AsaCom - AlphaCom interface

Interfacing AsaCom ASA101 and STENTOFON AlphaCom XE

SYSTEM BUILD-UP AND DESCRIPTION

General Description

The existing ASACOM system ASA101 can be expanded by adding one or more STENTOFON AlphaCom Audio Servers. The two systems are interconnected via a SGA65008 interface unit that acts as a virtual AlphaCom Audio Server. The interface is handling all the signaling between the systems. Audio links are connected to the standard multi purpose interface cards for the respective system. Stations and equipment in both systems will interact as part of the same system. The AlphaCom Audio Server IP services can be accessed from the ASA101 system.

Data

Data are transmitted via Ethernet link between the AlphaCom Audio Server and the interface. The interface will convert and send information to the ASA101 system via the proprietary serial protocol ASKNEW.

Audio

The audio interconnection between ASA101 and AlphaCom Audio Server is analogue.

• There are maximum 4 channels in twisted pair cables between the multi purpose board(s) ETCB in the ASA101 and the multi purpose board AGA in AlphaCom.

Audio switching control (Duplex/Simplex)

The voice switching will take place individually in the different systems.

Programming

Individual programming will be carried out in each system:

• In ASA101 the programming for ETCB is performed from a programming station
• AlphaPro and AlphaWeb are used for the AlphaCom Audio Server part
• Interface programming with standard Windows® text editor.

Basic System Features

All internal features in both systems will remain as they are. The following features will be included in the interface between ASA101 and AlphaCom:

• Station to station calling, two-way hands free and private
• Display information - Call number of calling station
• Call request (Emergency Call) and queuing from stations in ASA101 to master stations in AlphaCom.
• Global number plan or prefix dialing from ASA101
• Door opening
• Microphone mute
• Camp-On-Busy
• Setup of internal All-Call and Group-Call in ASA101 from AlphaCom.
• 2,3 or 4 digits in ASA. 4 digits in AlphaCom.

Software Description

ASA 101

The Tie-Line Protocol communication software ASKNEW is included in the ETCB revisions GE 03.1 and higher. The system can be run on EXCP software revisions ASA5 and higher.

AlphaCom Audio Server

Minimum software requirement: AMC-IP software release 10.60.3.14.

Interface SGA 65008

The ASA-ACE Application software 2.17 is running under Windows XP® Professional operating system.

Interface description

The interface SGA65008 is setup as a Virtuel AlphaCom node in an AlphaNet configuration. The interface consists of a 19”, 1U height rack housing including a built-in standard PC equipped with Intel® Atom 200/300 processor. The interface is running application software ASAAC.exe under Windows-XP® Professional to control the signaling to/from ASACOM protocol ASKNEW and the Stentofon Simple Link Layer-PC protocol used by AlphaCom. All customer specific setup, such as node numbers for the different systems, number of used channels, numbers for call request and Group call numbers to ASA101 are located in a Configuration file used by the application.
Built-in in the housing is also an additional Serial converter board that holds 4 converters from the ASA101 ETCB current loop serial ports to 4 internal USB serial ports to communicate with the application program. In addition it holds 2 internal USB serial channels used for conversion from RS485 to USB serial and one USB serial port for control of internal watchdog. The RS485 port(s) can be used for optional ASA applications such as Alarm Call. <br/< Maximum capacity for signaling and speech channels between the two systems is four channels. The audio channels are directly connected with a 4-wire cable for each speech channel from the Multi purpose board ETCB in the ASA101 exchange to the General purpose Audio interface AGA in the AlphaCom Audio Server.
Together with the interface it is delivered a complete cable set for the connection from ASA101 ETCB boards and AlphaCom AGA board to the interface. The cable set is made for one ETCB board with 2 channels and have also twisted pair cables for 2 channels to the AlphaCom AGA board. Length of cable in all directions is 10 meters.
Cable set for 4 channels on request. <br/< The AlphaCom and the interface are interconnected via:

• one Ethernet link

The ASACOM and the interface are interconnected via:

• one or up to four current loop serial communication ports
• optional RS485 communication port (E-bus) for Alarm call

The audio links are provided via direct wire connections between the ETCB and AGA analogue interface boards:

• one or up to four 4-wire, 0 dBm audio links.

