Niles Audio IRR-4D Owner's Manual

MODEL

IRR4D+

IRR4 D+

IRR4 D+

INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL EXTENDER

INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE

IRR4D+

Wall-Mount
IR Sensor

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 1
Features and

Benefits 2
Installation

Considerations 4
Installation 11
Operation 15
Troubleshooting

15

Specifications 17

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Introduction

The IRR4D+ is a wall-mount, Decora®style IR sensor
designed for use with the Niles Infrared Repeating and IR
Routing Systems.

Installed in a remote room location, the IRR4D+ receives
the IR commands transmitted from your existing hand­held remotes in that room. The commands are carried via
a small 2-conductor shielded cable to your A/V equipment
in another room, and instantly "repeated".

The IRR4D+ is compatible with all current Niles infrared
systems. It may be used along with, or as an alternative to,
the Niles IRR4S+, TIR1+, MS-1, MS-2 and CMS-3 IR sensors
or the IntelliPad

The IRR4D+ is just one part of the three building blocks
necessary to complete a Niles IR repeating system:

●

IR Main System Unit — Models IRP2+, IRP6+, IRZ6+
and RVL-6.

●

IR Sensors/Keypads— Models IRR4S+, IRR4D+, SCW­UIR, TIR1+, MS-1, MS-2, CMS-3 and the IntelliPad.

●

IR Flashers—Models IRC-1 and the IRC-2.

™

.

®

1

An IR sensor expansion unit, Model XRP6+, is available for
IR repeater systems used in more than six rooms.

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Features and Benefits

Power Status and Flashback Display

The bicolor LED display on an IRR4D+ sensor eliminates the
guesswork common with other IR control systems. The green
LED indicates the On/Off condition of the system’s
preamp/receiver. Whenever your preamp receiver is on the
LED glows green, whenever it is off, the LED is off. When the
IRR4D+ receives a signal from your hand-held remote con­trol, the LED flashes red.

Backwards Compatible with Niles IR Repeaters
Without Status

If connected to an IRP-2, IRP-6, or IRZ-6 IR main system unit,
the IRR4D+ will operate fine but without the “power status”
feature. The LED will flash red when a signal is received.
Niles’ new line of IR main system units (IRP2+, IRP6+, IRZ6+,
and the RVL-6) have built-in technology which broadcasts
the power status of your preamplifier/receiver.

Greater IR Receiving Range

You get 18 to 30 feet of remote control range instead of the
typical 15 to 25 (actual range may vary, depending upon
the strength of the remote control).

Sunlight Filter

Included with the IRR4D+ is a square piece of black plastic
grille. This is a sunlight filter which allows the IRR4D+ to be
used in a location where sunlight falls directly on the

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sensor. With the filter installed, the IRR4D+ will operate
with reduced range (8 to 12 feet) in direct sunlight.

Improved Rejection of ElectroMagnectic Interference (EMI)

The IRR4D+ had been redesigned to shield itself from EMI
Interference.

Universal System

Compatible with most brands of A/V equipment and
remotes using carrier frequencies 26 to 60 kHz.

Interchangeable Decora Inserts

Snap in inserts provide for fast, easy color changes. Inserts
(sold separately) are available in a variety of colors.

Four Designer Colors to Choose From

Available in white, bone, almond, or black.

100% factory tested

Every IRR4D+ is 100% tested for IR receiving range and
angle. Printed circuit board design uses no hand wiring,
assuring high reliability.

Guaranteed Performance

The IRR4D+ is backed by a two year parts and labor
warranty.

Made in the USA

The IRR4D+ is proudly manufactured in Miami, Florida.

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Installation Considerations

The IRR4D+ is a Decora-style module and is designed to use
standard Decora-style cover plates and mounting hardware.
Decora cover plates (up to 6-gang) with color-matched
plate screws are available from your Niles dealer.

Using the Power Status Display

The green power status LED can only be activated by a
“power status” broadcast from a Niles IR main system unit
(IRP2+, IRP6+, IRZ6+ or the RVL-6). The IR main system unit
will broadcast the power status signal if the preamp/receiver

and one end of a 12V DC wall adapter is plugged into

is on
the preamp/receiver’s switched AC outlet with the other end
connected to the IR main system unit’s Status input jack. See

(Figure 1) on page 5.
Note: The 12V DC wall adapter plugged into the switched

outlet of the receiver shown in the illustration (reverse side)
is not included with the IR main system unit. It should be
12V DC with a minimum of 100mA output. It can be
ordered through your Niles dealer (Stock# XF00009 12V DC
Wall Adapter).

