VIKING PP-250 250 Watt 70V Paging Power Amplifier User Manual

SECURITY & COMMUNICATION

PRODUCT MANUAL
PP-250 250 Watt / 70V Paging Power Amplifier January 4, 2021
Designed, Manufactured and Supported in the USA

250 Watt 70V Paging Power Amplifier

The PP-250 is a 250 Watt 70V Paging Power Amplifier that can drive up to two hundred fifty (250) 70V  speakers and/or paging horns (each speaker set to “1 Watt tap”). The small 1U rack size chassis is possible because the PP-250 uses new amplifier technology that is 3 times more efficient than old designs competitors use. The high efficiency of the PP-250 means much less heat dissipation, smaller size, higher reliability, and lower cost.

There are many advantages of using a 70V distributed audio paging system, such as being able to put more speakers on a wire run, having longer speaker wire runs, using smaller gauge wire, and being able to set the volume of each speaker independently.
The PP-250 Line Input can connect to any line-level audio source.

Features

• Powerful 70V amplifier drives up to 250 Watt load
• Line input allows connection to any analog line-level output, such as telephone system paging port, paging preamp/mixer, etc.
• Volume control
• Input Level control
• Bass and treble controls
• Power and volume LEDs
• Peak limiter and multiple protection modes
• Tamper-resistant trim pots

Information: 715-386-8861
www.VikingElectronics.com

Applications

• Paging systems requiring 8 to 250 speakers
• Paging from virtually any analog line-level paging source
• Installations that can utilize the below advantages of a 70V distributed audio system:
  – Longer wire runs using smaller gauge speaker wire to save costs
  – Many speakers can be connected on the same wire run to save costs
  – Set each speaker’s volume individually using its own power taps

Specifications

Power: 100V to 240V AC, 50 to 60Hz
Dimensions: approximately 19” x 1.75” x 6” (483 mm x 44.5 mm x 153 mm)
Shipping Weight: 5.1 lbs ( 2.3 kg)
Environmental: 0°C to 32°C (32°F to 90°F) with 5% to 95% non-condensing humidity
Paging Output: Capable of driving 250 Watt load of 70V speakers
Power Cord: Dual IEC C7 plugs “Y” Power Cord included
Connections: (7) removable cage clamp screw terminals, (2) IEC C8 AC power inlets

Features Overview

IMPORTANT: Electronic devices are susceptible to lightning and power station electrical surges. It is recommended that a surge protector be installed to protect against such surges.

PP-250 Front View

PP-250 Back View

Installation

A. Line Input

NOTE: A speaker level signal can be connected to the LINE INPUT terminals, as long as the front panel INPUT LEVEL trim pot is turned down low enough to not overdrive the input.

B. Speakers

NOTE: For wire run lengths up to 500 feet, use #18 gauge or larger speaker cables. For wire run lengths up to 1000 feet, use #16 gauge or larger speaker cables. For wire run lengths up to 1500 feet, use #14 gauge or larger speaker cables, etc.

C. AC Power Input

Operation

A. Input Level Control
Connect any line level source to the LINE INPUT terminals (pins 1 & 2). Adjust the front panel INPUT LEVEL trim pot so the INPUT LEVEL LED flashes with LINE INPUT audio. If the LINE INPUT audio is coming from an RCA jack, and hum or buzz is present in the audio, the RCA cable’s shield may need to be grounded on the PP-250 side. This can be done by connecting the cable’s shield to the SHIELD terminal (pin 3).
Note: A speaker level signal can be connected to the LINE INPUT terminals, as long as the front panel INPUT LEVEL trim pot is turned down low enough to not overdrive the input.

B. Volume Control and Peak Limiter
The front panel VOLUME control adjusts the volume going to the speakers. The PP-250 has an integrated Peak Limiter feature that reduces the audio signal peaks by 4dB. Since audio signals are highly dynamic in nature, this feature allows the average volume level of pages to be 4dB louder than normal before clipping distortion occurs. The VOLUME LED blinks on when peak limiting is engaging. If maximum volume levels are desired, turn up the VOLUME control until the VOLUME LED starts blinking a bit during pages. Then use the 70V speaker taps to adjust the volume of each paging speaker, keeping in mind to NOT go over a total of 250 Watt accumulative load.

