ASL INTERCOM VAR8 Instruction Manual

VAR8 and Variants
Audio Router and System Controller
ASL Document Ref.: U-0450-1378.doc
Issue: 03 - complete, approved - Date: 18/08/10
Operation, Commissioning, Fault-
Finding and Maintenance Guide

VAR8 and Variants Operation, Commissioning, Fault Finding, and Maintenance Guide
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Copyright © 2007 Application Solutions Limited
Application Solutions Limited
Safety, Security and Control Division
Unit 17 Cliffe Industrial Estate
Lewes - East Sussex
BN8 6JL - UK
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.asl-electronics.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 Limited assumes no liability with respect to the accuracy of such information.
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This equipment is designed and manufactured to conform to the following EC standards:
EMC EN55103-1/E1, EN55103-2/E5, EN50121-4, EN50130-4, EN61000-6-3,
ENV50204
Safety EN60065
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.

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Contents
1Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 7
1.1 Important Notes .......................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Equipment Requirement............................................................................................................. 8
1.3 SW Versions ............................................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Configuration Safety Checklist ................................................................................................... 9
2Control and Indicators........................................................................................................................... 10
3User Interface Description .................................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Accessing the User Interface....................................................................................................12
3.2 Navigating the Menus............................................................................................................... 12
3.2.1 Menu Selection Markers ................................................................................................... 12
3.2.2 Selecting Menu Item and Saving Changes ...................................................................... 13
3.2.3 Changing an Option.......................................................................................................... 13
3.2.4 Rotary Encoder ................................................................................................................. 13
3.3 LCD Display Timeouts.............................................................................................................. 13
3.4 Menu Map of Functions ............................................................................................................ 14
4VAR8 Commissioning Procedure......................................................................................................... 15
5Access to the System............................................................................................................................ 18
5.1 Logging On ............................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Logging Off ............................................................................................................................... 18
6Amplifier Commissioning ..................................................................................................................... 19
7Stand-alone Operation Setup ............................................................................................................... 25
8Network Operation Setup...................................................................................................................... 27
8.1 Network Topology..................................................................................................................... 27
8.1.1 4x4 ACU Network Topology ............................................................................................. 27
8.1.1.1 System Parameters................................................................................................... 28
8.1.1.2 Main Network Features ............................................................................................. 28
8.1.2 8x8 ACU Network Topology ............................................................................................. 29
8.1.2.1 System Parameters................................................................................................... 29
8.1.2.2 Main Network Features ............................................................................................. 29
8.2 Slave Unit Configuration........................................................................................................... 31
8.3 Audio Control Unit Configuration.............................................................................................. 35
9Local Input Configuration ..................................................................................................................... 36
9.1 Input Type and Name Configuration ........................................................................................ 38
9.2 Input Emergency Class Configuration...................................................................................... 38
9.3 Audio Parameter Configuration ................................................................................................ 39
9.4 Priority Set-up........................................................................................................................... 42
9.5 Local Fallback Configuration ....................................................................................................43
9.6 Microphone Button Configuration............................................................................................. 44
9.6.1 Paging or Zoneable Fire Microphone Button Configuration ............................................. 44
9.6.1.1 Unused Button .......................................................................................................... 45
9.6.1.2 Microphone Routing or Zone Select Button .............................................................. 46
9.6.1.3 DVA Routing/Other Input Routing Button ................................................................. 48
9.6.1.4 Play DVA Button ....................................................................................................... 52
9.6.1.5 All Call Button............................................................................................................ 55
9.6.1.6 Cancel All DVAs Button ............................................................................................ 57
9.6.2 Single Button Microphone Button Configuration............................................................... 59
9.7 Unused Audio Inputs ................................................................................................................ 60
10 DVA Input Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 61
10.1 DVA Input Name Configuration ................................................................................................ 61
10.2 DVA Input Emergency Class Configuration ............................................................................. 62
10.3 Audio Parameter Configuration ................................................................................................ 64
10.4 Priority Set-up........................................................................................................................... 65

