Exacom VCR-2020 Quick start guide

EXACOMtm
MODEL VCR-2020
DIGITAL VOICE CALL RECORDER
TECHNICAL Guide
7000134B
EXACOM, Inc.
99 Airport Road
Concord, New Hampshire
[phone]

EXACOM VCR-2020
Copyright 1991, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 all rights reserved by EXACOM, Inc.
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COPYRIGHT
Copyright 1991, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 all rights reserved by EXACOM, Inc.
No part of this publication, software, or product may be recreated,
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, or translated into any other computer
or other languages, in any way without the express written consent of
EXACOM, Inc.
DISCLAIMER
EXACOM, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to
this publication, software, or product and specifically disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
EXACOM, Inc. further reserves the right to revise this publication, software,
or product and make changes without any obligation to notify any person of
such revisions.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
EXACOM, Inc. will not be liable for any damages, including any lost
profits, lost savings or other incidental or consequential damages arising out
of the use or inability to use this product, even if EXACOM, Inc. or its
authorized dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for
any claim by any other party.
EXACOM, Inc. will have its liability limited to the repair or
replacement of the supplied original program diskette, associated publication
and any part or parts of the product or system for the period of the warranty.
WARRANTY
EXACOM, Inc. will warrant this product against defects in material
and workmanship under a limited warranty for a period of one year from the
date of shipment. During this one year period the liability and obligation of
EXACOM, Inc. will be expressly limited to the replacement or repair of any
part or parts of this product or system. This warranty does not apply to the
product if it is operated under conditions other than those for which the
system was designed. Also, this warranty does not apply if the product has
been altered in any way which would be detrimental to the performance or
life of the product, or by misapplication, misuse, negligence, or accident.
After the expiration of the warranty period, EXACOM, Inc. will
provide the same repair and replacement service at the then-current rate for
materials and services.

EXACOM VCR-2020
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ISSUE CONTROL (VCR - 2020)
ISSUE DATE CHANGE
A 11-01-
994 Original Draft
B 5-23-1996 Update

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SECTION PAGE
1.00 - INTRODUCTION
1.10 PURPOSE.................................................................... 6
1.20 REGULATORY INFORMATION ...................................... 6
1.21 Telco Notification......................................................... 6
1.22 Incidence of Harm........................................................ 6
1.23 Changes in Service ....................................................... 7
1.24 Maintenance Limitations................................................. 7
2.00 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
2.10 SYSTEM FEATURES..................................................... 8
2.11 ADVANCED FEATURES................................................ 9
2.20 TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ................... 9
2.30 SYSTEM COMPONENTS...............................................13
2.31 VCR-2020 Server........................................................13
2.32 Line Interface Card(s)...................................................13
2.33 Console Unit(s)...........................................................13
2.34 External Equipment .....................................................14
3.00 - SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
3.10 Performance.................................................................15
3.11 Controls......................................................................15
3.12 Indicators ....................................................................15
3.13 Digital Storage..............................................................15
3.14 Environmental ..............................................................15
3.15 Electrical.....................................................................16
3.16 Physical......................................................................16

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4.00 - INSTALLATION
4.10 SITE PLANNING .........................................................17
4.20 UNPACKING VCR-2020 System Components ......................17
4.30 VCR-2020 INSTALLATION............................................18
4.31 Component Checklist....................................................18
4.32 Installation Procedure...................................................18
4.32.1 Set up the Server.......................................................18
4.32.2 Console Communication Connections .............................18
4.32.3 Powering the VCR-2020 Console ..................................19
4.32.4 Speaker Configuration................................................19
4.32.5 Record Activation Methods..........................................19
Voltage Level Start .................................................20
External Source Start ...............................................21
Loop Current Start..................................................22
Bridging Across Headset...........................................23
Radio / Contact Closure. PTT ....................................24
VOR / VOX..........................................................24
4.33 Generating Record Warning Tones : Beep Tone...................27
4.34 Adjusting Gain ...........................................................27
4.35 AGC (Automatic Gain Control).......................................27
4.36 VCR-2020 Grounding...................................................28
5.00 - INITIALIZATION
5.10 INSTALLATION CHECKLIST ........................................28
5.20 POWER UP SEQUENCE................................................28
APPENDIX A - Reference Tables
A.1 SW1 Switch Group...........................................................29
A.2 SW2 Switch Group...........................................................29
A.3 EXTERNAL POWER.......................................................29
APPENDIX B - Serial Input for the VCR-2020
B.1 ANI Time Synch..............................................................30
B.2 ANI Formats ..................................................................30

