How To Use The LP Intercom Notes for Lapworth Players Technicians

Transcription

1 How To Use The LP Intercom Notes for Lapworth Players Technicians Updated 17/8/2014 IMPORTANT THESE NOTES CONTAIN VITAL HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION THE LP COMMITTEE REQUIRES THAT ALL STAGE MANAGERS UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW THE GUIDANCE IN THESE NOTES.

2 1 INTRODUCTION The Intercom system allows communication between back-stage staff at various points in the hall, loft and dressing rooms. Loft Base Station Beltpack Circuit B Circuit A Dressing Room Stage switch Beltpack Beltpack Loudspeaker Station Headset There are two Circuits: A and B. B serves the Dressing Room only, and A serves all the other stations.

3 2 BASE STATION The Base Station is fixed in the workstation in the Loft, and is the central hub of the communications system. Circuit B On/Off Link A/B Circuit B Call Mic. On/Off Remote Mic. Kill Headset socket Headset volume Circuit B AUX Input Controls Power On/Off Circuit A On/Off Circuit A Call A/B outputs AUX Input 2.1 Powering Up To switch on the system, press the Power On/Off switch. 2.2 Operator's Headset The operator listens and talks to other users on the intercom system by plugging a headset into the Headset Socket on the front panel. The controls on the front panel are similar to the controls on a beltpack. The unit has two intercom circuits which can be used separately or together by the operator. The operator may speak to circuit A, B, or both by pressing the associated circuit select buttons. Both circuits remain independent and cannot communicate with each other (unless linked; see below). 2.3 Additional Headset The rear panel has two outlets for each circuit. One outlet for each circuit is used for the permanent wiring but the other can be used for a beltpack. Normally a beltpack is connected to the second Circuit-A output.

4 2.4 Faults If there is a fault on either circuit it is indicated on the lights 2.5 Linking Circuits If the Link switch is pressed the two circuits and combined into a single circuit (controlled by the Circuit-A controls). In this mode, not only can the operator speak to all the other stations but every station can speak to and hear all the others. 2.6 Additional Inputs Rear XLR3 socket 'Aux' is for Mic or Line input. Switchable 24V Phantom power is available when 'Mic' is selected. A microphone or line level auxiliary signal can be added to Circuit A or B, both or none by pressing the Aux button on the front panel and toggling through the four options. This allows external sources such as programme feeds, show relay or paging announcements to be mixed on to the intercom circuits. The amount of auxiliary signal added is set using the 'Aux Level' control. 2.7 Alert Tone A low level headphone alert in the form of a short 'beep' is heard when any function switch is depressed or if any outstation calls. 2.8 Call Signal To attract the attention of operators who have removed their headsets, all beltpacks and the loudspeaker station are fitted with call-lights. Depressing the 'Call A' or 'Call B' switch triggers all call-lights on that circuit to illuminate. 2.9 Microphone Kill 24kHz Remote Mic Kill generation and recognition The beltpacks can have their microphones switched off remotely from the Master Station by use of the 'Remote Mic Kill' facility. This avoids the build up of unwanted background noise caused by microphone circuits being open unnecessarily.

5 3 HEADSETS Headsets are used for 2-way communication. Each headset comprises: A beltpack A headphone and microphone set The headphones plug into the beltpack with a 4-pin XLR plug, and the beltpack is linked to the communications circuit using a short length of cable with 3-pin XLR plugs. 3.1 Headset Connection Points There are 2 outlets for headsets on the base station, and 4 around the hall, which are grey plastic boxes with 3-pin XLR sockets: On the base station: On the front panel (headset only, beltpack not required) On the rear panel. In the Hall: In the Prompt Corner (behind the proscenium) Off DSL (behind the proscenium) Off DSR (on the wooden pillar) In the committee room (normally used for the loadspeaker station). 3.2 Headset Operation To speak to all other stations: Press either of the MIC buttons briefly, they will illuminate green. To turn off your microphone: Press either of the MIC buttons again. The lights will go out. To adjust the sound volume in your earphones: Turn the green knob. To attract attention of users who are not wearing there headsets: Press the CALL button briefly. This flashes a light and plays a loud tone in all other the headsets for about one second.

6 4 LOADSPEAKER STATION The Loadspeaker Station is normally used in the dressing room, so that the Stage Manager can give warnings, calls and instructions to the cast. The plug is behind the folding doors on the corridor side of the Dressing Room. This plug is fed from the switch at the SM station (behind Proscenium Arch, SL). This enables the SM to turn output to the Loudspeaker Station on and off. There is a volume control on the Loadspeaker Station, which should be adjusted so that cues and calls can be heard clearly.

7 5 PROTOCOL Please observe the following protocol when using the communications system. Whenever possible, try to have at least one person in the loft and one person back-stage with a headset on at all times. Turn off your microphone when not talking to other stations. Avoid idle chatter. You may prevent an important message being heard. Start by saying who you want to speak to, and wait for an acknowledgement. Never say the word go in conversation, it may be mistaken for a Cue. Keep your voice down, the audience may be able to hear you. Mind what you say, you never know who may be listening.

8 6 TECHNICAL DATA This section contains details for repair and maintenance of the equipment. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE MUST ONLY BE DONE BY COMPETENT PERSONS 6.1 Base Station Further details of the equipment can be found at Headsets The headsets are Techpro BP511 single circuit beltpack with loopthrough. Further details of the equipment can be found at

9 6.3 Loudspeaker Station Further details of the equipment can be found at Loudspeaker Switch This switch, on the wall in the Prompt Corner, allows the SM to turn the intercom in the Dressing Room on and off. When the intercom is on the green LED is illuminated. Schematic Diagram: Stripboard Layout:

10 6.5 Breakout Box The breakout box is inserted in the intercom wiring in the pelmet on the SL side of the hall, just in front of the proscenium. It diverts the signal for the Intercom through the switch box in the Prompt Corner. It also provides a convenient point for testing the circuitry. Schematic Diagram: Stripboard Layout: