Difference between revisions of "Audio Program (ICX-AlphaCom)"

Latest revision as of 21:57, 30 October 2024

The ICX-AlphaCom system supports distribution of Audio Programs. This feature is typically used for distribution of background music. Up to 70 Audio Program channels are supported.

Audio source can be:

An analog audio source, typically a radio, CD-player, alarm device connected to the TKIE-2 kit. The TKIE-2 kit is used as an interface between the analog audio source and the ICX-AlphaCom server. (See image to the right).
An audio stream from a PC (e.g. a local audio file or stream from an internet radio) directly to the ICX-AlphaCom server. One can use the application ffmpeg on the PC to generate the stream.

For Audio Program distribution in the previous generation servers AlphaCom XE, see here.

Using analog source and TKIE kit

When using the TKIE-2 kit, the analog audio signal is connected to the Auxiliary connector pin 8 and 9 of the TKIE kit. One TKIE kit is required for each Audio Program channel.

Audio Program distribution, using the TKIE kit as analog interface

First configure the TKIE kit to register to the ICX-AlphaCom.

In AlphaPro Users & Stations, select the TKIE and set the Class of Service = SuperUser, and disable Noise Reduction:

For the TKIE set the Class of Service = SuperUser, and disable Noise Reduction

In AlphaPro Users & Stations, select the TKIE and select the button "Events". Insert an event 13, when change to OFF with action: $DD L%1.dir L6801. This event is triggered when the TKIE comes up after a reset of TKIE or a reset of the server.

Event Handler: TKIE-2 dials 6801 after startup

In AlphaPro Directory & Features, scroll to the bottom of the directory list and check if directory number 6801 with feature number 118 already exists.

If not, press Insert and create a new directory number with feature 118 - Program Source. Set ID = 1 (this specifies the program channel 1).

The example below shows how to add directory number 6801 with feature number 118.

A device dialing 6801 will become the source for Audio Program 1 (ID = Program channel)

If multiple Audio Program channels are to be added, one must add 6802 - feature 118 and ID = 2, 6803 - feature 118 and ID = 3, etc.

Log in to the web interface of the TKIE. Verify that audio from line in is enabled, and that AGC is disabled:

Line In enabled and AGC off

Finally, one have to reboot either the TKIE kit or the ICX-AlphaCom for all settings to take effect.

Now you should be able to listen to Audio Program channel 1 by dialing 801 on an intercom station.

For remote setup and other Audio Program related functions, see Audio Program features.

Audio Program distribution, streaming from a PC using ffmpeg

Streaming audio from a PC

Configure the IP Dummy Station

The PC is streaming audio to an IP Dummy station using the ffmpeg program. The IP Dummy Station is configured as the "Source" for an Audio Program channel. One IP Dummy Station is required for each Audio Program channel.

The IP Dummy Station requires an IP Station License

In AlphaPro Users & Stations, "General" tab, select a free user and configure as described below (Directory Number and Display Text are just examples):

Set the Class of Service = SuperUser

In AlphaPro Users & Stations, "Station Type" tab, enable the "IP Dummy Station" flag:

Set the "IP Dummy Station" flag

In AlphaPro Users & Stations select the IP Dummy and select the button "Events". Insert an event 13, when change to OFF. This event is triggered when the ICX-AlphaCom starts up.

Event Handler: IP Dummy dials 6801 after startup

Action:

$VAC L%1.dir U8 '10.9.8.189' W4002 W4004
$DD L%1.dir L6801

The first line will define UDP port 4004 as the receiving port for the Audio Stream. (Port 4002 is defined as the sending port, but is not used in this case):

U8 = Use G.722 codec
10.9.8.189 = The IP Address of the PC
4004 = UDP port for receiving audio

The second line tells the IP Dummy to dial 6801, and by that become the source for Audio Program 1.

In AlphaPro Directory & Features, scroll to the bottom of the directory list and check if directory number 6801 with feature number 118 already exists.

If not, press Insert and create a new directory number with feature 118 - Program Source. Set ID = 1 (this specifies the program channel 1).

The example below shows how to add directory number 6801 with feature number 118.

A device dialing 6801 will become the source for Audio Program 1 (ID = Program channel)

If multiple Audio Program channels are to be added, one have to use multiple IP Dummy Stations, and create 6802 - feature 118 and ID = 2, 6803 - feature 118 and ID = 3, etc.

Filters settings

The UDP ports used for audio streaming must be added and applied to the ICX-AlphaCom firewall; Filters

Define and Open the relevant UDP ports in the ICX-AlphaCom Filter settings. Here: UDP ports 4002 - 4004.

