The Avtec USB NENA Jack Box is a peripheral device designed to interface headsets and handsets with Scout consoles running the Software Media Workstation, specifically for NENA (National Emergency Number Association) compliant phone systems. It enables administrators to adjust audio levels, external audio interfaces, and other settings to optimize dispatcher audio in public safety environments.
Function Description:
The USB NENA Jack Box serves as a crucial link between dispatchers' audio accessories and the Scout console. It allows for the connection of up to four USB jack boxes and one external audio interface (EAI) to a single Scout console position. This multi-device connectivity is beneficial for supervisors to join dispatcher calls, accommodate multiple dispatcher trainees, or provide redundancy in case of a jack box failure. The device supports simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex audio, ensuring compatibility with various communication modes. It integrates NENA phones into the Scout console system, consolidating the dispatcher's audio to a single headset or handset. Key features include earpiece volume control, auxiliary inputs for hookswitch connection, and a microphone mute/push-to-talk (PTT) LED indicator. The jack is designed for heavy use and is compatible with WECO-equivalent plugs. It is also designed to be mounted at the dispatcher's operator position.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Physical Dimensions:
- Width: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
- Height: 1.75 inches (4.45 cm)
- Depth: 7.35 inches (18.67 cm)
- Weight: 2 lbs (0.91 kg), including the cable.
- Color: Silver/Black.
- Electrical Connectivity:
- 10 ft (3.05 m) USB 2.0 A to B detachable cable.
- Power Source: +5V DC via USB @ 400 mA max.
- Compatible Headset/Handset Plugs:
- WECO-equivalent WE-425 (Dual) WE-310 (Single) six-circuit plug.
- WECO-equivalent WE-327 (Dual) WE-347 (Single) four-circuit plug.
- Software Requirements:
- Console Audio Package: Software Media Workstation.
- Software Version: Scout 4.9 or later.
- Scout Version/Firmware Version Compatibility:
- USB Jack Box: 4.3.8 or later / 1.54 (Pre-4.15.4 / 1.2).
- USB NENA Jack Box: 4.15.4 or later / 2.0 (NENA Only).
- External Audio Interface: The USB NENA Jack Box includes an external audio interface (EAI) functionality, which is physically built into the device. This EAI provides a direct connection for analog audio from a field device (like a NENA phone) directly into a console position.
- USB Host Controller Limitations: Due to these limitations, it is recommended to limit the number of jack boxes to one per physical PC port. If a USB hub is used, only one jack box should be plugged into the hub.
- NENA Port Sidetone: The NENA port does not currently support receiving sidetone from external devices that generate sidetone.
Usage Features:
- Plug and Play: The device offers USB plug-and-play functionality for ease of installation.
- Windows Configuration: Users must disable power management features for each USB NENA Jack Box in the Windows Device Manager to ensure consistent operation. This involves deselecting "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" in the Power Management tab for both Human Interface Devices and Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Software Configuration (Scout Manager):
- USB Jack Box Settings: Configuration through Scout Manager's Console Configuration webpage allows setting the Windows Input Level (%), Mic Gain (dB), and enabling/disabling Voice Automatic Gain Control (VAGC). VAGC settings include Low Target (dB), High Target (dB), Max Loss (dB), Max Gain (dB), and Threshold (dB) to optimize dispatcher input signal. Output Level (dB) can also be adjusted.
- On-Hook Switch: The device supports enabling a hookswitch on the jack box handset cradle.
- PTT Interactions: Configurable settings for PTT (Push-to-Talk) interactions include Enabled by On-Screen PTT, Enabled by Instant Transmit, Enabled by Footswitch, and Enabled by Hardware PTT.
- Full Duplex Endpoint: Allows enabling microphone input for full duplex endpoints.
- Unselect Audio: Configurable to receive specified Unselect audio.
- Ringtones: Priority settings (PRIMARY, SECONDARY, or OFF) for playing ringtones, with adjustable Ringtone Attenuation (dB).
- Other Active Microphones: Settings to control receiving transmit audio from other microphones and their attenuation.
- External Audio Interface Configuration: The EAI is configured on the Avtec USB External Audio Interface webpage within Scout Manager. This includes enabling the EAI and assigning an Endpoint Name that matches the endpoint created in Scout Manager.
- Endpoint Configuration for NENA Devices: NENA devices are configured as "media workstation endpoints" in Scout Manager, with unique names to distinguish them from VPGate endpoints.
- Line Pad Creation for NENA Endpoint: A line pad can be created and assigned to the NENA deskset endpoint in Scout Manager's Screen Editor, allowing for visual representation and control on the dispatcher's screen.
- Operating Rules:
- When a dispatcher answers a 911 call, the NENA device endpoint is automatically selected, and the call becomes active.
- Answering a 911 call via the ResourcePro Tool on a console interfaced with the USB NENA Jack Box automatically answers the call and makes it active, without switching to a screen with the NENA linepad.
- Deselecting the NENA endpoint does not end a 911 call; calls end when the dispatcher hangs up via the NENA device or the dialing party hangs up.
Maintenance Features:
- Audio Tuning: Comprehensive audio tuning options are available to adjust volume and quality.
- Physical Settings: Includes the Jack Box Volume Knob on the front panel and physical volume settings on the NENA device. Avtec recommends starting with the Jack Box Volume Knob and Phone Speaker Volume at 50%.
- External Audio Interface Settings: Configurable via Scout Manager, these include Windows Input Level (%), Mic Gain (dB), and Output Level (dB) to fine-tune audio sent to and from the NENA phone.
- VAGC Settings: Voice Automatic Gain Control (VAGC) settings (Low Target, High Target, Max Loss, Max Gain, Threshold) are available for both transmit (outbound) and receive (inbound) audio to enhance clarity, especially in noisy environments or with varying dispatcher audio levels. Caution is advised when adjusting VAGC settings, with recommendations to first adjust Windows Input Level (%) and Mic Gain (dB).
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a troubleshooting table for common audio issues, offering solutions such as increasing/decreasing Output Level (%) or Windows Input Level (%) on the Avtec USB External Audio Interface webpage, depending on whether outbound or inbound audio is too low or too high.
- Confidential Document: The document itself is confidential and contains proprietary information, indicating a controlled environment for its use and maintenance.
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