This section is provided to aid in the use of the Desk Station 4 (DS-4). Please see the DS-4 Manual for further information on installation of the device.
Please review Paging Station Status Messages, Paging Screen General Operation, Store & Forward Operation, User adjusting Auto Repeat Page Codes and Role of Priority Levels sections for more details.
The DS-4 microphone has a cardioid polar pattern. Correct operation of the microphone is essential for good speech intelligibility. The recommended distance between the talker and the microphone is between 2 and 4 inches (50 and 100mm). Closer use may cause distortion and unwanted bass boost, while more distant use may result in inadequate sound level.
Two soft key buttons are located to the right of the display. These soft key buttons will perform different tasks depending on the state the paging station is in. In the default state they are used as “Next” and “Previous” buttons to browse through the assigned Page Codes. If PIN security is enabled, the soft key buttons are used to accept or cancel PIN entries. During a Delayed Release Page, the soft key buttons are used to cancel the Paging event if required.
Four buttons located below the display enable the user to select from one of four predetermined Page Codes. The destination buttons are set up using the Vocia software. For paging stations that are restricted with PIN code access these buttons are also used for PIN entry (see Pin Groups).
The Push-to-Talk (PTT) button, represented by the speaker icon, triggers the action associated with the selected Page Code (generally a Live Page, Delayed Page, or Recorded Message).
The status LEDs are located directly above the PTT button and inform the user of the current state of the paging station once the PTT button is pressed. The left amber LED “Wait” indicator illuminates while the system establishes audio paths, checks for Zone availability, and plays the chime (if selected). The right green LED “Please Talk Now” indicator illuminates once the audio path is live.
The DS-4 can be configured for PIN security protection. If PIN security is enabled via the Vocia software, the four Page Code buttons may be used to enter the required four-digit PIN. To enter a number, the operator may need to press a button multiple times (as in SMS messaging). During PIN entry, the two soft key buttons on the right side of the display act as an “Enter” key and a “Clear” key. Input the four-digit PIN sequentially, followed by the “Enter” key. Each digit will be shown briefly on the display and subsequently replaced by an asterisk for security purposes. If the entered PIN is correct, the station will unlock and be available for use.
After a period of inactivity (no pages made and no buttons pressed), the DS-4 will revert back to a locked state. This length of time (at a default of 180 seconds) is set using the Vocia software in the Universe Properties window. To lock the station instantly hold down the “Next” and “Previous” buttons at the same time.
Please note: PIN functionality is optional and is turned OFF by default.
The DS-4 has two RJ45 connectors located on the bottom of the unit that are labeled Audio Network and Auxiliary. The Audio Network connector should be wired to shielded CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT7 cable cabling to interface the DS-4 to a Vocia system via a PoE-compliant network switch. The RJ45 connector provides two LEDs that indicate Ethernet link and network activity (see table below).
| Left LED | Right LED | Description |
| None | None | No power or data connectivity. Please check the Device power and network connection. |
| Amber | Flashing Green | Link established and CobraNet activity detected; the unit is acting as a CobraNet performer (normal operation). |
| Flashing Amber | Flashing Green | Link established and CobraNet activity detected; the unit is operating as a CobraNet conductor (normal operation). |
| Flashing Amber | None | CobraNet fault. Check cabling and configuration for errors. |
Any device attached to the Auxiliary port will operate as a slave to the host and will rely on it for power and/or control. If the host device fails to respond the slave device functionality cannot be relied on. The Auxiliary connection should be wired with shielded CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT7 cabling to interface the paging station to the slave device. RJ45 physical connectors are used and straight-through wiring is required.
The Auxiliary port on the DS-4, DS-10, WS-4 and WS-10 provides support for a Vocia Paging Station Interface 1 (VPSI-1) or a Vocia Auxiliary Microphone 1 (VAM-1) connection.
The VPSI-1 supports Remote Control mode as well as Auxiliary Microphone mode of operation. Remote Control mode and Auxiliary Microphone mode are variations of the VPSI-1 functionality and the VPSI-1 section should be consulted for further information.
A VAM-1 can also be connected to the Auxiliary port of a paging station and acts as a slave paging device. The VAM-1 offers an extended paging microphone with LED feedback of Zone and Paging states. In the host paging station the Auxiliary Microphone Paging option must be selected in the software configuration.
Only one VPSI-1 or one VAM-1 can be used per host device.