AMPETRONIC UP27006-6 Talkperfect DX Installation Guide
- June 6, 2024
- AMPETRONIC
Table of Contents
AMPETRONIC UP27006-6 Talkperfect DX
Copyright Notice
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subject to Copyright, it may not be copied, duplicated, reproduced, edited or
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Limited.
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By not obtaining a license to sell or reproduce this document, use of this
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Additional Documents
This Install Guide should be used in conjunction with the TalkPerfect™ DX unit
handbook which is included in each system and outlines safety, warranty
specifications and features of the equipment.
Pre-Requisites Checklist
The following checklist is designed to assist in pre-planning a successful installation, whist not every checklist item must be verified prior to Installing; failure to complete these checks may impede the speed and quality of the installation.
| Item | Yes | No |
|---|
Desk Layout/CAD Drawing
Cable Routes Identified on Drawing (Blind Holes etc) Counter Access Panel – Removal
Counter Materials (MSDS Safety Data from Manufacturer)
|
|
Confirm Configuration to be Installed (Client Specification)| |
Site Conditions|
|
CDM Pre-construction Health & Safety Information
Asbestos Register Review (Buildings prior to 2000)
Method Statement
Site Induction Completed (Site Dependant)
PPE Requirements Fulfilled
Risk Assessment Updated following Site Induction/Visit
Permit to Work (Site Specific)
Glazed Screen in Position
200V AC Power Availability at each Position (1 Metre Max)
Planning
Layout
General System Principle
The system is designed to restore speech levels reduced by use of a glass
security screen or barrier. It is not designed to act as a public address
system. Raising volume much higher to compensate for an already noisy
environment can cause in cases, an increase in audio / intelligibility
problems.
Where the acoustic conditions are such that conversations are already
difficult on either side of the barrier due to excessive background noise and
/ or poor acoustic environment design, the system in operation will not
overcome these situations. The system has been designed to be a speech
enhancement product, not a Public Address system. This should be established
at the earliest point in the specification of the equipment, or as soon as
possible to avoid problems prior to and following the system being installed.
Safety
When looking at suitable locations for amplifier Installation, please be aware
of use of the area by the user (to avoid injury) taking into account final
furniture and other equipment locations.
The TalkPerfect™ DX system uses “Solder-less” connections thereby negating the
need for “Hot Works” permits or other Health and Safety issues concerned with
Soldering.
Other Equipment
When installing Speech transfer systems common issues are encountered with
available space on desk surfaces of both the Staff and Client sides of the
desk. Other equipment such as IT Screens, Keyboards, Printers, and Chip & Pin
or other desk top furniture will have a significant impact on placing
Speakers, Microphones and combination devices.
Do not underestimate the importance of Microphone positioning to maximise
optimum system performance.
Care and attention must be taken with possible placement of drawer units,
pedestals, electrical services (dado trunking/containment) and IT system
equipment when installing to the underside of the desk.
Uniform Layout
When approaching a multi-position installation, pre-planning and consistency
of installation positions can be challenging. This is often the root cause of
both performance issues and client complaints. Check for both Right-handed and
Left-handed desk configurations and how staff and systems will interact.
Layout of Speakers and Microphones
Positioning of the microphone and loudspeaker assemblies on either side of the screen is important to the optimum performance of the system. A MINIMUM distance between speaker and microphone centres of 600mm should be adhered to at all times. Spacing less than this should be agreed with Ampetronic or the distributor before installation can commence, as this will reduce the overall efficiency achievable by the system. MAXIMUM spacing should typically be no more than 1m, for the same reason. As shown in the image to the right.
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Ensure that each speaker / microphone is installed in a back-to-back manner, i.e. mirror image, on the opposite side of the screen speaker–to-speaker, microphone-to-microphone.
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Regardless of the configuration of microphone or loudspeaker assemblies supplied, they should be mounted as close to the glass screen as possible.
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Where multiple systems are installed on a continuous counter, where possible, unless otherwise instructed, the layout should follow either of the two following principles.
o Adjacent position MIC & SPEAKER combinations should be configured (Position 1, 2, 3, etc).
o Position (1) MIC – SPEAKER Position (2) SPEAKER – MIC Position (3) MIC – SPEAKER, etc. -
Where it is not possible to lay out the speakers and microphones in this configuration, spacing between each adjacent position MIC & SPEAKER combination, should be as far apart from each adjacent combination as possible, to minimize the microphone picking up the next adjacent speaker.
Cable Routing & Fixing
With reference to the planning and pre-requisite stages of this document,
knowing that you have routes and access for cables is imperative. Some bullet
resistant screen/counter configurations contain steel plates. Drilling through
these is not a “site based” task and may invalidate the ballistic integrity of
the installation.
