This manual provides step-by-step installation instructions and connection examples, along with basic user information for
installation and ongoing use of the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller. This manual is written for the installer of this
equipment.
Please see the SystemWorx programming software Help file for programming information.
SystemWorx can be found at www.atonhome.com.
Organization
The following information is contained in this manual.
Safety Information
AH66T Introduction
AH66T System Design Overview
AH66T Connections
System Expansion
Operation and Settings
Troubleshooting
RS-232 Protocol and Commands
Rack Mounting
Default Configuration
Specifications
Provides a comprehensive list of safety practices and procedures allowing for the safe installation and
operation of ATON’s AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller.
Provides an introduction to ATON’s AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller, along with system
features to include Front and Rear panel controls, indicators and connections, along with a short
description of each.
Provides a system design application overview of the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller for
use in audio applications.
Provides a description of the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller system connections and
direct connections from the AH66T to other components.
Provides information about integrating the 3rd party audio, video, lighting and control devices.
Provides location and function description of DIP switches, LEDs and the B1 Test Mode Button.
Provides troubleshooting tables to help fix common problems that may be encountered when
installing the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller.
Appendix A provides a list of the RS-232 commands and their functions.
Appendix B provides specifications for rack mounting the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller.
Appendix C provides specifications for the out of box operation of the AH66T.
Provides equipment specifications for the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller.
Rea d I nf or ma ti on ----- All the safety and operating information should be read before the appliance is operated.
Fol l ow Information ----- All operating and use information should be followed.
Re tain Informati on ----- The safety and operating information should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warni ngs ----- All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be heeded.
Wall Mounting ----- Mounting of this appliance should be done only by an authorized installer.
Ventilation ----- The appliances should be situated so that their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation. These
appliances should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. These appliances should not be placed in a built-in installation
such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Non-Use Periods ----- Appliances that are left unattended and unused for long periods of time should be de-energized.
Grounding or P ol a rizati on ----- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one blade wider than the other blade. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The polarized wide blade
and the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
Power Cord Protec tion ----- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and
the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Water----- Do not use the apparatus near water.
Cl eani ng ----- Unplug the apparatus from the power outlet before cleaning. Use only a dry cloth to clean the apparatus.
Power Lines ----- An outdoor antenna should be located away from power lines. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to avoid touching power lines or circuits, as contact with them may be fatal.
Objec t a nd L iqui d Entry — Never insert objects of any kind through the openings of these appliances, as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids
are not spilled into the appliance through openings in the enclosure.
Servicing — Do not attempt to service these appliances yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage
or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Damage Requiring Service — These appliances should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
• A power supply connection or a plug has been damaged or
• If liquid has been spilled into the appliance or objects have fallen into the appliance or
• The appliance has been exposed to water or moisture or
• The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance or
• The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or that have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or
other hazards.
Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this audio product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the audio product is in proper operating condition.
Lightning Storms — Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Attachments and Accessories — Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Cart, Stand, Tripod, Bracket or Table — Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip over.
Disconnect Devi ce — Where the mains plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the
disconnect device shall remain operable.
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ATON could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
The AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller, combining an integrated AM/FM tuner plus
six additional source inputs and a 30W x 12 channel internal amplifier, coupled with the
ability to “stack” two AH66Ts (for a total of 12 listening zones) makes the perfect –
affordable - whole-house distributed audio system.
Add the ability to seamlessly incorporate Sonance
RadioRA®2 lighting system and Sirius® Satellite Radio, along with software configurable
mono and stereo audio outputs, and intuitive touchpad control and the AH66T gives you
everything you need to “rock the house!”
Oh, did we mention how easy it is to control the AH66T with 3
RS-232 controls?
®
iPod® integration docks, the Lutron
rd
party IR, RF and
The ATON Story
ATON products are designed using multiple control and distribution technologies to
provide easy-to install systems that route, control and deliver audio and video content
throughout the home. The company’s core technologies include Dynamic Level
Adjustment (DLA), Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared (IR), and Category 5 (Cat5) digital
distribution of audio and video. Organized in late 2005 as a development group, the
company has been working on key products aimed at providing innovative, affordable
systems for consumers. ATON, a Division of ELAN Home Systems, LLC, is based in
Lexington, Kentucky, and sells through a distribution network to custom installers.
To learn more, visit http://www.atonhome.com
ATON is a trademark of ELAN Home Systems, LLC, - Lexington, Kentucky.