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11 Music Input Configuration .................................................................................................................... 67
11.1 Input Type and Name Configuration ........................................................................................ 67
11.2 Music Input Emergency Class Configuration ........................................................................... 68
11.3 Audio Parameter Configuration ................................................................................................ 69
11.4 Priority Set-up........................................................................................................................... 72
12 Mute Input Configuration ...................................................................................................................... 74
12.1 Mute Input Emergency Class Configuration............................................................................. 74
12.2 Priority Set-up........................................................................................................................... 75
13 Output/Zone Configuration ................................................................................................................... 76
14 Permanent Route Configuration........................................................................................................... 79
15 Remote I/O Unit or Fire Loop Interface Configuration ....................................................................... 80
16 DVA or Route Triggers via Contact Configuration............................................................................. 82
16.1 DVA or Route Trigger via outer Digital Input (Contact) ............................................................ 83
16.2 DVA or Route Trigger via Remote I/O Unit Digital Input (Contact) .......................................... 86
17 DVA or Route Triggers via Third Party Fire Loop Interface .............................................................. 89
18 Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS) Configuration....................................................................................... 91
18.1 ANS Connection to Remote I/O Unit ........................................................................................ 91
18.2 Output Configuration for ANS Monitoring................................................................................. 93
18.3 Input Configuration for ANS Monitoring.................................................................................... 96
19 Volume Control Configuration.............................................................................................................. 99
20 Programme Selector Configuration ................................................................................................... 101
21 External Fault Configuration............................................................................................................... 103
21.1 Router Digital Input as External Fault..................................................................................... 103
21.2 Remote I/O Unit Digital Input as External Fault...................................................................... 105
21.3 Remote I/O Unit Analogue Input as External Fault ................................................................ 107
22 Busy Indication Configuration............................................................................................................ 109
23 Night Time Volume Control Configuration........................................................................................ 111
24 System Configuration.......................................................................................................................... 113
24.1 Changing the System Access Code....................................................................................... 113
24.2 System Date and Time ........................................................................................................... 113
24.3 System Name ......................................................................................................................... 113
24.4 Emergency Sounder Operation.............................................................................................. 114
24.5 Host Routing Timeout Configuration ...................................................................................... 114
24.6 Temperature ........................................................................................................................... 114
24.7 Clearing the Configuration Data and Restoring the Default Settings..................................... 115
24.8 System Software Versions ..................................................................................................... 115
24.9 RS232 Asynchronous Port Configuration............................................................................... 116
25 Diagnostic Tools .................................................................................................................................. 118
25.1 Viewing the Routing Status .................................................................................................... 118
25.2 Viewing the Contact Status .................................................................................................... 118
25.3 Viewing the Current Ambient Noise Sensor Readings........................................................... 119
25.4 Audio Monitoring..................................................................................................................... 119
25.5 Sounder and Lamp Test ......................................................................................................... 120
25.6 Frame Testing Facilities ......................................................................................................... 120
25.6.1 Frame Configuration ....................................................................................................... 120
25.6.2 Amplifier Changeover Testing ........................................................................................ 121
25.6.3 Dip Switch Settings......................................................................................................... 122
25.6.4 Raw Battery Voltage ....................................................................................................... 122
25.6.5 Battery Voltage ............................................................................................................... 122
25.6.6 Battery Voltage at Charger ............................................................................................. 123
25.6.7 Voltage on First Supply Channel .................................................................................... 123
25.6.8 Voltage on Second Supply Channel............................................................................... 123
25.6.9 Voltage Output by the Charger ....................................................................................... 123

