Allen&Heath PL-4 User Manual

PL-4 Wall Plate AP5082

User Guide

Introduction The PL-4 is one of several remote control devices available

for the iDR audio mix processor system. It is part of the Allen & Heath PL
Series of wall plates and remote controllers. It is a wall plate or furniture

mounted module comprising plastic control panel and attached circuit
assembly. It can be mounted in a single unit wall box using a standard face
plate (UK, EU or US version supplied). A suitable template with cutting details
is provided for custom application. The PL-4 interfaces with the Allen & Heath
PL-Anet serial port. Multiple PL-4 units can be daisy chained together along
with other PL-Anet devices using CAT5 cable. For information on the full range
of PL products available visit http://www.idrseries.com. The wall plate control
and indicator functions are programmed using the iDR System Manager
software. Space is provided on the control panel for custom labelling. The PL-
4 is ideal as a wall mounted room remote controller in installed audio systems.
The installer can program the unit so that the non-technical operator has local
control of volume, mute, source select, and preset changes which reconfigure
the room for different functions, as well as the convenience of the PL-5 infra-
red remote controller.

2 switches can be assigned for level up or down control (input, output,
crosspoint or group), mute toggle, audio monitor select, or preset recall. 4
LED indicators can be assigned as audio meters (choice of 8x points in the
signal path), mute status, or as preset related static display. They can display
four states: off, green, yellow or red. Rotary control can be assigned as a
continuous level control (input, output, crosspoint or group). An 8 LED meter
bar displays the control position. Infra-red controller allows wireless local
control using the hand-held PL-5 remote controller. Each of the 14 keys on the

PL-5 can be assigned in the same way as the switches described above. The
PL-4 can be used without the IR controller. Custom labels Recessed areas

are provided for fitting custom adhesive labels. Recommended maximum label
sizes are 6x14mm and 26x9mm.

iDR

EXAMPLE

PL-Anet SERIAL PORT

PL-3

PL-3

ROOM 1

ROOM 2

PL-4

PL-4

TERMINATION

PL-ANET

CAUTION 20V DC

TO AVOID DAMAGE ONLY CONNECT
COMPATIBLE REMOTE CONTROL
EQUIPMENT TO THE PL-ANET PORT.

This product complies with the European
Electromagnetic Compatibility directives 89/336/EEC &
92/31/EEC.

NOTE: Any changes or modifications to the
equipment not approved by Allen & Heath could void
the compliance of the equipment. Whilst we believe
the information in this guide to be reliable we do not
assume responsibility for inaccuracies. We also reserve
the right to make changes in the interest of further
product development.

Copyright© 2004 Allen & Heath Ltd. All rights reserved.

ROOM 3

PL-5

ROOM 4

PL-5

DR-LINK AUDIO OUTAUDIO IN

DIGITAL EXPANDER

Number and addressing of devices The maximum number of

PL devices that can be connected depends on their type and the cable

lengths. Up to 12x PL-4 devices (more if using half speed scan) may be
connected in an iDR system, with or without the PL-9 hub. Fewer devices may
be connected if long distances or other PL types are also involved. To check
this refer to the PL Combinations Calculator spreadsheet available from our
web site. The iDR allocates the device addresses automatically per PL type in
the order they appear in the chain.

PL-Anet is the proprietary Allen & Heath system for daisy chaining remote

controllers. It is an RS485 serial connection that uses CAT5 STP cable to
communicate between devices over long distances. PL-Anet only works with
Allen & Heath PL devices. The connection includes +20V DC to power the
connected devices. The iDR-8 port is shown here.

IMPORTANT :

Observe the local standards which may apply
to the installation. To ensure operator safety
ensure that any exposed metal plates are correctly
bonded to ground. Do not install the equipment
where it is subject to moisture, heat or vibration.

Connect this equipment to the Allen & Heath
PL-Anet port only. Test for correct wiring and
installation before switching the equipment on.

NOTE: Do not install the PL-4 in a position subject
to bright sunlight. This may reduce the
effectiveness of the IR signal. If you are using the
IR function we recommend that you install only one
PL-4 per room to avoid multiple pickup from the
same hand set.

PL-4 User Guide AP5082 issue 4 1

Aligning the arrow keys The two switch

caps can be rotated so that the arrow faces up, down,
left or right. Decide which way you want them to face
according to function, for example volume or source
select.

