VAR4(EN54) / VAR12(EN54) / VAR20(EN54) · VAR4(EN54) / VAR12(EN54) / VAR20(EN54) - Product...

Product Description ASL Document Ref.: U-0450-1816.doc Issue: 02 complete, approved - Date: 17/11/11

VAR4(EN54) / VAR12(EN54) / VAR20(EN54) 4x4 / 12x12 / 20x20 DSP Audio Routers and VA System

Controllers

VAR12(EN54) / VAR20(EN54)

VAR4(EN54)

VAR4(EN54) / VAR12(EN54) / VAR20(EN54) - Product Description

Copyright © 2011 Application Solutions (Safety and Security) Limited Application Solutions (Safety and Security) Limited Unit 17 Cliffe Industrial Estate Lewes - East Sussex BN8 6JL - UK

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

www.asl-control.co.uk

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

U-0450-1816.doc – Issue: 02 complete, approved

of 72

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

EMC: EN 55103-1/E1:1996, EN 55103-2/E5:1996, EN 50121-4:2006, ENV 50204:1995

Safety: EN 60065:2002 (pollution degree 2)

Voice Alarm: When installed in a Voice Alarm system designed in accordance with the ASL EN 54-16 & ISO 7240-16 System Design Guide (T-0667-0016) and configured as described in its user documentation, this equipment meets the requirement of EN 54-16:2008, ISO 7240-16:2007, BS 5839-8:2008, EN 54-4:1997, EN 54-4:1997/A1:2002 and EN 54-4:1997/A2:2006

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.


U-0450-1816.doc – Issue: 02 complete, approved of 72

Contents

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................5 2 System Overview ........................................................................................................................................6

2.1 System Context ...........................................................................................................................8 2.2 Communication with the ASL Amplifier System .......................................................................10 2.3 EN 54-16, ISO 7240-16 and BS 5839-8 Compliance ..................................................................11

3 Audio Router Functions ............................................................................................................................12 3.1 Architecture ..............................................................................................................................12 3.2 Audio Inputs...............................................................................................................................14

3.2.1 Mic/Line Inputs ..................................................................................................................15 3.2.1.1 Paging Microphone Mode........................................................................................16 3.2.1.2 Zoneable Fire Microphone Mode.............................................................................17 3.2.1.3 Fire Microphone (ALL-CALL) Mode.........................................................................18 3.2.1.4 Single Button Microphone Mode .............................................................................18 3.2.1.5 Miscellaneous Input Mode ......................................................................................19 3.2.1.6 Network Channel Mode...........................................................................................19 3.2.1.7 Unused Mode...........................................................................................................19

3.2.2 DVA (Digital Voice Announcers) Inputs..............................................................................19 3.2.3 Background Music Input....................................................................................................20 3.2.4 Mute Input..........................................................................................................................20 3.2.5 Test Tone Inputs ................................................................................................................20 3.2.6 Surveillance Tone Detection..............................................................................................21 3.2.7 Fallback .............................................................................................................................21 3.2.8 ‘Listen-in’ Function ...........................................................................................................21

3.3 Audio Outputs ............................................................................................................................22 3.3.1 Surveillance Tone Generation ...........................................................................................22 3.3.2 Induction Loop Outputs......................................................................................................23

3.4 Audio Input Priority and Override .............................................................................................25 3.5 Fades and Chimes .....................................................................................................................27

3.5.1 Fades .................................................................................................................................27 3.5.2 Chimes...............................................................................................................................27 3.5.3 Sequence of Events ...........................................................................................................28

3.6 Control Ports .............................................................................................................................29 3.6.1 Analogue Interface ............................................................................................................30

3.6.1.1 Non-monitored Contact Closure to Ground ............................................................30 3.6.1.2 Monitored ................................................................................................................31

3.6.2 Opto-Isolated Interface .....................................................................................................31 3.6.2.1 Contact Closure to Ground......................................................................................31 3.6.2.2 Contact Closure to Supply (+VE going Input) ..........................................................32 3.6.2.3 Positive Voltage Source (+VE going Input) ..............................................................32 3.6.2.4 Fire Alarm Sounder Interface .................................................................................32

3.6.3 Contact Functions..............................................................................................................33 3.6.3.1 Latent Routes ..........................................................................................................33 3.6.3.2 External Faults........................................................................................................34 3.6.3.3 Music A/B Switching................................................................................................34 3.6.3.4 Fault Accept and Fault Clear...................................................................................34

3.6.4 Remote Fault Indication ....................................................................................................35 3.7 Permanent Routes ....................................................................................................................35 3.8 Remote I/O Units .......................................................................................................................36

3.8.1 BMB01 Remote I/O Unit.....................................................................................................37 3.8.1.1 Analogue Inputs ......................................................................................................37 3.8.1.2 Digital Inputs ...........................................................................................................40 3.8.1.3 Digital Outputs.........................................................................................................40



3.8.2 Third-Party Fire Loop Interface ........................................................................................41 3.9 Fault Relays...............................................................................................................................41 3.10 Night Time Volume Control.......................................................................................................41

4 System Controller Functions....................................................................................................................42 4.1 Access Level..............................................................................................................................42 4.2 Configuration Mode...................................................................................................................42 4.3 Test Mode ..................................................................................................................................42 4.4 Fault Monitor Mode ...................................................................................................................43

4.4.1 Fault Indication, Acceptance and Clearance .....................................................................43 4.4.2 Fault Logging.....................................................................................................................44 4.4.3 Fault Relay and Remote Fault Outputs .............................................................................44 4.4.4 Remote Diagnostics...........................................................................................................44

4.5 Audio Monitor Mode ..................................................................................................................44 4.6 Software Versions .....................................................................................................................45

5 Front Panel ...............................................................................................................................................46 5.1 Indicators...................................................................................................................................46 5.2 Controls.....................................................................................................................................47 5.3 LCD Display ...............................................................................................................................48

5.3.1 LCD Display – Top Line ......................................................................................................48 5.3.2 LCD Display – Bottom Line ................................................................................................48 5.3.3 Screen Timeouts................................................................................................................48

6 Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................................49 6.1 Audio Inputs...............................................................................................................................50

6.1.1 Balanced Audio Inputs.......................................................................................................50 6.1.2 Unbalanced Music A+B ......................................................................................................50

6.2 Audio Outputs ............................................................................................................................51 6.2.1 VAR4 Base Unit ..................................................................................................................51 6.2.2 Expand Units......................................................................................................................52

6.3 Control Ports .............................................................................................................................52 6.3.1 Control Port 1 (VAR4 Base Unit) ........................................................................................52 6.3.2 Control Port 2 (VAR4 Base Unit) ........................................................................................54 6.3.3 Control Port 1 (Expand Unit)..............................................................................................55 6.3.4 Control Port 2 (Expand Unit)..............................................................................................56 6.3.5 Fire Microphone Wiring Examples ....................................................................................57

6.3.5.1 Fire Microphone on Input 1 .....................................................................................57 6.3.5.2 Fire Microphone on Input 2 .....................................................................................58

6.3.6 Fault Relay Output Wiring Example ..................................................................................59 6.4 Serial Ports ...............................................................................................................................59

6.4.1 Audio-CAN .........................................................................................................................59 6.4.2 RS232 Port .........................................................................................................................60 6.4.3 RS485 Port (EXP) ...............................................................................................................60

6.5 DC Supplies (PSU1, PSU2).........................................................................................................60 7 Product Specification................................................................................................................................61 8 Mechanical Dimensions............................................................................................................................65 9 Reference Documents ..............................................................................................................................67 10 Abbreviations............................................................................................................................................68 Service and Warranty .......................................................................................................................................71



1 Introduction

This document gives an overview on the application, features, interfaces, and functions of the ASL family of EN54 DSP-based Audio Router and Voice Alarm System controllers: the VAR4(EN54), VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54). They are referred to generically as ‘VAR Router’ in this document. The VAR Router is designed to comply with EN 54-16, ISO 7240-16 and BS 5839-8.

This document contains no definite instruction for action:

• The installation is described in the Installation Guide.

• The operation and maintenance are described in the Operation Manual.

The document is intended for the use of technical readers who have an understanding of Public Address and Voice Alarm Systems and who are trained in general electronics.



2 System Overview

The VAR4(EN54), VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54) are advanced DSP-based Audio Router and Voice Alarm System Controllers. They allow connection of 4, 12 or 20 audio inputs, which can be routed to 4, 12 or 20 outputs.

Additionally they can monitor and control up to 63 ASL Amplifier Mainframes (V400 and/or X400), associated amplifiers and interface card/surveillance units. Each mainframe connects to the VAR Router via an Audio-CANTM serial data network and audio monitor bus.

The digital messages may be routed flexibly under the control of the built-in Fire Panel Interface.

The VAR Router comprises a Base Unit and a number of Expand Units depending on its capacity as shown in Figure 1 (page 6):

• VAR4(EN54): VAR4 Base Unit

• VAR12(EN54): VAR4 Base Unit + VAR 8x8 Expand Unit

• VAR20(EN54): VAR4 Base Unit + 2 x VAR 8x8 Expand Units

Figure 1 VAR Router Units – Rear View

VAR12(EN54): Expand Unit 2 position fitted with blanking plate. !!

VAR 8x8 EXPAND UNIT 1 (INPUTS/OUTPUTS 5-12)

VAR 8x8 EXPAND UNIT 2 (INPUTS/OUTPUTS 13-20)

VAR4 BASE UNIT (INPUTS/OUTPUTS 1-4)

VAR

4(EN

54)

VAR

12(E

N54

)

VAR

20(E

N54

)

The VAR4(EN54) Router includes:

• Digital storage for 2 x long messages and 2 x short messages.

• Four universal Mic/Line inputs, each of which supports a serial interface to enable an ASL multi-zone Paging Microphone to be connected.

All-Call or Zoneable Fire Microphones may be connected to Inputs 1 and 2. These act as All-Call failsafe override microphones in the event of processor failure.

• Four A&B audio outputs.

• Two connections for background music sources, either of which can be selected for routing.

• Built-in fire alarm interface:

− 10 non-isolated analogue interfaces

− 12 opto-isolated interfaces




• Digital storage for 4 x long messages and 4 x short messages.

• Twelve universal Mic/Line inputs, each of which supports a serial interface to enable an ASL multi-zone Paging Microphone to be connected.


• Twelve A&B audio outputs.






• Digital storage for long messages and 6 x short messages.

• Twenty universal Mic/Line inputs, each of which supports a serial interface to enable an ASL multi-zone Paging Microphone to be connected.


• Twenty A&B audio outputs.





Three VA system controller modes are provided:

• Configuration Mode: to commission and configure the system.

• Test Mode: to initiate and control a number of unit and system test.

• Fault Monitor Mode: to act as a comprehensive fault display.

• Audio Monitor Mode: to monitor the audio output of any input signal, DVA message or amplifier output, via both the built-in loudspeaker and LCD display.

The VAR Router front panel provides a menu-driven interface and contains keys used to navigate the menus. Alteration of the VAR Router, amplifier and surveillance settings is controlled by access code.

The VAR Router products support a dial-in diagnostic interface allowing interrogation of fault status from a remote site. Because all parameters are controlled digitally, it is also possible to adjust routing and audio parameters remotely.

A VAR-NIA Network Interface Adapter provides the VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54) with networking capability. The VAR-NIA interfaces the VAR12(EN54) or VAR20(EN54) to an Intellevac Emergency Network, enabling announcements and DVA messages broadcast from a Control Node or any microphone connected to it. The Intellevac Emergency Network is the solution for large sites, where the VAR Routers can be networked to form multiple equipment room installations.



2.1 System Context

The diagram in Figure 2 (page 8) shows the VAR Router in system context. A number of audio inputs feed the VAR Router. Typically, these include ASL DMS-series paging microphone stations, ASL FMS-series Emergency Fireman’s microphones (All-Call or Zoneable), ASL EMS-series emergency microphones and various background music sources. The function of the VAR Router is to connect these sources, as required to a number of audio outputs, which, in turn, feed power amplifiers and loudspeakers.

Additionally the VAR Router contains Digital Voice Announcers (DVAs). These are controlled by the Fire Alarm Panel to broadcast Alert or Evacuate messages to the building.

Figure 3 (page 9) shows an example of VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54) Routers connected to an Intellevac Emergency Network via a VAR-NIA Network Interface Adapter.

Figure 2 VAR Router in System Context

OUTPUT 1

A B A B A B

OUTPUT n

FMS10FIRE MICROPHONE

BACKGROUND MUSIC

VAR20(EN54)

V400AMPLIFIER MAINFRAME

SPEAKER CIRCUITSA

B

BMB01REMOTE I/O UNIT

AMBIENT NOISE SENSOR

PROGRAMME SELECTOR

VOLUME CONTROL

FIREALARMPANEL

DMS10PAGING MICROPHONE

BACKGROUND MUSICDMS20PAGING MICROPHONE

EMS01ALL-CALL

EMERGENCYMICROPHONE

STATION

X400AMPLIFIER MAINFRAME

SPEAKER CIRCUITS

A

B

D

C



Figure 3 VAR12(EN54)/VAR20(EN54) Router Network Application

SPEAKER CIRCUITS

A


B

C

D

SPEAKER CIRCUITS

A


B

C

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AUDIO RING (3x)

DATA RING (1x)

INTELLEVAC EMERGENCYNETWORK

EVACUATE

ALERT

MIC

DATA

OUTPUT 1

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VAR8(EN54)


SPEAKER CIRCUITSA

B

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PAGING MICROPHONE

DMS10LOCAL

PAGING MICROPHONE

LOCALFIRE ALARM

PANEL


SPEAKER CIRCUITSA

B

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ALERT

MIC

DATA

OUTPUT 1

A B A B

OUTPUT n

LOCALBACKGROUND MUSIC

VAR20(EN54) LOCALFIRE ALARM

PANEL

VAR-NIA

BMB01REMOTE I/O UNIT

AMBIENT NOISE SENSOR

PROGRAMME SELECTOR

VOLUME CONTROL

DMS20LOCAL

PAGING MICROPHONE

DMS10LOCAL

PAGING MICROPHONE

ALERT

EVACUATEMIC

DATA

VAR8-ACU(EN54)

DMS20CENTRAL

PAGING MICROPHONE

CENTRALBACKGROUND

MUSIC

FMS10CENTRAL

FIREMICROPHONE

CENTRALFIRE ALARM

PANEL

EMS01CENTRALALL-CALL

EMERGENCYMICROPHONE

EMS01LOCAL

ALL-CALL EMERGENCYMICROPHONE



2.2 Communication with the ASL Amplifier System

The diagram in Figure 4 (page 11) shows the VAR Router connected to the ASL Amplifier System comprised of V400 Amplifier Mainframe(s) and/or X400 Amplifier Mainframe(s). The VAR Router communicates with each Amplifier Mainframe processor via a CAN serial data network.

