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One of our goals in the design of Tempest was that it should work the way you think it should work – that is, it should be intuitive and similar to other equipment that you may already use. You will be able to begin using your new Tempest wireless intercom system with nothing more than the Quick Start Guide.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Important Safety Instructions The word “Caution” is the lowest of the three signal words (Caution, Warning and Danger), with “Danger” being the highest. Therefore, whenever the word “Caution” is used, it may be replaced with either of the higher rated signal words: “Warning” or “Danger.” •...
When working outdoors or near water, always connect the system into a ground-fault interrupting circuit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the Tempest BaseStation, Transceiver, or BeltStation. Opening the case may expose dangerous electrical components, and will void the warranty.
Your Tempest Wireless Intercom System includes rechargeable lithium-polymer batteries that power the BeltStations. To ensure that there is no violation of U.S. or International laws, and to ensure your own safety, always: •...
Maintenance and Care Cleaning Generally, the Tempest Wireless hardware should be cleaned only with a dry cloth. A soft cloth with rubbing alcohol may be used to wipe the units if needed. Never spray solvents or chemicals onto the units.
1 per BaseStation 1. Connect a whip antenna onto the back of the BaseStation. Select a suitable location for the BaseStation. Tempest is a radio system, broadcasting and receiving RF signals that are affected by physical and electronic barriers. The antenna should be located as high as possible and away from all obstructions. When using a whip (omnidirectional) antenna, select a location as close as possible to the center of the area you want to cover.
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Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual 4. Pair BeltStations to the BaseStation. Pairing is a programming process that allows a BaseStation and BeltStation to recognize each other. • Confirm that the BaseStation is powered ON. • Confirm that the BeltStation is powered OFF. •...
The 900MHz band offers many benefits. There are, however, a wide variety of technologies and users competing for clear spectrum in this limited band. Tempest utilizes patented and proprietary technologies to ensure a robust and reliable RF link under a wide variety of physical and RF environments.
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Tempest ideal for use at sporting venues, concerts and other events where unwanted noise levels are high. Tempest offers a host of features and technology to ensure that it performs well in almost all production environments virtually anywhere in the...
Relay Access DA-15 Breakout Cable If you plan to utilize any of the six available relays on the back of the Tempest BaseStation, you will need to provide an appropriate DA-15 breakout cable to access the Stage Announce Relay and Individual Relays.
The Talk button works in conjunction with the Local Headset Connector. The Talk button enables or disables the microphone for the local headset. A blue “TALK” LED will illuminate when the mic is enabled. Tempest uses an intelligent latching method for talk buttons. Pressing TALK momentarily will cause the mic button to latch.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual 6- Peak LEDs The two PEAK LEDs indicate when the mic audio from the local headset is reaching a peak level and is about to enter into limiting. These indicators should not be illuminated during normal use. The mic gain for the Local Headset connector can be adjusted from the “Set Mic Gain” menu, under “BaseStation Settings.”...
LCD Adjustments menu screen. BaseStation LCD - Operational Mode Front Panel Right The Front Panel Right controls 1 – 7, will normally be used together to configure the Tempest BaseStation for 2-Wire or 4-Wire operation. 1- 2-Wire Intercom Type Slide Switch A&B The 2-Wire Intercom Type slide switch configure the BaseStation for the type of intercom that will be connected to the corresponding 2-Wire connectors on the rear panel of the BaseStation.
In Menu Mode, from the Intercom Levels screen, the IN control adjusts the incoming level of the currently selected wired intercom channel, from the hard wired intercom system to the Tempest BaseStation. If 2-Wire is selected, the IN Level control adjusts the incoming level of the 2-Wire signal.
1- AC Power Input Connector The IEC AC Power Input Connector accepts the AC power cord. Use this connector with the supplied AC power cord to power the Tempest BaseStation from AC power between 85 and 260 VAC at 50 – 60 Hertz. The BaseStation will draw approximately 15 Watts (125mA at 120VAC, 65mA at 230VAC).
2- Aux IN Connector The Auxiliary IN Connector is used to supply program or other audio sources to the Tempest BaseStation. The Auxiliary IN Connector is a ¼” Tip/ Ring/Sleeve jack that accepts a standard ¼” TRS plug. The Auxiliary IN Connector is balanced and transformer isolated. Nominal line level is -15.5 to +4 dBu.