To change them, first
remove the three screws

A

BB

C

B

OUT

IN

C C

(B) and unplug the top
PCB. Remove the three
screws (C) and lift the
lower PCB away. Rotate
the switch caps into the
required position.
Reassemble the module
taking care to correctly
align the inter-PCB
connector.

Mounting into the face plate A pre-cut

brushed aluminium UK (part number AA5029), EU
(AA5250) or US (AA5030) plate is supplied. A backing
box for the UK plate can be ordered (AA5220).

TOP

The assembled module
fits into an ‘H’ shaped
cutout in the centre of the

32

mounting plate. The
module is held using the
two screws with plastic
clamps provided (A).

34

Unscrew these from the
module first. Dimensions
are in millimetres below.

DIA 6

20

16

c

20

16

16

12

16

Grounding a metal plate If the face

plate is metal ensure that it is correctly grounded to
ensure operator safety. The plate should be connected
to a local safety ground, not the PL-Anet screen
connection. Use a ground wire or physical contact with
a grounded back box.

Wiring standards Use flame

retardent CAT5 STP (shielded twisted
pair) cable. The connection follows
the EIA/TIA 568B wiring colour
scheme. Ensure all ports and cables
in the system are wired to this
scheme. The RJ45 connector wiring
is shown here.

1 WH/OR
2 OR
3 WH/GN
4 BL
5 WH/BL
6 GN
7 WH/BN
8 BN

PL-Anet connection – early version

Screw terminal blocks are provided for the serial port
IN and OUT connections on early version PL-4
modules. Use a small flat bladed screwdriver. Ensure
the wires are correctly stripped and formed to allow
sufficient service loop in the backing box. Note that
some wires are twisted together in the same terminal.

INPUT OUTPUT

CABLE SCREEN

WH/OR

OR

BN + WH/BN

BL + WH/BL

WH/GN

GN

0V

+20V DC

PL-Anet connection – later version

RJ45 sockets are provided for the serial port IN and
OUT connections on more recent PL-4 modules. Use
unbooted plugs to ensure the cables can fit into the
backing box. Use a small bladed screwdriver to lever
up the plug retaining clips when unplugging the cables
if the clips are against the circuit card.

OUT

IN

OR TERMINATOR

FROM PREVIOUS PL DEVICETO NEXT PL DEVICE

End of chain termination As with any

RS485 system, the last PL device needs to have a
terminating resistor fitted to its output port. Early
version PL-4 modules are shipped with a 100 ohm
resistor already fitted. Leave this fitted only if the unit is
the last in the chain. Later version PL-4 modules are
supplied with a terminating RJ45 plug (Allen & Heath
part number 003-082).

OUT

PL-Anet

IN

INPUT OUTPUT

100 ohms

TERMINATION

100 ohms TERMINATOR

FROM PREVIOUS PL DEVICE

Connection to the iDR The PL-Anet network

plugs into the iDR unit using an RJ45 connector. This
is wired to the 568B scheme. The PL-Anet port
provides the RS485 serial communication and +20V
DC power to the chain of PL modules. The device
addresses are automatically allocated per type in the
order they appear in the PL-Anet chain.

Testing the wiring Before powering

up the system make sure all the wiring is inspected and
continuity tested. This is important as wiring errors
may result in damage to the equipment.

Powering up the PL system Ensure that

the iDR PL-Anet port is active. Its green ‘active’ LED
should be lit. If not, use the iDR System Manager
software Communications Option menu to activate the
port. Plug in the PL-Anet cable. The iDR System
Manager screen should display icons on the right hand
toolbar for each PL device it recognises. The rotary
control on the powered PL-4 should work immediately
with the LED level bar. Refer to the Help file for details
on programming the PL functions.

Diagnostics If a fault is suspected check the two

diagnostics LEDs on the PL-4 connector PCB. Both
the red and green LEDs should be lit once
communication with the iDR is established. Also
measure the PL-Anet +20V supply feed between the
blue wires (+20V) and the brown wires (0V). For
reliable operation this voltage should not drop below
+11V with all PL LED displays turned on. If a fault is
found, first check for correct wiring. If further
assistance is required contact Allen & Heath technical
support.

2 PL-4 User Guide AP5082 issue 4