®
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
“Stack” 2 AH66Ts for 12 zones and have 2 tuners + 5 additional sources
• Integrated AM/FM Tuner
Station information displays on the ATON OLED2 Touchpads and 3rd party RS232
controls
• 30 Watts Per Channel Internal Amplifier
Produces 30W/Ch into an 8 ohm load and can be configured for stereo or mono
listening areas
• Variable or Fixed Preamp Outs
Connect to external amplifiers when you need extra power, for example, in an
outdoor listening area or a large zone with multiple speakers, or when using an
amplifier and ATON DLA Speaker Selector
• iPod® Dock Integration
Integrates seamlessly with Sonance® FS-22 or IW-22 iPort docking stations
• Lighting Integration
Makes adding a RadioRA2® Lighting System almost as easy as “flipping a switch”
• Sirius® Tuner Integration
Full control and feedback for the SR-H2000 Satellite Radio
• OLED2 Inputs (6)
Accommodates up to two OLED2s per zone
• Zone IR Inputs
Allows 3rd party controls to easily be integrated
• Routable IR Outputs
Makes IR source control connections a breeze
2 IR “ALL” ports add system capabilities
• Front Panel Status LEDS
Provide system status and troubleshooting feedback
Connects to phone systems with Music On Hold Inputs
The Internal Tuner is used for MOH Audio
Tuner Output
Share tuner output with second chassis
FM Antenna Connection
AM Antenna Connection
ATON AH66T INSTALLATION MANUAL
Chapter 2: AH66T System Design Overview
Introduction
The first step to a good design is to map the system. It is advisable to mark up a copy of
the house floor plan with speaker, touchpad, volume control, and equipment locations etc.
Make sure that all locations are decided upon before pre-wiring commences so that all
necessary wiring and installation hardware is in place. This unit will be interfacing with
other components such as amplifiers, source components, communications controllers,
serial controllers, and user interfaces, so it is essential that ALL system components are
accounted for prior to the pre-wire stage.
Secondly, make a detailed list of all components. Include source equipment, touchpads,
volume controls, amplifiers, communications gear and the AH66T itself. Be sure to include
necessary electrical boxes, structured wiring enclosures, telephone lines, rough-in
brackets, patch cords, power supplies, etc.
Rack Mounting
Use the ELAN RMK3 Rack-Mount Kit when installing the AH66T in an equipment rack. The
RMK3 is designed to facilitate mounting ATON dual rack-space integrated Multi-Room
Controllers into standard 19” equipment racks in order to provide optimum air flow and
heat dispersion for these units. The RMK3 will take up three rack spaces when installed.
Pre-Wire
This section explains the specifics of pre-wiring for an AH66T system. Care should be
taken at this stage to ensure a properly operational system.
Most system wiring is “home-run” from the device being installed (a touchpad, for
example) back to the equipment location.
ATON pre-wiring recommendations for connections to the AH66T
Item Description
IR Receivers Category 5cable
16-18 AWG 2 or 4 conductor wire for speaker wiring
Use stranded, twisted pair speaker wire between amplifiers and volume controls,
and between volume controls and speakers.
16-18 AWG speaker wire
Use stranded, 2 or 4 conductor speaker wire between amplifiers and speakers.
Remotely Located Sources
ELAN C2 Communications
Controller
Serial Devices
Sense Inputs
System Audio RCA Interconnect Cables
Category 5 cable
RG6 or RG59 coax (if necessary)
Category 5 cable When using an ELAN C2 Communications Controller, run Cat-5
for telephones and door stations. See the C2 Installation Manual for details.
Category 5 or Serial Cable
Run Cat-5 or serial cables between RS-232 controllers and the AH66T.
Category 5 (3 conductors used)
Use Cat-5 to extend sensor leads, if necessary.
This section describes typical applications using the AH66T for audio distribution. These
are all basic in nature and should be used for guideline purposes only. Each application
can be augmented as needed for individual circumstances. This section is for overall
design purposes.
Please see Chapter 3: AH66T Connections for specific wiring configurations.
Zone/Sub-Zone Definitions
A zone is defined as an area within a system that has independent source selection ability.
A zone may be one room, or several combined areas. A sub-zone is a part of a zone - it
shares source selection - but has independent control of volume. Typically, sub-zones use
volume controls for volume up/down.
