Niles Audio A4.6Ci User Manual

INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE

A4.6Ci

MultiZone Audio Preamplifier

B LENDING T ECHNOLOGY AND A RCHITECTURE

Four-Source, Six-Zone Preamplifier

Congratulations!

Thank you for purchasing the Niles A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier, one of the most flexible and convenient audio components ever offered. The A4.6Ci, like all Niles products, is built to the highest standards of quality and reliability. With proper installation and operation, you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use.

Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation components and accessories for audio/video systems. For a free full-line catalog, write:

Niles, Catalog Request, P.O. Box 160818, Miami, Florida 33116-0818

Table Of Contents

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

FEATURES AND BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

PARTS GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

A4.6Ci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

IntelliPad Ci Keypad Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

R-4 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Configuration 1-Six Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Configuration 2-Adding Zones Using Multiple A4.6Ci’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Configuration 3-Integrating an IR-Controlled Home Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Configuration 4-Integrating a Home Theater using an Intellicontrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Configuration 5-Multiple Master Keypad Modules in a Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Configuration 6-Multiple Listening Areas in a Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Configuration 7-More than One Room in a Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Configuration 8-System Paging with an External Telephone System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Configuration 9-IR Repeating for Control of Local Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

COMPONENT COMPATIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Infrared Command Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

SOURCE-POWER SYNCHRONIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Choosing A Synchronization Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Source and Home Theater Sync Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Master Keys/Source Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Master Key/Source Button Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Master Key/Source Button Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

OFF Key/OFF Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

OFF Key Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

OFF Key/button Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Volume Keys/Volume Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Volume Keys/Volume Buttons Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Mute Key/Mute Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Mute Key/Mute Button Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Function Keys/Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Function Key/Button Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

identical Source Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Shared Source Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Operating a System with Multiple A4.6Ci’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Operation from the Stereo Zones Provided by the A4.6Ci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Operation from the Home Theater Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

System Busy Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Paging Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Terminating Four-Pair Twisted Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Connecting the Solo™ or Select™ Master Keypads to the Home Run of Four-Pair Twisted Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Connecting Numeric™ Keypads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Connecting IR Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Source Component Audio Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Telephone Paging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

System Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Source-Component Power and Home Theater Synchronization Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Keypad Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Preamplifier Zone Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Home Theater Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

12V Control Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

IR Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

DC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Connecting an IR Sensor for Local-System Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Connecting an A/B Amplifier Switch for Local-System Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Installer Programming Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Installation and Programming Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

System-Installation Schematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

System-Programming Worksheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Programming a Learning Remote for Zone Operation Using Keypad Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Programming a Learning Remote for Zone Operation Using the Niles R-4 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Programming a Home Theater Remote to Operate Source Components Shared with an A4.6Ci . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

INSTALLATION SETTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Setting All ON/PAGE Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Setting Master/Slave Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Setting Flasher #4 Output Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Installing Zone Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Volume Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Installer Setting Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROGRAMMING STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Power Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Input Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Function-Key IR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Master Key Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Zone ON/OFF and System ON/OFF Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Function Key Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

PROGRAM-EDITING STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Edit Source-Component Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Edit Input Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Function Key IR Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Edit Master Key Sequence Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Edit Zone and System ON/OFF Sequence Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Edit Function-Key Sequence Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Program Erasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Transferring IR Configuration Programs Between A4.6Ci’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Niles Audio has recognized the need for a simple-to-use, cost-effective, and flexible multi-zone system that can provide years of listening pleasure to music-lovers. Our engineering and product-development departments have joined forces to produce an innovative multi-zone preamplifier that incorporates six separate zones and connections for four audio source components.

The A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier is the multi-zone solution you have been asking for. It allows you to combine Keypad Modules with Infrared Sensors and Hand-Held Remotes for total control of your Home Entertainment System, providing "one-touch" system-wide control.

Now everyone in the household can be happy: One person can listen to the CD player in a bedroom, while another simultaneously listens to the radio by the pool. At the same time a third person can listen to DSS music in the den. In addition, the A4.6Ci's source-component IR control is custom-programmable to provide intuitive operation for a wide range of source components.

INTRODUCTION

The Niles A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier

Multi-zone/Multi-source

The A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier incorporates matrix preamplifier technology to provide as many as four source components to six listening zones simultaneously. Finally, Dad can relax to the sound of his favorite music in the den while the kids are listening to their favorite music by the pool.

Central Intelligence

The design approach of the A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier is a radical departure from that of traditional programmable keypad-controlled multi-zone systems. Instead of redundantly programming each of the individual keypads with IR commands, all IR commands are programmed and stored in the A4.6Ci. The Solo

™

and Select

™

Master Keypad Modules, Numeric™and Transport™Accessory Keypad Modules, and Niles IR Sensors connect to the A4.6Ci for complete system control.

Total system cost can be dramatically reduced due to shorter programming time and the low cost of the modular keypads located in each zone.

Quick and Easy Programming with PC Archiving

Manual programming is quick and easy, with push buttons and LED visual prompts that lead you step by step through the programming process. Additionally, with Niles Ci Archiving software, all system programming can be archived on your PC for back-up and for use with pre-designed systems.

One-Touch Operation Including System and Component Power Synchronization

One touch of a Master Key on an IntelliPad

Ci Solo™or Select™Master Keypad Module tells the A4.6Ci Preamplifier

to perform an intelligent sequence of IR commands for complete control of your distributed A/V system.

