Summary

The task to install several loop systems at the Brisbane airport was carried out by a local contractor using competing, internationally well known, loop amplifiers. The installation failed and the Univox distributor in Australia, Phoenix Hearing Instruments, was called in to correct the faulty installation. Now the system is operational and of great benefits to hearing aid users.

Challenge

The loop system was poorly planned and badly installed. One major problem was that the loop wire could not be exchanged and refitted in a proper way as most of the wire was under tiles or carpet and therefore inaccessible. Most of the lead-in wires were too long and not twisted, causing major energy loss. Also there were several places where excess loop wire had been left in loops, sometimes as much as 20 meters. Finally the amplifiers used were significantly underpowered (7A RMS output) for the areas to be covered.

Solution

As a result of the inaccessible loop wires, some areas that were inadequately covered due to poor configuration could not be rectified to meet the Australian standard. Lead-in excess wire was cut off to a proper length and twisted. Other various installation errors were also corrected with the result that the loop wire resistance could be decreased from 20-30Ohm to below 2-3 Ohm. The final and most important change was to add maximum amount of power to the systems. All existing amplifiers were replaced by Univox PLS-900 and PLS-700 amplifiers.

Conclusion

Although the Domestic Terminal at the Brisbane Airport still does not completely comply with the AS-1428, Australian standard at the time (2009), as all areas are still not covered, the system is now operational and does comply with AS-1428 in most areas, serving the hard of hearing community well.

Products used

Univox PLS-900 Professional Loop System, 6 units in total
Univox PLS-700 Professional Loop System, 14 units in total

Responsible company in Australia

Phoenix Hearing Instruments, Brisbane

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