FAQ's
Table of contents
General
Am I legally obliged to have assistive listening?
Yes. Assistive listening is not simply a good thing to have for all businesses, it's a legal requirement under the Equalities Act 2010
I am only a small business, does assistive listening apply to me?
Yes. Irrespective of size, you are legally obliged to provide assistive listening under the Equalities Act 2010.
What is meant by 5 year warranty?
Our 5 year warranty covers all of our professional induction loop amplifiers, all other products including domestic loop amplifiers are covered by a 2 year warranty. The warranty period starts from the date of despatch. Please contact us first and request a return authority number. Our 5 year warranty covers all parts, and labour.
How quickly do you deliver?
Usually within 5 working days. We do our very best to get our products to you quickly.
What do I do if a product is damaged or faulty and I need to return it?
Please contact us straight away so that we can determine the fault. If necessary we will issue you with a return authority number. Please note that no product returns will be accepted without this. You can contact us at support@univoxaudio.co.uk or call us on 01707 339216
What technical support do you offer?
We offer comprehensive technical support from the UK and Sweden. Contact us at support@univoxaudio.co.uk or call us on 01707 339216
What after sales service will I receive?
Univox® have a stong and welll established reputation for customer service. We are happy to help you with any problems, queries or advice that you need. Please contact support@univoxaudio.co.uk or call us on 01707 339216
Are all Univoxaudio products fully compliant with relevant international standards?
Yes, all UnivoxAudio products are fully compliant with all relevant safety and performance standards. Please note that IEC 60118-4 is a performance standard which means that it is the installation that is tested to this standard. The CE mark denotes that the equipment satisfies european safety and EMC standards. Specialist induction loop amplifiers for transport meet additional standards relevant to the application. See specific product data for information.
What is meant by 'the power of univox'?
This needs writing as it it not clearly and simply explained anywhere in the knowledge centre
I have not heard of Univox® or UnivoxAudio before, how knowledgable and experienced are you?
Univox are a well respected induction loop expert founded in Sweden in 1965. They are the most experienced and oldest induction loop company in the world and the first to develop a constant current loop amplifier in 1969- the Univox 34A note - this should have a link to the 'story of the Univox 34A'.
UnivoxAudio was established in 2012 and is the uk subsidiary of Univox®. Managing Director , Ken Hollands is a uk leading expert and advocate of induction loops.
Can I get a quote on-line?
Yes, to make things quick and simple you can generate a quote easily online. click get a quote which operates like an online shop but without the checkout.
Can I do a design on-line?
Yes. Selectaloop TM is a easy to use design tool to cover any rectangular space. The Superloop TM layout calculator gives dimentional induction loop layout based on room size. It can be used by anyone who understands the Superloop TM design principles.
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Isn't it easier and cheaper for me to have a portable induction loop than get one installed?
There are two versions of a portable induction loop- the first, is a one to one/ counter induction loop and the second, a room loop.
A portable one to one /counter induction loop may at first appear to be the easier and cheaper option, but is often not a practical and beneficial solution for anyone. The hard of hearing have to ask to use them, which draws attention to their disability, they need to be readily accessible , charged and set up correctly, and staff need to be competent in their use. They often create delay, provide no benefit to the hearing impaired and irritate other customers who are waiting to be served. For 'counter/reception desks, a portable loop is impractical and the only effective solution, is one that is installed.
I have a small budget, what is the most cost effective assistive listening solution for me?
This will depend on the size of the area being covered. It is, however considered best practice to provide performance standard compliant coverage with good signage eg: a coverage map, to a proportion of the space, rather than poor coverage of the whole area.
How much does it cost to have an induction loop installed?
This will depend on the size of the area, the amount of metal loss compensation, and the spill control required.
Will there be on going costs and maintenance required with an induction loop?
Generally, there are no on going costs incurred with an induction loop. Periodic maintenance is minimal and involves such things as annual checking of the system to establish that it is working, not disconnected, and that the controls are set correctly.