Finally, one have to reboot the ICX-AlphaCom for all settings to take effect.

PC setup

Download and install FFMPEG on the PC: https://www.ffmpeg.org/download.html
From Windows command line, enter:

ffmpeg.exe -re -i "C:\Programmer\ffmpeg\media\06 Paradise by the Dashboard Light.mp3" -ac 1 -acodec g722 -ar 16000 -filter:a volume=-6dB -f rtp rtp://10.9.8.20:4004

"C:\Programmer\ffmpeg\media\06 Paradise by the Dashboard Light.mp3" = audio source. This could be e.g. the url of an internet radio.
10.9.8.20 = IP Address of the ICX-AlphaCom
4004 = The UDP port used by the IP Dummy Station
-filter:a volume=-6dB = Sets the volume

Now you should be able to listen to Audio Program channel 1 by dialing 801 on an intercom station.

Audio Program features

Audio Program selection

To listen to an audio program, dial the program number (default 801 - 806). The audio program is switched off by pressing the C-key or by dialing 800.

When lifting the handset the dialing tone is normally heard, replacing any program. To listen to the program with the handset off, simply hold the M-key down while lifting the receiver, and the dialing tone is not turned on.

Active audio programs are automatically restored after server reset.

Audio Program Step

You can step through a list of available programs by dialing 790 on your station. Program off (800) is always included in the list. There are two alternative program step sequences.

The sequences after autoload

The number of programs in each sequence is programmable from AlphaPro, Audio Programs > General Settings. This sequence setting is valid for the entire system.
Each station can choose between sequence 1 or 2. By default all stations are assigned to sequence 1, this can be changed in Users & Stations → User Preferences.

Program step codes:

Audio Program Priority

During conversation the audio program is by default temporarily disconnected. This can be changed per audio program by the flag "Program over Conversation" in the Audio Program menu in AlphaPro. When the flag is set, the audio from the audio program will be mixed with the audio from the conversation.

During group calls the audio program and the group call audio is by default mixed. This can be controlled from AlphaPro by the flag "Mute Program During Group Call" in Exchange & System → System → Calls and Options. When the flag is set the audio program is temporarily disconnected during the group call. This is a global flag which applies to the whole system.

Each audio program channel has a "Volume/Handset override" flag, located in the Audio Program menu in AlphaPro. When set the Volume & handset override feature is activated for display stations if the program is activated by remote set-up to Group. This can be used when distributing alarm messages via the audio program channel.

Remote set-up of Audio Program

Audio Program can remotely be turned on from a station:

Audio program to another station: 74 + subscriber number + program number. E.g. 74 + 101 + 805
Audio program to a group (SuperUser only): 75 + group number + program number. E.g. 75 + 86 + 805

Use code 800 to turn the audio program off.

Audio Program can also be set up from RCI or Event Handler using the following commands:

PRS - Program to Station
PRG - Program to Group
$PROG - Program to station or group

Other audio program related commands and macros:

$TPROG - Temporarily turn ON/OFF program distribution to a station
%prog - Read active program

Events related to Audio Program

The event 01 - Audio, subevent 32 is triggered when the audio program is on.

Example: Activating RCO1 to control an amplifier when physical number 4 listens to an Audio Program