When drilling holes for cables from the client side of the desk surface,
ensure that voids do not contain AC or other electrical cables and that the
position for holes will permit you to retrieve the cable for connection to the
amplifier.
On each microphone and speaker 2.5 metres of cable are provided to allow for
optimal cable routing and fixing. Ampetronic does not recommend that cables
are cut-to-length as this can introduce connection issues; all peripherals are
terminated with cable ferrules to facilitate effective solder-less
connections.
Recommended fixing methods for cables include, but are not limited to:-
- Adhesive Cable Tie Bases & Cable Ties
- P-Clips
- Stand-offs
From practical experience, cables should be bundled and affixed in such a
manner as to facilitate changes and serviceability in the unlikely event that
replacement peripherals are required. Always think about future replacement.
Be aware of the “RFI suppression” on the power adapter cable, in the event you
may have to feed cables into “void” areas the size of the “RFI suppression”
can be a limiting factor
Acoustic Conditions
See Layout Section with Acoustic Feedback Diagrams.
The TalkPerfect™ system is designed to ‘electronically’ remove the physical
glazed barrier between client & staff, however, where the acoustic conditions
are such that conversations are already difficult on either side of the
barrier due to excessive background noise and / or poor acoustic environment
design; the system in operation will not overcome these situations. The system
has been designed to be a speech enhancement product, not a Public Address
system. This should be established at the earliest point in the specification
of the equipment, or as soon as possible to avoid problems prior to the system
being installed.
Sound pressure level checks may be performed prior to installation or at the
point of site survey. Rectification of such excessive ambient noise can be
costly. 
Combination Speaker/Microphone Operation
The combination speaker/microphone or “Combi” has a 400mm Gooseneck which
incorporates a directional electret microphone, which has been specifically
developed for such applications.
Correct positioning and fixing of the “Combi” is paramount to the effective
operation and function of the TalkPerfect™ DX System. The Combi is ‘fixed’ in
place by means of the fixing clip (Provided) to ensure the system operates in
a consistent manner when in daily use. Failure to fix the position will
potentially result in the speaker potentially facing away from the intended
user reducing the speech transfer efficiency, or misdirecting the speech to
another person.
The integrated Gooseneck microphone on the “Combi” must also be correctly positioned for optimum performance. It must be fully explained to the intended users that as with the speaker, this is fundamental to the correct operation of the system. The microphone must be fully extended upwards and face the intended user for best voice pickup. Due to the ‘directivity’ function associated with its operation, if the microphone does not face directly towards the intended user a considerable drop in operational volume will occur and may lead to poor communication. As the volume is determined by proximity of the user from the microphone, this should be as close as comfort / working practices allow.
The microphone will NOT pick up effectively from distances of greater than 300mm. beyond this point; the voice will form part of the background or ambient noise. The recommendation of a distance of 200mm or less will give the best performance.
Installation
Required Tools
- Small Flat Bladed Screwdriver
- Screws, Fixings and Appropriate tools for installing & mounting the TalkPerfect™ Amplifier and associated cables/peripherals.
Combination Speaker/Microphone Installation
The combination speaker/microphone or “Combi” has a 400mm Gooseneck which
incorporates a directional electret microphone, which has been specifically
developed for such applications.
Wiring – Standard (Non-L.E.D.) Combi
The Combination Speaker/Microphone uses a Fig 8 cable with separate
signal/shield cores, each cable serves either Speaker or Microphone
respectively. Connections are made to the ‘Staff’ connection on the amplifier.
Wiring – L.E.D. Combi
The L.E.D. Combi has additional cabling to drive the L.E.D Function, using
both ‘Staff’ and ‘Control’ connectors:
Staff connector
Fixing Clip
The Combined Speaker/Microphone is fixed in-place with the fixing clip as
shown in the diagram below, there is a cable cut-out which enables the “Combi”
to have no cables visible, thereby reducing potential damage.
The “Combi” can be removed from the fixing clip by using a small screwdriver
to gently depress the front edge of the clip. 
Positioning
Dimensions for Combi Speaker/Microphone (Outside Dimensions)
- Width = 96mm
- Depth = 140mm
- Height = 85mm
- Gooseneck Microphone Height = 400mm
Pod Installation
Pod Mic rophone
Where pods are used, the microphone earth tag should be connected to the pod
bracket by means of one of the mounting screws. This reduces the potential for
“static electricity” damage to the electret microphone capsule. The pod should
be oriented such that the front face of the pod is pointing towards the
intended user. A useful guide for this is to align the two front face mounting
screws in a line leading back to where the intended user is standing.
