leeds test apr13_000_Benchmark_mar13 04/03/2013 16:35 Page 3
Professional Test
Please Note – The CI-12-ASP-DAASS is a simple system, but delivers a high degree of functionality. Many of its features are easy to miss, and raise several points. Rather than truncate important information, it has been decided to publish the test report over two issues. The first part of the report was published in the March 2013 issue.
A Bridge Too Far? (Part 2) I n the last issue of Benchmark we took a look over the latest incarnation of the 2YLink system from Leeds Electronics. The manufacturer’s two-wire system has been around for a good few years now, and a program of updates have seen increased levels of functionality added on a regular basis. The latest version retains the previous combination of video data, low power and telemetry data transmitted over two wires, and adds audio (one way, and two-way on one channel) and alarm data too. Whereas in the past Leeds has been bold enough to state that its 2Y-Link system worked effectively over common standard bellwire – and previous Benchmark tests proved that it did – the latest version’s manual only makes reference to Cat 5 cable or better. Given the higher functionality from the system, and the low cost of Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable, we’d advise sticking to that!
Installation The first stage of the installation is to locate the CI-12-ASP-DAASS. This is the main unit, and is what Leeds refers to as the signal processor. This should be fitted in the rack with the DVR. It can be generally accepted that there are two sides to the signal processor, and the fascia you want facing in the same direction as the rear of the DVR is the side that houses the BNC video and audio outputs. Effectively, this
81% BENCHMARK RATINGS Product Design: 82% Features and Functions: 82% Ease of Installation: 79% Video Quality: 82% Performance: 82%
It is well known that one of the more significant contributors to labour costs during a system installation is pulling cables. This is further impacted as additional features and functions are required, especially as many systems are reliant on specific cable types, which are often not compatible with other devices within the same system. Leeds Electronics claims to have a solution with the latest incarnation of its 2Y-Link system.
includes the connections that are made to the video recorder. Each channel output is linked to the input on the DVR using a short coaxial flylead. The audio also uses BNC connections, which is one of the few negatives about the cabling process. Next to the two rows of BNCs are the alarm outputs. These are screw-type connectors, and are wired into alarm inputs on the DVR. Alternatively, they can connected to any other devices to be switched by the relays. Finally there is a screw-type block should you wish to connect a telemetry controller on a two-wire link – there is also a RJ45 connection – as well as connections for a microphone input and speaker output; again these are screw-type connections.
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