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{A}}
+{{I}}
-[[Image:AudioProgram.png|thumb|500px|Audio Program distribution]]
+The ICX-AlphaCom system supports distribution of '''Audio Programs'''. This feature is typically used for distribution of background music. Up to 70 Audio Program channels are supported.
-The AlphaCom system is prepared for distribution of '''Audio Programs'''. There must be an external audio source as input to each program, a radio, CD-player, alarm device or other sound input.
-A number of inputs for audio programs are available, depending on the system configuration. By default 6 audio program inputs are available via the [[APC|APC board]] for the [[AlphaCom XE20]] and [[AlphaCom XE26]], and 2 audio program inputs via [[ASLT|ASLT board]] in position 1 for the [[AlphaCom XE7]]. The number of audio program inputs can be expanded to 70 (36 in XE7) by using [[AGA#Multi_Program_Distribution|AGA board]].
+Audio source can be:
+* An analog audio source, typically a radio, CD-player, alarm device connected to the [[TKIE-2|TKIE-2 kit]]. The TKIE-2 kit is used as an interface between the analog audio source and the ICX-AlphaCom server. (See image to the right).
+* An audio stream from a PC (e.g. a local audio file or stream from an internet radio) directly to the ICX-AlphaCom server. One can use the application ffmpeg on the PC to generate the stream.
-Audio program input in the AlphaCom XE1 is supported via the [[TKIE-2|TKIE-2 kit]].
+For Audio Program distribution in the previous generation servers AlphaCom XE, see [[Audio Program (AlphaCom XE)|here]].
-== Audio Programs in XE7 ==
+== Using analog source and TKIE kit ==
-By default it is possible to connect 2 audio programs (805 & 806) to AlphaCom XE7. These must be connected to physical position 5 & 6, and an ASLT board must be present in board position 1.
+When using the [[TKIE-2|TKIE-2 kit]], the analog audio signal is connected to the [[Turbine_Extended_series_board_connectors|Auxiliary connector pin 8 and 9]] of the TKIE kit. One TKIE kit is required for each Audio Program channel.
+[[Image:Audio Program ICX.PNG|thumb|600px|Audio Program distribution, using the TKIE kit as analog interface]]
+First [[Getting_Started_(ICX-AlphaCom)#Configuration_of_the_Intercom_station|configure the TKIE kit to register to the ICX-AlphaCom]].
-The program sources are connected to the ‘c’ and ‘d’ terminals on the back plane.
+In AlphaPro [[Users & Stations (AlphaPro)|Users & Stations]], select the TKIE and set the Class of Service = SuperUser, and disable Noise Reduction:
-[[File:AudioProgramConnectionXE7.png|thumb|left|500px|Audio Program connection in XE7]]
+[[File:TKIE ProgFeed2.PNG|thumb|left|500px|For the TKIE set the Class of Service = '''SuperUser''', and disable '''Noise Reduction''']]
 <br style="clear:both;" />
-Physical number 5 & 6 are by default set up as Audio Program inputs. To use them for regular analog stations please see article [[Physical number 5 and 6 (AlphaCom E7)]]
+In AlphaPro [[Users & Stations (AlphaPro)|Users & Stations]], select the TKIE and select the button "'''Events'''".
+'''Insert''' an event 13, when change to OFF with action: $DD L%1.dir L6801. This event is triggered when the TKIE comes up after a reset of TKIE or a reset of the server.
-The input level is adjusted with potentiometers P5 and P6 on the backplane.
-== Audio Programs in XE20/26 ==
+[[File:TKIE ProgFeed3.PNG|thumb|left|500px|Event Handler: TKIE-2 dials 6801 after startup]]
-By default there are 6 Audio Program inputs in AlphaCom XE20 and XE26 via the APC board.
+<br style="clear:both;" />
+In AlphaPro [[Directory & Features (AlphaPro)|Directory & Features]], scroll to the bottom of the directory list and check if directory number 6801 with feature number 118 already exists.
+If not, press '''Insert''' and create a new directory number with feature 118 - [[Program_Source|Program Source]]. Set ID = 1 (this specifies the program channel 1).
-The Audio Programs are connected to the APC boards using the [[APC Connection Kit - 1009503000]]
+The example below shows how to add directory number 6801 with feature number 118.
-[[File:AudioProgramConnectionXE26.png|thumb|left|500px|Audio Program connection in XE20/XE26]]
+[[File:TKIE Add6801.PNG|thumb|left|500px|A device dialing 6801 will become the source for Audio Program 1 (ID = Program channel)]]
 <br style="clear:both;" />
-The input level of Audio Program 1-6 is adjusted by the potentiometers on the APC board.
-[[File:AudioProgramAdjustment.png|thumb|left|100px]]
+If multiple Audio Program channels are to be added, one must add 6802 - feature 118 and ID = 2, 6803 - feature 118 and ID = 3, etc.