Up to 63 Amplifier Mainframes can be connected. Each Amplifier Mainframe processor communicates with the Surveillance Interface modules, associated with each of the internal amplifier modules, via a separate intra-frame interface. The VAR Router is therefore able to communicate with each Amplifier Surveillance Interface module for configuration and fault reporting purposes. The Surveillance Interface module is implemented as a separate interface card on the V400 Amplifier Mainframe, and is integral to the X400 Amplifier Mainframe.

The following Interface Cards can be fitted to the V400 Amplifier Mainframe:

• LSDDC: Dual DC Line Surveillance Interface Card

• SSINT: Standby Surveillance Interface Card

• NSINT: Non-Surveillance Interface Card

• LSIDC: DC Line Surveillance Interface Card1

Each mainframe has four ‘slots’ for amplifier modules. A 100 W module occupies one ‘slot’, a 200 W amplifier 2 ‘slots’ and a 400 W amplifier 4 ‘slots’. An example of each is shown in the diagram.

Additionally the VAR Router can command any amplifier interface to connect the amplifier output to an audio monitor bus thus making it available for audio monitoring at the VAR Router loudspeaker. The audio monitor bus daisy chains between amplifiers along with the CAN bus. This interface is called Audio-CAN.

1 LSIDC Interface Card: discontinued and replaced by LSDDC Interface Card.



Figure 4 VAR Router and Amplifier Mainframes

MAINFRAMEPROCESSOR

SYSTEM

SURVEILLANCEINTERFACE

AMP


AMP


AMP


AMP

SLOT-1 SLOT-2 SLOT-3 SLOT-4

MAINFRAMEPROCESSOR

SYSTEM


AMP

SLOT-3

100W 100W 100W 100W

400W

ID: 01

AMPLIFIER MAINFRAME #01



ID: 63

MAINFRAMEPROCESSOR

SYSTEM


AMP


AMP

SLOT-1 SLOT-3

200W 200WID: 02

VARPROCESSOR

SYSTEM

VAR AUDIO ROUTER AND SYSTEM CONTROLLER

FAULT DISPLAY AND COMMISIONINGFUNCTION

AUDIO MONITOR FUNCTION

CA

N B

US

AU

DIO

BU

S

2.3 EN 54-16, ISO 7240-16 and BS 5839-8 Compliance

!!

For EN 54-16, ISO 7240-16 and BS 5839-8, 1), the system must meet the requirements specified in the ASL EN 54-16 & ISO 7240-16 System Design Guide (T-0667-0016).



3 Audio Router Functions

3.1 Architecture

The diagram in Figure 5 (page 13) shows the audio architecture of the VAR20(EN54). The other variants have an identical architecture but reduced numbers of Mic/Line Inputs and DVAs.

The majority of audio processing functions is performed by DSP software. However, inputs 1 and 2 support failsafe Fire Microphone routing whereby the DSP elements are bypassed in the event of processor failure or software mis-operation. The Voice Alarm system is available for emergency announcements within 1.5 seconds of power-up. To achieve this, the VAR Router goes into to failsafe override mode:

• immediately after power-up; and

• immediately after a reset causing a reboot sequence.

So that the Fire Microphones are available for All-Call announcements.

Adjustable parameters are shown in the grey boxes in the figure. These are controllable by the user interface menu system described in the VAR Router Operation and Maintenance Guide.



Figure 5 VAR Router Audio Architecture

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3.2 Audio Inputs

Dependent on model, the VAR Router has 4,12 or 20 electronically balanced universal inputs, these have switchable sensitivity to accept microphone or line level signals, and have digitally controlled adjustable analogue gain prior to the DSP. These analogue gain settings are non-volatile and retained even after power failure and/or processor failure.

Each of these inputs features a serial communications interface to allow any ASL microphone to be connected.

The first two of these inputs can also be used for ASL emergency or Fireman’s Microphones in Voice Alarm systems, this is because they have the facility for an analogue bypass mode in the event of processor failure/mis-operation, as required by BS 5839 Pt 8. In the event of processor failure or communication failure, the operation reverts to All-Call mode.

Two Music inputs are provided, Music A and Music B. These accept stereo phono connections which are mixed to mono internally. It must be noted that these Music inputs are pre-selectable in the analogue domain prior to DSP routing. This allows two alternative background music sources to be connected. Only one can be routed at a time.

Each VAR Router provides a number (2, 4 or 6 dependent on model) of Long DVA messages and a matching number of Short DVA messages. These are treated as additional inputs to the routing matrix.

One additional input is provided on the Audio-CAN port, this is the Amplifier Audio Monitor Bus.

All inputs described above feed a DSP Audio Routing Matrix. Audio is soft-switched to prevent clicks, and fade times can be assigned suitable for background music applications.



3.2.1 Mic/Line Inputs

Each of the Mic/Line Inputs may be configured for a particular input type. The following sections describe the operation and routing of each input type, and Table 1 summarises the VAR Router Mic/Line capabilities.

Table 1 VAR Router Mic/Line Input Capabilities

Inputs Available Input Types Microphone Buttons VAR Router Applicability

ASL Fire Microphone N/A

ASL Zoned Fire Microphone

ASL Paging Microphone

Up to 30 microphone buttons configurable for zone select, DVA routing, all call, or route reset

ASL Single Button Microphone PTT routing

Miscellaneous Input N/A

VAR4(EN54), VAR12(EN54), and VAR20(EN54)

1 and 2

Network Channel N/A

VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54) Option available only on Input 1. Input 1 is used for network operation when the VAR12(EN54) or VAR20(EN54) is connected to an Intellevac Emergency Network.

Up to 30 microphone buttons configurable for zone select, DVA routing, all call, or route reset

VAR4(EN54)

ASL Paging Microphone Up to 20 microphone buttons configurable for zone select, all call, or route reset

VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54)

ASL Single Button Microphone PTT routing

Miscellaneous Input N/A VAR4(EN54), VAR12(EN54), and VAR20(EN54)

3 and 4

Network Channel N/A

VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54) Inputs 3 and 4 are normally used for network operation when the VAR12(EN54) or VAR20(EN54) is connected to an Intellevac Emergency Network.

ASL Paging Microphone Up to 30 microphone buttons configurable for zone select, DVA routing, all call, or route reset

ASL Single Button Microphone PTT routing 5 to 10










VAR20(EN54)

• All inputs can be configured to Unused mode. In this mode the input is excluded from routing and audio monitoring.

• All inputs: microphone PTT button configurable as all call if pressed with no zones selected.



3.2.1.1 Paging Microphone Mode

Any of the Mic/Line inputs is configurable for Paging Microphone operation. Any ASL Paging Microphone (e.g. DMS5, DMS10, and DMS20) may then be connected.

These units are desk consoles that provide zone selection buttons and indicators to show which buttons are selected and which zones are currently ‘busy’, i.e. in use by another user. The zone selection buttons are programmable by the VAR Router to correspond to the required outputs or groups of outputs (Mic Routing).

The zone selection buttons are also programmable by the VAR Router for DVA Routing. The primary function is triggering DVAs although it can connect any desired combination of inputs to outputs. The operation and configuration are similar to that of Latent Routes; see Section “3.6.3.1 Latent Routes” (page 33).

!!

For EN 54-16, ISO 7240-16 and BS 5839-8 compliance, buttons of any DMS-range microphones must not be used to route emergency audio sources.

The DVA Routing function is not available on all Mic/Line inputs; refer Table 1 (page 15) for details.

Any microphone button may also be programmed as an All-Call button. This button is equivalent to pressing all other configured zone selection buttons.

The PTT button can be configured to page all zones if pressed without active zone select buttons.

The PTT button can be configured to leave zones selected after release (thus pre-selected for the next announcement). This can be useful where one (set of) zone(s) is regularly paged. With this mode of operation, pressing any zone select button automatically cancels all the pre-selected ones.

A timeout can be configured for the PTT button so that if the PTT is not released within the configured timeout, the VAR Router will report a fault and clear the route as if the PTT button was released. This allows other emergency broadcast in the event that the PTT button of an Emergency Microphone becomes stuck.

A security key-switch when provided can be configured to protect the button function. When protected, the key must be turned on for the button function to be allowed. The security key is intended to safeguard DVA triggers from inadvertent operation, but may be used protect buttons used only for paging.

The button and LED data is communicated between the microphone and the VAR Router by means of a dedicated RS485 data link provided on each Mic/Line Input.



3.2.1.2 Zoneable Fire Microphone Mode

Zoneable Fire Microphone operation is configurable for inputs 1 & 2 only. Any ASL Zoneable Fire Microphone (e.g. FMS5, FMS10, and FMS20) may then be connected.

These units provide zone selection buttons and indicators to show which buttons are selected and which zones are currently ‘busy’, i.e. in use by another user. The zone selection buttons are programmable by the VAR Router to correspond to certain outputs or groups of outputs (Mic Routing).

The zone selection buttons are also programmable by the VAR Router for DVA Routing. The primary function is triggering DVAs although it can connect any desired combination of inputs to outputs. The operation and configuration are similar to that of Latent Routes; see Section “3.6.3.1 Latent Routes” (page 33).

!!

For EN 54-16, ISO 7240-16 and BS 5839-8 compliance, buttons of any FMS-series zoneable Fire Microphones must not be used to route emergency audio sources.

Any microphone button may be programmed as an All-Call button. This button is equivalent to pressing all other configured zone selection buttons.

The PTT button can be configured to page all zones if pressed without active zone select buttons.

The PTT button can be configured to leave zones selected after release (thus pre-selected for the next announcement). This can be useful where one (set of) zone(s) is regularly paged. With this mode of operation, pressing any zone select button automatically cancels all the pre-selected ones.


A security key-switch when provided can be configured to protect the button function. When protected, the key must be turned on for the button function to be allowed. The security key is intended to safeguard DVA triggers from inadvertent operation, but may be used protect buttons used only for paging.

The Zoneable Fire Microphones use the same RS485 serial control interface as the Paging Microphones to communicate button and LED status.

A hardwired Press To Talk (PTT) switch is interfaced to the VAR Router. This switch is provided with resistors to allow the cabling to be monitored for faults.

A hardwired SPEAK-NOW LED and ALL-CALL-ONLY LED are also provided, and the operation is as described below:

• Normal operation

In normal operation all routes are set up via the serial interface, and audio is routed via the DSP. The hardware ALL-CALL contact is used as the PTT in order to provide BS 5839 functionality.

A hardwired SPEAK-NOW LED is illuminated on the Fire Microphone once the route is made (and chime has sounded if configured).

• Failsafe operation

If the VAR Router detects processor failure or mis-operation, a hardware bypass mode comes into operation for the Fire Microphone. When this happens the VAR Router provides an ALL-CALL-ONLY signal back to the Fire Microphone, which illuminates the ALL-CALL-ONLY LED on the Fire Microphone panel. When the PTT is pressed, an All-Call analogue bypass path is driven which bypasses all processor controlled elements.



The hardwired SPEAK-NOW LED is illuminated on the Fire Microphone once the route is made (and chime has sounded if configured).

If the RS485 communication link fails but the VAR Router processor is running correctly the ALL-CALL-ONLY LED is illuminated and operation reverts to all-call. However in this case the audio is still routed through the DSP.

Refer to Section “6.3.5 Fire Microphone Wiring Examples” (page 57).

3.2.1.3 Fire Microphone (ALL-CALL) Mode

Fire Microphone operation is configurable for inputs 1 & 2 only. Any ASL All-Call Fire Microphone or Emergency Microphone (e.g. EMS01, FMS1 and EAP01) may then be connected.

All-Call Microphones do not need a serial interface. However, the serial interface may be installed if a busy LED function is required. These microphones have a hardwired PTT switch interfaced to the VAR Router, this switch is provided with resistors to allow the cabling to be monitored for faults by the VAR Router.


A hardwired SPEAK-NOW LED is also provided. Operation is as described below:

• Normal operation

In normal operation All-Call is initiated by the controller monitoring the state of the contact and routing audio via the DSP to all outputs.

A SPEAK-NOW LED is provided on the Fire Microphone, and is driven by the processor once the route is made (and chime has sounded if configured).

• Failsafe operation

If the VAR Router detects processor failure or mis-operation, a hardware bypass mode comes into operation for the Fire Microphones.

When the PTT is pressed, an All-Call analogue bypass path is driven which bypasses all processor controlled elements.

The SPEAK-NOW LED is illuminated on the Fire Microphone once the route is made (and chime has sounded if configured).

3.2.1.4 Single Button Microphone Mode

Any of the Mic/Line inputs is configurable for Single Button Microphone operation. For example, SAP02 Station Announcement Point may then be connected.

A Single Button Microphone provides indicators and PTT button. The PTT button can be programmed for zone selection at the VAR Router to correspond to certain outputs or groups of outputs.


The button and LED data is communicated between the microphone and VAR Router by means of a dedicated RS485 data link provided on each Mic/Line input.



