Contemporary Research LA-B18 Lumalert Bar User Manual

: June 15, 2024
: Contemporary Research

Table of Contents

Overview
Connecting the LA-B18
Circuit Board Connections
Setup and Operation Notes
Web Pages
P1 Logic Input Port
RS-232/Telnet/TCP Bidirectional ASCII Serial Control Protocol
UDP Bidirectional ASCII Serial Control Protocol
UDP String Example
Configuring the LA-B18 Using the DIP Switches
LA-B18 Specifications
Safety Instructions and Warranty
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

LA-B18 Lumalert
Product Manual

Overview

The LA-B18 Lumalert is a low voltage remote controllable optical signaling device. The 18 x 5/8 inch RGB LED optical element with programable color and intensity. The color and intensity settings may be stored as a preset. The presets can be recalled by contact closure, web page, or ASCII serial command via RS-232 serial port, Telnet, TCP, or UDP. A loop of two or more presets may be created with a programmable on time for each preset.
The unit is ideal for any location where visual signaling is desired. This can include health care facilities, first responder facilities, education facilities, or high noise environments such as industrial, manufacturing, or production facilities.
Features

18 x 5/8 inch RGB LED element
Red, Green, and Blue individually adjustable with 100 steps of intensity
Flashing mode
9 user defined color presets stored in non-volatile memory
Preset recall via web page, contact closure, ASCII serial command via RS-232 com port, Telnet, TCP, or UDP
Configuration via web page, contact closure, ASCII serial command via RS-232 com port, Telnet, TCP, or UDP
Configuration with
Integrated Electronics
Logic inputs may be interfaced with alarm system or emergency management system
May be mounted at any orientation
Surface mountable or mounts to standard 2-gang electrical enclosure
Full Bidirectional ASCII serial commands
Powered via PoE or optional external 12 VDC 1 A power supply

Connecting the LA-B18

Power
Power may be provided to the LA-B18 by PoE via the Ethernet connector.

For applications where an Ethernet connection is not desired, the unit can be powered from the optional PS12-1.0 external power supply.
The output of the power supply will connect to the coaxial power connector marked ‘12V’ on the left side of the circuit board.
Setup and Control
The color and intensity of the LA-B18 can be customized and stored as a preset. The unit supports nine presets plus off. The color settings can be set and stored by the following listed below.

On-board web browser
ASCII serial commands via the RS-232 com port, USB virtual com port, Telnet, TCP, or UDP
Rear DIP Switches

The presets can be recalled by the following listed below.

On-board web browser
ASCII serial commands via the RS-232 com port, USB virtual com port, Telnet, TCP, or UDP
Contact closure logic input port

Circuit Board Connections

VDC Power Input
2.1 mm coaxial jack (inside center conductor positive), 11 to 14 VDC, 12 VDC typical, 0.6 A maximum. May be used in lieu of PoE.
RS-232 Com Port
3.5 mm TRS jack RS-232 data link for control, configuration, and firmware updates. Baud rate configurable 1200 to 230.4K.
• Tip – Data Transmit
• Ring – Data Receive
• leeve – Common
Ethernet
RJ-45 jack, 10/100Mbps Ethernet for control, web page access, configuration, and firmware updates. PoE supported.
P1 Logic Input Port
P1 Logic Input control port 5-pin captive screw terminal, for preset recall using contact closure. Labeled P1 on the circuit board.
• 1 – Ground
• 2 – Input 1
• 3 – Input 2
• 4 – Input 3
• 5 – 12 VDC Input
S2
Store switch.
S3
Boot switch.
SW2
DIP switch bank 2.DIP switch bank 1.
USB
USB mini-B jack virtual com port for control or firmware updates. Baud rate fixed at 115.2K.