To create an independent stereo zone, simply connect the AH66T’s Speaker Outputs to a
pair of speakers. Make sure to take into account the amplifier’s 8 Ohm minimum
impedance when choosing and configuring speakers. Volume is controlled at preamp level
using IR or RS-232 commands. Any speakers connected to these channels ramp volume
up/down together. Use an OLED2 touchpad or hand-held remote control to control
functions (including volume) in zones with this configuration.
Stereo Zones w/ Stereo Sub-Zone Using Volume Controls
Connect the Zone Preamp Output to a pair of the external amplifier’s inputs. Using the
ATON configuration software, configure the Zone Preamp Output to FIXED. Use an
impedance matching volume control (ATON AVC100R or AVC100SL) on the external
amplifier’s speaker outputs to maintain independent volume control capabilities in each
room. The main zone ramps volume up/down at preamp level using IR or RS-232
commands sent from an OLED2 Touchpad, or hand held remote, while the sub-zone ramps
volume up/down at speaker level using the volume control. This application uses one pair
of amplifier channels from the AH66T and one pair of amp channels from the external
amplifier. Many areas of the home are ideal for zone/sub-zone configuration. Examples
include Master Bedroom/Master Bath or Kitchen/Dining Area.
Figure 2-2 shows an example of stereo zones and a stereo sub-zone.
Stereo Zone w/ Stereo Sub-Zone Using a DLA Speaker Selector
Connect the Zone Preamp Output of the AH66T to the Audio Inputs of the ATON A275
amplifier. Using the ATON configuration software, configure the Zone Preamp Output to
FIXED. Connect the amplified output from the A275 to the Amplifier Input of the DLA
Speaker Selector. The main zone ramps the AH66T’s internal amplifier volume up/down at
preamp level using IR or RS-232 commands sent from an OLED2 Touchpad, or hand held
remote, while the sub-zone ramps volume up/down at speaker level using the Speaker
Selector.
The Speaker Selector can be controlled using its front panel buttons, IR commands from
handheld remotes or by using DLATP touchpads connected to the Speaker Selector. An
optional ATON RF remote is also available.
The diagram on the next page shows an OLED2 controlling zone one of the AH66T.
Commands from the OLED2 control the AH66T’s internal amplifier. Zone one’s preamp
output is set to FIXED and sends audio signals to the ATON A275 amplifier which then
sends its amplified output to the DLA4 Speaker Selector.
The DLA4 allows independent volume control for each speaker or speaker pair connected
to the Room outputs. In this example, Areas A and D are using Dual-Voice Coil speakers
and Areas B and C are using stereo pairs of speakers.
(Please visit www.atonhome.com for more information on the DLA Speaker Selector
series of products and the A275 amplifier.)
Rooms with no definite listening area (kitchens, hallways, L-shaped rooms, for example)
are ideal for mono applications. The AH66T can combine stereo source signals into a
single mono output that is available on two channels. Stereo / Mono selection is done on a
zone by zone basis using the ATON configuration software.
(Factory Default setting is STEREO.)
Note: The amplified outputs and the preamp outputs for any particular zone are linked.
They can either BOTH be stereo or BOTH be mono.
DO NOT bridge the speaker outputs of the AH66T. Each speaker output (Left and Right)
will have both channels of audio information.
If both stereo and mono audio is needed in the same zone, set the AH66T outputs to stereo
and use RCA “Y” cables to “sum” the left and right preamp outputs to the amplifier.
In the example on the following page, Zone One is set to stereo output using the ATON
configuration software and the internal amplifier is connected to a pair of stereo speakers.
Since the internal amplifier and the preamp are “linked,” the preamp output is also stereo.
An RCA “Y” cable “sums” the left and right preamp output into the left channel input of the
A275. A single RCA is connected to the left line output of the A275 and takes the
“summed” signal into the right channel input of the A275.
The OLED2 controls the source selection for the zone and the volume for the stereo area’s
in-wall speakers connected to the AH66T’s internal amplifier. The amplified output of the
A275 is routed through ATON AVC100SL volume controls, providing each mono listening
area with independent volume control.
Each zone has a 3.5mm mono IR Input connector that allows IR commands from 3rd party
controllers to be used without the need to splice into the Touchpad Input connections.
Simply connect a 3.5 mono cable from the IR output port of the 3
Zone IR input jack for the zone you wish to control.
Figure 3-3: Zone IR Inputs
rd
party controller to the
Source IR Output Connections
The AH66T features 6 source-specific IR emitter outputs. Each of these outputs is active
only when the assigned source is selected. This makes it possible to use identical source
components and still have the capability of separate control. For sources such as a multioutput music server, the ATON configuration software can route IR for either output to the
same IR port, eliminating the need to use IR “Y” cables.
