ASL INTERCOM VAR8 User manual

Installation Guide
ASL Document Ref.: U-0450-1818.doc
Issue: 01 complete, approved - Date: 16/06/11
Part Number: M0450_72
VAR8(EN54) and Variants
Rack Mount 8x8 DSP Audio Router and
VA System Controller

VAR8(EN54) and Variants – Installation Guide
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: [phone] Fax: [phone]
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.
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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
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.
Contents
1Installation ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2Connections.............................................................................................................................................................. 10
3Mechanical Dimensions............................................................................................................................................ 18
4Safety and Precautions............................................................................................................................................. 19
Service and Warranty........................................................................................................................................................ 20
Additional Documentation:
1. VAR8(EN54) Product Description (U-0450-1819)
2. VAR8(EN54) Operation and Maintenance (U-0450-1820)
3. ASL EN 54-16 & ISO 7240-16 System Design Guide (T-0667-0016)
4. Above documentation and additional reference information are available from the ASL’s website:
www.asl-control.co.uk

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1 Installation
Technical Specification Summary
Supply Voltage Range ...................................................................................................................................... 18 to 40 V DC
Current Consumption 24 V DC supply........................................................................470 mA, backlight off and sounder off
580 mA, backlight on and sounder on
Auxiliary DC supply for external equipment ................................................................................... 18 to 36 V DC @ 200 mA
Format / Colour ...................................................................... 19-inch rack mounting frame / black with silver annotation
Dimensions (H x W x D) / Weight..........................88 mm (2U) x 436 mm x 233 mm (excl. connectors and handles) / 4.5 kg
Field Connections ...................................................................................................................RJ45 for single audio outputs
screw-in terminals for A+B audio outputs on VAR8-EXP / screw-in terminals for other signals
Temperature.....................................................................................-20°C to +55°C (storage) / -10°C to +55°C (operation)
Humidity Range......................................................................................................................... 0% to 95% Non-condensing
Balanced Audio Inputs ............................................................................................................................................ 8 inputs1
Sensitivity and Impedance...................................................................................................−20 dBu (77 mV) @ Z ≥20 kΩ
Surveillance Tone............................................................................................20 – 30 Hz (required level 0 to −46 dBFS)
Unbalanced Audio Input............................................................................................................................................. 1 input
Sensitivity and Impedance................................................................................................suits 1–2 V RMS units Z ≥5 kΩ
Balanced Audio Outputs.............................. 8 single outputs / separate A+B output connections available with VAR8-EXP
Level and Impedance ........................................................................................................... 0 dBu (nominal) @ Z=660 Ω
Surveillance Tone................................................... 30 Hz, 20 kHz, or mixed (30 Hz+20 kHz) / off, pulsed or continuous
Digital Messages (DVA).........................................................................................................................up to 4 messages2,3,4
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
Digital Inputs......................................................................................................... 10 on VAR8(EN54) / 20 on VAR8-E(EN54)
opto-isolated with built-in resistor to suit voltages of +12 to +40 V
Open Collector Drive (SPEAK NOW LED, ALL CALL LED) ......................................................................................... 100 mA
Changeover Fault Relay..................................................... 1 (maximum global fault relay contact current rating: 500 mA)
RS485 Port .. 1 for mutually exclusive use by remote I/O units (up to six BMB01s and/or third-party Fire Loop Interfaces)
or Host PC
RS232 Port ................ 1 for mutually exclusive use by Host PC for configuration, Intellevac Network5, or PC/DVA system6
VAR8(EN54) Variants
VAR8(EN54) ................................................................................................................... Base Unit, standard 8x8 Router
VAR8-E(EN54) ................................................................................ VAR8(EN54)+VAR8-EXP Interface Expansion Board
VAR-ANIC ...............Intellevac Network Interface Card - factory fit option ordered with VAR8(EN54) or VAR8-E(EN54)
RS485 data channel (38.4 kbaud) / max. 1 km distance between nodes
EFI017............................ European Fire Interface Card - factory fit option ordered with VAR8(EN54) or VAR8-E(EN54)
9 analogue inputs (non-isolated analogue interfaces with internal pull-up to +5 V by 4.7 kΩ)
8 digital outputs (open-collector)
Third-party Fire Loop Interface........................................................................... 1 (can only be fitted to VAR8-E(EN54))
1Inputs 1 and 2: Hardwire bypass Fire Microphone inputs.
2It is possible for some message slots to have standard ADPCM messages, while others contain .wav format messages
3DVA concatenation capability: one DVA can occupy the memory space of up to four consecutive DVAs.
4ADPCM 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.
5The RS232 port is internally used for system networking when the VAR8(EN54) is fitted with the VAR-ANIC Network Interface Card. It may be
temporarily disconnected from the network, and connected to a Host PC for configuration purposes.
6PC/DVA system can only be connected to stand-alone VAR8(EN54).
7The analogue inputs and digital outputs replace the digital inputs available on standard VAR8(EN54).

