Ampetronic ILD60DC User manual

1. INTRODUCTION
The ILD60DC Induction Loop Driver is designed for installation in motor
vehicles, where it will connect to the 12V battery supply, the installed stereo
sound system (extracting compatible mono), and with provision for a
microphone to be mounted in the appropriate location.
Warranty Information
This product carries a 5 year parts and labour warranty which could be
invalidated if these instructions are not followed correctly, or if the unit is
tampered with in any way.
The 5 year warranty is dated from the time the equipment leaves
Ampetronic and NOT when it is installed.
2. PRELIMINARY INSTALLATION DATA.
2.1 Inspect the equipment upon unpacking, to ensure that the contents of the
shipping carton are not damaged.
2.2 Ensure a fused supply from the 12V battery system which is switched, so
that the equipment is only activated when the ignition is on - possibly use a
switched power feed from the second system.
2.3 The unit must be installed in a location where the equipment is restrained
from moving, while still premitting ventilation. When seen from the top,
normal way up, the left hand side is used as a heat radiator, and must not
be blocked. Actual position is not important, note that the equipment is not
protected against dirt and liquids.
The unit can be placed fixed to a wall surface by means of two
roundheaded No. 8 wood screws fitted to suit the rear hole pattern. The
screws are positioned at 160mm separation in a vertical line. The drilling
template will assist in correct positioning.
2.3 Prepare the input signal connection as described in section 3.
2.4 Connect the loop cable to the rear Loop Terminals. Ensure that no stray
wire ends protrude from the terminal. The polarity of the loop is not
important. For the sizing of the loop, see the chapter on Loop Design. It is
important that the loop cable ends will form a twisted pair in the area of the
amplifier, to reduce the magnetic field near the amplifier position.
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ILD60DC
Induction Loop Driver

3. CONNECTING THE DC SUPPLY
3.1 A suitable 12 Volt DC supply must be available, which will
be switched automatically with the vehicle ignition
system or similar. This should be fused remotely at
betwee n 4 and 8 Amps.
The cable carrying this supply is wired into the input
power connector, a drawing of which is shown along side.
The “ground” lead (negative of supply) should be
connected to terminal 1, and the positive lead is
connected to terminal 2. Reversal of these connections
will prevent operation of the equipment.
4. INPUT SIGNAL SOURCES
4.1 The equipment can be driven from various sources,
such as a microphone, a direct connection to a TV set
via a SCART style connection, or a connection to a HiFi system.
4.2 Microphone Inputs.
Both inputs are designed to be used with the single-ended microphone as
supplied with the equipment. Power for the microphone is supplied from
the equipment. Some single-ended electret microphones with internal
battery can be externally powered if this internal battery is removed. Many
microphones of this type are adversely affected by the external DC power,
even when using their internal batteries. In all these instances, careful
investigation will indicate whether a microphone is suitable.
Dynamic microphones cannot normally be used with the equipment,
because of the much lower signal level, and the DC bias which seriously
impairs the performance of the microphone. Ampetronic can supply a
special adaptor which permits the use of dynamic microphones (and
electrets which are affected by the DC bias).
The cable length on this input must not exceed 3 metres, as single–ended
microphone lines are susceptible to interference. EMC compliance is only
available for this cable length. The above mentioned adaptor converts the
input to a balanced line, which can be extended to longer distances.
4.3 Line Input.
This input to the equipment is a twin phono input, allowing a direct
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connection to the Left and Right channels of the SCART signal, or the
output from a HiFi system. It is also possible to connect the line-level
output of another sound system to this input.
Again, the maximum cable length on this input should be less than 3
metres to ensure EMC compliance.
5. Voice-Controlled switching (VOX)
There are 3 mode select switches for the VOX switching features of the
ILD60. These switches are located on the top edge of the unit alongside
the input connectors. See drawing of unit.
The mode select switches enable their respective functions when in t h e
'on' position (the switch is down, towards the base of the unit).
The mode select switches may be used in the combinations shown above
to achieve the required effect.
The VOX threshold is at about 6db below the onset of compression, and as
such is automatically set by the microphone and line sensitivity controls.
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Switch Effect when Microphone 1 Effect when Microphone 1
Position signal is higher than signal is lower than
VOX threshold VOX threshold for > 5
1 2 3 seconds.
off off off Vox switching disabled -
all inputs operate normally
off off on Microphone 1 input on. Microphone 1 input off.
off on off All inputs attenuated by All inputs at normal
15dB except Microphone 1 levels
off on on All inputs attenuated by All inputs at normal
15dB except Microphone 1 levels except Microphone 1
input off
on X X Reserved for future use.

6. LOOP DESIGN
The design of the actual loop is an important aspect of the satisfactory
operation of the ILD60. A number of parameters must be taken into
account, and the following design procedure will provide the correct loop
in most installations. It must be stressed that there are sometimes very
unusual circumstances which demand unusual solutions, and the installer
should then take great care over the design and installation aspects.
These instances are generally buildings with heavy metal reinforcement in
their structure, which can seriously affect the magnetic field, buildings
where several independent loops must be installed in close proximity such
as multiple meeting rooms without interfering with each other, and rooms
which are subject to heavy disturbing magnetic fields (close proximity of
electricity supply transformer stations, etc.).
6.1 Loop Position
For optimum evenness of magnetic field, it is advisable that the loop plane
should be displaced from the normal hearing (listening) plane by some 1-
1.2 metres, and this is normally achieved by placing the loop at floor level
or at ceiling level. Whenever possible, avoid the installation of the loop
cable at or near listening level.
6.2 Loop Size
The limiting loop size is defined by the following graph.
Measure the length and width of the room, and check that this area is
smaller than that defined by the limiting curve of the graph.
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0246810 12 14
0
2
4
6
8
Loop Length
Loop Width
ILD60
Limiting Curve