Sync Inputs provided by the A4.6Ci sense wether the connected source components are ON or OFF. Power commands for these source components are issued only if the source components are actually OFF, turning them on correctly, every time. The proper input for the source component is then selected and a programmed sequence of IR commands is issued (i.e., play or favorite station).

A complex mix of various brand audio/video components can be operated with ease and simplicity when using the A4.6Ci.

Elegant and Intuitive User Interfaces

The Solo

™

Master Keypad Module - The Solo Master Keypad Module is an elegant, single-gang, complete-control

solution for the A4.6Ci. Four custom-labeled Master Keys provide complete system activation, source selection, and source play commands, while a complete set of cursor keys provides basic source transport and menu control.

The Select

™

Master Keypad Module - The Select Master Keypad Module is an advanced control solution for

the A4.6Ci. Eight custom-labeled Master Keys provide complete system activation, source selection, and source play/customized music selections.

The Numeric

™

Accessory Keypad Module - The Numeric Accessory Keypad Module can be included along

with the Solo and Select Master Keypad Module in any or all zones. It provides direct access to discs, tracks, stations, and channels when operating DSS receivers, and CD/DVD changers.

The Transport

™

Accessory Keypad Module - The Transport™Accessory Keypad Module can be included along

with the Solo

™

and Select™Master Keypad Module in any or all zones. It provides basic transport functions and

menu cursor keys for detailed control of source components.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

The R-4 Remote - The R-4 Remote provides system control via an ergonomic hand-held IR remote control. Zones that have been installed with Niles IR Sensors can take advantage of the R-4 Remote, providing system control from anywhere in the room.

System-Wide Operation

The A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier incorporates system-wide control to activate all zones to a particular source component. An ALL OFF command is also included for complete system shutdown from any zone in the system.

Paging Input for Telephone Systems

A paging input is provided for telephone systems equipped with a paging output. Audio sensing is utilized to detect the paging signal. Source components currently playing in the various zones are interrupted, enabling the paging signal to play through. If a zone is off during a page, it turns on, enabling the paging signal to play through. Front-panel switches are provided to disable this paging feature in any zones where it is not required.

12V Control Output

A control-output connector provides a constant 12V DC trigger signal the moment any zone is activated. This signal can be interfaced to voltage-triggered AC power strips (i.e., Niles AC-3) for the automation of source components that can only be activated via switched AC outlets.

Expandable for Larger Multi Zone Systems

Up to four A4.6Ci’s can be combined in a single system, providing 24 zones. Source component audio signals are shared between preamplifiers, utilizing the buffered cascade audio outputs provided for each source component.

Multiple Rooms in a Single Zone

A single zone of an A4.6Ci can be expanded to accommodate as many as six individual rooms (master-bedroom suites, outdoor areas, etc.). A Niles Ci Silencer Muting Volume Control (White - FG00773, Almond - FG00774, Bone – FG00776) located in each room/area in the zone along with a Master Keypad Module (Solo or Select) provides individual ON/OFF and volume adjustment. A Niles Ci Expander (FG00853) connects all keypads to a single zone of the A4.6Ci preamplifier. As many as 36 rooms can be connected to a single A4.6Ci preamplifier using six Ci expanders and 36 Ci silencer volume controls.

Program Memory Protection

The A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier utilizes non-volatile memory for storage of its programming. This safeguards against accidental loss of the programming for the entire life of the product.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

PARTS GUIDE (A4.6Ci)

LED Zone ON/OFF Indicator

Zone Label Slots

Removable Programming Cover

DB-9 Computer

Interface

Sensor for Capturing

IR Commands

Programming Controls

and Indicators

Connection for

Programming

Keypads

Zone All On/Page

Enable Switches

DB-9 Computer

Interface

Sensor for Capturing

IR Commands

Programming Controls

and Indicators

Figure 4 A4.6Ci Rear Panel

16V DC

Power Input

Keypad

Inputs

Flasher

Outputs

12V Control

Output

IR Input

Sync

Inputs

System

Expansion

DB25

Zone Audio

Output

Paging

Input

Audio Inputs

with Buffered

Cascade Outputs

Zone Audio

Outputs

Figure 2 A4.6Ci Front Panel with Programming CoverFigure 2 A4.6Ci Front Panel with Programming Cover

Figure 3 A4.6Ci Front Panel with Programming Cover Removed

LED Zone ON/OFF Indicators

Provides individual ON/OFF indication for each zone.

Zone Label Slots

Coined slots for placing included room labels, providing zone identification.

Removable Programming Cover

Conceals installer-programming controls.

Programming Controls and Indicators

Push buttons and LED prompts for system and IR programming.

Zone ALL ON/PAGE Enable Switches

Individual DIP switches to enable or disable systemwide All ON commands and the paging feature for particular zones.

Sensor for IR Capture

IR sensor for capturing IR commands for control of the connected source components.

DB-9 Computer Interface

PC connection enabling program configuration backup/downloading.

RJ-45 Connection for Programming Keypad

RJ-45 connection used for Master and Accessory Keypad Modules providing manual system programming.

Zone Audio Outputs

Six pairs of stereo RCA jacks provide output connections for the external amplifier.

Paging Input

A mono RCA input for a paging signal from a telephone system.

Flasher Outputs

Three 3.5mm jacks provide an output connection for IRC-2P Micro Flashers, one for each connected source component. A fourth is designed for the IRC-1P Flood Flasher.

