QSOURCES INFRA Installation instructions

INFRA-QSOURCES
User instruction
Qam measurement power amplifier
Updated: 190305 V4
By: LMB, PJGL, Qsources BVBA
Content:
1. Intended application
2. Positioning, connections and po ering
3. Basic operation
4. Lo frequency tuning
5. Prevent electrical damage
6. Prevent mechanical damage
7. Safety instruction
8. Specifications
9. Warranty
10. Questions and Ans ers
11. Declaration of conformity
12. Shipment instruction
Please always use ear protection when working with this product.
www.qsources.be
[email protected]
Ketelwinning 38 B-3290 Diest Belgium
Copyright Qsources BVBA

1. Intended application
The Qam measurement amplifier is designed
to po er sound sources and electro-dynam-
ic shakers. The amplifier is intended for in-
door use, but can be used outdoors as long
as it is protected against rain, excessive
dust, etc.
The standard version Qam ill have a signal
generating module for use ith Qohm, Qm,
etc. sound sources. A remote control allo s
activation and deactivation.
A special version QamS lacks the signal and
remote function, and is intended as a slave
unit only, to increase the total po er out-
put.
The Qam amplifier ill generate lo crest
factor random noise signals for measure-
ments, and amplify any reasonable external
signal. Different modes and equalization set-
tings are available:
–Continuous operation, or 20
seconds pulsating mode
–White and pink noise
–Sound source specific equalization
–Lo frequency tuning in third
octave bands
The internal noise signals are crest factor
optimized to allo a higher output level
from the connected source and from the
amplifier. This may sound unnatural or distorted. But it is normal and it is the undistorted
lo crest factor noise signal.
Externals signals of different nature can be used like; sine and chirps, random noise, mu-
sic or other communication signals. But it is the responsibility of the user to choose feas-
ible and safe signals for the amplifier and its attached source or shaker.
2. Positioning, connections and po ering
Do not place any objects on top of the amplifier. The upper surface is needed for cooling
and can sometimes become very arm hen the amplifier has been active or stand-by
over a longer time. This is normal and related to the high po er density electronics in
the amplifier. There is an overheat protection in the amplifier hich ill light up an LED
in the display only hen a critical temperature is attained.
When used in an environment >30degrees - <50 degrees Celsius, the total operating
time may be limited. In such cases it is advised to turn the amplifier off hen not being
used or to add external cooling for a longer operation time.
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Copyright Qsources BVBA

A small antenna is provided, as ell as a standard mains cable and a remote control but-
ton.
Front connections:
There is a SMA socket on the right side for the antenna,
marked “RF”.
There is one BNC socket on the left, marked “EXT” for
an external input signal. The external input signal must
be limited to 0.7 V pk-pk to prevent distortion. The BNC
socket is inactive hen the internal signal generator is
used.
Rear connections:
There is a 2 pole speakon socket on the rear for the
source/speaker or shaker load.
The mains po er socket for 230V (or 115V for some
markets) is located on the rear. Connecting a 115 V ver-
sion amplifier to 230 V ill fatally damage the amplifier.
So the 115V version cannot be used in 230V regions,
and vice verso.
3. Operation of the amplifier
Turn the amplifier on by pressing the
on/off s itch on the rear, next to the
mains socket. It can take up to 8
seconds for the amplifier to activate.
The amplifier ill initially sho a set-
ting of zero output level and pink
noise.
Remote activation and de-activation:
To de-activate the amplifier into a
standby mode, press the button on
the remote. To activate the amplifier,
press the button on the remote. As
small led in the display ill light up to
mark/indicate that the remote is
used. The signal settings are retained.
The amplifier ill become active
again hen the button is pressed again.
Mount the supplied antenna if the remote reception is eak. Ho ever, if there is a sub-
stantial amount of metal structure bet een the remote and amplifier, then the 100
meter control distance ill not be reached. Or in extremely ell shielded cases the re-
mote may not ork at all as the metal structure ill block its signal.
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Copyright Qsources BVBA

