Forte AB-39, AB-20, AB-44, AB-46 Installation Manual
Installation Guide / Warranty Information
Product Installation Overview
Volume Control Module
AB-20 / AB-39 / AB-44 / AB-46
& Local Input Module AB-70
Volume Control Modules (VCM) are wall mounted room units connected to
the hub or A-BUS/ amplifi er via a single Cat5 cable. The cable delivers
high quality stereo audio signal at line level and supplies power for the
amplifi er and status control to activate the VCM or return it to Mute. A range
of VCM’s is available to suit individual room requirements. Most include
infrared (IR) receivers to relay control commands to the source components
from a remote. The IR facility can control the volume level by remote and
multi-source hubs. It is our recommendation the AB-46 is used with the
multi-source hubs. All VCM’s drive one pair of 6-8 ohm speakers via a short
run of speaker cable.
Please read these instructions and the instructions of your A-BUS hub
carefully before installation.
Installation Volume Control Modules
It is recommended that your Volume Control Module be installed by a
qualifi ed installer to ensure that the installation is carried out correctly and it
complies with all relevant installation regulations. It should not be installed
within 100mm (4”) of a high voltage device (eg. light switch) and the cable
should not be run in parallel or within 100mm (4”) of high voltage cables or
data cables, etc. It is designed to fi t onto a US single-gang plate and back
box to match.
The Volume Control Module or A-BUS/ is connected to the hub
via a single Cat5 cable. The Cat5 cable from the hub should be properly
connected to [7], using a proper installation tool. RJ-45 connectors should be
wired to the T568A standard. It is recommended that the Cat5 cable length
be no longer than 30m (100ft); longer runs may induce noise and reduce
sound quality. The speaker cable terminal [8] will accept up to 14 gauge
cable. Note: The power supply should not be plugged in until all components
have been connected.
Set-up - Installation should be completed with all volume control modules
connected but not installed into the walls. Follow these steps to give you
maximum control fl exibility over the volume of your Forté A-BUS system.
On the back of the volume control modules there are trim pots (Left & Right)
[9] that fi ne-tune the output level to compensate for the length of the cable
run, the effi ciency of the speakers and the size of the room. There are also
situations where you may want to limit the output level in a particular room.
With the trim pots adjusted to minimum, the main volume control should be
adjusted to maximum level, then with popular music playing the trim pots
should be brought up to a point just below the amplifi er’s clipping level.
Clipping is the point where the sound starts to distort. When the trim pots are
all set to the desired level the installation may be completed.
Mini Remote Control Handset AB-40RC (see back side)
The mini remote control handset supplied with some volume control
modules, contains basic Forté A-BUS remote control commands, volume
Up/Down [10] up to 4 individual input selections [11] Mute [12] and System
Mute (Global) [13]. In good conditions this handset should have an operating
range of up to 20m (70ft), in poor conditions such as bright sunlight it may be
less than 5m (15ft).
ABR-43 Learning Remote Keypad with Cradle can also be used. Please
refer to the ABR-43 Instruction Manual.
Installation Local Input Module
The LIM [14] provides “local” input capability for sources such as TV, MP3,
computer, etc. in the zone. The LIM automatically switches to the local input
when a local source is detected. 30-seconds after the local source ceases,
the LIM automatically reverts to the main input source. One Cat5 cable runs
from the hub to the LIM location then to the room unit (VCM or A-BUS/
speaker). Please note in case of a TV as a LIM, Cat5 cable should run past
the room’s aerial point. Multiple LIMs can be wired in series per each room
unit. The source closest to the room unit is the over ridding master.
The LIM can be used with audio devices with standard line level outputs
- computers, Discmans and MP3 players. Care should be taken to make
sure the output of these devices is the industry standard of 1 volt. Some
audio cards in computers can have very low outputs requiring the card to
be updated. Connecting to a variable output (headphone) may require the
output to be at full level for correct operation; this may increase system
distortion. The headphone output on Apple iPods is not suitable, correct iPod
audio/video adaptor leads are available.
Note: In situations is where there is low sensitivity or in movies with
protracted silent passages the LIM may revert to the main source
prematurely. In these situations it is advised that the main source be
switched to an input with no audio signal to avoid interruption.
Fault Finding
• Most faults occur as a
result of incorrect wiring.
• Check all connections
carefully.
• Make sure all speakers
are wired in phase.
• Disconnect volume
control modules from hub
and check operation one
by one.
• A short in a line or
incorrect wiring will
cause the volume control
module to shutdown until
the fault is fi xed.
• Status indicates the
system is active. (LED
indicator on IR models
only)
VOLUME CONTROL MODULE
LOCAL INPUT MODULE
A-BUS/
READY
TRIM POTS
LEFT
RIGHT
R- R+
L+ L-
SPEAKER OUT
LEFT
SPEAKER
RIGHT
SPEAKER
LINE LEVEL AUDIO
LINE LEVEL AUDIO
TO
ADDITIONAL
HUBS
SPEAKER CABLE
INFRARED
INFRARED
PS-2
STANDARD SYSTEM
SOURCE2
AMP
SOURCE1
SOURCE2
SOURCE1
Cat5
Cat5
Cat5
Cat5
OUT EXPANSION INOUT EXPANSION IN
Forté/A-BUS OUTPUTSForté/A-BUS OUTPUTS
IR EMITTERSIR EMITTERS
LOCAL IRLOCAL IR
STAT
SIG
GND
V +
STAT
SIG
GND
V +
POWERPOWER
STATUSSTATUS
R AUDIO LR AUDIO L
TM
AMP
APS-40
IR
IR
IR
IR
IR
TV
PC
MP3
HUB
14
9
7
8
OR
Cat5
SPEAKER CABLE
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
INPUT
ABUS/
DIRECT
A-BUS IN
POWER
Cat5
15
Optional Power Cat5 (AB-44 & AB-45)
System ON - Single Source Hub and active audio source to activate the
VCM’s then if any function button is pressed the system will become active.
