ALPHATRON ALPHACALL MF

The ALPHATRON ALPHACALL MF is an advanced two-way command and intercom system designed specifically for marine vessels.

Key features and description points:

Main Unit and Substations: It consists of a central main unit, typically installed in the ship’s wheelhouse, to which up to 10 substations can be connected. These substations can be strategically placed in various locations around the ship, such as outside decks, inside cabins, the engine room, and other operational areas.
Two-Way Communication: The primary function is to facilitate clear, two-way voice communication between the main unit and any of the connected substations. It does not allow direct communication between substations themselves.
Crisp and Clear Sound: Alphatron has paid careful attention to sound quality in its design, aiming for crisp and clear audio for effective communication, though ambient noise in the substation’s location can affect this.
Gooseneck Microphone with Footswitch: The main unit comes with a gooseneck microphone for hands-free operation and a footswitch for easy activation, particularly useful on the bridge where hands may be occupied.
Versatile Installation: The main unit can be installed in various orientations, including flush-mounted or surface-mounted, allowing flexibility in bridge console design.
Expandable System: It supports various types of optional peripheral equipment, including different kinds of substations (e.g., indoor with call/talk buttons, engine room with headphone connection, outdoor with call button), external loudspeakers, and amplifiers, to tailor the system to specific vessel needs.
Power Supply: Operates on 24VDC.
Applications: Highly suitable for a wide range of vessel types due to its scalability and robust design, ensuring effective internal communication for operational efficiency and safety.

Technical Specification

System Capabilities:

System Type: Two-way command and intercom system.
Maximum Number of Substations: Up to 10 substations can be connected to the main unit.
Communication Flow: Communication is between the AlphaCall MF main unit and the connected substations. Direct communication between substations is not supported.

Electrical Specifications:

Operating Voltage: 22-30 Volts DC (Nominal 24VDC).
Power Consumption:
- Turned Off: 30mA (quiescent current).
- Maximum (Turned On / In Use): 2A (this would be with multiple conversations/active lines).
Reverse Battery Protection: Yes, includes protection against incorrect power polarity.
Substations with External Signal:
- Specific substations (typically substations 1-4, though this can vary by configuration) can provide an external signal.
- Output: 12V, max 10mA.
Output Power:
- Main Unit Output: 15W max.
- Output per line: Max. 10W.
Frequency Range: Better than 200-6000Hz (-3dB) for clear audio reproduction.

Audio Components:

Built-in Speaker: Yes, in the main unit.
External Speaker: Yes, optional (typically 8Ω/4-15W impedance for external speakers).
Microphone: Gooseneck microphone with Push-To-Talk (PTT) button and separate footswitch for hands-free operation.
Sound Quality: Designed for crisp and clear sound reproduction, though ambient noise near substations and the main unit can influence clarity.

Mechanical Specifications (Main Unit):

Dimensions (H x W x D): Approximately 161mm x 181mm x 123mm.
Weight: Approximately 1.5 Kg.
Mounting Options:
- Flush mounting.
- Surface mounting.
- Can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at an angle.
IP Rating (Front Side): IP22 (Protected against solid objects over 12.5mm and dripping water). Note: This rating is typical for indoor bridge equipment and means it’s not fully waterproof.

Environmental Specifications:

Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C.
Storage Temperature: -10°C to +50°C.

Compliance & Approvals:

EMC: Yes, approved for Electromagnetic Compatibility.
EMC Standard: Approved according to IEC 60945 (General requirements for marine navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems).

User Interface (Main Unit):

Controls: Buttons for:
- Switching the ALPHACALL MF on/off.
- Dimming the display/backlight.
- Setting outgoing and incoming volume.
- (De)selecting substations for calls.
- Answering calls from substations.
- Giving a call signal.
- Making a call (to a single substation or multiple simultaneously).
- Setting the backlight color.
Backlight: Adjustable backlight color.

Connectivity with Substations:

Cabling:
- Substations without call facility: 3-core cables.
- Substations with call option: 4-core cables.
- Substations with additional signal unit: 6-core cables.

Optional Peripheral Equipment:

Various types of substations (indoor, outdoor, engine room with headphone connection).
External loudspeakers for the main unit.
Amplifiers.
Connecting box for headphones.
Engine room telephone.