Overview - ASL INTERCOM VAR8 Product Description

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Overview

The VAR8 and its variants are DSP-based Audio Routers, allowing routing of audio inputs to any
combination of their outputs. In addition to audio routing, the VAR8 provides full system control and fault
reporting functions for the Application Solutions rack mount Voice Alarm systems.
The control functions include the monitoring and control of up to 63 V400 Amplifier Mainframes, associated
amplifiers, and surveillance interface cards. Each Mainframe connects to the VAR8 via an Audio-CAN
serial data network and audio monitor bus.
The VAR8 is the base unit, which can be optionally supplied with an EXP8 Interface Expansion Board, an
EFI01 European Fire Interface Card, and/or an ANIC Network Interface Card.
The VAR8 base unit has the following audio I/O:
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Audio inputs:
8 universal Mic/Line inputs, which can support multi-zone ASL Paging Microphones
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Mic/Line inputs 1 & 2 can support All-Call or zoneable Fire Microphones, which act as all-call
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hardware bypass microphones in the event of processor failure, as required by BS5839 Pt 8.
1 additional input for miscellaneous functions e.g. background music.
−
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Audio outputs:
8 single audio outputs (not A+B pairs), for feeding amplifiers.
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Digital messages (DVA):
Two 66-second messages (DVA1 & DVA2) and two 50-second messages (DVA3 & DVA4).
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Audio monitoring input:
Additional balanced audio input for audio monitoring of amplifier outputs.
The VAR8 built-in fire alarm interfaces include:
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10 opto-isolated sounder circuit inputs,
purpose of triggering digital messages.
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RS485 serial interface for connection of Fire Loop Interfaces.
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Common fault output relay.
The Intellevac Network Interface Card (ANIC) provides networking capability to the VAR8 with the following
features:
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Interface to a network hosted by an Intellevac ACU Audio Control Unit or a VAR8-ACU Audio Control
Unit.
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Announcements and DVAs initiated from the Audio Control Unit, or any microphone connected to it,
may be broadcast to the VAR8 outputs.
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Inputs 1, 3, and 4 of VAR8 are normally used for the network connections.
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Section "3 Network" describes the network features and operation.
The Interface Expansion Board (EXP8) provides the following additional features to the VAR8-E:
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Separate A and B audio output connections, for driving A+B amplifiers with interleaved speaker
circuits.
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10 additional opto-isolated inputs.
The European Fire Interface Card (EFI01) replaces the VAR8 base unit's opto-isolated inputs with:
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8 non-isolated analogue inputs.
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8 open-collector digital outputs.
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The EXP8 opto-isolated inputs are not affected by the EFI01.
VAR8 and Variants - Product Description
suitable for connecting fire alarm panels to the
Issue: 02 complete, approved
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VAR8
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