C. Bass and Treble Controls
Front panel BASS and TREBLE controls are provided to adjust the paging tonality. Since lower frequencies require higher power, turning the bass down can allow increased paging volume levels. Turning up the treble can increase paging intelligibility.

D. Power LED
The front panel POWER LED serves two purposes. It will light steady a few seconds after the unit is powered up showing power is applied. Second, it will momentarily wink showing when the power amplifier is going into current limiting. If current  limiting is observed, here is a list of suggested actions:

Related Products

Cost-Effective Paging Horns and Speakers for 70V Paging Systems

In outdoor, factory, or warehouse environments, 25AE-70V paging horns are the best method of producing understandable sound. In these environments the directional design allows the installer to focus the sound cone down aisles and toward work areas.

The 25AE-70V paging horn provides a built-in step-down transformer for use with 25V or 70V paging systems such as Viking models PA-30, PA-60, PA-250, PA-250-IP, and PP-250. The transformer has a range of 5 separate switch selectable power taps,  which can be used to adjust the volume of each speaker. These higher voltage distributed audio paging systems also have the advantage of being able to connect more speakers using lighter gauge wire runs while having less volume lost in wire resistance.  This saves wiring costs compared to 8 Ohm systems. etc. For more info, see DOD 471.

In-office and restaurant environments, it is best to distribute sound more evenly. Ceiling mounted 30AE-70V speakers in close proximity offer the best distribution and are cost-effective.

The 30AE-70V ceiling speaker provides a built-in step-down transformer for use with 25V or 70V paging systems such as Viking models PA-30, PA-60, PA-250, PA-250-IP, and PP250. The transformer has a range of 5 separate power taps, which can be used to adjust the volume of each speaker. These higher voltage distributed audio paging systems also have the advantage of being able to connect more speakers using lighter gauge wire runs while having less volume lost in wire resistance.  This saves wiring costs compared to 8 Ohm systems. For more info, see DOD 473.

High Power Weather Resistant Paging Horn for Use with 8 Ohm or 25V / 70V Systems

The 300AE paging horn provides a built-in step-down transformer for use with 25V or 70V paging systems such as Viking models PA-30, PA-60, PP-250, PA-250, PA-250-IP. The transformer has a range of power taps that are selectable with a 6  position rotary switch so that installers are able to independently adjust the volume of each paging horn. These higher voltage paging systems also have the advantage of being able to connect more speakers using lighter gauge wire runs and still have less volume lost in wire resistance.

The 300AE weather-resistant design allows for use in outdoor, factory, or warehouse environments. Its larger size and greater frequency response provide greater intelligibility of voice pages and is suitable for background music. The directional design allows the installer to focus the sound cone down aisles and toward work areas. The included mounting hardware provides full adjustment of horizontal and vertical positioning. For more info, see DOD 497.

Tile Bridge for Ceiling Speakers

The SA-TBA is a tile bridge designed to mount an 8-inch loud speaker and bridges both 2 ft x 2 ft and 2 ft x 4 ft ceiling tiles. It is compatible with the Viking models SA-1S, 30AE, 35AE, and 40AE speakers. The SA-TBA tile bridge is constructed of 24 gauge cold rolled steel with an electro-galvanized rust-resistant finish. For more info, see DOD 534.

Related Products

250 Watt / 70V Telecom Paging Amplifier

Model PA-250
For more info, see DOD 501.

The PA-250 is a 250 Watt 70V Telecom Paging Amplifier that is capable of driving up to two hundred fifty (250) 70V speakers and/or paging horns (each speaker set to “1 Watt tap”). The small 1U rack size chassis is possible because the PA-250 uses new amplifier technology that is 3 times more efficient than old designs competitors use. High efficiency means much less heat dissipation, smaller size, higher reliability, and lower cost. The PA-250 provides more paging power at less cost than competitors.