Pod Speaker
Same manner of installation as the Pod Microphone, ensure the fixing screws to
the counter surface have sufficient depth/grip to provide solid mounting of
the Pod. The pod should be oriented such that the front face of the pod is
pointing towards the intended user. A useful guide for this is to align the
two front face mounting screws in a line leading back to where the intended
user is standing.
Glass Mount Microphone
Where Glass Mount microphones are used, the key element for a successful and
tidy installation is how to route the cable. This is especially true where the
cable will run along rubber window gaskets. Planning and execution are
critical to gaining optimum performance from the system.
Do not underestimate user-caused damage and vandalism. Environments such as
train stations, bus stations etc often benefit from Glass Mount microphones
which perform better due to their background noise reduction and pick up
characteristics, but are less “robust” than Pods.
The glass mount microphone is a more conventional microphone with the added ability to apply background noise reduction in its operation. When installing the microphone, it is recommended to fit this format of microphone directly onto the glass screen, or glazing frame.
Mount the microphone on the glass screen or glazing frame, as close as possible at the point where the counter top meets the glass screen, or glazing frame, with the microphone element face pointing upwards towards the person required to be picked up by the microphone, ensuring the cable from the microphone exits neatly, and where it is free from potential damage. This is often routed along the frame / gasket material to one edge of the window, where it can then enter into the fabric of the counter to allow connection back to the TalkPerfect™ amplifier. Ensure the ‘Noise Reduction’ ports on either side of the microphone block are not obstructed, as this will reduce the microphone’s ability to function correctly.
Fixing the microphone block is normally carried out by the application of a
film of ‘superglue’ to the circular face on the microphone block. Care should
be taken to NOT apply excess glue to this face as it will be forced out onto
the counter top / glass screen. Should this occur, once completely dry, the
excess glue may be removed by use of a small blade, taking care not to damage
the counter top, window surface, or microphone cable, then wipe clean with a
cloth. 
TalkPerfect Unit and Accessory
Dimensions
Talk Perfect Amplifier = 200mm width x 110mm depth x 44mm height (475g)
Pod Speaker/Pod Microphone = 102mm width x 102mm depth x 35 to 80mm height
(slanted)
Glass Mount Microphone = 35mm width x 35mm depth x 12.2mm height Combination
Unit = 96mm width x 140 mm depth x 85mm height x 400mm gooseneck 
TalkPerfect™ Amplifier Connections
- a. ON/OFF switch
- b. Staff volume control.
- c. Client volume control.
- d. Client Mic / Speaker connections.
- e. Control connections
- f. Staff Override I/O.
- g. Line Output
- h. Staff Mic / Speaker connections
- i. DC Power input
Connection to a CLD1 Induction Loop Amplifier
Use the supplied cable (Phono to 3.5mm mono Jack) to connect the line output (g) on the TalkPerfect™ to the line input of the CLD1. Set the select switch on the CLD1 to the ‘LINE’ position.
Set-up
Setting system without additional assistance
Engineer adjustments are required to give different levels of volume for the
staff to public or public to staff directions. There is no such thing as a
‘factory set’ system, as each acoustic condition / installation encountered is
unique. Volumes are altered independently, but the ‘total’ sound level
achieved cannot exceed the ‘100% system volume availability’ before becoming
‘unstable’. When the system is ‘unstable’ a “warbling” tone from the speakers
is heard. It is caused by the microphone on one side of the screen is picking
up the sound from the speaker on the same side, and amplifying it back on its
self (positive feedback).
For example: If everything was set to 50% – 50%, where the available Total System Volume is equally shared to both sides. To have an increase the available volume inwards from the client to the staff to an 80% level, the outgoing staff volume to client has to be reduced down to a 20% level.
- To recap:
30% in 70% out, or 70% in 30% out, etc, but it must not exceed the 100% ‘Total System Volume’.
It must be noted at this stage that there is also a counter run ‘Total System Volume’ factor, each counter position to counter position that has to be taken into consideration. This is where each counter also has a part to play in the available ‘Total System Volume’. For example if counter position (1) is set so loud it overspills into the next adjacent counter (2), then this will reduce the
‘Total System Volume’ available for counter (2), and so on down the counter
run until very little
‘Total System Volume’ is available at the last counter. Try to balance the
‘Total System Volume’ distribution equally across the counter run. This is why
it is imperative that ALL counter positions are powered up at the same time,
and set as a whole.
Not all individual counters have to run at 100%, if the volume level is acceptable with lower settings, this will help in keeping the counter run ‘Total System Volume’ factor much more achievable without instability.
To Recap: Always approach the set up procedure taking ALL factors into
consideration.