Level setting:
To set the output level or signal gain,
the up and do n buttons are used,
marked ”UP” and “DOWN”. Pushing
once ill induce a 1 dB level step.
Holding do n the button ill make
the level scroll up or do n. The level
setting is indicated by red LEDs in the
display, in dB, marked ”dB”.
When 0 dB is indicated a very lo to no (zero) output signal is given. When 60 dB is in-
dicated the maximum amplification is reached. Depending on the selected signal the
amplifier may reach its maximum output voltage before reaching the 60 dB setting.
Selecting a signal:
The right led in the display ill indicate hich type of signal is active. And a letter L/A
sho s the equalization setting for Qohm.
To select a signal press the button on the top right, marked “signal”. The output signal ill
toggle bet een:
pink noise L. linear output bet een 45-20000 Hz*
pink noise A. shaped spectrum 45-16000 Hz* equalizing the source
pink noise E. shaped spectrum 45-16000 Hz, ith lo frequency tuning
hite noise L. linear output bet een 45-20000 Hz*
hite noise A. shaped spectrum 45-16000 Hz* equalizing the source
hite noise E. shaped spectrum 45--16000 Hz, ith lo frequency tuning per octave band.
external signal** L. linear output spectrum 20-20000 Hz
external signal** A. shaped spectrum 45-16000 Hz* equalizing the source
external signal E. shaped spectrum 45--20000 Hz, ith lo freq. tuning per third octave
In each case the letter for the equalization is displayed and the LED bar on the far right
ill point to the type of signal as printed next to the LED bar. The level of output
po er/noise ill vary significantly hen going from L to A and E filtering.
* The frequency range depend on the selected and pre-programmed product (sound source or other) the
sho n numbers are valid for the Qohm, Qohm2 or Qm products.
** For linear amplification the external signal is limited to 0.35 V sspk or 0.7V pk-pk.
Selecting interrupted mode:
Short depression of the mode button ill make the amplifier run in interrupted mode. It
ill put the amplifier is stand-by mode for 20s, automatically follo ed by 20s activity,
follo ed by standby, etc. To de-activate this mode just briefly push the mode button
again.
Central LED meaning:
Four red arning LEDs are located in the middle of the display.
The top one ill clearly light up hen the amplifier reaches saturation and goes into a
non-linear mode. In this mode the peak voltages are limited to a + 75V and -75V maxim-
um. It is ell possible to let the amplifier ork in this non-linear range. But it may not be
safe for the source or speaker or shaker, because the amount of electric po er going
into the speaker is increasing even if the peak voltage is limited.
The second LED do n indicates an overheating of the amplifier. This may occur after
long periods of stand-by in arm environments or hen the amplifier is covered by an
other object hampering the normal cooling. The amplifier ill restart automatically hen
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Copyright Qsources BVBA

the temperature has dropped to an acceptable level. Be a are that this may re-activate
the speaker/shaker.
The third and fourth LEDs do n are only for diagnostic purposes by the manufacturer.
4. Lo Frequency Tuning
In some situations it can be desired to adapt the lo frequency levels per third octave
band to compensate for strong reflections of nearby large alls, or to correct for the
standing aves in a room. In that case the third octave band levels belo 400 Hz can
be adapted in level.
The level of the follo ing third bands can be adapted:
F1 : 50 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
F2 : 63 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
F3 : 80 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
F4 : 100 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
F5 : 125 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
F6 : 163 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
F7: 200 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
F8: 250 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
F9: 315 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
And the level can be reduced of the remaining frequency range.
F0 : 400-20000 Hz -6dB/0dB/+6dB
It is advised to first measure the microphone spectrum ith the amplifier in pink/ hite
or external in “”E”” setting, and take a note on hich third octave bands need level ad-
aptation. You ill notice that the output level in “”E”” is al ays 6dB lo er than the “”L””
and “”A”” settings. This is needed for protection of the sound source.
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Ketelwinning 38 B-3290 Diest Belgium
Copyright Qsources BVBA