There are many advantages of using a 70V distributed audio paging system, such as being able to put more speakers on a wire un, having longer speaker wire runs, using smaller gauge wire, and being able to set the volume of each speaker independently.

The PA-250 connects to any type of analog telecom interfaces, such as Paging Port, Trunk Input, Analog Station, FXO (Loop tart), and FXS (Ring Trip).

250 Watt / 70V SIP / Multicast Paging Amplifier

Model PA-250-IP
For more info, see DOD 501.

The Viking model PA-250-IP SIP/Multicast Paging Amplifier provides up to 250 Watts of loud paging for SIP-based VoIP phone systems (hardware or hosted/cloud-based service provider). The PA-250-IP can be used for standard SIP endpoint paging or multicast paging.

The PA-250-IP can drive up to two hundred fifty (250) 70V speakers and/or paging horns (each speaker set to “1 Watt tap”).  The small 1U rack size chassis is possible because the PA-250-IP uses new amplifier technology that is 3 times more efficient than old designs competitors use. The high efficiency of the PA-250-IP means much less heat dissipation, smaller size, higher reliability, and lower cost.

The unit easily connects with a single CAT5/6 cable from your network switch. The night ring feature is programmable for the time of day and day of the week to enable loud ringing for after-hour incoming calls.

15 Watt Paging Amplifier with Background Music and Loud Ringing

The PA-15 interfaces with virtually any telephone system to provide 15 Watts of paging power – enough to drive fifteen 8-Ohm  paging horns or speakers. This small and lightweight chassis design is possible by utilizing new amplifier technology that is 300%  less inefficient than old designs competitors use. High efficiency means much less heat dissipation, smaller size, higher reliability,  and lower cost.

The PA-15 provides a 36V talk battery for interfacing with an FXO or unused analog line input/trunk port. With the flip of a  switch, the unit can connect to an FXS or PABX/Centrex station ring trip port or connect to a 600 Ohm paging port. When interfacing with systems that do not provide a paging contact closure, the built-in voice activation (VOX) is in control.

For more information on the PA-15, see DOD 486.

30 Watt Paging Amplifier with Background Music and Loud Ringing

The PA-30 can directly drive up to thirty (30) 8 Ohm paging speakers or fifty (50) 70V or 25V paging speakers. This small and lightweight chassis design is possible by utilizing new amplifier technology that is 300% less inefficient than old designs competitors use. High efficiency means much less heat disipation, smaller size, higher reliability, and lower cost.

The PA-30  rovides loud ringing and paging to electronic key systems, 1A2 Key systems, PABX’s as well as Nokia phones and multi-line hones. The PA-30 eliminates the installation of multiple bells, relays, and paging cards. The unit comes complete with a power supply and an integrated 30Watt amplifier.

For more information on the PA-30, see DOD 489. 

60 Watt Compact Two Zone Amplifier to Drive 60 Paging Speakers

The PA-60 can directly drive up to sixty (60) 8 Ohm paging speakers or one hundred (100) 70V or 25V paging speakers. Both channels can be fed the same input so the PA-60 can be used as a single large amplifier, or each channel can be fed different inputs so the PA-60 can be used as a two-zone amplifier.

Since each input has its own gain adjustment, one zone can be turned up louder for warehouse paging horn speakers, and the other zone can be turned down for office ceiling speakers. Two zones can also be helpful for installations in which one group of speakers is connected to a source that provides background music using the Viking PI-1A Paging Interface unit, and the other zone provides only paging.

For more information on the PA-60, see DOD 493.

Warranty

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A VIKING PRODUCT, CONTACT VIKING TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 715-386-8666
Our Technical Support Department is available for assistance Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm central time. Before you call, please:

1.  Know the model number, the serial number, and what software version you have (see serial label).
2. Have the Product Manual in front of you.
3. It is best if you are on site.