3.2.1.5 Miscellaneous Input Mode

Any of the Mic/Line inputs is configurable for Miscellaneous Input operation. When configured for this mode of operation, the serial communication interface is disabled and other type of audio input may be connected, e.g. PC/DVA audio, Long Line PA (LLPA) audio, or an additional background music input. The audio may be routed by the Permanent Route or Latent Contact Route mechanisms; described respectively in Sections “3.7 Permanent Routes” (page 35) and “3.6.3.1 Latent Routes” (page 33).

3.2.1.6 Network Channel Mode

When the VAR Router is configured for network operation, normally three Mic/Line inputs will be used as network audio channels:

• VAR Router Input 1: Network Channel 1



This is the Intellevac Emergency Network standard configuration with 3 network audio channels.

It is possible to implement fewer network channels where concurrent broadcast of ALERT, EVACUATE and Fire Microphone audio is not required. The corresponding VAR12(EN54) or VAR20(EN54) inputs would then be available for connection of local microphones or other audio sources.

3.2.1.7 Unused Mode

Any of the Mic/Line inputs is configurable to ‘Unused’ mode. When configured for this mode of operation they are excluded from routing and audio monitoring.

3.2.2 DVA (Digital Voice Announcers) Inputs

The VAR Router includes digital storage for up to twelve Digital Voice Announcer (DVA) messages. These are grouped in two types: Long DVA messages and Short DVA messages.

• Long DVA: standard 4-bit ADPCM coded message with up to 66-second message length or high quality 16-bit 16 kHz sampled mono .wav files with up to 16-second message length1

VAR4(EN54) provides storage for 2 long DVAs



• Short DVA: standard 4-bit ADPCM coded message with up to 50-second message length or high quality 16-bit 16 kHz sampled mono .wav files with up to 12-second message length1

VAR4(EN54) provides storage for 2 short DVAs



The VAR Router can also store fewer, longer DVAs. For example, with 16-bit .wav files a 32-second message can be stored as Long DVA1 (overwriting the Long DVA2 memory space) and another 24-second message can be stored as Short DVA1 (overwriting the Short DVA2 memory space). This ‘DVA

1 ADPCM and .wav message files should be converted to Motorola 'S' record format in order to be loaded into the VAR Router. Refer

to ASL for details.



concatenation’ capability applies equally to the 4-bit ADPCM encoded messages. One DVA can occupy the memory space of up to four consecutive DVAs.

It is possible for some message slots to have standard ADPCM messages, while others contain .wav format messages.

The DVAs may be configured so that they either stop immediately, part way through a message when terminated, or can be configured to play the message to the end.

The DVAs are usually controlled by VAR Router contact inputs, which interface to a Fire Alarm panel. Any VAR Router contact may be assigned to this function. Two modes of operation are supported:

• Latching: the trigger is latched by the VAR Router. This requires a separate reset input from the Fire Panel to terminate the route.

• Non-Latching: a reset signal is not required. The route is terminated when the trigger ends.

The DVAs may be also routed by the Permanent Route mechanism described in Section “3.7 Permanent Routes” (page 35).

3.2.3 Background Music Input

The two phono Music inputs (Music A and B) maybe be routed by two means:

• Permanent Route: typical for background music.

• Latent Route(s) activated by contact closure. A separate contact may be specifically assigned as a music selector to switch between either Music A or Music B sources.

Additional music sources may be connected to any Mic/Line input configured as a Miscellaneous Input.

3.2.4 Mute Input

The VAR Router provides a special ‘Mute’ Input, which mutes even fire microphones if needed. For this purpose its priority can be set to ‘0’. It is possible to mute just DVAs, and/or any other inputs by configuring the mute input priority accordingly.

3.2.5 Test Tone Inputs

The VAR Router can synthesise different test tones to assist the commissioning process of the PA/VA system eliminating the need of external tone generators.

These test tones are selectable via the VAR Router control software, and are available as a special input called Test Tone.

The Test Tone input can be routed by activation of a contact, or a button configured for DVA Routing. See Sections “3.6.3.1 Latent Routes” (page 33) and “3.2.1.1 Paging Microphone Mode” (page 16), and “3.2.1.2 Zoneable Fire Microphone Mode” (page 17) for further information on routing mechanisms.

Alternatively the Test Tone can be permanently allocated to specific outputs using a permanent route, see section “3.7 Permanent Routes” (page 35).

With appropriate priority set-up the Test Tone can be indefinitely routed without compromising microphone and DVA broadcasts. This enables the Test Tone to be provided for the required period of time. This is useful especially when commissioning and testing PA/VA systems installed in large sites.



3.2.6 Surveillance Tone Detection

The VAR Router is able to detect the presence of a low frequency 20 Hz surveillance tone on the Mic/Line inputs. ASL Microphones produce this tone as standard.

Surveillance Tone detection can be configured ‘on’ or ‘off’ per input. The detection threshold is adjustable per input. With surveillance configured to ‘on’ then in the absence of a surveillance tone, or with the surveillance tone below the detection threshold, then an input audio fault will be raised and logged.

3.2.7 Fallback

In Slave Nodes (DAU, VAR8(EN54), VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54)) each audio source, including those conveyed from the ACU over the Intellevac Emergency Network, can be configured to failover to a backup audio source in the event that the primary audio source is not available, or is believed by the system to be faulty.

Typically an ACU-sourced Digital Voice Announcement would be configured at the Slave Node to failover to the same DVA generated locally within the DVA. The failover would occur if all the available network audio channels are busy with higher priority audio sources (network congestion), or if a surveillance error (absence of the surveillance tone) is detected on the network channel carrying the ACU-sourced DVA. Note that following a failover, the audio is no longer synchronised between different Slave Nodes.

This fallback mechanism is extended to all audio sources, whether local or networked. Failover from one local audio source to another can be useful in some installations. For example, where synchronised evacuation messages from an external source are connected to audio inputs on the Slave Nodes.

For local audio sources the failover will, of course, occur only if a surveillance error is detected. In the event of a surveillance error being detected on that audio input, each Slave Node would failover to its configured backup (internally generated DVA).

If a failover resulting from a detected surveillance tone occurs, and the surveillance tone is subsequently restored for a minimum period (a few seconds), the Slave Node will re-route the original audio source.

If a failover resulting from network congestion, and a network audio channel is subsequently released, the Slave Node will route the ACU-sourced audio routed through this network audio channel.

The following should be noticed when deploying and configuring the fallback mechanism:

• Only one level of fallback is supported by the system; that is, a fallback audio source should not be configured to the audio source that has been configured as fallback to another audio input.

• Only one audio source can fall back to any one local audio source; that is, the same local audio source should not be configured as fallback to multiple audio inputs.

3.2.8 ‘Listen-in’ Function

A ‘listen-in’ audio feed is provided at the Aux Output (AUX-OUT) on the Control Port 1 of the VAR Router. This ‘listen-in’ audio can feed a local amplifier and loudspeaker on microphones supporting the ‘listen-in’ function such as the ASL Station Master Console (SMC)1 microphones. A key-switch programmable by the VAR Router and an associated LED control the ‘listen-in’ function. The ‘listen-in’ key may be operated in ‘Listen-to-All’ or ‘Selective Listen’ mode:

• ‘Listen-to-All’ mode

The audio sources, which are currently routed to outputs associated with zone select buttons, will be mixed together and routed to the Aux Output. The ‘Listen-to-All’ mode is activated by momentarily

1 SMC microphones is not EN54-16 and ISO 7240-16 compliant.



pressing the ‘listen-in’ key. Re-pressing the ‘listen-in’ key momentarily will deactivate the ‘listen-in’ function.

• ‘Selective Listen’ mode

The audio from the source associated with a selected zone is routed to the Aux Output. The ‘Selective Listen’ mode is activated by holding down the ‘listen-in’ key while simultaneously pressing a zone select button. It is possible to add other sources to the audio-mix by momentarily pressing the associated zone select buttons. Re-pressing the listen-in key momentarily will deactivate the ‘listen-in’ function.

Activating the ‘listen-in’ function cause the listen-in LED on the microphone console to latches on.

While the ‘listen-in’ function is active, the audio-mix will update accordingly if the routed audio sources change to the selected zone.

3.3 Audio Outputs

The VAR Router provides 4, 12 or 20 (dependent on model) electronically balanced outputs. These provide a nominal 0 dBu output, which when fully driven, corresponds to 100 V output from the ASL amplifier. Each VAR Router output has separate A and B output connections for driving A&B amplifiers with interleaved speaker circuits. The A and B outputs are isolated so that a short circuit on one output will not affect the other.

The output is hard-limited to +2.5 dBu. The outgoing surveillance tone is not limited in this way. Thus if the audio is overdriven, the surveillance tone is not clipped.

The outputs are normally fed from the DSP and all processing is performed in the digital domain. Each output, is however equipped with an ‘override gain’ setting. This enables independent adjustment, for each zone, of the level of the Fire Microphones when the VAR Router is in the hardware bypass mode. These analogue gain settings are non-volatile and retained even after power failure and/or processor failure.

One additional output is provided from the routing matrix; this feeds the internal amplifier/loudspeaker for Audio Monitoring functions.

3.3.1 Surveillance Tone Generation

The VAR Router is capable of generating and superimposing a low frequency surveillance tone (30 Hz) and a high frequency surveillance tone (20 kHz) at each audio output.

The Surveillance tone generation is configurable to ‘off’ (disabled), ‘on’ (continuous), or ‘pulsed’ per VAR Router output.

The required levels of the two surveillance tone sources are independently configured creating a mix that is available for all outputs. For pulsed surveillance, the pulse interval is 20 seconds and the pulse width is configurable.

Each output can be configured separately to receive either tone (30 Hz or 20 kHz) or the mix of both (30 Hz+20 kHz). The final signal level for each output can also be adjusted. Only one adjustment is available per output; the ratio of signal levels where a mixed tone is used is configured once for all outputs.

The 30 Hz surveillance tone is used by ASL amplifiers for monitoring the audio path through the rack wiring and through the amplifiers.

The 20 kHz surveillance tone is used by special applications.

The mixed surveillance tone (30 Hz+20 kHz) is required to support AC speaker line monitoring using ASL AEL (Active End of Line) units.



If surveillance is required, then 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 especially important when operating from batteries. The ‘on’ and ‘off’ envelope of the pulsed surveillance is so shaped that no audible artefacts can be heard.

3.3.2 Induction Loop Outputs

The top two outputs of the VAR Router’s base unit and expand units can be configured to feed a 100 V line driving an amplifier connected to an Induction Loop System, typically the ASL ILP01 Induction Loop Panel. The number of induction loop outputs is configurable, and the induction loop outputs are allocated from top down, as detailed in Table 2 (page 24).

In addition to standard parameters an Induction Loop output has the following Induction Loop specific parameters:

• Equalisation

Frequency bands suitable for the Induction Loop type can be adjusted to achieve as flat a frequency response as is possible.

• Audio amplitude compression

The amount of compression and the threshold level at which the compression begins can be configured in order to achieve the best intelligibility and general received sound quality.

The VAR Router provides test tones, which can be used during the commissioning of an Induction Loop System. See Section “3.2.5 Test Tone Inputs” (page 20) for further details.



Table 2 VAR Router Induction Loop Outputs

VAR Router Possible Number of Induction Loops Output Number Output Location

1 4 Base Unit

3 VAR4(EN54) 2

4 Base Unit

1 12 Expand Unit 1

11 2

12 Expand Unit 1

4 Base Unit

11 3

12 Expand Unit 1

3

4 Base Unit

11

VAR12(EN54)

4

12 Expand Unit 1

1 20 Expand Unit 2

19 2

20 Expand Unit 2

12 Expand Unit 1

19 3

20 Expand Unit 2

11

12 Expand Unit 1

19 4

20 Expand Unit 2

4 Base Unit

11

12 Expand Unit 1

19

5

20 Expand Unit 2

3

4 Base Unit

11

12 Expand Unit 1

19

VAR20(EN54)

6

20 Expand Unit 2

!!

Because of the limitations of the DSP only two of the four DVAs of a Expand Unit (slave board) can be used when Induction Loop outputs are configured on the particular Expand Unit.



3.4 Audio Input Priority and Override

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.

19 priority levels available, and can be assigned to any of the audio input sources.

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.

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

An override occurs when a higher priority input taker over control of an output broadcast from a lower priority input. Table 3 (page 26) describes the actions in the event of an override.

!!

For EN54-16, ISO 7240-16 and BS5839-8 compliance:

1) Care should be taken in ensuring that Emergency 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 the emergency inputs can override normal inputs.

2) If Emergency Microphones are configured on inputs 1 and 2, then the priority of input 1 must be configured with a higher priority than input 2. This is necessary in order to match the priority behaviour of the two microphones when in hardware bypass mode.

3) The system default priorities are set so that by default Fire Microphones have the highest priorities in the system: priority ‘01’ being assigned to a Fire Microphone connected to input 1, and priority ‘02’ to a Fire Microphone connected to input 2.

4) Priorities for an input are configurable on a per output basis. An Emergency Microphone should be configured with the same priority for all outputs in order to ensure that only one Emergency Microphone is active at any one time. If different priorities are selected for different outputs, then the system automatically configures all outputs to the last priority selected.

5) In networked systems:

a. The Slave Node’s Emergency Microphones must be configured with lower priorities than the Control Node’s Emergency Microphone(s).

b. The Slave Nodes must be programmed so that they know the Priorities of the Audio Control Unit’s audio sources in order that priorities can be successfully arbitrated between their local inputs and the audio inputs into the Audio Control Unit.

c. The Control Node must be programmed so that they know the Priorities of the Slave Node’s audio sources, in order that priorities can be successfully arbitrated across the networked system when the Control Node initiates a remote route.



