Contacta V Series Operation manual

1
V7 / V12a / V14
Installation &
User Guide
May 2018
Hearing Loop Drivers

2
Contents
Product Overview
Components
Connections
Suitable Cable Lengths
Start-Up Tests
Controls
Hearing Loop Setup
Troubleshooting
Technical Specications
Standards
3
4-5
6-7
8-10
11
12-20
21-26
27
28-30
31
Contacta has a policy of continuous product development, therefore small specication changes
may not be reected in this manual. Images, labels, packaging, accessories and product colours
are subject to change without notice.

3
Product Overview
Our highly eicient and compact V7, V12a and V14 hearing loop drivers
are suitable for smaller facilities and venues.
The V7 and V14 are constant current hearing loop drivers which power
hearing loops utilising a single output. The V12a is a constant current
dual output hearing loop driver with integral phase shifter for phased
array conguration.
These hearing loop drivers have Class-D amplier output stages and
an audio subsystem built around an advanced DSP core. Combined
with a powerful CPU that ensures peak performance, they use cutting
edge technology proven in the pro audio world to achieve life-like
speech and rst-class music reproduction.
Note: For large area hearing loop installation instructions, consult the
Large Area Hearing Loop Installation Guide.

4
Components
1. Rubber Feet x4
2. 5.08mm Euro-Block Connector
3. 3.81mm Euro-Block Connector x2
4. Signage
5. V7 Hearing Loop Driver
6. Installation & User Guide
7. Power Supply [PS-55]
8. IEC Power Lead*
5
6
1. Rubber Feet x4
2. 5.08mm Euro-Block Connector x2
3. 3.81mm Euro-Block Connector x2
4. Signage
5. V12a Hearing Loop Driver
6. Installation & User Guide
7. Power Supply [PS-60]
8. IEC Power Lead*
48
7
V7
V12a
123
5
6
48
7
123
*Plug type varies by country.

5
*Plug type varies by country.
Cable & Equipment: A length of loop cable determined by the loop
design is also required. Hearing loop drivers also require ancillary
equipment for audio feeds, such as a microphone or sound system.
1. Rubber Feet x4
2. 5.08mm Euro-Block Connector
3. 3.81mm Euro-Block Connector x2
4. Signage
5. V14 Hearing Loop Driver
6. Installation & User Guide
7. Power Supply [PS-60]
8. IEC Power Lead*
V14
5
6
48
7
123

6
1. Microphone Input - 3.81mm Euro-block balanced microphone
input (12V phantom power via 680Ω).
2. Line Input 1 - 3.81mm Euro-block balanced line input/feedthrough.
3. Line Input 2 - XLR balanced line input/feedthrough.
4. Power Supply Input - *V7 DC Power Input, 2.1mm 14Vdc 2.14A
**V12a DC Power Input, 2.1mm 24Vdc 4.17A
***V14 DC Power Input, 2.1mm 24Vdc 4.17A
Caution: Use only the provided Power Supply.
5. Loop A Output - 5.08mm Euro-block.
6. Loop B Output - 5.08mm Euro-block [V12a only].
Rear Panel Connections
Connections
1 2 3456
Note: Only connect to one Line Input at a time.

7
Connection Examples
XLR to XLR (line)
TRS to XLR (line)
Unbalanced to XLR
XLR to Euroblock (balanced)
Unbalanced to Euroblock

