Auerswald a/b-Audiobox User manual

V03 10/2020
a/b-Audiobox
Operation Guide

Table of Contents
a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020 3
Important Information......................................................................................................... 5
Safety Information................................................................................................................. 5
Used Symbols and Signal Words.......................................................................................... 6
Proper Use ............................................................................................................................ 6
Technical Data for a/b-Audiobox........................................................................................... 7
Care Instructions ................................................................................................................... 8
Information about the Accompanying Instructions ................................................................ 8
Installation ......................................................................................................................... 10
Connecting a Sound System............................................................................................... 10
Extending the Connections with a/b Switching Modules..................................................... 12
Settings .............................................................................................................................. 15
Setting of the PBX............................................................................................................... 15
COMpact 4000, COMpact 5000/5000R, COMpact 5200/5200R/5500R or
COMmander 6000/R/RX (Firmware Version 6.4A or Later)................................................15
Other Auerswald PBXs ....................................................................................................... 15
Basic Information about Programming................................................................................ 15
Initiating and Performing Programming (Overview) ............................................................ 16
Switching Audio Transmission on Establishment of Connection On/Off............................. 17
Switching Sound of the Gong before the Announcement On/Off........................................ 18
Setting the Volume.............................................................................................................. 19
Setting Maximum Connection Time .................................................................................... 20
Setting Waiting Period for Silence Detection or Switching off Silence Detection................ 21
Setting the Input Sensitivity of the a/b Line ......................................................................... 23
Switching the Switching Function during Establishment of Connection On/Off .................. 24
Setting the Switching Time of the Switching Function ........................................................ 25
Switching over a Switching Function Manually ................................................................... 26
Assigning a/b Switching Modules to the Switching Function .............................................. 26
Assigning a/b Switching Modules to the Key on the Device ............................................... 28
Setting the Switching Time of the a/b Switching Modules................................................... 29
Changing the PIN................................................................................................................ 30
Restoring Factory Settings.................................................................................................. 31
Operation ........................................................................................................................... 32
Making an Announcement .................................................................................................. 32
Temporarily Muting an Announcement ............................................................................... 33
Resetting the Timer for the Maximum Connection Time..................................................... 33
Table of Contents

Table of Contents
4a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020
Switching over a Switching Function Manually ................................................................... 34
Addressing a/b Switching Modules ..................................................................................... 34
Functional Overview......................................................................................................... 35
Overview of Programming Functions .................................................................................. 35
Overview of Operating Functions During the Announcement ............................................. 36
Drilling Template ............................................................................................................... 40

Important Information
a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020 5
This section contains information that is necessary for you to operate your equipment safely.
Before you put the device into operation, it is essential that you read the safety information
described here and become familiar with how to use the device properly, and also the tech-
nical data.
Safety Information
Warning: Handling the device improperly can cause a life-threatening elec-
trical shock, or damage or destroy the device.
• Only qualified electricians may connect the device and the accessories
or perform service work on the device. If necessary, commission an
authorised dealer to perform this work.
• Read the instructions for the device and keep them for future reference.
• When connecting the device to your PBX, also note the safety informa-
tion and technical data in the manual for your PBX.
• When connecting an a/b switching module, please also refer to the
safety information and technical data in the a/b switching module
instruction manual.
• This installation is not intended for use in areas children could possibly
be near. Install the device out of reach of children.
Warning: Touching live terminal clamps or power cables can cause life-
threatening electrical shocks.
• Only operate the device when it has been installed in a touch-safe way.
• Disconnect the connection to the telephone connection on the PBX
before you carry out any work on the device.
• Ensure that any tools you use on live cables are sufficiently insulated.
Warning: Any liquid that penetrates the casing can result in a life-threaten-
ing electric shock or can damage or destroy the device.
• Only operate the device in closed, dry rooms.
• When cleaning the casing, make sure that no liquid enters the casing.
Warning: Using the wrong power supply could pose a fire hazard.
• Only approved current-limited power supplies according to EN60950 or
EN62368-1 with a type-limited power of maximum 100 W/VA may be
used.
Warning: Damage to the casing or the device can cause life-threatening
electrical shocks.
• Always arrange for a professional to carry out repairs. Please contact
your qualified electrician or contact the manufacturer directly.
Important Information

