IPC-6
INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
NILES
®
MODEL
IPC-6
INTELLIGENT POWER CONTROLLER
IPC-6
Niles Audio
Corporation
www.nilesaudio.com
12331 S.W. 130 Street
Miami, Florida 33186
Tel: (305) 238-4373
Fax: (305) 238-0185
NILES
®
©1999 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles and the Niles logo are registered trademarks
of Niles Audio Corporation. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. Because
we continually strive to improve our products, Niles reserves the right to change product specifications
without notice. The technical and other information contained herein is not intended to set forth all
technical and other specifications of Niles products. Additional information can be obtained on-line at
www.nilesaudio.com or by calling Niles at 1-800-289-4434. Printed in USA 5/99 LT00089D.
NT POWER CONTROLLER
IPC-6 INTELLIGE
PROGRAM
POWER
ON OFF
A-TRIGGER-B
SELECT TIME
123456C1C2
NILES
Introduction
The IPC-6 is a sophisticated intelligent power controll er. It is
capable of complete power on/off management in the most
complicated Audio or Home Theater Systems. When a component that is plugged into one of its two current sensing
outlets is turned on, the IPC-6 activates other outl ets and
relays based upon a user pre-programmed sequence. Two
separate current-sensing outlets provide 2 individual triggering sequences. Conversely, when the "triggering" component
is turned off, the IPC-6 initiates a separate user pre-programmed power off sequence. You may also choose to trigger one or both of the sequences by using the unit's 12 volt
DC smart-sensing trigger inputs.
Components connected to the IPC-6's switched AC power
outlets must be of the "l atching" type, that is, they must stay
in the "on" state when you remove AC power (unplug it) so
that they are "on" when you reapply power (plug it in again).
Additionall y, the IPC-6 is able to control 2 devices or components which need a 12 volt DC signal to turn on (e.g., video
projectors and electric screens). Finally, the IPC-6 can control
2 devices that require a switch or relay contact closure for
operation (e.g., el ectric curtains and blinds or low voltage
lighting).
*Patents applied for .
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Features and
Benefits 3
Installation
Considerations 5
Installation 6
Programming 12
Trouble-
shooting 18
Specifications 18
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1
IPC-6*
Intelligen t
Power
Contr oller
Unlike other “current-sensing” power controllers, the Ni les
IPC-6 uses "smar t" current-sensing outl ets. The IPC-6 is abl e
to automatically sense as littl e as a 2 watt difference between
a component's "on" and "standby" state. The IPC-6 does not
require the triggering component to have a 10, 20, or 30
percent difference between its "on" and "standby" states.
You can add to the capabilities of the IPC-6 by using it in
combination with other Ni l es products. Nil es makes a series
of devices which can be controlled by an IPC-6 including
speaker switchers, line-level audi o switchers, RF switchers,
and composite video switchers.
2
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TECH
SUPPORT
HOTLINE
If you have
questions regarding
the operation of the
Niles IPC-6, contact
your local Niles
dealer or Niles
Customer Service at
1-800-289-4434.
®
NILES
Features and Benefits
The IPC-6 offers unique technology never before available.
● Advanced microprocessor design allows unparalleled fl exi-
bility and control.
● The IPC-6 Accusense
TM
circuitry automatically “locks on” to
tiny differences in power consumption between a component’s “on” a nd “standby” states.
● The IPC-6 Power tracker
TM
circuitry will track those tiny dif-
ferences even under varying line voltage conditions.
● The IPC-6 Accusense
TM
circuitry will work with all types of
power supplies including switching types.
● Advanced arc suppression techniques prevent power relay
contact arcing, ensuring long relay life.
● After a power failure, the IPC-6 wi ll wait for you to again
turn on the system. It does not blindly activate whatever
was happening before the power failure.
● The IPC-6 remembers which components you want turned
on in two different situations. One situation is triggered by
device “A”, the other situation is triggered by device “B”.
● You can trigger either the “A” or the “B” sequences with a
12 volt DC signal applied to the 1 2 volt sensing inputs.
● The IPC-6 can remember different delay times for each of
its switched outlets and control relays.
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TOOLS
REQUIRED
• 1/8" Standard
Slotted Screwdriver
• Wire Stripper
● Total delay time is adjustable from 0 to 99 seconds.
● Separate "on" and "off" delay times and sequences can be
programmed into the IPC-6.
● The IPC-6's 12 volt DC outputs can operate many of the
Niles automated switchers.
● The IPC-6 has 2 sets of normally open and normally closed
low voltage relay contacts controllabl e by either or both
sequences.
● Printed circuit board design assures high reliability.
● Ideal for home theater, multiroom audi o, home automa-
tion, boardrooms, museum exhibits, and commercial
installations of all types.