P-Rings and Electrical Boxes

The mounting depth of the IRR4D+ is 2­installed, the unit extends 2­(assuming

1/2 " sheetrock). For installation, you must choose

1/4 " behind the sheetrock wall

between a standard light switch plaster ring (p-ring) or a

3/4". When

TOOLS

REQUIRED

• No. 2 Phillips
Screwdriver

• 1/8" Standard

Slotted Screwdriver

• 1/4" Standard

Slotted Screwdriver

• Wire Stripper

4

+

12
V

FLASHERS

FULL VAR

DATA

OUT

SENSOR INPUTS

G
N
D

D
A
T
A

+

12
V

G
N
D

D
A
T
A

G
N
D

D
A
T
A

+-+

-

MODEL

IRP2

+

FLASHER

LEVEL

IR

+

12V DC

POWER STATUS

IRR4D+ IR Sensor

12V DC Power Supply

(Supplied with the IRP2+

IR Main System Unit)

Plugged into an

Unswitched AC Outlet

Powers the System

Niles IR Flasher

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Power, IR Data, and Power Status Signal

via 2-conductor shielded wire

Stereo Receiver

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12V DC
Power Supply
(Not Supplied)

plugged into the
Switched Outlet

Niles Stock# XF00009

Figure 1

Connecting the IRR4D+ to a
Niles IRP2+ IR Main System

Unit broadcasting a status

feedback signal.

IRP2+ IR Main System Unit

NILES

Direct 12 volt

Status to the IR

Main System

Unit

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standard 18 cu. in. (or larger) electrical box. Suitable p-rings
and electrical boxes are available from your Niles dealer or
local electrical supply company. Using the p-ring is best
because it gives you unobstructed access to the full depth
of the wall. In some instances, the use of a p-ring may be
inappropriate, such as in a retro-fit (existing) installation, or
when building codes require that wall devices be enclosed
in electrical boxes. Contact your local building code and
inspection department if unsure.

Type of Cable

The IRR4D+ connects to the Niles Infrared Systems with an
individual home run of 2-conductor shielded cable.
Recommended cables are West Penn D291, Belden 8761,
Carol C2516 or equivalent, made of two 22 gauge (or larg­er) conductors surrounded by a foil shield and a bare drain
(ground) wire.

DO NOT USE UNSHIELDED CABLE WITH THE IRR4D+.

When running wires inside walls, most states and munici­palities in the U.S. specify that you must use a special type
of wire. Usually, the requirement is that the wire has a spe­cific "CL" fire rating, such as "CL-2" or "CL-3". Consult your
Niles dealer, building contractor, or local building and
inspection department if unsure about which type of wire is
best for your application.

"TECH TIP"

Wire size is

expressed by it's

AWG (American

Wire Gauge)

number. The lower

the AWG number,

the larger the wire,

i.e., 20 AWG wire is

physically larger than

22 AWG.

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IRR4D+ Mounting Location

Locating the IRR4D+ in the center of a room usually results
in the most even IR receiving coverage, especially if the
room is square shaped. Rooms that are L-shaped or long
and narrow require more careful consideration. With these
types of rooms, installing the IRR4D+ closest to the primary
location of the user will ensure the best performance.

Receiving Range and Pickup Angle

The receiving range of the IRR4D+ will vary according to
the IR output strength of the remote control being used.
Remote strength varies among brands depending on the
number and size of batteries used, and how many IR emit­ters the remote has. For example, remotes that operate on
two small AAA batteries and have only one IR emitter are
generally not as strong as remotes that use the larger AA
size batteries and have two emitters. Tests with various
manufacturers' remote controls have shown that the oper­ating range can vary from a minimum of 18 feet to a maxi­mum of about 30 feet.

Infrared signals travel essentially line-of-sight. They will not
pass through or around solid objects. Do not rely on an IR
signal being able to "bounce" off a wall or object to the
IRR4D+.

o

The IR pickup angle of the IRR4D+ is 60

off-axis (horizontal

and vertical) at 18 feet.

