HERA – user manual
English
10
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The HERA can be used with the ARGOS or as a stand-alone unit. In both cases, the
appliance:
• Shows the current sound level, the average value calculated over a period of 10 seconds,
1 minute, 15 minutes or the highest level. A giant sound pressure level display is
optionally available which can be sited next to the DJ or in an office.
• Stores a record of the average and maximum sound pressure level every 15 minutes for a
maximum period of 15 days. When the 15 day period is exceeded the newest
measurements will replace the oldest, thus updating the 15-day maximum on an ongoing
basis.
HERA can also detect if anyone has disconnected any cables from it, or even if anyone has
opened the lid which prevents access to the ARGOS adjustement. Should any of these events
take place it is automatically stored in the list of errors and events. This list, and the record of
sound pressure levels, can be inspected at any time by the user and can even be transferred to
a computer. It is thus extremely easy to see if anyone has tried to cheat !
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS WHEN USED AS A FREE-STANDING DEVICE
The HERA has two outputs which provide control over two external relays. The first is for
signalling (warning output) and the second when operated shuts off the electrical power (cut
off output). These relays are activated after the Threshold has been exceeded. The duration
of the excess period can be set separately for the two outputs. The ‘warning’ output is cut off
about one minute after the level has returned below the Threshold. If the power itself is cut
off, there are two ways in which it can be restored:
• using a secret PIN CODE via the dealer menu;
• after a preset time period.
To select either of these two options you must have access to the dealer menu.
If the microphone is disconnected the ‘alert’ relay will operate. If the microphone is not
reconnected within 10 seconds the ‘cut’ relay will activate. Power can be restored by either of
the two methods described immediately above.
NOTE: the output relays only function WHEN THE HERA IS USED AS A STAND-
ALONE DEVICE. When the APEX ARGOS is connected it becomes impossible to exceed
the preset level. Thus relays, either for warning or cut-off purposes, becomes irrelevant..
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS WHEN USED WITH THE ARGOS
When connected to the ARGOS limiter, the HERA measures the microphone signal and sends
the appropriate commands to the ARGOS, which can then reduce the sound pressure level if
necessary.