Baldwin Boxall BFM 400 User manual

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
Firmware version: 2.00
Manual name: BFM400 Operation Manual
Issue: 7
ECR: 3047
Date of issue: January 2016

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
ii BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7
© January 2016 Baldwin Boxall Communications Limited
Wealden Industrial Estate
Farningham Road, Jarvis Brook
Crowborough
East Sussex
TN6 2JR
UK
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
Email: [email protected].uk
Website: http://www.baldwinboxall.co.uk
This equipment has been designed and manufactured to conform to the following
EC Standards:
EMC: EN55103-1 Environment Classification: E1,
EMC: EN55103-2 Environment Classification: E5,
Safety: EN60065
Failure to use the equipment in the manner described in the product literature
will invalidate the conformity.
A “Declaration of Conformity” statement to the above standards and a list of
auxiliary equipment used for compliance verification is available on request.

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7 iii
Amendment Record ___________________________________ v
Proprietary Notice ____________________________________ v
Safety Information ___________________________________ vii
Comments_________________________________________ vii
Introduction
The BFM 400 Microphones Range _________________________2
Microphone Options & Features __________________________2
Controls & Indicators __________________________________3
Technical Specification _________________________________4
Installation
Mounting the Enclosure ________________________________5
Hardware Switches and Settings __________________________6
DVA Message Selection option ___________________________7
Processor Bypass “All Call” option ________________________8
Electrical Connections _________________________________9
Firmware Configuration
Loading “Default” Values_______________________________ 11
Controls & Indicators for Configuration____________________ 12
Entering “Configuration Mode” __________________________ 12
BFM400 Configuration Table____________________________ 14
Modifying Configuration Settings _________________________ 15
Mic Address & Channel Settings _________________________ 17
Setting Mic Address (using Type 0 protocol) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Setting Mic Address (using Type 1 protocol) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
Setting Mic Address (Type 2 & 3 protocol) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
Setting or cancelling “Auto-cancel of Selected Zones” _________ 20
To Select the Auto-cancel Function - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20
To De-select the Auto-cancel Function - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20
Operating Instructions

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
iv BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7
Controls & Indicators ________________________________ 21
To Make an “All Call” announcement _____________________ 22
Using BFM401 Microphone - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22
Using all other BFM400 Series Microphones - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22
To Make an Announcement to Selected Zones ______________ 23
Fault Reporting _____________________________________ 23
To Broadcast DVA Messages (only available when fitted) _______ 24
To Broadcast to All Zones - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24
To Broadcast to Selected Zones - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7 v
AMENDMENT RECORD
Change Note
Number
Nature of Amendment Date of
Amendment
2221 Firmware Config updated & made into separate
chapter
March 2009
2400 Issue 5: BFM401 supplied in Parallel Mode by default Oct 2010
2808 Issue 6: Factory Default RS485 Protocol changed to
“Type 2”
March 2014
3047 Issue 7: Updates post LPCB approval January 2016
PROPRIETARY NOTICE
All data and information contained within this manual is of a
proprietary nature with the exclusive title to the same held by
Baldwin Boxall Communications Limited. The possession of this
manual and the use of the information is, therefore, restricted
only to those persons duly authorised by Baldwin Boxall
Communications Limited.
Do not reproduce, transcribe, store in a retrieval system or
translate into any language, any part of this manual without the
prior permission of Baldwin Boxall Communications Limited.

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
vi BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7
In the interest of continual product development, Baldwin Boxall
Communications Limited reserves the right to make changes to
product specification without notice or liability. Use of Baldwin
Boxall Communications Limited products as critical components
in life support systems is not authorised except with express
written approval from Baldwin Boxall Communications Limited.

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7 vii
SAFETY INFORMATION
Personnel who install, maintain or repair this equipment must
read the safety information below before starting work.
Voltages in excess of 30 Volts RMS or 50 Volts DC are considered
Hazardous and in certain circumstances can be lethal.
If Functional Testing, Maintenance, or Repair is to be completed
with the Mains Power (and/or battery backup) connected then
this should only be undertaken by personnel who are fully aware
of the danger involved and who have taken adequate precautions
and training.
This Manual contains Warnings, Cautions and Notes.
Warnings describe potential threats to health or life, e.g.
WARNING
Before attempting to remove this component, ensure the Mains
Power Supply and Battery Backup have been disconnected.
Cautions describe potential threats to the equipment, e.g.
CAUTION
Notice must be taken of all cautions.
If a Caution is ignored the equipment may be damaged.
CAUTION: ELECTRO-STATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES
Observe the relevant precautions for the protection of Electro-
static Sensitive Devices when handling this equipment.
Notes are statements that are useful to the user in the context of
a particular section of the manual, e.g.
NOTE: Do not speak into the microphone until the "Speak Now" LED is
illuminated.
COMMENTS
Comments regarding the content of this manual are welcome and
should be addressed to [e-mail].
!

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
viii BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7 1
1 Introduction
The BFM400 range of intelligent Fire Microphones are designed
to provide a wide variety of features to suit any installation.
Figure 1.1 — Typical BFM401 Microphone
The multi - zone Microphones (BFM404 & BFM408)
communicate with the main control system via an RS485
communications link.
The single zone BFM401 can be set to connect via RS485 or via a
parallel hard - wired connection.