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25.6.10 Frame Ambient Temperature.......................................................................................... 123
25.6.11 Amplifier Type and Revision Level ................................................................................. 124
25.6.12 Amplifier Detailed Status ................................................................................................ 124
25.6.13 Amplifier Input Surveillance Tone Level ......................................................................... 124
25.6.14 Amplifier Output Surveillance Tone Level ...................................................................... 124
25.6.15 Amplifier DC Line Reading ............................................................................................. 125
25.6.16 Earth Leakage Reading .................................................................................................. 125
26 PC Configuration Tool......................................................................................................................... 126
26.1 Connection.............................................................................................................................. 126
26.2 Starting a New Configuration.................................................................................................. 126
26.3 Loading the Configuration from the Unit................................................................................. 126
26.4 Loading the Configuration from a File .................................................................................... 127
26.5 Saving the Configuration as Text File .................................................................................... 127
26.6 Applying Changes to the Unit ................................................................................................. 127
27 VAR8 User Interface Menu .................................................................................................................. 128
27.1 VAR8 Menu Description ......................................................................................................... 130
28 Fault Indication and Fault Finding ..................................................................................................... 148
28.1 Fault Indication ....................................................................................................................... 148
28.2 Fault Acceptance.................................................................................................................... 148
28.3 Fault Clearance ...................................................................................................................... 148
28.4 Viewing Active Faults ............................................................................................................. 149
28.5 Fault Logging.......................................................................................................................... 149
28.5.1 Viewing the System Fault Log ........................................................................................ 149
28.5.2 Viewing an Amplifier Frame Fault Log............................................................................ 149
28.5.3 Clearing the System Fault Log ....................................................................................... 149
28.6 System Fault Finding Guide ................................................................................................... 150
28.6.1 General Faults ................................................................................................................ 150
28.6.2 Frame and Amplifier Related Faults ............................................................................... 152
28.6.3 Numeric Fault Codes and Their Meaning....................................................................... 153
29 Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................... 154
29.1 Training................................................................................................................................... 154
29.2 Records .................................................................................................................................. 154
29.3 Maintenance Instructions........................................................................................................ 155
29.3.1 Routine Maintenance...................................................................................................... 155
29.3.1.1 Daily Attention ......................................................................................................... 155
29.3.1.2 Weekly Attention ..................................................................................................... 155
29.3.1.3 Monthly Attention .................................................................................................... 155
29.3.1.4 Quarterly Inspection and Test................................................................................. 155
29.3.1.5 Annual Inspection and Test..................................................................................... 155
29.3.1.6 Replacement of the Real Time Clock Battery ......................................................... 156
29.4 Corrective Maintenance.......................................................................................................... 157
29.4.1 Action by the User after Any Fire (Whether Detected Automatically or Not).................. 157
29.4.2 Action Following a Fault.................................................................................................. 157
30 Manual Settings ................................................................................................................................... 158
30.1 Manual Restoration of Default Settings.................................................................................. 158
30.1.1 Restoring Access Code .................................................................................................. 158
30.1.2 Restoring All Defaults ..................................................................................................... 158
30.1.3 Default Settings............................................................................................................... 159
30.2 Link Settings for Stand-Alone, 1 or 2 Channel Only Network Operation ............................... 160
31 Safety and Precautions ....................................................................................................................... 161
31.1 Environmental......................................................................................................................... 161
31.2 ESD ........................................................................................................................................ 161
31.3 EMC........................................................................................................................................ 161
31.4 Electrical Safety...................................................................................................................... 161
31.5 Lithium Battery........................................................................................................................ 161
31.6 Unpacking and Handling ........................................................................................................ 161
31.6.1 Packing for Repair .......................................................................................................... 161

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32 Documents............................................................................................................................................ 162
33 Index...................................................................................................................................................... 163
Service and Warranty.................................................................................................................................. 165
Document Change History
Issue Amendment Details Date
01 First Draft – Internal Release 21/06/07
02 CR0518-1099: ACU Fire Microphone ‘Busy’ LED mode (ACU V1.5.0114)
Update DAU to V1.5.0115
Corrections and updates
14/12/07

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1 Introduction1 Introduction
This guide provides guidance on the commissioning, configuration, operation, fault finding, and maintenance
of the VAR8 Router and its variants, as described in the following table.
This guide provides guidance on the commissioning, configuration, operation, fault finding, and maintenance
of the VAR8 Router and its variants, as described in the following table.
SectionSection
Task
No. Title Page
Commissioning 4 VAR8 Commissioning Procedure 15
Commissioning and Operation 6
to
24
Amplifier Commissioning
to
System Configuration
19
to
113
2 Control and Indicators 10
3 User Interface Description 12
5 Access to the System 18
Operation
27 VAR8 User Interface Menu 128
Fault Finding 28 Fault Indication and Fault Finding 148
Maintenance 29 Maintenance 154
30 Manual Settings 158
26 PC Configuration Tool 126
Supporting tasks
25 Diagnostic Tools 118
L• The Configuration Tool is included for reference aiming better understanding of the
configuration procedure. This guide is not intended to describe the operation of the
Configuration Tool.
• To obtain a licensed copy of the Configuration Tool, please refer to Application Solutions
Limited.
1.1 Important Notes
Please read and observe the “Safety and Precautions” section on page 161 of this manual.
!
!
Only qualified personnel who are very familiar with the VAR8 equipment, the installation and its
configuration requirements should ‘Log-on’ to alter the system configuration.
Any adjustment of audio parameters or DVA zoning may leave the system in a dangerous state
where it will not correctly respond to alarm inputs or may not produce adequate sound pressure
levels or intelligibility to comply with Voice Alarm Standards.
Similarly it is possible for the untrained operator to inadvertently disable system surveillance
functions, which are mandated by Voice Alarm Standards.
!
!

