Redback Q 2012 Operating Manual

INTRODUCTION:
The Redback® Q 2012 Field strength Meter is absolutely essential for all installers setting up and commisioning hearing
induction loop amplifier systems. It is ideally used in conjunction with the Redback® Q 2014 1kHz tone generator allowing
an installer to test the signal generated in the actual 'loop' of the system. The resultant signal is 'induced' into the pickup of
the Q 2012 tester and the strength of the signal is displayed on the LED display.
It is also ideal for measuring any electrical noise that may be present within the loop precinct, which should be done prior
to the loop installation.
The signal strength and quality can also be monitored via headphones, which can be plugged directly into the Q 2012.
The meter has an internal Li-Ion battery which is recharged via a 5V Dc source such as a USB connection.
OPERATION:
Use the "Power" switch to turn the Redback® Q 2012 ON or OFF.
The Q 2012 is also equipped with an auto power off function. The unit will automatically power down after a period of
about four minutes, saving precious battery life.
There are two modes of operation available, Field Strength and Background Noise, which are selected by the switch on the
end of the Q 2012.
Testing The Field Strength:
Use this mode to determine the db levels of the active loop.
The field Strength is tested to Australian Standard AS60118.4 (2007), using a 1kHz sinusoidal input, with a variation of +/-
3dB. An extract of the standard is supplied on the next page.
In practical terms, the recommended field strength should be 100mAmps/metre with a long term average >60 secs.
i.e. -12dB ref 400mA/m (rms). This is the "Field Strength Average" which is shown as the -12dB point on the LED scale on
the front of the Q 2012. This is the average reading which needs to be achieved in the listening area.
The recommended field strength maximum should be 400mAmps/metre for 0.125secs. This becomes the 0dB reference.
The "Field Strength Maximum" is shown as the 0dB point on the LED scale on the front of the Q 2012. The Field Strength
in the listening area should not exceed this 0dB level.
When testing the Field Strength, we recommend connecting the Redback® Q 2014 Audio Generator which has a 1kHz si-
nusoidal output, to the input of the loop amplifier (as shown in figure 1). The output level of the amplifier is then adjusted
to achieve the "Field Strength Average" as measured by the Redback® Q 2012 Field Strength meter.
(Note: When measuring the Field Strength, the Q 2012 should be held vertical for best results).
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Redback® Q 2012 Field Strength Meter
Operating Manual
User manual revision number: 1.0 04/11/2020
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