Important Information
6a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020
Warning: Power surges, which may occur during electrical storms, can
cause life-threatening electric shocks, or damage or destroy the connected
PBX.
• Arrange for a qualified electrician to lay all the cables inside the building.
• Do not connect or disconnect power cables during an electrical storm.
Caution: Exceeding the threshold values stated in the technical data (even
temporarily) can damage or even destroy the device.
• Never exceed the threshold values stated in the technical data.
Caution: Power surges may occur on an exchange line connection, and
damage or destroy the device.
• Never connect the device directly to an exchange line connection (pub-
lic network provider connection).
Used Symbols and Signal Words
Warning:
This symbol warns of personal injury, for example, caused by hazardous elec-
trical voltage.
Caution:
Warns of material damage.
Important:
This symbol indicates possible application errors and conditions which, for
example, could cause functional restrictions or malfunctions during operation.
Note:
Indicates supplementary notes.
Proper Use
Important: Auerswald products are not designed, manufactured, or
intended for use or resale, in environments that require fail-safe perfor-
mance, such as in the operation of life-support systems and/or nuclear facil-
ities. Our products can only be used for these purposes with prior written
permission from Auerswald in each individual case.

Important Information
a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020 7
Important: Improper use may cause, for example, functional restrictions or
malfunctions, the destruction of the device or, in a worst-case scenario, per-
sonal injury.
• If you are still uncertain about how to use the product properly after
reading the section below, please contact your specialised dealer.
The a/b-Audiobox is an adapter for transferring low frequency signals over an
analogue telephone line.
With the a/b-Audiobox you can connect a sound system to the internal a/b port
on a PBX, for making loudspeaker announcements from the internal tele-
phones. It also includes a switch contact with which the sound system's loud-
speaker zone can be changed.
You can install up to six switchable a/b switching modules, available as acces-
sories, between the PBX and a/b-Audiobox to implement additional switching
functions.
The a/b-Audiobox can be combined with all Auerswald PBXs, providing a way
to connect analogue DTMF telephones. It is also possible to connect it to PBXs
from other manufacturers, but you should verify this in advance, by checking
with the specialist supplier or the manufacturer.
You can program the a/b-Audiobox from a telephone on the PBX, and so con-
figure it to meet the special needs of the particular environment.
The a/b-Audiobox is only suitable for use indoors.
Technical Data for a/b-Audiobox
a/b input (also see 1 in Abb. 1 on page 11)
Casing Polycarbonate, blue, transparent, 2-part
Dimensions Diameter 95 x 33 mm
Weight Approx. 90 g
Safety CE
Protection rating IP 20
Temperature range 0 °C to 40 °C
Connection To an internal analogue a/b port on a PBX
Connection unit RJ-11 socket
Operating voltage 16 to 60 V DC from the PBX

Important Information
8a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020
Announcement output (also see 2 in Abb. 1 on page 11)
Switching output (also see 3 in Abb. 1 on page 11)
Care Instructions
If the device gets dirty you can wipe it with a damp cloth.
Information about the Accompanying Instructions
Additional Instructions
Also note the information about the warranty, service, environment, CE mark
and declaration of conformity in the "Conditions of Guarantee, Information Ser-
vice" leaflet.
The Latest Information
Current instructions can be found on our website.
Copyright and Trademarks
Power consumption Approx. 60 mW in the idle state
Type of dialling DTMF
Loop current < 3 mA (in the idle state),
20 to 60 mA (off the hook)
Connection To a sound system (e.g. ELA), an audio amplifier, or
an active speaker
Connection unit Cinch jack
Output level Max. 0.3 Veff
Output resistance 600 Ohm
Connection To the switching input on a sound system
Connection unit Terminal clamp (4-core), removable
Type of contact Volt-free, 1 operating and quiescent current contact
(NC and NO)
Contact load capacity Max. 12 V/ 1 A~
Max. 40 V/ 1 A=

Important Information
a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020 9
Disseminating and reproducing these instructions, as well as using and disclos-
ing the contents, even in part, is permitted only with our express permission.
Offenders will be subject to claims for damages. All rights reserved.
� Auerswald GmbH & Co. KG, 38162 Cremlingen, 2020
All trademarks mentioned are the property of the corresponding manufacturer.

Installation
10 a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020
In this chapter you can find out how to connect the a/b-Audiobox to a PBX and a sound sys-
tem. It also describes how to connect and configure the a/b switching modules (which are not
included in the scope of delivery).
Connecting a Sound System
Warning: Touching live terminal clamps or power cables can cause life-
threatening electrical shocks.
• Disconnect the connection to the telephone connection on the PBX
before you carry out any work on the device.
• Ensure that any tools you use on live cables are sufficiently insulated.
• For the connection to the PBX, also note the safety information in the
manual for your PBX.
Warning: Power surges, which may occur during electrical storms, can
cause life-threatening electric shocks, or damage or destroy the connected
PBX.
• Arrange for a qualified electrician to lay all the cables inside the building.
• Do not connect or disconnect power cables during an electrical storm.
Note: For more information about the contact assignments, also refer to the
manual for your PBX.
You will find information about the connections for extending the switching
functions below.
Always install the cables for connecting to the a/b ports separately from
other power lines. This will avoid the creation of a disruptive humming noise
during the announcement.
Installation

Installation
a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020 11
Requirements
– The RJ-11 to RJ-11 connection cable supplied
– The RJ-11 to TAE-F adapter supplied
Note: If the a/b-Audiobox is more than 10 m from the PBX, the cables and
sockets must be permanently installed.
Abb. 1: a/b-Audiobox connections and pinout
1a/b input
2announcement output
3switching output
2
1
3

Installation
12 a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020
– Cinch cable
– For switching function: Installation cable (for example, J-Y(St)Y n x 2 x 0.6)
with the following features:
• at least two cores
• unscreened, but screened if conditions are unfavourable, for example,
near a strong transmitter or an electrical power line
1. Connect the a/b input on the a/b-Audiobox to an internal a/b port on the
PBX.
2. Connect the announcement output on the a/b-Audiobox to the amplifier
input on the sound system.
3. For switching function: Connect the switching output on the a/b-Audiobox
to the switching input on the sound system.
Extending the Connections with a/b Switching Modules
Warning: Handling the device improperly can cause a life-threatening elec-
trical shock, or damage or destroy the device.
• When connecting an a/b switching module, please also refer to the
safety information and technical data in the a/b switching module
instruction manual.
You can extend the a/b-Audiobox with optional a/b switching modules to add
some switching functions (e.g. switching a lighting system).
An a/b-switching module only switches a device on if a signal with a specific
frequency is sent over the a/b line. In total six different switching frequencies are
available for the a/b switching modules. You can use the integrated DIL switch
to configure them (see Abb. 3 on page 13).
Important: An a/b switching module can only maintain a switching opera-
tion for 1 to 4.5 seconds.
• If a switching operation needs to last longer, use a time relay such as a
stair light timer (for connection details, see Abb. 4 on page 14).
The a/b switching modules only need a very low quiescent current for
problem-free operation. If an electronic ringer or an electronic stair light
timer with a high internal resistance is connected, it is possible that the a/b
switching module will not function correctly.
• Each a/b switching module is supplied with an additional resistor to
resolve this problem. Connect this resistor to the terminal clamps on the

Installation
a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020 13
electronic ringer or electronic stair light timer. This ensures that a mini-
mal quiescent current is provided for the a/b switching module (for con-
nection details, see Abb. 4 on page 14).
Note: If several a/b switching modules are always to be addressed at once,
you must set the same switching frequencies on these a/b-switching mod-
ules.
Abb. 2: a/b switching module connections and pinout
1a/b input
2Switching output
3DIL switch
4For example,
flush-mounted box
2
1
3
4
Abb. 3: Setting the switching frequencies
Switching frequency 1
Switching frequency 2
Switching frequency 3
Switching frequency 4
Switching frequency 5
Switching frequency 6

