Allen&Heath PL-8 User Manual
PL-8 Logic Controller AP5270
For PL-8 units manufactured after November 2004
User Guide
The PL-8 is part of the Allen & Heath PL Series of wall plates
and remote controllers available for the iDR-4 and iDR-8 audio
mix processor systems. It is a small module comprising two
circuit cards. This can be locally mounted in a single unit wall
box using the standard UK, EU or US face plate supplied.
The PL-8 provides four contact closure switch inputs and four
transistor logic outputs for external equipment control. Their
function is programmed using the iDR System Manager
software. The combination of switch input and logic output
makes the PL-8 ideal as a multi-function remote controller in
installed systems. The unit can interface to a variety of devices
including alarm systems, room divider switching, paging
controls, event triggers and various custom switches and
indicators.
Control can be distributed where it is needed. The PL-8
interfaces via the Allen & Heath PL-Anet serial network.
Multiple PL-8 units can be daisy-chained using CAT5 cable
Internal view shown
along with other PL-Anet devices such as the PL-3 and PL-4
wall plates, PL-6 fader controller and so on. For information on
the full range of PL products available visit our web site
http://www.allen-heath.com.
ALARM OVERRIDE
DR-8
TERMINATION
AUDIO MIX PROCESSOR
AUDIO
ROOM DIVIDER SWITCHES
CUSTOM SWITCHES AND INDICATORS
PL-8PL-6 PL-4 PL-3
PL-Anet
PL-8
PAGING MIC
SELECT AND TALK SWITCHES
The Application The diagram above shows an example of a remote control network using an iDR-8. The iDR-
4 could also be used. Various PL devices are installed in different parts of the building, for example PL-3 and PL-4 wall
plates for room volume control and source select, PL-6 fader panel for remote mixing in a conference room, and PL-8
units for distributed remote control. The PL-8 could be wired to a fire alarm system to automatically mute the system
or override it with a pre-recorded evacuation announcement, to simple wall plate switches for local volume control or
event configuration changes, to paging panels for zone select and talk switching, to room divider panel microswitches
to automatically reconfigure the system when rooms are combined, to control or be controlled by equipment such as
video players and jukeboxes, for interractive local sound in museums, theme parks, and so on. The devices are daisychained together using CAT5 cable. The last unit in the chain requires a terminator (provided).
PL-8 User Guide AP5270 issue 3 1
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IMPORTANT:
Observe the local standards which may apply to the installation
regarding the grade of cable and installation methods.
Note: PL-8 Units manufactured prior
to November 2004 were fitted with
5way terminal blocks with a single
ground terminal, rather than the
7way version used on later models
as described below. If you require
any more information on the earlier
models, please contact Allen &
Heath technical support.
PL-8 earl
CAUTION 20V DC
TO AVOID DAMAGE ONLY CONNECT
COMPATIBLE REMOTE CONTROL
EQUIPMENT TO THE PL-ANET PORT.
2
134G
1-4
IN
e connector block.
PL-ANET
IN
GND
AG5258_1
PL-8
TOP
DR-LINK AUDIO OUTAUDIO IN
DIGITAL EXPANDER
CUSTOM WIRING
GND
5-7
OUT
31 2 4 GGG
LOGIC OUT
PL-Anet
SWITCH IN
312 4GGG
OUT
OR TERMINATOR
IN
1-4
IN
CUSTOM WIRING
FROM PREVIOUS PL DEVICETO NEXT PL DEVICE
OUT
1-4
IN
5-7
GND
To ensure operator safety ensure that any exposed metal face plates
and surfaces 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. Do
not connect it to Ethernet, DR-Link or other RJ45 ports.
When wiring to custom components and external equipment care
must be taken to ensure each part operates within its specified capability.
This work should be carried out by competent installation personnel only.
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.
PL-Anet
controllers. It is an RS485 serial connection that uses CAT5 STP cable to
communicate between devices over long distances. An RJ45 connector is
used. PL-Anet only works with Allen & Heath PL devices. The port provides
+20V DC to power the connected devices. The iDR-8 port is shown here.
is the proprietary Allen & Heath system for daisy chaining remote
Number of devices The maximum number of PL devices that can be
connected depends on their type and the distances involved. You can connect
up to 15x PL-8 units on a single PL-Anet branch, and up to 23 if you are using
the optional PL-9 PL-Anet hub. Fewer may be connected if long distances or
additional PL types are involved. It is important that you check the possibilities
first by referring to the PL Combinations Calculator spreadsheet available from
the Allen & Heath web site.
Description
to a brushed aluminium wall plate. This enables it to be mounted into a
standard single gang wall backing box. A UK, EU (European) or US
(American) size plate together with fixing screws is provided according to
which version has been ordered.
The top PCB houses the circuit which interfaces to the iDR PL-Anet control
network. Connection is made using two RJ45 type sockets, one to receive PLAnet, the other to pass it on to the next PL device in the chain. If this is the last
device in the chain then the terminator plug provided must be plugged in.
The lower PCB houses the screw terminal blocks which are used to wire to
switches, indicators, relays and other custom controls within the installation.
One block connects to up to four switches, the other provides up to four logic
outputs.
the PL-8 comes supplied with two PCB assemblies attached
Order code PL-8/US
Plate part number AA5277
US
113.5
83.4
69 mm
UK single backing box
part number AA5220
UK
72 x 72 x 35 mm
Order code PL-8/UK
Plate part number AA5276
UK
86
60.3 60
86 mm
Order code PL-8/EU
Plate part number AA5275
EU
80
80 mm
2 PL-8 User Guide AP5270 issue 3
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