● Limited two year parts and labor warranty.
● Proudly made in the USA.
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Installation Considerations
IPC-6 Total Power Capacity
Check that the total power consumption of all the devices
plugged into the IPC-6 does not exceed 1500 watts. If the
total power is greater than 1500 watts, you will need to trigger a Nil es AC-3 voltage controll ed power strip from one of
the IPC-6's 12 volt control outputs. Since the maximum
power output of most home outlets is 1500 watts, you'll
need to plug the AC-3 into a wall outlet that is on a different
circuit breaker than the IPC-6.
IPC-6 Low Voltage Contacts (C1 & C2 Controlled
Outputs)
The IPC-6 has both normally-open and normally-closed contacts to control devices that need a switch to control them.
These are low voltage contacts only. DO NOT connect 120
volts AC to these contacts.
12 Volt Trigger Inputs
The IPC-6's external trigger inputs accept 3-30 volts AC or DC.
Switched 1 20 Volt AC Outlets
Test each component to determine whether it has the “latching" type of power control. Star t by turning the component
on. Next, unplug its AC power cord. Wait 5 minutes, then
plug it back in. If the component returns to its fully “on”
state rather than to a “standby” state it is suitable for use
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IMPORTANT
Do not exceed 1500
watts of total power
consumption for the
devices plugged into
each IPC-6.
IMPORTANT
Do not connect 120
volt AC power to the
C1 and C2 terminals,
they are low voltage
only!
IMPORTANT
Do not connect any
signal higher than 30
volts to the trigger
inputs!
with a switched AC outlet on the IPC-6.
Installation
1. Select a convenient location for the IPC-6.
2. Run all the necessary wiring to the IPC-6’s planned loca-
tion. Label the wires with both their ori gin (which component they power) and their destination (which of the
switched outlets that component will use). Use the
Programming Worksheet on Page 17 to write down your
choices. You will need a convenient written record when you
program your IPC-6.
3. Make the low voltage connections to the IPC-6. If you are
using any of the low-voltage inputs or outputs, you should
remove the IPC-6’s connectors. It is easier to attach the wire
to the connector first, before putting the IPC-6 in place. To
remove a connector grasp it from the top and bottom with
your thumb and forefinger and simpl y pull straight back.
Strip
3/8” of insul ation from the end of each wire. Tightl y
twist the stripped wire to eliminate any frayed ends. Insert
each wire into the appropriate hol e in the connector block
and tighten the terminal with an
1/8” slotted screwdriver. Be
cer tain that the positive terminal on the IPC-6 is connected
to the positive terminal of a 12 volt device (see Figure 1).
4. Put the IPC-6 into position and make the connections to it.
Whil e carefully observing each l abel, plug each low voltage
connector, switched outlet plug, and triggering component
into its respective place (see Figure 2 on page 11).
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Figure1
Connecting the
Low Voltage Wires
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POWER LED
Indicates the IPC-6
has power.
PROGRAM BUTTON
Begins and ends all
programming.
OUTLET CONTROL LEDS
Normally, these indicate whether the outlet is on or
activated. However, if you are in the PS program
mode these indicate which outlet is being program-
ming.
PROGRAM LED
Indicates the IPC-6 is in one
of the program modes.
ON AND OFF LEDS
TRIGGER BUTTONS
"A" AND "B"
SELECT BUTTON
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PROGRAM
POWER
IPC-6 INTELLIGE
NT POWER CONTROLLER
A-TRIGGER-B
ON OFF
123456C1C2
SELECT TIME
DIGITAL DISPLAY
Shows you the currently
selected delay.
TIME BUTTONS
Allow you to adjust
the delay between 0
and 99 seconds.
Press the PROGRAM and the SELECT buttons at the same time
to enter the PS program mode.
The
SELECT button steps you through programming each
outlet's amount of delay—first for tur ning on (the on light is
lit), then for turning off (the off light is lit).
03
NILES
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POWER CORD
Plugs directly into the
wall AC outlet.
SWITCHED 120 VOLT AC POWER OUTLETS
These turn on and off according to the way you
have programmed your IPC-6.
REMEMBER: THE TOTAL POWER CONSUMPTION OF ALL DEVICES
PLUGGED INTO THE IPC-6 MAY NOT EXCEED 1500 WATTS.
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ACCUSENSETM120 VOLT AC POWER OUTLETS
Turning on the device plugged into one of these outlets will trigger the cor-
responding (A or B) ON sequence. Turning off the device plugged into one
of these outlets will trigger the corresponding (A or B) OFF sequence.
