Creative Elifestyles Pte Ltd had conceptualized and designed the requirement of a new Paging system. In order to meet the current and future needs of the School, they selected Vocia from Biamp Systems as proposed. Vocia provides a networked, critical paging and voice evacuation system that’s flexible and scalable. Built on a decentralized networked architecture, Vocia provides unsurpassed versatility, reliability and ease-of-use. The decentralized aspect of the system was key for this installation - if a paging station were to encounter problems, the system would continue functioning and automatically alert administrators of the issue. This means the system has no single point of system failure and helps maintenance technicians find and address any potential issues.
The School required a flexible, robust solution that delivered features like zoned paging, and live and pre-recorded message capabilities to support its vast area and many Classrooms, Offices, Halls, Auditoriums and many other individual venues.
Biamp Systems’ Vocia family was chosen for its flexibility and scalability, as well as the ability to manage the software from a central office, to perform system diagnostics, changes, and adjustments.
A total of 17 Zones were mapped out initially to further design the System.
The Methodist Girls School in Singapore is the first Primary/ Secondary School in South East Asia to have implemented the Biamp Vocia Digital Network with IP Technology.
System Design & Solution:
To provide a solution for an IP Technology based System for the School PA & Emergency Evacuation System;
To design a system that enables a decentralised network Architecture while eliminating the potential for a single point of failure;
To enable the PA & Emergency evacuation system to be linked to the Main Fire Alarm panel to trigger a message once the Fire Alarm has been triggered;
To be able to handle paging’s to a single zone or to all zones within the school complex;
The Equipment to meet the EN 54 – 16 & RINA certified products; EN 54-16 specifies requirements, methods of testing and performance criteria for voice alarm systems used in fire detection and fire alarm systems providing audible fire alarm signals within a building.
To ensure clarity and clear Voice paging systems with the right speakers at various locations in the School complex;
To replace the existing analogue PA systems which are of age:
Decentralisation –
Each device is Intelligent
Provides its own DSP
Provides its own message storage
Holds its own log
Message server backs up the whole system configuration and provides it to replaced devices
Audio is broadcast on multiple “channels” receivable by all output devices
Devices negotiate channel allocations
The School canteen is the noisiest place during recess, and this location was fitted with the equipment to identify the increase in ambient noise levels and automatically increase the PA System when an emergency announcement or normal paging is done;
All Speaker & Cat6a Cables used are FRNC (Flame Retardant Non-Corrosive)
Control Equipment:
Biamp Vocia MS-1 – Network Messaging Server
The MS-1 is a networked message server that supports multiple paging functions within a Vocia system—including message playback, event scheduling, VoIP paging interface, logging and remote access.
Biamp Vocia LSI-16 – Life Safety Interface
The LSI-16 serves as an emergency interface between a Vocia system and
emergency/ fire alarm systems. While typically powered from a certified 24V DC
source, it can also utilize Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Biamp Vocia ANC-1 – Network Device with Ambient Noise Compensation
The ANC-1 allows automatic output level adjustments in response to changes in ambient noise levels. The ANC-1 is a networked device for use with the Vocia VA-8600. The Vocia software interface permits comprehensive adjustment of
ANC parameters and utilizes IEEE compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology.
Biamp Vocia VO-4e – Enhanced Audio Output Expansion
The Vocia VO-4e is an enhanced networked audio output expansion device that allows the user to add four line-level and CobraNet® output channels to be added to a Vocia system. The VO-4e can be configured for channel-to-channel or device-to-device failover and uses comprehensive fixed-chain digital-signal processing within the device, including volume control, ducking, equalization, compressor/limiter, speaker crossover, delay, and output gain. Emergency messages for life-safety systems are stored in non-volatile memory.
Biamp Vocia Cl-1 Control Interface
The CI-1 Control Interface is a companion product to the Vocia LSI-16 Life Safety Interface. It facilitates necessary connections to the LSI-16 to meet EN 54-16 standards.
Biamp Vocia DS-10 Paging Station
The DS-10 is a desktop networked paging station featuring embedded DSP and on-board memory, supporting both standard and advanced public address functionality. All device-specific configuration information is stored locally, which means the DS-10 does not rely on a centralized controller for processing and page routing.
