Volume Levels with ELK TWA

[RichardU]

In the Elk system, G16-G18 are:

Output 1 Maximum volume siren alarm

Output 1 Maximum volume voice alarm

Output 1 Maximum volume non-alarm voice
 
That's great, if your speakers are connected to Output 1. My speakers are connected to an ELK TWA. How do I change the relative volume levels for alarm and non-alarm?
 
Richard

 

[Del91574]

You can't using software, it's the trimpots on the board for output levels.
 
I'm sure that a "non-elegant" solution could be had by muting certain outputs or breaking out some resistors and soldering iron to come up with 2 volume levels and negate the trimpots.

 

[RichardU]

The trimpots don't distinguish between alarm and non-alarm signals which means the TWA is a giant step down in that regard. I'm disappointed.

 

[Del91574]

That's what I stated.
 
That said, bypassing the trimpots and selecting a value of resistor for suitable volume levels that is switched in/out would be an option, but in the case of using software, no go. You could also switch in additional dummy loads within the total impedance the unit, say switch from a nominal 4/8 ohm load to 32 ohm load...that'll definately affect loudness.
 
Depending on where the speakers are you could selectively mute outputs based on rules...
 
Keep in mind, the unit isn't connected to the data bus on the panel, so it's effectively a dumb component as far as the panel is concerned.

 

[RichardU]

Do you know the pin-out on J7? This is a crazy idea, but might work since I don't do any talk back or phone interface at all. I'm wondering if I could replace the audio out from J7 with the audio from Out1. Then I could get the alarm/non-alarm volume adjustment of Out1, with the Zone volume adjustment and muting of the TWA. What do you think?