Niles RCA2 Installation & Operation Manual

H I G H F I D E L I T Y A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E ® I N S T A L L A T I O N & O P E R A T I O N G U I D E Remote Control Anywhere! ™ Kit DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 24

Introduction 2 Getting Started 4 Installation 4 System Operation 13 Optional Accessories 14 Running Sensor Cable in New Construction 16 Concealing Sensor Cable in Existing Walls 18 Specifications 22 R E M O T E C O N T R O L A N Y W H E R E ! K I T RCA2 Remote Control Anywhere! Kit WARNING – To prevent possible injury, the following basic safety precautions should be observed in the installation and use of your Remote Control Anywhere Kit. 1. Read through the entire manual – Before attempting any installation, read this manual thoroughly and keep it for future reference. 2. Avoid contact with all high voltage electrical wiring and equipment! 3. Keep away from water and moisture – Never use or install electronic products near water, ie., near a bathtub, sink, washing machine, in a wet basement, near a swim- ming pool, or anywhere else the product may be exposed to water or moisture. 4. Power supply cord protection – Do not run the power cord where it may be subject to wear or abuse. Do not allow anything to rest on or roll over the power cord which may damage it. 6. Lightning – It is suggested that you remove the power supply from the wall if your system will not be used for long periods of time. Power surges due to lightning strikes may damage your equipment. 7. Check your local building and electrical codes – There may be specific requirements regarding running low voltage in your area. DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 1

I T 2 Introduction The Remote Control Anywhere! Kit enables you to operate your remote con- trolled audio/video equipment from vir- tually any location. Now you can place your audio/video (A/V) components out of sight (behind cabinet doors, in the rear of a room, or in a different room) and still conveniently control your system. Kit Contents Check that your Remote Control Anywhere! Kit contains the following: • Connection hub • Table-top sensor • 12VDC power supply • MicroFlashers (3) • Category 5 sensor cable (50') Connection Hub Table-Top Sensor MicroFlashers (3) Category 5 sensor Cable (50ft) 12VDC Power Supply DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 2

I T 3 Tools Needed • Pencil • Drywall saw • Standard screwdriver • Phillips screwdriver • Wire strippers • Drill (and assorted bits) DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 3

with most brands of audio/video components, there are a few exceptions. You should perform a temporary hook-up to test for compatibility before you conceal wire or permanently mount any parts. Steps One through Five describe how to perform a quick and easy check for compatibility. Once you have determined that all of your remote controlled A/V components are compatible, proceed with the rest of the installation. Installation Step 1 – Placing the Connection Hub Place the Connection Hub so that the MicroFlasher wires will reach the components. Never place the connection hub closer than 1' away from a television set (Figure 1). 4 R E M O T E C O N T R O L A N Y W H E R E ! K I T Figure 1: Connection Hub Placement DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 4

I T Step 2 – Connecting the Sensor Cable to the Connection Hub For your convenience, the sensor cable ends have been stripped. Insert each wire into the appropriate hole on the removable connector plug (Figure 2), and snap the locking tab down. To help you, the connector plug is keyed. Insert the smooth side of the connector plug into the smooth side of the socket. Don’t force the scalloped side of the connector plug into the smooth side of the socket. 1 2 3 4 POWER +12V DC 3-30V AC/DC STATUS IN FLASHER OUTPUTS MSU140 IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT INPUT 1 TS100 Sensor To unswitched AC Outlet Figure 2: MSU140 Installation MSU140 Sensor Connection MSU140 To Niles IR Flasher To 12VDC Power Supply Plugged into an switched AC Outlet. Typically found in back of a receiver. DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 5

Table-Top Sensor Pull out the removable connector from the bottom of the table-top sensor. Insert each wire into the appropriate hole on the removable connector plug (Figure 3), and snap the lock- ing tab down. To help you, the connector plug is keyed. Insert the smooth side of the connector plug into the smooth side of the socket. Don’t force the scalloped side of the connector plug into the smooth side of the socket. Make sure that the orientation of the connector is correct (Figure 4). 6 R E M O T E C O N T R O L A N Y W H E R E ! K I T Figure 3: Removable Connector Plug 1 = Green/White - 12V 2 = Green - DATA 3 = Orange/White - GROUND 4 = Blue - EMPTY 5 = Blue/White - STATUS 6 = Orange - EMPTY 7 = Brown/White - EMPTY 8 = Brown - EMPTY 1 = STATUS 4 = 12V DC 1 = 12V 2 = DATA 5 = STATUS 3 = GROUND 2 = DATA 3 = GROUND Tab Down Figure 4: Installing Sensor Connector DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 6