7- Relay Connector The Relay Connector provides access to all of the relay closure contacts for the Tempest BaseStation. There are six relays including one common Stage Announce relay and five individually assignable relays - one for each of the wireless BeltStations. See the section on “GPO Relay Contacts.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual BeltStation Overview Front 1- Volume- CH A and CH B In Operational Mode, turning the Volume control adjusts the volume of the audio. Volume indicators appear on the display during adjustment and are expressed in Decibels (dB). The Volume control has an option to be set to “Volume Press”...
BeltStation OFF. 3- Battery Compartment The Battery Compartment holds either one Tempest Lithium-Polymer rechargeable battery or (3) standard alkaline AA cells. To remove the battery door, press down on the thumb markings and pull the battery door toward the bottom of the BeltStation.
B. The Talk button enables the microphone signal for the assigned intercom channels. Tempest uses an intelligent latching method for TALK buttons. Pressing the TALK button momentarily will cause the TALK button to latch. Pressing and holding the TALK button will cause the button to act as a momentary switch.
ON for only a few seconds when first powered ON, and OFF during normal operation. 5- BASESTATION LINK RJ-45 Connector The BaseStation Link RJ-45 connector is used to connect the Transceiver to the Tempest BaseStation via standard CAT-5 cable with RJ-45 connectors.
A Tempest BaseStation mounted in an equipment rack with optional cables and mounting hardware. Tempest is a radio system. Choosing a location for your Tempest BaseStation and the associated antenna is one of the most important factors to ensure proper system operation and achieve maximum operational range. As covered in the General Information and Theory of Operation section of this manual, broadcasting and receiving RF signals can be greatly affected by physical and electromagnetic barriers.
Power Connections The Tempest BaseStation can be powered by AC or DC power, and uses an auto-switching power supply; therefore, if both AC and DC are connected, the BaseStation will automatically switch to DC in the event AC power is interrupted.. The front panel ON/OFF switch controls AC and DC power coming into the BaseStation.
Only use approved antennas. Unauthorized antennas may be illegal. Using more than one BaseStation permits an increase in the number of wireless BeltStations within an area, or by utilizing Tempest’s iSelect roaming feature, allows increasing the area covered and even allows for the creation of separate, but adjacent or overlapping coverage areas.
Tempest Remote Transceiver, or it can be separated from the remote transceiver using high quality, low loss, 50 ohm RF cable as listed above. See the Tempest Remote Transceiver section of this manual for more information on the setup and use of the...
Confirm operation by observing the Transceiver LEDs. The Tempest Remote Transceiver is an optional accessory that allows antennas to be located up to 1,500 feet away from the BaseStation without the RF signal loss that is associated with using long runs of coaxial cable.
When the BeltStation is located within this focused area of energy, it will have a more powerful signal, which will improve range. Note: Directional antennas are currently not available for 900 MHz Tempest models. Only use approved antennas. Unauthorized antennas may be illegal.
BaseStation. Using the Front Panel Controls The Tempest BaseStation can be configured depending on user preferences and the tasks to be accomplished. The following instructions will help you navigate the front panel and LCD user interface.
Selecting a Frequency Band The Tempest 900MHz wireless system is approved license-free in North America. It operates in the 900 MHz frequency band between 902 and 928 MHz. The frequency band is fixed and cannot be changed.
Lockout Key represent more than 11,000 possible combinations to minimize the possibility of inter-system interference. The Network Numbers and Lockout Keys for Tempest Wireless BaseStations are set to a factory default before leaving the factory. It is always recommended to adjust the Network Number and Lockout Key upon initial set up out of the box. Failure to set a unique Network Number and Lockout Key may result in poor system performance caused by interference from another Tempest Wireless system using the same Network Number and Lockout Key.
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Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Adjusting Network Number and Lockout Key The Network Number and Lockout Key settings can be adjusted from the BaseStation, under the “Radio Configuration” section of the Tech Menu. Any adjustment to the Network Number and/or Lockout Key will require corresponding BeltStations to be re-paired with updated BaseStation.
BeltStation a different slot (1 – 5). If you have a BeltStation that displays the message “Slot Occupied,” it means two or more BeltStations are assigned to the same slot number. When operating in Shared Mode, the Tempest BaseStation must be in Dynamic slot assignment. Name Each Station Name the BaseStation with a descriptive name.
