Knoll MR64 User Manual

MR64 Keypad
Installation
Instructions

Congratulations and thank you for choosing this
Knoll product. The MR64 keypads are the power
behind an advanced music control system that
is easy-to-use with top quality sound available
in up to six or more rooms.

The MR64 is only for use with the MVP44a,
MVP64a and MR640 controller. MR64’s can be
used in combination with MR60 keypads in the
same system, but only one keypad per zone is
permitted. Please see the manuals shipped with
the MVP44a, MVP64a or MR600.

The MR64 is available with two LCD colors,
yellow-green with black lettering and blue with
white lettering (model MR64b). Both versions
are available with Decora™ style bezel plates in
white, almond, black or ivory colors.

The music system consists of:

1. Rooms with stereo speakers, a MR64 or
MR60 keypad or infrared receiver and a remote
control.

2. One or more MVP44a, MVP64a or MR640
controller(s).

3. One or more multi-zone amplifiers if the
MR640 is used.

4. Stereo source components such as tuners,
CD players, satellite dish receivers, cassette
decks, and other components.

While the MR64 evolved after years of research,
its use is straightforward and direct. Some
rooms may have more than one pair of
speakers but only one keypad or possibly even
no keypad.

The music system is controlled by the MR64
and MR60 keypads, RB8 or universal remote,
the source components and possibly a whole
home controller. The source components are
controlled by their individual remote controls by
aiming the remote control at the keypad or
infrared receiver and pressing the appropriate
remote control button.

MR64 keypad installation

Individual rooms can be controlled by a MR64,
MR60 and/or an RB8 remote control or a
universal remote control with the RB8
commands installed. MR60 and MR64 keypads
control the speakers for the room it is located
in or the whole house (all rooms). The RB8
remote can turn off the whole house but can
only turn on and adjust the room it is in.

Setting the dipswitch

Before installing any MR64 keypad, the
dipswitch on the rear of the keypad has to be
set. The dipswitch will have one of the three
switches set to on and the other two off. This
feature was added so that in non-new or
existing construction, three keypads for three
rooms can be connected to one cat 5 wire.

MR64 dipswitch settings for
speaker outputs A1 and B1

1

2

3

ON

OFF

MR64 dipswitch settings for
speaker outputs A2 and B2

1

2

3

ON

OFF

MR64 dipswitch settings for
speaker outputs A3 and B3

1

2

3

ON

OFF

The dipswitch has to be set even if the wires
are home run to the controller.

The dipswitch 1 is set to ON (dipswitch 2 and 3
are set to OFF) if this keypad is to control amp
A1 or B1 and the speakers in this room are
connected to A1 or B1.

If this keypad is to control amplifier B1 then the
cat 5 wire from this keypad can be connected
to slot B1, B2 or B3.

Similarly if the next keypad is to control amp
A2 or B2 the dipswitch 2 is set to ON (dipswitch
1 and 3 are set to OFF) and the speakers in this
room are connected to A2 or B2. If this keypad
is to control amplifier A2 then the cat 5 wire
from this keypad can be connected to slot A1,
A2 or A3

If two or three keypads are connected to the
controller by one cat 5 wire the two or three
keypads need to have dipswitches set to
different settings and the two or three zones
have to be in the same controller bank of A or
B. The single wire can then be plugged into one
of the three slots on that bank (example for
bank B, slot B1, B2 or B3).

Please note the MVP44a does not have slot or
output for A1 or A2.

Keypad Wiring

The MR64 requires a single cat 5 wire. Up to
three rooms each with a single MR64 or MR60
keypad can be run on a single cat 5 wire. Two
to three rooms of keypads are normally run on
a single cat 5 wire if installing in existing
construction or if one cat 5 wire has been
damaged after installation. In new construction
it is best to run a single home run wire from the
MR64 or MR60 keypad location back to the
controller or controller amplifier.

Cat 5 wires for this system need to be
terminated with the correct RJ45 connector.
RJ45 connectors are designed specifically for
solid, stranded or special wires, so be sure to
obtain the correct type. Please use a good
quality crimper for this purpose. Use the
standard cat 5 wire practices including the
correct wire order (see the controller manual
for the diagram).

Note: If after installation the keypads are not
working properly, or controlling another zone or
not working at all, carefully check the MR64
dipswitch settings, wiring order on the RJ45

connections, wiring layout and even try
recrimping the connectors or replacing the RJ45
connectors with new ones. Verify that the wires
are connected to the correct bank on the rear
of the controller (A or B).

The most common installation
problem with this whole system is
poorly crimped or wires in the wrong
order on the RJ45. Please use a good
quality crimper and a cat 5 wire
tester to verify the connections

Note: In addition to the cat 5 wires to the

keypads, two pairs of speaker wire need to be
run from the amplifier to the speakers (one pair
to each speaker). These wires do not have to
run to the keypad location but can be run
directly to the speakers. We suggest a
minimum 16-gauge wire and 12-14 gauge if the
runs are longer than 33 feet (10 meters).

Programming MR64 Labels

After the dipswitch is set and the MR64 is
installed in the wall the four source
identification labels have to be programmed
individually into each MR64. There are over 25
labels available and custom labels are available
for a nominal charge (maximum 8 characters).

Labels can be programmed from the MR64
keypad only when it is powered up and not
from the remote control.

Each MR64 keypad must be programmed
individually and it will save the label names
even if the keypad is disconnected from the
systems. MR64 keypad labels can be
programmed offsite if desired.

Note: All of the MR64 keypads in this system
have to be programmed with the same labels
in the same source order.

First make sure all of the wires from the
MR64(s) to the controller are installed and
tested (if possible) properly with crimped RJ45
connectors. The wires from the amp to the
speaker do not have to be installed at this time
but it is preferred if they are. The sources
should be connected, but again, it is not

.