VARIODYN ONE – The new, powerful Honeywell PA/VA system

Honeywell recently launched its next generation global notification platform, VARIODYN ONE, designed to enhance in-building voice communications to improve response to emergency situations and general public address announcements. VARIODYN ONE brings new solutions, technologies, features and value for installers, system operators and building owners, including:
System Design: VARIODYN ONE is an IP-based public address and voice alarm (PA/VA) system that delivers exceptional usability and sound performance to address daily operational and safety needs of a building. It features a compact design with expandable modules for greatest cost-efficiency. Intelligent Network Controllers (INC) serve as an audio matrix via up to eight 500W amplifier channels and up to 48 loudspeaker lines. Cost optimization is assured by equipping only the necessary number of 8-loudspeaker line cards. The VARIODYN ONE system is fully scalable by Ethernet, connecting multiple INCs located as needed in the project. Available with ports for alarm call stations, with analogue audio in-/outputs or with an DANTE interface, each INC is equipped with secure FLASH memory for five hours of alarm messages, announcements, or background music.
System amplifiers and call stations
The system’s unique, patented power sharing solution provides a flexible configuration of power rating of each channel of a multi-channel unit, permitting also one amplifier channel to serve as a backup amplifier for others. A built-in EN54-4 certified power supply and battery charging unit delivers power also to an INC. This greatly reduces the system cost by eliminating the need for a separate power supply unit inside the rack.
Both VARIODYN DCS Plus and ETCS call stations are fully monitored and certified to EN54-16 as alarm call stations and offer a redundant power and audio/communication interface. In addition to the buttons of DCS Plus, the VARIODYN ETCS is a powerful, multimedia call station with Ethernet interface, large color touchscreen, freely configurable functions, playlists and USB port.
Communication ans architecture
VARIODYN ONE uses common audio protocols which allow it to be more easily integrated with other on-site systems, such as DANTE A/V and SIP communication, without additional hardware or handshake issues. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is available, as well as redundant connections of the system network and the call stations. System cabling with color coding guarantees fault-free assembly and greatly reduced installation time.
The platform expands system capabilities even further than its predecessors to meet the challenges of even the most demanding projects: up to 3200 amplifiers, 3200 call stations, 19200 loudspeaker lines and 120 or more simultaneous audio streams. The system architecture and network topology are unrestricted following Ethernet networking guidance.
Power supply and configuration
The system can support both large and small system racks to support cost optimization for customers. High power 1HU/2HU EN54-4 certified PSU units deliver enough power and battery capacity to handle the whole large VARIODYN ONE rack with several kilowatts of audio power. For small system racks, amplifiers provide a built-in PSU unit with battery charger.
The VARIODYN ONE configuration tool and management software are built on the Honeywell Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) platform, which will provide seamless integration with Honeywell Fire systems as a single, common user interface, making it easier to connect the PA/VA system to the fire panel. The CLSS platform also allows technicians to spend less time on site installing, commissioning and maintaining the system.
Reliability, redundancy, and cybersecurity
The system features fault tolerance in multiple aspects due to its distributed controller architecture, supervision of all system wires/components, total separation of amplifier channels, redundant network and call station connections. This system architecture and solutions greatly exceed the minimum requirements of VA system fault tolerances set by EN54 standards.
VARIODYN ONE has been developed with stringent cybersecurity requirements of critical infrastructure projects, designed with a security-by-design approach. All data and audio streams are encrypted and the system firmware is protected by secure boot. It also meets EN54-16/4 standards compliance and the TÜV Rheinland quality mark, confirming higher product safety, quality and performance than the EN54 minimum requirements.
VARIODYN ONE can support a wide range of applications like transportation, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, commercial and education verticals. It offers scalability, technical advancement and versatility and can be deployed as a voice alarm (VA) system for effective building evacuation or a public address system (PA) for targeted broadcasting and background music. Powerful yet scalable and cost-efficient as a system for versatile project types, sizes and complexity level, VARIODYN ONE is the top-end PA/VA global system offering from Honeywell.
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