Installation
14 a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020
Requirements
– Power supply for a/b switching modules (e.g. ringer transformer)
– Installation cable (for example, J-Y(St)Y n x 2 x 0.6) with the following fea-
tures:
• at least four cores
• unscreened, but screened if conditions are unfavourable, for example,
near a strong transmitter or an electrical power line
1. Connect the a/b input on the a/b-Audiobox to any location on the 2-core ca-
ble that leads from the a/b-Audiobox to the PBX.
2. Connect the switching output on the a/b-Audiobox to the device that is to be
switched and the ringer transformer.
Abb. 4: Installation example
Auerswald PBX
ringer transformer
a/b-Audiobox
a/b switching module
a/b switching module
if necessary, additional
resistor (330 �,
stair light timer
additional device that
is to be switched
power rating min. 1 W)
(power supply)

Settings
a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020 15
This chapter describes how to configure the PBX and how to program it to adapt the a/b
switching module to your requirements.
Setting of the PBX
The a/b switching module must also be configured in the PBX. The type of con-
figuration depends on the various Auerswald PBXs.
COMpact 4000, COMpact 5000/5000R, COMpact 5200/5200R/
5500R or COMmander 6000/R/RX (Firmware Version 6.4A or
Later)
The a/b switching module is set up as announcement output in the configuration
of the PBX. A device template is available for this purpose. The a/b switching
module will then have an internal telephone number.
Other Auerswald PBXs
The a/b switching module is set up as an analogue subscriber in the configura-
tion of the PBX. The a/b switching module will then have an internal telephone
number.
Important: For operation on a COMmander Business/ Basic.2 or
COMmander 6000 (firmware version < 6.4A), the CLIP information must be
switched off for the analogue subscriber in question (under Subscriber
(scr.) > Properties > Analogue settings). A different setting may result in
erroneous behaviour when calling the a/b switching module.
Basic Information about Programming
Programming is necessary to tailor the a/b-Audiobox to suit the local environ-
ment. The settings already made for the individual functions in the factory set-
tings are given in the functional descriptions.
You can perform several programming steps one after the other, without discon-
necting. Correct entries are confirmed with a confirmation tone (five quick tones
Settings

Settings
16 a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020
in succession). For some functions it is necessary to put down the receiver after
dialling the programming character string. This is specified in the individual func-
tional descriptions.
To prevent you from having to enter the PIN again each time you perform sev-
eral sequential programming actions, you only have to enter it once, and it is
retained until you exit programming mode.
Programming mode closes automatically if there is more than a 3 minute pause
in programming (after the connection is broken) or if you press the programming
key.
Initiating and Performing Programming (Overview)
Requirements:
– Connection has been made to the internal a/b port on a PBX
– An internal telephone number has been set up for the a/b-Audiobox on the
PBX
– Knowledge of the PIN (0000 in the factory settings)
Abb. 5: Overview of Keys and LEDs
1LED
2Programming key
2
1

Settings
a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020 17
– DTMF-enabled internal telephone or DTMF tone generator
1. Press and hold down the programming key for approximately five seconds.
The LED lights up while you are holding down the key and begins to
flash after five seconds.
The a/b-Audiobox is in programming mode.
2. Pick up the receiver of an internal telephone within three minutes.
3. Dial the internal telephone number of the a/b-Audiobox.
This establishes the connection.
4. Dial *.
You will hear a tone.
5. Enter the PIN and dial *.
You will hear the confirmation tone (five sequential tones).
6. After the confirmation tone ends, dial the character string entered for the
function.
You will hear the confirmation tone (five sequential tones).
7. Wait until the confirmation tone ends or put down the receiver.
Important: If you perform another programming action shortly after you
have finished one, you immediately hear the confirmation tone after you
dial *. This means that the a/b-Audiobox is still in programming mode. Now
omit step 5.
Note: If there is an input error, you hear a negative confirmation tone (three
slow tones in succession) instead of the normal confirmation tone (five
quick tones in succession). Then begin again by dialling *.
We strongly recommend that you change the PIN to protect against unau-
thorised access.
Switching Audio Transmission on Establishment of Connection
On/Off
If audio transfer during connection establishment is switched on, tones are
passed to the connected loudspeaker immediately when the a/b-Audiobox
receives a call from an internal telephone.