CONTROLLED 12 VOLT DC OUTPUTS
Positive = T erminal 1 Gr ound = Terminal 2
SENSING 3-30V
AC or DC INPUTS
Contact groups provide you with a NORMALLY OPEN (N.O.) contact that closes,
or a NORMALLY CLOSED (N.C.) contact that opens when C1 or C2 are activat-
ed.
N.O. = Terminal 1, COMMON = Terminal 2, N.C. = Terminal 3
CONTACT
GROUP
ONE
CONTACT
GROUP
TWO
N
O
C
OMN
C
3-30V
AC/DC
SWITCHED OU TLETS
ARE
LAY DC OUT
RE
LAY DC OUT
TRIGGER
I
NPUTS
CONTROL OUTPUTS
123456
12V
0.1 AM P
-
+
N
O
C
OMN
C
12V
0.1 AMP
+- +- +
Niles Audio
Corporation, In
c.
Miami, Florida USA
120 Volts AC 60 Hz.
1500 Watts Max.
CONTROL
OUTPUT
RELAYS
C1 and
C2 rated
at 5 Amps,
30 Volts
Max., AC
or DC.
C1
C2
CURRENT SENSE OUTLE
TS
B
AB
3-30V
AC/DC
-
NILES
11
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5. Plug the IPC-6's AC power plug into an unswitched AC
power outlet. All the li ghts on the front panel wi ll li ght for 2
seconds whil e the IPC-6’s microprocessor checks all condi-
tions. If everything is ok, all but the red
POWER LED wi ll turn
off. You are now ready to program your IPC-6.
Pre-amp
Surround Sound
Processor
Figure 2
Wiring Diagram
Blind
Controller
Lighting
Controller
Projector
Main Amp
Surround Amp
Center Amp
Equalizer
Screen
12
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Programming
You must program your IPC-6 in two steps.
1. The IPC-6’s Accusense
TM
circuitry needs to measure the
“on” and the “standby” states of the device you have con-
nected to the sensing 1 20 volt AC outlet(s).
2. The IPC-6 also needs you to specify which outlets to activate along with their corresponding time delays.
Measuring Power “On” and “Standby” States.
Some devices (televisi on sets, stereo receivers, etc) actually
have 3 power states. You can turn them on with a remote
control, you can place them in “standby” with a remote control, and you can use a manual power (or “vacation”) switch
to turn them completel y off. You want the IPC-6 to measure
what happens to your device when you use the remote control. Unless you are sure there is not a third power state, use
the remote control to turn the device on and off.
1. Turn off the device(s) plugged into the “A” or "B" sensing
1 20 volt AC outlets.
2. In order to enter the “PA” programming mode, press and
hold down the
PROGRAM button on the front panel of the
IPC-6. Whil e you are holding it down, press the “A” Trigger
button, then release both buttons.
The front panel LED's will sequence to the left and right
whil e the Accusense
TM
circuitry measures your device's stand-
CONTROL
OUTPUT
RELAYS
C1 and
C2 rated
at5 Amps,
30 Volts
Max., AC
or DC.
C2
C
OMN
C
12V
3-30V
0.1 AMP
AC/DC
+- +- +
TRIGGER
INPUTS
3-30V
AC/DC
ARELAY DC OUTRELAY DC OUT
-
B
CURRENT SENSE OUTLETS
AB
SWITCHED OUTLETS
123456
NILES
Niles Audio
Corporation,Inc.
Miami, Florida USA
120 Volts AC 60Hz.
1500 Watts Max.
CONTROL OUTPUTS
C1
12V
C
0.1 AMP
N
OMN
-
O
C
+NO
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13
by current. After the sequencing stops, the ON LED should be
blinking. This means that the IPC-6 is ready to measure the
device’s “on” state.
3. Turn on the device. The front panel LED's will sequence to
the left and right whi le the Accusense
TM
circuitry measures
your device. After the sequencing of the LED's stops the
OFF
LED will blink.
4. Turn off the device. The front panel LED's wi ll sequence to
the left and right whi le the Accusense
TM
circuitry checks your
device. After the sequencing of the LED's stops and the IPC-6
has confirmed the programming, all the front panel LED’s will
light whil e the IPC-6 stores the program into memory. You
are now back in normal operating mode.
To program the device plugged into the ”B” sensing outlet,
repeat steps 1 through 4 using the “B” button and outlet.
When you begin programming, the IPC-6 will display “Pb”
instead of “PA”.
Programming Switched 120 volt and
Controlled (low voltage) Outlets
You will need to program 3 different parameters for each of
the switched outlets (1-6) and control outputs (C1, C2).
1. Which tri
gger (A, B, or both) will activate the outl et?
Pressing both trigger buttons means that the outlet wi ll be
active if either or both triggers are active.
2. The turn on time del
ay (indicated by the ON LED being lit).
