INTERCOM SYSTEMS: Basic check list

APP NOTE: 126 MODELS : E-200 and WB-200 Series DATE: 10/N/2012 ENGINEER: M. Giménez
MODELS : DESCRIPTION: The below checks apply for Altair intercom systems and is given for
DATE: a routine check in case of failure.
OPERATOR:
CHECK LIST

1-Is the Master/Slave switch (base station rear panel) set to Master? Otherwise the audio is not stable and system howls. When
the system uses more than a base, read the appropriate manuals.

2-Check voltage on intercom lines A or B referred to pin 1 (GND): pin 2= +24V pin 3= 0V

3-Depress the MIC-ON key on base station and beltpacks to make the two following checks:

*Check the gain between Mic input on a beltpack to the Ear out in the base station headset connectors. Mic and Ear pin
numbers are: Mic 1(-), 2(+) Ear 3(-), 4(+). Gain must be around 70 dB with listening and mic levels at max. (Set generator to
1mV/1Khz; Ear level reads around 3V)

*Check the gain in the opposite direction, Mic input on the base station to Ear out in the beltpack. Gain must be around 70 dB
with listening and mic levels at max. (Set generator to 1mV/1Khz; Ear level reads around 3V).
-In both checks, gain measurements could be altered by the limiter action-

4-Make a Call and check the proper operation in both directions: base to beltpack and beltpack to base. Check buzz, vibrator,
lights depending on the models.

5-Headset failures are quite common. Comparing with a good one is the easy way to check it.

6-In wireless beltpacks, battery contact pressure or battery aged are quite common fixes.

7-In wireless systems check base station antennas by comparing range with the antenna installed and antenna removed. Check
each antenna individually. For WBS-200, use only the left antenna connector for the check. Left the other connector opened. For
WBS-202, use only the left antenna connector for the check and use only one beltpack correspondent to the R1. Left the other 3
antenna connectors opened.
*Antenna in bad condition or removed: Range about 20 meter line of sight, no obstacles.
*Antenna in good condition: Range about 300 meter line of sight, no obstacles place.
Another method. By using a tester. Check the antenna pin to ground must be open circuit and check the pin to ground
capacitance to be around 10 pF. Broken antennas reads 0 to 2 pF only.
Another method. By using a spectrum analyzer. Set F to 1.9 GHz, span to 50 MHz, peak hold. Connect an appropriate antenna
to the instrument. Focus it to the base station antenna with the same position (vertical is preferred) Compare readings with a
reference antenna at 1 meter from the base station. Repeat to establish an average reading.

8-Wireless systems with multiple bases. To avoid mutual interferences systems must be radio synchronized. Use a good RJ-11
link cable. Connector must be telephone type 6 positions, 4 contacts. Cable must be 4 wires connected pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to
pin 2 … pin4 to pin 4. Altair reference for this part is SINK. Connect sync out base 1 to sync in base2.
The system takes 10 to 15 minutes to establish a perfect synchronization. Don’t use the system on this period to avoid audible
clicks, loss of link, etc.
To understand interferences are form the outside or from the other base system, check each base with its associated beltpacks
separately, then check the whole system linked.

VERIFICATION: PASS NOT PASS

INSTRUMENTS NEEDED: AC tester (or scope) and DC tester. Audio generator. Capacitance meter 10 pF minimum readout

EQUIPOS EUROPEOS ELECTRÓNICOS, S.A.L

Avda. de la Industria, 50. 28760 TRES CANTOS-MADRID (SPAIN).

91-804 32 65 91-804 43 58 altair@altairaudio.com