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1.2 Equipment Requirement
Item Description Model Calibration
Status
1. Portable appliance tester PAC1000 Calibrated
2. Digital multimeter Any Calibrated
3. Impedance Meter Millbank LZM1000 or equivalent Calibrated
4. Null modem cable Any N/A
5. Intellevac RS232 adaptor Lead Any N/A
6. Laptop computer with 9WD – RS232 Port Any running Windows 2000 N/A
7. Software: latest versions of ASL Router
Configuration Tool
RtrVarCfg.EXE N/A
8. Signal generator (optional for fault finding) Neutrik Minirator or suitable equivalent Calibrated
9. Signal analyser (optional for fault finding) Neutrik Minilyzer or suitable equivalent Calibrated
10. Sound pressure level meter Neutrik Mini SPL and Minilyser or
suitable equivalent
Calibrated
1.3 SW Versions
The VAR8 is a software-controlled piece of apparatus. The information in Table 1 shows the software
version used at the time of writing this guide.
If your system has a later (or earlier) version of software, then it may mean that some aspects of the menu
operation are subtly different from the operation described in this guide, or that enhanced features have
been added.
If any difficulties are encountered, contact ASL or an appointed ASL distributor, quoting the software version
of your unit. The appropriate guide can then be recommended. The software version of the VAR8 is
displayed via:
the ConfigurationÆSystemÆMiscÆSoftware menu, see Section “24.8 System Software Versions”.
Table 1 VAR8 SW Versions
SW Version
Microcontroller V1.5.0115
DSP V3.0.0314
Network Interface EPLD V6

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1.4 Configuration Safety Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed all tasks required for BS5839 Pt.8 compliance.
“Have I …. Section Page Step(s) Check (9)
Correctly set-up and commissioned AC surveillance on
monitored amplifiers (including all standby amplifiers)? 6 20 7
Correctly set-up and commissioned DC surveillance on
monitored speaker circuits? 6 21 8
Enabled leakage detection on monitored amplifiers? 6 22 9
Correctly enabled Sleep Mode? 6 22 14
Correctly configured Fire Microphone Input Gains? 9.3 39 6
Correctly configured Fire Microphone Input OP Relative
gains? 9.3 39 7
Enabled surveillance monitoring on Fire Microphone
inputs? 9.3 39 8
Correctly configured Fire Microphone Input EQ? 9.3 40 9
Correctly assigned (lower) priorities to routine functions,
e.g., paging microphones? 9.4 42 12
Correctly configured Fallback DVAs in the event of
Network Failure? 9.5 43 13
Correctly configured DVA gains? 10.3 64 5
Correctly configured DVA O/P Relative Gains? 10.3 64 6
Correctly assigned priorities to the DVA messages? 10.4 65 7
Correctly assigned (lower) priorities to routine functions,
e.g., background music? 11.4 72 10
Correctly set up Output Gains? 13 76 3
Correctly set up Output EQ? 13 76 4
Correctly set and enabled output surveillance? 13 77 5
Correctly set up Output Override Gains? 13 77 6
16.1 83 1-7
Correctly allocated DVA routing from the Fire Alarm
triggers? 16.2 86 1-8

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2 Control and Indicators2 Control and Indicators
Figure 1 LCD Display and User InterfaceFigure 1 LCD Display and User Interface
1 2
3
4 5

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Indicators and Controls Description
1 LCD Display 2 x 40 backlit alphanumeric display. Used to display the control
menu, faults, and configuration data.
power green Lit only if the unit is receiving DC power from both sources.
processor green Flashes to show that the processor is healthy.
comms green
Lit to indicate communication activity between the main processor
and the amplifier units. Flashes on receipt of a message from an
amplifier unit.
2
LED
fault amber Lit to indicate that the unit has detected a system fault.
Flashes if a fault has not yet been accepted.
W
X
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.
S
T
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.
SELECT Press after selecting an item to confirm the selection.
BACK Press after selecting an item to cancel the selection.
If pressed repeatedly, this returns the display to the top-level menu.
DEFAULT Press to clear previously configured text strings quickly during
system configuration, or to return fields to their default values.
FAULT ACCEPT Accepts all current faults, steadies the flashing fault LED indication,
and turns off the audible alarm until a new fault condition occurs.
FAULT CLEAR
Clears all faults and sets all connected equipment to the 'no faults'
state, which also cancels any Amplifier Changeovers in effect. If
there are any faults present in the system then they are detected
anew, and reported again.
AUDIO MON Selects Audio Monitor sub-menu on the LCD display.
3
Keys
LAMP TEST
Tests all indicators on the VAR8 and on all connected amplifier
units. The sounder is also tested. The display shows ‘LAMP +
SOUNDER TEST’ and the menu locks during this time.
This function is also available from the ‘Tests’ menu.
4 Rotary Encoder
Multi-function:
• An alternative for the Sand Tarrow keys for fast increment
and decrement of menu items.
• During Audio Monitoring it also acts as a Volume Control.
5 Loudspeaker Dual function: Alarm Sounder and Audio Monitor.