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Program the delays for each outlet to bui ld your "turn on"
sequence. Delays are calculated in 1 second increments after
your triggering device is turned "on" or "off". Therefore, if
you would like outlet 1 to activate 2 seconds after your tri gger device is turned on, program outlet 1's time delay to 02.
If you would like outlet 2 to activate 2 seconds after outlet 1,
program outlet 2's time delay to 04, etc.
3. The turn off time del
ay (indicated by the OFF LED being lit).
Program the delays for each outlet to bui ld your "turn off"
sequence.
Enter the PS programming mode
Turn off the devices plugged into the 2 sensing outlets before
programming any of the switched or controlled outlets or
the IPC-6 will not enter PS programming mode.
Press and hold down the
PROGRAM button on the front panel
of the IPC-6. Whil e you are holding it down, press the
SELECT
button. Release both buttons. When you begin programming the IPC-6 will display "PS" only momentarily.
The IPC-6 will light the
ON and "Outlet 1" LED's. You are now
ready to program the "turn on" sequence for each switched
outlet.
1. Select either or both of the tri gger buttons (A, B). This will
determine which device(s) will trigger outlet 1 to turn on.
2. Adjust the "on" time delay. The two buttons to the right of
"TECH TIP"
Devices must be
turned off before
programming any
of the outlets.
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15
the display allow you to adjust the delay from 0 to 99 seconds.
3. Press the
SELECT button to lock in your programming and
move to the next outlet. Repeat steps 1-3 for outl ets 2
through 6 and C1, C2. Pressing the
SELECT button after you
have programmed C2 enables you to program the "off" time
delays. If you elect not to program one or more of the outlets,
you will sti ll need to press
SELECT until you have gone past C2
to program the "off" times. The IPC-6 will now light the
OFF
and "Outlet 1" LED's.
4. Adjust the "off" time delay. There is no need to sel ect a
trigger. After you have programmed your "off" time for
Outlet 1, use the
SELECT button to step through outlets 2-6
and C1, C2. Adjust the "off" time delay of each.
5. Pressing the
SELECT button after you have programmed C2
will cycle you back to programming the "on" time delays.
6. Press the
PROGRAM button and release it. All the front panel
LED's will light for 2 seconds. You have completed programming your IPC-6.
Test
Test that you have programmed your IPC-6 properly by turning on the components plugged into the "A" trigger outlet.
The IPC-6 should now activate your other components
according to the sequence you have programmed. Repeat
this test with the component plugged into the "B" sensing
outlet.
If the IPC-6 fails to initi ate the sequence you have pro-
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16
grammed, return to the programming section of this manual
and verify that the IPC-6 has been programmed correctly or
simply reprogram the IPC-6.
Errors - The display reads E1
The IPC-6 detected a contradictory reading. Check your connections to the sensing 120 volt AC outlets. Perhaps “A” and
“B” have been reversed or are actually plugged into another
outlet.
Press the
PROGRAM button to turn off the display of E1, then
begin again at step one. Make sure you are "on" and "off"
when the directions say you should be.
Cancel Programming
At any time, you may stop programming by simply pressing
and holding the
PROGRAM button for one second.
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Controlled
Outlet
Sense A
Outlet
Sense B
Outlet
Device you are controlling
TriggerATriggerBON
Delay
OFF
Delay
AC Power
#1
AC Power
#2
AC Power
#3
AC Power
#4
AC Power
#5
AC Power
#6
12 Volt
Output
Opening
Contact
Closing
Contact
C1
12 Volt
Output
Opening
Contact
Closing
Contact
C2
IPC-6 PROGRAMMING WORKSHEET
✓ the A, B, or A and B trigger for each device.
Write in the time delay for each device.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Power Requirements
120 Volts AC, 15 00 Watts
max.
High V
oltage Outlets
2 - Current sensing
unswitched 120V AC
outlets
6 - Controlled 120V AC
outlets
Low V
oltage Inputs
2 - 3-30V AC/DC control
inputs
Low V
oltage Outputs
2 - 12V DC, 0.1A control
outputs
2 - 30V AC/DC, 5A
control output relays
Overall Dimensions
17" wide x 2" high x
8-1/4" deep
W
eight
6-1/4 lbs.
Troubleshooting
1. You turn on the device plugged into Trigger "A" or "B" and
nothing happens.
● You have not completed "on" programming for each
controlled outl et. Go to page 12 and follow the step-bystep instructions.
2. You are in the middle of programming your IPC-6 and you
see a display of E1.
● Press and hold the PROGRAM button for one second. This
returns you to normal operating mode. Now, repeat the
programming you last attempted.
3. The wrong devices are turning on with the trigger device.
● Check which sensing outlet the tri gger device is plugged
into and recheck your programming.
● Check the outlet's programmed trigger source.
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