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1.00 INTRODUCTION
1.10 PURPOSE
This manual provides the information necessary to install and operate the EXACOM
Model VCR-2020 Digital Voice Call Recorder. It is designed to be a comprehensive
guide for installation and maintenance personnel covering installation procedures,
maintenance steps and other technical matters. In addition, it provides detailed
information on the features and operation of the VCR-2020.
1.20 REGULATORY INFORMATION (FCC)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established rules which allow the
direct connection of the VCR-2020 to the telephone network. Compliance with these
rules is essential to maintaining the integrity of the telephone network.
1.21 Telco Notification
Before connecting the VCR-2020 to the telephone network, the local serving telephone
company may be given advance notice of intention to use customer provided equipment
(CPE) and provided with the following information:
1. Trunk numbers to be connected to the system.
2. The FCC Registration Number located on the VCR-2020.
(1IJUSA-61233-RC-N)
3. The Ringer Equivalence Number located on the VCR-2020.
(0.0)
4. The USOC jack required for direct interconnection with the telephone
network. (USOC RJ11)
1.22 Incidence of Harm
If the telephone company determines the customer provided equipment (CPE) id faulty
and possibly causing harm or interruption to the telephone network. It should be
disconnected until repair can be effected. If this is not done the telephone company
may temporarily disconnect service.

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1.23 Changes in Service
The local serving telephone company may make changes in its communications
facilities or procedures. If these changes should affect the use of the VCR-2020 or
compatibility with the network, the serving telephone company must give written notice
to the user to allow uninterrupted service.
1.24 Maintenance Limitations
Maintenance on the VCR-2020 is to be performed by, or under the direct supervision of
the manufacturer or its authorized agent. The user may not make any changes and/or
repairs except as specifically noted in this manual. If unauthorized alterations or
repairs are performed, any remaining warranty may be voided.

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2.00 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The VCR-2020 Digital Voice Call Recorder System is designed to assist emergency
service personnel by offering instant playback of recorded calls. Communications are
recorded with a time stamp and may be played back instantly to verify important
information.
The system is compatible with E-911 systems and will record and display ANI
(Automatic Number Identification) for all incoming calls, provided that the ANI is
made available to the VCR-2020 in DTMF format.
The VCR-2020 is unique in that it will support up to 20 consoles which are networked
together allowing the supervisor to monitor any position on the system without
disrupting recording.
2.10 SYSTEM FEATURES
•Record via 1 to 20 consoles per system
•Up to 1000 minutes of storage dynamically allocated
•Ability to save multiple messages from being erased
•ANI (Automatic Number Identification - DTMF) if provided
•Real time clock with time-of-day for message orientation
•Visual display indicators (operator screen)
•Time of day clock
•ANI Display
•Day/date
•Function Control Indication
•Selectable beep tone generator for recording notification
•Headset Jack
•Cassette tape output jack
•Wide dynamic range AGC (automatic gain control)
•Internal 5 watt amplifier, speaker and volume control
•Compatible with ACD's (automatic call distributor : single line or key telephone
systems and radio systems
•Serial data input for ANI and/or Time Sync
•Telephone interfacing
•Voltage or current activated
•Voice activation (VOR / VOX)
•External contact closure activation
•Anti-static protection
•FCC Part 15.68 and NRTL Safety Approved (UL)

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2.11 ADVANCED FEATURES
•Network capabilities up to 20 consoles/stations
•Fast forward/reverse, pause, slow speed playback
•Supervisor mode capabilities
•Position select
•Monitor live or previous recording of other positions
2.20 TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The EXACOM Model VCR-2020 Digital Voice Call Recorder uses proprietary state-
of-the-art telecommunication digital signaling processing and semiconductor technology
to provide a bridging interface to a single telephone line for voice recording and
playback.