Why can't I just have an FM or infra red assistive listening system and avoid installation costs ?
We can provide an FM system, however should go for loop because........... tempttion to save money up front but will cost a lot of money in long term.
Do I need specialist technical knowledge to design, specify, and purchase an induction loop?
No. Because we know so much about induction loops, you don't need to know much at all. Use Selectaloop TM to guide you easily through selecting the right products for your application. You just need is to answer some basic questions. If you prefer to talk to us directly, then contact us at support@univoxaudio.co.uk or call 01707 339216 and we will be happy to help.
Technical Questions
Induction Loops
Can I use a standard, everyday audio amplifier to drive an induction loop?
No. You won't be able to meet the performance standard , the frequency response will be very poor, and hence the sound will be unintelligible.
Is Univox Superloop® Technology just another name for phased array?
No. A standard Univox Superloop ® is a special adaption of a phased array system which is always ultra low spill and provides almost 3D area coverage . The Univox Superloop® exceeds the performance of all other induction loop configurations in every respect.
What is Super 8 Technology™ ?
Super 8™ technology is an induction loop pattern that scribes a figure 8 or series of figure 8's or more induction loops, connected in parallel to the amplifier which takes advantage of the high or superior current output capability of Univox® amplifiers, increasing the area coverage up to 4 times. It is a low cost solution that provides large area coverage and is only achieved through the power of Univox®.
What is Selectaloop™ ?
Selectaloop™ is our unique and proprietary easy to use induction loop design tool, to cover any rectangular space.
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What is Constant Current Drive?
Field strength (volume of the signal ) is determined by the current flowing through the cable. To maintain the same volume at all frequencies, the current needs to be the same at all frequencies. Constant current ensures this. Univox® was the first company to develop a constant current loop amplifier back in 1967- the Univox 34A
What is Metal Loss?
Metal in close proximity to an induction loop may 'absorb' the signal- known as metal loss. If this is not compensated for in the induction loop system design, the system will not perform to the IEC60118-4:2006 standard. The sound will be at a lower volume than expected, and muffled.
Why is Spill Control important?
Spill control is concerned with reducing the unwanted magnetic signal that exists outside the area that the induction loop is intended to cover. It prevents people in one room inadvertantly hearing what is being said in an adjacent room, through their hearing aid.
Which induction loop system do you recommend for a new auditorium that is not yet built?
You should plan to use a Univox Superloop® as it provides the best performance, superior field strength uniformity, frequency response, metal loss compensation and spill control. It also reduces the risk of acoustic feedback and provides almost 3D area coverage.
Installation
There is a whistling sound similar to acoustic feedback when I use microphones together with a loudspeaker system. What have I done wrong?
There are three general causes:
- Loop grounded to earth
- An earth loop
- Cross talk from low level signal cables or dynamic pick ups as used in electric guitars and some microphones.
I've found that the area coverage is larger in your specification than in actual installations. - Why?
The specification of the area coverage is calculated for a square-loop at 1.2m displacement from the listening plane in an open field ie: with no other factors taken into account. In many applications, construction metal in the same plane as the induction loop will absorb the loop signal. The signal loss is greater at higher frequencies and can be very severe. Much higher induction loop currents and or smaller loop widths are used to overcome this problem. An induction loop in a room with standard reinforcement should be no more than 10m wide.
For example: in a room with reinforced concrete, the power demand is increased by 20 to 50%, (sometimes more.) A Univox® induction loop amplifier installed at floor level with a stated square area coverage of 170m² will cover approximately 130m² in a room constructed with standard reinforced concrete.
The Univox Super Loop System, SLS® is less susceptable to metal loss making it easier to estimate the area coverage.
I have installed a Univox SLS® system with 2x2.5mm2, shall I make a 2-turn loop?
Always start with a 2-turn loop. If you do not reach an acceptable field strength level, try with a 1-turn loop.