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3 User Interface Description3 User Interface Description
3.1 Accessing the User Interface3.1 Accessing the User Interface
The VAR8 is password protected in order to prevent unauthorised alteration of the system configuration.
Thus the system configuration cannot be changed unless the operator is ‘Logged on’ by entering the correct
Access Code.
The VAR8 is password protected in order to prevent unauthorised alteration of the system configuration.
Thus the system configuration cannot be changed unless the operator is ‘Logged on’ by entering the correct
Access Code.
When the operator is 'Logged off' it is not possible to change any configurable items, or to clear any fault
logs. It is, however, possible to view all the system information apart from the access code.
When the operator is 'Logged off' it is not possible to change any configurable items, or to clear any fault
logs. It is, however, possible to view all the system information apart from the access code.
The factory default access code is ‘0999’.The factory default access code is ‘0999’.
Only qualified personnel who are very familiar with the VAR8 equipment, the installation and its
configuration requirements should ‘Log-on’ to alter the system configuration.
Only qualified personnel who are very familiar with the VAR8 equipment, the installation and its
configuration requirements should ‘Log-on’ to alter the system configuration.
Any adjustment of audio parameters or DVA zoning may leave the system in a dangerous state
where it will not correctly respond to alarm inputs or may not produce adequate sound pressure
levels or intelligibility to comply with Voice Alarm Standards.
Any adjustment of audio parameters or DVA zoning may leave the system in a dangerous state
where it will not correctly respond to alarm inputs or may not produce adequate sound pressure
levels or intelligibility to comply with Voice Alarm Standards.
Similarly it is possible for the untrained operator to inadvertently disable system surveillance
functions, which are mandated by Voice Alarm Standards.
Similarly it is possible for the untrained operator to inadvertently disable system surveillance
functions, which are mandated by Voice Alarm Standards.
!
!
3.2 Navigating the Menus
Figure 2 Example of Display (Top-level Menu)
LCD Display Line 1
Displays the menu description and whether the user is logged on or logged off.
On the top-level display the system type, and the current date and time are shown. If a fault occurs, then text
describing the fault is displayed. This fault text is alternated with a display of the current date and time. In the
event of multiple faults each fault is displayed in sequence, while alternating with the date and time display.
LCD Display Line 2
Displays menu options.
3.2.1 Menu Selection Markers
Different markers are used to aid menu navigation as follows:
• [square brackets]indicate this option is an editable field or can be scrolled using the up and down
arrows.
• {curly braces}indicate this option is read-only, for instance if the user is logged off.
• !arrows both sides"indicate this option leads to a sub-menu.
• !arrow on left, bracket on right]indicates this option can be scrolled using the up and down arrows and
when selected will lead to a sub-menu for the selection.

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3.2.2 Selecting Menu Item and Saving Changes
Use the Wand Xkeys to move to the next item in the menu.
To select a [highlighted]item press the SELECT key. To save changes, press the SELECT key.
To exit from the current menu and to return to the parent menu without saving changes, press the BACK
key.
3.2.3 Changing an Option
Use the Sand Tkeys and the rotary encoder to edit or scroll options.
3.2.4 Rotary Encoder
The rotary encoder has multiple functions dependent on the current menu selection as follows:
• Fast increment and decrement of menu items (faster than using Sand Tarrow keys)
• Acts as a Volume Control during Audio Monitoring.
3.3 LCD Display Timeouts
All menus timeout to revert to the previous (higher) level after two minutes with no user activity. If logged on,
then after five minutes with no activity the user is logged off. Thus with no user activity the LCD display
always returns to the top-level display and logged off state.
The LCD backlight is under control of the processor. It is switched on whenever any button is pressed, and
stays on for five minutes after the last key press has occurred. Should a fault occur, the backlight is
automatically illuminated.

