Owner’s Manual Ritron Pub. 14500060 Rev. B 03/08 © 2008 Ritron, Inc. All rights reserved. Ritron, Patriot, Jobcom, OutPost, GateGuard, Quiet Call and Quick Assist are registered trademarks of Ritron, Inc. Loudmouth, Quick Talk, Liberty and RadioNexus are trademarks of Ritron, Inc.
Table of Contents 1 2 3 Getting Started 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Installation 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Selecting the PA speaker location ........................................................................................................ 6 PA speaker installation ......................................................................................................................... 8 Loudmouth™ radio receiver installation...............................................................................
1 Getting Started The Loudmouth™ is a radio receiver that allows you to use your portable, base station or mobile 2-way radio to deliver voice messages directly to a PA speaker up to 2 miles away. The receiver and PA speaker is the ideal solution where hardwired PA installation is simply impossible, too expensive, or temporary. Your Loudmouth™ receiver and PA speaker has been designed so that you can set it up quickly and start using it right away. 1.
1.2 Loudmouth™ receiver assembly The Loudmouth™ receiver and PA speaker is on any time power is applied to the receiver. For this reason the BPLM9 backup battery included with the Loudmouth™ is not connected when you receive it from the factory. The Loudmouth™ receiver must be opened to connect the BP-LM9 battery, install the Mounting Bracket, or to ™ program the Loudmouth .
1.3 Paging the Loudmouth™ receiver and PA speaker The Loudmouth™ receiver and PA speaker can be paged with 2-way radios programmed for Quiet Call (CTCSS), Digital Quiet Call (DCS), 2-Tone Paging, or Selcall paging formats. Each format offers a unique method of paging ™ the Loudmouth receiver and PA speaker. Refer to the Programming section of this manual for specific instructions on programming your Loudmouth™ receiver and PA speaker to one of these selective signaling formats.
Ritron recommends the use of a dedicated channel frequency for Loudmouth™ operation. When operating on unique frequencies dedicated to loudspeaker operation: • Your 2-way radios must be programmed for a channel dedicated to loudspeaker operation. • Loudspeaker operation is limited to radios programmed with the dedicated Loudmouth™ channel. • ™ The use of 2-tone or Selcall paging to address the Loudmouth is not required, but can still be used if additional access security is desired.
1.5 Determine the volume setting Selecting the correct volume level is critical to the performance of the Loudmouth™ receiver and PA speaker. Carefully consider the following before deciding on the appropriate volume setting. Refer to the Programming section of this manual for specific instructions on programming the Volume Level. Ambient (average) noise level should be considered first when selecting the volume level.
2 Installation Proper installation of the Loudmouth™ wireless PA speaker is critical to the performance and overall satisfaction with your system. With careful consideration and planning Loudmouth™ will cover up to 100 feet with a single speaker, and can cover an even wider range with multiple speakers and receivers. This section will help you plan an installation that is best suited for your environment. 2.
The Loudmouth™ speaker should be mounted as high as practical and pointed toward the farthest location you need to cover. Large obstructions will significantly reduce the coverage area. Do not place the speaker behind large, tall objects.
2.2 PA Speaker installation The speaker mount can be installed vertically on a wall, flat post or support column; or can be mounted horizontally from a ceiling or rafter beam. TOP / REAR REAR TOP Wall mounted Speaker Mounting Template Ceiling mounted Once the speaker location has been determined the Speaker Mounting Template may be used to mark the mounting surface.
The Loudmouth™ speaker should be mounted horizontally for the widest coverage ™ When mounted horizontally the Loudmouth speaker will provide 90° horizontal and 60° vertical coverage without significant loss of sound level. Refer to the SPL chart on page 25 for typical sound levels at full volume. Installing Concrete Expansion Anchors 1. Drill hole of recommended diameter, see chart below, into the base material to a depth equal to, or slightly deeper than the length of the expansion shield.
2.4 Installing two PA speakers with a single Loudmouth™ receiver Many locations may require the installation of two speakers with a single Loudmouth™ receiver. Two speakers are used when: • Coverage is required over a large area. • Large obstructions limit the effective range of a single speaker. • A wall separates two coverage areas. • The ambient noise level is low and individual speaker volume must be reduced (i.e. Hospital).
