In the event that the supplied 6' communication cable is not long enough, there are two easy options:
1) Use a female-female RJ-45 coupler, along with a standard straight-through CAT5 patch cord, to extend the cable.
2) If extending the cable is not an option, Alertus has set up a custom part number with
which our
customers can use to order TTS RS232 Cables in custom lengths. The maximum suggested cable length is 50 feet.
To place an order, call our BlackBox sales rep, Janet Kouklakis, at (724) 873-6679. Tell her you want to order part
number #CBCC362629 and specify the length you want the cable to be. Other sales reps besides Janet should also
be able to assist you. But, for custom parts you must call them (you can't place an order online).
Adjusting the Volume
The volume of the TTS Speaker is controlled by a knob located behind the mesh grill on the front of the unit. To adjust
the volume:
●
Remove the grill by pushing inwards on the protruding sides of the mesh, then 'levering' it outwards away
from the unit.
●
Turn the knob using a small flat-bladed screwdriver (such as those supplied for the removal of Alert Beacons)
or other similar object.
●
Test the volume setting (by using the Test Button, as described in the next section, or sending an Alert
Message with TTS enabled as detailed below.)
●
Once satisfied, replace the speaker grill by inserting the tabs into the slots on the inner sides of the lip around
the front edge of the unit.
For testing purposes, Alertus suggests a volume of 2-4. Higher settings (above 5-6) are appropriate for large areas,
but may be overwhelming in an enclosed space.
Power On and Testing
After making all required connections, plug in the power adapter. A Green light on the TTS board (located next to the
"Ready" light, as indicated by '3' in the connection diagram above) will come on to indicate the unit is running. After
power is applied, the unit takes a short time (usually under 30 seconds) to initialize. The orange "Ready" light will then
start blinking to indicate that the application is loading. Once the Blue "Ready" light turns on steadily, the application is
loaded and ready to accept commands.
To speak a simple test message:
●
Make sure the unit is properly powered and the Blue "Ready" light (indicated by '3' in the connection diagram
above) is on.
●
Set the volume at a reasonable level (try 2-4 at first.)
●
Press and hold the "Test" button (indicated by '4' in the connection diagram above) for at least 3 seconds.
Repeat the test procedure while adjusting the volume level until an appropriate level has been established. Keep in
mind that the audio performance of the speaker enclosure is maximized when the device is firmly attached to a wall -
the foam on the rear edge helps ensure a seal with the wall for optimal sound output.
Troubleshooting
●
Check that the volume control is set at 2 or higher.
●
Check that the orange Ready light (indicated by '3' in the connection diagram) is on. If the orange light does
not come on within 60 seconds of applying power,
Post-Install Tasks
In order to properly configure the localized notification capabilities of the Alertus Notification
system, administrators must have a record of the Unit ID and location of each Alert Beacon.
Alertus provides
After completing an installation, record the 4-digit Unit ID (found on the white label on the rear of
the unit, highlighted in Figure 8), and a short description of the unit’s location, such as
“Mathematics Building, East hallway near lobby” along with connected peripherals such as a TTS
Speaker.