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
2BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7
1.1 THE BFM 400 MICROPHONES RANGE
The range of BFM400 microphones include the following types:
Name No. of Zones
BFM401 1
BFM404 4
BFM408 8
1.2 MICROPHONE OPTIONS & FEATURES
All microphones in the BFM400 range include the following
features as standard:
• Housed in a sealed (IP66) lockable steel enclosure,
• All buttons and indicators mounted behind a stylish overlay
that allows zone button labels to be inserted and protected
• “Zone Status” indicators show if a zone is currently selected
or in use (BFM404 & BFM408)
• “Speak Now” indicator to show the user when a pre-
announcement chime has finished
• Simple bar graph display shows the user the current speaking
volume to ensure a clear announcement is made
• “Data” and “Power On” indicators to show the unit is
functioning correctly
• A Common Fault indicator is included to show the user if a
fault is evident on the system
• The Fist Microphone capsule can be set for either Monitored
or Un-Monitored use during configuration
• Option to fit flip-top switches to enable DVA Messages to be
broadcast.
• Option to fit a “Processor Bypass” hard-wired press to talk
switch.

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Operating Instructions
BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7 3
1.3 CONTROLS & INDICATORS
The Front Panel controls and indicators are as follows:
Figure 1.2 — Typical BFM404 Front Panel Controls & Indicators
A"Speak Now" Button Press button to make an announcement to the selected
zone or zones
BSpeech Level Indicator To ensure clear announcements, the operator should
keep the level below the yellow indicator
C"All Call" Button Press button to speak to All Zones, regardless of
selected zones
D"Fault Accept" Button Press button to accept a fault on the system and silence
the fault buzzer. This button also acts a "Lamp Test" to
check the operation of all indicators
ESystem Fault Indicator Indicates a fault has been detected on the system
FZone Status Indicator When a zone is selected, this indicator will flash to
indicate it is selected for the announcement.
If the zone is currently busy, the indicator light
constantly and not flash.
If the zone is busy but also selected, the indicator will
flash intermittently
GZone Label Area Area for Zone labels inserted beneath the overlay
HZone Button Press button to select a zone
I"Speak Now" Indicator Indicates the pre-announcement chime has finished
J"Data" Indicator During normal use, this indicator will flash to show the
microphone is communicating with the system
K"Power On" Indicator This indicator shows the microphone is receiving power
from the system
L"VA Active" Indicator Indicates if a zone is currently broadcasting an
emergency message or announcement. Note: Busy
indicator when BFM401 used in Parallel Mode.

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Operating Instructions
4BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7
1.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Audio
Nominal Output Level 700mV
Max Output (limiter operating) 1.5V
Output Impedance 400 Ohms
Frequency Response 150Hz - 5KHz
Power Requirement (24V DC)
BFM401 26mA Standby (30mA Max)
BFM404 & BFM408 35mA Standby (70mA Max)
Serial Data Link
RS485 9600 Baud 8 bit, Even Parity, 1 Stop Bit
Dimensions
W x H x D 300mm x 200mm x 82mm
Weight Approx 3.9Kg
Bezel Overall Size 340mm x 240mm
Bezel Cut out 302mm x 202mm

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Operating Instructions
BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7 5
2 Installation
2.1 MOUNTING THE ENCLOSURE
To gain access to the mounting holes, open the box and remove
the 4 off M5x8mm screws securing the inner panel. Carefully
remove the panel and detach the CAT5 cable from the
termination PCB.
Store the inner panel safely until it can be refitted.
Figure 2.1 — Mounting Hole centres

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Operating Instructions
6BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7
2.2 HARDWARE SWITCHES AND SETTINGS
There are 8 settings that are only available when the inner panel is
removed. These are shown in Figure 2.2 (the PCB has been
detached from the panel for clarity).
Figure 2.2 — Hardware Settings (BFM401 shown)
Ident Marked As... Function
A3V3 / 10V BFM401 parallel (and Processor Bypass All Call) only - see notes below

Used to set Access and Access Line Monitoring Level, must match
access input used.
BS / P BFM401 only - see notes below

Fit links in "S" position to use Serial RS485 Communications *
Fit links in "P" position to use Parallel Communications
CGain / Limiter SW1.1 - Set to ON to increase the gain by 15dB
SW1.2 - Set to "ON" to enable the limiter
DSURV Level Sets the 20KHz surveillance level used to monitor the microphone
capsule
EO/P Level Sets the Output level
FIND Level Sets the Indicator sensitivity (factory preset)
GA-DC Enables audio output DC monitoring, set to MON to enable
monitoring. This option must also be enabled in configuration
HLK3 Make link if a "Bypass" switch is fitted
ILK2 Make link to connect "BYPASS" output to +V IN.
Can only be used if Bypass switch is not fitted.
NOTE: Monitoring of the Access Line is only applicable to the BFM401
when it is set to "Parallel" Mode or multi-zone BFM microphones with a
Bypass "All Call" switch fitted. Monitoring is acheived by placing a
Zener Diode between the Access Line and 0V.
NOTE: * The Factory Default setting for BFM401 is "S" position for
"Serial" operation.

