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| Amplified Loudspeaker Controller Install and User Guide
Connections
Signal Grounding
There is no ground switch or terminal on the ALCs. The unit’s
signal grounding system is automatic. In order to limit hum and/
or interference entering the signal path, use balanced input
connections.
In the interests of safety, the unit MUST always operate with
electrical safety earth connected to the chassis via the dedicated
Protective Earth wire.
Analog Audio Input Connections
Analog input connections are made via the Phoenix MC
1,5/6-ST-3,81 5447900 connector on the ALC-3202D (or via the
Phoenix MC 1,5/12-ST-3,81 1803675 connector on the ALC-404D or
ALC-1604D).
Remote Level Adjustment
The level of each channel can be remotely adjusted by means
of a linear 10 kΩ potentiometer connected to the input LEVEL
connector.
When the CH1 MSTR switch is in the OFF position the remote level
potentiometers work independently on each separate channel.
When the CH1 MSTR switch is in the ON position the remote level
potentiometer of channel 1 acts as a master level, controlling the
volume of all channels.
The remote level controls are in series with the level adjustment
knobs in the front panel.
Breaker Save
This feature may be activated when the power grid is unable to
provide enough current to continuously drive the loads, or when
the number of ALCs connected to the same outlet is such that one
can reach the critical power absorption of the line.
When activated, the Breaker Save halves the maximum continuous
current absorption from the mains. This slightly reflects on the
overall performance of the system, reducing the available output
power.
In order to activate the Breaker Save feature, locate the BRK SAVE
switch on the rear panel.
Remote On/Off
Remote ON/OFF is available through the dedicated terminals on
the rear panel.
Both terminals respond to the differential voltage between the
contacts: a voltage difference in the range 5 V
DC
- 24 V
DC
triggers
the control. Any voltage exceeding 28 V
DC
may damage the input
circuitry.
The couple of terminals act depending on the actual state of the
ALC, in accordance with the following table.
REMOTE ON REMOTE OFF
ALC
STATE
Vdiff ≥ 5V
Any
Force Turn ON
Vdiff < 3V
Vdiff ≥ 5V
Force Turn OFF
Vdiff < 3V
Vdiff < 3V
No Change
(Keep either standby or in current state)
Gain selection
ALCs can operate with different gain applied to the input signal.
This feature is designed to match the voltage of the input signal.
A proper combination of the position of two GAIN switches on the
rear panel sets the operating gain of the amplifier
Preliminary operations
Location
Install your Community Amplified Loudspeaker Controller (ALC) in
well ventilated rack cabinets.
Secure both front and rear brackets to the rack.
Connect the AC Mains connector to a circuit breaker.
Install the ALC far from EMF emitting devices.
Avoid placing the ALC close to heat generating sources.
Cooling
The ventilation openings must not be impeded by any item, keep
a distance of at least 19.7 in. (50 cm) from the front and rear
ventilation openings of the ALC.
Community ALCs implement a forced-air cooling system to
maintain constant operating temperatures. Air enters from the
front panel, exiting at the back of the unit.
The cooling system features variable-speed DC fans controlled
by the heat sink mounted sensors. This ensures that fan noise and
internal dust accumulation are kept to a minimum.
In the rare event of overheating, sensing circuits shut down all
channels until the ALC cools down to a safe operating temperature.
Normal operation is resumed automatically without the need for
user intervention.
ALCs can be stacked one on top of the other, leave one rack unit
empty every four to guarantee adequate air flow.
Cleaning
Use a dry cloth for cleaning the chassis and the front panel. Air
filter cleaning should be scheduled in accordance with the dust
levels in the ALC’s operating environment.
In order to clean the vent filters remove the front cover by firmly
gripping the outermost black panels and pull them outwards
Use compressed air to remove the dust from filters, or wash them
with clean water (let the filter dry thoroughly before reinstalling
them).
AC Mains Supply
ALCs implement an universal switching mode power supply with
power factor correction operating in the range from 100 VAC up to
240 VAC ±10%.
AC mains connection is in the rear panel through the IEC C20 inlet,
the approved power cord is provided.
Switching the ALC On and Off
Once properly powered (power cord inserted, sectioning breaker
closed), the system can be either ON or in STANDBY mode
depending on its state at latest power off.
In order to toggle the ALC between ON and STANDBY press and
hold the power button for 3 seconds. Please consider that the
operating condition can be modified by the REMOTE ON and
REMOTE OFF configuration.
Energy Save
The Smart Rails Management technology implemented in the
power supply unit allows to reduce the power consumption when
the input signal falls under a defined threshold.
When On, Energy Save is active on each channel independently.
If the signal is missing for more than 30 minutes on all channels,
the auto standby is applied and the main PSU is turned off to
further save energy
(Time out time is selectable via ArmoníaPlus)
.
Normal operation is resumed in a matter of milliseconds when an
incoming signal is detected.
In order to activate the Energy Save feature, operate the NRG
SAVE dip switch on the rear panel.