+Log in to the web interface of the TKIE. Verify that audio from line in is enabled, and that AGC is disabled:
+[[File:TKIE ProgFeed.PNG|thumb|left|500px|Line In enabled and AGC off]]
 <br style="clear:both;" />
-== Audio Programs in XE1 ==
+Finally, one have to reboot either the TKIE kit or the ICX-AlphaCom for all settings to take effect.
-[[File:XE1 program.png|thumb|right|800px|Feature 118]]
-Audio program distribution in the AlphaCom XE1 is supported via the Line In input of the [[TKIE-2|TKIE-2 kit]].
-Software requirement: AMC 12.3.3.1 or later.
+Now you should be able to listen to Audio Program channel 1 by dialing 801 on an intercom station.
-From AlphaPro '''Directory & Features''', press '''Insert''' and create a new directory number with feature 118 - [[Program_Source|Program Source]]. Parameter 1 (ID) is the program channel 1-38.
+For remote setup and other Audio Program related functions, see [[Audio_Program#Audio_Program_features|Audio Program features]].
+[[Image:AudioProg Dummy Streaming.PNG|thumb|600px|Audio Program distribution, streaming from a PC using ffmpeg]]
-The example below shows how to add directory number 6802 as the code to become the sorce of Audio Program #2. Note that the Directory number to listen to program #2 is 802.
+== Streaming audio from a PC ==
+=== Configure the IP Dummy Station ===
+The PC is streaming audio to an [[IP_Dummy_Station|IP Dummy station]] using the ffmpeg program. The IP Dummy Station is configured as the "Source" for an Audio Program channel. One IP Dummy Station is required for each Audio Program channel.
+{{obs|The IP Dummy Station requires an IP Station License}}
+In AlphaPro [[Users & Stations (AlphaPro)|Users & Stations]], "General" tab, select a free user and configure as described below (Directory Number and Display Text are just examples):
+[[File:AudioProg Dummy P1.PNG|thumb|left|500px|Set the Class of Service = '''SuperUser''']]
+<br style="clear:both;" />
-[[File:Feat 118.png|thumb|left|500px|A device dialing 6802 will become the source for Audio Program 2 (ID = Program channel)]]
+In AlphaPro [[Users & Stations (AlphaPro)|Users & Stations]], "Station Type" tab, enable the "IP Dummy Station" flag:
+[[File:AudioProg Dummy flag.PNG|thumb|left|500px|Set the "IP Dummy Station" flag]]
 <br style="clear:both;" />
-Add an event 13, when change to OFF with action: $DD L%1.dir L6802. This event is activated when TKIE comes up after reset of station or server.
-[[File:Program_Event.png|thumb|left|500px|Event Handler: TKIE-2 dials 6802 after startup]]
+In AlphaPro [[Users & Stations (AlphaPro)|Users & Stations]] select the IP Dummy and select the button "'''Events'''".
+'''Insert''' an event 13, when change to OFF. This event is triggered when the ICX-AlphaCom starts up.
+[[File:AudioProg Dummy Event.PNG|thumb|left|500px|Event Handler: IP Dummy dials 6801 after startup]]
 <br style="clear:both;" />
+Action:
+ $VAC L%1.dir U8 '10.9.8.189' W4002 W4004
+ $DD L%1.dir L6801
-TKIE must be set to feed audio from line in:
-[[File:Line_In.PNG|thumb|left|500px|Line In]]
+The first line will define UDP port 4004 as the receiving port for the Audio Stream. (Port 4002 is defined as the sending port, but is not used in this case):
+* U8 = Use G.722 codec
+* 10.9.8.189 = The IP Address of the PC
+* 4004 = UDP port for receiving audio
+The second line tells the IP Dummy to dial 6801, and by that become the source for Audio Program 1.
+In AlphaPro [[Directory & Features (AlphaPro)|Directory & Features]], scroll to the bottom of the directory list and check if directory number 6801 with feature number 118 already exists.
+If not, press '''Insert''' and create a new directory number with feature 118 - [[Program_Source|Program Source]]. Set ID = 1 (this specifies the program channel 1).
+The example below shows how to add directory number 6801 with feature number 118.
+[[File:TKIE Add6801.PNG|thumb|left|500px|A device dialing 6801 will become the source for Audio Program 1 (ID = Program channel)]]
 <br style="clear:both;" />
+If multiple Audio Program channels are to be added, one have to use multiple IP Dummy Stations, and create 6802 - feature 118 and ID = 2, 6803 - feature 118 and ID = 3, etc.
+=== Filters settings===
+The UDP ports used for audio streaming must be added and applied to the ICX-AlphaCom firewall; [[ICX_Web#Filters|Filters]]
-NOTE: A station dialing feature 118 becomes the program feeder!
+[[File:AudioProg Dummy Firewall.PNG|thumb|left|500px|Define and Open the relevant UDP ports in the ICX-AlphaCom Filter settings. Here: UDP ports 4002 - 4004.]]
-This can be an analog station (preferrably with [[FBSAR_-_Audio_Interface_Unit|FBSAR]] connected for 0dB feed) or IP station, but TKIE is preferred unit for IP since it got 0dB input.