I T Additional� Flashers REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! CONNECTION HUB Additional� Flashers REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! CONNECTION HUB Figure 5: Connection Ports Step 4 – Connecting the 12VDC In-Line Power Supply and MicroFlashers Plug the MicroFlashers into any of the sockets labeled FLASHER OUTPUTS on the connection hub (Figure 5). Plug the connector on the supplied 12VDC power supply into the socket labeled POWER on the connection hub and then plug the wall adapter into a live electrical outlet. The power LED should light. If the LED does not light, confirm that the outlet you used is live by plugging in a lamp. “TECH TIP” Wire size is expressed by it’s AWG (American Wire Gauge) number. The lower the AWG number, the larger the wire, i.e., 20 AWG wire is physically larger than 22 AWG. “TECH TIP” Make all final connec- tions to the MSU before connecting the power supply. This will avoid potential dam- age to components. DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 7

I T Step 5 – Mounting a MicroFlasher to A/V Components Make sure all of your remote controls have batteries and that they are able to operate the A/V components. Locate a place for the remote control that is within arm’s length of the A/V components, yet cannot directly control them. Place the table-top sensor no closer than two feet in front of the remote control (Figure 6). Hold the MicroFlasher four inches in front of the remote sensor window on the A/V compo- nent’s front panel. Press but- tons on the remote control while watching the front panel of the A/V compo- nent. When the compo- nent responds repeatedly to the commands, peel off the protective backing on the MicroFlasher and place the MicroFlasher in that location. If the A/V component’s remote sensor is not clearly marked, slowly move the MicroFlasher over the win- dow of the A/V component while pushing buttons on the remote control until you get a response (Figure 7). Figure 6: Locating IR Sensor DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 8

I T Repeat this procedure for each A/V component you wish to control. When the A/V component responds repeatedly, peel off the protective backing on the MicroFlasher and place the MicroFlasher in that location. If you get no response at all, call Niles Technical Support at 1-800-289-4434 (M-F 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET). Step 6 – Mounting the Connection Hub Make sure that your system tested OK before proceeding Once you have decided on the ideal location for the connection hub, unplug the 12VDC power supply from the electrical outlet and disconnect the sensor and the MicroFlasher cables from the connection hub (Figure 8). Also remove the connector from the table-top sensor (Figure 9). The connection hub can be either mounted on a wall using screws or placed on a shelf using the included adhesive feet (Figure 10). Figure 7: Locating IR Sensor DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 9

I T Additional Sensors Additional� Flashers REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT CONNECTION HUB 1 2 3 Red Bare Black Additional Sensors Additional Flashers REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT CONNECTION HUB 1 2 3 Red Bare Black Figure 8: Removing Cables Figure 9: Removing Sensor Connector Figure 10A & B A: Wall mounting B: If you desire to shelf mount the connection hub, stick the included adhesive backed feet on the bottom of the unit and place it on the shelf Figure 10B: Table-top placement Affix the enclosed self-adhesive rubber feet to the base of the MSU140 Self-Adhesive Rubber Feet 1 2 3 4 POWER +12V DC 3-30V AC/DC STATUS IN FLASHER OUTPUTS MSU140 IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT INPUT 1 Figure 10A: Wall-mount placement Use sheetrock screws MSU140 Base DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 10

I T Step 7 – Running the Sensor Cable Conceal the sensor cable between the table-top sensor and the connection hub. For specific information refer to “Running Sensor Cable in New Construction”, located on page 16, or “Concealing Sensor Cable in Existing Walls”, located on page 18. If you need to cut and restrip the wire, make sure that only 1/4" of wire is exposed. Exposing too much wire could create “shorts” within the system. IMPORTANT If you have doubts about whether you are capable of installing a Niles Remote Control Anywhere! Kit in your walls, consult a Niles dealer or professional installer. They have special tools, techniques, and experience to make the impossible possible. The installer can provide you with an estimate before any work is done. DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 11

I T Step 8 – Reconnecting the Connection Hub Reconnect the sensor plug, flashers and power supply as outlined in steps 2, 3 and 4 (Figure 11). That’s it! Now you are ready to control your audio/video equipment from the room you chose. NOTE Make sure that the stripped ends of the wire do not come in contact with one another or any surface other than the connector. Additional Sensors Additional� Flashers REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT CONNECTION HUB Figure 11: Connecting Power Supply and Flashers DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 12