The induction loop amplifier shall be moved and used in different rooms and with different loops. What do I have to pay attention to?
Inform the user(s) that the induction loop current must be individually adjusted in each location.
I plan to install induction loops in an elderly home with several TV-rooms close to each other – does that work?
Yers. The Univox Superloop SLS® makes it possible to install loops close to each other without overspill.
Is it possible to install induction loops in rooms close to each other and avoid any overspill?
Yes. With Univox Superloop SLS® you can install loops in rooms close to each other and avoid any overspill.
We plan to install an induction loop in a sports arena. Which loop amplifier do you recommend?
With a big area to cover it is almost impossible to receive a smooth field strength with a standard amplifier. We recommend you use Univox SLS® system for good sound quality. By using SLS it is possible to use different program material in different parts of the sports arena. Read more about Univox SLS® systems here.
Is it possible to install induction loops in rooms close to each other and have different sound in the rooms without the loops disturbing each other?
It is possible if you use Univox SLS® induction loop amplifiers. Read more about Univox SLS® systems here.
I need to replace a broken induction loop amplifier in a TV-room. The loop cable installed is very thin, 1mm2. Which amplifier do you recommend?
Try to use a more powerful amplifier to compensate for the thin cable.
Is it possible to install an induction loop in a level seating area?
Yes, if you use the Univox SLS® system above the seating area. Please contact us for more detailed information.
I have to connect two PLS 300's to the same sound source, but I have only one output. Can I use the Line Output RCA connector for feeding the input at the second amplifier?.
Yes you can use the output RCA-connector to feed another amplifier.
Why do I only get mono signal from TV Sync/Auto-/Audio Scart?
The reason why we use mono is that the voice is always the same left and right. If we were to use stereo for example FM or IR, the background noise will increase, the transmitting range would be shorter, but the speech intelligibility would not be better.
We plan to place the induction loop cable in a ceiling with acoustic ceiling tiles (60cmx60cm) – does that work?
To achieve a good result the cable has to be placed in the middle of the tiles, not close to the metallic frame. You should not place the cable at a height above 3m.
We plan to place the induction loop at floor level in a room 10mx5m, where shall I place the induction loop cable?
Always start with a 2-turn loop. If you do not reach an acceptable field strength level, try with a 1-turn loop. In small areas like this, the 2-turn loop will probably give the best result.
How should I splice copper tape?
Remove the plastic insulation from both pieces of copper tape ( by burning off with soldering iron) then clean the bare copper and solder.
How do I connect the copper tape to the amplifier?
Terminate the copper tape in a juntion box in a conveniant location. Run a twisted pair cable ( or star quad) from the amplifier to the junction box and make a solder connection.
Which type of induction loop cable do you recommend?
To get a high flexibility we recommend you use 2x2,5mm² in most installations. Always start with a 2-turn loop. If you do not reach an acceptable field strength level, try with a 1-turn loop.
I need to install an induction loop in a church, and it is not possible to place a loop in the floor. What can I do?
It is possible to place the induction loop cable outside the church walls. Please contact us for more detailed information support@univoxaudio.co.uk tel: 01707 339216.
We need to replace a broken induction loop amplifier in a TV-room. The loop cable installed is very thin, 1mm2. Does it work?
Try to use a more powerful amplifier to compensate for the thin cable.
The concrete is reinforced. Is it possible to place copper foil on the concrete and use putty on the foil?
Yes, that is possible, but it is important to measure the induction loop installation before adding putty.
There are heating pipes in the floor. Is it possible to place the induction loop cable on top of the heating pipes?
Normally it works well, but it is important to make a test and measurement before putting the floor on top. Please contact us for more detailed information. support@univoxaudio.co.uk tel: 01707 339216
Is it possible to place the induction loop cable in pipes that will be placed in the concrete?
Yes, it is possible, but the reinforcement of the concrete can have a negative influence on the final result. Therefore it is important to measure the induction loop installation before casting.
