MiConnect Training Module

Where Communication Meets Automation

MiConnect is the future of integrated occupant warning, PA, and automation systems.
This training gives you the knowledge to confidently compare MiConnect against other systems, explain its advantages, and position it on site walkthroughs or client discussions.

Lesson 1 – What is a Network, IP, TCP/IP, API, GSM, GPS or GNNS, Fibre, Cat6/6e/7, Data Switch, Data Router, Data Gateway L3?

• What is a Network?

• What is IP (Internet Protocol)?

• What is TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)?

• What is an API (Application Programming Interface)?

• What is GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)?

• What is GPS/GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)?

• What is Fibre (Fibre-Optic Cabling)?

• What is Cat6, Cat6e, Cat7 Cabling?

• What is a Data Switch?

• What is a Data Router?

• What is a Data Gateway (Layer 3 Gateway)?

Lesson 2 – What is MiConnect?

• IP-based ecosystem (audio, signs, sensors, SMS, integrations)

• Fully distributed – no central server

• Web browser access per device

• Scalable & modular – start small, expand later

Lesson 3 – MiConnect vs Visiplex vs 100V Line

• Visiplex RF → wireless clocks/paging, good for asbestos/no cabling sites

• 100V Line + Tone Generator → analogue, rigid, single path, no zoning

• MiConnect → digital, modular, scalable, integrates safety + comms

• ACMA licensing limits RF power for Visiplex in AU

Lesson 4 – IP Audio vs SIP Audio

• SIP Audio → voice-optimised, codecs G.711/G.729, poor for tones/music

• MiConnect IP Audio → local high-quality MP3/WAV, pro DACs, multicast PA

• Designed for bells, tones, music, and announcements

Lesson 5 – How MiConnect Stands Apart

• Standalone nodes (no master dependency)

• High-quality pro audio

• Native visual & safety integration (signs, strobes, sirens, relays)

• Built-in GSM/SMS + APIs

• Distributed control = no single point of failure

• Expandable licensing

Lesson 6 – Hybrid on 100V Line Audio

• Retrofit into old wiring, feed 100V amps

• Great for transition at existing schools

• Limitations → single wiring = no true zoning

• Solution → add Gateways/Nodes to create virtual zones

• Requires planning, load testing, SPL checks for safety

Lesson 7 – Hardware in the MiConnect Ecosystem

• Gateway specs → Broadcom chip, 8 GB RAM, 32 GB eMMC, 256 GB NVMe

• Node specs → same, but no NVMe

• Pro Audio HAT (passive/active 2 × 35W)

• PoE Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi (select models)

• RTC, USB ports, Linux OS, steel casing, cooling fans

Lesson 8 – Devices That Can Be Monitored

• UPS – runtime, battery status, alarms

• Vape Detectors – PM10 particle detection

• CCTV / NVR – trigger integration

• Security Panels – arming/disarming, alarms

• Access Control – doors, gates

Lesson 9 – External Alerts

• Webhooks – forward to third-party systems (Teams, Slack, IT)

• APIs – REST commands, universal integration

• SMS/GSM – inbound (trigger actions), outbound (alerts to staff)

• Multiple outbound paths vs competitors’ reliance on 3rd parties

Lesson 10 – Understanding the Audio

• SIP codecs (G.711, G.722) – narrowband/voice only

• MP3 – MiConnect’s focus, easy for end users, reliable

• WAV – uncompressed, maximum quality but high bandwidth

• Opus – tested reference, but not main pathway

• Bandwidth comparisons: SIP low but poor quality, MP3 balanced, WAV high usage

• GStreamer → future MiConnect Console streaming with high quality + redundancy

Lesson 11 – How Devices are Triggered

• API commands for every device

• Sequences allow multi-actions from one trigger

• Trigger sources: GUI, API, SMS, CCTV/security, schedulers

• Consistent API structure = easy integration

• Metaphor → universal remote control (one button = one action, or macro for many)

Lesson 12 – Redundancy Structure

• Each Gateway/Node is independent

• No single point of failure

• Other systems collapse if master fails

• MiConnect keeps running → sequences replicated across devices

• Metaphor → fleet of cars (if one breaks, the rest deliver)

Lesson 13 – Wrap-Up: MiConnect Ecosystem

• MiConnect = full occupant warning & automation system

• Covers audio + visuals + safety + comms + monitoring

• Integrated, modular, resilient

• Designed and built in Australia

• Metaphor → Swiss Army Knife (keeps adding new blades)

Lesson 14 — MiConnect Gateway S (Overview)

• Compact, headless gateway for small sites.