Very long depression of the Mode button, during 4s or longer,
ill make the amplifier go in tuning mode and display F1. This
mode ill only have an effect on the E type signals. The L and A
signals ill not change.
When “”F1”” is displayed the first filter band level can be ad-
justed in level. To change the level in the F1 band:
–Pressing “”up”” brings the level up in F1
–Pressing “”do n”” brings the level do n in F1
The set level is sho n by the LED bar on the far right.
– When in highest position +6 dB is indicated
– When in middle position 0 dB is indicated
– When in lo est position -6 dB is indicated
Pressing the “”signal”” button ill shift the third octave band
up to the next band. This ay it is possible to scroll through
the bands, from F1 to F2, up till F9. After F9 it ill display F0
hich is not a third octave, but all frequencies above 400 Hz.
Pressing “”signal”” again ill jump to F1, etc.
This ay of scrolling allo s to read the levels hich are set
and it allo s to change the levels in each band. In this ay
the levels per band can be tuned.
To exit the tuning mode, again press the “”mode”” button for
4s or longer.
For safety reasons, the amplifier al ays returns to 0 level and
pink noise in “”L”” after the tuning. But the levels per band are
stored and accessible by selecting one of the “E” signals.
When the amplifier is turned off, or its mains supply is
removed, it ill retain the band settings.
www.qsources.be
[email protected]
Ketelwinning 38 B-3290 Diest Belgium
Copyright Qsources BVBA

5. Prevent electrical damage
The amplifier is internally protected against:
mains surge
over-current on the output
excessive heating
DC connect of the input signal
Any of these events may cause the amplifier to halt for a short period, limit the signal
output, or blo the internal melt fuse. A red arning led ill also light up in most of
those cases to inform the user.
Still damage can occur if:
the amplifier is exposed to excessive input signals on the external signal socket
excessive mains voltages on the mains socket
load impedance lo er than 2 Ohm on the output speakon socket
capacitive or inductive loads on the output speakon socket
adverse contact of mains po er leads to the housing
Connecting a 115V amplifier to 230V ill fatally damage the amplifier.
Connecting a 230V amplifier to 115V mains ill not ork.
This Qam amplifier has fixed mains settings and ill not adapt outside a +- 10% range.
6. Prevent mechanical damage
Al ays follo the shipment instructions belo for any carrier of flight shipment.
And do not expose the amplifier to:
excessive dust
shocks in excess of 25 G or a 10 cm drop or equivalent.
temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius or belo -20 degrees Celsius.
This is electronic measurement equipment that requires care in handling and shipping.
7. Safety instruction
Do not expose the amplifier to ater, other fluids, combustible gases. (If the
outside of the case becomes dirty or stained, carefully ipe the surface ith a
dry cloth only.)
Do not place objects against or on top of the amplifier.
Allo free flo of air around the amplifier.
Only use a triple line, earthed, mains cable ith a standard IEC socket and ith a
cable suitable for 10 Ampere or more, and only the specified type of fuses.
Wear ear protection hen the amplifier is connected to a source or loudspeaker.
8. Technical specification
Specifications*:
Frequency range ith an external signal: 20-20000 Hz
Frequency range hite and pink noise: 50-20000 Hz third octave bands
Amplification setting accuracy: +- 0.5 dB
Maximum voltage output: 150 Volt pk-pk
Maximum current output: 20 Ampere RMS
Maximum continuous po er output: up to 1000 Watt RMS**
Minimum load impedance: 2 Ohm
www.qsources.be
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Copyright Qsources BVBA