Interface Front side

The front side has a LED panel for indication of the standard PC behavior and power ON/OFF switch.

Interface Front side

Interface Rear side

The rear side has the ordinary PC connections such as Ethernet, keyboard, mouse and terminal connections. The serial conversion board with connector for wiring and LED indications for the signaling channels to ETCB is also found.

1. Status LED’s Channel 1.
2. Status LED’s Channel 2.
3. Status LED’s Channel 3.
4. Status LED’s Channel 4.
5. Status LED’s Run mode, Watchdog.
6. Status LED’s E-Bus RS485 port.
7. Status LED’s Auxiliary RS485 port.

HEADER: Ribbon cable connection from ETCB boards.

Installation. Wiring and Connections

Together with the interface it is delivered a complete cable set for the connection from ASA101 ETCB boards to the interface. The cable set is made for one ETCB board, two speech links cannels and twisted pair cables for speech channels to the AlphaCom AGA board. Length of cables in all directions is 10 meters.

Serial Data Links ETCB – SGA65008

Each of the ETCB boards in ASA101 is using two current loop serial ports. These ports are located on board front connector J3. The used ports are port 6 and port 7 on each board which are connected to the ribbon cable header in the interface.

Audio Links ETCB – AlphaCom

The audio links are directly connected in between the ETCB boards and the AlphaCom AGA board. Audio connections are found on connector J2 of the ETCB board. The AGA board provides 6 audio channels between the exchanges but only 4 channels can be used for maximum capacity. The AGA board can be placed in any position. Pos 20-23 are recommended in XE26 to avoid modifications of the backplane. Use the same filter board with cable and connection board as ASLT.

Ethernet connection SGA65008- AlphaCom

The Ethernet RJ45 connection ‘GLAN1’ in the interface is connected to the Ethernet RJ45 connection ‘ETH0’ in AlphaCom. Either direct or via an Ethernet switch connected to AlphaCom.

The cabling

Audio level adjustment on AGA board

The transmit level is fixed and cannot be adjusted in the AlphaCom. The receive level is adjusted by potentiometers on the AGA board. Potentiometers for line 1 to 4 are turned to the left for max gain.

Audio level adjustment ETCB board

The audio gain is set by programming for both transmit and receive in the ETCB channel setup. The settings are located in the addresses shown below and should be set for all used channels. Default is all channels set for 0 dB.

See also chapter 2.7.4 ETCB channel programming

Settings and programming

Interface settings

To operate, a configuration file “ASA_Setup.ini” must be found. If the configuration file is missing at first time start-up, the file will be generated automatically with default settings. The configuration file must be edited on-site with customer data for the whole system.

The file contains settings for communication with the AlphaCom Audio Server in an AlphaNet, such as IP-address, node number, Call request number(s) and conversion table for ASA Group and All-Call numbers. The file is also holding the settings for use of internal serial ports in the interface for communication with the ASA101. Below is the default configuration file for four channels.

Configuration file ASA_Setup.ini

[TCP_SOCKET]

Socket_ip = 169.254.1.5 ; This is the default IP address of the AlphaCom .

Socket_port = 8000 ; The AlphaCom port used for IP service. The port must also be activated in the AlphaCom firewall.

[NODES]

AMC_node = 1 ; AlphaCom node number

ASA_node = 7 ; Virtual AlphaCom Node number for the interface. The node must be created in AlphaCom.

[SERIAL_COM]

Com_Channel_1 = 6 ; Internal USB port used for ETCB Channel 1

Com_Channel_2 = 5 ; Internal USB port used for ETCB Channel 2

Com_Channel_3 = 4 ; Internal USB port used for ETCB Channel 3

Com_Channel_4 = 3 ; Internal USB port used for ETCB Channel 4 Set = 0 if ETCB channel not used.

Com_EBUS = 8; Internal USB port for ETCB RS485. Used for special ASA applications, i.e. ‘Alarm Call’. Set = 0 if not used.

Com_AUX = 0; Auxiliary USB port for RS485. Used for special applications. Set = 0 if not used.