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Operating Instructions
BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7 7
2.3 DVA MESSAGE SELECTION OPTION
The BFM 400 Microphones include an option to broadcast DVA
Messages to either selected or all zones.
NOTE: This is a modification that is normally a factory fitted option.
The front panel of the microphones have extra cutouts behind the
overlay to allow extra switches to be fitted.
It is possible to select one of a range of 7 DVA messages by closing
the relevant DVA selection point to 0V.
Please refer to the following illustration for connection details.
Figure 2.3 — DVA Message Contacts and Switch Connections
NOTE: If using Type 0 RS485 protocol it is only possible to select DVA
Messages 1-7.

With Type 1, 2 or 3 RS485 protocol the range of the DVA messages can
be set during configuration. Refer to Section 3.4 for details.

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Operating Instructions
8BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7
2.4 PROCESSOR BYPASS “ALL CALL” OPTION
It is possible to add an extra hard wired “All Call” processor
bypass access switch to the BFM microphones to enable
broadcasts in the unlikely event that the router suffers from a
processor fault or RS485 network failure.
NOTE: This is a modification that is normally a factory fitted option.
NOTE: The BFM01 can be configured to work in Parallel mode to access
an "All Call" bypass input without adding an extra switch.
NOTE: The BFM microphone must be connected to the correct input on
the BVRD2M for the processor bypass to operate.
The bypass switch should be connected between JP8 & JP9, a
solder bridge should be made across LK3, and LK4 should be
carefully drilled out as shown in Figure 2.4.
Figure 2.4 — Connections required for Processor Bypass “All Call” switch
NOTE: The Access Level must be set via JP4 to either 3V3 or 10V which
must match the Access Level for the Bypass or CI Input that it is connected
to. For further information refer to Figure 2.2.

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BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7 9
2.5 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
All electrical connections to the microphone are made using the
connector block mounted on the termination PCB.
To avoid the possibility of interference between the Audio and
Data we recommend each microphone is connected using two
separate 4 core Fire Rated cables, one carrying the Audio pair and
the other the Serial Data pair.
Figure 2.5 — Termination PCB
NOTE: The Termination details shown on the PCB are for Serial
Connection using RS485 data.

Refer to the table below for Parallel Connection details. 
The BFM Factory Default setting is "Serial".
Legend Serial Connections Parallel Connections
RS485A RS485 Transmit "PTT" (Closes to 0V when PTT is pressed)
RS485B RS485 Receive "Busy" (Close to 0V to illuminate Busy LED)
GND Ground Ground
+V Supply +24V Input +24V Input
0V Supply 0V 0V
GND Ground Ground
Audio Audio Line Audio Line
Audio Audio Line Audio Line
Bypass Bypass "All Call" Access Bypass "All Call" Access
GND Ground Ground

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Operating Instructions
10 BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7

BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7 11
3 Firmware Configuration
It is necessary to configure the microphone prior to use.
This configuration includes setting system specific options such as
enabling the unit to communicate with the system, enabling
monitoring of the microphone capsule, and setting the delay
before the “Speak Now” indicator illuminates.
3.1 LOADING “DEFAULT” VALUES
To load the default settings (shown in Table 3.1) the following
procedure should be used:
1. Remove the RJ45 lead,
2. Press and hold the “Speak” button,
3. Re-connect the RJ45 lead,
4. Release the “Speak” button after 3 seconds.
Default configuration values will then be loaded into the unit.
Note: Before the Microphone can be used the RS485 button allocation
data must be downloaded from the BVRD2M. 
Press and hold the "FAULT ACCEPT" button for 2 seconds to load the
current button allocation data.

It is necessary to download this data after entering Configuration Mode.

Note: If loading of Default values has changed any of the set values it
will be neccasary to press and hold the "Faul Accept" and "Speak"
buttons for 5 seconds in order to accept the new Configuration. Failure to
perform this step will result in the Microphone and connected BVRD2M/
4 routers indicating a Fault.
BFM 400 Microphones
Operating Instructions
12 BFM400 Operation Manual issue 7
3.2 CONTROLS & INDICATORS FOR
CONFIGURATION
When in Configuration Mode, the functions of the front panel
indicators and controls are as shown in Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1 — Controls when in Configuration Mode
Original Function Function in "Configuration" Mode
A"Speak Now" LED Flashes to show the current setting of the value or
function
B"VA Active" LED Flashes to show the current location in the
Configuration Table
C"Speak" Button Press to change the setting of the value or function
D"Fault Accept"
Button
Press to step on to the next location in the internal
Configuration Table
3.3 ENTERING “CONFIGURATION MODE”
1. Disconnect power from the unit by removing the RJ45 cable.
2. Press and hold the “Fault Accept” button (“D” in Figure 3.1).
3. Connect the RJ45 cable.
4. Release the “Fault Accept” button when the “Busy” indicator
(item “B” in Figure 3.1) flashes.