Table 3 Override

Input Type Action in Event of Override

Fire Microphone If Inputs 1 and 2 are assigned as Fire Microphones, they operate on a priority basis. (Priority of Input 1 > Priority of Input 2).

For EN 54 Emergency Microphones, if 1 overrides 2 then 2 will NOT be restored when 1 has completed the announcement.

For non-EN 54 Emergency Microphones, if 1 overrides 2 then 2 will be restored when 1 has completed the announcement.

Zoneable Paging Microphone

Single Button Microphone

When broadcasting to a group of zones the user may be overridden during paging in any zones in which other users have higher priority. In this case, the original broadcast will be able to continue to page the remaining zones.

If the override source is removed during the original announcements the overridden zones will not be re-instated. This is to minimise the broadcast of potentially ambiguous or annoying message fragments.

DVAs If a DVA is overridden it is silenced immediately in the zone(s) in which it is overridden. When the override is removed it is re-instated immediately, i.e. does not wait until the beginning of the cycle.

Permanent Route If overridden, the route is restored immediately the override is removed. A soft fade-up may be desirable if background music is being overridden; this may be readily programmed for the input being used for the music.

Latent Route If overridden, the route is restored immediately the override is removed. A soft fade-up may be desirable if background music is being overridden; this may be readily programmed for any input that is being used for the music.



3.5 Fades and Chimes

3.5.1 Fades

It is possible to specify a fade up and fade down time for each Mic/Line or Music input source.

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

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.

Even when the fade parameters are set to zero, a small finite fade is used in order to provide click-free audio switching.

It is important that in order for a DVA or Fire Microphone to be able to override a background music source quickly, they are set up for a short Fade Down time.

3.5.2 Chimes

It is possible to configure a chime to be broadcast at the start of an announcement from any Mic/Line input source. Chimes are not assignable to the music inputs or DVAs. However, if desired then chimes can be recorded as part of DVAs.

The chime is triggered when that source is routed; the actual audio, however, is only routed when the chime is complete.

It is possible to configure the following chime types:

• Off: No chime

• Chime-1: Single note

• Chime-2: Two note descending overlapping pattern

• Chime-3: Three note descending overlapping pattern

• Chime-4: 400-700Hz 1.5 second whoop (only for inputs 1 and 2)



3.5.3 Sequence of Events

The diagram in Figure 6 (page 46) illustrates the sequence of events during the enabling and disabling of a single audio source (e.g. background music).

Figure 6 Sequence of Events for Single Audio Source

MUSIC

FADE UP=T1FADE DOWN= T2

T1MUSIC AUDIO

T2

ON

OFF

The diagram in Figure 7 (page 47) 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) is not used in this instance. Instead the microphone Fade Down time (T4) is used to fade out the background music before the microphone broadcast starts, as well as to fade out the microphone at the end of its broadcast.

Figure 7 Sequence of Events for Paging Microphone Chime Overriding a Background Music

MUSIC


T4T1

MICROPHONE


T3

T4

MICROPHONEPTT

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

MUSIC AUDIO MUSIC AUDIO

MIC AUDIOCHIME AUDIO

MICROPHONESPEAK-NOW LED



3.6 Control Ports

The VAR Router is equipped with control ports for the following functions:

• Latent Routes (Fire Alarm system interface)

• External Fault Inputs

• Music A/B Switching

• Fault Accept/Clear

The VAR Router provides additional control I/O by means of remote I/O units:

• ASL BMB01 Remote I/O Unit; see Section “3.8 Remote I/O Units” (page 36)

• Third-party Fire Loop Interface; see Section “3.8.2 Third-Party Fire Loop Interface” (page 41)

The VAR4(EN54), VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54) control ports are shown on the rear panel diagram in Figure 8 (page 29) and summarised in Table 4 (page 30).

Figure 8 VAR Router Control Ports

VAR

4(EN

54)

VAR

12(E

N54

)

VAR

20(E

N54

) BASE VAR4 UNIT

EXPAND UNIT-1

EXPAND UNIT-2

CONTACTS 1 - 10

CONTACTS 11 - 22

CONTACTS 23 - 31 CONTACTS 32 - 42

CONTACTS 43 - 51 CONTACTS 52 - 62

The Base Unit has two types of control ports; one is an opto-isolated interface, the other is an analogue port. All ports on the Expand Units are opto-isolated interfaces. The following sections describe the characteristics of these ports.



Table 4 VAR Router Control Ports

VAR Port Type Control Port Number Contacts

Analogue Base Unit - Port-1 1 – 10 VAR4(EN54)

Opto-isolated Base Unit - Port-2 11 – 22

Analogue Base Unit - Port-1 1 – 10


Opto-isolated Expand Unit 1 - Port-1 23 – 31 VAR12(EN54)

Opto-isolated Expand Unit 1 - Port-2 32 – 42

Analogue Base Unit - Port-1 1 – 10


Opto-isolated Expand Unit-1 - Port-1 23 – 31



VAR20(EN54)


All analogue ports internally pulled up to 5 V by 4k7 Ω.

All opto-isolated ports with built-in resistor to suit voltages of +12 to +40 V.

3.6.1 Analogue Interface

Contacts 1 to 10 only use a non-isolated analogue interface with an internal pull-up to 5 V by 4k7 Ω. The analogue interface operates in two modes: ‘non-monitored’ and ‘monitored’. Each contact is individually selectable between these two modes.

3.6.1.1 Non-monitored Contact Closure to Ground

It may be used to interface a simple contact closure to ground.

ROUTERANALOGUECONTACT

INPUT

Cabling to Contact

+5V

4k7 ohms

0V

THRESHOLD= 2.5V



3.6.1.2 Monitored

It may be used to interface resistively monitored contacts.

This interface enables the VAR Router to monitor the interface to the Fire Panel or other contact closure. The contacts must be fitted with 6k8/470R resistors. This method of monitoring has been used extensively in the past and is prevalent in continental Europe.

A resistance of 7270 ohms indicates inactive (switch open) and resistance of 470 ohms indicates active (switch closed). Open and short circuit cable conditions are thus readily detected by resistance values outside this range.

Monitored analogue contact thresholds:

• Faulty: Open Circuit >3.7 V

• Healthy: Inactive 0.8 V – 3.7 V

• Healthy: Active 0.3 V – 0.8 V

• Faulty: Short Circuit <0.3 V

MonitoredContact

ROUTERANALOGUECONTACT

INPUT

470 ohms

6k8 ohms

Cabling to Contact

+5 V

4k7 ohms

0 V

3.6.2 Opto-Isolated Interface

Contacts 11 through to 62 use an opto-isolated interface. The contact is asserted when the opto-isolator is turned on. These may be used to interface a simple closure, or as a Sounder Circuit Interface that is suitable for connecting the Fire Alarm system to the VAR Router for triggering DVA messages.

Internal pull-ups to +24 V are enabled on all contacts of the board (base, expand unit 1, or expand unit 2) if none of the contacts of this particular board are configured for routing. If any of the contacts of a board (base, expand unit 1, or expand unit 2) is configured for routing, then the internal pull-ups on all contacts of this particular board are disabled to provide a true volt-free interface.

3.6.2.1 Contact Closure to Ground

A simple contact closure to a local or remote ground may be connected as shown.

Note that the external pull-up to 24 V is not needed if none of the contacts on the particular port is set for routing.

ROUTERCONTACT INPUT

I

OPTO ONWHEN CONTACT

CLOSED

+

-

12-40 V

CONTACTCLOSURE

TO GROUND



3.6.2.2 Contact Closure to Supply (+VE going Input)

In this method a contact closure is not made to ground, but to a local or remote supply, with a fused connection to ground. This may be appropriate, depending on the signal source.

Note that for reliable operation it is recommended that the 0 V reference is taken back to the 0 V of the equipment that supplies the +VE signal.

Note that this method requires the internal pull-ups to be disabled by setting any of the contacts on the particular port for routing.

ROUTERCONTACT INPUT

I

OPTO ONWHEN CONTACT

CLOSED

+

-

12-40 V

CONTACTCLOSURE

TO SUPPLY

3.6.2.3 Positive Voltage Source (+VE going Input)

As per ‘Contact Closure to Supply’, but to an alternatively switched voltage source, such as a suitable output from another piece of equipment.

Note that this method requires the internal pull-ups to be disabled by setting any of the contacts on the particular port for routing.

ROUTERCONTACT INPUT

I

OPTO ONWHEN CONTACT

CLOSED

+

-

12-40 VFROM

REMOTEEQUIPMENT

3.6.2.4 Fire Alarm Sounder Interface

The opto-isolated inputs may be used as a reverse polarity sounder circuit interface to a Fire Alarm system. In this DVA triggering method the link between the fire panel and the VA system is monitored at the Fire Panel by means of End of Line Resistors. This is the current recommendation of BS 5839. The Fire Panel monitors the current flowing in the End of Line Resistor. Reversing the polarity activates the input.

The VAR Router does not have End of Line Resistors fitted as standard, as the value required varies according to the Fire Alarm system. The desired value for a particular job must be specified with the order. ASL can then factory-fit the appropriate resistors.

Alternatively these resistors may be fitted local to the VAR Router during installation.

Note that in this method the final connection into the VAR Router is not monitored.

FIRESYSTEM

Cabling to Fire System

+V

-V

I

ROUTERCONTACT INPUT

I

OPTO OFF

MONITORING

FIRESYSTEM

Cabling to Fire System

I

ROUTERCONTACT INPUT

OPTO ON

ACTIVE

+V

-V

+

-

+

-

END OF LINERESISTOR

I END OF LINERESISTOR



3.6.3 Contact Functions

3.6.3.1 Latent Routes

Any contact may be configured to control Latent Routes, i.e. pre-programmed routes which are controlled by a contact closure. It is possible to use the Latent Route mechanism to allocate any output to any audio input, Mic/Line, DVA, or Music.

Latent Routes may be assigned as:

• Latched: see Section “3.6.3.1.1 Latching Mode” (page 33).

In this mode a separate contact should be assigned as a matching ‘reset’ contact.

• Unlatched: see Section “3.6.3.1.2 Non-Latching Mode” (page 34).

• Play Once: see Section “3.6.3.1.3 Play Once Mode” (page 34).

This mode is only used to trigger DVA routes.

When a Latent Route is made and the routes set up, any further routes added via the VAR Router user-interface are automatically added to the existing routes. Similarly routes may be removed via the user interface ‘on-the-fly’. That is to say: it is not necessary to de-assert and then re-assert the Latent Route in order to recognise changes in the Latent Route set up.

DVA Play Mode

If a Latent Route is used to trigger a DVA, the trigger is configurable for two modes:

• DVA Full

In the ‘DVA Full’ mode, when the trigger is de-asserted, the DVA(s) completes its full message cycle before ending.

• DVA Part

In the ‘DVA Part’ mode, when the trigger is de-asserted, the DVA(s) ends immediately even if part way through a DVA message broadcast.

Busy Indication

It is also possible to configure whether or not a particular Latent Route causes busy indications to be shown on microphone consoles. For example, a busy indication would not be desired if the Latent Route mechanism were to be used for enabling a background music source.

3.6.3.1.1 Latching Mode

Any contact may be configured to trigger a latched Latent Route. A momentary, or prolonged, activation of a latching trigger initiates routing. A separate contact is required for latching inputs, to act as a ‘reset’ contact.

This method is normally used to trigger emergency DVAs from fire systems, although any input source may be routed in this way. For Fire Alarm DVA messages, BS 5839 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 can be configured to initiate routing of any DVA to any output. It is possible to initiate simultaneous routing of multiple DVAs to multiple outputs with a single trigger. This is so that, for example, Alert and Evacuate messages may be able to be broadcast to different zones for a single trigger. The DVA or DVAs will play until a momentary assertion of the matching ‘reset’ line, 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 can 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 unlatches all the DVA routes associated with that reset. However, if any of the triggers are still asserted, these DVAs will continue to play, while the others will be reset.

3.6.3.1.2 Non-Latching Mode

Any contact may be configured to trigger a so-called Not Latched Latent Route.

When the contact is made, a pre-programmed route is set up. When the contact is released, the route is cleared. No separate ‘reset’ input is required.

Application examples are (1) when simple paging is required (not using ASL microphones) or (2) when background music needs to be routed to selectable areas.

3.6.3.1.3 Play Once Mode

This mode is only used for the control of DVA routes. When the contact is made, a pre-programmed route is set up. When the DVA has completed its full message cycle, the route is automatically terminated. No separate ‘reset’ input is required.

3.6.3.2 External Faults

Any contact may be configured as an external fault input.

It is possible to assign an 18 character alphanumerical description to a contact input when it is configured as an external fault input.

This is to enable external equipment which provide normally closed relay contacts to indicate healthy status, to be integrated into the VAR Router fault monitoring system. A typical example in a VA system is the battery charger.

An active low contact closure on the port indicates a ‘no fault’ condition. Open circuit on the port will cause a fault to be reported and logged. The specific fault that is raised will be identified by the alphanumerical description.

3.6.3.3 Music A/B Switching

Although two music inputs, A+B, are provided, they are switched in the analogue domain before digitisation. Therefore only one may be routed at a time. The application example is where a background music source is required but may be chosen from CD player or radio Tuner.

Music may be routed via the Latent Route mechanism described in Section “3.6.3.1 Latent Routes” (page 33), any other contact may be assigned as a control to switch between Music A and Music B phono inputs. This is useful for selecting between two alternative music sources, i.e. Tuner or CD player.

3.6.3.4 Fault Accept and Fault Clear

The VAR Router provides outputs to drive a remote Fault Panel (see Section “3.6.4 Remote Fault Indication” (page 35); typically this consists of a drive to a sounder, and fault LED. Any contact may be configured as the ‘Accept’ or ‘Clear’ for the remote Fault Panel; this acts as a local ‘fault accept’ or ‘fault clear’ button. The operation is the same as pressing the Fault Accept or Fault Clear button on the VAR Router’s front panel.