Multi Source Hubs become active as soon as a source is selected.
Input Selection [1] - The system will restart on the last source selected. One
of the four input LEDs [5] will indicate which input has been selected. The
input can be changed by pressing left or right buttons [1].
Volume Level [2] - Initial start-up: A volume Up command will start the
VCM at a low listening level. Single Source Hubs: When the VCM is in
standby mode, tap the AB-44’s “UP” button or the AB-46’s “Power Button”
[3] or “Volume” buttons on a remote control [12] the VCM will restart at the
last level selected. Multi Source Hubs: When Global off is selected [13]
on remote controls or a long push on AB-46 Off button (3)] the VCM’s will
reset to the start-up level. The AB-46 includes a jumper switch on the rear
to enable restart at the last level selected before Global Off command or
system restart. While the level is being adjusted, the input
LEDs [5] will ripple left or right.
Remote Control [4] - The VCM may be operated by
remote control. The IR remote must have clear line-of-site
to the IR Receiver. The VCM can also relay IR remote
control commands to the hub and connected source
components. It will repeat standard 38 kHz commands
and 56 kHz commands which are often used in satellite
receivers. You may experience diffi culty with some remote
control commands on some components. The operating
range can be aff ected by sunlight and some lighting
systems.
Mute and Global Mute [3] - A VCM can be muted indi-
vidually by pressing the mute button, this will turn off the
backlighting to the volume control [2] and input selection
buttons [1]. The backlighting of the mute [3] and input indicator will [5] remain
on. If there are other VCM’s connected to the same zone their status will not
be aff ected. If the mute button [3] is pressed for more than three seconds
the whole Forté A-BUS system will turn mute. When the system is muted the
infrared relay will remain active.
Backlight Adjustment [6 & 16] - The backlighting level of the function
buttons [1] [2] [3] and the source LED’s [5] can be adjusted to individual
requirements.
Aditional Power Socket (AB-44 & AB-46) [15] - For
Volume Start Jumper (AB-46) [17] - Return to last Volume (Left Jumpers)
Volume reset (Right Jumpers - Default)
42mm
AB-40RC
70.25mm
106mm
42.75mm
71mm
L- L+
R+ R-
SPEAKER OUT
LEVEL ADJUST
L CH R CH
l2
3
ABO-40RC
4
Cat5
A-BUS IN
POWER
15
16
17
Features and Specifications
AB-20 VCM
Control Rotary Volume
Terminals Input: Cat5
RJ45 T568A
Output: screw terminal (up
to 14 gauge)
Infrared Repeating None
Status None
Size with faceplate 75mm x 116mm x 47mm
(WHD)
AB-39/AB-44 VCM
Infrared Repeating 38KHz and 56KHz
Nominal IR Range In sunlight < 5M,
Indoors > 20M
Status (System ON)
Indicated by red LED
Infrared Talkback LED Flashes when in use
Terminals Cat5 RJ45 T568A
Size with faceplate 75mm x 116mm x 47mm
(WHD)
AB-44 VCM
Same as AB-39 with
• Touch and hold for Up/Down volume
• Touch (down button) is mute
• Touch (up button) deactivates mute and
resumes same volume level
• Remote controllable volume level
• Credit card remote supplied
AB-46 Multi-source VCM
Control Touch button and remote
volume control “Local On
/ Mute, Global Mute” and
“Source Select” buttons
IR LED Repeating with confi rmation
Status LED Muting facility with indicator
(centre button)
Input RJ-45 T568A
Output screw terminal (up to 14 gauge)
Size -profi le 13mm, mounting depth: 55mm
Plate Size 75 x 116 mm (WH)
Credit card remote supplied
AB-70 LIM
• Auto switching when local audio
signal is sensed.
• Auto return 30 seconds after
audio ceases
Inputs Local Audio - RCA
Phono jacks (1pr.)
From hub - RJ-45 T568A
Output To Volume Control - RJ-45 T568A
Size with faceplate
25mm x 107mm x 44mm (WHD)
The AB-44 & AB-46 include Dynamic Effi cency
(DE) amplifi cation delivering higher power
output, improved sound quality and lower energy
consumption. Also included is an optional
socket for High Dynamic Effi cency (HDE). When
a second CAT5 cable is connected from the
power [15] socket to any A-BUS hub output, the
VCM will provide twice the output power.
Control Functions [1] [2] [3]
Warranty
Please contact your place of purchase for warranty information.
A-BUS is a registered trademark of LeisureTech Electronics. The A-BUS technology is covered by the following patents - United States US
7,181,023, 7,668,318 , 6,389,139; Australia AU 739808; New Zealand NZ 502982; Mexico MX 241196; Canada CA 2301062.
All features and specifi cations are subject to change without notice www.leisuretech.com.au
This Keypad Volume Control Module (VCM) has been
designed to work with Forté A-BUS Multi-Source Hubs using
standard A-BUS commands. It will operate with other singlesource and multi-source hubs; however, some functionality
such as source selection will not be required.
These functions can be accessed with an A-BUS remote control handset
containing the correct codes.
Note: For comprehensive instructions please also refer to the instructions
supplied with your Forté A-BUS multi-source hub.
Volume Control Module AB-46 Multi-Source
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