Settings
18 a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020
If audio transfer during connection establishment is switched off, tones are only
passed to the connected loudspeaker if audio transmission is switched on by
dialling the character string *1.
Requirements:
– Connection has been made to the internal a/b port on a PBX
– An internal telephone number has been set up for the a/b-Audiobox on the
PBX
– Knowledge of the PIN (0000 in the factory settings)
– DTMF-enabled internal telephone or DTMF tone generator
– Programming mode has been initiated (by pressing and holding the pro-
gramming key for five seconds)
1. Pick up the receiver of an internal telephone.
2. Dial the internal telephone number of the a/b-Audiobox.
This establishes the connection.
3. Dial *.
You will hear the confirmation tone (five sequential tones).
Note: If you only hear a short sound instead of the confirmation tone (after
restarting programming mode), enter the PIN and then dial * again.
4. After the confirmation tone ends, dial one of the following character strings.
281: Switches on audio transfer during connection establishment (factory
settings).
280: Switches off audio transfer during connection establishment.
You will hear the confirmation tone (five sequential tones).
The a/b-Audiobox continues to be in programming mode. For ad-
ditional programming actions, begin with the 3rd step.
Switching Sound of the Gong before the Announcement On/Off
If the sound of the gong before the announcement is switched on, a gong
sounds as soon as audio transmission is enabled.

Settings
a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020 19
Requirements:
– Connection has been made to the internal a/b port on a PBX
– An internal telephone number has been set up for the a/b-Audiobox on the
PBX
– Knowledge of the PIN (0000 in the factory settings)
– DTMF-enabled internal telephone or DTMF tone generator
– Programming mode has been initiated (by pressing and holding the pro-
gramming key for five seconds)
1. Pick up the receiver of an internal telephone.
2. Dial the internal telephone number of the a/b-Audiobox.
This establishes the connection.
3. Dial *.
You will hear the confirmation tone (five sequential tones).
Note: If you only hear a short sound instead of the confirmation tone (after
restarting programming mode), enter the PIN and then dial * again.
4. After the confirmation tone ends, dial one of the following character strings.
711: Switches on the sound of the gong before the announcement.
710: Switches off the sound of the gong before the announcement (factory
settings).
You will hear the confirmation tone (five sequential tones).
The a/b-Audiobox continues to be in programming mode. For ad-
ditional programming actions, begin with the 3rd step.
Setting the Volume
You can use this programming to configure the volume of the connected loud-
speaker, within certain limits.
Requirements:
– Connection has been made to the internal a/b port on a PBX

Settings
20 a/b-Audiobox - Operation Guide - V03 10/2020
– An internal telephone number has been set up for the a/b-Audiobox on the
PBX
– Knowledge of the PIN (0000 in the factory settings)
– DTMF-enabled internal telephone or DTMF tone generator
– Programming mode has been initiated (by pressing and holding the pro-
gramming key for five seconds)
1. Pick up the receiver of an internal telephone.
2. Dial the internal telephone number of the a/b-Audiobox.
This establishes the connection.
3. Dial *.
You will hear the confirmation tone (five sequential tones).
Note: If you only hear a short sound instead of the confirmation tone (after
restarting programming mode), enter the PIN and then dial * again.
4. After the confirmation tone ends, dial one of the following character strings.
570: Sets the volume to level 0 (quiet).
...
572: Sets the volume to level 2 (factory settings).
...
579: Sets the volume to level 9 (loud).
You will hear the confirmation tone (five sequential tones).
The a/b-Audiobox continues to be in programming mode. For ad-
ditional programming actions, begin with the 3rd step.
Setting Maximum Connection Time
The maximum connection time specifies the number of minutes after which the
a/b-Audiobox breaks the connection to the internal telephone by disconnecting.
Note: In programming mode the timer is reset for the maximum connection
time for each confirmation tone.
Requirements:
– Connection has been made to the internal a/b port on a PBX