Keypad Inputs

Six female RJ-45 jacks are used for the connection of the IntelliPad Ci Master Keypad Modules.

Audio Inputs with Buffered Cascade Output

Four pairs of stereo RCA jacks provide input connections for source components. Each input has a respective buffered cascade output for distributing audio signals for expanded systems.

DB25 Zone Output

A DB-25 Output Connector provides six zoned stereo output signals using a single cable for connection to Niles Multi-Channel Amplifiers equipped with a DB-25 Input Connector.

IR Input

A single 3.5mm jack provides an input connection for IR commands sent from a Home Theater. These IR commands are used for control of source equipment shared with an A4.6Ci.

12V Control Output

A single 3.5mm jack provides a 12V DC trigger signal for use with voltage-triggered AC power strips (i.e., Niles AC-3) to control source components requiring activation via a switched AC outlet.

Sync Inputs

Video and voltage sensing inputs 1and 2 are for detecting when a source component is on/off for reliable system activation. The HT Sync Input senses voltage, determining the on/off status of a Home Theater that shares source components with the A4.6Ci.

16V DC Power Input

Power connection for use with included AC-to-DC in-line power adapter.

PARTS GUIDE (A4.6Ci)

Solo™ Master

Keypad Module

PARTS GUIDE SOLD SEPARATELY

Master Keys

Function Keys

Zone OFF Key

Mute Key

Zone Volume Key

Master Keys

Zone OFF Key

Mute Key

Zone Volume Key

Function Keys

Transport™ Master

Keypad Module

Numeric™ Master

Keypad Module

Select™ Master

Keypad Module

IntelliPad Ci Keypad Modules

Figure 5

Master Keys

A quick tap of any of these keys turns on the zone and selects a source component. Pressing and holding these buttons for longer than three seconds turns on all enabled zones. Also, all zones are selected to the same source component.

Zone OFF Key

A quick tap of this Key turns your specific ZONE OFF. Pressing and holding this button for longer than three seconds causes ALL ZONES to turn OFF.

Volume Keys

A continuous press of these buttons raises or lowers the volume in your specific ZONE. Pressing these buttons also restores sound in a muted zone.

Zone Mute Key

A quick tap of this button mutes the sound in a ZONE. A quick tap of this button restores sound in a muted zone.

Function Keys

Pressing these keys issues the individual IR commands programmed for control of the connected source components.

Source Buttons

A quick tap of any of these buttons turns on the zone and selects a source component. Pressing and holding these buttons for longer than three seconds turns on causes all enabled zones. Also, all zones are selected to the same source component.

Zone OFF Button

A quick tap of this button turns your specific zone off. Pressing and holding this button for longer than three seconds causes all zones to turn off.

Function Buttons

Pressing these buttons issues the individual IR commands programmed for control of the connected source components.

Zone Volume Buttons

A continuous press of these buttons raises or lowers the volume in your specific zone. Pressing these buttons also restores sound in a muted zone.

Zone Mute Button

A quick tap of this button mutes the sound in a zone. A quick tap of this button restores sound in a muted zone.

Figure 6

Zone Volume Buttons

Zone OFF Button

Function Buttons

Source Buttons

Zone Mute Button

PARTS GUIDE SOLD SEPARATELY

R-4 REMOTE

This is the simplest of the A4.6Ci configurations (see Figure 7). It depicts one Niles A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier installed to provide sound to six listening zones.

Each zone consists of one room with one pair of speakers. One Solo

™

Master Keypad Module or one Select

™

Master Keypad Module is included in each zone for user control. Numeric™Accessory Keypad Modules and/or Transport

™

Accessory Keypad Modules and IR Sensors are added to specific zones as options.

Source Components

The A4.6Ci has RCA audio inputs for connecting four external source components for selection by each of the six zones.

With this configuration, a user in one zone can listen to one source component while another user in a different zone listens to a different source component (i.e., the CD can be selected in Zone 1 while the tuner is selected in Zone 2). Additionally, each of the six zones can be set to an individual volume level. If more than one zone chooses the same source component, IR control of that source component is shared between the zones.

CONFIGURATION 1 - SIX ZONES

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

ZONE 1

ZONE 2

ZONE 3

ZONE 4

ZONE 5

ZONE 6

AUDIO VIDEO

DSS

PHONE

DIGITAL

CD CHANGER

AUDIO

DIGITAL

AUDIO VIDEO

DVD

DIGITAL

12V Trigger

Switched AC Outlet

Unswitched

AC Outlet

Niles AC-3

Keypads

Speakers

Speaker Cables

Audio Cables

Niles IRC-2P

MicroFlashers

AC Power Cord

Source Components

Four-Pair

Tw isted Cable

Zone Outputs

Niles SI-1260

Audio Inputs

12V Control Output

Sync Input

Video Output

Zone Inputs

Figure 7

Keypads and IR Sensors

Keypads and IR sensors enable the user to control the Niles A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier and its connected source components. The source components’ IR commands are programmed into the Niles A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier. These commands are then triggered when the user presses a keypad button or issues a Niles IR command to an IR sensor.

Each zone on the A4.6Ci has a corresponding RJ-45 keypad connector that is used to connect one Solo™ or Select™ Master Keypad Module. Each Master Keypad Module can be mated with one optional Numeric™ or Transport™ Accessory Keypad Module using an included jumper cable (see Connections). The Solo™ or Select™ Master Keypad Modules connect to the A4.6Ci with a "home run" of four-pair twisted cable, terminated with RJ-45 connectors.