Where do I place the induction loop cable – in the floor or in the ceiling?
It depends on the size of the induction loop. In a room 15x15m the loop can be placed in the ceiling at 4m height with a good result. If you have a smaller room, for example 7x7m, the loop should not be placed higher than 2.4m to receive a good result.
Cross counter systems
There will be a goose neck microphone on either side of bullet proof glass, the receptionist will speak into it via the induction loop for the hearing impaired and speakers will be placed on the counter for those with normal hearing.Can we connect two microphones to the loop amp? Or will one cancel the other out?
Yes, for DLS-50 and DLS-70 there are 2 microphone inputs, but if you are using the DLS-50 there is one special microphone input that has a controllable gain.
Please use that for the main microphone and for the second microphone (we normally recommend only one to keep the acoustic noise down), other combined microphone and line input. All the inputs have phantom voltage to the microphones.
If using the DLS-70, there are two microphone inputs with just the AGC-regulation function. This normally works well but cannot be fine tuned for exact sensitivity and background acoustic noise.
Can we connect speakers to where the induction loop wires go? And still connect the loop pad? Which speaker do you recommend?
If you are using our induction loop pad, just install it and connect the speaker to the headphone socket. Active speaker works best. If not active and the speaker level is too low use the cushion or the loop output (the loop and cushion connecter are paralleled). An active speaker is easiest to use, but any normal sepaker that could easily be built-in is useful.
We have information desks with no metal interference and the induction loops will be 1m apart. Which amplifier do you recommend?
We recommend the Univox DLS-50 with our induction loop pad. If you use other loop pads the overspill could be more than 1m.
We plan to place the induction loop cable in a ceiling with acoustic ceiling tiles (60x60cm) – does that work?
To achieve a good result the cable has to be placed in the middle of the tiles, not close to the metallic frame. You should not place the cable at a height above 3m.
We plan to place the loop at floor level in a room 10x5m, where shall I place the loop cable?
Always start with a 2-turn loop. If you do not reach an acceptable field strength level, try with a 1-turn loop. In small premises like this, the 2-turn loop will probably give the best result.
How shall I do to splice the copper foil cable?
We recommend to solder the cable. It is also possible to splice with standard cable as long as the area is the same as the area of the copper foil cable.
Which type of cable do you recommend?
To get a high flexibility we recommend to use 2x2,5mm² in most installations. Always start with a 2-turn loop. If you do not reach an acceptable field strength level, try with a 1-turn loop.
I need to install a loop in a church, and it is not possible to place a loop in the floor. What can I do?
It is possible to place the loop cable outside the church walls. Please contact us for more detailed information.
We will replace a broken loop amplifier in a TV-room. The loop cable installed is very thin, 1mm2. Does it work?
Try to use a more powerful amplifier to compensate for the thin cable.
The concrete is reinforced. Is it possible to place copper foil on the concrete and use putty on the foil?
Yes, that is possible, but it is important to measure the loop installation before adding putty.
There are heating heat pipes in the floor. Is it possible to place loop cable on top of the heat pipes?
Normally it works well, but it is important to make a test with measurement before putting the floor on top. Please contact us for more detailed information.
Is it possible to place the loop cable in pipes that will be placed in the concrete?
Yes, that is possible, but the reinforcement of the concrete can have a negative influence on the final result. Therefore it is important to measure the loop installation before casting.
Where do I place the loop cable – in the floor or in the ceiling?
That depends on the size of the loop. A room 15x15m the loop can be placed in the ceiling at 4m height with a good result. If you have a smaller room, for example 7x7m, the loop should not be placed higher than 2.4m to receive a good result.
FM Systems - OKAYO
How many microphones can I use simultaneously if I want to have a good working system in a church for example?
You can us up to 4 microphones at the frequence 863-865 MHz. If you need to use more microphones, there are receivers on other frequencies available. Please contact us for further information support@univoxaudio.co.uk tel: 01707 339216.