Activation is caused by the transition from 5 V to 0 V. The transition from 0 V to 5 V has no effect, other than resetting the contact for the next activation.

3.6.4 Remote Fault Indication

In addition to the analogue and opto-isolated contacts the VAR Router provides two open-collector outputs on Control Port 1 of the Base Unit: REMOTE FAULT-1 and REMOTE FAULT-2. These outputs are designed to drive a remote Fault Panel. This panel enables remote fault indication and annunciation.

Each output is configurable by the VAR Router to drive a sounder, a fault LED, or an emergency DVA indicator. Any contact may be configured to act as a local ‘fault accept’ button for the remote Fault Panel, see Section “3.6.3.4 Fault Accept and Fault Clear” (page 34).

3.7 Permanent Routes

It is possible to program specific inputs to be permanently allocated to specific outputs. Such routes are ‘permanent’ unless overridden by a higher priority input. The route is restored once the higher priority input is removed.

The typical scenario is background music, which may want to be assigned to certain areas. For example, to route music to the shop-floor areas in a factory complex unless another broadcast is active. It is possible to allocate any output to any audio input by means of the permanent route mechanism.

Although two music inputs, A and B, are provided, they are switched in the analogue domain before digitisation. Therefore only one may be routed at a time. Either Music A or Music B may be routed by the Permanent Route mechanism. If, however both are selected Music A will have priority over Music B and all routes using Music B will switch to Music A.

If concurrent permanent routes are required to disparate zones, for example to route different music to two different areas, then the background music input can be used for one source and Mic/Line Inputs should be used for the additional music sources.

A permanent route does not cause a busy indication on any microphones, otherwise all zones would appear permanently busy in a scenario where background music feeds all zones.



3.8 Remote I/O Units

The VAR Router provides RS485 ports which support the connection of ASL BMB01 Remote I/O Units and third-party Fire Loop Interface:

• VAR4(EN54): single RS485 port for connection of up to three BMB01 units and three Fire Loop Interfaces

• VAR12(EN54): two RS485 ports for connection of up to four BMB01 units and six Fire Loop Interfaces

• VAR20(EN54): three RS485 ports for connection of up to four BMB01 units and six Fire Loop Interfaces

Figure 9 Remote I/O Connection to RS485 Busses

RS485

BMB011

FIRE LOOPINTERFACE

1

Example using VAR4(EN54)

Example using VAR20(EN54)

BMB012

BMB013

FIRE LOOPINTERFACE

2

FIRE LOOPINTERFACE

3

= 120 ohmTERMINATION FITTED

BMB011

FIRE LOOPINTERFACE

1

RS485-1

RS485-2

RS485-3

FIRE LOOPINTERFACE

2

FIRE LOOPINTERFACE

3

FIRE LOOPINTERFACE

4

FIRE LOOPINTERFACE

5

FIRE LOOPINTERFACE

6

BMB012

BMB013

BMB014

1) If using a VAR12(EN54) or VAR20(EN54), in order to optimise response time, it is sensible to distribute the Remote I/O Units across the alternative RS485 busses; see example in Figure 9 (page 36).

2) When the VAR12 or VAR20 is configured for network operation, the RS485 port on the top Expand Unit is used for connection to the Intellevac Emergency Network, and therefore cannot be connected to Remote I/O Units.

3) The Remote I/O Units can be connected to any of the available RS485 ports. Each unit with a unique address set up using an internal rotary switch.

4) The RS485 data link to the Remote I/O Units is fully monitored. In the event of communications failure, the VAR Router will log a fault. The fault code identifies the specific unit or units that are affected.

5) The maximum recommended distance for the RS485 data link is 1 km.

6) Only the last physical Remote I/O Unit in the chain should have the RS485 termination enabled.



3.8.1 BMB01 Remote I/O Unit

The BMB01 units provide additional analogue and opto-isolated digital inputs, and open-collector digital outputs. This extends the control and interfacing capability of the system. The BMB01 units are interfaced via a power and RS485 data link that can be up to 1 km long in order to interface to remote equipment.

Each BMB01 Remote I/O Unit provides the I/O capability as described in Table 5 (page 37).

Table 5 BMB01 Inputs and Outputs

Type Quantity Functions

Analogue Input non-isolated 12

Programme Selector

Volume Control

Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS)

Fault Input

Digital Input opto-isolated 12

Routing Control

Reset Input

Fault Input

Fault Accept

Fault Clear

Digital Output open-collector 12

Busy Output

Active Fault Indication

Unacknowledged Fault Indication

Emergency DVA Indication

3.8.1.1 Analogue Inputs

Each analogue input channel may be assigned as a Programme Selector, a Volume Control, an ANS Sensor, or a Fault Input.

The Programme Selector and Volume Control functions use a 12-step resistive ladder switch arrangement shown in the right diagram.

ASL produces a range of Selector and Volume Control products that are suitable for standard wall plate mounting.

The fault input is simply a contact closure to ground, which operates as described in Section “3.6.3.2 External Faults” (page 34).

+5V

4k7 ohms

ANALOGUEINPUT

Cabling to Contact 0V

12

11

10

2

1


Issue: 02 complete, approved of 72

3.8.1.1.1 Programme Selector Operation

The application of the Programme Selector function is to allow remote selection of alternative sources to a specific zone or zones. Normally the programme selector will be mounted within the zone and allow selection of alternative sources, such as different background music sources.

It is possible to assign a particular Programme Selector to be associated with one, or any group of, VAR Router outputs. It is then possible to assign which input each position of the Programme Selector corresponds to.

The connection between the Remote I/O Unit and the Programme Selector is monitored, so that open and short conditions on the cabling are detected and logged by the VAR Router. The VAR Router fault report identifies the specific Remote I/O Unit and the particular analogue channel number affected.

In the event of such a fault, the routing defaults to that set up on position ‘1’. Normally this would correspond to all routes being ‘off’.

The same default operation occurs in the event of RS485 communications failure to the Remote I/O Unit.

There should be only one Programme Selector associated with an output or group of outputs. Associating an output with more than one Program Selector would cause unpredictable results.

3.8.1.1.2 Volume Control Operation

The application of the Volume Control function is to allow remote control of the volume of specific input sources within a specific zone or zones. Normally the volume control will be mounted within the zone and allow the control of the specific sources, such as background music sources, while leaving the volume of all other sources unaffected.

It is possible to assign a particular Volume Control to be associated with one, or any group of, VAR Router outputs. It is then possible to assign which input, or group of inputs, are controlled.

Each step of the volume control gives exactly 3 dB attenuation, with position ‘1’ being ‘off’.

The connection between the Remote I/O Unit and the Volume Control is monitored, so that open and short conditions on the cabling are detected and logged by the VAR Router. The VAR Router fault report identifies the specific Remote I/O Unit and the particular analogue channel number affected.

In the event of such a fault, the volume will default to that set up on position ‘off’, i.e. the maximum level.

The same default operation occurs in the event of RS485 communications failure to the Remote I/O Unit.

Only one Volume Control should be configured to govern an input in respect of a single output. If two Volume Controls are configured to govern the same input in respect of an output, then the results are unpredictable.



3.8.1.1.3 Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS)

The purpose of an ANS system is to adjust the level of public address announcements based on a measure of the ambient noise in the target zone. This is intended to maintain a set volume of public address audio above the ambient noise, in order to guarantee that the announcement is intelligible, yet at a comfortable level.

The ANS sensor (ANS02, ANS04, or ANS04E) is an analogue device that produces a DC voltage proportional to the measured ambient noise level.

The DC voltage is received via the Remote I/O Unit analogue channel, and is translated to a value of measured ambient noise in dBA. This value is used to proportionally adjust the VAR Router output gain for the configured output channels.

The VAR Router is set up for the maximum broadcast volume without the ANS, and the ANS system then reduces the gain from this level when the zone is quiet.

In the ANS setup, a minimum threshold value of ambient noise (in dBA) is programmable to each output. 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 VAR 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.

A maximum threshold value of ambient noise (in dBA) in the zone is also programmable to each output. When the ambient noise reaches or exceeds this value, the VAR Router applies the full configured output gain for the zone.

A software configurable ‘Attack Time’ is programmable for each output channel. The Attack Time controls the rate at which the VAR 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.

It is possible to configure a particular ANS sensor to control one, or any group of, VAR Router outputs, and it is possible for more than one ANS sensor to be used to control the gain in a single zone.

!!

It is possible to assign up to 12 ANS sensors to a single VAR Router output (provided that the sensors are connected to the same BMB01 Remote I/O Unit). Where this is done, the highest of the received ANS values is used, i.e. the maximum volume required by any of the ANS sensors being used.

The ANS system can be set to act on different audio sources in different units. For normal audio sources the ANS level is frozen and does not change during each announcement into a zone. This so that the broadcast itself is not ‘heard’ by the ANS sensors as an increase in the ambient noise level. Without this function the ANS system would cause the broadcast volume to increase during each broadcast. However some input sources can be set to not have the ANS level frozen during broadcast, such as background music. These sources must be set so that their maximum volume is below the maximum ANS threshold (in dBA).

It is possible to disable the ANS function per output channel for system test purposes.

The diagram in Figure 10 (page 40) illustrates the ANS operation.



Figure 10 ANS Operation

AMBIENT NOISELEVEL

MinANS=+70dBA

MaxANS=+90dBA

ANNOUNCEMENTIN PROGRESS

T

MAX CONTROL RANGE(+20dB)

B

A A

AREA

AMBIENT NOISE BELOW MIN ANS THRESHOLD,THEREFORE MINIMUM GAIN IS USED.

AREA

AMBIENT NOISE ABOVE MAX ANS THRESHOLD,THEREFORE MAXIMUM GAIN IS USED.

A

B

PASYSTEM GAIN

0dB

-25dB

ANNOUNCEMENTIN PROGRESS

(FROZEN ANS LEVEL)

MAX CONTROL RANGE(+20dB)

T

-5dB

OUTPUT GAIN SETTING:MAXIMUM GAIN (WITHOUT ANS) =-5 dB

ANS SETTINGS:MIN ANS THRESHOLD = +70 dBAMAX ANS THRESHOLD = +90 dBA

A high Attack Time causes the gainto increase slowly (low slope); and alow Attack Time causes the gain toincrease quickly (high slope) when

the ambient noise rises.

The Decay Time is immediate.The gain decreases at the same rate

as the ambient noise decreases.

All values shown in the diagram are examples only.

3.8.1.2 Digital Inputs

Each of the digital inputs may be independently assigned as a Routing Control, Routing Reset or Remote Fault input, as described in Sections “3.6.3.1 Latent Routes” (page 33) and “3.6.3.2 External Faults” (page 34).

If a Latched Route control is set up on an input on a Remote I/O Unit, then the matching Reset Line must be on the same Remote I/O Unit.

3.8.1.3 Digital Outputs

The digital output is an active-low open-collector output.

Each of the digital outputs may be independently assigned as:

• Busy Output

Each Busy Output may be assigned to correspond to the busy state of any VAR Router output or group of outputs when being driven by any input or group of inputs. In the case of a group of Router outputs, it operates as an OR function of the busy state of the Router outputs, i.e. if any of them are busy with any of the selected inputs then the digital output is driven.

• Active Faults Indicator

An Active Faults Indicator will be driven when faults are present in the system.

• Unacknowledged Faults Indicator



An Unacknowledged Faults Indicator will be driven when unacknowledged faults are present in the system.

• Emergency DVA Indicator

An Emergency DVA Indicator will be driven when a high or low emergency class input is routed to any of the VAR Router outputs.

• New Fault Indicator

A New Fault Indicator is activated for 2 seconds whenever a new fault is reported.

Once an output has been assigned to one of the above functions, its open and short circuit fault monitoring is enabled. The VAR Router will log a fault in the event of the output load becoming disconnected, or a short circuit condition being detected at the output. The VAR Router fault report identifies the specific Remote I/O Unit, and the particular digital output channel number affected. It does not differentiate between open and short circuit faults.

3.8.2 Third-Party Fire Loop Interface

Refer to the third-party user documentation.

3.9 Fault Relays

The unit features a fault relay on Control Port 1 of the Base Unit, for indicating system health to external equipment. The relay is normally energised to indicate system health, and de-energised in the event of system fault. If power is removed then a fault is indicated. See connection details in Section “6.3.6 Fault Relay Output Wiring Example” (page 59).

3.10 Night Time Volume Control

The VAR Router provides a Night Time Volume Control function. This is a facility for automatically limiting the volume of announcements at configurable times of the day, usually during the night.

The Night Time Volume Control is very flexible, with functions as follows:

• Start and end times individually programmable for each day of the week on a seven-day cycle.

• Volume limits individually configurable for each output.

• Application or omission of volume limits individually configurable for each input.

Any new route established when a Night Time Volume Control period is active will be subject to output volume capping for each output whose volume is controlled by the Night Time Volume Control as follows:

1. If the input routed to the output is not among the inputs controlled by the Night Time Volume Control, then the nominal output gain is used.

2. If the input routed to the output is among the inputs controlled by the Night Time Volume Control, then either the nominal output gain or the configured maximum gain for in the Night Time Volume Control is used, whichever is the lower.

Where the nominal output gain for an output in dB is the sum of the input/output relative gain, the output gain, the ANS compensation (if applicable), and the attenuation by a remote Volume Control (if applicable).



4 System Controller Functions

4.1 Access Level

The VAR Router provides two security access (users) levels with separate access codes as required by EN 54-16:

• Access Level 2: The user can only clear faults either via the FAULT CLEAR button or via the front panel menu.

• Access Level 3: The user has full access to the system.

4.2 Configuration Mode

This mode is provided at Access Level 3 to enable an engineer to commission the system.

Please refer to the VAR Router Operation and Maintenance Manual for detailed description of the configuration functions.