I T Normal Operation To control your audio/video components, simply aim your remote control at the table-top sensor. If you are within range (and your remote control’s batteries are fresh), the LED on the sensor will flash a bright blue color each time you press a button on the remote (Figure 12). If you are using a remote control with macro capabilities (a single press of a button issues a string of commands), allow sufficient time for all of the commands to execute. Figure 12: System Operation DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 13

CONNECTION HUB Switched outlet on the back of receiver or preamp. 14 R E M O T E C O N T R O L A N Y W H E R E ! K I T Optional Accessories Additional MicroFlashers Although the Remote Control Anywhere! Kit includes three MicroFlashers, the connection hub can accommodate up to four. Order model MF1 (Stock# FG01019) from your autho- rized Niles dealer for each additional A/V component you wish to control. Figure 13: Connecting the Status Adaptor DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 14

I T Status Feedback Wall Adapter The table-top sensor features a status feedback LED that glows green whenever your system is on. This is a very useful feature when operating your equipment from a remote location. For this feature to work, your system receiver (or preamp) must have a switched AC outlet and you must purchase the optional Status Feedback 12VDC Wall Adapter (FG00665). The Status Feedback wall adapter is plugged into the switched AC outlet of your receiver. The 12VDC output plug is inserted into the connection hub’s Status Input (Figure 13). Additional Sensors The Remote Control Anywhere! Kit includes one table-top sensor. Niles also makes a variety of sensors for virtually any application. See your Niles dealer for more information. DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 15

I T Running Sensor Cable in New Construction Scheduling and Preparation Plan to schedule the sensor wiring after the electrical wiring is finished. That way you can avoid cable routes which could potentially induce interference over the sensor cable. The basic rules are: Never run the sensor cable through the same hole as an electrical cable. Never run the sensor cable into the same J-box as electrical cable. Avoid running the sensor cable beside the electrical cable. Keep it at least 3 or 4 feet distant from any electrical power cable. As side-by-side wiring is unavoidable in particular spots in every house, just move the sensor cable route away as soon as possible. If construction forces a side by side run for more than ten feet, install metal conduit or shielded sensor cable. Low- voltage cables such as doorbells, intercoms, telephone, speak- er, security, or television cannot cause interference on your sensor cables, so you can safely run all of them at the same time, through the same holes, side-by-side. DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 16

I T Safety First! Wear gloves, safety goggles and head protection when drilling. Avoid nails, they ruin bits and they can cause injury. Pay partic- ular attention when using “hole-hogs” and other powerful electric drills; the torque of the drill when suddenly stopped by a nail can break a strong person’s wrist. Drilling Use a bit that is large enough for the cables you plan to run. An auger bit is the preferred bit for rough-in wiring. It will actually pull itself through the wood, so that the drill motor, not you, does most of the work. Always drill the holes in the center of the stud. If you have to notch the stud or drill the hole closer than one inch from the edge of the stud, protect the cable with a nail plate. When drilling holes in ceiling joists, drill in the center of the joists and try to locate the hole near the end of the joist. DO NOT drill through a “gluelam” or any load bearing beam without the direction of your contractor. Try to line the holes up perfectly, because it makes pulling the cable much easier. A good technique is to snap a chalk line across the face of the studs or against the bottom of the ceiling joists. Then work backward so that you can always see the holes you have already drilled. Paying careful attention to this will save you a lot of time later! DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 17

I T Pulling the Cable Whenever you run the cable farther than 4-1/2 feet from a hole in a stud or joist (open attic space, going up walls, etc.), fasten the cable to the joists or studs using cable clamps or appropriately sized cable staples. The cable should not have large sags in it, nor should it be too tight. Try to protect the cable from being stepped on in attics or other unfinished crawl spaces. There are guard strips, raceways and conduits which can be used to protect the cable. Consult the local building code for special requirements in your area. Concealing Sensor Cable in Existing Walls This is actually a fairly simple task if you restrict your choice of the table-top sensor location and cable routes to the interior walls or ceilings of your home. Interior walls in almost all North American residences are hollow, so that it is easy to route new sensor cable around the house. What you see when you look at the painted wall board, plaster, or paneling is only the skin of the wall. Behind the skin is the skeleton; two-by-four wood or metal “studs” running vertically from the floor to the ceiling in walls and 2 x 6 or larger “joists” run- ning horizontally in the ceilings and floors. In between the studs and the joists is the space for the wiring and plumbing of your home. 18 DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 18

