 2
top switches gives 4 possibilities of high frequencies correction
depending on target distance (air absorption correction):
-near field ( up to 25 meters)
-mid field ( from 25 to 40 meters)
-mid far field ( from 40 to 60 meters)
-far field ( more than 60 meters)
7 CLUSTER SIZE. The combination of the 2 central switches gives 4
possibilities of mid low frequencies correction depending on cluster size:
• 4-6 modules (small own systems)
• 7-9 modules (medium own systems)
• 10-12 modules (medium large own systems)
• 13-20 modules (large own systems)
8 ACTIVE NETWORK LED. This led flash when there’s a data
transmission.
9 LINK NETWORK LED. This led is ON when the speaker has been
recognized and connected from the RD NET master unit.
10 RED/ORANGE - LIMITER LED. This led is ON when the limiter circuit
is active to prevent output distortion or damage of the speaker:
- ORANGE - Soft limiter circuit. When the LED is flashing ORANGE one of
the power amplifiers reaches the maximum output for short periods of time
and the working condition can be considered normal.
- RED - Hard limiter. When the LED is flashing RED (following the signal)
one of the power amplifiers reaches the maximum output for longer periods
of time. When the LED is blinking RED one of the RMS limiter circuit is active
in order to prevent damage to one of the transducers or power amplifiers.
Always avoid operating conditions where the System works for
long periods of time with the RED LED flashing or blinking.
11 GREEN - SIGNAL LED. This led is ON when the audio input
signal is superior to -20 dB. When there is no input signal the led is
flashing
3 4
8
12 YELLOW - STATUS LED. This LED is flashing during the
bootstrap procedure and in case of communication problems with the
DSP processor.
13 GREEN - POWER LED. This led is ON when the system is
connected to the AC power source and the main on/off switch is in
position ON.
13
TTL33-A/TTL31-A
INPUT PANEL
1 XLR INPUT.
2 XLR LINK OUTPUT.
3 SENSITIVITY ( +∞, +4 dB, -2 dB).
4 HIGH PASS. This switch inserts a 110 Hz, 24 dB/octave high pass,
to be used in conjunction with subwoofers without any high pass signal
output. When the system is used in conjunction with the TTS18-A or
TTS28-A subwoofers the optimum solution is to use the high pass xover
signal output from the subs and leave the line array module in full range.
5 CLUSTER SIZE. The combination of the 2 central switches gives 4
possibilities of mid low frequencies correction depending on cluster size:
• 2-3 modules (used for stacking congurations)
• 4-6 modules (small own systems)
• 7-9 modules (medium own systems)
• 10-16 modules (large own systems)
6 HIGH FREQUENCY CORRECTION. The combination of the 2
top switches gives 3 possibilities of high frequencies correction
depending on target distance (air absorption correction):
-near field ( up to 30 meters)
-mid field ( from 30 to 60 meters)
-far field ( more than 60 meters)
TTL33-A/TTL31-A
INPUT PANEL LEDS
The input panel presents 4 system LEDs:
7 GREEN - POWER LED. This led is ON when the system is connected
to the AC power source and the main on/off switch is in position 1.
8 GREEN - SIGNAL LED. This led is ON when the audio input signal
is superior to -20 dB. When there is no input signal the led is flashing.
9 YELLOW - STATUS LED. This LED is flashing during the bootstrap
procedure and in case of communication problems with the DSP processor.
10 RED/ORANGE - LIMITER LED. This led is ON when the limiter
circuit is active to prevent output distortion or damage of the speaker:
ORANGE - Soft limiter circuit. When the LED is flashing ORANGE
one of the power amplifiers reaches the maximum output for short
periods of time and the working condition can be considered normal.
RED - Hard limiter. When the LED is flashing RED (following the
signal) one of the power amplifiers reaches the maximum output
for longer periods of time. When the LED is blinking RED one of the
RMS limiter circuit is active in order to prevent damage to one of the
transducers or power amplifiers.
Always avoid operating conditions where the System works for
long periods of time with the RED LED flashing or blinking.
14
11 DATA INPUT. This port is used to update DSP firmware, DSP
presets, microprocessor firmware.
GENERAL RIGGING WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
5.
• Suspending loads should be done with extreme caution.
RIGGING
THE SYSTEM
WARNING
• The system must be rigged in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Country where the system is used. It is
responsibility of the owner or rigger to make sure that the system is properly rigged in accordance with Country and
local laws and regulations.
• Always check that all the parts of the rigging system that are not provided from RCF are:
-appropriate for the application
-approved, certified and marked
-properly rated
-in perfect condition
• When deploying a system always wear protective
helmets and footwear.