• Handles audio streaming, scheduling, and local automation.

• 3 multicast zones for targeted paging.

• Direct 100V amp output, local MP3/WAV playback.

• 256GB local storage for audio, logs and configs.

• Optional GPS/GSM for time sync and SMS failover.

• Web-based config & device-first GUI (no special client).

• Works offline — configs and schedules persist on device.

• Scalable: bolt-on additional Nodes/Gateways as needed.

• Built for Australian schools & enterprises (local support).
  Metaphor → compact command module (small footprint, full control)

Lesson 15 — MiConnect Scheduler (Overview)

• Browser calendar that schedules actions (bells, music, relays, APIs).

• Infinite events, categories, complex recurrences (daily/week/month/year).

• Skip days, block ranges, exceptions and one-off edits.

• Import/export ICS and replicate timetables across sites.

• Drag-to-reschedule, bulk-edit and quick duplicate.

• Simulation/preview before committing actions.

• Role-based approvals for high-risk events (e.g., door unlock).

• Audit trail and undo for recent changes.

• Timezone & DST aware; GPS/GSM fallback for remote sites.
  Metaphor → conductor’s score (tells every player exactly when to play)

Lesson 16 — Microphone (Gateway S)

• Three-part subsystem: USB gooseneck mic + PTT zone selector + Gateway UI.

• Plug-and-play USB mic (recommended active cable ≤10 m).

• PTT hardware for low-latency live paging.

• UI controls: mic gain, pre/post-amble upload, pre/post gains.

• Assign mic to any combination of CH1/CH2/CH3 multicast groups.

• Local storage of pre/post audio for offline reliability.

• Saveable presets and visible last-setting timestamp.

• Operator-friendly: simple PTT → preamble → voice → postamble flow.
  Metaphor → radio operator’s headset & switchboard (speak, press, route)

Lesson 17 — Collector (Overview)

• “Slots” hold up to 50 sequential API/webhook actions.

• GUI: add/edit slots, paste URLs, enable/disable, save/delete.

• Run via slot’s COL API URL or trigger from scheduler/GUI.

• Calls executed in order; each call’s HTTP code & response logged.

• Persistent run-results stored for audit and troubleshooting.

• Use test endpoints in training — disable high-risk slots in production.

• Quick recovery: disable slot, fix URL, re-run.

• Role restrictions recommended for slots that perform physical actions.
  Metaphor → chore-list runner (does the tasks in order and reports back)

Lesson 18 — Push Buttons (Overview)

• Hardwired 4-button panel (Evacuation, Lockdown, All Clear, Cancel).

• Connects to Gateway via GX12 screw connector.

• Default hold = 2 seconds; can set press-count or hold time in Service UI.

• Buttons trigger predefined audio and optional API/webhook calls.

• Cancel immediately stops active audio/tones across linked nodes.

• Client cannot edit service params — changes via commissioning/data call.

• Durable, colour-coded, simple to use under stress.

• All activations logged for audits and post-incident review.
  Metaphor → stage manager’s cue board (one push, the whole show reacts)

Lesson 19 — MiConnect Music Player (Overview)

• Manages GENMUSIC local files, playlists and DAB+ radio streams.

• Build, save and export playlists; schedule them or play locally/multicast.

• Manage DAB metadata (name, stream URL, market, logo).

• Playback modes: Local only or Local + Multicast (campus-wide).

• Scheduler-triggerable playlists and API control for start/stop.

• Safeguards: event alert stops music; PA (PTT) pauses music and auto-resumes 15s after postamble.

• Evacuation tone stops music until All Clear (optional post-clear delay).

• Store playlists/stations on SSD for offline continuity.
  Metaphor → venue sound engineer (knows when to be loud and when to be quiet)

Software – User Level

• Web browser GUI (simple, no install)

• User access levels (admin vs operator)

• Control panels for signs, audio, strobes, SMS

• Logs, diagnostics, and device health visible

Sales Cook Book

• Market Comparisons – competitor battle cards

• Site Walkthroughs – what to look for (existing 100V vs new builds)

• Functionality Talking Points – how to describe MiConnect to clients/consultants

• Objection Handling – common pushbacks & responses

• Metaphors – easy analogies (smartphone, Swiss Army Knife, fleet of cars, solar panels on old grid, universal remote)

• Cheat Sheets – specs, key differentiators, benefits

• Conversation Flow – discovery → pain points → MiConnect → differentiate → close