4.3 Test Mode

The VAR Router can initiate and control a number of unit and system tests as described below:

• All health/fault status indications can be checked by the operation of the Lamp Test function.

The unit features the LAMP TEST key. Pressing this key will cause all indicators on the VAR Router to operate and the fault and health indicators on all mainframes and amplifiers to also illuminate. The built-in sounder is also tested. The Lamp Test function can also be operated through the user interface’s ‘Tests’ menu.

• Audio monitoring:

Amplifier output, VAR Router audio input, DVA message, or test tone input can be displayed and monitored audibly by the Audio Monitoring function.

The Audio Monitoring is operated through the user interface’s ‘Tests’ menu. The unit also features the AUDIO MON key which selects the user interface’s ‘Audio Monitoring’ menu.

• Amplifier system testing:

− Changeover/change back to standby amplifiers can be forced. This test can only be performed at Access Level 3.

− The detailed configuration and operational status of each mainframe and amplifier module can be interrogated.

• Contact and Routing monitoring.



4.4 Fault Monitor Mode

Active faults, the system fault log, and the frame fault logs can be viewed on the LCD display. Active faults can be accepted and cleared by front panel buttons. The unit communicates with the amplifier mainframes via the Audio-CAN bus for gathering fault status.

In order to time-stamp the fault reports the VAR Router features a Real Time Clock (RTC). The unit is fitted with an internal Lithium battery to keep this clock running when the power from the VAR Router is turned off.

4.4.1 Fault Indication, Acceptance and Clearance

The number of faults present in the system is displayed on the LCD display with the current date; see examples below.

Figure 11 LCD Display Examples

Example 1: Example 2:

When a fault is detected the front panel ‘fault’ LED flashes, and the built-in loudspeaker emits an alarm tone.

If a fault is triggered by a failure of any processor or memory, critical to the Voice Alarm system, including those of the VAR Router itself, the front panel ‘system fault’ LED illuminates. A communication fault between the VAR Router and any equipment or device that has been configured at the VAR Router and that is critical to Voice Alarm functions will also trigger a system fault. Lit to indicate that a system fault has been detected in the PA/VA system. A system fault requires immediate action as part(s) of the system used for emergency functions may have been affected. A system fault will always cause the ‘fault’ LED to be lit as well.

The bottom line of the LCD display also displays the appropriate text (POWER, EARTH, FUSE and/or PATH) if the detected fault is a power, earth, fuse or path fault; see Example 2 in Figure 11 (page 43). The text will persists until a user presses any key on the VAR Router front panel, when the previous menu text will be restored.

Faults are time and date stamped as they occur and added to the fault log.

It is possible to separately view a list of all currently active faults. Multiple faults can be examined by scrolling through the list by means of the front panel switches or rotary knob.

The ‘fault’ LED may be steadied and the loudspeaker muted by pressing the front panel FAULT ACCEPT key, or through the user interface’s ‘Faults’ menu.

Newly occurring faults cause the sounder to resume operation, the ‘fault’ LED to resume flashing, the ‘system fault’ LED to illuminate for any of the above system faults, and the bottom line of the LCD display to display the appropriated text as described above.

Once a fault is physically fixed it is still latched on the LCD display. It is removed from the latched display by pressing the front panel FAULT CLEAR key, or through the user interface’s ‘Faults’ menu. If a fault cleared in this way still persists, then the fault warning condition will be restored within 100 seconds.

Pressing the FAULT CLEAR key releases any active amplifier standby switching to reset the system to a known state.

The user must be logged on at Access Level 2 or 3 in order to be able to clear faults.



4.4.2 Fault Logging

The unit maintains a time-stamped 200 event fault log in non-volatile memory, this include event acceptance and clearance, and user logging in and out times. The non-volatile memory has an endurance of greater than 100,000 cycles.

All faults are logged on separate frame fault logs for frame-specific faults retained by each frame and a single system fault log retained by the VAR Router, which stores all faults (200 events).

To prevent intermittent or frequently recurring faults from rapidly causing excessive write operations to the memory, faults are latched so that a recurring fault is logged in its first instance, and thereafter any repetitions are not recorded, unless a physical manual fault ‘clear’ has taken place.

The fault log is continuously checked, and, if it is found to be corrupted, it is erased and a new ‘LOG CLEARED’ fault is logged. A manual fault log clearing function is also provided.

4.4.3 Fault Relay and Remote Fault Outputs

The unit features a fault relay on Control Port 1 of the Base Unit, for indicating system health to external equipment. The relay is normally energised to indicate system health, and de-energised in the event of system fault. If power is removed then a fault is indicated. See connection details in Section “6.3.6 Fault Relay Output Wiring Example” (page 59).

To allow a remote indication and acceptance of faults, a connector is provided with the necessary inputs and outputs to allow a remote fault panel to be used, see Section “3.6.4 Remote Fault Indication” (page 35).

4.4.4 Remote Diagnostics

The VAR Router supports a dial-in remote diagnostic interface allowing remote interrogation of fault status from a remote site. Because all parameters are controlled digitally, it is also possible to adjust routing and audio parameters remotely. Refer to the ASL VAR Remote Diagnostics Software user documentation for details.

4.5 Audio Monitor Mode

The output to any loudspeaker circuit, or any VAR Router audio input or DVA message can be audibly monitored via the front panel loudspeaker and its audio level displayed on the LCD screen.

To achieve monitoring of amplifier outputs, an audio monitor bus ‘daisy-chains’ around the amplifier modules within the system using pins within the same connectors as the Audio-CAN bus to simplify system wiring. Within the VAR Router this bus can be routed to an audio amplifier and speaker for audible monitoring and via the DSP for level display.

The audio monitoring bus signal relates to the zone output and is fed from the standby amplifier in the event of failure of the main amplifier. Audio monitoring of any standby amplifier always provides a signal relating to its own output.

The amplifier currently being monitored is displayed on the LCD and the VAR Router causes its associated ‘select’ LED to be illuminated.

The bargraph display is dB relative to 100 V for the amplifier outputs and dB relative to digital full scale for VAR Router inputs.

The unit reverts back to Fault Monitor Mode, either by manual selection or if any new faults occur or after a 5-minute time out. Entering the audio monitor mode affects only the LCD display of the unit, i.e. all fault-



monitoring activities continue to take place in the background. The status of the LEDs and external outputs are unaffected.

The monitored audio level is adjustable by the rotary encoder. Note that this volume control affects only the monitor audio level and not the level of the alarm sounder which shares the same amplifier and speaker.

4.6 Software Versions

The VAR Router determines and displays its own software version(s) and that of all connected amplifier mainframes and associated surveillance cards.



5 Front Panel

The VAR Router provides a menu-driven interface, and contains keys used to navigate the display menus. The controls and indicators forming this user interface are described in the following sections.

5.1 Indicators

Figure 12 VAR Router LCD Display and LEDs

1 2 3

4 5

Table 6 VAR Router Front Panel Indicators

Indicators Description

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

2 power (green LED) Lit if the unit is receiving DC power.

3 voice alarm (red LED) Lit to indicate that a voice alarm condition is present.

4 system fault (yellow LED)

Lit to indicate that a system fault has been detected in the PA/VA system. This requires immediate action as part(s) of the system used for emergency functions may have been affected. A system fault will always cause the ‘fault’ LED to be lit as well. A system fault is triggered by a failure of any processor or memory, critical to the Voice Alarm system, including those of the VAR Router itself. A communication fault between the VAR Router and any equipment or device that has been configured at the VAR Router and that is critical to Voice Alarm functions will also trigger a system fault.

5 fault (yellow LED) Lit to indicate that the unit has detected a fault.

Flashes if a fault has not yet been accepted.



5.2 Controls

The front panel has membrane keys and a rotary encoder for entering commands and making selections, and a monitor loudspeaker.

Figure 13 VAR Router Controls

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13

Table 7 VAR Router Front Panel Controls

Indicators Description

1 AUDIO MON key Selects Audio Monitor sub-menu on the LCD display.

2 LAMP TEST key

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

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

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

4 key

key

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.

5 key

key

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.

6 SELECT key Press after selecting an item to confirm the selection.

7 BACK key Press after selecting an item to cancel the selection.

If pressed repeatedly, this returns the display to the top-level menu.

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

9 FAULT CLEAR key Clears all faults and sets all connected equipment to the 'no faults' state, which also cancels any amplifier changeovers in effect. Any persistent faults will be reported again on the next monitoring cycle.

10 Rotary Encoder

Multi-function: • An alternative for the and arrow keys for fast increment and decrement of

menu items. • During Audio Monitoring it also acts as a volume control.

11 Loudspeaker Dual function: Alarm Sounder and Audio Monitor



5.3 LCD Display

Figure 14 Examples of Display (Top-level Menu)

Example 1: Example 2:

5.3.1 LCD Display – Top Line

Top-Level Menu

The top line displays one of the EN 54 functional conditions on the left-hand side; see examples in Figure 14 (page 48):

• NO FAULTS PRESENT

• n FAULTS PRESENT

• VOICE ALARM (flashing)

For normal operation, the current time is displayed on the right-hand side of the top line. If the Test Tone is currently routed, then the TEST TONE message will alternate with the time.

Submenus

For normal operation, the top line displays the menu description and whether the user is logged on or logged off. When the user is logged on it identifies which user’s access level: Access 2 or Access 3.

If Voice Alarm is active, then the VOICE ALARM message will alternate with the current text in the left-hand side.

If the Test Tone is currently routed, then the TEST TONE message will alternate with the text on the right-hand side.

5.3.2 LCD Display – Bottom Line

The bottom line normally displays the menu options. If a power, earth, fuse or path fault is reported, the appropriate text will be displayed (POWER, EARTH, FUSE and/or PATH); see Example 2 in Figure 14 (page 48). The text will persists until a user presses any key on the VAR Router front panel, when the previous menu text will be restored.

5.3.3 Screen Timeouts

The LCD backlight is under the control of the processor. The LCD backlight is switched on when any button is pressed, and stays on for 5 minutes after the last key press has occurred. Should a fault occur, the backlight is automatically illuminated.

The LCD backlight will be turned on for at least 1 hour following any new Voice Alarm condition.



6 Rear Panel

The diagram in Figure 15 shows the mainframe rear panel connector positions for each of the VAR Router types.

Figure 15 VAR Router Rear Panel

VAR

12(E

N54

): E

xpan

d U

nit 2

pos

ition

fitt

ed w

ith b

lank

ing

plat

e.!!

VAR

8x8

EXP

AN

D U

NIT

1

VAR

8x8

EXP

AN

D U

NIT

2

VAR

4 B

ASE

UN

IT

VAR20(EN54)

VAR12(EN54)

VAR4(EN54)



6.1 Audio Inputs

6.1.1 Balanced Audio Inputs

The Audio Input connections are implemented on a 9-way female D connector for each input. Each connector provides balanced audio inputs and dedicated serial data connections for ASL Zoneable Microphones (DMS, FMS, EMS, CMB ranges).

5 4 3 2 1

9 8 7 6

DATADXN 0V-SUPPLY

AUDIO-

AUDIO+

DATADXP

+SUPPLY

GND

Standard 9-way D connector (female)

Pin No Signal Description

1 AUDIO+ Balanced audio +

2 AUDIO- Balanced audio -

3 0V-SUPPLY 0 V Supply

4, 8 - Not connected

5 DATA DXN Data- (EIA RS485 19200 baud)

6 GND Common ground (for cable screen)

7 +SUPPLY

+V Supply / 12 V DC (500 mA fuse) ASL microphones require 18-40 V DC supply and should not be powered from this output.

9 DATA DXP Data+ (EIA RS485 19200 baud)

6.1.2 Unbalanced Music A+B

Music A and Music B are unbalanced stereo inputs for background music sources using phono connectors. The stereo signal is mixed to mono internally.

SIGNAL (+)

GROUND (-)

SIGNAL (+)

GROUND (-)

L

R

Phono Plug


L Left Unbalanced stereo audio input

R Right As above

The stereo signals are mixed to mono internally.



6.2 Audio Outputs

Separate connections are provided for connection to A and B amplifiers for each output. One output is able to sustain a short circuit while leaving the other unaffected.

6.2.1 VAR4 Base Unit

The A+B circuit connections are implemented on 15-way male D connectors as described in the following figures.

OUT-2A+ -

OUT-3A+ -

AUX-OUT+ -

OUT-4A+ -

GROUND

Audio A-OUTPUTS

OUT-1A+ -

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1514131211109

Standard 15-way D connector (male)


1 OUT-1A+

9 OUT-1A-

Balanced audio output 1 A (0 dBu nominal @ Z=660 Ω)

10 OUT-2A+

3 OUT-2A-


4 OUT-3A+

12 OUT-3A-


13 OUT-4A+

6 OUT-4A-


7 AUX-OUT+

15 AUX-OUT-

Balanced listen-in audio output (0 dBu nominal @ Z=660 Ω) See Section “3.2.8 ‘Listen-in’ Function” (page 21).

2, 5, 8, 11, 14

GROUND Common ground for cable screen

OUT-2B+ -

OUT-3B+ -

OUT-4B+ -

GROUND

Audio B-OUTPUTS

OUT-1B+ -

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1514131211109



1 OUT-1B+

9 OUT-1B-

Balanced audio output 1 B (0 dBu nominal @ Z=660 Ω)

10 OUT-2B+

3 OUT-2B-


4 OUT-3B+

12 OUT-3B-


13 OUT-4B+

6 OUT-4B-


2, 5, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15

GROUND Common ground for cable screen



6.2.2 Expand Units

The A+B circuit connections are identical and implemented on 25-way male D connectors as described in Figure 16.