• Never allow people to pass under the system during
the installation process.
• Never leave the system unattended during the
installation process.
• Never install the system over areas of public access.
• Never attach other loads to the array system.
• Never climb the system during or after the installation.
• Never expose the system to extra loads created from
the wind or snow.
• Each cabinet support the full load of the part of the system below. It is very important that each single cabinet of the
system is properly checked.
“RCF SHAPE DESIGNER” SOFTWARE AND SAFETY FACTOR
The suspension system is designed to have a proper safety factor (configuration dependent). Using the “RCF Shape
Designer” software it is very easy to understand safety factors and limits for each specific configuration. To better comprehend in which safety range the mechanics are working a simple introduction is needed: TT+ line arrays mechanics are
built with certified UNI EN 10025-95 S 235 JR Steel. RCF prediction software calculates forces on every single stressed
part of the assembly and shows the minimum safety factor for every link. S 235 JR is a structural steel and has a stressstrain (or equivalent Force-Deformation) curve like the following:
The curve is characterized by two critical points: the Break Point and
the Yield Point. The tensile ultimate stress is simply the maximum
stress attained. Ultimate tensile stress is commonly used as a criterion of
the strength of the material for structural design, but it should be recognized that other strength properties may often be more important. One
of these is for sure the Yield Strength. Stress-strain diagram of S 235 JR
exhibit a sharp break at a stress below the ultimate strength. At this critical stress, the material elongates considerably with no apparent change
in stress. The stress at which this occurs is referred to as the yield point.
Permanent deformation may be detrimental, and the industry adopted
0.2% plastic strain as an arbitrary limit that is considered acceptable by
all regulatory agencies. For tension and compression, the corresponding
stress at this offset strain is defined as the yield.
15
S 235 JR characteristic values are R=360 [N/mm2] for Ultimate Strength and Rp0.2=235 [N/mm2] for Yield Strength.
In our prediction software the Safety Factors are calculated considering the Maximum Stress Limit equal to the
Yield Strength, according with many international standards and rules.
The resulting Safety Factor is the minimum of all the calculated safety factors, for each link or pin.
This is where you are working with a SF=7
Depending on local safety regulation and on situation the required
safety factor can vary. It is responsibility of the owner or rigger to
make sure that the system is properly rigged in accordance with
Country and local laws and regulations.
The “RCF Shape Designer” software gives detailed information of the
safety factor for each specific configuration.
The results are classified in 4 classes:
-GREEN: SAFETY FACTOR > 7 SUGGESTED
-YELLOW 4 > SAFETY FACTOR > 7
-ORANGE 1.5 > SAFETY FACTOR > 4
-RED SAFETY FACTOR < 1.5 NEVER ADMITTED
WARNING
• The safety factor is the result of the forces acting on y bar’s and system’s front and rear links and pins and depends
on many variables:
- number of cabinets
- fly bar angles
- angles from cabinets to cabinets. If one of the cited variables change the safety factor MUST BE recalculated using
the software before rigging the system.
• In case the y bar is picked up from 2 motors make sure that the y bar angle is correct. An angle different from the
angle used in the prediction software can be potentially dangerous. Never allow persons to stay or pass under the
system during the installation process.
• When the y bar is particularly tilted or the array is very curved the centre of gravity can move out from the rear
links. In this case the front links are in compression and the rear links are supporting the total weight of the system
plus the front compression. Always check very carefully with the “RCF Shape Designer” software all this kind of situations (even with a small number of cabinets).
System particularly tilted System very curved
16
RIGGING SYSTEM
THE TTL55-A FLY BAR
4
2
3
5
1
The TT+ line arrays module is provided with 4 rigging bars, 2 in
the front and 2 in the rear corners. The rigging bars are securely
connected to front and rear metal corners. Front and rear metal
corners are securely connected to the cabinet. The rigging system is
made of rigging bars and metal corners in sequence. Rigging bars
and metal corners are securely connected by:
- Rectified bolts
- Quick lock pins The wooden cabinet is not a primary part of the
rigging system.
THE TTL55-A FLY BAR FEATURES:
1 FRONT FLYING BRACKET
2 QUICK LOCK PIN HOLE (to be used to lock
the front bracket before installation)
3 REAR BAR HOLE
4 SAFETY CHAIN SHACKLE HOLES
The TTL55-A system must be suspended
using the RCF TTL55-A fly bar
6
5 QUICK LOCK PIN HOLE
6 PICKUP FIXING HOLES
4
2
3
5
1
17
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