Setup and Operation Notes

Output
The levels for the red, green, and blue LED elements are individually adjustable in steps of 0 to 100. The levels can be adjusted in the Settings web page, RS-232 or Telnet command, or by using the rear DIP switches.
Presets
Color settings can be stored as a preset. Up to 9 presets may be stored in memory. Preset 0 is hard coded to set the output to an off state. Presets 1 through 9 are available for user presets.
A preset consists of the values for red, green, and blue, plus values for Time On and Next Preset. For a static preset, the value for Time On must be set to 0. If the Time On parameter is set to 0, then the Next Preset parameter is not used.
Presets can be stored using the Settings web page, RS-232 or Telnet commands or rear DIP switches. Presets can be recalled using the Main or Settings web page, RS-232 or Telnet commands, or contact closure.
Preset Names
Presets may be assigned a name of up to 10 characters. Preset names may be assigned in the Settings web page or by RS-232 command.
Looped Presets
A continuous loop of two or more presets can be created. The additional parameters required are Time On and Next Preset.
The Time On parameter sets the length of time an individual preset is on before transitioning to the next preset. The values for Time On range from 0 to 240. Each increment equals 1/10 th of a second. If the Time On is set to 0, that preset will remain active until another preset is selected.
The Next Preset parameter specifies the next preset to be transitioned to after the Time On time of the current preset has been reached.
Below is an example of looped presets flashing red and blue.

Preset| Red Level| Green Level| Blue Level| Time On| Next Preset
---|---|---|---|---|---
1| 50| 0| 0| 5| 2
2| 0| 0| 50| 5| 1

The sequence of looped presets may be initiated by recalling any preset that is part of the loop. The sequence may be stopped by selecting
Preset 0 or any preset that is not part of the sequence.
Network Addressing
The IP mode of the LA-B18 is DHCP by default. The current IP address may be found using the LA Toolbox software for Windows.
The IP mode may be set to static operation.
The IP mode and IP settings may be changed by the following.

On-board web browser
RS-232 commands via the 3.5 mm TRS serial port, USB virtual com port, Telnet, TCP, or UDP
Rear panel DIP Switches
LA Toolbox software for Windows using a serial connection

Web Pages
On board web pages are available configuration and control. Connect the Ethernet port of the LA-B18 to a PC or other compatible device with a web browser. A crossover cable is not required. Open a web browser and enter the IP address of the LA-B18 into the address bar to access the web pages.
Web Page Password
Web pages are password protected by default. Each LA-B18 is shipped with a unique password. The password is derived from the last three bytes of the MAC address. The password is entered in all caps without punctuation. For example, if the MAC address is 00-14-C8-20-01-BA, then the password would be entered as 2001BA.
Once logged in, the password can be updated in the Settings web page. Enter the new password in the New Password field and click the Change button. The password may consist of up to 20 characters. The characters can be any combination of numbers, upper- and lowercase letters, and special characters. An option is available that will allow password free access to recall presets while maintaining password protected access to the web page settings related to setup and configuration. To enable this option, log in and navigate to the Settings web page. Click the checkbox next to Preset Ctl while logged out.
RS-232/Telnet/TCP/UDP Control
The LA-B18 may be controlled and configured using ASCII strings from a terminal emulation program or control system processer. Connection to the unit for ASCII serial communication can be through the following.

RS-232 com port, 3.5 mm TRS connector, default baud rate 9600
Telnet or TCP, port 23 (default)
UDP port 31936
USB virtual com port

Rear DIP Switches
The two banks of DIP switches on the rear facing circuit board are used to set the device number of the LA-B18 during normal operation. In program mode, the DIP switches may be used for configuration of the IP settings, color settings, and other functions.
Logic Input Port
The logic input port has three input pins plus 12 V and ground pins. The input pins may be used to remotely recall presets from a switch or contact closure of a control system processor. The logic input port is labeled P1 on the circuit board.
Restore Factory Default Settings
The unit may have the configuration restored to the factory default settings. It is recommended to perform a hard power cycle after the factory default settings are restored. Some settings may not revert to the default until after a hard power cycle.
The factory default settings may be restored with the Restore button on the Settings web page, by ASCII serial command, or by using the rear DIP switches.