Com_MCU = 9; Internal USB port used for Watchdog. If set = 0 the Watchdog is not enabled.

[E_BUS]

E_BUS_node = 3 ; The ETCB node number used for ASA ‘Emergency Call’ to AlphaCom. This must also be set in ETCB ‘General Setup’ address 43 and 44 for the appropriated ETCB.

[ASA_PARAMETER]

AC_Digits = 4; Not to be changed. AC number plan has to be 4 digits across the systems.

The table for conversion of Group Call numbers in ASA dialed from AlphaCom. The numbers specified are the call numbers programmed in AlphaCom that will be converted to the call number in ASA. Example: Group_call_0 = 9990;

Group_call_0 This is the All Call group 0 in ASA with ASA call no. 000 = 9990; This is the ‘Global Number for AlphaNet’ specified in AlphaCom to set up the All Call in ASA.

Group_call_0 = 9990;

Group_call_1 = 9991;

Group_call_2 = 9992;

Group_call_3 = 9993;

Group_call_4 = 9994;

Group_call_5 = 9995;

Group_call_6 = 9996;

Group_call_7 = 9997;

Group_call_8 = 9998;

Group_call_9 = 9999;

ASA_mode_callback = yes;

‘Call Back’ parameter handles the calling method from ASA to AlphaCom. If set to = no the ASA stations can call directly to an AlphaCom station. If set to = yes the ASA stations will be disconnected after dialing and be called back as ‘B’ extension. This will allow post dialing from AlphaCom to ASA.

ASA_Convert_3_to_4_digit =yes

Convert 3 digits from ASA to 4 digits in ACM and reversed.

Example: ASA extension number is “234”. In ACM this extension is defined as ”1234”. When dialing from ASA the number “234” is converted to “1234” by the interface. When dialing ASA extension “1234” from ACM the number sent will be “234”, i.e. first digit removed.

ASA_first_digit = 1

Left most digit added to the 3 digit ASA numbers. Only used if parameter ASA_Convert_3_to_4_digit is set = yes

[AC_PARAMETER]

Trunk parameters are not used. Should always be set to = yes to allow signaling and voice communication between the systems. If set = no channels will be blocked.

Trunk_1 = yes;

Trunk_2 = yes;

Trunk_3 = yes;

Trunk_4 = yes;

The extension numbers in AlphaCom to be dialed from ASA to place the call in a ‘Call Request’ queue. This will allow post dialing from AlphaCom to ASA, i.e. control of door lock in ASA.

Call_request_number_1 = 1001;

Call_request_number_2 = 1002;

Call_request_number_3 = ;

Call_request_number_4 = ;

Call_request_number_5 = ;

Call_request_number_6 = ;

Call_request_number_7 = ;

Call_request_number_8 = ;

Call_request_number_9 = ;

Call_request_number_10 = ;

ASACOM Programming

The ETCB board(s) used has to be installed in the exchange according to the standard procedure found in the ‘ASA Installation Manual’ to get access to the internal programming of the boards. All programming of ETCB is taking place from a programming station. ECT Programming Tool can not be used. Full documentation of ETCB features and programming can be found in the ‘ETCB Manual’

ETCB Jumpers

The boards have to be set for 4-wire audio connections for the used channels, according to the table below. Used channels are channel 1 and 2.

ETCB General Setup

Used physical ETCB channels have to setup for ‘Tie Line’, function type 014. Setup is made in addresses 01-04. Used channels are channel 1 and 2 on each ETCB board.

Call prefix for outgoing calls can be set in addresses 17 and 18. Default prefix is 04 for both channels.

ETCB Com port settings

Baud rate for com ports are located in addresses 39 to 42. Address 39, Com5 is dedicated for RS485 communication to special application programs and if used the port must be set to 9600b/s. Used current loop ports for communication with the interface are Com6 and Com7 on each board.

Optional Setup for Emergency Call

The Emergency Call feature doe’s not use any physical cannel. Setup is made in free non-physical channels 5-14.This feature should be set in more than one channel to be able to handle several simultaneous calls.

