VIBRAPHONE® ASB8

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … page 1

VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 CONTROL PANEL… … … ..page 4

POWER SUPPLY… … … … … … … … … … … … … ..page 5

SPECIFICATIONS… … … … … .… … … … … … … … ..page 6

FILTERS… … … … … … … … … .… … … … … … … … ...page 7

IMPLEMENTATION… … … … ..… … … … … … … … ...page 8

SETTING UP A SEARCH … … … . … … … … … … .… page 8

SEARCHING… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ...page 9

TRIANGULATION METHOD … … … … .… … … ...page 10

GUARANTEE… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ...page 12

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
 DESCRIPTION

The VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 is a tool used when searching for, listening for or

communicating with people buried or trapped under rubble, at distances of up to 100
metres (with the optional extension).

This ultra high performance equipment is extremely sensitive and very effective
thanks to the use of two switchable and adjustable filters.
It includes two vibration sensors to allow the victim to be located by triangulation and
an acoustic sensor (microphone / speaker) which can be used as a speaker /
microphone system like an intercom.

Used as an intercom, switching between ‘listen’ and speak’ is automatic, via a

speech sensor.
For more effective searching in a noisy environment, two switchable filters with
variable frequency can be used.
When the frequency selector is at zero, no matter which filter is used, it is de-
activated and the frequency range within which the sensor is ‘listening’is –3dB from
50 Hz to 15 Hz.

The F2 filter is a high pass filter continuously adjustable between 50 Hz and 5 KHz,
which makes it possible to eliminate intrusive low frequencies.
The effectiveness of the search is considerably increased if the appropriate filter and
adjustment are selected.
The strength of signals received, the charge level of the rechargeable or alkaline
batteries, the position of the filters and the listening mode (vibration / intercom) are
displayed by the LED scales (bargraphs).
All controls are digital, which means the panel is completely waterproof and the the
equipment is very robust.
Power is supplied by 6 Ni/Mh rechargeable batteries, format AA, type R6, or by 6
alkaline batteries, format AA, type LR6.
External power supplies can be from 12 to 28 Vdc, using the cigar lighter attachment
or mains electricity, AC, using the recharge / mains adapter, both of which are
supplied.

To recharge the Ni/Mh batteries, the adapter is simply plugged into the mains. With
the VIBRAPHONE®ASB8, the adapter automatically detects that the batteries are
fully charged.
Recharge time is about 10 hours.
While the batteries are being recharged, it is still possible to use the
VIBRAPHONE®ASB8.
There is no problem if the equipment remains plugged in after recharge, as the
system cuts out automatically when the batteries are fully charged.

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
 VIBRAPHONE® ASB8

The VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 stereo listening equipment is composed of :

• 2 vibration sensors each equipped with 8m of cable

• 1 micro speaker with 8m of cable,
• 1 stereo headset with built-in mike,
• 6 rechargeable Ni/Mh batteries, format AA, type R6,
• 1 battery charger adapter ( usable with input voltage from 100 to 240 Vac / 50-
60 Hz )
• 1 cigar lighter plug and wire for use with a motor vehicle (input voltage from 12
to 28 Vdc)
• a carrying strap
• an instruction manual
• a carrying bag, pilot’s bag type, made of durable red plastic.

Option

A reel with 100 metres of wire, with male and female plug / socket.
This extension lead can be used with either the vibration sensors or with the mike /
speaker. This can be very useful, for example, for lowering a sensor into an elevator
shaft, a well or a pile of rubble.

Dimensions of the VIBRAPHONE® ASB8:

- Length = 18 cm
- Width = 13 cm
- Height = 15 cm
- Weight = 3.5 Kg

Dimensions of the case :

- Length = 430 mm
- Width = 350 mm
- Height = 200 mm
- Weight = 6 Kg ( including the VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 )

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
 VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 FRONT PANEL

4 3 2 1

16 10
9
8
15

14

11 12 13

5 6

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
 POWER SUPPLY

The VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 comes with 6 rechargeable Ni/Mh batteries, format AA,

type R6. If the equipment is not to be used for some time, it is advisable to remove
the batteries.
The batteries must be kept at full charge. To prolong their active life, it is
recommended that a full decharge/recharge cycle be carried out at least once a
month.
The batteries can be recharged either directly from the mains at the voltage supplied,
or from a DC source.
The DC voltage should be between 12 and 28 volts.
For recharging in a vehicle, use the cigar lighter attachment supplied.
The automatic charger integrated in the VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 is of the semi-rapid
type.

This way of operating prolongs the active life of the rechargeable batteries.
Whether the mains supply or a DC source is used, the full recharge takes about 10
hours.

