ALLEN & HEATH PL-5 User Manual

PL-5 User Guide AP5196 1

Introduction

The PL-5 is a stylish and compact battery powered hand

held remote controller for use with the Allen & Heath PL-4 wall plate which is
equipped with an IR (infra-red) sensor. It has 14 user programmable buttons.
Typically, these would be programmed by the installer as a combination of
volume up/down, signal mute, source and patch select for convenient control
by the day-to-day operator. The button layout and markings suit most typical
applications. If required, the installer can create a custom label to adhere to
the controller surface. The PL-5 always sends out the same button codes. The
associated iDR function is independently programmed for each PL-4 wall plate
using the iDR System Manager software. This means that the same remote
can trigger different functions in different rooms. For example, the remote
could be used for local volume control of different zones in different rooms, or
select different sources in different rooms.

Removing the protective film Before using the

controller peel off the plastic film that protects the top surface.

Replacing the battery The PL-5 uses a CR2025 3V

lithium battery. A battery is supplied with the unit. To install or
replace the battery first remove the battery compartment cover.
Use a pointed object to press in the cover clip. Slide the cover
off. Insert the battery with + (plus) side up in the direction
shown to make contact with the spring terminal. Slide the
cover on until it clips in place.

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.

PL-5 User Guide AP5196 Issue 2

Copyright© 2006 Allen & Heath Ltd. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT :

WARNING: Do not subject the PL-5 to heat or
moisture. Do not place it near heat sources such as
radiators, stoves, heat exchangers or other
appliances that produce heat.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if the battery
is incorrectly replaced. Replace the battery with the
same or equivalent type. Do not incinerate.
Dispose of old batteries in an environmently friendly
manner.

NOTE: Do not install the PL-4 wall plate in a
position subject to bright sunlight. This may reduce
the effectiveness of the IR signal.

PL-5 Remote Controller AP5196

User Guide

CR2025

3V

PL-4

PL-5

Note: This user guide describes setup and operation of the PL-5 with reference to the PL-4 wall plate and an iDR
system. The PL-5 may also be used with the PL-12 wall plate for remote control of a GR2 audio zone mixer.
Please see PL-12 user guide AP6506 for further details of this application.

2 PL-5 User Guide AP5196

How it works Pressing a PL-5 button transmits

a code to the PL-4 wall plate. Each button transmits a
unique code according to which of the 14 buttons is
pressed. All PL-5 controllers generate the same set of
codes. These are chosen to limit interaction with other
equipment in the room. The IR (infra-red) sensor in the
PL-4 wall plate detects the signal and sends the code
to the iDR main unit. The iDR responds according to
the function programmed by the user for that button
detected by that particular wall plate.

The function associated with each button press is
programmed independently for each PL-4 wall plate.
This means that the same PL-5 controller can be used
to trigger different functions in different rooms, or that
several operators can each have their own controller to
operate the functions in any room.

The PL-5 controller transmits a directional beam of
infra-red light. This is detected by a sensor in the PL-4
wall plate when the controller is pointed at it and a
button pressed. Typical maximum operating distance
is around 10 metres (33’) in a normally lit room. This is
reduced if the PL-4 is subject to sunlight.

How it is used The PL-5 hand held controller

uses the PL-4 wall plate as a gateway to communicate
with the iDR main unit. One or more rooms in an iDR
installation may have a PL-4 installed. Each can be
independently programmed to respond to the
controller button presses in the required way.

For example, Room 1 may use iDR output 1 as its local
audio feed, and Room 2 may use iDR output 2. The
PL-4 in Room 1 may be programmed so that pressing
U or V on the controller increases or decreases the
level of output 1. The PL-4 in Room 2 may be
programmed so that the same controller buttons
increase or decrease the level of output 2 rather than
output 1. This provides local volume control using the
same controller in different rooms.

Similarly, buttons 1 to 5 may be programmed using
patch recall to select different sources. Each PL-4 may
be programmed to work with different sources
according to the room. The operator simply uses the
controller buttons 1 to 5 to select the source
appropriate for each room that he/she is in.

It is not usual to install more than one PL-4 wall plate
per room. However, it may be useful to have two in a
large room, providing the convenience of control at
either end. In this case we advise that the programmed
infra-red controller functions are the same or related.
This avoids problems with both wall plates picking up
the IR at the same time due to reflections in the room.

The buttons are marked U and V , + and -, 1 to 5,
one with red border, and a further four unmarked.
These should satisfy most typical requirements. For
example, you could use U and V for volume
up/down, + and – to scroll through different sources, +
and – to adjust the tone (equalisation) through patch
changes, 1 to 5 or the unmarked keys for source select
or system patch changes, and the red key for local
audio mute or standby.

The PL-4 wall plate In addition to the IR

sensor, this includes wall plate mounted switches,
LEDs and a rotary control which can be separately
programmed. For example, the LEDs could be used as
status indicators for functions selected using the PL-5
controller.

Programming the button functions

The function is programmed using the iDR System
Manager software. For further details refer to the Help
file that comes with the software. Program the function
for each PL-4 wall plate in the system. Use the PL-4
Wallplate Settings, Infra-red window. A simulation
window is also provided for testing the system.

Select the contol number for the button you want to
program. The buttons are numbered 1 to 14 as shown
below. Available functions for each button are:

Level up/down (I/P, O/P, X/P)

Group level up/down (I/P, O/P)

Mute toggle (I/P, O/P)

Polarity toggle (I/P, O/P)

Monitor select (I/P, O/P)

Patch recall

5

4

3

2

1

PL-5

5

4

3

2

1

67

8

9

12

13

10

11

14

Labelling the buttons If required, the

installer can adhere a custom label to the controller
surface. We advise that this is made using a strong,
waterproof and dirt resistant material. The drawing
above is 1:1 and may be used as a template. For
reference the top to bottom dimension of the keypad
area is 60mm.

Technical support For further information refer

to the iDR System Manager software Help file, the Allen
& Heath web site www.allen-heath.com

, or contact

technical support .