ETCB Channel Programming

Each used channel has a number of settings that can be adjusted for the installation, such as audio levels for speech in/out, use of duplex control (CCDX voice switch function) at outgoing calls, conversation timeout etc. The channel has to be setup for the ‘ASKNEW’ protocol and set with the appropriate current loop port for the signaling.

Note! Current loop port can not be the same for the channels on the same ETCB board.

Optional ETCB Channel programming for Alarm Call

The call from ASA101 will be placed to an ETCB channel programmed for Central Information, to receive a spoken message during the transmission and placement in AlphaCom Call request queue. The call number for the physical Information channel must match the call number set in the ETCB address xC05. For additional programming of an Information channel, see the ETCB ‘ACF-tech’ manual.

The setting above must be same for all non-physical channels used for Emergency Facility.

Additional ASACOM Programming

The basic external call dialing from ASA101 upon installation of ETCB board(s) will be accessed with prefix dialing, default ‘04’, for all channels. In case of common numbering scheme for the two systems, single AlphaCom extension numbers or number series can be programmed. This follows the standard programming for the ASA101 ‘Tie Line’ feature and is performed by adding new line records with first and last call numbers in the number series. This has to be done for all used ETCB channels.

AlphaCom programming

This chapter is only giving an overview of the necessary programming for communication with the interface. For additional information about the AlphaCom features and programming refer to the ‘AlphaCom System Management and Operation manual’ and also the ‘AlphaPro manual’.

Configuration of nodes in AlphaPro

• Define the new ASA101 Node for the Interface as Node Type ‘AlphaCom’.
• Add the ASA101 node to the network with ‘No AlphaNet Administration’

In “AlphaPro/Exchange Information/Serial Ports” configure an ACDP Link as TCP/IP-Server on port 8000 as Stentofon Simple Link Layer PC. The port has to equal the port setting in the interface .INI-file.

Don’t forget to enable the port for the Firewall in AlphaWeb!

In “AlphaPro/Exchange Information/Net Routing” insert the new route for the ASACOM node.

In “AlphaPro/Exchange Information/Net Audio” creates, for each channel to be used, an ‘AlphaNet Audio Connection’.

Programming of Global ASACOM Call numbers

The ASA101 call numbers or range of call numbers must be programmed as Global Numbers for AlphaNet in the AlphaCom node. This can be done by either programming every single extension number in ASA101 or in very large systems, 1 or 2 digits can be programmed as ASA101 Exchange prefix.

Note: If exchange prefix dialing from AlphaCom is used, direct access keys (DAK) can not be used. 
Local Group and All Call in ASACOM for 10 groups can be accessed and setup from the AlphaCom exchange.
Also these numbers has to be programmed as ‘Global Numbers for AlphaNet’.

Single Global Numbers

Insert the ASA101 call number as ‘Global Numbers for AlphaNet’, feature 83. Add an appropriate display text and node number for the ASA system.

Global Exchange Prefix

Insert the ASA101 exchange call prefix, one or two digits, as ‘Global Numbers for AlphaNet’, feature 83. Note that call numbers has to be 4 digits so add remaining digits to be dialed in the ‘Collect N more digits’ field. Add an appropriate display text and node number for the ASA system.

Group and All Call

The Group and All Call numbers have also to be specified as ‘Global Numbers for AlphaNet’, with feature 83. The numbers must correspond to the numbers in the ‘ASA-setup.ini’ file for the interface. The numbers dialed from AlphaCom will be converted by the interface to the standard internal numbers 000 to 009 in ASA101. Add an appropriate display text and node number for the ASA system.

Alarm Call from ASA

Alarm Calls generated from ASA can be routed to a station in AlphaCom. This is made by creating an ‘Event’ in the Event Action setup. In addition, the alarm numbers sent from ASA must be included in the Directory number list. Numbers are 9790 to 9799 in window below. Feature no.9.

Also specific call numbers for the ASA RS485 communication link to the Interface node must be included. They are used to verify the functionality of the alarm communication links. Feature no. 9.

Upon an Alarm Call from ASA the AlphaCom will receive the following message string: $ER U15 U200 U1 U1 L9790 U3 Lxxxx where Lxxx is the ASA extension number. The actions to be taken, and routing to certain CRM stations according to the received alarm number, can be specified in the AlphaPro Event handler.