Web Pages

The LA-B18 has on-board web pages for control, monitoring, and configuration. The web pages may be accessed using a web browser by entering the unit’s IP address in the browser’s address field. The web pages may also be accessed through LA Toolbox when connected via Ethernet. Double-clicking on a unit in the equipment list will launch the default web browser and navigate to the Main web page.
Default Password
The on-board web pages are accessible to all users. By default, a password is required to recall a preset or make any programming or configuration changes. Each LA-B18 is shipped with a unique password. The default password is based on the last six digits of the unit’s MAC address. The MAC address may be found on the SN/MAC sticker on the rear of the unit. The password field is in the System section of the Main web page. Enter the last six digits of the MAC address in the password field, then click the Log In button. The password is entered in all caps without punctuation. For example, if the MAC address is 00-14-C8-20-01-BA, then the password would be entered as 2001BA. A mode is available that allows a user to recall presets without entering a password. This mode is selectable from the Settings web page. To enable this option, log in and navigate to the System web page. Click the checkbox next to Preset Ctl while logged out.
Allow Free Access to Main Web Page Only
An option is available that will allow password free access to the Main web page allowing users to change presets and check status. Changes to the Settings web page related to setup and configuration will not be allowed unless the password is entered. To enable this option, log in and navigate to the Settings web page. Click the checkbox next to Preset Ctl while logged out.
Main Web Page

Update Password
The password can be updated on the Settings web page. Enter the new password in the New Password field and click the Change button.
The password may consist of up to 20 characters. The characters can be any combination of numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and special characters.
Clear Password
Clearing the password will allow password free access to any of the LA-B18’s web pages permit control and configuration changes.
The password may be cleared in the Settings web page. Clear the contents of the New Password field and click the Change button. n
The password may also be cleared using the rear DIP switches. Follow the steps below to clear the password.

Make note of the SW2 DIP switch settings.
Set DIP switch 8 in DIP switch bank SW2 to the PROG position (on).
Set DIP switches 1,2, and 4 in DIP switch bank SW2 to the on position.
Press S2 Store switch.
Return the SW2 DIP switch settings to the previous state.

Settings Web Page About Web Page

P1 Logic Input Port

The P1 Logic Input may be used to recall presets from contact closures or control ports on a control system processor. Shorting a pin to ground equals a logic high. An open circuit equals a logic low.
The input has three active modes of operation. The mode of operation may be set in the Settings web page or by using the rear panel DIP switches.
Mode 0 – Not Used
The Logic Input is not used.
Mode 1 – Trigger Mode
This mode allows for simple recall of presets 1-9. Contact closure action is momentary or latching.

Pin 2| Pin 3| Pin 4|
---|---|---|---
Low| Low| Low| Preset 1
High| Low| Low| Preset 2
Low| High| Low| Preset 3
High| High| Low| Preset 4
Low| Low| High| Preset 5
High| Low| High| Preset 6
Low| High| High| Preset 7
High| High| High| Preset 8

Mode 2 – Static
This mode allows for recall of presets 0-7. Contact closure action is latching.

Pin 2| Pin 3| Pin 4|
---|---|---|---
Low| Low| Low| Preset 0 (off)
High| Low| Low| Preset 1
Low| High| Low| Preset 2
High| High| Low| Preset 3
Low| Low| High| Preset 4
High| Low| High| Preset 5
Low| High| High| Preset 6
High| High| High| Preset 7

Mode 3 – Static +1
This mode allows for recall of presets 1-8. Contact closure action is latching.

Pin 2| Pin 3| Pin 4|
---|---|---|---
Low| Low| Low| Preset 1
High| Low| Low| Preset 2
Low| High| Low| Preset 3
High| High| Low| Preset 4
Low| Low| High| Preset 5
High| Low| High| Preset 6
Low| High| High| Preset 7
High| High| High| Preset 8