An IR Sensor can be included in any zone and connects directly to the Solo™or Select™Master Keypad Module (see the Connections section of this manual for more details). A three-wire to RJ-45 adapter is available from Niles (see Accessories) for IR Sensors installed with two-conductor shielded cable rather than four-pair twisted cable.

Adding an IR Sensor enables the Niles R-4 Accessory hand-held IR remote, or a learning remote control programmed with Niles R-4 IR commands, to control the A4.6Ci and the connected source components. In addition, a source component’s actual IR commands (i.e., provided by the component’s original remote control or a learning remote control programmed with these IR commands) can be used with the IR sensor to control the source components.

Important Note: The A4.6Ci does not provide individual operation of identical source components when using a source component’s factory remote through an IR Sensor (see Identical Source Components on page 35 for more details).

Source-Component Automation

There are two methods of controlling the power ON/OFF of the source components.

1. Synchronized IR - In Figure 4, the DSS receiver’s power ON/OFF is synchronized via a video signal con- nected to the A4.6Ci. When the Master Key/Source Button for the DSS is pressed, the A4.6Ci checks for a video signal at the Sync Input corresponding to the DSS. The A4.6Ci issues the power command to turn the

DSS ON only when no video signal is present and the DSS is OFF.

When the Off Key/Button is pressed in a zone, the A4.6Ci checks to see if any other zones are on (including the Home Theater zone sharing sources). The power command for turning the DSS OFF is issued only if that zone is the last zone turning OFF in entire system and a video signal is present at the Sync Input corresponding to the DSS.

Important Note: RCA Sync Inputs also can detect 12V for use with Niles external sensing devices, (i.e., the LS-1 Light Sensor and the APC-2 Current Sensing Device). See Source Power Synchronization on page 41 for more information.

2. Latching Power - In Figure 4, AC power to the DVD and CD changer is turned on and off via the switched AC outlets of a Niles AC-3. The AC-3 is activated by the 12V control output of the A4.6Ci when any one of the six zones is ON (including the Home Theater Zone sharing sources).

Each Master Key on the Solo

™

and Select™Master Keypad Modules is programmable with a sequence of IR commands for their respective source component. Commands included in the sequence are typically the Play or Channel commands to start a source playing or to select a particular music or radio station after the source has been selected.

Flasher Outputs

Niles IRC-2P MicroFlashers

™

connect to the numbered flasher outputs on the rear panel of the Niles A4.6Ci

MultiZone Preamplifier. Flashers send IR commands to the individual source components for control. An IRC-1P Flooding Flasher can be connected to Flasher #4 to control more than one source component.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

CONFIGURATION 2 – ADDING ZONES USING MULTIPLE A4.6Ci’s

More than one A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier can be used if the system requires more than six zones. A maximum of four A4.6Ci’s (providing up to 24 zones) can be combined to create a larger multi-zone/multi-source system. One A4.6Ci is designated as the Master and the others as Slaves (see Installation Settings on page 65 for more details).

In Figure 8, a four-pair twisted cable connecting the CiNet system expansion ports of the two A4.6Ci’s facilitates communication between the two. This communication enables all zones, provided by both A4.6Ci’s, to obtain control of the shared source components (which are always connected to the Master). Also, system-wide commands can be issued from any zone (i.e., All Zones ON/OFF).

Sharing Source Components with Multiple A4.6Ci’s

The Niles A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifiers share the audio signal from the source components via the buffered cascade audio outputs provided, one for each of the four audio inputs.

Source-component control is accomplished via the programming in the Master A4.6Ci. All Slave A4.6Ci’s in the system are left unprogrammed except for Zone On/Off Sequences and the required function key IR programming to create these sequences.

All Flasher and Sync Input connections for the shared source components are made to the Master A4.6Ci. Keypad/Source Button commands and zone On/Off status are communicated to the Master A4.6Ci using the CiNet system expansion in/out connections, providing coordinated control of all source components.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Figure 8

Source Components

Designated

as the Master

Designated

as the Slave

AUDIO

DIGITAL

CD CHANGER

AUDIO VIDEO

DVD

DSS

PHONE

Ci Net

Input

AC Power Cord

Niles IRC-2P

MicroFlashers

Four-Pair Twisted Cable

Niles AC-3

12V Trigger

Switched AC Outlet

Unswitched

AC Outlet

Ci Net

Output

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Figure 9

CONFIGURATION 3 – INTEGRATING AN IR-CONTROLLED HOME THEATER

An IR-controlled Home Theater receiver/processor can be integrated to share source components in a system with a Master A4.6Ci.

Distributing Audio Signals

Audio signals for the shared source components are connected to both the A4.6Ci and the Home Theater receiver using the buffered cascade audio outputs (Figure 9).

Shared Source Component Control

The DATA output from the Home Theater IR repeater (the IRP-2+ in Figure 9) is connected to the IR Input of the Master A4.6Ci. The Home Theater IR Remote Control is now able to control the shared source components.

A 12V Sync signal is provided from the Home Theater to the Home Theater Sync Input to provide the A4.6Ci with the On/Off status of the Home Theater. This status enables the A4.6Ci to provide coordinated control of the source component's power On/Off.