Always keep the microphone disabled (TALK OFF) when not in use. Tempest uses an intelligent latching method for TALK buttons. Pressing the TALK button momentarily (less than two seconds) will latch the mic button. The blue “TALK” LED will remain lit and the microphone will remain enabled. Pressing and holding the TALK button will cause the button to act in a momentary or push-to-talk fashion, so the blue “TALK”...
Stage Announce (SA) The Stage Announce (SA) function in the Tempest BaseStation is used to send a wireless BeltStation microphone signal to a dedicated external audio output. When a wireless user presses the STAGE button on the BeltStation, their audio is re-routed from the selected intercom channel(s) and is sent to the BaseStation rear panel SA connector.
10% and remains closed until the battery is replaced or the BeltStation is turned OFF. All relay contacts can support 1 Amp at 30 VDC. The relay completes a circuit. Tempest does not supply any power to the circuit. Since every user will require a custom application, cables for your RELAY connections will require some bench work.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Auxiliary Output Audio from the Auxiliary OUT Connector can be assigned from any combination of the two intercom channels with Volume control at the “Aux Out Assignment/Levels” menu. Audio from the Auxiliary OUT connector comes only from the wireless users and no audio from the hard wired intercom channels is routed to Auxiliary OUT.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual BeltStation Setup The BeltStation can be configured in three ways. It can be configured by the BeltStation menu, wirelessly by the BaseStation menu, or using the PC interface called T-Desk. While many functions are available through all three methods, certain features are only available through the BeltStation.
Lithium-Polymer batteries are the primary power source. High quality alkaline AA cells may be used in situations where Lithium-Polymer batteries are not available or are not charged. One Lithium-Polymer battery comes standard with each Tempest BeltStation. Additional Lithium- Polymer batteries may be purchased. Contact your dealer or distributor to purchase additional batteries. The Lithium-Polymer batteries supplied with your Tempest Wireless system are warranted for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Batteries can receive more than 500 charge cycles, and continue to maintain more than 70% of their power rating. The Tempest battery indicator will maintain its accuracy as battery life decreases. Alternatively, remove the Lithium-Polymer rechargeable battery from the BeltStation and insert it into the optional 5-Bay Battery Charger.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Pairing with a BaseStation Pair BeltStation to BaseStation: Confirm that the BaseStation is powered ON and in Operational Mode (not in Menu Mode) and that the BeltStation is powered OFF. Confirm that the BaseStation’s Network Number and Lockout Key are adjusted as needed.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Mode, if a BeltStation is not turned ON, or is logged out due to being out of range, the BaseStation LCD will display a very obvious “X,” Static making it easy to see at a glance which BeltStations are currently active. A Multiple BaseStation system that uses iSelect Roaming must choose to use “Dynamic”...
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Call Function There are two call methods available in Tempest. The first uses the CALL button to send call signals to any BeltStation or hard wired user on the active channel. The second method is referred to as “Call On Talk” and uses the BeltStation TALK button to initiate a call signal. However, the “Call On Talk”...
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Set Mic Gain Set the Mic Gain properly to ensure the best audio quality. To set the Mic Gain for the BeltStation Headset: 1. Press MENU to enter Menu Mode. From the Main Menu, select “Set Controls,” then “Mic Gain.” 2.
Installations with multiple BaseStation coverage zones often require users to move from one work zone to another throughout the day. One of the ways Tempest handles these transitions is with iSelect™ On-Command Roaming. Using iSelect, a user can easily change their communication from one BaseStation to another BaseStation in just a few seconds.
Wired Intercom Interface to the BaseStation Each of Tempest’s twohard wired intercom channels can interface with a 4-Wire matrix intercom or a 2-Wire party-line intercom. Tempest supports a 4-Wire intercom interface to most major digital matrix intercom systems and other intercom 4-Wire devices. Tempest also interfaces with 2-Wire intercom systems including Clear-Com, RTS, and AudioCom (BAL) systems, as well as compatible brands.
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2-Wire, 4-Wire, or no wired intercom connection. The IN and OUT controls adjust the intercom volume level coming in to the Tempest BaseStation from the hard wired intercom system or out to the hard wired intercom from the BaseStation. In addition, these knobs adjust Aux IN/OUT levels.
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In addition to intercom audio, most systems have separate data lines that carry system data from the matrix to the remote devices. The Tempest 4-Wire connection is an audio-only interface to 4-Wire systems. Data can be present on the input cable but no data is utilized in the Tempest BaseStation.
Audio may develop an echo that is heard in the wireless BeltStations until the system is nulled. The echo should not prevent communication but is undesirable. The volume levels into or out from Tempest may need adjusting so that relative volumes are the same.
