OK, I've just asked my partner who knows more of this stuff than I do - she says there are "official specs" out there but she no longer has the file (in that annoying way that you never save stuff and then can't find it again kind of way).
I seem to recall that the power (and therefore efficacy) of the loop system drops by ^2 as distance increases INSIDE the loop, and ^3 outside of the loop. Scary maths happens.
If you are unsure, you may find it's easier/saner to loop only part of your venue - deaf people are accustomed to signs which say "to use the loop sit at x" or "if you need the loop, tell a steward and they'll put you in active seats".
Induction loops are a killer for interference, so fluorescent lights, CRTs, theatre equipment etc can often cause pain. This is why IR systems are used in theatres - with their own set of problems and hassles.
I'm afraid I haven't been able to be of more help to you, I've only ever got a standard loop amplifier off ebay/Connevans, got some single-core wire and looped a standard living room.
If you have a local deafie getting them to test it for you works well, but does rely on you knowing deafies - although that's not impossible, you're close enough to Bristol I think, deafie central. Local deaf club might be helpful - deafies will always help out, esp if they feel they've blagged a freebie of some kind - a free ticket to your event, or a four-pack o beer.
Connevans is the canonically good geek place for deaf stuff, but obviously want you to pay them to do stuff for you. They have a load of info leaflets at: http://www.connevans.com/information/index.shtml#publoop and http://www.connevans.com/information/loop_information.shtml .
The RNID leaflets are written for numpties not specialists, so only give basic info at http://www.rnid.org.uk/information_resources/factsheets/equipment/factsheets_leaflets/information_for_people_managing_public_venues.htm
The standard for Induction Loop System installation can be purchased from: http://www.standardsdirect.org/standards/standards5/StandardsCatalogue24_view_6718.html I don't know whether this sort of thing is obtainable from libraries and whatnot. At £128 it's a bit pricy for a quick skimread!
I seem to recall that the power (and therefore efficacy) of the loop system drops by ^2 as distance increases INSIDE the loop, and ^3 outside of the loop. Scary maths happens.
If you are unsure, you may find it's easier/saner to loop only part of your venue - deaf people are accustomed to signs which say "to use the loop sit at x" or "if you need the loop, tell a steward and they'll put you in active seats".
Induction loops are a killer for interference, so fluorescent lights, CRTs, theatre equipment etc can often cause pain. This is why IR systems are used in theatres - with their own set of problems and hassles.
I'm afraid I haven't been able to be of more help to you, I've only ever got a standard loop amplifier off ebay/Connevans, got some single-core wire and looped a standard living room.
If you have a local deafie getting them to test it for you works well, but does rely on you knowing deafies - although that's not impossible, you're close enough to Bristol I think, deafie central. Local deaf club might be helpful - deafies will always help out, esp if they feel they've blagged a freebie of some kind - a free ticket to your event, or a four-pack o beer.
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