Important Note: When issuing the source component’s actual IR commands from the Home Theater Remote Control, all IR commands are passed through to all source-component flasher outputs. Identical brand and model source components cannot be operated individually using these commands. (For more information on controlling identical brand and model source components, refer to the Operation Overview on page 28.)

Source Components

AUDIO

DIGITAL

Video 1

Video 2

DVD

DSS

AUDIOCDVIDEO

Home Theater Receiver

REAR

FRONT

CENTER

12V D.C.

DIGITAL

CD CHANGER

DVD

AUDIO VIDEO

Niles IRC-2P

MicroFlashers

Plugged into

Switched AC Outlet

DIGITAL

DSS

AUDIO VIDEO

PHONE

Niles IR Sensor

located in

Home Theater

Niles

IRP2+

H.T. Sync Input

Plugged into

Unswitched

AC Outlet

12V D.C.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

CONFIGURATION 4 – INTEGRATING A HOME THEATER USING AN INTELLICONTROL

A Home Theater system controlled by a Niles IntelliControl®can be integrated to share source components in a system with the A4.6Ci.

Distributing Audio Signals

Audio signals for the shared source components are connected to both the A4.6Ci and the Home Theater receiver using the buffered cascade audio outputs (Figure 10).

Shared Source Component Control

The FLASHER output from the IntelliControl (Figure 10) is connected to the IR input of the A4.6Ci. The IntelliControl, programmed with Niles Remote IR commands, is now able to automate and control the shared source components. Niles IR commands are taught to the IntelliControl using the A4.6Ci and an attached flasher or the R-4 Remote itself (see Programming Overview for more details on page 45).

A12V Sync signal is provided from the IntelliControl to the Home Theater Sync Input to provide the A4.6Ci with the On/Off status of the Home Theater. This status enables the A4.6Ci to provide coordinated control of the source component's power On/Off.

Important Note: When issuing the shared source components’ actual IR commands from the Home Theater Remote Control, all IR commands are passed through to all shared source component flasher outputs. Identical brand and model source components cannot be operated individually using these commands. (For more information on controlling identical brand and model shared source components, refer to the Operation Overview on page 28.)

H.T. Sync Input

Figure 10

Source Components

AUDIO

DIGITAL

CD CHANGER

DVD

AUDIO VIDEO

Niles IRC-2P

MicroFlashers

DIGITAL

Video 1

Video 2

DVD

DSS

Home Theater Receiver

AUDIOCDVIDEO

CENTER

FRONT

REAR

12V D.C.

IntelliControl M

Plugged into

Switched

AC outlet

DIGITAL

DSS

AUDIO VIDEO

PHONE

CONFIGURATION 5 – MULTIPLE MASTER KEYPAD MODULES IN A ZONE

The single zone of a Niles A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier can be expanded to contain multiple Solo

™

and

Select

™

Master Keypad Modules, providing control from many locations within the zone. A Niles IntelliPad®Ci

Expander

™

is required to connect multiple keypads in a single zone. A maximum of five Solo™Master Keypad

Modules can be included in a single zone using two Expanders.

In Figure 11, two Solo

™

Master Keypad Modules are installed on either side of a bed. When connected, all keypads in a zone work in tandem with one another (i.e., all control the same zone and display the same Zone ON/OFF, Mute, and Input Select Status).

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Figure 11

Niles

Niles SI-1260

DB-25

Cable

IntelliPad

Ci Expander

OUTPUT

INPUTS

POWER

™

Unswitched

AC Outlet

Power

Supply

Four-Pair

Twisted Cable

Keypads

Two-Conductor

Speaker Cable

Bed

ZONE 6

(Bedroom)

Speakers

CONFIGURATION 6 – MULTIPLE LISTENING AREAS IN A ZONE

A single zone of the A4.6Ci MultiZone Preamplifier can be set up to contain more than one listening area (i.e., an adjacent living room and dining room). This configuration is chosen when the speakers in the zone are not required to play at separate volume levels or to be on/off separately.

In Figure 12, a speaker cable is connected to the speaker outputs of Zone 3 and then parallel-connected to the speakers in both the living room and the dining room. A Solo

™

Master Keypad Module is located in each area.

A Niles IntelliPad

Ci Expander™is required to connect the two Solo™Master Keypad Modules in a single zone. When connected, all keypads in a zone work in tandem with one another (i.e., all control the same zone and display the same Zone ON/OFF, Mute, and Input Select Status).

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Figure 12

Niles SI-1260

DB-25

Cable

IntelliPad

Niles

Ci Expander

OUTPUT

INPUTS

POWER

™

Power

Supply

Four-Pair

Twisted Cable

Unswitched

AC Outlet

Four-Pair

Twisted Cable

Keypads

Two-Conductor

Speaker Cable

ZONE 6

(Living / Dining Room)

Living Room

Dining Room

Speakers

CONFIGURATION 7 – MORE THAN ONE ROOM IN A ZONE

A zone can be divided up into as many as five individual rooms with separate On/Off and Volume controls. A Niles Silencer Volume Control located along with the Master Keypad in each room is required in addition to Niles Expanders.

In Figure 13, Zone #6 has been expanded into two rooms that can be On/Off individually and be set at different volume levels. Impedance magnification is incorporated in the Silencer to enable the safe connection of multiple pairs of speakers to a single zone amplifier. Connection of three rooms with Master Keypads and Silencers to a single zone of the A4.6Ci is accomplished with a single Niles Expander. Five rooms is accomplished using two Expanders (see the Expander manual for more details).