OFF individually, or a hard wired Mic Kill signal will need to be initiated. On the Tempest BaseStation press MENU to open the Main Menu. Rotate the Volume Control to scroll through the menu options to the “Wired Intercom Settings”...
If echo persists after testing for at least 30 seconds: 1. Turn OFF all TALK buttons on wireless and wired equipment. Since Tempest analyzes a tone to adjust the Null characteristics, any sounds entering through the wired or wireless systems will interfere with the nulling process.
2-Wire Wiring Schemes Wiring schemes vary, and it is important to ensure that the cables are wired correctly for proper system operation. When Tempest is configured for a particular manufacturer’s system, Tempest routes the signal to internal circuitry that conforms to the requirements of that system. The 3-pin XLR connectors on the back of the Tempest BaseStation can have very different characteristics depending on the setting of the slide switch, as can be seen in the table below.
Modes of Operation Tempest Wireless BaseStations offer 3 modes of operation: Normal, Shared, and Split Mode. The mode of operation can be set by going into menu mode on the BaseStation. Press MENU and select “Mode Settings,” then “Operational Mode.”...
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Split Mode In Split mode, users are operating in a combination of Normal and Shared mode. This mode offers the use of 4 BeltStations (per BaseStation) that utilize the standard anytime talk back capability and allows an unlimited number of “shared” BeltStations to listen and talk on the final slot.
Null one BaseStation at a time. A 4-Wire matrix intercom system may be configured to connect to multiple Tempest BaseStations so that all share the same channels. Configure each BaseStation individually as described in 4-Wire (Matrix) Intercom Interface. The following information relates to multiple...
In Master Mode, the number of Tempest BaseStations that can be linked is only limited by RF factors, which is impacted by antenna location and other environmental factors. Widely distributed antennas may permit up to 5 BaseStations to be linked.
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Set the 2-Wire Intercom Type Select Switch to the proper type and select 2-Wire mode. Connect the hard wired intercom to the BaseStation. In this configuration, each connected Tempest BaseStation intercom channel will receive power and termination from the wired intercom system.
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“Special RF Considerations for Multiple BaseStations,” for more information on connecting multiple BaseStations. When two or more Tempest BaseStations are to be operated in the same location, connecting the BaseStations via the BaseSync connector on the back of the BaseStation, minimizes potential RF interference between BaseStations. The more BaseStations there are in close proximity to each other, the more important it is to use Accu-Sync.
An attempt to set a BaseStation to Master Mode while connected to a 2-Wire system, will result in an error message. If a BaseStation has “Set Base As Master” first turned ON, and an external hard wired intercom system is connected later, the Tempest BaseStation will turn OFF Master Mode.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Special RF Considerations with Multiple BaseStations Whenever multiple Tempest BaseStations are operated together in close proximity, special consideration must be taken to ensure proper system operation and maximize operational range. See the Antenna Location section of this manual for more information on antenna placement.
With all factors listed above being favorable, three to five Tempest systems (each with five BeltStations in Normal Mode), may be collocated with minimal or no user-perceived impact on system range or performance. It is highly recommended to contact your Tempest Applications Engineer for assistance when collocating more than three BaseStations.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual How Do I …? Remove Batteries from BeltStations Remove the battery cover from the back of the BeltStation by pressing lightly on the thumb grooves and sliding towards the bottom. Hold the BeltStation in one hand with the battery compartment facing downward over the open palm of your other hand. Firmly tap the BeltStation against the palm of your open hand and the battery will fall into your open hand.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Adjust Min/Max BeltStation Volume Levels From the BeltStation: • To set the Minimum volume, press MENU, select “Set Controls,” then “Volume Limit” and “Min Volume.” Use the Volume knob to adjust the level and press ENTER to save the new setting. •...
Since every user will require a custom application, cables for your RELAY connections will require some bench work with a soldering iron. Use the Transceiver Choose an optimum location for the Tempest Remote Transceiver and antenna. Using standard CAT-5 cable, connect the Transceiver to the BaseStation RJ-45 connector labeled TRANSCEIVER.
Staying up to date with the latest firmware ensures that your system is equipped with the newest features and enhancements that Tempest has to offer. Tempest uses a proprietary program, CodeUpdater, to update firmware in the BaseStation and the BeltStation.