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3.4 Menu Map of Functions
[Configuration] [Tests] [Faults]
[Access] [System] [Date/Time][Frames]
[LogOff] [Change-Code] [Clear config] [Frame#nn - ...]
[Commis.] [Desc.] [Temp] [Slot#nn]
[Desc.] [AC Level]
[Spurs=00]
[Earth]
[Frequency] [Thresholds] [Interval]
[Lamps] [Monitor] [Changeover] [Status]
[Audio] [ANS]
[DIP = 000000] [Measured] [Slot#n]
[BAT] [B1] [BV] [DC1] [DC2] [CV] [Temp]
[Status] [Logs] [Accept] [Clear]
[System] [Frame#nn]
[Type] [I/O] [Measured]
[Surv In] [Surv Out] [DC Line] [Earth Leak]
[Frame#nn - ...]
[Router] [Network] [Misc] [View] [Learn]
[Level] [EQ] [ANS] [Surv] [Override] [Name]
[Int-Id] [Name] [Software] [Temp] [Clear-Log] [Async-Port] [Terse] [Verbose]
[Outputs][Inputs] [Ctrl] [Misc] [Noise]
[O/P #n - OUTPUT n] [Contacts] [Permanent] [Remote]
[Digital#nn] [Unit address n]
[Sounder] [Amp sleep] [Host T/Out] [Off] [Times] [Outputs] [Inputs]
[Expand I/O]
1
4
16 17
[Not Surv]
[DC Line]
[Read]
[Zoning] [Control] [Clear-all]
[Latching] [Busy=On] [DVA-Full]
[Routing]
[Routing]
5
23
6789 1110 12 14 1513
19 20 21 22 25 26
27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48
49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58
59 60 61 62 63
64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74
75 76 77 78 80 81 84 85
100 101
115 116 117
123 124 125
95 96
[O/P Map]
[Routing] [Contacts]
[Channels] [Pri] [ACU Type]
[Analogue] [Digital In] [Digital Out]
[UNUSED] [Selector] [Volume] [Fault] [Ans]
[Analogue channel=nn] [Contact #nn]
112 119 120
126 127
134 135 136 137 138
128
[Mic/Line] [DVA]
[Pri] [Class]
[Gain] [Name]
[DVA #n - SLAVE DVAn]
[I/P #n - MIC/LINE n]
[Audio] [Ctrl] [Name]
[Gain][Chime]
[EQ] [Fade]
[Input] [Output]
[Pri] [Class][Surv]
[Buttons]
[Button #nn] [Security][DVA Routing]
97
131 132 133
145 146 147 148 149 150 151
158 159
130
142
[DVA-full]
[Zoning/Select DVA] [Control] [Clear-all]
[Latching] [Busy=On]
143 144
155 156 157
160 161 162
[Fallback]
[Local] [Network]
[ANS]
[Local] [Network]
18 23 24
79
82 83 86 88 89 90 91 92 93 9487
102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110
111
98 99
113 114 118
[Input] [Output]
121 122
[Zoning] [Control] [Clear-all]
[Latching] [Busy=On] [DVA-Full]
139 140 141
152 153 154
VAR8 Menu Tree
[Faults]
164
[Learn Check]
163
163: V1.5.0115 or later 164: V1.5.0115 or later