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Figure 13

Niles SI-1260

DB-25

Cable

Four-Conductor

Speaker Cable

IntelliPad

Niles

Ci Expander

OUTPUT

INPUTS

POWER

™

Power

Supply

Four-Pair

Tw isted Cable

Unswitched

AC Outlet

Four-Pair

Tw isted Cable

Silencer

ZONE 6

Keypad

Tw o-Conductor

Speaker Cable

Master Bedroom Master Bathroom

Speakers

CONFIGURATION 8 – SYSTEM PAGING WITH AN EXTERNAL TELEPHONE SYSTEM

A Paging Input connection is provided on the rear panel of the A4.6Ci. It provides a connection for the paging output signal of popular telephone systems for voice paging through the speakers located in the listening zones (see Figure 14).

A Niles AVDA-3 (see Figure 15) is required when connecting a telephone system to two or more A4.6Ci’s in larger systems.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Figure 14

Figure 15

System

Telephones

Telephone

Control Unit

PAGE OUTPUT

System

Telephones

Telephone

Control Unit

PAGE OUTPUT

Niles AVDA-3

Distribution Amplifier

CONFIGURATION 9 – IR REPEATING FOR CONTROL OF LOCAL COMPONENTS

An IR Repeating System can be integrated into a room connected to the Niles A4.6Ci (see Figure 16). This enables a single IR Sensor (installed in that room) to control local components with a hand-held IR remote control.

In Figure 16, a Niles IR Sensor is connected to a Niles IRP-6+ for control of local components and to a Niles A4.6Ci for control of distributed components. A Niles SPK-1 Automated Speaker Level A-B Switcher switches the front speakers in the master bedroom from the A4.6Ci distributed sound system to the local surround-sound receiver system when the local system is activated. (See the Installation section of this manual for details on the required connections for the IRP-6+ and the SPK-1.)

Important Note: Use of an identical brand and type component in both the local and the distributed system (i.e., a Sony CD player in both systems) is not supported by this configuration. Individual operation of identical components may not be possible (refer to Connections section).

Audio signals for the shared source components are connected to the Home Theater receiver using the cascade audio outputs.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Figure 16

Zone 6 – Master Bedroom

Center

Niles SPK-1

Right Front

DIGITAL

AUDIO

VIDEO

DVD

Video 3

Video 2

Video 1

Plugged into

Switched AC outlet

REAR

FRONT

CENTER

12V D.C.

Left

Front

Rear

Speakers

Unswitched

AC Outlet

Power Supply

Niles Keypads / IR Sensor

Niles IRP-6+

Niles SI-1260

DVD

AUDIO VIDEO

DIGITAL

DSS

DIGITAL

AUDIO VIDEO

PHONE

Distributed Equipment Location

INFRARED COMMAND COMPATIBILITY

IR control testing was conducted on many equipment brands to determine their compatibility with the A4.6Ci. Typical A/V source components (i.e., CD, DVD, DSS, Cable Boxes, etc.) from each brand were chosen for the test. All brands listed below passed the test.

Important Note: Use this list only as a starting point. All the components for every brand listed were not available at the time of testing. To avoid unforeseen incompatibilities, Niles recommends always testing components you have not yet used with a A4.6Ci prior to specifying them in your installation.

Testing for a Possible IR Command Conflict

When using a Niles IRC-1P FloodFlasher,

™

there are rare instances when the same IR command will operate more than one source component. This prevents the proper operation of another IR controlled component when the two are installed in the same system because the press of a single remote button causes both components to respond. Rare as this situation is, when working with unfamiliar equipment or two products that you have never combined in the same system, it is advisable to first test how these components interact with each other.

To test for this type of conflict, take all the remotes in the system and issue every command you will be programming in the keypads. Expose all components to each command and make sure that only the appropriate component responds.

Solving the IR Command Conflict if Present

Remember that conflicts of this nature are rare. However, if you find yourself in this situation, contact the manufacturers to ask if they are aware of the problem and if they have a solution. Perhaps they now have a different remote, or a chip upgrade for the product.

If the manufacturers do not have a solution, the problem may be resolved by using a Niles IRC-2P MicroFlasher

™

instead of IRC-1P FloodFlasher.™In cases where neither solution works, advise the client of the

situation and explain that you must substitute another component.

COMPONENT COMPATIBILITY

Adcom APEX B&K Denon Echo Star Escient Go Video Harman Kardon Hitachi Hughes Jerrold

JVC Kenwood Krell Lexicon Lightolier Lutron Magnavox Marantz McIntosh Meridian Mitsubishi

Motorola NAD Electronics Nakamichi Niles Onkyo Panasonic Parasound Philips Pioneer RCA Rotel

Samsung Scientific Atlanta Sharp Sherwood Sony Te ac Technics To shiba Yamaha Zenith

WHAT IS SOURCE-POWER SYNCHRONIZATION?

The A4.6Ci has been designed to keep track of the ON/OFF condition of the three source components connected to the system. This allows you to automate source components that utilize the same IR command for ON and OFF.

For this feature to function as designed, you need synchronization (sync) between the A4.6Ci and source components that utilize the same IR command for ON and OFF. This assures the users of the system that the A4.6Ci will always issue power commands correctly when they press a Master Key or the Off Key.

