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LA-490 Listen Bluetooth/IR Beacon

Item:LA-490 Price:$299.00

The LA-490 Bluetooth/IR Beacons are compact, wall-mounted devices that enhance venue experiences using ListenWIFI. These beacons transmit Bluetooth(r) and/or Infrared signals, enabling mobile apps and receivers to pinpoint user locations. This functionality automates the delivery of the appropriate audio channel directly to listeners, eliminating manual selection or QR code scanning. Perfect for multilingual settings, the beacons ensure seamless audio distribution in the user’s preferred language, making them essential for venues with multiple audio channels.

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Includes

  • One (1) LA-490 Bluetooth/IR Beacon
  • Two (2) AA Alkaline Batteries
  • One (1) USB Power Supply
  • One (1) Mounting Hardware
  • One (1) Oversized Wall Plate
  • One (1) Quick Start Guide

Highlights

  • Fully automates the user’s experience
  • Enables automatic channel selection on user devices
  • Supports both ListenWIFI mobile apps and LWR-1050 Wi-Fi Audio Receivers
  • Small size and light weight
  • Bluetooth and IR triggering in one device
  • Adjustable power and interval
  • Battery or USB powered
  • Easily mount on a wall or attach to an electrical box
  • Simple to program and install using ListenWIFI Manager software (Windows®)
  • Secure and tamper proof

Specs

+Physical

Dimensions (H x W x D) with Mounting Plate11.7 x 7.6 x 2.5 cm (4.6 x 3.0 W x 1.0 in.)
Unit Dimensions (H x W x D)11.4 x 7.1 x 2.3 cm (4.5 x 2.8 W x 0.9 in.)
Unit Weight with batteries143 g (5.0 oz.)
Unit Weight76 g (2.7 oz.)
Shipping Weight430 g (15.2 oz.)
Enclosure/Mounting MaterialsPC plastic (IR transparent)
LEDMulti-colored, multi-function
ColorDark Grey, chrome logo
USB ConnectionUSB-Micro for power and programming
Mounting HardwareMounts to wall or single gang electrical box (US and European), tamper proof hex screw
Oversized Wall PlateFits standard US and European single gang electrical box
Battery DoorRemovable for battery replacement

+Communications

Bluetooth (BT)5.0, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), for programming and audio triggering
Infrared (IR)Disney SyncLink Technology, enabling receiver triggering
ProtocolsDisney SyncLink Technology (Infrared triggering), iBeacon protocol (Bluetooth triggering)
USB2.0
SecurityPIN-protected for tamper-proof operation, restricted to authorized software only (OTA).

+Range

Bluetooth (BT)Low = 3 meters (10 ft.), Medium = 9 meters (30 ft.), High = 33 meters (110 ft.), line of sight. *
Infrared (IR)Low = 3 meters (10 ft.), Medium = 9 meters (30 ft.), High = 33 meters (110 ft.), line of sight.*
*Beacon must be USB powered for High Power in IR mode. The range of the beacon will be dependent upon environmental conditions and listening device sensitivity, especially with Bluetooth (BT). It is essential to tailor your design approach based on specific requirements and environmental conditions. Multiple beacons can be used to extend the range or footprint of the beacon signals.

+Controls

User ControlsBluetooth triggering, Bluetooth power, Infrared triggering, Infrared power, transmit interval, LED indicators, low battery LED, OTA configuration, trigger ID, UUID, firmware updates, reset to defaults
Setup/ProgrammingProgramming via USB connection or Blueooth OTA connection with ListenWIFI Manager software. The ListenWIFI Manager provides central management of the entire ListenWiFI system, including Beacons.

+Indicators

LEDBlue flash every 5 seconds indicates normal operation (can be disabled); Red flashing every 5 seconds indicates low battery (can be disabled); Green flash every second indicates active Bluetooth OTA connection with ListenWIFI Manager software; Alternating Amber/Red indicates beacon is performing a firmware upgrade

+Power & Battery

Power SupplyUSB-Micro - 5V, 500mA
Battery TypeAlkaline batteries, non-rechargeable, field replaceable
Battery SizeAA
Battery Life3 weeks - 1 year, depending upon configuration.
*Dependent upon device configuration and batteries. Recommend powering via USB for Infrared mode.

+Environmental

Temperature - Operation-10 ºC (14 ºF) to +40 ºC (104 ºF)
Temperature - Storage-20 ºC (-4 ºF) to +50 ºC (122 ºF)
Relative Humidity0 to 95% relative humidity, non condensing

+Compliance

Regulatory MarksFCC, CE, ROHS, UKCA

+Warranty

Beacon Warranty1 year
*Specifications are subject to change without notice

FAQs

+What does the beacon do?

Beacons enable a fully automated experience, connecting users to the right audio channel based on their physical location such as in a room or zone.  Beacons are ideal for applications where privacy is important, and for applications where multiple channels are offered in separate spaces, connecting listeners to the appropriate channel once in range of the beacon.  Additionally, beacons can automatically disconnect users when they leave the space, if desired.

+Does the beacon connect to the network?

No.  The beacon simply provides location data and a trigger to listening devices to ensure they are on the correct channel.  The beacon can be initially programmed by connecting it to the Manager software for configuration, either via USB or Bluetooth connection.

+Does the beacon broadcast audio?

No.  All audio is broadcast over the Wi-Fi network, while the beacons provide location data to listening devices to ensure they are connected to the right channel.

+Does the beacon support PoE power?

The beacon does not have a dedicated PoE port.  However, a simple PoE splitter can be used to remotely power a beacon via micro-USB.  While many PoE splitters are available on the market, Listen has tested the following PoE splitters to work well with the beacons:
  1. Uctronics PoE Splitter, Model U5159
  2. Tripp-Lite PoE Splitter, Model NPOE-SPL-G-5VMU

+How is the beacon mounted?

The beacon includes a mounting bracket that can either attach directly to a wall or to a single gang electrical box (U.S. or European style).  The beacon slides into this mounting bracket and can be secured with a tamper proof locking screw.

+Where should the beacon be mounted?

The beacon should ideally be mounted central to the listening audience, providing broad coverage of the entire listening space.  It is generally not recommended to place the beacon near the doorways and rely on triggers to occur when they enter a room, as some listeners may not have their listening device powered on when they enter.

+How is the beacon powered?

The beacon is powered via a micro-USB cable.  It also supports the use of AA Alkaline batteries for temporary applications or to assist with determining the appropriate mounting locations.

+How long do the batteries last when not powered via USB?

Batteries can last anywhere from 3 weeks to 1 year, depending on the configuration of the device.  See the ListenWIFI User Manual for more information.

+Can the beacon be painted?

Beacon housings use IR transparent plastic that allows infrared light to pass through the plastic, supporting channel triggering for LWR-1050 receivers.  It is important that the Infrared emitters not be painted over, or the IR signal will be obstructed.  It is possible to paint most of the beacon to match the wall colors.  Please contact our Technical Services team for details.