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4 VAR8 Commissioning Procedure4 VAR8 Commissioning Procedure
This procedure details the commissioning of the VAR8 and associated system components. Every system is
different, so the procedure is quite general, and some of these tasks may not be applicable to your particular
system. Each of these tasks can be performed separately after system commissioning for system upgrade or
configuration change.
This procedure details the commissioning of the VAR8 and associated system components. Every system is
different, so the procedure is quite general, and some of these tasks may not be applicable to your particular
system. Each of these tasks can be performed separately after system commissioning for system upgrade or
configuration change.
LLIf installation is required follow the procedure described in the VAR8 Installation Guide
[Table 10-2].
If installation is required follow the procedure described in the VAR8 Installation Guide
[Table 10-2].
1. If the unit is not installed, as described in the VAR8 Installation Guide.
2. Ensure unit is powered down.
3. Carry earth bond tests on ASL equipment using temporary supply.
Using a PAC1000, check earth continuity is less than 0.1 Ωat 100 mA and 25 A between mains
terminals and the back chassis, door and gland plate.
4. Check loudspeaker line.
a. Ensure all loudspeakers are fitted with blocking capacitors.
b. Check impedance, isolation and fitment of loudspeaker capacitors of all loudspeaker lines are within
amplifier load limits and record results. Impedances should be greater than 200 ohms and the A and
B circuits should be evenly loaded.
c. Check isolation of all loudspeaker lines to earth.
5. The following are performed on the V400 Amplifier Mainframe, Amplifier Units, and Surveillance Cards.
Please refer to the V400 Amplifier Mainframe handbook [Table 10-9], LSIDC Surveillance Card
installation guide [Table 10-11], and LSDDC Surveillance Card installation guide [Table 10-12].
a. Check the DIP switch SW5 and SW6 settings on the V400 Amplifier Mainframe.
b. Check that the LSDDC (if used) surveillance mode is set as required where it is connected.
6. If the VAR8 is fitted with a Network Interface Card, note that the Network Interface Card is configured, by
default, for network operation using 3 audio network channels. If stand-alone operation or 1 or 2 channel
only network operation is required, set the links on the Router board, as described in Section
“30.2 Link Settings for Stand-Alone, 1 or 2 Channel Only Network Operation” on page 160.
7. Power up by connecting the 24V DC power supply.
8. With all equipment powered up check that ‘healthy’ status is indicated.
9. Log in to the system, as described in Section “5 Access to the System” (page 18).
System configuration cannot be changed unless the operator is ‘Logged-on’ by entering the correct
Access Code.
Only qualified personnel who are very familiar with the equipment and its configuration
requirements should ‘Log-on’ to alter the system configuration.
!
!
10. Program amplifiers, as described in Section “6 Amplifier Commissioning” (page 19).
11. If stand-alone operation is required, configure the VAR8 parameters, as described in Section
“7 Stand-alone Operation Setup” (page 25).
12. If network operation is required, configure the network parameters, as described in Section
“8 Network Operation Setup” (page 27).

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13. Configure local inputs, as described in Section “9 Local Input Configuration” (page 36).
14. Configure DVA, as described in Section “10 DVA Input Configuration” (page 61).
15. Configure background music (if used), as described in Section “11 Music Input Configuration” (page 67).
16. Configure mute input priority (if used), as described in Section “12 Mute Input Configuration” (page 74).
17. Configure the local output/zones, as described in Section “13 Output/Zone Configuration” (page 76).
18. Configure any local permanent routes needed for background music functions (if used), as described in
Section “14 Permanent Route Configuration” (page 79).
19. Configure any Remote I/O Units or Fire Loop Interfaces on the RS485 bus, as described in Section
“15 Remote I/O Unit or Fire Loop Interface Configuration” (page 80).
20. Program DVA triggers via Contacts (if used), as described in Section “16 DVA or Route Triggers via
Contact Configuration” (page 82).
21. Program DVA triggers via Loop Interface (if used), as described in Section “17 DVA or Route Triggers
via Third Party Fire Loop Interface (page 89).
22. Configure Ambient Noise Sensors, if any, as described in Section “18 Ambient Noise Sensor (ANS)
Configuration” (page 91).
23. Configure Volume Controls (if used), as described in Section “19 Volume Control Configuration”
(page 99).
24. Configure Programme Selectors (if used), as described in Section “20 Programme Selector
Configuration” (page 101).
25. Configure any external fault (if used), as described in Section “21 External Fault Configuration” (page
103).
26. Configure the Remote I/O Units’ digital outputs for busy indication (if used), as described in Section
“22 Busy Indication Configuration” (page 109).
27. Program the Night Time Volume Control (if used), as described in Section “23 Night Time Volume
Control Configuration” (page 111).
28. Configure the system (if required), as described in Section “24 System Configuration” (page 113).
29. Power cycle the unit.
30. Check that the Fire Alarm Interface is operating correctly.
a. Check that all trigger control lines are monitored and indicating OK at the fire alarm system if
sounder circuits are used.
b. If a Loop Interface Card is used confirm that the VAR8 is not reporting any communications faults.
c. Check that the PAVA fault o/p (if used) is connected to the fire alarm system and indicating correctly
in both ‘fault’ and ‘clear’ states.
d. Operate the Alert function from the fire alarm and check for correct message broadcast to all zones.
Check audio quality and level in all (or selected) areas. Note the SPL for information only.
e. Clear the Alert function at the fire alarm and check that message broadcast stops.
f. Operate the Evacuate function from the fire alarm and check for correct message broadcast to all
zones. Check audio quality and level in all (or selected) areas. Note the SPL for information only.
g. Clear the Evacuate function at the fire alarm and check that message broadcast stops.
LAt this stage, if the network is not running, then the system will play local ‘fallback’ DVAs.