Source Power Sync makes it possible for users to always have a source component turn ON when they need it on and to always have all the components turn OFF when they turn the system off.

Source Components that Require Power Synchronization

Source components that utilize the same IR command for ON and OFF need to be synchronized. The power button for these source components sends the same IR command to turn the source components ON if they are OFF, and to turn them OFF if they are ON. It is necessary to “synchronize” these source components with the A4.6Ci so it knows not to send an ON command if the source components are already ON (if it did, the source components would turn OFF, which is not the desired result). Conversely, synchronization keeps the A4.6Ci from issuing a “power” command when the OFF Key is pressed, if the source components are already OFF.

The A4.6Ci has three Sync Inputs for each of the source components. It allows synchronization via voltage and video signals. (see Choosing a Synchronization Method on page 25 for more information on how to synchronize components).

Source Components that Do Not Require Synchronization

Two types of components do not require synchronization: Those with separate ON and OFF IR commands and those with “latching power.”

Source Components with Separate ON/OFF IR Commands

Synchronization is not required for source components that are included with and respond to separate ON and OFF IR commands. When power commands are programmed as separate ON and OFF, the A4.6Ci will issue ON commands only if sync is not present. Separate OFF commands for source components are always issued when the last zone turns OFF regardless of sync status.

Source Components with “Latching Power”

Some source components, Such as CD players and tape decks, usually are plugged into the switched AC outlet of the preamplifier/receiver with which they are installed. These components simply turn ON when the system’s receiver/preamplifier turns ON, meaning that they “latch” into an ON or OFF state and do not need an IR command to turn ON or OFF.

Because they turn ON as soon as there is power on their AC cord, once the preamplifier/receiver is turned on, these components will turn on as well. They do not need individual synchronization.

Since the A4.6Ci does not provide a switched AC outlet, the 12V control output connected to a voltage-triggered AC power strip (i.e., Niles AC-3) provides perfect control of latching source component. (See Configuration 1 in the Systems Configurations section of this manual for more information.)

SOURCE-POWER SYNCHRONIZATION

CHOOSING A SYNCHRONIZATION METHOD

Once you establish that all source components in the system have compatible IR commands, the next step is to choose the appropriate sync method for each component.

There are two ways to detect when a component is ON or OFF: Video or Voltage Sync.

Video Sync

Video sync is the easiest and most reliable method of synchronization. Most video sources have a video output active only when the device is ON. This type of video output provides an excellent method for component synchronization.

The A4.6Ci has three 12V Video Sync connections for synchronizing as many as three source components. In Figure 18, the video output of a DSS is connected to both a TV and the corresponding sync input for the DSS using an RCA Y-adapter. Picture quality will be unaffected due to the high impedance of the sync input.

If the source component has two video outputs, the need for an RCA Y-adapter is eliminated. Simply connect the first video output to its normal system destination, and the second video output will be dedicated for the sync input.

SOURCE-POWER SYNCHRONIZATION

Figure 18

DIGITAL

AUDIO VIDEO

PHONE

RCA Y-Adapter

Splitting Video Output

Video Input

DSS

Voltage Sync

Voltage sync is also a reliable method of synchronization if chosen and implemented correctly. The sync inputs can detect the control out voltage from a Niles signal-sensing product interfaced to the source component.

Obtaining Voltage Sync

Current Sensing Current Sensing synchronizes a component by detecting the changes in the AC power draw that occurs with a component when it turns ON and OFF.

In Figure 19, a Niles APC-2 Current Sensing Switch senses the change in power consumption of a CD changer when it is turned ON. When it senses that change, it outputs a 12V DC signal. The synchronized CD changer’s AC power plug is connected to the current sensing outlet on the APC-2. The APC-2’s 12V DC output is connected to the A4.6Ci’s sync input dedicated to the CD changer, using a Niles 10’ bare wire to mini-plug accessory cable (FG00724, see Accessories for more details).

When using a Niles APC-2, a minimum change of 30W is required for reliable current sensing. If the component does not have a 30W change in current draw when turning ON (i.e., DSS receivers and most VCRs and CD players), consider the last method, Light Sensing.

SOURCE-POWER SYNCHRONIZATION

Figure 19

AUDIO

DIGITAL

CD CHANGER

Back

Niles APC-2

Front

Light Sensing Using a light sensor (LS-1) to synchronize your components is usually your last choice, simply because the other choices are more reliable. The Niles LS-1 Light Sensor can synchronize a component by sensing changes in light. The 12V output of the LS-1 is then connected to the A4.6Ci’s sync input dedicated for that component. A miniplug to RCA adapter is required for this connection (see Connections for more information).

In Figure 20, a Niles LS-1 Light Sensor senses changes in brightness of a DSS’s front-panel LED and outputs a 12V DC signal when the LED is brightest. A blocking cover prevents ambient light from falsely triggering the LS-1.

An unused optical digital output on the rear panel of a digital source component also can provide a light source for sync using the LS-1.

SOURCE AND HOME THEATER SYNC STATUS

Sync status (the presence or absence of a valid sync signal) of source components and the Home Theater associated with the Master A4.6Ci are displayed on the LEDs located in the hidden programming panel. These LEDs illuminate only while a valid sync signal is being received by the A4.6Ci during normal operation mode. Source 2, Source 3, and Source 4 LEDs represent Source 2, Source 3, and Source 4 respectively. The Tuner LED represents the Home Theater. These status LEDs are used during system troubleshooting. Manually turning ON/OFF synchronized source components and the integrated Home Theater will turn ON/OFF the respective component’s status LED if synchronized correctly.