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The EXACOM Model VCR-2020 Digital Voice Call Recorder, referred to as the VCR-
2020, consists of a micro processing unit referred to as the Server, which may be
configured with 1 - 5 interface cards, each of which interfaces with up to 4 consoles.
Thus, a fully loaded system will support 20 consoles. There are two versions of an
operator console, a Desktop version (fig. 2a) and a Rack Mount version (fig. 2b).
Figure 1a: The VCR-2020 can be configured with a single
Operator/Supervisor Console

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Figure 1b: Up to a total of twenty Operator/Supervisor Consoles

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Figure 2a: Table top desktop model
Figure 2b: Single/Dual rack mount (19"x 5¼") model

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2.30 SYSTEM COMPONENTS
There are three basic components which make up the VCR-2020:
1. VCR-2020 Server
2. (1 to 5) Interface Cards
3. (1 to 20) Consoles (rack mount or desktop)
2.31 VCR-2020 Server
The Server is an EXACOM Micro Computer System, Disk Controller card, Monitor
card, Hard Drive, Floppy Drive, and Power Supply. The Server can be configured for
400 up to 1000 minutes of voice storage.
2.32 Interface Card(s)
The VCR-2020 Interface Card(s) is mounted in the Server and provide a digital
communication interface between consoles and the server voice storage unit. Each
interface card supports up to 4 consoles. Up to 5 interface cards may be mounted in a
server. Interface card installation is performed at the manufacturer and fully configured
and tested before shipped. The interface card contains the VCR-2020 program in
permanent on-board memory. The VCR-2020 program is self starting on power up and
requires no user intervention.
2.33 Console(s) (Rack mount or Desk top)
The VCR-2020 Consoles are self contained units providing the basic user interface to
the system through a six-button keypad and four-line backlit Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD). Figure 3 shows the layout and describes the functionality of the interface.
The four-line LCD provides visual feedback to the operator. The display provides the
operator with time and date of stored messages, as well as other system message related
information. In addition, during the first 15 seconds of a call, if DTMF digits are
received, they will be stored with the call and displayed during playback. The Console
also has a speaker with volume control, headset, and cassette tape output jack for
playback monitoring and recording.

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Consoles are powered by the Server via the COMM jack.
2.34 External Equipment
The VCR-2020 operates independently as a recording device. As such, no external
equipment is required for most applications. However, for applications requiring
uninterrupted VCR-2020 operation, it is recommended that an external uninterruptable
power supply (UPS) be used with the VCR-2020 Server.
Consoles may be powered by an optional plug-in power pack (Sec. 4.32.3) for
applications requiring long distances from the Server.
Figure 3: Operator / Supervisor Console Front Panel Detail

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3.00 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
3.10 Performance
Digital Codec: ADPCM
Digitization Rate: 64Kbps
Frequency Response: 300 to 3000Hz
Signal to Noise Ration: 43 db. C message weighted
Distortion: 4% THD (1khz 0 db input)
Audio Input: -30 dbm to +10 dbm
Input Impedance: >5 Meg bridging
Audio Output: 5 watts into speaker
3.11 Controls
Keyboard Type: 6 button membrane
Message Control: Play/Pause, Stop
FREV/FFWD: Message Select, Fast Forward/Reverse
Normal/Slow: Message Play Speed
Memory Control: Save/Clear
Clock Control: Display/Set Hrs. Min. Sec
System Control: Display call counter, Reset call counter, Ready/Play
Monitor Audio: Playback volume
Supervisor Key: Key switch to enable Supervisor mode
3.12 Indicators
System Display: 4-line 20 char. alpha/numeric backlit LCD
Audio Indicators: Speaker, headset jack
3.13 Digital Storage
Memory Type: Hard Disk
Memory Size: 100MB to 225MB
Recording Time: 400 to 1000 minutes
3.14 Environmental
Ambient Temperature: 0 to 50 degrees Celsius
Humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing
Storage Temperature:-18 to 50 degrees Celsius

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3.15 Electrical
Input power: 115Vac. 60Hz. 217 watts: 220Vac. 50Hz. 217 watts
3.16 Physical
Console (Rack Mount): 5.25"H x 19"W x 9"D
Dual Console (Rack Mount) 5.25"H x 19"W x 9"D
Console (Desk Top): 4.25"H x 10"W x 8"D