Maximum external signal input: 0.35 V sspk, 0.7 V pk-pk.
Remote range and carrier frequency: up to 100 meter, 433 MHz
Weight: 2.3 kg
Dimension: 24.5 * 19 * 9 cm
Maximum mains po er requirement: 1200 Watt
230V-50Hz/115V-60Hz/100V-60 Hz***
* These specifications may be adapted if necessary to improve the quality of the product.
**Depending on the used signal and the connected load (sound sources or shaker or other)
***Proportionally lo er po er output, hen used on 100V instead of 115Vmains.
9. Warranty and Liability
T o years full arranty on all supplied materials, orkmanship and early failure in
normal and moderate use, from date of delivery, ith the follo ing conditions:
Mechanical damages due to non-careful handling, transportation (after delivery),
excessive environmental conditions, etc. are excluded from arranty.
In case of a need of service under arranty or other, the client is responsible for
shipment to and from Qsources in Belgium, insure that the shipment does not
incur taxes or other charges for the incoming and return shipment.
Qsources is not liable for any damage directly or indirectly resulting from the use
of the amplifier, regardless hether the damage occurs to the customer, to prop-
erty of the customer, to a third party or to the property of a third party.
This is electronic measurement equipement that requires care in handling and shipping.
10. Questions and ans ers
Ho long does it take the temperature protection to reset?
The internal modules have to cool do n considerably before restart, and this ill be
much faster in 15 Celsius, then in 35 degrees Celsius. But in normal orking conditions it
can take up to 30 miuntes before this safety resets.
I use an external signal, but the amplifier does not give much po er, or it shuts do n
hen trying to use this.
Sometimes an external signal device ill generate signals outside the normal band (20-
20000 Hz) of the amplifier. This is not al ays obvious. For example; digitalization noise
at 50 Khz, or residual DC content, or residual 50/60 Hz. This may cause the amplifier to
shut do n, or to limit the po er in the normal band. Some protective filtering is
provided internally in the amplifier, but it is best to filter out of band signal before
entering the Qam amplifier.
When using an external input signal, could I damage the amplifier or the sources?
The amplifier input ill ithstand any type of normal signal coming from any
measurement device or computer on the headphone outlet. The output of the Qam
amplifier ill just try to follo the input signal up to ss 0.35V.
www.qsources.be
[email protected]
Ketelwinning 38 B-3290 Diest Belgium
Copyright Qsources BVBA

But if mains po er is someho in electric contact ith the input signal, or if the po er
output of the amplifier is in electric contact ith the input BNC, then this ill damage
the amplfier.
For the sound source, or shaker, or other load, hich is driven by the amplifier an
external signal can be harmfull depending on the type of source and type of signal. For
example because it contains po er outside the normal frequency range of the sound
source, or because it cannot ithstand the high po er, or because all energy is
concentrated at one frequency, etc.
Why is distortion of the internally generated random noise signals normal?
The random noises from the signal can "sound" discontinuous,stuttering,distorted. We do
crest factor optimization on noise signals, hich makes the random noise "sound"
different from normal high crest factor hite- or pink random noise. This can seem to be
distortion, and is especially noticeable ith pink noise on any level. This may sound like a
cough, or stuttering. It is a side effect of hat e do ith random noise to get a
maximum output level from the source and amplifier. It is normal, and not harmful. This is
not the same as distortion, because the actual distortion is very lo . The TDH is belo
0.1 % up to 50% of maximum po er on input signal belo 0.35V sspk.
Audible distortion on external signals, only in the case hen the overload LED is
activated, it indicates that the maxiumum level of linear operation on this external signal
is exceeded.
www.qsources.be
[email protected]
Ketelwinning 38 B-3290 Diest Belgium
Copyright Qsources BVBA

CE
Declaration of conformity
Product:
Infra Qsources measurement po er amplifier
Model:
Qam
Hereby is certified that the above mentioned product complies ith the
follo ing standards:
EN 60065
EN 61010-1
Responsible for this declaration is the producer
Qsources BVBA
Ketel inning 38
3290 Diest Belgium
Declared by
P. J. G. van der Linden
Diest, June 2017
www.qsources.be
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Ketelwinning 38 B-3290 Diest Belgium
Copyright Qsources BVBA