TTS Speaker
Installation/Guide
This guide provides typical installation instructions. Please bear in mind that
building codes vary and the technician installing the TTS Speaker units is
responsible for compliance with any relevant codes.
Version number: 000001
TTS Speaker Installation/Guide
This guide provides typical installation instructions. Please bear in mind that building codes vary and the technician
installing the TTS Speaker units is responsible for compliance with any relevant codes.
Specifications
● Dimensions: 7" H x 10.3" W x 3.8" D, wall mounted.
● Weight: 2.9 lbs
● Colors: black, white (gray and brown available by special
order)
● Power: 16VAC or 24VDC
● Data Input: RS-232 serial from Alert Beacon
● Audio Output: SPL >= 93dB @ 4'
Installation Kit
● Main speaker module with TTS board pre-installed
● RS-232 accessory cable for connection to Alert Beacon
● 16VAC, 20VA plug-in power transformer
● 2-pin terminal block for power connection
Due to differences in installation styles and locations, it is the
responsibility of the customer to supply a power cable in the
appropriate length. 18AWG, 2-conductor cable is suggested;
please ensure compliance with applicable building codes.
Installation Overview
1) Determine desired mounting location
2) Determine power source
3) If necessary, install electrical box / wiremold to supply power to
the TTS Speaker
4) Connect power / cables to the TTS Speaker
5) Connect communication cable to TTS Speaker
6) Record the Unit ID and location description
7) Install the TTS Speaker to the wall
8) Test the unit
General Mounting Guidelines
Recommended locations for installing TTS Speakers include:
1) Heavily trafficked building corridors
2) Lobbies and points of egress
3) Administrative desks
For optimal coverage, each hallway and common area should contain at least one unit. In standard 10 ft to 12 ft
ceiling height environments, a good rule of thumb is to install speakers in every occupied space and at intervals of
twice the ceiling height.
Install location with a drop ceiling
The preferred method is to install an electrical outlet in the ceiling, and use a plug-in AC transformer (Included with
your shipment). This presents a number of advantages:
● Plug-in transformers include a locking screw to prevent accidental unplugging.
● Power can be disconnected without needing to turn off the mains; simplifies maintenance (i.e. if power supply
needs to be replaced)
● The power supply for an external strobe can be connected to the second outlet, providing for future
expansion.
● AC plug-in transformers do not come pre-wired, so it is necessary to obtain crimp-on spade lugs for the
transformer connection, wire strippers and an appropriate crimp tool.
Install location without a drop ceiling
This typically requires a standalone step-down transformer. These are often slightly more expensive than the plug-in
type, and are more complicated to install. However, this method is sometimes necessary if there is no place to install
an outlet, or for aesthetic reasons. While a full install procedure for a hardwired transformer is beyond the scope of
this document, the following are some UL-approved models known to function well with the TTS Speakers:
Foster Transformer, Model 15343
Altronix ALTV244
Mounting the Speaker
The recommended mounting method for the speaker cabinet is to
use screws through the two oblong holes, near either end of the
cabinet. Standard drywall-type screws (or other types, as
appropriate for the mounting surface) can be driven directly through
these holes. This ensures a secure seal around the rear side, and
adds resistance to accidental or malicious removal. Cables can be
run inside the wall (according to building codes) or via an external
raceway.
Connecting Power to the TTS Speaker
Connecting the TTS Speaker to the included 16VAC plug-in
transformer provides power for the TTS processing unit and the
amplified speaker.
On the plug-in transformer, connect the spade lugs to the screw
terminals. The other end of the power cable is a green two-pin
"Euroblock" connector. Both ends, as well as the spade lug
connections, are shown in the picture at right.
Connect the green power plug to TTS board using the two-pin terminal
(number '1' on the connection diagram below.) The plug should be
oriented the same as the 4-pin speaker connection next to it and
should be seated securely.
Connecting Communications from Alert Beacon
The TTS Speaker connects to the RS-232 serial port of an Alert Beacon using a DB9 to RJ-45 cable, pictured at
below. Connect the RJ-45 end of the cable to socket '2' as shown on the connection diagram below. Connect the
DB-9 end to the serial port on the rear of the Alert Beacon.
In the event that the supplied 6' communication cable is not long enough, there are two easy options:
1) Use a female-female RJ-45 coupler, along with a standard straight-through CAT5 patch cord, to extend the cable.
2) If extending the cable is not an option, Alertus has set up a custom part number with BlackBox which our
customers can use to order TTS RS232 Cables in custom lengths. The maximum suggested cable length is 50 feet.
To place an order, call our BlackBox sales rep, Janet Kouklakis, at (724) 873-6679. Tell her you want to order part
number #CBCC362629 and specify the length you want the cable to be. Other sales reps besides Janet should also
be able to assist you. But, for custom parts you must call them (you can't place an order online).
Adjusting the Volume
The volume of the TTS Speaker is controlled by a knob located behind the mesh grill on the front of the unit. To adjust
the volume:
● Remove the grill by pushing inwards on the protruding sides of the mesh, then 'levering' it outwards away
from the unit.
● Turn the knob using a small flat-bladed screwdriver (such as those supplied for the removal of Alert Beacons)
or other similar object.
● Test the volume setting (by using the Test Button, as described in the next section, or sending an Alert
Message with TTS enabled as detailed below.)
● Once satisfied, replace the speaker grill by inserting the tabs into the slots on the inner sides of the lip around
the front edge of the unit.
For testing purposes, Alertus suggests a volume of 2-4. Higher settings (above 5-6) are appropriate for large areas,
but may be overwhelming in an enclosed space.
Power On and Testing
After making all required connections, plug in the power adapter. A Green light on the TTS board (located next to the
"Ready" light, as indicated by '3' in the connection diagram above) will come on to indicate the unit is running. After
power is applied, the unit takes a short time (usually under 30 seconds) to initialize. The orange "Ready" light will then
start blinking to indicate that the application is loading. Once the Blue "Ready" light turns on steadily, the application is
loaded and ready to accept commands.
To speak a simple test message:
● Make sure the unit is properly powered and the Blue "Ready" light (indicated by '3' in the connection diagram
above) is on.
● Set the volume at a reasonable level (try 2-4 at first.)
● Press and hold the "Test" button (indicated by '4' in the connection diagram above) for at least 3 seconds.
Repeat the test procedure while adjusting the volume level until an appropriate level has been established. Keep in
mind that the audio performance of the speaker enclosure is maximized when the device is firmly attached to a wall -
the foam on the rear edge helps ensure a seal with the wall for optimal sound output.
Troubleshooting
● Check that the volume control is set at 2 or higher.
● Check that the orange Ready light (indicated by '3' in the connection diagram) is on. If the orange light does
not come on within 60 seconds of applying power, contact Alertus support.
Post-Install Tasks
In order to properly configure the localized notification capabilities of the Alertus Notification
system, administrators must have a record of the Unit ID and location of each Alert Beacon.
Alertus provides Alert Beacon Install Logs for this purpose.
After completing an installation, record the 4-digit Unit ID (found on the white label on the rear of
the unit, highlighted in Figure 8), and a short description of the unit’s location, such as
“Mathematics Building, East hallway near lobby” along with connected peripherals such as a TTS
Speaker.
Appendix: Dimensional Drawings
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