Free CTS Installation and Systems Integration Test 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A technician installs a condenser microphone. It is not picking up audio. What is the MOST LIKELY cause?
- Pins 2 and 3 are swapped at the XLR connector
- The cable run is too long
- Phantom power is turned off (Correct answer)
- The microphone is defective
Correct answer: Phantom power is turned off
Condenser microphones require external power, known as phantom power, to operate their internal active electronics. If a condenser microphone is not picking up audio, the most common and likely cause is that phantom power, typically 48V DC supplied through the XLR cable, has not been enabled on the mixer or audio interface. Without this power, the microphone's capsule cannot convert sound waves into an electrical signal.
Question 2: For an ethernet cable (UTP) to meet certification standards, the maximum length is:
- 98' or 30m
- 328' or 100m (Correct answer)
- 492' or 150m
- 984' or 300m
Correct answer: 328' or 100m
For an Ethernet cable (Unshielded Twisted Pair or UTP) to meet certification standards, its maximum length is 328 feet or 100 meters. Exceeding this length can lead to signal degradation, increased latency, and potential data loss, as the signal attenuates over longer distances. This standard ensures reliable network performance and data integrity.
Question 3: A customer has recently added a second wireless microphone to an existing system. The customer now complains that the sound quality from both microphones has degraded. <br> Of the following, which is the MOST LIKELY cause of the problem?
- The existing wireless microphone is too old to be used with the new wireless microphone.
- The new wireless microphone shares a similar frequency as the old wireless microphone. (Correct answer)
- The new wireless microphone is from a different manufacturer.
- The old wireless microphone battery is dying.
Correct answer: The new wireless microphone shares a similar frequency as the old wireless microphone.
When a second wireless microphone is added and both experience degraded sound quality, the most likely cause is frequency interference. Wireless microphones operate on specific radio frequencies, and if two microphones are set to the same or very similar frequencies, their signals will clash, leading to dropouts, static, or overall poor audio. Proper frequency coordination is crucial to prevent such issues in multi-microphone setups.
Question 4: How would a commissioning technician establish substantial completion/practical completion?
- Complete all preliminary tests, confirm systems installation and readiness for the final test (Correct answer)
- Generate a punch or defects list, getting architects to sign off on repairs
- Generate a list of all damaged equipment, setting up the DSP
- Complete a request for changes form, file an RFQ
Correct answer: Complete all preliminary tests, confirm systems installation and readiness for the final test
Substantial completion, or practical completion, in commissioning signifies that the AV systems are fully installed, tested, and ready for final performance testing and client handover. This stage is established by completing all preliminary tests and confirming that the systems are installed correctly and are operational. It precedes the final acceptance and typically involves generating a punch list of minor deficiencies.
Question 5: There is a conflict between the wall plate height specified in AV documents and the height the electrical contractor is saying must be used on site. <br> Which of the following forms would be used by the integrator to seek clarification of the correct mounting height of wall plates?
- Construction Change Directive (CCD)
- Request for Information (RFI) (Correct answer)
- Request for Change (RFC)
- Change Order (CO)
Correct answer: Request for Information (RFI)
When there's a conflict or ambiguity regarding design specifications, such as wall plate height, an integrator should issue a Request for Information (RFI). An RFI is a formal document used to seek clarification from the client, architect, or general contractor on project details that are unclear, missing, or contradictory in the provided documentation. This ensures that work proceeds correctly and avoids costly rework.
Question 6: What method can a technician use onsite to verify that the AV device is set to the proper IP address?
- Connect directly to the CPU using an XLR connector and the Ping program
- Use an S-video hook-up on a DVD drive and the Mac program
- Use a USB connection to the CPU and the HyperTerminal program (Correct answer)
- Use a DVI-D connector and dial in on a phone device
Correct answer: Use a USB connection to the CPU and the HyperTerminal program
To verify an AV device's IP address onsite, a technician can connect directly to the device's CPU, often via a USB connection, and use a terminal emulation program like HyperTerminal. This allows direct communication with the device's command-line interface to check and configure network settings. This method is effective when the device is not yet fully integrated into the network or when network access is unavailable.
Question 7: The original LCD monitor specified on the project was not available. The model used to replace it has a lower native resolution than the original monitor. <br> What device could be used to keep the EDID table from now calculating the EDID table to a lower resolution for the whole system?
- Scan Converter
- Scaler (Correct answer)
- Transcoder
- EDID emulator
Correct answer: Scaler
If a replacement monitor has a lower native resolution, a scaler can be used to prevent the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) table from forcing the entire system to output at that lower resolution. A scaler processes the input signal and converts it to a different resolution, allowing the system to maintain its desired output resolution while accommodating the new display. An EDID emulator, while related, typically stores and provides a fixed EDID, but a scaler actively adjusts the video signal.
Question 8: Which mounting hardware will provide the MOST support when mounting a camera bracket to a sheetrock/plasterboard not located near a wall stud?
- Self-tapping screws
- Plastic wall anchors/wall plugs
- Snap toggles/hollow wall anchors (Correct answer)
- Masonry bolts
Correct answer: Snap toggles/hollow wall anchors
When mounting a camera bracket to sheetrock or plasterboard where no wall stud is available, snap toggles (also known as hollow wall anchors) provide the most secure support. These anchors expand behind the wall, distributing the weight over a larger area and offering significantly more holding strength than plastic wall anchors or self-tapping screws in hollow walls. Masonry bolts are for solid masonry, not drywall.
Question 9: Before audiovisual equipment can be brought to a site what MUST occur?
- The general contractor must obtain a CO
- The site must be clean and dust-free (Correct answer)
- All cables must be installed
- The rack must be wired
Correct answer: The site must be clean and dust-free
Before audiovisual equipment can be brought to a site for installation, the site must be clean and dust-free. Dust and debris can damage sensitive electronic components, especially cooling fans and optical parts in projectors. Ensuring a clean environment protects the equipment, maintains warranty validity, and facilitates a smoother installation process.
Question 10: When selecting a DC power supply that has to run a long distance, what must be considered?
- RF interference
- Voltage drop (Correct answer)
- Cable capacitance
- Inductance
Correct answer: Voltage drop
When selecting a DC power supply for a long cable run, voltage drop is the most critical factor to consider. As current flows through a cable, resistance causes a reduction in voltage over distance, which can lead to insufficient power reaching the device. Calculating and compensating for voltage drop ensures the device receives the necessary operating voltage.
Question 11: A client requires a front projection system. What drawings should be requested from the client to select the appropriate lens?
- Reflected ceiling plans and elevations (Correct answer)
- Building section and millwork details
- Structural and electrical plans
- Floor plans and wall details
Correct answer: Reflected ceiling plans and elevations
To select the appropriate lens for a front projection system, an AV designer needs drawings that show the room's dimensions and potential obstructions. Reflected ceiling plans provide information on ceiling height and potential obstructions like light fixtures, while elevations show wall dimensions and potential screen placement. These drawings are crucial for calculating throw distance, image size, and lens shift requirements.
Free CTS Installation and Systems Integration Test 1
A technician installs a condenser microphone.
It is not picking up audio.
What is the MOST LIKELY cause?