RETURNING PRODUCT FOR REPAIR
The following procedure is for equipment that needs repair:

1. Customers must contact Viking’s Technical Support Department at 715-386-8666 to obtain a Return Authorization (RA)  number. The customer MUST have a complete description of the problem, with all pertinent information regarding the defect, such as options set, conditions, symptoms, methods to duplicate the problem, frequency of failure, etc.
2. Packing: Return equipment in the original box or in proper packing so that damage will not occur while in transit. The original product boxes are not designed for shipping – an overpack box is required to prevent damage in transit. Static sensitive equipment such as a circuit board should be in an anti-static bag, sandwiched between foam and individually boxed.  All equipment should be wrapped to avoid packing material lodging in or sticking to the equipment. Include ALL  parts of the equipment. C.O.D. or freight collect shipments cannot be accepted. Ship cartons prepaid to VIKING  ELECTRONICS 1531 INDUSTRIAL STREET HUDSON, WI 54016
3. Return shipping address: Be sure to include your return shipping address inside the box. We cannot ship to a PO Box.
4. RA number on the carton: In large printing, write the RA number on the outside of each carton being returned.

RETURNING PRODUCT FOR EXCHANGE

The following procedure is for equipment that has failed out-of-box (within 10 days of purchase):

1. Customers must contact Viking’s Technical Support at 715-386-8666 to determine possible causes for the problem. The customer MUST be able to step through recommended tests for diagnosis.
2. If the Technical Support Product Specialist determines that the equipment is defective based on the customer’s input and troubleshooting, a Return Authorization (RA) number will be issued. This number is valid for fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of issue.
3. After obtaining the RA number, return the approved equipment to your distributor. Please reference the RA number on the aperwork being shipped back with the unit(s), and also the outside of the shipping box. The original product boxes are not  designed for shipping – an overpack box is required to prevent damage in transit. Once your distributor receives the package,  they will replace the product over the counter at no charge. The distributor will then return the product to Viking using the same RA number.
4. The distributor will NOT exchange this product without first obtaining the RA number from you. If you haven’t followed the steps listed in 1, 2, and 3, be aware that you will have to pay a restocking charge.

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Viking warrants its products to be free from defects in the workmanship or materials, under normal use and service, for a period of two years from the date of purchase from any authorized Viking distributor. If at any time during the warranty period, the product is deemed defective or malfunctions, return the product to Viking Electronics, Inc., 1531 Industrial Street, Hudson, WI.,  4016. Customer must contact Viking’s Technical Support Department at 715-386-8666 to obtain a Return Authorization (R.A.)  number. This warranty does not cover any damage to the product due to lightning, over-voltage, under-voltage, accident, misuse,  abuse, negligence or any damage caused by the use of the product by the purchaser or others. This warranty does not cover non- EWP products that have been exposed to wet or corrosive environments. This warranty does not cover stainless steel surfaces that have not been properly maintained.

NO OTHER WARRANTIES. VIKING MAKES NO WARRANTIES RELATING TO ITS PRODUCTS OTHER THAN AS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. VIKING SHALL NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, BE LIABLE TO THE PURCHASER, OR ANY OTHER PARTY, FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE SALE OR USE OF THE PRODUCT SOLD HEREUNDER.

EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. WHETHER IN AN ACTION BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY), OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, ANY LIABILITY OF VIKING SHALL BE LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT, OR AT VIKING’S OPTION, REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE AS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND ANY LIABILITY OF VIKING
SHALL BE SO LIMITED.

IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT EACH AND EVERY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT WHICH PROVIDES FOR DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES, EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, ARE SEVERABLE FROM ANY OTHER PROVISION AND EACH PROVISION IS A SEPARABLE AND INDEPENDENT ELEMENT OF RISK ALLOCATION AND IS INTENDED TO BE ENFORCED AS SUCH.

Product Support: 715-386-8666

Due to the dynamic nature of the product design, the information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Viking Electronics, and its affiliates and/or subsidiaries assume no responsibility for errors and omissions contained in this information. Revisions of this document or new editions of it may be issued to incorporate such changes.

Printed in the U.S.A.
ZF304300 REV A
DOD 511