RS-232/Telnet/TCP Bidirectional ASCII Serial Control Protocol

The LA-B18 full duplex ASCII serial RS-232/Telnet/TCP protocol enables a control system programmer to control all functions as well as monitor status. All commands are sent as ASCII strings. No delays between characters or commands are required, as data is interrupt driven and buffered.
Communications parameters for the RS-232 com port are 1200 to 230.4K baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. The factory default is 9600 baud. The RS-232com port will accept non-standard control such as voltage that swings from 0 to +5 VDC, commonly found when IR ports are used to send RS-232 commands.
Communications parameters for the USB virtual com port 115.2K baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.
The same control communication is possible via IP Telnet and TCP. The default port for Telnet and TCP is 23.
General Protocol Specifications
Command strings sent to the LA-B18 begin with the ASCII > (greater than symbol) as an ‘Attention’ character and end with a carriage return (ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard Enter) as an ‘End of command’ character.
Responses from the LA-B18 begin with the ASCII < (less than symbol) as an ‘Attention’ character and end with a carriage return followed by a line feed (ASCII LF, Hex $0A) as an ‘End of command’ character.
A carriage return is required at the end of each command and is assumed in all examples.
Command String Structure
[Attention] [Command] (Parameters) [Return] Attention Single character (>) starts the string
Command A two-character command
Parameters Added attributes to some commands
Return A carriage return ends the command string (ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard Enter) may be used in programming. For simplicity, the programming examples in the manual will not show the ‘CR’.
Command and Status Response
Commands can be sent back-to-back at any time without any delay. To allow for rapid, multiple commands, status responses are intentionally delayed by about 125mS, sending the most recent status in response to control commands or user actions.
Commands may be echoed to the RS-232 com port, TCP, or USB virtual com port. Responses may be enabled or disabled by connection type.
The status response settings are available on the Settings web page or can be changed by ASCII serial command.
RS-232 String Example
The example below is a command to recall Preset 6 followed by the response string.

P6
<P6
The status of a setting may be queried by omitting the = (equals symbol) and parameter.
IY
<IY DHCP
Control Commands

Code	Function	Operation

Output
SR=| Set Red| Set Red Level 0-100
SB=| Set Blue| Set Green Level 0-100
SG=| Set Green| Set Blue Level 0-100
Presets
S n| Save Preset| Save preset to memory n=1-9
Example Save Preset 1: >S1
P n| Recall Preset| Recall preset from memory n=0-9, P0 sets output to off Example Recall Preset 1: >P1
I n = x| Set On Time| Set Preset On Time
n=0-9 corresponds to the desired preset x=0 On time set to static
x=1-240 On time in increments of 1/10th of a second Example Set Preset 2 On Time to 2 seconds: >I2=20
I0| Clear all On Times| Clear On Time for all presets
N n| Set Next Preset| Set Next Presetn=Preset number
NP| Returns all Preset Names| Returns all preset names in a sequence followed by commas
NP= n| Returns Preset Name| Returns and individual preset name
n=0-9 and corresponds to the desired preset
NP= n,x| Set Preset Name| Set Preset Name
n=0-9 and corresponds to the desired preset, x=text for preset name, up to 10 alpha-numeric characters
Example Set Preset Name: >NP=2,Mauve Returned Response: <NP 2 Mauve
Network Setup
IP=| Set IP Address| IP=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx   Define IP address
IM=| Subnet Mask| IM=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx   Define subnet mask
IG=| Default Gateway| IG=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx   Define default gateway
IY=| IP Mode| 1=Static
2=DHCP (Default)
IX=| TCP Port| Sets the receive port for Telnet or TCP communications 23=Default
MC| MAC Address| Returns MAC Address
Serial Communication
EE=| Enable Echo| Echo serial strings
0=Disable …………………………. 4=USB
1=RS-232 ……………………5=RS-232+USB
2=TCP…………………………. 6=TCP+USB
3=RS-232+TCP (Default)………………………… 7=RS-232+USB+TCP
R5=| Baud Rate| 0=1200…………………….4=19.2K
1=2400 ……………………………….5=38.4K
2=4800 ………………………….. 6=115.2K
3=9600 (Default)……………………… 7=230.4K
Unit

IP address will not revert to default until after a Z] command or power cycle.