SOURCE-POWER SYNCHRONIZATION

Figure 20

Light Sensing Probe

placed over an LED

DSS

Unswitched

AC Outlet

Power Supply

Niles LS-1

MASTER KEYS/SOURCE BUTTONS

The Master Keys available on the Solo

™

and Select™Master Keypad Module and the Source Buttons on the hand-held R-4 Remote accessory (Figure 21) provide "one-touch activation" of the A4.6Ci and its connected source components.

The Master Keys on the Solo and Select Master Keypad Modules are equipped with back-lit LEDs for indicating Zone ON/OFF, Zone Mute, and Zone Input Selection status.

The Source Buttons on the R-4 Remote correspond to the Master Keys on the Solo Master Keypad Module (Master Key 1 = Tuner, Master Key 2 = Source Button 2, Master Key 3 = Source Button 3, and Master Key 4 = Source Button 4).

The eight available Master Keys and their corresponding four Source Buttons are individually programmable. Once programmed, they operate the system identically in each zone. Note: Master Keys on the Solo and Select Master Keypad Module should be labeled the same in each zone.

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

Source Buttons on the Hand-Held R-4 Remote Accessory

Figure 21

Master Keys on the Solo

™

Master Keypad Module

Master Key #2

Master Key #4

Master Key #1

Master Key #3

DVD

TUNER

CD DSS

DVD

JAZZ ROCK

BLUES

POP

TUNER

DSS

Master Keys on the Select

™

Master Keypad Module

Master Key #2

Master Key #4

Master Key #1

Master Key #3

DVD

JAZZ ROCK

BLUES

POP

TUNER

DSS

Master Key #6

Master Key #8

Master Key #5

Master Key #7

TUNER

DVD

DSS

MASTER KEY/SOURCE BUTTON EVENTS

When you press a Master Key on a Solo

™

or Select™Master Keypad Module, or a Source Button on the hand-

held R-4 Remote accessory, up to six events may occur.

Event 1

This event turns the appropriate Zone ON when a Master Key is pressed. Additionally, the 12V Control Output activates when the first zone in the system turns on during this event.

Note: Pressing and holding a Master Key turns on all zones assigned via DIP switches located on the front panel.

Event 2

The Zone-ON Sequence event is programmed with IR commands and/or delays. Each zone has its own programmable Zone On Sequence. However, unlike other Master Key events, the Zone-ON Sequence only occurs when that zone first turns on. It is typically used for light controllers and discrete component commands.

Note: When a zone issues a system-wide ALL ON command, the Zone-ON Sequence event occurs only for that zone.

Event 3

The source input assignment for the Master Key is programmed into the System Input event individually for each Master Key. These inputs are selected every time a Master Key is pressed or pressed and held.

Event 4

The Source Power event is programmable with IR commands individually for each Master Key. IR commands taught to the Master Keys assigned to inputs 1 and 2 are issued conditionally and based on the presence of a sync signal at the corresponding sync port.

Event 5

The System-ON Sequence event is programmed with IR commands and/or delays and only occurs when the first zone in the system turns on. It is typically used for issuing a stop command to latching source components that automatically play when powered.

Note: Only the A4.6Ci set as the Master executes the System ON Sequence.

Event 6

The Master Key Sequence is executed last and is programmed with IR commands and/or delays. It occurs every time the Master Key is pressed and is typically used for source play or channel commands.

Note: A two-second delay is automatically executed prior to the Master Key Sequence when the first zone in the system is activated or when a component power command is issued during Event 4.

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

Event 3 Event 4 Event 5 Event 6

System Input Source Power ON

System-ON

Sequence

Master Key

Sequence

Event 1

Event 2

Zone-ON

Sequence

Figure 22

MASTER KEY/SOURCE BUTTON OPERATION

The Master Key/Source Buttons have two methods for operating the system.

Single-Zone Operation

The first method, a quick tap of a Master Key/Source Button in a zone (holding the key/button for less than three seconds), causes only that zone to turn ON. The quickly tapped Master Key illuminates GREEN after the zone turns ON.

System-Wide Operation

The second method, a press and hold of a Master Key/Source Button in any zone (holding the key/button for more than three seconds), turns all zones ON that are set to ALL ON/Page Enabled (this setting is made via front-panel programming DIP switches, set individually for each zone). All zones enabled for ALL ON/Page select the source associated with the Master Key/Source Button pressed and held, and that same Master Key LED illuminates GREEN.

Zones responding to system wide commands turn ON to a default volume. This volume can be individually adjusted for each zone (see the programming section of this manual for details.)

OFF KEY/OFF BUTTON

The OFF Key/Button included on the Solo

™

and Select™Master Keypad Module and the R-4 Remote provide one-touch system deactivation. When you finish listening in a zone, a single press of the OFF Key/Button deactivates the zone.

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

Off Button on the Hand-Held R-4 Remote Accessory

Off Key on the Solo

™

Master Keypad Module

Figure 23

DVD

JAZZ ROCK

BLUES

POP

TUNER

DSS

TUNER

DVD

CD DSS

+ 77 hidden pages