Startup and Operation

Interface Startup

The interface application program will start automatically at power up. The built-in serial converter board has a watchdog function that will be activated in case of erroneous situations. This will cause a restart of the interface hardware and a restart of the application program. If the application software is terminated and restarted by administrator, the application is started, but a new login with username and password must be done before full access to the system and files is possible.

Default username: Administrator

Default password: 71629

Call handling

The feature accessibility in the two systems will differ and follow the calling method and setting in the interface ASA_Setup.ini-file and the different systems.

Important Notes:

Post dialing from ASA101 and AlphaCom

Post dialing from ASA is transmitted only if ASA is A-extension. Commands for door opening and manual voice control in ASA can only be received if ASA is B-extension.

Other post dialing messages between ASA101 and AlphaCom are not transmitted!

Therefore ASA mode call back is implemented in the interface setup .ini-file so that a calling ASA substation can receive door opening and manual voice controls (depending of the application). However, this method will be valid for all ASA extensions.

Interface setup for ‘No Call-Back’

This is the normal setting for ‘A’ to ‘B’ direct connection. If call is initiated from ASA, post dialing from ASA to AlphaCom is possible. Post dialing from AlphaCom to ASA is not possible.

If call is initiated from AlphaCom then post dialing is possible from AlphaCom. Post dialing from ASA is not possible.

Normal call from ASA:

From ASA dial the desired number, if number series programmed, or prefix + number in the AlphaCom and connection will be established.

Normal call from AlphaCom:

From AlphaCom dial the desired single programmed number or the programmed exchange prefix + remaining digits in call number and the connection will be established.

Door station call from ASA to AlphaCom / Call Request:

Because of that the ASA door opening function can not be controlled directly from AlphaCom when ASA extension is initiating a call (A-side) in this calling method, the following programming can be made:

Program the ASA door stations push button to dial the predefined AlphaCom ‘Call request’ number set in ASA_Setup.ini-file. Call will be disconnected and placed in queue at the AlphaCom station. When ‘Call Request’ is answered the AlphaCom extension has control over door lock function in ASA by pressing key 6.

ASA Alarm Call to AlphaCom:

Alarm Calls (if programmed in ASA and interface) dialed from ASA will be registered and sent on the RS485 serial link to the AlphaCom following the AlphaCom Event actions programmed. This call will not use any speech link. In the meanwhile, when placed in queue, the ASA station can be routed to an internal information channel for reception of a recorded spoken message. (Note, requires external equipment connected to an ASA ETCB channel setup for ACF.).

When the AlphaCom station responds to the call, it will receive a busy tone as the ASA station is occupied. Communication will be established by using Priority function, press key 6 twice.

Use of ASA features. Call from ASA

Abbreviated dialing *) Press function key F1-F3 or digit key 0-9+A

Camp-On Busy Automatic

‘Hurry-up’ signal Press A-key during received busy tone

Priority *) Press A-key twice during received busy tone

Microphone mute *) Press key 4

Door Opening Press key 6

Manual voice switch Press key A

Use of AlphaCom features. Call from ASA

Manual voice switch press key M

Door Opening Not possible

Microphone mute*) Press key 0

inquiry/brokers call Dial 2 + AC or ASA extension. Press C to return

Use of AlphaCom features. Call from AlphaCom

Abbreviated dialing Press desired DAK-key

Camp-On Busy automatic

Hurry-up’ signal Press M-key during received busy tone

Priority Press key 6 twice during received busy tone

Microphone mute Press key 0

Door Opening Press key 6

Manual voice switch*) Press key M

* Requires setup or programming in ASA

Use of ASA features. Call from AlphaCom

Manual voice switch Press key A

Door Opening Not possible

Microphone mute *) Press key 4

Inquiry / Return from Inquiry Dial 00 + AC or ASA extension. Press B to return

Secretary transfer *) Automatic

Transfer at No Answer Automatic after timeout

* Requires setup or programming in ASA

Interface setup for ‘Call-Back’

In this calling method the calls made from ASA will be valid for all ASA extensions. Regardless if prefix dialing or number series used, the dialing will be received by the interface and the call will be disconnected. The interface will then call back to the ASA extension and conversation is established.