1 External power supply socket to recharge the batteries (socket for plugging in recharge adapter or cigar lighter attachment)
2 Socket for ‘Right’vibration sensor
3 Socket for ‘Left’vibration sensor
4 Socket for acoustic sensor ‘mike / speaker’
5 Socket for stereo headset with mike
6.7 Carrying and protective handles / strap support
8 Force of signal received on left channel
9 Vibration sensor use indicator
10 Force of signal received on the right-hand channel
11 LED displaying ‘F1’filter selection
12 LED displaying ‘F2’filter selection
13 LEDs displaying mode selected ‘^ ‘ or ‘O ‘
When the ‘TEST’button is pressed, the LED scale at 10 goes past the ‘OK’point if the rechargeable or alkaline batteries are
14
fully charged. Below this point, the rechargeables batteries should be recharged, or the alkaline batteries should be changed.
15 Gain position indicator
16 Filter position indicator
ON Equipment switched on
OFF Equipment switched off
F1 Choice of filter : F1 “Bandpass”
F2 Choice of filter : F2 “High pass”
^ Choice of mode ‘Listen for vibrations ‘
O Choice of mode ‘Intercom ‘
TEST Checks level of charge in rechargeable or alkaline batteries, which is shown on ‘Right-hand sensor’scale
GAIN
Adjustment of gain + or – high
??
FILTER
Changes frequency range of filters
??

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
The recharger can be left plugged in for a longer period, this causes no problem as
the recharge function is automatically switched off when the batteries are fully
charged.

It is also possible to use the VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 while the batteries are being
recharged.
To check the level of charge in the batteries, unplug the recharge unit, turn the
VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 on and press the TEST button.
Read out the result on the LED scale : it should reach at least the OK level.

The operational autonomy of the VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 is around 5 hours.

IMPORTANT : It is possible to replace the rechargeable batteries

with alkalines batteries, format AA, type LR6. However, you should
never try to recharge the alkaline batteries.

SPECIFICATIONS

The VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 comprises :

• 2 vibration sensors with sensitivity rating 20*10-6 Pa

• 1 acoustic sensor ( mike / speaker )
sensitivity 0dB
• 1 stereo headset with microphone

All the controls, ON, OFF, O, ^, gain (? or ? ), filters (? ou ? ), TEST for

batteries, are digital.

The power on the right and left channels is displayed by LED scales (bargraphs).

The position of the filters is displayed by an LED scale (point).

Gain is displayed by an LED scale (point).

If the ‘TEST’button is pressed, the state of the batteries is displayed on the scale for
the right-hand channel sensor.

The ^ : LISTEN FOR VIBRATION mode or the O : Intercom mode are selected by
pressing the relevant button.
In the ^ position, the two vibration sensors are in operation.
In the Oposition, the mike and speaker is in operation, making it possible to listen or
to speak.
The equipment goes into ‘speak’ mode automatically when the person wearing the
headset with the mike starts speaking.

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
Powered by 6 Ni/Mh rechargeable batteries, format AA, type R6. Can also be
powered by 6 alkaline batteries, format AA, type LR6.

The batteries can be recharged using the cigar lighter of a motor vehicle (attachment
supplied). DC voltage from 12 V to 28 V. Alternatively, they can be recharged from
the mains using the adapter supplied.
(Input voltage : 100 to 240 V AC / 50-60 Hz)

Operating temperature: –10°C to +60°C +14°F to +140°F

Storage temperature: –25°C to +70°C –13°F to +158°F

FILTERS

The VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 incorporates two frequency filters continuously adjustable

over the whole listening range.

It is not possible to activate both filters at the same time. The filters are selected
using the F1 or F2 buttons.

The frequency of the filter can be continuously adjusted using the (? or ? ) buttons
above the FILTER control.

The position of the filters is displayed by an LED scale (point).

When the scale is at zero, the filters are not operational and the
VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 is listening over the entire range of frequencies.

The F1 filter is a bandpass filter, which means that ist considerably weakens all the
low or high frequencies on either side of its tuning point.

The F2 filter is a high pass filter, which means that it considerably weakens all the
frequencies lower than its setpoint.

The setpoint can vary between 50 Hz and 5 Khz, which corresponds respectively to
the lowest and to the highest points on the LED scale.

The high pass filter F2 is particularly used to eliminate low frequency sounds like
lorries and dull thuds.

The bandpass filter F1 is particularly used to filter a signal received.

The two filters with which the VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 is equipped are of the very high
performance switched capacity type.

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
 IMPLEMENTATION

The VIBRAPHONE® ASB8 as delivered is equipped with its sensors, its micro
intercom, its headphones / mike and the 6 Ni / Mh rechargeable batteries, format AA,
type R6.

• Simply check that all connections are properly in place.