Z]| Reboot| Emulates a reboot from a hard power cycle

UDP Bidirectional ASCII Serial Control Protocol

The LA-B18 UDP protocol enables a control system programmer to control all functions as well as monitor status. All commands are sent as ASCII strings. No delays between characters or commands are required, as data is interrupt driven and buffered.
UDP commands are received by the LA-B18 at port 31936. UDP commands may be sent to an individual unit’s IP address or to multiple units via the local or directed broadcast IP address. Status feedback is sent to the directed broadcast IP address at port 31935. The directed broadcast IP address is derived from the subnet mask. As an example, a unit with IP address 192.168.1.203 and a subnet mask or 255.255.255.0 will send the send the responses to the directed IP address of 192.168.1.255.
The UDP bidirectional ASCII serial control protocol is based on the RS-232/Telnet/TCP ASCII serial protocol with an additional parameter that specifies the device number of the unit to receive the command. A unit will only respond when the device number in the command string matches the device number set in the unit. The UDP command may be sent to a broadcast IP address and only the unit or units with the device number in the command will respond.
Device Numbers
The device number is set using the switches 1 – 8 in DIP switch bank 1 and switches 1 – 4 in DIP switch bank 2. Setting all switches to Off puts the LA-B18 in demo mode. The DIP switch banks are labeled SW1 and SW2 on the circuit board. Each individual switch represents numeric value. The device number is the sum of the value of the switches that are enabled. During normal operation, it is important that DIP switches 5 – 8 in DIP switch bank SW2 are set to the off position. In the example above, switches with the values of 1,2, and 256 are enabled. The device number will be 1 + 2 + 256 = 259.
Demo Mode
Setting the device number to 0 (1 – 8 in DIP switch bank 1 and switches 1 – 4 in DIP switch bank 2 all set to off) will put the LA-B18 into demo mode. In demo mode, the unit will step through presets 1 through 7 with a dwell time of three seconds.
Reserved Device Numbers
The device numbers that are in multiples of 256 are reserved and serve a special function. A command sent to any reserved device number will trigger a response in all units with the next higher 255 device numbers. This feature allows for LA-B18 units to be arranged in groups or zones. A single command will control units within the group or zone.
For example, units with device numbers in the range of 513 to 767 will respond to a command sent to device number 512.

Reserved Device Number

Device Numbers in Group

---|---
256| 257-511
512| 513-767
768| 769-1023
1024| 1025-1279
1280| 1281-1535
1536| 1537-1791
1792| 1793-2047
2048| 2049-2303
2304| 2305-2559
2560| 2561-2815
2816| 2817-3071
3072| 3073-3327
3328| 3329-3583
3584| 3585-3839
3840| 3841-4094
4095| All Units

Command String Structure
Number …………………………. D..evice Number (Up to 4 decimal digits)
[Attention]……………………. [Command] (Parameters) [Return] Attention ……………………….. Single character (>) starts the string
Command ………………………. A two-character command
Parameters …………………………Added attributes to some commands
Return …………………………… A carriage return ends the command string (ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard Enter) may be used in programming. For simplicity, the programming examples in the manual will not show the ‘CR’.
UDP String Example
The example below is a command to recall Preset 6 followed by the response string.
257>P6
257<P6
The status of a setting may be queried by omitting the = (equals symbol) and parameter.
257>IY
257<IY DHCP

UDP String Example

The example below is a command to recall Preset 6 followed by the response string.
257>P6
257<P6
The status of a setting may be queried by omitting the = (equals symbol) and parameter.
257>IY
257<IY DHCP

Using LA Toolbox in Ethernet Mode
To use LA Toolbox in Ethernet mode, click the Ethernet button and select the appropriate Ethernet adaptor from the dropdown menu. LA Toolbox will continuously scan the local network for connected LA-B18s and update the list in real time with the latest information about each unit.
The web page of any LA-B18 may be opened by double-clicking anywhere on the line of the desired unit.
Using LA Toolbox in Serial Mode
To use LA Toolbox in serial mode, click the Serial button and select the appropriate baud rate from the dropdown menu for each unit connected. LA Toolbox will continuously scan for connected LA-B18s and update the list in real time with the latest information about each unit.
The web page of any LA-B18 may be opened by double-clicking on the MAC Address field of the desired unit if an Ethernet connection is available.
The Device Name and IP Address fields may be edited in serial mode. Click on the field to be edited. A pop-up window will appear and the entries may be edited and saved.
Update Firmware
The firmware in individual LA-B18 units may be updated using LA Toolbox. The procedure is identical for Ethernet and Serial modes. Follow the steps below.

Click anywhere in the line that contains the unit to be updated.
Press the Update Firmware button near the bottom of the LA Toolbox window.

A progress bar will appear to display the update status.