2.5 Installing multiple Loudmouth™ receivers and PA speakers Many locations may require the installation of multiple Loudmouth™ receivers and PA speakers. Multiple receivers and PA speakers are used when: • Paging separate buildings is required. • The coverage area is too large for a single receiver and PA speaker. • Zone paging is required. • Paging is required in more than one location. Zone paging, or paging in more than one location requires a separate Loudmouth™ receiver for each area.
2.6 Vehicular installation The Loudmouth™ receiver can be powered with an optional Ritron model CCL-M cigarette lighter adapter for use in mobile applications. • Route the CCL-M power cord away from the antenna and speaker wires. When the speaker is mounted on the roof of a vehicle at head level the volume level should be reduced to 50% or less to prevent hearing damage. 2.
3 Programming For most installations the Loudmouth™ can be programmed in the field without the need for Ritron PC Programmer 12.0.1. Field programming is accomplished in 3 easy steps. First, the radio frequency and tone codes are entered. Second, the selective signaling code is entered (if used). Third, the Loudmouth™ options and volume setting are entered. 3.
3.2 Readout Current Frequency, Tone and Selective Signaling Codes 1. Loosen the (4) captive screws in the front corners of the case. These screws are captive to the housing; to prevent damaging them, DO NOT remove the screws from the housing. 2. Separate the case front from the case back, leaving the RPS-1A power supply or backup battery connected to the radio. NOTE: The voltage of the batteries must be greater than 6 VDC to program properly. 3.
3.3 Program Frequency & Tone Codes To match other radios, the owner can select Frequency, Tone and DQC Codes from Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3. In our example, we will program an LM-U450 to operate on the "Brown Dot" frequency of 464.500 MHz with 100.0 Hz tone. 04 12 1. Refer to Table 1 to determine the two-digit frequency code and write it down. 2. Refer to Table 2 to determine the two-digit tone code for 100.0 Hz and write it down. 3.
Table 1: Programmable Frequency Codes VHF Business Band UHF Business Band Code Frequency ColorDot BW 03 151.625 Red Dot 25 04 151.955 Purple Dot 25 05 151.925 25 06 154.540 25 07 154.515 25 08 154.655 25 10 151.715 25 09 151.685 25 11 151.775 25 12 151.805 25 13 151.835 25 14 151.895 25 15 154.490 25 16 151.655 25 17 151.745 25 18 151.865 25 24 151.700 12.5 25 151.760 12.5 26 152.700 25 99 Custom programmed --- Code Frequency ColorDot BW 01 467.7625 J 25 02 467.8125 K 25 03 464.5500 Yellow Dot 25 04 464.
3.4 Program Paging Codes For paging, it is desirable to program the wireless speaker for 2-Tone or Selcall operation. The user is able to field program the radio for one of the 9 pre-determined 2-tone pairs specified in Table 4, or for a 3-7 digit Selcall code. 2-Tone codes correspond to field programmable 2-Tone encode (transmit) codes available in other RITRON portable and base radios. In our example we will program an LM-U450 to operate with 2-Tone Paging Code 94 frequencies of 389.0 and 669.9 Hz.
3.5 Program Loudmouth™ Features The wireless speaker can be field programmed for a variety of features. Refer to Table 5 for the two digit codes available for field programming. In our example we will program an LM-U450 for Record and Play operation. The Loudmouth™ is set from the factory with these √ options enabled. 13 1. Refer to Table 5 to determine the two-digit feature code and write it down. 2. Press and HOLD the PROGRAM button (See Loudmouth receiver assembly on page 2 for location).
3.6 Program Loudmouth™ Volume The wireless speaker can be field programmed for any volume level between 05-99% by entering the volume level as a 2-digit code. Field programming Speaker Volume Level sets both the voice and the pre-announce tone volume levels. The PC programmer is required for independent programming of the voice and the pre-announce tone volume. In our example we will program an LM-U450 for 25% Speaker Volume Level. The Loudmouth™ is set from the factory with a 50% volume setting. 13 1.
3.7 Program the NOAA Weather Frequency The LM-V150 can be programmed to play severe weather warnings originating from the National Weather service that are broadcast on one of seven NOAA weather frequencies. The Loudmouth™ is shipped from the factory without a NOAA weather frequency selected. Before the Weather Alert feature can be used you must first select the local NOAA frequency. 1. ™ Press and HOLD the PROGRAM button (See Loudmouth receiver assembly on page 2 for location).
