                           FA1x Notes
                          01/11/02 -med

The FA10 was the first of the Fonix Digital Audiometer line 
produced by Frye Electronics. There are three models in the line, 
the FA10, FA12, and the FA18. In addition, it should be noted that 
Frye also makes several private label audiometers, such as the 
ME3 and OTO. These audiometers are actually FA10 audiometers
and will report that they are FA10 when asked via RS232.
For developement and testing purposes these audiometers are
equivalent to and may be treated the same as an FA10.

The FA10 is a Type 3 audiometer that is designed and calibrated 
to ANSI specifications (S3.6).

From a programming standpoint, the main difference between the 
FA10, FA12, and FA18 audiometers is the calibration and maximum 
output levels. 

The FA10 and FA18 have a maximum output level of 110dB, whereas 
the FA12 has a maximum output level of 120dB. The additional 10dB 
is achieved via a "Boost" button on the front panel, or via a 
boost switch via RS232. 

*Warning* Extreme care should be used with the boost since the 
levels produced are very high and can potentially cause damage to 
a patient's hearing.

Older FA10's were normally calibrated to the ANSI SS3.6 - 1989 
standard and was primarily targeted for use in the United States. 
However the FA10 could also be calibrated to ISO standards on 
special order. The factory calibration method can be determined 
by reading the option flags. 

The older FA12 was normally calibrated to the ISO standard and 
was primarily targeted for use outside the US. 

Newer FA10s and FA12s now use the common ANSI/ISO calibration 
standard. There is no longer a difference between the two
standards. 

Because the FA10 has an maximum limit of 110dB, it is slightly 
less expensive to build as compared to the FA12 which has a 
maximum limit of 120dB. The FA12 achieves the additional power 
with changes to the output board and the power supply to give it 
additional output level capability. Other than that, the basic 
electronics are largely similar between the three models. 

The FA18 is just a custom FA10. The FA18 is a custom audiometer 
that was designed for use in China or other countries that have 
special needs. From a programming standpoint, the FA18 looks like 
an FA10 that uses ISO calibration. 

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