Configuring the LA-B18 Using the DIP Switches

The bank of DIP switches can be used to create color presets and configure some of the more commonly used settings.
DIP switch 8 in DIP switch bank SW2 sets the mode of the DIP switches into program mode. DIP switches 1 – 4 in DIP switch bank SW2 are used to set the function to be configured. DIP switches 1 – 8 in DIP switch bank SW1 are used to set the value of the parameter. Pushbutton switch S2 located near the DIP switches is used to store the setting in memory.
The procedure to change any of the settings involves these steps.

Set DIP switch 8 in bank SW2 to On.
Set the DIP switches 1 – 4 in bank SW2 to the value of the desired function.
Set the DIP switches in bank SW1 to the desired parameter value.
Press S2 Store switch to store the value in memory.

After all configuration changes have been completed, restore switches 1 – 8 in bank SW1 and 1-4 in bank SW2 to the desired device number and set switch 8 in bank SW2 to Off. Switches 1 – 4, SW2 Functions

Function #

| Function|

SW2 Switches Enabled

---|---|---
0| Restore Default Settings| none
1| Set Red Level (0-100)| 1
2| Set Green Level (0-100)| 2
3| Set Blue Level (0-100)| 1, 2
4| Save Preset (1-9)| 3
5| Set IP Mode (DHCP=0, Static 1)| 1, 3
6| Set IP Quad 1 (0-255)| 2, 3
7| Set IP Quad 2 (0-255)| 1, 2, 3
8| Set IP Quad 3 (0-255)| 4
9| Set IP Quad 4 (0-255)| 1, 4
10| Set IP Address| 2, 4
11| Set Gateway| 1, 2, 4
12| Set Subnet Mask| 3, 4
13| Set P1 Logic Input Usage (1-3)| 1, 3, 4
14| Clear Network Password| 2, 3, 4
15| Set Baud Rate (0-6)| 1, 2, 3, 4

Steps to Create a Preset

Set Red Level.
Set Green Level.
Set Blue Level.
Save Preset.

Steps to Set Static IP Address

Set IP Mode to static
Set IP Address
Set IP Quads for IP address
Set Gateway
Set IP Quads for gateway
Set Subnet Mask
Set IP Quads for subnet mask

Set P1 Logic Input
The parameter value sets the mode of the P1 Logic Input.
1 = Trigger
2 = Static
3 = Static +1
Set Baud Rate
The parameter value sets the baud rate for the 3.5 mm TRS RS-232 com port.
0 = 1200
1 = 2400
2 = 4800
3 = 9600
4 = 19.2K
5 = 38.4K
6 = 115.2K
7 = 230.4K

LA-B18 Specifications

Physical
Size (WHD): 18.26” [464 mm] wide, 4.525” [115 mm] height, 1.38” [35 mm] deep
Weight: .877 lbs [398 g] Enclosure: Aluminum with black powder coat paint
Mounting: Wall or ceiling flush mount or 2-gang electrical box
Rear Connections
RS-232: 3.5 mm TRS, RS-232 com port, 1200 to 230K baud
Tip – Transmit
Ring – Receive
Sleeve – Ground
Ethernet: RJ-45 10/100 for Telnet configuration and control, firmware updates, PoE
USB: USB mini-B jack virtual com port, baud rate fixed at 115.2K
Logic Input Control Port: Detachable 5-position 5.08mm terminal block
1 – Ground
2 – Logic Input 1
3 – Logic Input 2
4 – Logic Input 3
5 – 12 V Input
Power In: 2.1 mm coaxial jack (inside center conductor positive) 0.6 A maximum, 11.5 to 15 VDC, 12 VDC typical
Options
PS12-1 (5401-001) Switching power supply, 100 – 250 VAC Auto Voltage Sensing Input, 12 VDC 1 A Output

Safety Instructions and Warranty

Read before operating equipment.

