Comnet Simplex Audio + Contact Closure Receiver mm 1 fiber - FRA2C1M1

Comnet FRA2C1M1 2-Channel Audio Receiver

Overview

The Comnet FRA2C1M1 is a 2-channel audio receiver designed to extend microphone and line-level audio signals across multimode fiber up to 48 kilometers (30 miles). This is the receive end of a fiber-based audio transmission link — pair it with a matching Comnet transmitter to move audio (and one contact closure signal) over long distances without ground loops or electrical interference that plague copper audio runs. Deploy this in large campuses, industrial facilities, or distributed surveillance systems where distance or electrical noise rules out traditional balanced audio cables.

Key Features

• 2-Channel Audio Capacity: Simplex or duplex operation means you can run simultaneous 2-way audio on both channels, or split them for different audio sources — useful when one facility needs to monitor two separate mic lines from a remote location.
• 24-bit 96kHz Encoding: Studio-grade digital audio encoding preserves voice clarity and frequency detail across 20Hz–20kHz bandwidth, critical for speech intelligibility in alarm verification or intercom systems where you need to understand what's being said, not just hear noise.
• 48km Fiber Span: Multimode ST connector fiber transport eliminates the practical distance limits of balanced copper audio lines (typically 300–500 feet before level drop-off) — run a single fiber strand across campus, between buildings, or from a central monitoring station to remote sites without repeaters.
• Contact Closure Input: One isolated contact closure channel allows remote trigger or alarm status to travel alongside audio — door sensor, alarm relay, or manual button press can be monitored at the receive end without a separate cabling run.
• Low Power Footprint: 3.2W consumption at 12VDC means this unit runs on a small DC supply or integrates into existing 12V surveillance power distribution without drawing significant current — relevant when you're powering equipment in a remote or unmanned cabinet.
• Dual Mounting Options: Rack mount or surface mount flexibility lets you install the FRA2C1M1 in a structured cabinet or bolt it directly to a wall or equipment frame depending on your facility layout.

Transmission and Fiber Connectivity

Audio quality over fiber depends on clean conversion at both ends and proper impedance matching. The FRA2C1M1 expects 600-ohm audio input impedance from its paired transmitter — a standard specification that matches most professional microphone preamps and line outputs. The 48km range assumes multimode fiber (typically 50/125µm or 62.5/125µm) and assumes you're using short-haul (not long-haul) transceiver pairs. If your fiber run approaches the distance limit, signal attenuation becomes the constraint; verify your transmitter's launch power and receiver sensitivity match your actual fiber length and splice count.

Operating Environment and Durability

Rated for 0–50°C operating temperature and 0–95% non-condensing humidity, the FRA2C1M1 is suitable for controlled indoor environments — server rooms, equipment cabinets, utility closets in commercial buildings. It is not sealed for outdoor use; if you need to mount this near HVAC discharge or in a humid plant floor, plan for condensation control via cabinet ventilation or conditioned enclosure. Temperature swings outside this range (outdoor Texas heat or cold-storage environments) require relocation to a temperature-controlled junction box.

Integration Considerations

The FRA2C1M1 is a standalone audio receiver — it does not require network connectivity, VMS integration, or software licensing. Pair it with any Comnet fiber audio transmitter (model FTA2C1M1 or equivalent) to complete the link. Audio output is analog (line level or mic level, depending on your transmitter configuration), so connect it to any audio amplifier, mixer, PA system, or recording device that accepts standard audio input. The contact closure is a relay output; wire it to any alarm panel, relay module, or monitoring system that expects a dry contact signal.

What's in the Box

Package contents not specified in source evidence. Contact manufacturer directly for exact included accessories (power adapter, cables, mounting hardware).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the warranty on the FRA2C1M1?

A: Warranty information is not provided in available product documentation. Contact the manufacturer or your supplier for warranty terms.

Q: Can I use this with single-mode fiber instead of multimode?

A: No. The FRA2C1M1 is specified for multimode fiber (ST connector). Single-mode fiber requires different transceiver pairs and is not compatible.

Q: What power supply do I need?

A: The FRA2C1M1 requires 12VDC input. At 3.2W maximum consumption, a standard 12V regulated DC supply with at least 500mA capacity is sufficient. Many surveillance power supplies or industrial 12V systems can power this unit.

Q: Does the contact closure work with existing alarm panels?

A: Yes. The isolated contact closure is a relay output that acts like a dry contact switch. Wire it to any alarm panel, security system, or monitoring device that accepts dry contact inputs (door sensors, motion triggers, etc.).

Q: What is the maximum fiber run distance?

A: The FRA2C1M1 supports up to 48 kilometers (30 miles) of multimode fiber transmission. Actual distance depends on fiber quality, splice loss, and the matching transmitter's launch power. Test your specific installation or consult the transmitter datasheet for attenuation calculations.

Ted Perry

The FRA2C1M1 fills a real gap: when you have to move audio and a trigger signal 10, 20, or 48 kilometers, fiber is the only path that doesn't involve repeaters, hum injection, or loss of signal. I've seen this unit deployed in campuses and industrial sites where running balanced copper audio was either impossible (too long) or problematic (electrical noise from power lines or VFDs). The 24-bit 96kHz encoding on this model means you're not compromising on audio quality — you get clean voice capture suitable for alarm verification or intercom systems.

Technical Highlights:

• 48km Multimode Fiber Range: Eliminates the 300–500-foot practical limit of balanced copper cable runs. A single fiber strand can carry audio across an entire campus or industrial facility without intermediate amplification or level degradation.
• 24-bit 96kHz Encoding (20Hz–20kHz Bandwidth): Captures full voice spectrum with clarity. Not telephone-quality — this is studio-grade fidelity preserved across fiber, important when you're relying on remote audio for alarm verification or intercom clarity.
• 3.2W @ 12VDC Power Draw: Low current consumption means you can power the FRA2C1M1 from existing surveillance DC supplies or small dedicated 12V regulators. No additional power distribution infrastructure required.
• Isolated Contact Closure: One relay output allows remote status (door sensor, alarm trigger, button press) to travel with audio on a single fiber pair — eliminates separate cabling and cable tray complexity.

Deployment Considerations:

• Match this receiver to a Comnet fiber audio transmitter (FTA2C1M1 or equivalent) — the units work as a pair. Mismatched transmitter/receiver can result in audio level mismatch or loss of contact closure signal.
• Fiber splice count and quality matter: each splice in a 48km run introduces attenuation loss. If your run approaches the 48km limit, calculate actual attenuation or request transmitter launch power specs to confirm margin.
• The unit operates 0–50°C only. In uncontrolled cabinets or outdoor-mounted enclosures, temperature swings beyond this range can damage the receiver. Use a climate-controlled junction box if needed.

This receiver is purpose-built for long-distance audio over fiber in surveillance, campus security, and industrial monitoring systems. Deploy it when distance rules out copper and you need better-than-telephone audio quality across the link.