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31. Save the Router configuration and archive the configuration file in accordance with ASL Configuration
Management procedures.
Use the Configuration Tool to upload the Configuration from the Router and save to file. Section
“26 PC Configuration Tool” (page 126) gives general guidance on how to connect, upload and save the
configuration using the Configuration Tool.
The file names should follow the following format:
AVAXXXX_YYY_As_Commissioned.txt
Where: AVAXXXX = Job Number
YYY = Identifier of individual VAR8 in the system

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5 Access to the System
5.1 Logging On
The Router is password protected in order to prevent unauthorised alteration of the system configuration.
Thus the system configuration cannot be changed unless the operator is ‘Logged On’ by entering a valid
access code.
To Log into the Router:
1. Select the Access menu.
Menu: ConfigurationÆAccess
2. Enter the access code.
Default value: ‘0999’
LEntering an invalid access code will display a warning message, and the user will be locked out
for 3 seconds.
5.2 Logging Off
To Log off from the Router:
1. Select the ‘Logoff’ in the Access menu.
Menu: ConfigurationÆAccessÆLogOff
LThe system will automatically log the user off after 5 minutes without any user interaction.

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6 Amplifier Commissioning
To Commission the Amplifier System:
1. Ensure that the Frame Learn Check fault is enabled (for V1.5.0115 or later).
Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆRouterÆMiscÆFaultsÆLearn Check.
When Learn Check is enabled, the Router checks if the ‘Learn’ function has been performed following
power cycle or fault clearance. If no frames are configured a fault will be raised. This is to prevent the
‘Learn’ step from being omitted when Routers are swapped out on site, and as consequence, the frame
and amplifier related faults not being reported.
It is possible to disable this fault when required, for example, when no frame is connected to the VAR
Router.
2. Establish communication between Router and Amplifier System by performing SYSTEM LEARN.
Menu: ConfigurationÆSystemÆLearn.
The ‘Learn’ function allows the system to automatically detect all connected frames and amplifiers. Once
the system has detected the installed configuration, each frame configuration will be available for
viewing, and the user will be able to commission the detected frames.
3. Confirm that the Router detected the correct surveillance operation mode. The surveillance mode is
displayed with the amplifier type and should match the hardware configuration.
‘N’: Identifies a single circuit surveillance mode.
‘D’: Identifies a dual circuit surveillance mode.
‘L’: Identifies a loop return surveillance mode.
‘S’: Identifies a standby amplifier.
‘–’: No amplifier configured in the slot.
4. Commission the installed/updated frames so that the frame recognises the current amplifier installation
as the correct one. In order to commission a frame, scroll the frame list until the applicable frame is
displayed, and then press SELECT.
5. Set the amplifier Sleep Mode to SUPPRESSED until the unit has been commissioned. This enables the
AC surveillance tone to be set-up.
Menu: ConfigurationÆRouterÆMiscÆAmp sleep

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6. Set the mapping of amplifier slot against outputs so that alarms from the amplifiers are reported to the
corresponding outputs.
a. First select the amplifier frame from the frame list.
Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>
b. Select the Router output.
Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆO/P Map
c. Select the slot to which the Router output is connected.
Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆO/P Map
LThis configuration must match the amplifier mainframe hardware settings.
7. Set-up the AC surveillance functions for each amplifier slot configured in step 6.
The amplifier’s internal audio path surveillance can be performed by a Surveillance Interface Card.
The Surveillance Interface Card monitors the surveillance tone generated at the Router output, see
Section “13 Output/Zone Configuration” (page 76, step 5).
Menu: ConfigurationÆFrameÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆAC Level
a. Select the surveillance tone frequency defined by the Surveillance Interface Card installed:
• None: NSINT Non-Surveyed Interface Card
• LF (Low Frequency): LSDDC Dual DC Line Surveillance Interface Card with Loop Return Option,
SSINT Standby Interface Card; or LSDIC Line Sensing Direct Current Interface Card.
• HF (High Frequency): LSDIC Line Sensing Direct Current Interface Card when it is used in
customised high frequency applications. Please refer to Application Solutions for further details.
Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆAC LevelÆFrequency
b. Set the maximum interval between surveillance tones (for pulsed operation) as required.
Menu: ConfigurationÆFramesÆFrame#<nn>ÆSlot#<n>ÆAC LevelÆInterval
If pulses are not received within this interval a fault will be reported.