Chapter 8: Audio Module, Rev 1.1
8.1.1 Planning Zones
For recording purposes, the bridge is divided into recording areas. The number of recording areas
determines the number of microphones required. Microphones in similar areas must be wired to
the same two-input audio input channel. The number of microphones plus the number of VHF
inputs equals the number of audio channels required. (The audio input channels are located on
the back of the Audio Module.)
NOTE: An outdoor microphone and an indoor microphone should NEVER be
connected to the same channel. When the input is mixed the loud outdoor
sounds will mask the quiet indoor sounds and make the indoor microphone
sounds difficult to hear.
When the bridge audio requires more than six microphones for total area coverage, then the INI
file must be configured to mix audio input data from two, three or four audio inputs (two input
channels) into a single zone to create an audio output channel. This is necessary because the
FRM only accepts data from 4 audio output channels (including the dedicated VHF output
channel).
Two microphones from similar areas can be wired to 1 audio input channel (1 microphone is
connected to the top channel input and one is connected to the bottom channel input). The Audio
Module digitizes the audio input from each input channel and sends it via Ethernet to the DMM.
The DMM mixes the data and sends it to the recording media. Using DMM software the installer
can mix the data from up to 2 input channels with similar sources to form a zone.
NOTE: A zone is one audio output channel. An audio output channel may consist of:
1. One audio input channel; or
2. Two audio input channels combined (software mixed).
Up to 4 microphones or 2 radios can be assigned to a zone. The parameters for each zone are
set in the <vdrparams.ini> file as an OutputChannelX. Each OutputChannelX mixes the audio
input from a zone to create one audio output channel.
A ship with12 microphones on the bridge would require the installer to use the DMM software to
mix the audio input into three 3 zones of 4 microphones each—being careful not to wire external
and internal microphones to the same input channels that will be combined as an audio output
channel zone in the DMM.
NOTE: Microphones should be installed starting on the port side of the bridge and continuing to
the starboard side.
The microphone wiring layout should allow for simultaneous activation of (test source) buzzers.
Buzzers are associated with the microphones as follows:
TOP MIC input ports (odd numbered ports) connect to Buzzer1 bank ;
BOTTOM MIC input ports (even numbered ports) connect to Buzzer 2 bank.
The microphones should be installed to record audio from intercoms, PA systems, and bridge
alarms.
In Playback, each audio output channel has an ON/OFF selection box. This controls the location
source and volume for the playback sounds. the areas enclosed by clouds represent basic zones
for audio recording. The boxed areas indicate bridge panels or workstations.
VDR-100G3/G3S Installation Manual 06/10/2008
8-3
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