6.3 Choice of loop Cable
Please note that the Ampetronic Loop Drivers have been designed to
operate into single turn loops, and must not be used with old–fashioned
multiturn loop layouts. Unusual or special loop layouts may only be
used with the express approval of Ampetronic Ltd. to ensure
compliance with all technical standards.
The maximum DC resistance of the loop should be less than 1 Ohm for
optimum performance, but should be greater than 0.25 Ohm. Maximum
cable length (i.e. total length of cable, end to end, including feed /
connecting cable) for this limiting resistance is as follows:
Cable size Minimum Maximum
section length (m) length (m)
²
0.5 mm 7 28
²
0.75 mm 10.5 42
²
1 mm 14 56
²
1.5 mm 21 84
18 mm Flat Cable 25 100
Normal stranded, or solid–cored cable can be used. A suitable cable for
most applications is standard 'Tri-rated' cable to BS6231, CSA, UL
approval. Flat copper foil tape is available from Ampetronic for installation
under carpets.
The cable from the loop to the ILD60 output terminals MUST be a twisted
pair. If this is longer than 10 metre, contact Ampetronic.
7. LEVELADJUSTMENT
7.1 Initial setting up
During the initial commissioning of the equipment it is essential that the
following procedure be used to ensure a satisfactory end result. Turn the
Microphone, Line and Drive controls fully anti-clockwise, i.e. minimum
signal, and set the Tone Control to mid-range position. Provide a
continuous input signal, preferably from a small tape player with wideband
music, connected to the line input.
Increase the LINE control until the compression LED illuminates under
peak signal conditions. This establishes a reference level for the output
power driver. Increase the DRIVE setting until the desired output current is
achieved. If no reading is obtained, check for loop continuity. If a standard
Field-strength measuring unit is available, then check that the field has the
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correct strength. From this point onwards, the DRIVE control will not need
re-adjusting, as this only affects the peak field strength.
Connect the cable from the audio system to the line input, and readjust the
input gain control for optimum compression. If only the microphone input is
used directly, without another sound system, then set up the entire system
from a normal sound source activating the microphone(s).
At this point the TONE control can be adjusted to give the most pleasing
sound for the listener.
7.2 Setting of input controls - Optimising Compression - VOX levels.
In order to obtain the greatest possible dynamic control range from the
compressor, it is now necessary to establish the highest level of input
signal which the equipment may receive in the operational installation.
This will often be loud, close talking into a microphone. It should be pointed
out here that background hum and noise from equipment earlier in the
chain, such as a sound or TV system may sound very troublesome when
subjected to some 20-36db extra amplification. When this occurs, the gain
must be kept at a lower, acceptable level. Where the dominant signal is
music, then it may be important to keep the compression level low, to
prevent serious degradation of the music dynamics. Experience will
indicate which level to use.
REMEMBER: once the DRIVE control has been set, only adjust the GAIN
control, as otherwise the correct operation of the equipment is impaired.
To adjust the VOX switching level, set up the equipment with the switches
in the desired configuration, with Microphone 1 control at minimum. Set up
the equipment for correct signal levels on the other inputs. Increase the
setting of Microphone 1 until the desired input signal level operates the
VOX switching, and the output signal from this input is correct. A typical
application for this could be with the microphone fixed to the side of a
telephone, so that the ringing will trip the switching, while the normal
background noise is suppressed.
8. GENERAL INFORMATION
8.1 Difficulties
If you have any difficulties in calculating the loop design, or experience
difficulties with the operation of the equipment, then contact your supplier
or Ampetronic Ltd. It is useful to have all the relevant data available when
contacting our technical staff who will be pleased to help you. The following
are known trouble areas:
– Strong hum field, mainly from fluorescent light fittings, or electrical wiring

where current flow and return are not in the same cable or duct
– Loop cable installed in a manner where it is in close proximity to
microphone (or other audio) cables for an appreciable length. Telephone
cabling can also be very sensitive to this coupling.
8.2 Safety Notice
The unit should be keep in a dry location away from extremes of
temperature or humidity. It could be dangerous or cause damage to use
the unit in locations or conditions for which it is not intended.
9. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
9.1 Microphone Inputs: Suitable for use with externally powered electret
microphones
9.2 Line Input: Impedance 60kW each side, 20kW differential.
Sensitivity: matched to normal SCART signal levels.
9.3 Loop Current: 4A Peak signal current into SINGLE TURN loop
Monitoring via front panel LED, which indicates current peaks.
9.4 Loop Resistance:must be less than 1W.
9.5 Compression: Compression range 36dB before overload. Front panel
indication. Attack and Decay time constants optimised for speech.
9.6 Frequency response: 80Hz to 5kHz ±1.5dB at low level, measured as
loop current. High frequency high signal level response is a dynamic
variable and is a function of loop size, loop current and signal content to
ensure that no RFI generation takes place. Internal time constants are very
short.
9.7 DC Power input: 12 Volts DC
9.8 Dimensions : Length: 216mm Width: 124mm Height: 44mm
9.9 Weight: 1.3kg.
TheILD60DC is designed and manufactured in England by Ampetronic Ltd.
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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer: Ampetronic Ltd.
Address: Northern Road, Newark,
Nottinghamshire, NG24 2ET.
United Kingdom.
Declares that the product:
Description: Induction Loop Driver
Type Name: ILD60DC
Conforms to the following Directive(s) and Norm(s):
Directive 89/336/EEC
EMC: EN55103 (1 & 2) 1997
Directive 73/23/EEC
Safety: EN60065 (1995)
Febuary 2002
L.A. Pieters
Managing Director
Ampetronic Ltd.
8UP14601-1