Wireless PA System Installation Guide

The 2-Way Radio Wireless PA Receiver is a powerful communication tool designed to seamlessly broadcast voice messages from your portable, base station, or mobile two-way radio to a PA speaker located up to 2 miles away. This innovative system is ideal for environments where traditional hard-wired PA installations are impractical, too costly, or required only temporarily. The system's setup is straightforward, enabling quick deployment, but careful planning is essential to determine the number of receivers needed for complete coverage.

Choosing a Dedicated Frequency

For clear communication without the risk of broadcasting full conversations over the PA system, use a dedicated frequency on your broadcasting radios. Avoid using the same channel for both two-way communication and PA announcements to maintain privacy and clarity.

Setting the Volume Level

Proper volume adjustment is key to achieving the best performance from your PA receiver and speaker. Consider the ambient noise levels in your environment when setting the volume:

• Too high a volume can lead to uncomfortably loud audio near the speaker and insufficient coverage at the edges of the broadcast range.
• Too low a volume may result in inaudible messages in noisy areas.
• Feedback (caused by the PA speaker audio entering the radio's microphone) can also occur if the calling radio is too close to the speaker.

For larger coverage areas, additional receivers and speakers may be required. If needed, two speakers can be connected to a single receiver using a splitter.

Steps to Determine the Optimal Volume Level

Follow these steps to achieve the best audio output for your PA system:

1. Identify Ambient Noise Levels: Refer to the provided chart and locate the horizontal shaded bars corresponding to your environment's average noise level.
2. Estimate Maximum Broadcast Distance: Determine the maximum distance (in feet) that the loudspeaker needs to reach and locate this distance on the chart.
3. Adjust Volume Settings: Follow the distance point upward until it intersects with the line at the middle of your shaded bar. This intersection represents the optimal volume setting for your PA system.

By carefully following these guidelines, you can ensure reliable and clear communication across your desired coverage area.

Example Application

For instance, if your goal is to cover a maximum distance of 50 feet in a factory with ambient noise levels comparable to a warehouse:

1. Locate the vertical line corresponding to 50 feet on the provided chart.
2. Trace this line upward until it intersects the shaded bar labeled Warehouse (representing the ambient sound level for that environment).
3. Identify the 50% to 75% range on the bar, which indicates the appropriate PA volume setting for optimal sound coverage.

By following this method, you can ensure that announcements are clear and audible without being overly loud or distorted.

Speaker Placement

Proper speaker placement is crucial for maximizing the performance of your PA receiver and speaker while ensuring user safety. Consider the following guidelines when selecting the speaker's location:

Indoor or Outdoor Installation

• The speaker is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Ensure access to a nearby 110VAC power source to connect the included 12-volt DC power cube.
• For outdoor installations, house the radio receiver box indoors to protect it from the elements. Alternatively, use the optional outdoor housing for weather resistance.
• The speaker comes with a 25-foot cable. If additional reach is required, standard RCA phono cable extensions can be used.

Avoid Proximity to Radio User

• Do not place the speaker in close proximity to the 2-way radio user who will be addressing the system.
• Such placement can cause feedback issues, where the loudspeaker's audio interferes with the radio microphone.
• To eliminate feedback entirely, use the system's Record & Play feature for announcements.

Elevation Above Head Level

• Mount the speaker at least 10 feet above head level to prevent excessive sound exposure, as the speaker can produce levels high enough to cause permanent hearing loss.
• Avoid installing the speaker in locations where people may stand directly in front of it.
• For optimal sound distribution, mount the speaker horizontally. This orientation provides a 90° horizontal and 60° vertical coverage pattern with minimal loss of sound intensity.

By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure optimal sound performance, coverage, and safety for all users.

Covering Large Areas or Areas with Obstructions

To effectively cover a large area or a space with significant obstructions, consider using two speakers positioned back-to-back in a central location.

• Mounting Height: Install the speakers as high as possible to maximize coverage and minimize sound interference. Ensure they are oriented away from each other for optimal sound dispersion.
• Single PA Receiver: Both speakers can be powered by a single PA receiver, simplifying the setup and reducing equipment costs.
• Feedback Prevention: Using two speakers in this configuration may allow for a lower overall volume level compared to a single speaker, which helps reduce the likelihood of feedback issues.

Surprisingly, the use of 2 speakers powered by a single receiver can allow you to reduce the volume level in a quiet environment. By covering an area with 2 centrally located speakers, installed back-to-back, the volume level can be cut in half.

Receiver Placement

Proper installation of the PA receiver is crucial for achieving optimal radio coverage and ensuring the effective performance of your loudspeaker system. Incorrect placement can significantly reduce the maximum range between the calling radio and the PA receiver. Follow these guidelines for best results:

Indoor Placement

• Install the receiver indoors to protect it from environmental factors unless you are using the optional outdoor housing for weather resistance.

Power Source

• Ensure easy access to a 110VAC power outlet to connect the 12-volt power cube.

Central and Elevated Location

• Place the PA receiver in a central and elevated location to maximize radio coverage and minimize obstructions.

Antenna Orientation

• Position the antenna vertically for optimal radio signal reception.
• Avoid placing the antenna near or in contact with large metal objects, as this can interfere with signal quality.
• If the receiver is mounted horizontally, ensure the antenna remains in a vertical position.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas

• Choose a location that is not exposed to heavy foot traffic to reduce the risk of the receiver being bumped, unplugged, or disconnected from the speaker.

Cord Management

• Keep the power cord from the 12-volt power cube unwound and untangled.
• Route the cord away from the antenna to prevent interference and maintain signal clarity.

Extended Range

• For enhanced radio range, consider using an external antenna.
• The RT1009 VHF/UHF magnet-mount antenna includes 25 feet of cable, allowing for placement at a higher elevation for improved signal strength and coverage.

Multiple PA Receivers and Speakers

In many cases, a single PA receiver and speaker may not provide adequate coverage. Multiple receivers and speakers may be necessary in the following scenarios:

• Separate Buildings: Paging is required in multiple buildings.
• Large Coverage Area: The coverage area exceeds the range of a single receiver and speaker.
• Multiple Locations: Announcements need to be heard in distinct or widely separated areas.

Factors for Determining the Number of Receivers and Speakers

To decide how many receivers and speakers are needed, consider the following:

1. Ambient Noise Levels: Evaluate the noise levels in the areas requiring public address.
2. Coverage Area: Calculate the total square footage that needs to be covered.
3. Physical Obstacles: Assess any barriers (e.g., walls, machinery, equipment) that might obstruct sound.

Using Noise Measurements

If possible, measure sound levels at the loudest points in the coverage area using a decibel meter. This measurement will help determine the necessary sound output for the PA system.

• The wireless PA system should be at least 6 dB louder than the ambient noise level to ensure clarity.

Understanding Coverage with an Example

Refer to the illustration provided to estimate coverage. For example:

• A speaker set to 100% volume generates 84 dB of sound at a distance of 101 feet directly in front of it.
• To hear announcements clearly at this distance, the ambient noise level should not exceed 78 dB.

By carefully evaluating noise levels, area size, and obstacles, you can plan and install a system with multiple receivers and speakers to achieve effective and clear communication across your facility.

Audio Output Specifications

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