Alpha Communications ALPHA-PAGE v4.0 Installation & Owner's Manual page 3

INTRODUCTION
Alpha-Page is a nurse call monitoring system designed to instantly send user programmed
messages to alphanumeric pocket pagers. The system is stand-alone, it does not require a
computer or any other equipment. Alpha-Page is designed to interface to systems utilizing a call
wire (annunciator wire) per room (or patient).
Alpha-Page uses alphanumeric pocket pagers which can receive messages containing
numbers, letters, and punctuation symbols. You program a specific message for each room using a
standard PS-2 computer keyboard. Therefore, the call message on a staff member's pager tells
exactly who is calling and from which room. The system can be configured to best meet the needs
of the facility. For example, the system can contain several pagers that can each receive all patient
calls. Or, several pagers may be used but each only receives calls assigned to a specific staff
member. Alpha-Page contains a timer for each call. If a call isn't answered/reset within a
programmable period of time, the page can be re-sent to the same pager number or to a different/
back-up pager number.
User programming is protected from erasure due to power failure with a built-in lithium
battery with a life-span of up to ten years. With the rechargeable 12V, 7 Amp-hour battery option,
the Alpha-Page system operates with battery back-up for up to 36 hours. When main power is
restored, the battery is automatically recharged. Note: The TX125-ENC operates on a separate
power supply. For system operation during a power failure, the PS-125 power supply (for TX125-
ENC) must be plugged into a UPS or similar power outlet with power backup.
MLS-EC1 ENCLOSURE INSTALLATION
The entire Alpha-Page system (except transmitter and pagers) fits in the MLS-EC1
surface-wall mount enclosure. Determine a suitable location for the MLS-EC1. Remember, one
wire for each room (or patient) needs to be run to the MLS-EC1. This can come directly from a
room station, from a corridor light or, if there is an annunciator panel (light board where all calls
appear), one wire for each room can be run from the annunciator panel to the MLS-EC1 enclosure.
Locate the MLS-EC1 in a location that will allow the most convenient means of running the
required wiring between the nurse call system and Alpha-Page. Refer to drawings C022397-1 and
C022397-2 for enclosure dimensions and mounting hole locations.
ROOM WIRING
Each signal wire that is to cause a message to be transmitted must be connected to a MLS-
32L signal input board. The signal may come directly from a room station, from a corridor dome
light, or can be parallel connected to the call light/LED of the annunciator panel (light board
showing all calls). The annunciator panel is usually located at the nurses station. Refer to drawings
in this manual for basic wiring schematics. Note that there must be a connection between the nurse
call power supply and the "COM" terminal of the MLS-SPU1 board. If the nurse call system is the
common negative type (positive is switched to place call), then nurse call power supply negative (-
) must be connected to the "COM" terminal of the MLS-SPU1 board. If the nurse call system is
the common positive type (negative is switched to place call), then nurse call power supply
positive (+) must be connected to the "COM" terminal of the MLS-SPU1 board.
Alpha-Page can monitor up to 256 rooms. Each MLS-32L signal input board can
accommodate 32 inputs. Therefore, more than one MLS-32L board is required if more than 32
a
inputs re being monitored, up to eight can be used. The system can be expanded at any time by