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Suitable Cable Lengths
The tables in this section show the approximate maximum cable
lengths for diering maximum required currents.
Loop impedance (at 1.6kHz) should be less than:
Voltage capability of the driver (V7: 7.5Vrms, V12a: 12Vrms,
V14: 14Vrms) divided by the required current.
This achieves 400mA/m eld strength at 1kHz.
Current 2.0A 3.0A 4.0A 5.0A
Cable Type Cable Length
Maximum
Cable
Length
Round
Cable
(CSA)
0.5mm 85m 56m 42m 34m
1mm 133m 89m 66m 53m
1.5mm 155m 103m 77m 62m
2.5mm 173m 115m 86m 69m
Flat Cable
(Width)
10mm 101m 67m 50m 40m
12.5mm 192m 128m 96m 77m
25mm 255m 170m 127m 102m
V7 (Metric)
V7 (Imperial)
Current 2.0A 3.0A 4.0A 5.0A
Cable Type Cable Length
Maximum
Cable
Length
Round
Cable
(AWG)
18AWG 438ft 292ft 219ft 175ft
14AWG 593ft 395ft 296ft 237ft
Flat Cable
(Width)
18AWG
(equivalent)
505ft 336ft 252ft 202ft
14AWG
(equivalent)
711ft 474ft 355ft 284ft

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Example of finding suitable cable length using V12a:
A loop requiring 110m of cable needs 3A at 1kHz to achieve the
required eld strength.
If there are two cables in stock 0.5mm round and 1.5mm round, by
looking at the above table we can see that the maximum length at 3A
for the 0.5mm cable is 68m.
Using this cable will cause the driver output to clip at 1.6kHz when
driven at 3A. Using the 1.5mm cable will allow the 3A to be driven at
1.6kHz without clipping.
Current 2.0A 3.0A 4.0A 5.0A
Cable Type Cable Length
Maximum
Cable
Length
Round
Cable
(CSA)
0.5mm 136m 68m 68m 54m
1mm 214m 107m 107m 85m
1.5mm 248m 124m 124m 99m
2.5mm 277m 138m 138m 110m
Flat Cable
(Width)
10mm 163m 81m 81m 65m
12.5mm 308m 154m 154m 123m
25mm 408m 204m 204m 163m
V12a (Metric)
Current 2.0A 3.0A 4.0A 5.0A
Cable Type Cable Length
Maximum
Cable
Length
Round
Cable
(AWG)
18AWG 701ft 467ft 350ft 280ft
14AWG 949ft 633ft 484ft 379ft
Flat Cable
(Width)
18AWG
(equivalent)
808ft 539ft 404ft 323ft
14AWG
(equivalent)
1138ft 759ft 469ft 455ft
V12a (Imperial)

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Current 2.0A 3.0A 4.0A 5.0A
Cable Type Cable Length
Maximum
Cable
Length
Round
Cable
(CSA)
1mm 242m 161m 121m 97m
1.5mm 284m 189m 142m 114m
2.5mm 319m 213m 160m 128m
Flat Cable
(Width)
10mm 180m 120m 90m 72m
12.5mm 340m 226m 170m 136m
25mm 450m 300m 225m 180m
V14 (Metric)
Current 2.0A 3.0A 4.0A 5.0A
Cable Type Cable Length
Maximum
Cable
Length
Round
Cable
(AWG)
18AWG 746ft 498ft 373ft 299ft
14AWG 997ft 664ft 498ft 399ft
Flat Cable
(Width)
18AWG
(equivalent)
840ft 560ft 420ft 336ft
14AWG
(equivalent)
1327ft 885ft 663ft 531ft
V14 (Imperial)

11
Start-Up Tests
V Series drivers perform a series of tests when powered on, causing a
number of indications to appear on the display screen during start-up.
The meanings of these indications are as follows:
Indicator Meaning Remedy
V7 and V14:
Loop Good
V12a:
Loop A Good
Loop B Good
Hearing loop(s) is/are correctly
connected to the driver.
None required.
V7 and V14:
Loop Open Fault
V12a:
Loop A Open Fault
Loop B Open Fault
Hearing loop(s) is/are improperly
connected to the driver.
An open-circuit loop will not
damage the driver, and start-up
will continue to the main menu.
Ensure that the loop(s) is
properly connected to the
driver. The loop current
indication in normal
operation may be used to
conrm the connections.
V7 and V14:
Loop Ground Fault
V12a:
Loop A Ground Fault
Loop B Ground Fault
A ground fault with the hearing
loop(s) has been found.
The driver will halt operation
with this message displayed on
screen, as such a fault would
cause stress to the driver were
normal operation to continue.
Switch o the driver and
carefully check the loop(s) for
shorts to ground. Rectify the
faults and re-apply power to
the driver.
Incorrect Power The power input supply voltage
from the mains power supply is
incorrect.
The driver will halt operation
with this message displayed on
screen, as such a fault would
cause stress to the driver were it
to continue to normal operation.
Switch o the driver and
connect the power supply
which was provided with the
driver. If this is not available,
contact your distributor to
order a new power supply.
Please note if using V12a: If connecting only one loop to a V12a, whichever loop connection
has not been used (either Loop A or Loop B) will show as an “Open Fault” as default. This is the
correct display for operation with only one loop; continue as normal.

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Front Panel Overview
Controls
1. Clip Status Light - When lit, this status LED indicates the signal on
the hearing loop output is clipping (see Troubleshooting on page
27 for appropriate solutions).
2. Display Screen - Indicates the status of the Loop Output, displays
menu and adjustment options.
3. Control Dial - Used for unlocking and making adjustments.
V7 and V14
1. Clip Status Light - When lit, this status LED indicates the signal
on Hearing Loop A is clipping (see Troubleshooting on page 27 for
appropriate solutions).
2. Clip Status Light - When lit, this status LED indicates the signal
on Hearing Loop B is clipping (see Troubleshooting on page 27 for
appropriate solutions).
3. Display Screen - Indicates the status of the Loop Output, displays
menu and adjustment options.
4. Control Dial - Used for unlocking and making adjustments.
V12a
12
3
1 2
4
3

13
The hearing loop driver will power up in Output Current Display Mode
and will be locked from entering Adjustment Mode.
Unlock the Driver
1. To unlock the hearing loop driver, press the control dial, and when
prompted “Unlock driver?” click “Yes.”
2. Enter the passcode 2239:
a. Rotate the control clockwise to select the rst required digit.
b. Press the control dial in to select the digit.
c. Repeat steps (a) and (b) until all the digits have been selected.
Note: Entering the wrong code returns the hearing loop driver to the
lock screen.
Additional Functions and Codes
1. To access one of the additional functions available, press the
control dial, and when prompted “Unlock driver?” click “Yes.”
2. Enter one of the following passcodes:
• 1010: Disable the display backlight 10 minute auto switch-o.
This setting is remembered through power cycles.
• 1011: Enable the display backlight 10 minute auto switch-o.
This setting is remembered through power cycles.
• 9999: Disable the auto re-lock (timeout). This is not
remembered through power cycles.
• 8888: Restore all factory defaults and restart the driver.
Locking/Unlocking the Hearing Loop Driver

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Modes
Main Menu
After being unlocked, the hearing loop driver will display the main
menu. This is indicated by up and down arrows on the display screen.
V7 and V14
1. Loop Output
2. Line Input
3. Phantom Power
4. Microphone Input
5. Current Output (no adjustment)
6. High-Frequency Compensation
V12a
1. Loop Output
2. Line Input
3. Phantom Power
4. Microphone Input
5. Loop B Trim Adjustment
6. High-Frequency Compensation
When in this mode, rotating the hearing loop driver’s control dial
clockwise will move the screen to the next menu item and rotating the
dial anti-clockwise will move it to the previous menu item.
The menu options are as follows:
Adjustment Mode
Press the control dial in to enter Adjustment Mode; the arrows on the
display screen will move to a left and right position.
Rotate the dial clockwise or anti-clockwise to make the adjustment.
Press the control dial in to conrm the selection and return to the main
menu.
If the control dial is not used for 120 seconds when in Adjustment
Mode the hearing loop driver will revert to the main menu, with Loop
Output as the default screen.