All post dialing from AlphaCom to ASA will be accessible, like door opening on direct call from ASA, manual remote voice switching across the interface etc.

Normal call and door station call:

From ASA dial the desired number, if number series programmed, or prefix + number in the AlphaCom. Call will be disconnected for a short moment and reconnected as B extension.

If a Door Station Call answered, the AlphaCom extension has control over door lock function in ASA by pressing key 6.

Call Request: Program the ASA station push button to dial the predefined AlphaCom 'Call Request' number set in ASA_Setup.ini-file. Call will be disconnected and placed in queue at AlphaCom station. When Call Request is answered the AlphaCom extension has control over door lock function in ASA by pressing key 6.

ASA Alarm Call to AlphaCom:

Alarm Calls (if programmed in ASA and interface) dialed from ASA will be registered and sent on the RS485 serial link to the AlphaCom following the AlphaCom Event actions programmed. This call will not use any speech link. In the meanwhile, when placed in queue, the ASA station can be routed to an internal information channel for reception of a recorded spoken message.

Note! Requires external equipment connected to an ASA ETCB channel setup for ACF.

When the AlphaCom station responds to the call, it will receive a busy tone as the ASA station is occupied. Communication will be established by using Priority function, press key 6 twice.

Use of ASA features. Call from ASA

Abbreviated dialing *) Press function key F1-F3 or digit key 0-9+A

Camp-On Busy Automatic

Microphone mute *) Press key 4

Manual voice switch Press key A

* Requires setup or programming in ASA

Use of AlphaCom features. Call from ASA

Manual voice switch Press key M

Door Opening Press key 6

Microphone mute Press key 0

Inquiry / Brokers Call Dial 2 + AC or ASA extension. Press C to return

Priority *) Press key 6 twice during received busy tone

Use of AlphaCom features. Call from AlphaCom

Abbreviated dialing Press desired DAK-key

Camp-On Busy Automatic

Hurry-up’ signal Press M-key during received busy tone

Priority *) Press key 6 twice during received busy tone

Microphone mute Press key 0

Door Opening Press key 6

Manual voice switch Press key M (Signal repeated)

Use of ASA features. Call from AlphaCom

Manual voice switch Press key A

Microphone mute *) Press key 4

Inquiry / Return from Inquiry Dial 00 + AC or ASA extension. Press 00 to return

Inquiry / Call Transfer Dial 00 + AC or ASA extension. Press B for transfer

Secretary Transfer *) Automatic

Transfer at No Answer *) Automatic after timeout

* Requires setup or programming in ASA

Appendix

Wiring Diagram for 4 channels

Pin out for ASA ETCB Connectors

Post dialing functions in short form

• ASA calls ACM with ASA-call-back is set (yes)
• ASA extension dials “04 – ACM number”
• ASA is A-extension
• ASA–AC Server receives the call
• ASA extension is disconnected and reconnected from ASA-AC Server
• ASA is now B-extension
• ASA-AC Server dials to ACM
• Post dialing from AC to ASA is possible

• ASA calls ACM with ASA-call-back is not set (no)
• ASA extension dials “04 – ACM number”
• ASA is A-extension
• ASA–AC Server receives the call
• ASA-AC Server dials to ACM
• Post dialing from ACM to ASA is not possible

Technical Data SGA 65008

Dimension (WxHxD):	437 x 43 x 249mm, 19” / 1U
Operating voltage:	100-240 VAC
Power consumption:	200W
Ethernet connection:	1 x RJ45 10/100 Mbps
Max. distance to AlphaCom:	100m according to IEEE 802.3
Max. distance to ASACOM:	100m
Audio:	0 dB, 600 ohms, 300 – 3400 Hz
Data protocols:	IP v4, TCP, UDP, HTTP,RTP, RTCP, DHCP, DiffServ, TOS, STENTOFON CCoIP®, ASKNEW
Operating temperature range:	10°C to + 35°C
Humidity:	8% - 90% RH (non-condensing)
Weight:	4.5 kg