BP-325 Belt-Pack Intercom Station – Configuration
The BP-325 looks simple from the outside, but several settings inside the beltpack change how the TALK buttons, headset routing, and rear LINE LOOP connector operate.
Momentary Mode vs. Latching Mode
Each TALK button can operate in either mode:
- Momentary mode: Press and hold the TALK button while speaking. Release it to turn the microphone off.
- Latching mode: Tap the TALK button to leave the microphone on. Tap it again to turn the microphone off.
From the factory, each TALK button supports both modes. Many BP-325s used in broadcast are configured for momentary-only operation so an open microphone cannot be left latched on accidentally. This can be set independently for each channel.
LINE LOOP: Loop-Through or Program Input
The male XLR on the back is labeled LINE LOOP. In its normal configuration, it passes the intercom line through to another beltpack or intercom station.
The connector can also be reassigned as a balanced program input. Internally, the LINE LOOP connector is normally connected to J6 for loop-through operation. Moving it to J5 changes the rear XLR to a program input. Jumpers W3 and W4 route that program audio to the left side, right side, or both sides of the headset. The level is controlled with the PGM VOL knob.
The LINE LOOP connector can also be configured for an external microphone switch or an alternate power source. Refer to the manual before using either of those configurations.
Changing the Internal Settings
- Disconnect the BP-325 from the intercom line.
- Loosen the two outside screws and remove the center screw between the two 3-pin XLR connectors.
Lift the rear cover from the XLR end. It will hinge at the button end. Once it is open, lift the cover free.- Place the cover next to the beltpack as shown, with the buttons toward you and the circuit board facing up. The label inside the cover identifies the switch and jumper locations.
DIP Switches
The ON position enables the function printed on the inside cover. In this photo, switches 2 and 5 are ON. Switch 2 sets Channel 2 to momentary-only operation, and switch 5 does the same for Channel 1.
With both switches ON, each microphone remains active only while its TALK button is held. This is a common field configuration because it prevents either channel from being left latched on.
Headphone and Program-Audio Jumpers
Jumpers W1 and W2 enable listen audio from intercom Channels 1 and 2. W3 and W4 route program audio to the left and right sides of the headset. W5 selects stereo or mono operation for a headset connected to the 5-pin STEREO HEADSET connector.
In this photo, W1 through W4 are ON and W5 is set to MONO. Both intercom channels—and the program input, if connected—will be heard on both sides of a stereo headset.
W7 changes the function of the 1/4-inch CARB-MIC HEADSET jack. It can be configured for either a carbon-microphone headset or an external microphone switch.
For the complete switch table, alternate-power wiring, and less common connector assignments, see the RTS BP-325 User Manual.
