FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Compact 500
COMPACT 500 reports general fault with no additional indication on front panel.
The cause is fault of one (or more) of following:
- Backup amplifier: amplifier failure or module not detected; - Monitored EVAC input: short or open circuit; - Integrated Fireman Mic: microphone element / PTT button short or open; - Front Panel Access Key (if provided): short or open circuit;
All other faults are additionally indicated with a corresponding LED indicator on the front panel.
What to do when "System fault" appears?"
System fault happens in one of two cases:
- main CPU malfunction (LED continuously on); - content of the memory card is incorrect (LED blinking).
Most of the time system fault is result of version incompatibility between device firmware and configuration file. First, make sure all devices are running the same firmware version. If needed, update all devices with firmware of the same version release. Next, make sure that configuration file is prepared in the compatible version of 4EVAC Manager software. Finally, power down and power up again every device in the system.
What to do when "Network fault" appears?"
Network fault appears in following cases:
- G-Net ring is broken - a device in the network is not responding - a device in the network has incorrect Device ID - there are at least two devices in the network of the same type with the same Device ID
First, make sure that you’re using right cables: cross CAT5e (or better) and that connections are correct. Check your configuration settings (type and ID of each device) and ensure that all devices have correct ID settings.
I can't see any zone activity LED indication when playing BGM
Compact 500 is primarily a Voice Evacuation System, with a few additional features typical for Public Address. BGM transmission is considered by the system as a task of lowest possible audio priority, not relevant for the primary task of the system: evacuation. Therefore BGM is not indicated on LED indicators, as it is of no importance for the core functionality.
Why cross CAT5E cables?
4EVAC network protocol runs on full-duplex RS-422 bus, providing low latency and redundancy over node-to-node distance up to 250 meters. Cross cable provides stable bi-directional link, where you don’t need to remember the direction and order of connected devices, since C500 units are networking in peer-to-peer model over redundant ring. This architecture provides maximum reliability in case of any device or link failure.
Fire-resistant CAT5E is expensive. Can I use different type of fire-resistant cable?
Yes and no. If you can take the responsibility of testing your cable beforehand and if you can afford the risk of replacing the cable in case of network communication failure – then yes. We have Compact 500 installations successfully running the network up to 80 meters on a non-CAT cable. Thoroughly tested before commissioning. However, if you want to be 100% sure without experimenting, you should use cables exactly as we specify them, not less.
How many wires do I need to make G-Net / L-Net connection?
Ultra-short answer: Make every connection with crossed CAT5e FTP cable (or better).
Short answer: G-Net: 4 wires (data) + shield L-Net: 6 wires (data + power) + shield
Long answer: G-Net and L-Net have the same pinout: 2 pairs for data, 2 pairs for power, shield.
G-Net is dedicated to interconnect C500 units, thus 2 pairs for data is enough. C500 is the only unit in the system which has its own power supply, so power over G-Net is not necessary. However, if you need to use optical fiber adapters for G-Net link, they must be powered from G-Net port via extra 4 pins in the patch cable inside the cabinet.
L-Net is dedicated for peripheral devices (microphone stations, GPIO extensions, etc.) to connect to the main C500 unit. Apart from data pins (as in G-Net), L-Net devices must be powered from L-Net, thus you need extra pins to deliver power over L-Net. Depending on power demand (number of devices), this might be 2 or 4 extra wires. It is always recommended to use 4 wires for power over L-Net, as it provides more secure power link and maximizes power delivered to L-Net, while voltage drop and power loss at longer distances is minimized.
In any case it is required to use shielded cable which ensures highest EM immunity, especially at long distances.
Can I run network over glass fiber?
G-Net – yes, on each G-Net link, and you maintain full operation in case of mains power loss, compliant with EN54 requirements.
L-Net – yes, but fiber converter on the remote end of the fiber link must be powered locally from a non-certified 24V DC power supply. In case of mains power failure, the link is lost, so devices connected behind the fiber link don’t provide compliance with EN54.
Fireman microphone on COMPACT 500 front panel gives no action.
Make sure that zones are assigned to the buttons on the front panel. Simply try to select zone by pressing each of the zone buttons. Fireman microphone on the front panel has access only to zones that are available for selection on the local panel. No zones programmed on local panel? Then also fireman microphone has no access.
What format of audio files can I import to the system?
16 bit, 24kHz sampling rate, mono, WAV format, max. 1 minute length.
What is the level of 20kHz surveillance tone?
The monitoring 20kHz tone is maximum 3.2V RMS at open line. In practice EOL module is always connected, so with EOL alone it drops to around 2.8V RMS. The more speakers on the line, the more the level will decrease. The speaker cable also may, at longer distances, contribute to the total impedance at high frequencies.
What is the minimum load of loudspeaker line
If EOL is connected, there is no minimum speaker load. With no speakers connected, amplifier will calibrate reference impedance to the EOL itself.
Can I use line surveillance without EOL module?
No. Technically it is possible to monitor line impedance without EOL, especially when line is loaded with a significant number of loudspeakers. However, one cannot in this case predict the effective total impedance, as the impedance of loudspeakers at 20 kHz is unknown, or at least not specified by manufacturers. EOL module is precisely adjusted in order to create static load selectively at 20 kHz frequency, so that the total line impedance at monitoring frequency becomes predictable and stable.
How do I preform a backup amplifier test for the Compact 500 or Impact?
Compact 500:
1. Set the system in quiescent (idle) state.
2. Start a message in all zones (e.g. to start EVAC message press FUNCTION+ EVAC button on Compact front).
3. Optionally: mute the buzzer by pressing SILENCE.
4. Press FUNCTION + LAMP TEST (press and hold FUNCTION, then press LAMP TEST).
5. System should trigger fault. Amplifier fault is now simulated for every channel: from 1 to 6. You should hear relay "click" before 1st, 3rd and 5th channel, this is when amplifier card is switched over to backup card (each card is 2 channels).
6. Listen to affected zones, audio should be not interrupted.
7. Wait until the test is automatically finished and fault indication is gone.
8. Stop the message/ reboot the system.
Impact:
1. Set the system in quiescent (idle) state.
2. Start a message in all zones (e.g. to start EVAC message press EVAC button on Impact Controller front).
3. Optionally: mute the buzzer by pressing SILENCE.
4. Unplug cable from 100V output CHANNEL A of the DCA2.500 amplifier (amplifier fault simulation).
5. Audio should disappear temporarily in affected zones (few seconds), fault should be triggered.
6. Wait until audio is back: now backup amplifier is engaged!
7. Plug the cable back into CH A output of DCA2.500
8. Wait until fault indication is gone: now backup amplifier is in standby.
9. Stop the message/ rebooit the system.