Figure 16 Expand Unit Audio Output

4 5 6 7 81 2 3

21 22 23 24 2516 17 18 19 2014 15

9 10 11 12 13

OUT-1+ -

OUT-2+ -

0V

OUT-3+ -

OUT-4+ -

OUT-5+ -

OUT-6+ -

OUT-7+ -

OUT-8+ -


Pin No Signal Description Pin No Signal Description

1 OUT-1+ 7 OUT-5+

14 OUT-1-

Balanced audio output 1 (0 dBu nominal @ Z=660 Ω) 20 OUT-5-

Balanced audio output 5 (0 dBu nominal @ Z=660 Ω)

15 OUT-2+ 21 OUT-6+

3 OUT-2-



17 OUT-3- 10 OUT-7+

4 OUT-3+



18 OUT-4+ 24 OUT-8+

6 OUT-4-

Balanced audio Output 4 (0 dBu nominal @ Z=660 Ω) 12 OUT-8-


2, 5, 8, 11, 13

0V Common ground (for cable screen) 16, 19, 22, 25

0V Common ground (for cable screen)

6.3 Control Ports

6.3.1 Control Port 1 (VAR4 Base Unit)

In addition to the analogue contacts, Control Port 1 on VAR4 Base Unit accommodates the Fire Microphone interface, Fault Relay outputs, and Remote Fault outputs on a 25-way female D connector.

Section “6.3.5.1 Fire Microphone Wiring Examples” (page 57) shows examples of connections to this port for interfacing the Fire Microphones.

Section “6.3.5.2 Fault Relay Output Wiring Example” (page 58) shows the connections to the Fault Relay outputs on this port.



Figure 17 VAR4 Base Unit Control Port 1

ALL-CALL-ONLY LED-2

10 9 8 7 613 12 11

18 17 16 15 1423 22 21 20 1925 24

5 4 3 2 1

CONTACT-1

CONTACT-2

CONTACT-4

CONTACT-6

CONTACT-8

CONTACT-3

CONTACT-5

CONTACT-7

CONTACT-10

CONTACT-9

0V

COMN/0

N/C

FAULT RELAY

ALL-CALL-ONLY LED-1

SPEAK-NOW LED-2

SPEAK-NOW LED-1

REMOTEFAULT-1

REMOTEFAULT-2

ALL-CALL-1(FIRE MIC-1 PTT)

ALL-CALL-2(FIRE MIC-2 PTT)

AUX POWER



1 CONTACT-1 Analogue Contact 1, internally pulled up to 5 V by 4k7 Ω





6 0V 0 V

7 ALL-CALL-2 (FIRE MIC-2 PTT) All-Call PTT (Input 2 Fire Microphone, internally pulled up to 5 V by 4k7 Ω) (Connects to PTT+ on Fire Microphone)

8 ALL-CALL-1 (FIRE MIC-1 PTT) All-Call PTT (Input 1 Fire Microphone, internally pulled up to 5 V by 4k7 Ω) (Connects to PTT+ on Fire Microphone)

9 N/C Fault relay N/C contact

10 COM Fault relay common contact

11 ALL-CALL-ONLY LED-1 All-Call-Only LED (Input 1 Fire Microphone, open-collector) (Connects to ALL CALL ONLY– on Fire Microphone)

12 SPEAK-NOW LED-2 Speak Now LED (Input 2 Fire Microphone, open-collector) (Connects to SPEAK NOW– on Fire Microphone)

13 REMOTE FAULT-1 Remote Fault Output 1 (open-collector)






19 AUX POWER Auxiliary power supply (18-36 V DC, fused at 100 mA)

20, 21 - Not connected

22 N/O Fault relay N/O contact

23 SPEAK-NOW LED-1 Speak Now LED (Input 1 Fire Microphone, open-collector) (Connects to SPEAK NOW– on Fire Microphone)

24 REMOTE FAULT-2 Remote Fault Output 2 (open-collector)

25 ALL-CALL-ONLY LED-2 All-Call-Only LED (Input 2 Fire Microphone, open-collector) (Connects to ALL CALL ONLY– on Fire Microphone)



6.3.2 Control Port 2 (VAR4 Base Unit)

Control Port 2 on VAR4 Base Unit implements opto-isolated contacts on a 25-way female D connector.

Figure 18 Base VAR4 Unit Control Port 2

10 9 8 7 613 12 11

18 17 16 15 1423 22 21 20 1925 24

CONTACT-12- +

5 4 3 2 1

- +CONTACT-11

CONTACT-14- +

- +CONTACT-13

- +CONTACT-15

CONTACT-16- +

CONTACT-18- +

- +CONTACT-17

- +CONTACT-19

CONTACT-20- +

- +CONTACT-21

CONTACT-22- +



1 CONTACT-11+ Opto-isolated Contact 11 (opto-anode)

14 CONTACT-11- Opto-isolated Contact 11 (opto-cathode)























13 - Not connected

1) All contacts with built-in resistor to suit voltages of +12 to +40 V. 2) Internal pull-ups to +24 V enabled on all contacts of the port if none of the contacts of this particular port are

configured for routing. If any contacts of a board (base, expand unit 1, or expand unit 2) are configured for routing, the internal pull-ups on all contacts of this particular board are disabled to provide a true volt-free interface.



6.3.3 Control Port 1 (Expand Unit)

Control Port 1 on Expand Units implements opto-isolated contacts on a 25-way female D connector.

The contact numbers in brackets refer to the upper Expand Unit (VAR20(EN54) only). The contacts numbers without brackets refer to the lower Expand Units (VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54))

Figure 19 Expand Unit Control Port 1

10 9 8 7 613 12 11

18 17 16 15 1423 22 21 20 1925 24

5 4 3 2 1

CONTACT 24(CONTACT 44)

- +

- +CONTACT 23

(CONTACT 43)

- +CONTACT 25

(CONTACT 45)


- +


- +


- +

- +CONTACT 27

(CONTACT 47)

- +CONTACT 29

(CONTACT 49)

- +CONTACT 31

(CONTACT 51)



1 CONTACT 23+ (CONTACT 43+) Opto-isolated Contact 23(43) (opto-anode)

14 CONTACT 23- (CONTACT 43-) Opto-isolated Contact 23(43) (opto-cathode)


15 CONTACT 24+ (CONTACT 44-) Opto-isolated Contact 24(44) (opto-cathode)















10, 11, 12, 13, 23, 24, 25 - Not connected

1) The contact numbers in brackets refer to the upper Expand Unit (VAR20(EN54) only). The contacts numbers without brackets refer to the lower Expand Unit (VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54)).





6.3.4 Control Port 2 (Expand Unit)

Control Port 2 on the Expand Units implements opto-isolated contacts on a 25-way female D connector.

The contact numbers in brackets refer to the upper Expand Unit (VAR20(EN54) only). The contacts numbers without brackets refer to the lower Expand Units (VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54))

Figure 20 Expand Unit Control Port 2

10 9 8 7 613 12 11

18 17 16 15 1423 22 21 20 1925 24

5 4 3 2 1


- +

- +CONTACT 32

(CONTACT 52)

- +CONTACT 34

(CONTACT 54)


- +


- +


- +

- +CONTACT 36

(CONTACT 56)

- +CONTACT 38

(CONTACT 58)

- +CONTACT 40

(CONTACT 60)


- +

CONTACT 41(CONTACT 61)- +


Pin No. Signal Description















8 CONTACT 39+ (CONTACT 59+) Opto-isolated Contact 39(59(opto-anode)

21 CONTACT 39- (CONTACT 59-) Opto-isolated Contact 39(59(opto-cathode)







10, 13, 23 - Not connected

1) The contact numbers in brackets refer to the upper Expand Unit (VAR20(EN54) only). The contacts numbers without brackets refer to the lower expand units (VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54)).





6.3.5 Fire Microphone Wiring Examples

6.3.5.1 Fire Microphone on Input 1

The LEDs must have suitable series resistors fitted; these are fitted as standard within the ASL FMS and EMS ranges of product.

Figure 21 Fire Microphone Connections to Input 1

PTT Function Test:1) Make sure that the microphone is powered, and that the polarity of the PTT connections is correct.2) Measure the voltage between PTT+ and PTT-.

PTT+ to PTT- Voltage ranges:PTT INACTIVE = 2V8 to 3V2PTT ACTIVE = 0V4 to 0V5

CONTROL PORT-1ON BASE UNIT

PIN 8: ALL-CALL-1

PR

ESS

-TO

-TA

LK

PIN 6: 0 V

VAR4 / VAR12 / VAR20

EMS / FMSEMERGENCY MICROPHONE

AU

DIO

DA

TA

INPUT-1

PIN1: AUDIO -

PIN2: AUDIO +

PIN9: DATA+

PIN5: DATA-

PTT+

PTT-

AUDIO -

MIC DATA DXP

AUDIO +

MIC DATA DXN

6k8

470

SPE

AK

NO

W L

ED

SPEAK NOW LED -PIN 23: SPEAK-NOW-1

PIN7: +SUPPLY

PIN3: 0V-SUPPLY

PO

WE

R S

UP

PLY 24V INPUT 1

0V INPUT 1FROM V400 AUXOUTPUT

24V INPUT 20V INPUT 2

FROM BPC (ASL BATTERY BACKUPSYSTEM) 3A OUTPUT

MIC DATA GND

0V FROM EQUIPMENT RACK

ALL

CA

LL O

NLY

LE

D

ALL CALL ONLY LED - PIN 11: ALL-CALL-ONLY-1

(NORMALLY FITTED ONZONEABLE EMERGENCY

MICROPHONE ONLY)

(ONLY ON EMS EMERGENCY MICROPHONES)

(ONLY ON EMSEMERGENCY

MICROPHONES)



6.3.5.2 Fire Microphone on Input 2

The LEDs must have suitable series resistors fitted; these are fitted as standard within the ASL FMS and EMS ranges of product.

Figure 22 Fire Microphone Connections to Input 2

PTT Function Test:1) Make sure that the microphone is powered, and that the polarity of the PTT connections is correct.2) Measure the voltage between PTT+ and PTT-.

PTT+ to PTT- Voltage ranges:PTT INACTIVE = 2V8 to 3V2PTT ACTIVE = 0V4 to 0V5

CONTROL PORT-1ON BASE UNIT

PIN 7: ALL-CALL-1

PR

ESS

-TO

-TA

LK

PIN 6: 0 V

VAR4 / VAR12 / VAR20

EMS / FMSEMERGENCY MICROPHONE

AU

DIO

DA

TA

INPUT-2

PIN1: AUDIO -

PIN2: AUDIO +

PIN9: DATA+

PIN5: DATA-

PTT+

PTT-

AUDIO -

MIC DATA DXP

AUDIO +

MIC DATA DXN

6k8

470

SPE

AK

NO

W L

ED

SPEAK NOW LED -PIN 12: SPEAK-NOW-1

PIN7: +SUPPLY

PIN3: 0V-SUPPLY

PO

WE

R S

UP

PLY 24V INPUT 1

0V INPUT 1FROM V400 AUXOUTPUT

24V INPUT 20V INPUT 2

FROM BPC (ASL BATTERY BACKUPSYSTEM) 3A OUTPUT

MIC DATA GND

0V FROM EQUIPMENT RACK

ALL

CA

LL O

NLY

LE

D

ALL CALL ONLY LED - PIN 25: ALL-CALL-ONLY-1

(NORMALLY FITTED ONZONEABLE EMERGENCY

MICROPHONE ONLY)

(ONLY ON EMS EMERGENCY MICROPHONES)

(ONLY ON EMSEMERGENCY

MICROPHONES)



6.3.6 Fault Relay Output Wiring Example

Control Port 1 on the VAR4 Base Unit has a changeover relay contact to provide a global fault output.

The diagram in Figure 23 shows the changeover fault relay internal detail.

Figure 23 Fault Relay Output

ROUTERCONTROL PORT 1 (BASE UNIT)

FAULT RELAY(SHOWN DE-ENERGISED)

CLOSED WHEN HEALTHY(RELAY ENERGISED)

NC NO

COM

9

10

22

6.4 Serial Ports

6.4.1 Audio-CAN

The Audio-CAN port is a 9-way male D connector for connection to the system Audio-CAN bus that provides digital communication between the VAR Router, amplifier mainframes, and their associated amplifier modules and interface cards.

An audio monitor bus ‘daisy-chains’ around the amplifier modules within the system using pins within the same connectors as the Audio-CAN bus to simplify system wiring. The VAR Router can select an amplifier output to connect to this bus and the audio level is displayed on the LCD as well as being audible in the VAR Router loudspeaker.

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

CAN_L

GND

AUDIO MON-

AUDIO MON+

CAN_H



1, 6, 8, 9 - Not connected

2 CAN_L Controller Area Network (Low)

3 GND 0 V Reference

4 AUDIO MON-

5 AUDIO MON+

Audio Monitor Bus –10 dBu nominal

7 CAN_H Controller Area Network (High)



6.4.2 RS232 Port

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

RX TX DTR GND

RTS CTS



1, 6, 9 - Not connected

2 RX RS232 Received Data

3 TX RS232 Transmitted Data

4 DTR Data Terminal Ready

5 GND Common Ground

7 RTS Request To Send

8 CTS Clear To Send

6.4.3 RS485 Port (EXP)

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

0V RS485 DXP

RS485 DXN



1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8

- Not connected Do not make connections to these pins.

3 0V 0 V Reference

5 RS485DXP Data+ (EIA RS485 9600 baud)

9 RS485DXN Data- (EIA RS485 9600 baud)

6.5 DC Supplies (PSU1, PSU2)

VAR Router requires 18-40 V DC supply.

PSU1 should come from an ASL Amplifier Mainframe AUX DC SUPPLY OUT terminations. Where possible, two mainframe outputs may be paralleled to feed PSU1 (one from each of two different mainframes) to provide a measure of current sharing and redundancy.

PSU2 should come directly from the battery via a fuse or breaker adequate to protect the cable from the potentially dangerous short circuit currents associated with SLA batteries. The ASL BPC65 and BPC130 product provides this function.