Setting the system for optimum operation can be achieved using the following
procedure:
Switch on the mains, depress the RED unit power button on the TalkPerfect™ DX and verify that the Green power-on indicator is illuminated.
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Set all initial adjustments to zero.
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Setting the staff side volume. Adjust the ‘Staff’ volume on the front panel till the background noise from the “client” side can be just heard coming through the staff speaker. Using an approach of turning it up past the recommended setting, then turning it back down till it is inaudible, and repeating this process will identify a ‘window’ where this is neither too loud or too quiet, i.e. the recommended setting.
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Setting the Client side volume. Adjust the ‘Client’ volume on the front panel till the system can be just heard becoming ‘unstable’. Using an approach of turning it up past the ‘stable’ setting, then turning it back down till it is back in ‘stable’ mode, and repeating this process will identify a
‘window’ where the ‘Total System Volume’ is achieved i.e. the recommended setting. If there is a volume request to change the volume balance from one side to the other, then a similar process is required, but starting out with the requested volume as the dominant setting, then repeating the stability balance procedure. -
By installing the system an ‘electronic hole’ is created in the security glass screen, by definition there is now, additional sound levels on both sides of the security glass screen that were not there before. It is not always the best solution to turn up the volume of the systems maximum, as it may generate a sound level that the staff / client will try to overcome to hear or be heard over the adjacent position(s).
‘Loud is not always best’. The systems should be set to allow effective communication at normal speech levels without the need to raise your voice or lean towards the speaker.
Setting system with assistance
As above but use the assistants voice as sound source rather than background
noise. This is the recommended method of setting up the system, and will
achieve the optimum performance.
Completing the Installation
“A tidy installation is a good installation.”
Before leaving the premises ensure that all excess cable runs are coiled up
neatly and secured with cable ties and/or tie bases, such that no cables are
left “dangling” or” hanging”, where they could present a safety hazard. Where
possible, cables should be placed out of sight.
It is strongly recommended that cables are not shortened, as this makes any
future modifications, adjustments or configuration changes very difficult to
accomplish.
Troubleshooting
Typical Faults
The system is very reliable, and as such electronic faults are rare and are
usually caused by poor installation methodology or user damage. Faults that
may occur during a systems lifetime will typically be due to mechanical
operations that occur in system usage. These typically would be mechanical
on/off switches on items of equipment.
User Serviceable Parts
The equipment is classified as low voltage operating and therefore there are
no Health & Safety implications when operating the system. However, please
note that there are NO user serviceable parts inside the equipment.
Commissioning
Handover
The system should be handed over directly to the end client for user
familiarisation and training, handing over to other parties may not allow the
“End User” to gain the best usage from the system.
User Training
The day to day use of the equipment by the end user is paramount to efficient
and effective operation of the system. Without this training the end user’s
expectations of how the system should works could cause false return calls to
rectify problems that do not exist. User training will consist of equipment
and system component familiarisation, microphone techniques, and “best
practice” when using the system.
Warranty Statement
The TalkPerfect™ DX amplifier and Power Supply are warranted for 5 years,
subject to the following terms:-
- Authorised/Accredited Installers have installed and commissioned the system
- The unit has not been physically damaged or subjected to water ingress or other contamination
Limitations of Warranty
1 Year: Combined Speaker/Microphone Switch – The switch is rated to perform
for 10,000 operations, which under typical operating conditions equates to
approx 30 operations per day over a typical 5-7 day working week. The Combined
Speaker/Microphone is considered a “Consumable” part and is 999004 (Grey) and
999007 (Black)
Warranty will only be covered on units installed or maintained by Ampetronic
or an accredited partner. Any unauthorised works or installation by 3rd
parties will invalidate the warranty.
Warranty returns must first be agreed with Ampetronic, and a RMA (Returns
Material Authorisation) number will be generated for this and only this item.
Warranty is limited to replacement units or parts and does not cover labour,
travel or other associated costs arising from unit
Damage caused by the following is not covered by this warranty:
Improper handling of the units, or failure to operate the units in compliance
of the instructions of installation and correct use.
The connection of any unauthorised 3rd party peripheral equipment.
Products modified or adapted to comply with local technical or safety
standards in any area for which the product has not been originally approved
or developed, shall not be valid. The warranty does not cover any such
modification or adaption and Ampetronic will not be held responsible for any
costs resulting from such a modification or adaption.
Appendix 1
Speaker/Microphone Pod Dimension Data
Appendix 2
Glass Mount Microphone Dimensional Data 
Appendix 3
Wiring diagrams for TP Kits 
Doc No:
UP27006-6 – Ampetronic Ltd. +44 (0)1636 610062 www.ampetronic.com