Biamp Vocia EWS-10 Emergency Paging Station
The EWS-10 is the emergency, wall-mounted networked paging station certified for use in an EN 54-16 compliant life safety system. It features all the same configurable page codes, memory and features as the WS-10 paging station.
Biamp Vocia VI-6 – Network Audio Source Extension
The VI-6 is a networked audio input expansion device allowing the user to add six channels of background music or user-defined audio to a Vocia system.
As part of the Vocia system, the VI-6 meets paging requirements for facilities of all sizes.
Biamp Vocia VA 8600C Class D Power Amplifier
The Vocia VA-8600c is a digital networked multi-channel amplifier for use in Vocia® systems. The VA-8600c is CobraNet® enabled and can support up to eight modular AM-600c amplifier cards. These are individually software configurable from 100–600 Watts per channel up to a maximum of 2400 Watts of power per chassis. 70V, 100V and low-impedance outputs are software selectable per card. The amplifier can be configured for channel-to-channel or device-to-device failover. The amplifier uses comprehensive fixed-chain digital-signal processing within the device, including volume control, ducking, equalization, compressor/limiter, speaker crossover, delay, and output gain. Emergency messages for life-safety compliant systems are stored in non-volatile memory within the VA-8600c. Intuitive software provides audio system design via PC.
Biamp Vocia VA – 4030 Class D Power Amplifier
The VA-4030 is a digital networked four-channel amplifier for use in Vocia systems. It is capable of delivering continuous audio power at 30 Watts RMS per channel. The VA-4030 is CobraNet® enabled for audio and control with dynamic use of bundles. Two RJ-45 connectors on the rear panel provide redundant CobraNet connectivity to the Vocia network. The on-board DSP provides comprehensive fixed-chain, digital signal processing within the device. In addition, emergency messages are stored in local non-volatile memory. The amplifier offers low impedance and constant voltage outputs. The VA-4030 also has comprehensive failover capability with device-to-device, all-to-one, and channel-to-channel failover.
Speakers:
Apart CM-6E Ceiling Speaker
CM6E is a dual cone built-in 6.5” 100 volt line loudspeaker suitable for almost any installation. This loudspeaker will deliver a loud and clear sound reproduction. The CM6E has several power tapping’s (6 – 3 – 1.5 watts) and is the ideal speaker for the distribution of microphone calls and background music.
The housing is made of high quality ABS. The grille is made of steel and the loudspeaker has a 6.5” paper dual cone woofer.
Apart MASK4T Box Speaker
The MASK4T loudspeaker has a unique innovative design and its transparent sound offers incredible intelligibility ideal for background music and paging purposes. The cabinet is made of high quality enforced PPE ABS. The grille is made of aluminium and the woofer has been coated so MASK4T loudspeakers are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The cabinet is supplied with a rubber IP protection cover for the loudspeaker terminals. This way water ingress and corrosion of the terminals is avoided (IP64).
MASK4T has a powerful 4.25” coated paper cone woofer. Together with the Vari-throat horn for the Ferro-fluid cooled 1” silk dome tweeter this results in a high SPL and ultra low distortion. Its phase alignment and wide frequency range.
Apart H30LT-G Horn Speaker
The H30LT-G is a powerful industrial compression driver horn loudspeaker. An ideal solution to cover long and wide distances for your speech reproduction or alarm signals, both indoor and outdoor. This H30LT-G is made out of high impact ABS and supplied with a stainless steel bracket to avoid corrosion. The shape of the horn guarantees a wide horizontal dispersion.
Apart MP26-G Projector Speaker
MP26-G is a stylish and powerful sound projector that is equipped with a high quality 26 watts transformer. Even with some background noise, a natural sound for your background music and your speech reproduction is guaranteed.
The speaker is designed for high quality music and speech reproduction in many industrial or professional applications, indoors as well as outdoors. Be assured that people hear and understand your messages or advertisements in shopping streets, parking lots, loading docks or warehouses. It combines a rugged housing with a good sound quality, and because all metal parts are either aluminium or stainless steel this speaker will stay rust-free.