4 Operation Once installed, operating the Loudmouth™ radio receiver requires no human contact. Portable, base station or mobile 2-way radios can deliver voice messages directly to a PA speaker with a simple press of the PTT button for either live or recorded playback. This section describes the subtle differences in operation for various Loudmouth™ options and installations. 4.
4.3 2-Tone Paging To access the Loudmouth™ the 2-way radio must first send the correct 2-Tone Paging code. Once access to the loudspeaker is accomplished, the user simply presses the 2-way radio’s PTT and speaks while on the Loudmouth™ channel. After a period of inactivity the Loudmouth™ will automatically reset, and will then require the correct 2-Tone Paging code to re-gain access. Move to an area that is away from the Loudmouth™ speaker to prevent feedback.
4.5 Weather Alert VHF models of the Loudmouth™ can automatically play emergency weather warnings from the National Weather Service that is broadcast on one of the seven NOAA weather frequencies. The Loudmouth™ will listen for ™ emergency weather broadcasts any time it is not being used. To use this feature the Loudmouth must first be programmed for your local NOAA weather frequency. With Weather Alert operation: • The Weather Alert feature is only available on the LM-V150 model.
4.7 Loudmouth™ Options Certain Loudmouth™ options affect operation as follows: Pre-Announce Tone With this feature enabled the Loudmouth™ will sound a short tone prior to each broadcast to notify listeners that a page is forthcoming. One Speaker / Two Speakers ™ Set the Loudmouth for one or two speaker operation to set the correct audio output level from the audio amplifier. 4.
5 5.1 Specifications Audio Output Output power Sound pressure level Nominal coverage when wall-mounted (reference at 0° -5 dB) Audio input level to power amplifier Audio output level Audio speaker volume adjustment Frequency response 60mW - 5.35W RMS adjustable (see chart below) Vertical.............+/- 50° Horizontal ........+/- 45° 180 mVPP 1.9 – 18.5 VPP 10 – 100% 500 – 3000 Hz +/-5dB Volume Setting Power Output SPL@ 16m Output Level 10% 25% 50% 75% 100% 0.06 W 0.33 W 1.32 W 3.06 W 5.
5.2 Power Requirements STANDARD OPERATION Operating Voltage Maximum operating current Standby current 9 – 18 VDC 1.2 A 135 mA Typical operating current (8Ω load) BATTERY OPERATION Standby current Battery Saver sleep current Battery Saver sleep time 10% volume ............200 mA 25% volume ............300 mA 50% volume ............475 mA 75% volume ........... 650 mA 100% volume ......... 850 mA 80 mA 45 mA programmable, 0.5 – 8 seconds BP-LM9 EMERGENCY BACKUP BATTERY BP-LM9 voltage 10.
5.5 Loudmouth™ Receiver Receiver physical dimensions 7.0”H x 5.0”W x 3.0”D Receiver enclosure material Receiver color Receiver weight Receiver mounting Receiver environmental Audio output connector DC power connector Valox® Thermo-plastic Gray (RAL# 7035) 1 lb. 15 oz. (with AFB-1545 antenna and BP-LM9 battery) top and bottom aluminum bracket indoor use only RCA phono jack 2.
Field Programming Map Feature Decision Programming Frequency Code from Table No or Yes Custom frequency requires PC programming Interference Eliminator Tone Code QC or DQC Enter Frequency & Tone codes [F] Selective Paging None or Selcall or 2-Tone Enter No Paging Code [C] 2-Tone Code from Table No or Yes Enter 3-7 digit Selcall Code [C] Custom 2-Tone requires PC programming Enter 2-Tone Code [C] Set Speaker Volume Enter Volume Code [U] Number of speakers Record and Play Pre-Announce Ton
6 Warranty WHAT THIS WARRANTY COVERS: RITRON, INC. ("RITRON") provides the following warranty against defects in materials and/or workmanship in RITRON Radios and Accessories under normal use and service during the applicable warranty period (as stated below). "Accessories" means antennas, power cubes, and items contained in the programming and programming/service kits.