the heat and cold outside, so they are stuffed with insulation. The national building code requires that the hollow wall space in exterior walls be broken by a horizontal stud placed between the vertical studs. This “fire blocking” makes it very difficult to retrofit long lengths of cable. In some areas of the country the exterior walls are constructed of solid masonry, and have no hollow space for cables. Start by examining all the possible routes you might take to run the sensor cable from the sensor location to the A/V compo- nents to be controlled. Use a stud sensor or other device to locate the internal structure of the wall. You want to avoid all studs or joists. A typical route would be from the sensor loca- tion up the inside of the wall to a new hole drilled into the top “plate” (horizontal 2 x 4 at the top of the inside of the wall), into the attic crawl space, then down another plate to the wall behind the stereo system itself. The other very common route is through the bottom plate of the wall into an unfinished base- ment or crawl space. Identify where all of your electrical, phone, and TV wiring is likely to be and plan to route around it all. You can accidental- ly induce interference on your sensor cable right beside electri- cal cable for more than a few feet. Try to keep sensor cable running parallel to power cables at least 3 feet away. To find exactly where an electrical cable is routed, try inspecting the inside of the wall by turning off the breaker for a particular power outlet or switch, removing the cover plate and switch or receptacle, and shining a penlight into the wall. If you have access to an attic or basement space, you can see which part of the wall space is free of obstructions (Figure 14). 19 R E M O T E C O N T R O L A N Y W H E R E ! K I T DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 19

above or below the wall, try to estimate the existing cable and pipe locations from the positions of electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures on both sides of the wall. Also, take a look at the outside of your house, sometimes a conduit, vent or drain pipe will be visible and will offer useful information. Choose the route with the fewest potential obstacles. If your house is built on a slab or you are wiring between two finished floors, look for base- boards which could be removed and replaced with the cable behind them. Doorjambs can be removed and often have enough space for sensor cable all the way around the door (Figure 15). Sometimes, an under-the-carpet run is possible. As a last resort, heating and air conditioning vents can be used as cable raceways for plenum rated cable (check your local building codes, some municipalities require a conduit). 20 R E M O T E C O N T R O L A N Y W H E R E ! K I T Figure 14: Unobstructed space for sensor cable DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 20

I T When you are dealing with the unknown because of the struc- ture of your home, or with diffi- cult materials to patch the wall, such as plaster, lath and plaster, faux finishes, wallpaper etc., be patient. A careful study of the potential problems before you start the job will pay off later. Figure 15: Routing Wire Around a Door DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 21

I T Specifications MSU140 IR System Compatible with virtually all brands of remotes using carrier frequencies between 26 and 105kHz. Wiring Requirements Individual home-runs of category 5 cable from each sensor/keypad. Unit Dimensions 4-3/4" wide x 1-1/4" high x 2" deep Power Requirements 12 vDC power supply (included). TS100 IR System Compatible with virtually all brands of remotes using carrier frequencies between 26 and 105 kHz IR Receiving Range 18' to 30' depending upon the strength of the remote control IR Receiving Angle 30° off-axis (horizontal and vertical) at 20' Mounting Table-top Wiring Requirements Individual “home-runs” of category 5 cable Unit Dimensions 2-7/8" wide x 1-1/16" high x 3-1/8" deep MF1 IR System Compatible with virtually all brands of remotes using carrier frequencies between 20 and 455 kHz. IR Transmitting Range Up to 4' (Typically mounts to the IR remote sensor window of an audio/video component). IR Transmitting Angle Transmits in a “pinpoint” transmission pattern (the off-axis power drops off very rapidly). Unit Dimensions 5/16" Wide x 3/16" High x 1/2" Long. DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 22

Miami, Florida, 33186 Tel: (305) 238-4373 Fax: (305) 238-0185 ©2004 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logo, IntelliPad and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. MicroFlasher is a trademark of Niles Audio Corporation. Because we strive to improve our products. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Niles reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. The technical and other information contained herein is not intended to set forth all technical and other specifications of Niles products. Additional information can be obtained on-line at www.nilesaudio.com or by calling Niles at 1-800-289-4434. 06/04 Printed in China. DS00224CCN DS00224CCN_RCA2 Kit.qxp 6/22/04 3:28 PM Page 23