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Front Panel Indicators and Controls
STATUS INDICATORS
2
1
3
4
5
LCD DISPLAY
ROTARY ENCODER
LOUDSPEAKER
KEYS
power
voice alarm
system fault
fault

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Indicators and Controls Description
1 LCD Display
2 x 40 character backlit alphanumeric display.
Used to display control menu, faults, overall system status, and
configuration data.
power green Lit if the unit is receiving DC power.
voice alarm red Lit to indicate that a voice alarm condition is present.
system fault yellow
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 VAR8(EN54)
itself. A communication fault between the VAR8(EN54) and any
equipment or device that has been configured at the VAR8(EN54) and
that is critical to Voice Alarm functions will also trigger a system
fault.
2 LEDs
fault yellow Lit to indicate that the unit has detected a 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. Any
persistent faults will be reported again on the next monitoring cycle.
AUDIO MON Selects Audio Monitor sub-menu on the LCD display.
3 Keys
LAMP TEST
Tests all indicators on the VAR8(EN54) 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
then solid black characters. The menu locks for the entire duration
of the test. 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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Equipment and Tool Requirements
• The VAR8(EN54) unit
• A 19-inch rack wired and configured with V400 amplifier mainframes, and wiring for power supply,
signal monitoring, CAN bus, and RS232 and RS485 cabling as appropriate
• A small flat-bladed screwdriver
• Large Pozidriv screwdriver
• Cable termination tools - cutters/strippers etc to suit cable type
Cabling Requirements
For cable termination connectors and pinout details, refer to Section “2 Connections” (page 10).
1. DC power supply cabling:
Standard cable rated for 3 A. Recommended type: BELDEN 8205LSHF
2. Audio input:
Twisted pairs, individually screened. Recommended type: BELDEN 8451 LSHF
The rack and field cabling should be as described in the diagram shown in Figure 3 (page 17).
3. A/B audio outputs on Interface Expansion Board (VAR8-EXP):
Twisted pairs, individually screened. Recommended type: BELDEN 8451 LSHF
The rack and field cabling should be as described in the diagram shown in Figure 3 (page 17).
4. Audio and data network cabling (on VAR8(EN54) with Network Interface Card):
Twisted pairs with overall foil screen. Recommended type: FS cables 2407 POFYH
The Upstream side of the network connection is isolated RS485. The rack and field cabling should be as
described in the diagram shown in Figure 2 (page 17).
5. Other cabling:
Overall screened. Recommended type: BELDEN LS0H
The rack and field cabling should be as described in the diagram shown in Figure 3 (page 17).
6. Audio outputs on RJ45:
Cabling: overall foil screened. Recommended type: CAT5 STP or FTP LS0H
The rack and field cabling should be as described in the diagram shown in Figure 3 (page 17).
!
!
The use of screened cables where specified is necessary for EMC compliance. Also for EMC compliance,
rack and field cabling should be according to the specified diagram.

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Recommended Installation Procedure
!
!
1) Please read and observe the “Safety and Precautions” section on page 19 of this manual.
2) For cable termination connectors and pinout details, refer to Section “2 Connections” (page 10).
3) For EMC compliance, wiring should be according to the diagrams shown in Figure 2 (page 16) and
Figure 3 (page 17).
1. If installing a VAR8(EN54) 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 “Link Settings for Stand-Alone, 1 or 2-Channel Network Operation” on page 9.
2. Mount the VAR8(EN54) into a 19-inch equipment rack.
2U1U 1U
VENTILATION PANEL
VENTILATION PANEL
VAR8(EN54)
ENSURE 1U VENTILATION
PANELS ARE FITTED ABOVE
AND BELOW THE
EQUIPMENT.
DO NOT OBSTRUCT
VENTILATION HOLES.
!
!
GENERIC 19-INCH 2U FORMAT
M6 POZIDRIV SCREW
M6 PLAIN WASHER
M6 CAGE NUT

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3. Connect the rack and field cabling for control ports, audio inputs, audio outputs, signal monitoring,
CAN bus, RS232, RS485 as appropriate; see Figure 1. Refer to Section “2 Connections” (page 10) for
pinout and signal details.
If the ANIC8 Network Interface Card is fitted, then connect the network cabling.
 The upper control port, A/B outputs, and network interface connectors may not be present,
depending on the VAR8(EN54) variant being installed.
Figure 1 Rear panel connectors
CONTROL PORTS
ADDITIONAL CONTROL PORTS
(ON VAR8-EXP ONLY)
POWER SUPPLY
INPUTS
ENHANCED AUDIO A OUTPUTS
(ON VAR8-EXP ONLY)
ENHANCED AUDIO B OUTPUTS
(ON VAR8-EXP ONLY)
BALANCED AUDIO
INPUTS
UNBALANCED
AUDIO INPUT
RS232 PORT
CAN
RS485 PORT
AUDIO MONITORING
FAULT RELAY
NETWORK
UPSTREAM&DOWNSTREAM
STANDARD AUDIO
OUTPUTS
DC1 DC2
GND +V GND +V
4. Connect the dual power supply to the rear panel connector; see Figure 1.
5. The installation is now complete and ready for system commissioning; refer to the Commissioning
Guide (U-0450-1820).

