Central Unit
New! As of December 2014 an updated version of Close Talk Conference System is shipping. This new version's main feature is an updated audio system. Owners of existing systems may consider refurbishing to gain many of these updates, contact us for more information.
The Central Unit is the heart of the conference system and is available in a slim, rack mounted 19" case. It has the following features:
- Six infrared communication channels
- System supports an unlimited number of Delegate Units, number of units is only limited by the IR signal range
- Three audio channel receivers. Can be configured to allow one, two or maximum three speakers to talk simultaneously
- One data channel receiver. Receives data messages from the delegate units
- One audio transmitter. Acts as an audio broadcast channel for all delegate units
- One data channel transmitter. Sends delegate unit control messages such as speaker volume levels
- Powerful speaker queue
- Queue can handle up to 256 speakers
- Automatic queue handling. As soon as an audio channel is available, the next speaker will be allowed to talk on a first-in first-out basis
- Intelligent. Exiting the queue by mistake and then re-entering will cause the speaker to re-assume his old queue position
- Audio control functions
- Audio receiver mixer. Mixes the three audio channels, including mute function.
- 'Line In&Out' and 'Tele In&Out' level control
- Delegate microphone signal equalizer (low and high frequency band)
- Feedback prevention function. Depending on room characteristics, a preset amount of signal level reduction can be selected to avoid feedback problems when multiple delegate units are active
- Multiple audio inputs and outputs
- 'Line In' and 'Line Out' can be used to connect an external sound source such as a tape recorder
- 'Tele In' and 'Tele Out' can be used together with a Telephone Hybrid for telephone conferences
- Tele and Line connectors use balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4" connectors
- Insert function into the delegate microphone signal using a Stereo 1/4" connector
- Control the delegate unit sound levels
- The volume knob range on the delegate unit can be controlled by the central unit to prevent problems with feedback
- Both speaker and headphone levels are controllable individually
- Chairman function
- Independent of speaker channel usage, a chairman always has access to
a channel using one of three methods
- 'Steal Channel' - The chairman steals the channel from the speaker that has spoken the longest time. When the chairman releases the channel, it becomes available to the next speaker in the queue
- 'Borrow Channel' - The chairman borrows the channel from the speaker that has spoken the longest time. When the chairman releases the channel, the channel is automatically returned to the original speaker
- 'Own Channel' - The chairman has his own channel, leaving a maximum of two channels available to other speakers
- The right key of the Chairman Unit can be used as override key
- Independent of speaker channel usage, a chairman always has access to
a channel using one of three methods
- Priority Unit handling
- One delegate unit can be treated as a priority unit. This is especially useful with a platform where a speaker channel is always open
- The priority unit uses the 'Steal Channel' method as described under 'Chairman function'
- Directly supports up to 8 transceiver units
- Up to 8 transceiver units may be connected directly to the central unit. By using a Split Box, even more transceiver units can be used to handle the most difficult rooms
- Low power consumption
- An example system of 30 delegate units requires power equal to approximately 1.5 60W light bulbs
- Universal (World) Power Supply
- Lockable menu to prevent unauthorized use
- Unit firmware can be updated via the serial port
Front panel
The front panel contains:
- A 16 characters x 2 lines backlit LCD display.
- Three status indicators, POWER on, EDIT mode and system ERROR
- Two buttons and a rotary knob used for changing unit settings
- System power switch
Rear panel
The rear panel contains:
- A serial port. Used for remote control and firmware updating
- A power connector. Provides power to the system
- System fuse
- Line In, Line Out, Tele In and Tele Out. Audio connectors for external sound sources
- Line and Tele connectors both in balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4"
- Delegate microphone signal Insert using stereo 1/4" connector, e.g. a feedback destroyer
- RJ-45 transceiver connectors
- AUX connector for special control purposes, e.g. a telephone hybrid
System uses quick-connect, industry standard, S-STP grade, CAT 6 Ethernet cables. For more detailed information about cables please see the see the FAQ section.
Order Code: CU-110-11. Download full product catalogue for more detailed information.
