System Overview
The Cloud Electronics Tour Guide System is a compact, 12-24V DC powered audio solution specifically designed for installation in tour guiding vehicles, including buses, trams, and river cruises. It integrates essential audio functions through two primary components: the LM-2 Function Panel and the MA40F 40W Mini Amplifier. The LM-2 provides a remote microphone input with dedicated level control, alongside two line inputs for sources such as video players or music devices. The MA40F amplifier delivers 40W of Low-Z speaker output, configurable in series or parallel to achieve optimal sound coverage throughout the vehicle.
Manufacturer: Cloud Electronics Limited, Sheffield, UK.
Website: www.cloud.co.uk
Key Components and Their Roles
LM-2 Function Panel
This panel acts as the central hub for audio input and control. It features:
- Microphone Input: For the tour guide's microphone (Mic Level Audio).
- Line Inputs (2): For connecting external audio sources like music players or video outputs (Line Level Audio).
- Settings: Includes options for Paging Mode, Paging Priority (ON/OFF), and Line Input Priority (ON/OFF), as well as Local/Remote control.
MA40F 40W Mini Amplifier
The MA40F is responsible for amplifying audio signals to drive speakers.
- Power Input: Accepts 12-24V DC power.
- Speaker Output: Provides 40W Low-Z output, suitable for a minimum load of 4 Ohms.
- Input: Receives audio and control signals from the LM-2 via a CAT5 cable.
- Alarm Input System Mute: An input that can trigger an emergency mute function, overriding normal audio playback.
Audio Sources
- Music Player: (e.g., PC, CD/Server/MP3) - Connects via Line Level Audio to the LM-2.
- Video Display: Audio output from a video source - Connects via Line Level Audio to the LM-2.
- Tour Guide Microphone: Connects via Mic Level Audio to the LM-2.
Audio Output Devices
- Lo-Z Speakers: Multiple speakers are connected to the MA40F amplifier's output to provide distributed sound coverage.
Ancillary Systems
- 12-24V DC Power Supply: Essential for powering the MA40F amplifier.
- CAT5 - Audio & Control Cable: Transmits audio and control data between the LM-2 and MA40F.
- Optional Emergency Announcement System: Can be integrated to provide critical alerts, leveraging the MA40F's mute functionality.
System Connectivity Diagram Summary
The system's architecture is depicted as follows:
- Line Level Audio signals from the Music Player and Video Display are routed to the LM-2 Function Panel.
- A Mic Level Audio signal from the Tour Guide Microphone is also routed to the LM-2 Function Panel.
- The LM-2 Function Panel processes these inputs and transmits audio and control information via a CAT5 cable to the MA40F 40W Mini Amplifier.
- The MA40F amplifier receives its power from a 12-24V DC Power Supply.
- A dashed line indicates an "Alarm Input System Mute" connection to the MA40F, allowing for emergency overrides.
- The MA40F amplifier outputs 40W of audio power (Low-Z, minimum 4 Ohms) to multiple Lo-Z speakers distributed for coverage.
- An optional Emergency Announcement System is shown integrated, likely utilizing the MA40F's mute feature for critical alerts.