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Link Settings for Stand-Alone, 1 or 2-Channel Network Operation
!
!
1) This procedure is required when the VAR8(EN54) is fitted with a VAR-ANIC Network Interface Card,
and stand-alone operation, or 1 or 2 network channel only operation is required instead of the default
3-channel network operation.
2) If any difficult is found in accessing the links, please refer to ASL.
1. Remove the unit’s lid by undoing the
screws located on the top of the unit.
The link position is shown below.
Network Card
Rear Panel
Network
Channel
Links
Router Board
2. Set the links as required:
Operation Links
Stand-alone No links fitted
1 Channel only CH1 – both fitted
CH2 – both not fitted
CH3 – both not fitted
2 Channels only CH1 – both fitted
CH2 – both fitted
CH3 – both not fitted
Shown in the example below.
3 Channels (default) All links fitted

If required, unfit the jumpers as shown
below. Thus the jumpers can be re-used
when required.
Link Setting Example
CH1 – FITTED
CH2 – FITTED
CH3 – NOT FITTED
3. Re-fit the lid.

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2 Connections
DOWNSTREAMUPSTREAM
VAR-ANIC NETWORK INTERFACE CARD (OPTIONAL)
V+NB
ACO1
V+NB
IN+
GND
0V
INPUT 4
DXP
V+NB
INPUT 6
V+
0V
DXN
IN+
IN-
DXP
DXN
DXN
DXP
DXN
DXP
V+
0V
IN+
IN-
DXN
V+NB
V+
0V
IN-
IN+
DXP
ACO2
SN2
INPUT 2
PTT2-
0V
V+
IN-
IN+
PTT2+
0V
DXP
DXN
V+
IN-
IN+
V+
PTT1-
PTT1+
SN1
IN-
IN+
C1+
GND
V+
5-8
A-
A+
CANH
CANL
RTS
CTS
CTRL
DXN
GND
COM
NC
NO
1-4
GND
RX
TX
DXP
C5+
C1-
C4+
C4-
C3+
C2+
C3-
C2-
C5-
AUDIO
OUTPUTS
INPUT 3 INPUT 5INPUT 1SERIAL
RS232
CONTROL
CONTACTS 5-1
FAULT
RELAY
SERIAL
RS232
AUDIO
OUTPUTS
AUDIO
MON
CAN
BUS
SERIAL
RS485
1 FAULT
2 FAULT
3 FAULT
1 FAULT
2 FAULT
3 FAULT
DOWN / UP
V+NB
V+
DXP
0V
DXN
IN+
IN-
V+NB
DXP
V+
DXN
0V
IN+
IN-
SCRN
DXP
DXN
BUS1+
BUS1-
BUS2+
BUS3-
BUS3+
BUS2-
GND
DXP
DXN
BUS1+
BUS1-
BUS2+
BUS3-
BUS3+
BUS2-
INPUT 8INPUT 7
MUSIC
1234
POWER
V+
V+
GND
GND
ON
C10+
C7-
C7+
C6-
C6+
C9+
C9-
C8+
C8-
C10-
CONTROL
CONTACTS 10-6
C20+
C17-
C17+
C16-
C16+
C19+
C19-
C18+
C18-
C20-
CONTROL
CONTACTS 20-16
C15+
C12-
C12+
C11-
C11+
C14+
C14-
C13+
C13-
C15-
CONTROL
CONTACTS 15-11
OUT1-A-
OUT3-A+
OUT4-A-
OUT4-A+
OUT2-A-
OUT1-A+
OUT3-A-
OUT2-A+
0V
A OUTPUTS 1-4
OUT5-A-
OUT7-A+
OUT8-A-
OUT8-A+
OUT6-A-
OUT5-A+
OUT7-A-
OUT6-A+
A OUTPUTS 5-8
OUT1-B-
OUT3-B+
OUT4-B-
OUT4-B+
OUT2-B-
OUT1-B+
OUT3-B-
OUT2-B+
0V
B OUTPUTS 1-4
OUT5-B-
OUT7-B+
OUT8-B-
OUT8-B+
OUT6-B-
OUT5-B+
OUT7-B-
OUT6-B+
B OUTPUTS 5-8
VAR8-EXP INTERFACE EXPANSION BOARD (OPTIONAL)
DIP SW
DIP SW is used for maintenance only. In operation, all switches should be on the OFF position (UP).
DC2
DC1
!
VAR8(EN54) with VAR8-EXP and VAR-ANIC