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V7 and V14 Loop Output V12a Loop Output
V7 and V14 Loop Output: Adjustment Mode V12a Loop Output: Adjustment Mode
Adjustments
Loop Output
In Adjustment Mode, the real-time output current is displayed on the
top line in 0.5A steps. The bottom line indicates the strength of the
loop output level adjustment.
To alter the loop output level, enter Adjustment Mode:
• To increase the loop output level, rotate the control dial clockwise.
• To decrease the loop output level, rotate the control dial
anti-clockwise.
• Press the control dial once to conrm the selection and return to
the main menu.
The hearing loop driver’s Loop Output section displays the real-time
output current in 0.5A steps.

16
Adjustments
It is recommended that at least 5 blocks in the adjustment block are
lled (see the above image for an example).
Enter Adjustment Mode, and alter the line input level displayed on the
bar until the text displays ‘Good’:
• To increase the line input level, rotate the control dial clockwise.
• To decrease the line input level, rotate the control dial
anti-clockwise.
• Press the control dial once to conrm the selection and return to
the main menu.
Line Input
The hearing loop driver’s Line Input section displays the line input
level within a range of 47dB.
The text on the display indicates if the correct line level has been
achieved:
• “Low” indicates the line level is too low for the automatic gain
control to operate.
• “Good” indicates the line level is at an optimum level for the
automatic gain control to operate.
• “High” indicates the line level is too high and signal clipping may
occur. Signal clipping will also be shown by the LED.

17
Adjustments
Phantom Power
Rotating the control dial clockwise or anti-clockwise in Adjustment
Mode will toggle the phantom power on or o. Press the control dial
once to conrm the selection and return to the main menu.
Phantom power for a connected microphone is set o as the default
setting.

18
It is recommended that at least 5 blocks in the adjustment block are
lled (see the above image for an example).
Enter Adjustment Mode and alter the microphone input level
displayed on the bar until the text displays ‘Good’:
• To increase the microphone input level, rotate the control dial
clockwise.
• To decrease the microphone input level, rotate the control dial
anti-clockwise.
• Press the control dial once to conrm the selection and return to
the main menu.
The hearing loop driver’s Microphone Input section displays the
microphone input level within a range of 47dB.
The top line of the display indicates if the correct microphone input
level has been achieved:
• “Low” indicates the microphone level is too low for the automatic
gain control to operate.
• “Good” indicates the microphone level is at an optimum level for
the automatic gain control to operate.
• “High” indicates the microphone level is too high and signal
clipping may occur. Signal clipping will also be shown by the LED.
Adjustments
Microphone Input

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V12a Only: Loop Trim
When using a V12a, the hearing loop driver’s Loop Trim function allows
Loop B’s output to be adjusted relative to Loop A’s output.
Please note: This section is only available on the V12a. The equivalent
V7 and V14 menu displays Current Output, to which adjustments can
be made using the Loop Output section (see page 15).
-
When in the Loop Trim section, adjustments are made in 1dB steps.
The measured loop output current is displayed in amps RMS (accurate
for sine signals).
Adjustments
Enter Adjustment Mode to alter “Loop B Trim” relative to “Loop A”.
• To increase the Loop B Trim level, rotate the control dial clockwise.
• To decrease the Loop B Trim level, rotate the control dial
anti-clockwise.
• Press the control dial once to conrm the selection and return to
the main menu.

20
There are 7 levels of high-frequency compensation available to adjust
for metal loss. Your hearing loop driver will have high-frequency
compensation turned to the lowest setting as its default.
Adjustments
To alter the high frequency compensation level, enter Adjustment
Mode:
• To increase the high-frequency compensation level, rotate the
control dial clockwise.
• To decrease the high-frequency compensation level, rotate the
control dial anti-clockwise.
• Press the control dial once to conrm the selection and return to
the main menu.
To calculate the correct high-frequency compensation level, refer to
Hearing Loop Setup on page 21.
High-Frequency Compensation