Playing Pre-Recorded Audio Messages Over a Radio (Davicom Cortex Series)

Introduction

This guide walks you through configuring a Davicom CORTEX-320 unit to broadcast pre-recorded audio messages over a radio system. Before beginning, it is highly recommended to review the Quick Start Guide to familiarize yourself with the basic setup and user interface of the Davicom CORTEX unit.

You can access the Davicom CORTEX-320 Quick Start Guide here:
Quick Start Guide – Davicom CORTEX-320

Hardware Installation

1.1 Configure the Radio for External PTT and Audio Input

1. Locate the Digital Input for PTT (Push-To-Talk):
   • Access the radio’s configuration settings (refer to the radio’s manual).
   • Identify a digital input pin or port that can be configured for External PTT (ePTT).
   • Enable this pin as the trigger input for audio transmission.
2. Locate the Audio Input Port:
   • Identify the audio input pin or port on the radio system. This is where the analog audio output signal from the Davicom CORTEX will be connected.
   • Ensure the port is enabled for external audio transmission (if required in radio settings).

1.2 Connect the Davicom CORTEX to the Radio

1. Connect the PTT Relay (1R1):
   • The 1R1 relay on the Davicom CORTEX will control the radio’s External PTT.

Using a Breakout Board:

1. Locate 1R1 output on the breakout board.

Direct Wiring from DB25 Connectors:

1. Refer to the Davicom CORTEX pinout documentation:
   • Pins: 13 (Common), 12 (Normally Open), 25 (Normally Closed).
2. Create a custom cable that connects:
   • Pin 13 → Common Ground on the radio.
   • Pin 12 → Radio’s External PTT digital input pin.

Example: If the radio’s ePTT input is pin 5, connect Pin 12 (1R1 NO) to pin 5.

2. Connect the Audio Output:
   • By default, the front audio port on the Davicom CORTEX acts as an audio output.
   • If you want to use the back audio port:
     • Set the internal jumpers to configure the back port as an output.
       Follow this guide: How to Set Internal Jumpers – Davicom CORTEX-320
   • Use a compatible audio cable to connect:
     • Davicom CORTEX audio output → Radio audio input.
3. Manual Trigger (Push Button):
   • Wire a push button or switch to Digital Input 1 (1D1):
     • Connect one terminal of the switch to 1D1 on the breakout board.
     • Connect the other terminal to Ground.
   • This switch will be used to manually trigger the audio message.

Davicom CORTEX Configuration for Radio Alarms

2.1 Log in to the Davicom CORTEX

1. Open a web browser and connect to the Davicom CORTEX unit using its IP address (default: 192.168.1.210).
2. Log in with the default credentials:
   • Username: super01
   • Password: ssssssss

2.2 Configure the PTT Relay

1. Navigate to:
   • System → Communication Parameters → Vocal Mode → PTT Relay.
2. In the PTT Relay field, type 1R1.
   • This configures Relay 1R1 to activate the PTT input on the radio.

2.3 Set Up the Alarm Call List

The Alarm Call List triggers the audio message when certain conditions occur.

1. Go to:
   • System → Alarm Call List.
2. Locate 1ACL1, right-click, and select Configure.
3. Configure Line 1:
   • In the Type dropdown menu, select (13) PTT Mode.
   • Enable the following options:
     • Do List Once.
     • Return to Normal Auto Ack.

4. Repeat the Message (Optional):
   • To repeat the message, configure PTT Mode on Line 2 of the call list.
5. Save the Configuration.

2.4 Set Alarm Call Delays

1. Navigate to:
   • System → Alarm Parameters.
2. Configure the Delays:
   • Delay Before Starting: Set to 1 second (recommended for minimal delay before playing the audio).
   • Adjust the other delay parameters as needed based on your specific application.
3. Disable the Default Preamble:
   If you only want the uploaded audio file to play (and not the automated preamble message such as “This is a Davicom alarm call”), follow these steps:
   • In the Alarm Parameters or Alarm Call List configuration window, ensure the following checkboxes are unchecked:
     1. Preamble
     2. I/O Announce
     3. Action Type
4. By disabling these options, the system will play only the uploaded audio file without any automated introduction or preamble.

2.5 Upload the Audio File

1. Go to:
   • System → Vocal Messages → PC to Unit Tab.
2. Select a 1VOCXX slot from the dropdown menu.
3. Upload your pre-recorded audio file (WAV format recommended).
4. Note the 1VOCXX ID (e.g., 1VOC01) for later use.
   • You can upload up to 32 audio files.

Configure the Manual Trigger

3.1 Configure Status Input 1D1

1. Go to:
   • Inputs → Status Input.
2. Add and configure 1D1:
   • Description:
     • Active: “Manual Trigger Active.”
     • Normal: “Manual Trigger Reset.”
   • Enable Vocal Message:
     • Select the uploaded audio file (1VOCXX) for:
       • Alarm Active: File to play when triggered.
       • Return to Normal: Optional reset message.

3.2 Link to Alarm Call List

1. In the Action Tab:
   • Set Action Type to Alarm Call List.
   • Select the 1ACL1 alarm call list configured earlier.
2. Configure the Active Level:
   • Set the input to Hi Active or Lo Active, depending on your switch wiring.

Test the Configuration

1. Verify Connections:
   • Ensure all connections (audio, PTT, and trigger switch) are secure.
2. Disconnect from the User Interface:
   • Close the Davicom CORTEX configuration interface.
3. Test the Manual Trigger:
   • Flip the switch or press the push button connected to 1D1.
   • Verify that:
     • The PTT relay (1R1) activates.
     • The audio message plays over the radio system.
4. Troubleshoot if Needed:
   • If the audio does not play:
     • Check relay wiring and configuration.
     • Verify the audio file is uploaded correctly.
     • Revisit the alarm call list settings.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, your Davicom CORTEX-320 will successfully broadcast pre-recorded audio messages over a radio system. This configuration allows manual triggering and automation for alarm conditions, ensuring clear communication during critical events.

For further support, consult the Davicom CORTEX-320 documentation or contact Davicom Support.