Figure 3-4: Source IR Outputs
When connecting multiple AH66T chassis, it is only necessary to connect IR sources to
chassis # 1. The IR LOOP PORTS provide a link between chassis to route IR from zones
on the second chassis to the Source IR Outputs of the main chassis..
Two IR ALL OUT ports are provided for controlling additional components such as
Televisions or A/V Receivers that may require control regardless of the source currently
selected. The IR ALL OUT ports are also useful when controlling several non-identical
sources.
For really large installations or when a zone output of the AH66T is used as an input for a
local receiver, an IR ALL OUT port can be routed to an IR Distribution Block (such as
ATON’s AIB4) and sent to several components.
Figure 3-5: IR ALL Ports
The ALL IR Out ports are only active when one or more of the six Source IR Outputs are
active.
IR routing options are included in the ATON configuration software for IR routing when
the system is off and when an internal tuner is selected.
The Sense Inputs of the AH66T are used to conditionally execute zone monitor power on
and off macros. The sensor is connected to the monitor and to the Sense Input
corresponding to the zone number. The ATON configuration software automatically creates
a macro that checks the status of the monitor prior to issuing the power command. This
prevents the TV from being inadvertently turned on or off when changing sources or
turning a zone on or off.
Figure 3-6: Sense Inputs
The AH66T provides +5 VDC to the TIP (VSNS) connection to power the Sensor. When the
Sensor is activated, it shorts the ring (SNS) to the sleeve (GND) thereby triggering the
AH66T’s Sense Input.
Available ELAN sensors include: AUDIO, VIDEO, CONTACT CLOSURE, VOLTAGE,
LED/LIGHT, and CURRENT/MAGNETIC FIELD sensors.
When any zone of the AH66T is ON, +12VDC is present on the System Trigger Output. This
can be used to activate devices like power controllers or to un-mute amplifiers.
Figure 3-7: System Trigger
Zone Preamp Audio Outputs
Each zone of the AH66T has a corresponding Zone Preamp Output that is used to send
signals to auxiliary amplifiers-typically for sub-zone applications. Each zone’s audio is sent
out of both the Speaker Outputs and the Zone Preamp Outputs simultaneously. Use the
ATON configuration software to configure the Zone Preamp Output to FIXED or VARIABLE.
(Factory Default setting is VARIABLE)
FIXED zone pre-amp outputs are set to full volume at all times. Typically, FIXED subzones
have their own volume control in order to have independent volume Up/Down control and
will always share the source that the rest of the zone is playing.
VARIABLE zones ramp volume Up and Down using IR or serial commands sent from a
touchpad or hand-held remote. VARIABLE sub-zones share both source selection and
volume Up/Down functionality (all speakers ramp volume Up/Down simultaneously).
There are six Audio SOURCE INPUTs on the AH66T. Each system source is connected to a
specific SOURCE INPUT, allowing audio distribution to any zone of the AH66T.
Figure 3-9: Source Audio Inputs
Integrated AM/FM Tuner
The AH66T’s built-in AM/FM tuner is internally connected. In systems using only one
AH66T, the line level Tuner Output may be used to share the AM/FM Tuner audio with
another system.
Please see page 33 for information on “sharing” tuners between dual AH66T chassis.
Metadata feedback from the integrated tuner is displayed on the OLED2 touchpads and can
be displayed on 3
The Quick Lock connectors on the AH66T accept 18 to 16 AWG speaker wires. These
wires can be directly connected to speakers located throughout the home, or, for a
professional appearance, can be connected to speaker wall plates using bare leads or
banana plugs.
Note: Because the Speaker Outputs are always VARIABLE, it is NOT RECOMMENDED to
use Volume Controls with the AH66T’s internal amplifier. Unanticipated volume functionality may result. Subzones requiring the use of Volume Controls should utilize
an external amplifier connected to the AH66T’s ZONE PREAMP OUTPUTS. The ZONE
PREAMP OUTPUTS should be programmed for FIXED OUTPUT in the ATON configuration
software.
Figure 3-10: Speaker Connections
Figure 3-11: Quick Lock Connectors
To Connect Speaker leads:
1. Open each Quick Lock connector.
2. Strip approximately 1/4” of the insulation from each speaker lead.
3 Twist the speaker wires to remove any loose strands.
4. Insert the leads into the connectors.
5. Close the connectors. Tug slightly on the speaker leads to ensure
connectivity.