Cleaning – Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
Power Sources – Use supplied or equivalent UL/CSA approved external low voltage DC plug-in power supply.
Lightning – Avoid installation or reconfiguration of wiring during lightning activity.
Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry – Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts, resulting in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
Servicing – Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Damage Requiring Service – Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
- When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
- If liquid spills or objects fall into the product.
- If the product is exposed to rain or water.
- If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. An improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
- If the product is dropped or damaged.
- When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.
Heat – This product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Warranty: Three (3) year limited warranty on all parts and labor for Contemporary Research manufactured products. Contemporary Research warrants its manufactured products against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three years from the day of purchase by authorized dealer. If Contemporary Research receives notice of such defects during the warranty period; Contemporary Research, at its option, will repair or replace products that prove to be defective.
Exclusions: The above warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the customer, customers applied software or interfacing, unauthorized modifications or misuse, mishandling, operation outside the normal environmental specifications for the product, use of the incorrect, modified or extended power supply, acts of God, weather, or improper site operation and maintenance. Please note Contemporary Research SSV-DX Display Express PC product carries a six-month limited warranty.
Product Service: Contemporary Research will test, repair, or replace the product or products without charge if the unit is under warranty. If the product is out of warranty, Contemporary Research will test, and then repair the product or products. The parts and labor charge will be estimated by a technician and confirmed by the customer prior to repair. All components must be returned for testing as a complete unit. Contemporary Research will not accept responsibility for shipment after it has left the premises. Technical Support: Contemporary Research technicians will determine and discuss with the customer the criteria for repair and/or replacement. Contemporary Research Technical Support can be contacted through one of the following resources: e-mail support at support@crwww.com or phone at: 972-931-2728
Return Material Authorization (RMA) Number: Before returning a product for repair or replacement, request an RMA from Contemporary Research’s technical support. Provide tech support with a return phone number, e-mail address, shipping address, product serial numbers and original purchase order number. Describe the reason for repairs or returns as well as the date of purchase. See the General RMA Terms and Procedures section for more information. RMA’s are valid for 30 days and will be issued to authorized Contemporary Research dealers only. End users must return products through authorized Contemporary Research dealers. Include the assigned RMA number in all correspondence with Contemporary Research. Write the assigned RMA number clearly on the shipping label of the box when returning the product. All products returned for credit are subject to a restocking charge without exception.
Voided Warranty : The warranty does not apply if the original serial number has been removed or if the product has been disassembled or damaged through misuse, accident, acts of God, weather, modifications, use of incorrect, modified, or extended power supply, or unauthorized repair.
Shipping and Handling: Contemporary Research will not pay for inbound shipping transportation or insurance charges or accept any responsibility for laws and ordinances from inbound transit. Contemporary Research will pay for outbound shipping, transportation, and insurance charges for all items under warranty, but will not assume responsibility for loss and/or damage by the outbound freight carrier. If the return shipment appears damaged, retain the original boxes and packing material for inspection by the carrier. Contact your carrier immediately.
Products not under Warranty: Payment arrangements are required before outbound shipment for all out of warranty products.
General RMA Terms and Procedures: RMA’s are valid for 30 days and will be issued only to authorized active Contemporary Research dealers and distributors.

End users must return products through authorized Contemporary Research dealers. End users may be eligible for a RMA at the discretion of CR Technical Support.
Before a defective product can be authorized to send in for repair, it must first go through the troubleshooting process with a member of the Contemporary Research Technical Support team.
Products authorized for repair must have a valid RMA (Return Material Authorization) number.
Contemporary Research Technical Support will approve the issue of an RMA number.
An RMA number is to be included in all correspondence with Contemporary Research.
The RMA number must appear clearly on the shipping label when the product is returned.
A packing slip must be included on the inside of the box with the RMA number listed and reason for RMA return.
Products received at Contemporary Research that do not have a valid RMA number clearly marked on the outside of the shipping container may be refused and returned to sender.
Boxes showing external damage will be refused and sent back to the sender regardless of the clearly marked RMA number and will remain the responsibility of the sender.

Advanced Replacement Policies:

For Contemporary Research manufactured p roducts, advance replacement will be provided for “out-of-the-box” failures up to thirty(30) days after the initial shipment of products.

Shipments of equipment that are refused upon attempted delivery, for any reason, are subject to restocking charges.

3220 Commander Drive, Suite 102
Carrollton, TX 75006
Ph. 888-972-2728
www.contemporaryresearch.com
LA-B18 Product Manual 092023