PDA Range PDA200/2 User manual

PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 1
PDA200/2, PDA500/2, PDA1000/2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
This equipment must be installed by a suitably skilled and technically
competent person. Please read these instructions carefully before installation.
Important notes .......................................................................................... 2
What is an audio frequency induction loop system? .............................. 3
Familiarisation with your PDA Pro-Range induction loop amplifier ..... 4
Planning the system .................................................................................. 6
Overview of the ‘Outreach plate’ audio input extension system .......... 7
A typical PDA Pro-Range induction loop system .................................... 8
Installation ................................................................................................... 11
Safety precautions ..................................................................................... 11
Mounting the amplifier .............................................................................. 11
Connecting and testing the system ......................................................... 12
Technical specification .............................................................................. 14
Spares and accessories .............................................................................. 16
PROFESSIONAL AUDIO-FREQUENCY
INDUCTION LOOP AMPLIFIERS
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PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 2
Important notes
These instructions are general and cannot be considered to cover every aspect of
audio-frequency induction loop system design and installation.
We recommend you read BS7594 (The Code of Practice for Audio-Frequency Induction
Loop Systems) and EN60118-4 (Magnetic field strength in audio frequency induction loop
systems for hearing aid purposes), copies of which are available from the British Standards
Institute, Customer Services Department, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.
Tel: [phone]. Web: www.bsi-global.com. It should be noted that all of the
above documents can be subject to update or revision at any time and we recommend you
check the status of them with the British Standards Institute before designing or installing
the system.
Other National standards of design, installation and commissioning should be referenced
where pertinent.
No responsibility can be accepted by the manufacturer or distributors of this equipment for
any misinterpretation of an instruction or guidance note or for the compliance of the
system as a whole.
This induction loop amplifier MUST be installed and maintained by a suitably skilled and
technically competent person.
This document must not be left accessible to the user.
Equipment guarantee
This equipment is not guaranteed unless the system is installed and commissioned in
accordance with National standards by an approved and competent person or organisation.
IMPORTANT : THE INDUCTION LOOP AMPLIFIER SHOULD NEVER
BE OPERATED WITHOUT A LOOP CONNECTED TO IT.
This product has been manufactured in conformance with the requirements of
all applicable EU directives.

PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 3
An audio-frequency induction loop system (AFILS) allows hearing impaired
people to hear more clearly.
Most hearing aids have a ‘T’ or ‘MT’ switch which allows them to pick up the
electromagnetic field generated by an induction loop system. The hearing aid
converts this signal into a sound suited to its user’s specific hearing requirements.
Any hearing impaired person positioned within or near the loop can hear the loop signal by
switching their hearing aid to the correct position, allowing them to participate more effectively
in general conversation, ordering goods or services, listening to public performances, etc.
An induction loop system therefore comprises four main elements:-
The audio source – typically a microphone, television or radio (or a combination of these).
The induction loop amplifier
The loop – typically a single turn of wire usually run around the perimeter of the room.
The receiver(s) – any hearing aid with a ‘T’ or ‘MT’ switch.
What is an audio frequency induction loop system?
In addition to having a mic. and a mic./line input (which allows the
above system configuration to be easily implemented), all PDA
Pro-Range amplifiers also have an ‘Outreach’ socket. This socket
offers full compatibility with our unique Outreach plate audio input
extension system and allows the connection of multiple microphone
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and/or line level inputs via a range of specially designed single gang connector plates.
For further details please refer to page 7.
M
T
Television
Amplifier
Loop
Microphone
Hearing aid in the
‘T’ or ‘MT’ position
Signal cable
Signal cable

PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 4
INPUT MODE SELECT SWITCH
Allows the MIC./LINE input to be configured for
Mic or Line operation and for optional 11V phantom
power to be switched to the inputs.
SW1
1
2
3
4
Familiarisation with your Pro-Range induction loop amplifier
MIC. INPUT
Accepts standard three-pin male XLR
type connectors. Optional 11V
phantom power is available via input
mode select switch 1.
MIC./LINE INPUT
Accepts standard three-pin male XLR type
connectors. Can be configured for Mic. or Line
operation via input mode select switch 3.
Optional 11V phantom power is available via
input mode select switch 2.
OUTREACH INPUT
Allows the connection
of up to ten additional
microphone or line
level inputs via a range
of specially designed
single gang connector
plates (see page 7 for
further details).
POWER
SWITCH
INDUCTION LOOP
CONNECTORS
230V AC
POWER LEAD
CONNECTOR
Below and overleaf is an overview of the indicators, controls and connectors available on
your PDA Pro-Range induction loop amplifier. Detailed connection diagrams, system
planning and system set-up information can be found later in this manual.
COOLING FAN
Provided on PDA1000/2
& PDA500/2 models only
Operates automatically
when the temperature of
the amplifier’s internal
heat sink reaches 56
o
C.
It is perfectly normal for
this fan to switch on and
off during everyday use.
MAINS FUSE
All models feature an IEC
(EN60127 part 2) compliant
mains fuse, as detailed below:
PDA200/2
2A T 20mm anti-surge
ceramic HRC type.
PDA500/2
3.15A T 20mm anti-surge
ceramic HRC type.
PDA1000/2
5A T 20mm anti-surge
ceramic HRC type.
Do not use any other type or
size of fuse other than those
shown above.
OFF (up)
11V phantom off
11V phantom off
Line operation
ON (down)
11V phantom on
11V phantom on
Mic. operation
Input
MIC.
MIC./LINE
MIC./LINE
----------------- Swiitch 4 has no function -----------------
Note that if Switch 3 is in the OFF (up) position (MIC./LINE
input set for line operation), Switch 2 MUST also be in the
OFF (up) position (11V phantom power off). Failure to do
so could result in damage to any equipment you
connect to the amplifier.

PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 5
COMPRESSION INDICATORS
Give a visual indication of the amplifier’s compressor activity.
Installers should refer to these indicators when using the
amplifier’s input signal level controls.
For best results, we recommend you set the inputs so that
the LOW compression indicator is lit most of the time and
the HIGH compressor indicator illuminates only with peaks in
the input signal.
LOOP STRENGTH (DRIVE) METER
Gives a visual indication of the current being driven into the
induction loop. In normal circumstances, the far right red LED
should only illuminate with peaks in the input signal.
Installers should refer to these indicators when using the
amplifier’s loop drive control.
LOOP DRIVE CONTROL
Used to adjust the strength of the magnetic field generated by the induction
loop. Turn clockwise to increase the amount of electrical current that is
being driven into the induction loop or anti-clockwise to decrease it.
Always refer to the amplifier’s loop strength meter when adjusting this control.
POWER ON INDICATOR
Illuminates red when the amplifier is powered up.
METAL COMPENSATION CONTROL
Used to help combat the frequency response problems associated with appli-
cations where there is excessive metal ‘absorbing’ the magnetic field. See
page 13 for further details.
MODEL
NUMBER
Indicates the
model number
of the amplifier.
Variants include
the PDA200/2
(for areas up to
200m
2
), the
PDA500/2 (for
areas up to
500m
2
) and the
PDA1000/2 (for
areas up to
900m
2
).
3.5mm LOOP OUTPUT MONITORING SOCKET
Allows the loop current/audio signal that is present in the induction loop to
be monitored using a pair of 32 Ohm headphones. Note that the sound you
hear will be a true representation of the signal running through the loop
and NOT a representation of what hearing aid users will hear after factors
such as metal absorption and their position in the room are taken into
account. You MUST still assess the loop signal in the covered area as
described in connecting and testing the system, pages 10-13.
INPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROLS
Can be used to adjust the sensitivity of
the three input signals (MIC., MIC./LINE
and OUTREACH).
Turn clockwise to increase sensitivity or
anti-clockwise to decrease sensitivity.
For optimum performance, always refer
to the amplifier’s COMPRESSION
indicators when adjusting these controls
(see right).
Depending on the number of inputs
connected to the amplifier, these
controls can also operate as a simple
mixer with any changes having a
cumulative affect on the output signal.

PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 6
Loop cable selection
Almost any single core tri-rated
cable can be used for the
induction loop provided it is of
the appropriate DC resistance
(ideally 0.5 to 1 Ohm).
The graph on the right shows the
recommended CSA for different
lengths of loop cable. Simply
work out the length of the loop
required and choose a cable size
that falls into the non-shaded
area of the graph.
50
100
150
200
25
75
125
175
0.511.522.533.544.55
250
300
0
0
Planning the system
Induction loop system design and installation can be simple provided a few basic facts are
understood. To help avoid poor performance and the need to re-position the amplifier or
loop cable at a later stage, please read pages 6 to 9 before proceeding.
Area of coverage
Maximum square room coverage provided by PDA Pro-Range amplifers is as follows:-
PDA200/2 = 200m
2
(14m x 14m) ; PDA500/2 = 500m
2
(22m x 22m) ; PDA1000/2 = 900m
2
(30m x 30m)
For rectangular (2:1) asect ratio coverage see technical specifications, page 14/15.
Note that the system may not have to cover the whole of a room. For example, churches may only
require coverage in the pews. Seek advice from the relevant authorities before installation begins.
Loop cable position
The field strength in the plane of the loop (the height at which the cable is positioned)
varies greatly so it is best to install the loop above or below the listener at floor or ceiling
height (2.5m max.) - the loop field will not be as strong but it will be much more even and give
better results for the user(s). Note that listening height (with the hearing aid user sitting or
standing) is normally 0.9 to 1.8m from the floor.
With floor loops, avoid running the loop up and over door openings as the signal strength in
the doorway will be excessively strong and may cause discomfort to the users.
Large amounts of metal can affect the strength of the loop field so avoid running loops along
girders or under floor mesh. If unavoidable, the amplifier’s metal compensation control can help
combat the frequency response problems associated with such installations, but overall current
capability may be reduced, see page 13 for details.
Trial loops
Always run a trial loop and evaluate performance by listening to the signal with a hearing aid or
a dedicated loop test receiver. For compliance with BS7594, we recommend you also test the
system using a pink noise generator and magnetic field strength meter, as described on page 13.
Overspill and ‘cross-talk’
The signal generated by the loop will radiate outside as well as inside the loop. If there are
other loop systems in close proximity, overspill such as this may lead to ‘cross-talk’ (signals
from different loops merging into one). If this is likely to be an issue, special designs of loop
can be implemented to help reduce the overspill field - contact your supplier for details.
For example, to cover a room 30m x 20m
(600m2) the loop cable would need to be 100m long (2 sides @ 30m and 2 sides @ 20m). The
recommended cable CSA for a loop this length is between 2mm2and 4mm2. Therefore, a
PDA1000/2 (which can cover areas up to 900m2) using 2.5mm2cable would be sufficient.
0.5 Ohm
1 Ohm
RISK OF DISTORTION OR
REDUCED AREA OF COVERAGE
RISK OF OVERHEATING
OKAY
Cable CSA (mm
2
)
Cable Length (in metres)

PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 7
In addition to the amplifier’s two XLR inputs ( MIC. and MIC./LINE ), up to 10 additional
microphone or line level inputs (any mix) can be daisychained to the amplifier’s ‘ OUTREACH ’
connector via a range of specially designed wall, ceiling or desk mountable single gang plates.
Several different Outreach plates are available covering the most common variants of audio
connector (see below) and cable lengths of up to 100m (total network length) are easily achieveable
using standard two pair audio cable such as Belden 8723. See typical wiring diagram below.
The ‘Outreach’ plate audio input extension system
APM OMNI-DIRECTIONAL PLATED MIC
A self-contained omni-directional
electret microphone complete with
onboard mic to line level converter.
Typical coverage up to 25m
2
when
located at a ceiling height of 2.5-3m.
APL DUAL PHONO LINE LEVEL PLATE
Accepts dual phono line-level signals
(usually from a stereo source such as a
TV). Includes an on-board dual phono
to mono converter. (An APS SCART to
dual phono lead is also available to
facilitate the connection of TVs, etc).
APJ 3.5mm MICROPHONE JACK PLATE
Accepts unbalanced electret
microphones with 3.5mm mono jack
plugs. Includes an onboard mic to line
level converter, high gain pre-amplifier
and 8V phantom power.
APQM 6.35mm (1/4”) MICROPHONE JACK PLATE
Accepts balanced or unbalanced
electret microphones with 6.35mm
(1/4”) jack plugs. Includes an on-board
mic to line level converter, high gain
pre-amplifier and 8V phantom power.
APXM XLR 3 PIN MICROPHONE PLATE
Accepts balanced or unbalanced
microphones with standard 3 pin XLR
connectors. Includes an on-board mic
to line level converter, high gain pre-
amplifier and 8V phantom power.
APXL XLR 3 PIN LINE LEVEL PLATE
Accepts standard 3 pin XLR feeds from
audio equipment such as stage or
church mixing desks, etc.
APQL 6.35mm (1/4”) LINE LEVEL PLATE
Accepts 6.35mm (1/4”) jack feeds from
audio equipment such as stage or
church mixing desks, etc.
API ‘AFILS ACTIVE’ PLATE
Includes two ultra-bright LEDs in a
translucent diffuser overprinted with
the induction loop ‘ear’ symbol. The
LEDs illuminate when the Outreach
network is powered to indicate that an
AFILS system is installed.
Outreach plate variants
Mountable on 25mm surface back boxes, Outreach plates can be located at any convenient
point on an installation, overcoming the need for excessively long microphone or audio leads.
to next
outreach
plate
(optional)
AMPLIFIER
OUTREACH
CONNECTOR
APL DUAL PHONO
LINE LEVEL PLATE
APM OMNI-DIRECTIONAL
PLATED MICROPHONE
A OUT +
A OUT –
A IN +
A IN –
The four-way Outreach connector is included in the
amplifier’s accessory pack. Connect the Outreach network
to the connector’s screw terminals as shown before
plugging it into the amplifier’s ‘
OUTREACH ’ socket.
V+
GRND
A OUT +
A OUT –
A IN +
A IN –
V+
GRND
Audio Source, such
as a TV connected
to the APL using
an APS scart lead
A +
A -
V +
Gnd
WIRING TIP:
OUT always
goes to IN!

PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 8
Induction loop amplifier (1)
Designed to be free-standing or, if required, wall or rack
mounted using our optional PDA/WM or PDA/RM kits.
Loop cable (4)
Run the loop cable (see page 6 for recommended
cable types) around the perimeter of the room at
floor or ceiling height. Note that ceiling loops will
not be practical in all applications, i.e. churches with
high roofs.
If installing a floor loop, ensure the loop cable is
adequately fixed and protected against being crushed
in walkways or by furniture.
Note that flat copper foil loop tape is also available
from your distributor.
AMP professional microphone (3)
connected directly to the
amplifier’s MIC. input using an
appropriate lead
Positioned so it picks up the sound
generated by the church organ
‘Induction loop in use’ sticker
Put the ‘induction loop in use’ sticker
(supplied with the amplifier) where it
can be clearly seen by members of the
public. For large applications with
multiple entrances, additional stickers can be
purchased from your distributor.
CD player (2) connected directly
to the amplifier’s MIC./LINE input
using an appropriate lead
The illustration below shows a typical induction loop system for a place of worship requiring
multiple audio inputs. It is designed to show all of the amplifier’s inputs being used with a
microphone connected to its MIC. input, a CD player connected to its MIC./LINE input and a
series of Outreach plates connected to its OUTREACH socket. It should be noted that this
diagram is provided for illustration purposes only and that in practice the same system (or a
similar system for a different application) could just as easily be achieved using a different
layout and/or a different configuration of inputs.
A typical Pro-Range multiple input induction loop system
8
14
15
1
2
3
4

PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 9
AML lectern microphone (12) connected to the
amplifier via an APJ Outreach plate (13)
Hanging ambient microphone (14) connected to the
amplifier via an APXM Outreach plate (15)
Positioned over the congregation to help convey ambient noise
and pick up the singing of hymns, etc.
Outreach network (11)
Daisychain standard two pair audio
cable such as Belden 8723 to all
Outreach plates as appropriate.
Note that a maximum of 10
outreach plates (any mix) can be
connected to the Outreach network
and that the network must not
exceed 100m (total network length).
AMR/L radio microphone (5),
transmitter (6) and receiver (7)
connected to the amplifier via an
APQM (8) outreach plate.
Existing mixer (9) for bands, etc.,
connected to the amplifier via
an APXL outreach plate (10).
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
8

PDA Pro-Range Instructions • Approved Doc. No. DCP0003168 Rev 1 • Page 10
Safety precautions
Ensure the amplifier IS NOT located in areas with high ambient temperatures or high levels
of humidity, moisture or dust. It SHOULD NOT be exposed to direct sunlight or water nor be
placed next to vibrating or heat-generating equipment.
The amplifier should never be covered with any object that could impede the flow of air to
its cooling fan and we recommend there is a gap of at least 50mm (2 inches) to the rear and
sides of the amplifier.
DO NOT dismantle or attempt to modify the amplifier in any way. No user-serviceable fuses or
parts are included inside the amplifier. For repair, consult your distributor/supplier.
Ensure the a.c. power lead, loop cable and all relevant audio/microphone lead(s) are fixed
securely into position before operation. Do not leave any trailing leads.
The a.c. power lead has a moulded plug. If you need to remove the plug, it must be replaced
with one that meets BS1363, or equivalent, fitted with a 3A fuse. As the colours of the wires
in the lead may not correspond to the markings in your plug, connect as follows:-
Green and yellow wire to ‘E’ mark, ‘ ‘ mark, ‘Green’ mark or ‘Green and Yellow’ mark
Blue wire to ‘N’ mark, ‘Black’ mark or ‘Blue’ mark
Brown wire to ‘L’ mark, ‘Red’ mark or ‘Brown’ mark
Please refer to the safety precautions below before attempting
to make any connections or operating your PDA Pro-Range
induction loop amplifier.
Mounting the amplifier
The amplifier has been designed so it can be left free-standing on a shelf, tabletop or desk,
or, alternatively, wall or rack mounted using one of our optional PDA/RM 19” rack mounting
kits or PDA/WM wall-mounting kits.
Always refer to the Safety precautions (above) before deciding on a location for the
amplifier and note that more detailed information on wall or rack mounting is supplied
with each optional mounting kit.
Installation