• Press the ON button, the VIBRAPHONE® ASB8 should start
This is shown by the fact that the LEDs light up.
• Press the ‘TEST ‘button
• Check the level of charge in the rechargeable (or alkaline) batteries
If the rechargeable batteries are fully charged, or if the alkaline batteries are
new, the LED scale should reach the ‘OK ‘level
If the indicator lights lower than the ‘OK ‘level, the charge level is 50%.
Although F1 is lit, neither filter is in use.
To bring a filter into operation, press the ? above the ‘FILTER ‘sign.
To change to Filter 2, press the F2 button above ‘SELECT ‘.
To go back to Filter 1, press the F1 button above ‘SELECT ‘.

The search can then begin.

If nothing happens when the equipment is turned on, check the position of the
batteries or rechargeable cells in the box

SETTING UP A SEARCH

The two vibration sensors make it possible to listen for vibrations transmitted by
solids such as concrete, metal, earth, rubble, wood, etc.
By carrying out a triangulation with the sensors, it is possible to locate the point of
origin of a sound.
They are activated by pressing the ^ button. The VIBRAPHONE®ASB8
automatically goes into the ‘Listening for vibrations’mode when it is turned on.

The 3rd sensor (white) is the speaker / microphone sensor.

The microphone also functions as a speaker, making it possible to communicate with
the person carrying the main VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 unit.

This Intercom function is activated by pressing the Obutton.

When the VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 is in the Intercom position, the person carrying the
unit can listen to the sounds picked up by the microphone.

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
In order to be heard, it is necessary only to speak loud enough into the mike, as the
listen / speak switch is automatic.

T/O return to vibration listening function, press the ^ button.

When listening with the mike or for vibrations, it is possible to use a filter, adjusted for
maximum effectiveness.

For proper use, the VIBRAPHONE®ASB8 requires a team of three : one person to
carry the main unit and to direct the search, and two people carrying the sensors.
The team should train regularly so as to learn to rapidly recognise the sounds which
might indicate the presence of a human being, and differentiate these sounds from
the various background noises.
A well-trained team will also be able to locate the place a noise is coming from much
more speedily.
SEARCHING
Location is carried out in two steps :
- Detection : this is a question of establishing whether there is anyone
buried who is still alive. The area is divided into sections (parallel 10 meters wide
stripes), sensors are placed at regular intervals and moved around until a noise
possibly made by a person is detected.
- Location : a victim has been detected, we now need to know exactly
where he/she is. The area is therefore swept, more precisely than before.

In order to be sure that the entire area has been probed and that any victims have
been exactly located, it is necessary to follow a precise method.
Three levels of sound are distinguished :
1- sound picked up but not identifiable as of human origin (maybe
background noise)
2- sound picked up and identified as of human origin
3- sound clearly heard and certainly of human origin.
Level ‘0’represents that no sound is heard.

The team is composed of :

An operator who listens through the headphones and notes the positions of the
probes on a plan ;
Two team members with small weights for making noises and seismic sensors.
The operator directs the positioning of the sensors ; at the order ‘silence for call’then
‘call’ the team members make the signal. Then the operator listens to the sounds
picked up by the two sensors.
An axis for searching is decided on. The sensors are placed 10 meters apart (their
detection limit). The sensors and the operator are aligned perpendicular to the axis.

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
Initial progression : as long as no sound of human origin (0 or 1) is picked up by
either of the sensors, the team moves forward by intervals of 10 meters.

1st stage : one of the sensors (N°1, for example) picks up a type 2 sound, stronger
than the other sensor (or picks up a type 2 sound and the other sensor picks up
nothing) : sensor N°1 becomes the reference point and is not moved. Sensor N°2 is
brought closer by half steps ( the distance between 1 and 2 is cut by half each step)

Sensor 2 is thus brought closer and closer to sensor 1 until the volume picked up by
the two sensors is the same. It is therefore necessary for the two sensors to be on
the same kind of terrain (which conducts sound in the same way). It can then be
established that the victim is on the line which bisects the segment formed by the two
sensors.

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
N.B. : If sensor 2 is only 2 meters from sensor 1 and still cannot pick up the sound as
strong as sensor 1, the victim must be on the other side of sensor 1.

2nd stage : location along the axis. One of the two sensors (N°1 for example) is
placed in the middle of the segment formed by the two sensors; the other is placed
10 m away along the predefined axis. The sensor which picks up the strongest signal
(here N°2) becomes the reference point ; the other will be brought closer and closer,
each time cutting the remaining distance in half.

In this way the victim can be located to within one metre.

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0
 VIBRAPHONE®ASB8
Is a registered trade mark
which complies with
standards

Made in France

GROUPE LEADER reserves the right at all time to modify features of our products
rendered necessary by advances in technology, without prior notice

VIBRAPHONE® VIBRASCOPE®
DATA SPRINT®

GROUPE LEADER S.A.

BP351 76056 LE HAVRE CEDEX FRANCE
Site : www.groupe-leader.com

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Instructions Vibraphone Z00.10.205.0