+<br style="clear:both;" />
-[[Program_Source|Feature 118]] is not included in COS. To avoid someone dialing [[Program_Source|feature 118]], and thus become a feeder, it is highly recommended to put the feature in an own COS and TKIE in same COS. When directory number for [[Program_Source|feature 118]] is first dialed, nobody else can dial it, and directory number of TKIE will be busy-marked.
+Finally, one have to reboot the ICX-AlphaCom for all settings to take effect.
+=== PC setup ===
+* Download and install FFMPEG on the PC: https://www.ffmpeg.org/download.html
+* From Windows command line, enter:
-NOTE: To be able to use feature 118 on program 5 and 6 in XE1 and XE7, the board use in AlphaPro > Exchange & System > Boards must be set to default instead of program feed. This change requires a reset of server:
+{{Code|ffmpeg.exe -re -i "C:\Programmer\ffmpeg\media\06 Paradise by the Dashboard Light.mp3" -ac 1 -acodec g722 -ar 16000 -filter:a volume<nowiki>=</nowiki>-6dB -f rtp rtp://10.9.8.20:4004}}
+* '''"C:\Programmer\ffmpeg\media\06 Paradise by the Dashboard Light.mp3"''' = audio source. This could be e.g. the url of an internet radio.
+* '''10.9.8.20''' = IP Address of the ICX-AlphaCom
+* '''4004''' = The UDP port used by the IP Dummy Station
+* '''-filter:a volume=-6dB''' = Sets the volume
-[[File:Board_Use.PNG|thumb|left|500px|Board Use]]
+Now you should be able to listen to Audio Program channel 1 by dialing 801 on an intercom station.
-<br style="clear:both;" />
+=== Related articles ===
+* [[HD audio for background music distribution]]
+* [[Stream audio from 3rd party]]
+* [[IP Dummy Station]]
 == Audio Program features==
@@ Line 123: / Line 176: @@
 <br style="clear:both;" />
-== Expanding the number of Program Inputs using AGA Board==
-=== AlphaCom XE7 ===
-The number of Audio Programs can be extended by adding AGA boards. Each added AGA board provides 6 Audio inputs for program distribution. The AGA boards can be placed in any board position. The Audio Program channel corresponds with the physical number. I.e. an Audio Program connected to physical port 23 using AGA will become program channel 23.
-{{Obs| Due to limitations of the power supply, there can be a maximum of 4 AGA boards in one XE7 server. }}
-The AGA ports used for "Audio Program Feed" must be configured in AlphaPro for this purpose, see [[Exchange_%26_System_(AlphaPro)#Board|Exchange & System > Board]].
-To adjust the input level on audio programs via AGA boards, use [[Audio_Program#Adjusting_input_level_2|potentiometers]] 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14.
-=== AlphaCom XE20/26 ===
-The number of Audio Programs can be extended to 70 by adding AGA boards. Each added AGA board provides 16 audio inputs for program distribution. The AGA board(s) must be inserted in position 18-21.
-[[File:AudioProgram2.png|thumb|left|500px|AGA board for additional Audio Program inputs]]
-<br style="clear:both;" />
-[[image:AGA Multi Program.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Audio Program connection]]
-<br style="clear:both;" />
-An [[Installation Set, Program Connection - 1009930300|AGA connection kit 1009930300]] needs to be purchased to connect the audio sources. The kit contains a filter board, a connection board and an interface cable.
-'''XE20/XE26 default program channels'''
-*APC board pos 26: Program  1 -  6
-* AGA board pos 21: Program  7 - 22
-* AGA board pos 20: Program 23 - 38
-* AGA board pos 19: Program 39 - 54
-* AGA board pos 18: Program 55 - 70
-Prior to AMC10.50, the maximum number of program feeds for AlphaCom E20/26 is 38. AGA boards must be placed in positions 20 and 21.
-[[File:AudioProgramAdjustment2.png|thumb|left|150px|Image shows AGA board in position 20 and 21]]
-<br style="clear:both;" />
-As from AMC10.50 the maximum number of program feeds for AlphaCom XE20/XE26 is extended from 38 to 70.
-The input level is adjusted by the potentiometers on the front of the AGA board.
-=== AGA Impedance and Switch setting ===
-The input impedance on each input on the AGA board can be 600 ohm or high impedance. 600 ohm is the default setting. The impedance is set by DIP switches located on the AGA board.
-[[File:AGA DIP 2.png|thumb|left|500px|AGA board with DIP switches for impedance highlighted]]
-<br style="clear:both;" />
- '''Note!''' On earlier versions of the AGA board, these settings were done using jumpers.
-Impedance setting using jumper straps on earlier versions of the AGA board:
-[[File:AGA jumpers.PNG|thumb|left|500px]]
-<br style="clear:both;" />
-[[Category: AlphaCom features]]
+[[Category: ICX-AlphaCom features]]