PSU 1 PSU 2

- +- +

2-way pluggable Wago cage clamp terminal (female)

Signal Description

+ +V supply (18 to 40 V DC)

- 0 V supply



7 Product Specification

Audio Routing

VAR4(EN54)

Universal Microphone/Line audio inputs with serial control, surveillance tone, and phantom power.............4

Audio outputs with surveillance tone.......................................................4 (separate A and B outputs for each)

Built-in DVA storage............................................................................................................up to 4 messages1,2,3 4-bit ADPCM coded messages .................................... 2x50-second messages and 2x66-second messages 16-bit 16 kHz sampled mono .wav format messages . 2x12-second messages and 2x16-second messages

VAR12(EN54)

Universal Microphone/Line audio inputs with serial control, surveillance tone, and phantom power...........12

Audio outputs with surveillance tone.....................................................12 (separate A and B outputs for each)


VAR20(EN54)

Universal Microphone/Line audio inputs with serial control, surveillance tone, and phantom power...........20

Audio outputs with surveillance tone.....................................................20 (separate A and B outputs for each)


All Variants

Hardware bypass Fire Microphone inputs .................................................. 2 (universal Mic/Line Inputs 1 & 2)

Background music line audio inputs............................................................ 2 * Stereo pairs (Internally mixed)

Mixed listen-in monitoring audio output............................................................................................................1

1 It is possible for some message slots to have standard ADPCM messages, while others contain .wav format messages 2 DVA concatenation capability: one DVA can occupy the memory space of up to four consecutive DVAs. 3 ADPCM and .wav message files should be converted to Motorola 'S' record format in order to be loaded to the VAR Router. Refer to

ASL for details.



General

VAR4(EN54)

Analogue input interfaces ................................................................................................................................10

Opto-isolated digital control / Fault / Routing / Fire Alarm Panel input interfaces........................................12 opto-isolated with built-in resistor to suit voltages of +12 to +40 V

Remote I/O Unit interfaces................................................................................. 1 x port (EIA RS485 9600 baud) supporting up to 3 BMB01 units and 3 third-party Fire Loop Interfaces

VAR12(EN54)



Remote I/O Unit interfaces.............................................................................. 2 x ports (EIA RS485 9600 baud)1 supporting up to 4 BMB01 Remote I/O Units and 6 third-party Fire Loop Interface

VAR20(EN54)



Remote I/O Unit (BMB01) interfaces ............................................................... 3 x ports (EIA RS485 9600 baud)1 supporting up to 4 BMB01 Remote I/O Units and 6 third-party Fire Loop Interface

All Variants

Supply Voltage Range......................................................................................................................18 to 40 V DC

Control / Fault reporting display and button interface ................................................................on front panel

Fault log ............................................................................................................................................. 200 events

Real Time Clock ......................................................................................... built-in (externally synchronisable)

Remote Diagnostics / Control / PC/DVA interface .............................................................................. 1 (RS232)

Auxiliary DC supply for external equipment .................................................................. 18 − 36 V DC @ 100 mA

Changeover fault relay ........................................................................................................... 1 (non-monitored)

Maximum external fault active-low input voltage threshold.......................................................................2.5 V

Maximum global-fault relay contact current rating ................................................................................500 mA

Open-collector drive...................... 100 mA (2 x Speak Now LED / 2 x All Call LED / 2 x Remote Fault Outputs)

Analogue input thresholds Non-monitored mode maximum external fault active-low input voltage threshold .............................2.5 V Monitored mode ................................................................................................ >3.7 V = Faulty: Open Circuit

0.8 V – 3.7 V = Healthy: Inactive 0.3 V – 0.8 V = Healthy: Active <0.3 V = Faulty: Short Circuit

1 One RS485 port (top) is used for system networking when the unit is connected to a network using a VAR-NIA unit.



Audio Signal Processing

Input

Sensitivity and impedance Line.....................................................................................................................−20 dBu (77 mV) @ Z ≥10 kΩ Mic ..................................................................................................................................... 770 µV @ Z ≥10 kΩ Music (phono) ..................................................................................................Suits 1-2 V RMS units Z ≥5 kΩ

Equalisation...........................................................................................................................3-band plus LF Cut

Input overload margin.................................................................................................................................40 dB

Input attenuator range ..........................................................................................................................0 – 63 dB

Phantom power ....................................................................................................................................... 12 V DC

Surveillance tone............................................................................... 20 – 30 Hz / Required level 0 to −46 dBFS

Chime generation .........................................................None / 1 Chime / 2 Chimes / 3 Chimes / Whoop Chime1

Output

Gain control range........................................................................................................................ 0 dB to −63 dB

Graphic equalisation.................................................. 8-band / ±12 dB @ 125, 250, 500, 1 k, 2 k, 4 k, 8 k, 16 kHz

Level and impedance................................................................................................ 0 dBu (nominal) @ Z=660 Ω

Hard limiter threshold .......................................................................................................................... +2.5 dBu

Surveillance tone...................................................................................30 Hz, 20 kHz, or mixed (30 Hz+20 kHz) off, pulsed or continuous (pulsed mode=1 s on / 20 s off)

Number of induction loop driven outputs VAR4(EN54) ..........................................................................................................................................up to 2 VAR12(EN54)2 .......................................................................................................................................up to 4 VAR20(EN54) ........................................................................................................................................up to 6

General

Test tones ......................................................................Speech Shaped / White Noise / Pink Noise /Sine Wave

Gain control ..........................................................................................input / output / external volume control

Ambient noise sensing ...............................................................................programmable output level control

Night volume control..............................................................daily time controlled input / Output level control

Gain control range........................................................................................................................ 0 dB to −63 dB

THD input to output ....................................................................................................................... <0.1% @1 kHz

Crosstalk .........................................................................................................> 70 dB below full output @1 kHz

Residual noise ................................................................................................................................... <78 dBu (A)

S/N line................................................................................................................................................ >70 dB (A)

S/N mic ................................................................................................................................................ >60 dB (A)

Frequency response (input to output).............................................................................100 Hz to 20 kHz −3 dB

1 Whoop chime only on inputs 1 and 2. 2 Only two of the four DVAs of an Expand Unit (slave board) can be used when Induction Loop outputs are configured on the

particular Expand Unit.



Current Consumption

VAR4(EN54)

Backlight on and sounder on....................................................................................... 400 mA @ 24 V DC supply

Backlight off and sounder off ...................................................................................... 350 mA @ 24 V DC supply

VAR12(EN54)

Backlight on and sounder on........................................................................................... 1.1 A @ 24 V DC supply

Backlight off and sounder off ............................................................................................. 1 A @ 24 V DC supply

VAR20(EN54)

Backlight on and sounder on........................................................................................... 1.6 A @ 24 V DC supply

Backlight off and sounder off .......................................................................................... 1.5 A @ 24 V DC supply

Dimensions and Weight

VAR4(EN54)

Dimensions (H x W x D) .........................................44 mm x 436 mm x 222 mm (excl. handles and connectors)

Weight............................................................................................................................................................3 kg

VAR12 and VAR20(EN54)

Dimensions (H x W x D) ....................................... 133 mm x 436 mm x 222 mm (excl. handles and connectors)

Weight............................................................................................................................................................6 kg

Environmental

Temperature................................................................... -20°C to +55°C (storage) / -10°C to +55°C (operation)

Humidity Range ....................................................................................................... 0% to 95% Non-condensing

Safety and EMC

EMC......................................... EN 55103-1/E1:1996, EN 55103-2/E5:1996, EN 50121-4:2006, ENV 50204:1995

Safety............................................................................................................................................EN 60065:2002

Voice Alarm

When installed in a Voice Alarm system designed in accordance with the ASL EN 54-16 & ISO 7240-16 System Design Guide (T-0667-0016) and configured as described in its user documentation, this equipment meets the requirement of EN 54-16:2008, ISO 7240-16:2007, BS 5839-8:2008, EN 54-4:1997, EN 54-4:1997/A1:2002 and EN 54-4:1997/A2:2006



8 Mechanical Dimensions

Figure 24 VAR4(EN54) Mechanical Dimensions

483 mm

436 mm

258

mm

222

mm

252

mm

44 mm = 1 U

THIRD ANGLE PROJECTION

1) ASL recommend a rear clearance depth of at least 110 mm for cabling.

A 19-inch standard rack with 600 mm depth provides the required room for installation including the rear cabling.

2) In order for customers to produce their own site documentation drawings of the front and rear panel are available from ASL.



Figure 25 VAR12(EN54) and VAR20(EN54) Mechanical Dimensions

436 mm

VAR12(EN54): POSITION FITTEDWITH BLANKING PLATE

483 mm

THIRD ANGLE PROJECTION

132 mm = 3 U

258

mm

222

mm

252

mm

3) ASL recommend a rear clearance depth of at least 110 mm for cabling.

A 19-inch standard rack with 600 mm depth provides the required room for installation including the rear cabling.

4) In order for customers to produce their own site documentation drawings of the front and rear panel are available from ASL.



9 Reference Documents

Additional reference information may be found in the following documentation, available from ASL’s website: www.asl-control.co.uk

Table 8 Reference Documents

Ref. No Title Filename Ref Origin

1 VAR4(EN54) Installation Guide U-0450-1814 ASL

2 VAR12(EN54)/VAR20(EN54) Installation Guide U-0450-1815 ASL

3 VAR4(EN54)/VAR12(EN54)/VAR20(EN54) Operation and Maintenance Manual

U-0450-1817 ASL

4 VAR-NIA Product Manual U-0450-1252 ASL

5 VAR8-ACU(EN54) and Variants Product Description U-0450-1822 ASL

6 VAR8-ACU(EN54) and Variants Installation Guide U-0450-1821 ASL

7 VAR8-ACU(EN54) and Variants Operation and Maintenance Manual

U-0450-1823 ASL

8 DMS5/10/20 Installation Guide U-0464-0702 ASL

9 V400 Amplifier Handbook 398A_Amp_ Handbook ASL

10 X400 Product Manual U-0629-0170 ASL

11 EMS01 Product Manual U-0664-0091 ASL

12 FMS1 Product Manual U-0464-0531 ASL

13 EAP01 Product Manual U-0464-0530 ASL

14 FMS5/10/20 Installation Guide U-0464-0719 ASL

15 SAP02 Product Manual U-0464-0454 ASL

16 RRM02 Product Manual U-0464-0589 ASL

17 ANS02 Product Manual U-0511-0040 ASL

18 ANS04 Product Manual U-0511-0039 ASL

19 ANS04E Product Manual U-0511-0083 ASL

20 BMB01 Remote I/O Unit Installation Guide U-0450-1693 ASL

21 Remote Volume Controls and Programme Selectors Installation Guide

450_VCPS_Guide ASL

22 BPC65 Product Manual U-0456-0143 ASL

23 BPC130 Product Manual U-0456-0145 ASL

The above documents are the user documentation available (or planned) at the time of the publication of this document. The website has the latest releases of the user documentation for each product. If you find any difficult in locating any document, please refer to ASL.



10 Abbreviations

AC Alternating Current

ACU Audio Control Unit (ASL)

ADPCM Adaptive Differential Pulse-Code Modulation

ANS Ambient Noise Sensor (ASL)

ASL Application Solutions (Safety and Security) Limited

BDIST Battery Distribution Unit (ASL)

BMB01 Remote I/O Unit (ASL)

BS British Standard

CAN Controller Area Network

CD Compact Disc

CMB Custom Microphone Board

CPU Central Processing Unit

DC Direct Current

DIP Dual In-line Package

DMS Digital Microphone Station (ASL)

DSP Digital Signal Processing

DVA Digital Voice Announcer (Messages)

EAP Emergency Announcement Point

EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory

EIA Electronic Industries Alliance

EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility

EMS Emergency Microphone Station (ASL)

FMS Fireman Microphone Station (ASL)

LCD Liquid Crystal Display

LED Light Emitting Diode

LLPA Long Line Public Address

LSDDC Dual DC Line Surveillance Interface Card (ASL)

LSIDC DC Line Surveillance Interface Card (ASL)

NSINT Non-Surveillance Interface Card (ASL)

PA Public Address

PC/DVA PC based Digital Voice Announcer

PSU Power Supply Unit

PTT Push To Talk

RTC Real Time Clock

SAP Station Announcement Point (ASL)



SLA Sealed Lead Acid

SLA Sealed Lead Acid

SMC Station Master Console (ASL)

SSINT Standby Surveillance Interface Card (ASL)

THD Total Harmonic Distortion

V400 Amplifier Mainframe (ASL)

VA Voice Alarm

VAR Voice Alarm Router (ASL)

VAR-NIA VAR Network Interface Adapter (ASL)

WEEE Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

X400 Multi-channel Amplifier Mainframe (ASL)



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Service and Warranty

Name and Address of Authorised Distributor:

This product carries a full warranty. For full details of warranty and service agreements, please contact the Authorised Distributor who supplied the product to you.

Exclusions

The warranty does NOT cover:

1. Customer misuse, including incorrect installation.

2. Damage other than manufacturing defects.

3. Transit / Courier damage.

4. Incorrect voltage or power supply used.

5. Incorrect input signal.

6. Abnormal environmental operating conditions.

7. Damage incurred by accident, fire, lightning or other hazard.

8. Modification to the unit or inexpert / attempted repair.

9. No fault found – where no fault can be found after extensive testing, indicating user error or failure in ancillary equipment.

10. Electronic assemblies which are improperly packed when returned for repair or service. All electronics assemblies must be properly packed in ESD protective packing for transport to prevent physical and ESD damage.

Should any of the above apply, Application Solutions (Safety and Security) Limited reserves the right to raise any relevant charges to the customer.

Application Solutions (Safety and Security) Limited shall not be liable for any indirect, special or consequential loss or damage (including without limitation any loss of profits) arising from the use of this product or for any breach of this warranty.

In the interest of continual product development, Application Solutions (Safety and Security) Limited reserves the right to make changes to product specification without notice or liability.

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