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4.00 INSTALLATION
4.10 Site Planning
The VCR-2020, like most electronic equipment, should not be subject to harsh
environmental conditions. To assure ease of servicing and reliable operation, several
factors must be considered when planning the system installation. Always consider the
following BEFORE installing the VCR-2020.
A) The VCR-2020 Server may be mounted in several different configurations,
table/desktop, or on a shelf in the general area it will be servicing. Each
installation should use the configuration best suited to permit ease of
serviceability and integration with associated systems.
B) The VCR-2020 Consoles may be 19" rack mounted in the dispatch console or
located on the desk top for supervisor functions. In either case the Console
should be located as close to the server as possible to provide optimum
performance.
C) The VCR-2020 Server power supply operates on 110 or 220 Vac As such,
an appropriate receptacle compliant with local electrical codes must be provided
within 4ft. of the VCR-2020.
D) The VCR-2020 should be located in a well ventilated area having a
temperature range of 0 to 50 degrees C, and a humidity range of 5 to 95% (non-
condensing).
E) Accessibility of the VCR-2020 for servicing and lighting.
F) Protection from flooding, flammable materials, excessive dust and vibration.
4.20 UNPACKING THE VCR-2020 SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Remove the VCR-2020 from the shipping carton and place it on a level working area.
Remove the plastic wrapping and inspect the VCR-2020 for physical damage. If there
is any sign of damage contact authorized service personnel immediately for assistance.
The VCR-2020 should be serviced by authorized service personnel ONLY. Do not
remove the VCR-2020 power supply cover or warranty may be voided.

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4.30 VCR-2020 Installation
4.31 Component Checklist
❏VCR-2020 Server
❏VCR-2020 Interface Ports (Cards)
❏VCR-2020 Console(s) (Rack or Desk Top version)
❏VCR-2020 Console Key(s) (one per Console)
4.32 Installation Procedure
4.32.1 Set up the Server
❏Install the interface card(s)
❑If the interface card(s) are not already installed in the VCR-2020 Server the
switch settings on the card will have to be set as follows:
Card Switches
Position 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF
2 OFF OFF ON ON OFF ON OFF
3 OFF ON OFF ON ON ON OFF
4 OFF ON ON ON OFF OFF ON
5 ON OFF OFF ON ON OFF ON
❏Select the AC Power voltage at switch near power cord socket on rear of
chassis.
❏Connect the power cord from the rear of the Server to an AC outlet.
❑Connect an RJ22 (handset size) communications cable to a port on an
interface card at the rear of the Server:
Connect one cable per VCR-2020 Console. The lowest port on the
VCR-2020 interface card corresponds to the lowest console
position on the card. Always start with the lowest port on the
lowest numbered card and work up to the highest card and port.
4.32.2 Console Communications Connections
❏Connect the free end of the RJ22 communications cable to the RJ22 jack on
the rear of the console labeled COMM.

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4.32.3 Powering the VCR-2020 Console
❏If communications cable length exceeds maximum allowable length for wire
gauge used (please refer to Appendix A) an external power supply will need
to be connected to the jack on the rear of the console labeled EXT. PWR.
(please refer to Appendix A for EXT PWR specifications).
4.32.2 Speaker Configuration
❏If the VCR-1776 speaker or headset jacks are to be implemented positions 8
and 9 on the terminal block must be connected to each other. The unit is
shipped from the factory with this installed. If the headset jacks are used the
console speaker will be automatically disabled.
❏If an external speaker is to be used, remove the jumper between position 8 &
9, and connect the speaker to positions 9 and 10 on the terminal block.
4.32.3 Record Inputs
Two separate inputs are available, each providing a high impedance differential
input suitable for connection directly to telephone lines. These are combined
internally to the single recording channel. When the second input (positions 3
& 4 on the terminal block, or the second line on the RJ11 jack) is not used, a 1K
Ohm resistor should be connected between terminal block positions 3 & 4 to
minimize possible noise pickup.
4.32.4 Record Activation Methods
❏Choose one of the following methods to detect and record phone calls and/or
radio transmissions.
A) Voltage Level Start
B) External Source Start
C) Loop Current Start
D) Bridging Across Headset
E) Radio (through relay closure)
F) VOR / VOX
Note: The following sections describe each method in detail. Not every method
will be appropriate in every case.

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A) Voltage Level Start: Parallel (Bridging) Connection
{Two wire configuration}
This method is best used if more than one phone is connected to the telephone
line. This will record activity from any phone on that line, and cannot disrupt
telephone service to any phone.
NOTE: The VCR-2020 Console does not need to be near any of the phones
being recorded if the system is configured this way.
1) On SW1, set switch 2 to the ON position. Set switches 1 and 3 to the OFF
position.
2) Connect a standard phone cable (RJ11) from a phone jack into the VCR-2020
Console at the jack labeled LINE (primary pair).
3) Test for proper record operation. Off hook-RECORD. on hook-IDLE.
NOTE: The off hook detector for the primary pair is polarity sensitive. With the
phone line connected, position 1 on the terminal block must be more positive
than position 2 on the terminal block. If it is not, then tip and ring must be
swapped prior to the RJ11 jack labeled LINE.
Figure 4: Console Rear Panel Connections for Voltage Level Start