If all connections are made correctly with all front panel controls properly set, and there is still no external hard wired intercom audio present in the Tempest system, substitute another cable (3-pin XLR for 2-Wire or RJ-45 for 4-Wire) making sure that it is connected properly to both the external hard wired system and the Tempest BaseStation.
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• Set the BaseStation 2-Wire Intercom Type Select Switch to the Clear-Com position. Select 2-Wire for the relevant channels. Set only one of the Tempest BaseStations to Master Mode. • Audio can only be passed from one BaseStation to another in the “Clear-Com mode” unless actually connected to to another type of wired intercom system.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual BeltStation BeltStation will not power up • Confirm that battery(ies) is (are) installed correctly. • When using a Lithium-Polymer rechargeable battery, ensure that the battery is fully charged. • When using alkaline AA batteries, ensure that batteries are fresh and are all facing the same way. Note the illustration in the battery compartment section.
If the SA relay does not close, ensure that the Stage Relay is enabled in the BeltStation. If problems persist, confirm the operation with another BeltStation. Tempest Remote Transceiver Remote Transceiver RX or TX LEDs do not light While the Transceiver is properly connected to the BaseStation, turn the BaseStation Power Switch to the OFF position. Wait for 30 seconds and turn the BaseStation Power Switch back to the ON position.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Default Settings BaseStation Defaults BeltStation Defaults Headset Sidetone: -18 dB Headset Sidetone: -18 dB Headset MIC gain: +6 dB / +22 dB Headset MIC gain: +6 dB / +22 dB Electret: +6 dB Electret: +6 dB Dynamic: +22 dB Dynamic: +22 dB LCD Contrast: 30...
Model Number (Part Number) Tempest® 900 MHz Series BaseStations Tempest® 900 MHz 4 channel, full feature base station. Features two RP-TNC RF antenna ports, Remote Transceiver port, 2-wire, 4-wire, Stage Out, Aux IN, Aux OUT, relay cluster, Sync IN, Sync OUT, USB, LAN, Belt Prog port and AC & DC power inputs.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual System Features • All digital, frequency hopping spread spectrum technology - no frequency coordination needed • 900MHz offers World-Wide operation with no licensing requirements in most world-wide locations • Accu Sync™ timing system for improved performance with multiple BaseStations •...
-100 dBm for 10 Radio Certification FCC Part 15, Canadian RSS-210, license free Transmission Range 1,000 ft. (304.8 m) under ideal conditions. 500 ft. to 900 ft. (152.4 m to 274.3 m) typical Audio Dynamic Range >94 dB Audio Frequency Response 300Hz–3.8KHz with proprietary audio voice shaping...
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual BaseStation Specifications* Intercom Audio Channels Full Duplex BeltStations per BaseStation Shared BeltStations per Base Unlimited Number of Antenna Ports per BaseStation Antenna Connector Type RP-TNC Number of Synchronized BaseStations 3–5 Maximum Range of Base Sync Cable 3,000 ft (914.4 m) BaseStation/BeltStation Pairing Via supplied Mini-jack/cable...
On-Command Roaming: Permits the BeltStation user to select the BaseStation appropriate for the current location or activity. License Free: The 900 MHz band is approved for non-licensed use in virtually every country. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the system is operated in accordance with local laws and regulations.
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Tempest BaseStation: The control station for a group of Tempest Wireless Intercom BeltStations with the ability to interface with most commonly used wired intercom systems. Tempest BeltStation: An intercom user station, designed to be worn on the user’s belt in conjunction with a headset that provides a dedicated communication link and freedom of movement.
Tempest system complies with those exposure limits. C. Tempest BeltStations have been designed to be worn and used in close proximity to the human body..what the FCC calls a “portable” use. The BeltStation unit complies with FCC exposure limits for portable use.
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D. To ensure compliance with FCC exposure limits, no person must come closer than 26 cm (ten inches) from either the standard 4” Rubber Whip Antenna, the optional Directional Corner Reflector Antenna, or other approved antenna whichever is used with the Tempest BaseStation.
ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY. NEITHER COACHCOMM, LLC NOR ANY DEALER WHO SELLS TEMPEST WIRELESS PRODUCTS IS LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND.
Tempest900 2-Channel Operating Manual Technical Support Information about CoachComm’s Technical Support and Repair Procedures is provided below. Contacting Us CoachComm, LLC support and service personnel are ready to help you with any issues you may have. All requests and questions should be directed to our Customer Service department via phone, fax, or email.
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