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Avoiding Interference

As with any type of IR sensor, avoid locating the IRR4D+
where it will be exposed to direct sunlight. The sun emits
an enormous amount of IR energy, many times stronger
than that of a hand-held remote. Although the AGC circuit­ry in the IRR4D+ automatically compensates for ambient
sunlight, keep in mind that the less sunlight the IRR4D+
receives, the better the range of the remotes.

If you must install the IRR4D+ in direct sunlight, it is recom­mended that you use the sunlight filter. Avoid locating the
IRR4D+ near any potential sources of electrical or optical
noise, such as light dimmers, florescent lighting fixtures,
low-voltage lights, and televisions (both tube-type and pro­jection-type).

DO NOT INSTALL THE IRR4D+ INTO ELECTRICAL BOXES
WITH 110 VOLT DEVICES.

Some states or municipalities allow devices such as the
IRR4D+ to be installed into the same electrical box as 110
volt devices, provided a "low-voltage partition" is used
between the devices. We do not recommend this. The
cable connected to the IRR4D+ can act as an "antenna" for
electrical noise. Locating the IRR4D+ cable too close to a
light dimmer or switch may interfere with the IRR4D+. If
you must locate the IRR4D+ near electrical devices, install it
in a separate metal electrical box, ground the box to the

8

a

Figure 2 Tape or

glue the sunlight
filter (a) to the rear
of the red lens on
the snap-on insert
(b). To remove the
insert, see page 10.

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electrical system ground, and route the IRR4D+ cable sever­al feet away from all electrical wiring.

Using the Sunlight Filter

The use of the sunlight filter will
reduce the receiving range of the
IRR4D+ to between eight and twelve
feet. The filter is installed behind the

red lens. Unsnap the Decora insert
(see page 10) and use tape or glue
to affix the filter to the rear of the
red lens see (Figure 2).

b

Avoiding Optical Feedback

If installing the IRR4D+ in the same
room as an IR flasher, it is possible
for the flasher's IR output to be
picked-up by the IRR4D+. This
effect, known as an optical feedback

loop, can cause erratic operation.
Optical feedback is similar to acoustical feedback: the howl­ing or whistling sound heard in a P.A. system when the
microphone is too close to the speaker. To avoid optical
feedback:

1. Lower the output power of the flasher(s) using the vari­able flasher level control(s) on the Niles IR main system
units.

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2. Re-position the flasher(s) and/or the sensor.

3. Use Niles IRC-2 flashers and cover them with the sup-

plied IR blockers.

Changing the Color of the IRR4D+

The Decora-style insert on the IRR4D+ is removable, allow­ing fast and easy color changes as needed. Inserts are avail­able in a variety of colors.

If you need to change the color of the IRR4D+:

1. Obtain the IRR4D+ Decora insert in the desired color
from your Niles dealer.

2. Hold the IRR4D+ as shown in (Figure 3). Locate the two
plastic mounting tabs at the top rear of the Decora insert.
Using two fingers, simultaneously press both tabs down
(towards the center of the insert) and forward (away from
you) until the insert pops free from its mounting slots.

3. Locate the new Decora insert. Hold the IRR4D+ so that it is
facing you. Insert the two bottom tabs into the bottom slots
first, followed by the two tabs on the top. Snap the insert
into place by carefully pressing on the front of the insert.

Figure3

Removing the

®

-style Insert

Decora

"TECH TIP"

Do not exert

excessive pressure

on the plastic

mounting tabs.

10

"TECH TIP"

Avoid installing the

IRR4D+ next to a

light dimmer.

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Installation

If you are installing the IRR4D+ into an existing wall, take
time to consider any possible obstructions which may be
hidden inside the wall, such as wood and metal studs; elec­trical, telephone or other types of wiring; plumbing; con­duit; old wall safes; etc

1. Install the electrical box or p-ring in the usual manner.

2. Run the cable to the IRR4D+. Label the cable for future

reference.

3. Make the connections to the IRR4D+. Locate the connec­tor on the IRR4D+ and remove it see (Figure 5). Next, strip
1/4" of insulation from the end of each wire. Tightly twist
the end of each wire until there are no frayed ends. Insert
each wire into the appropriate hole on the removable con­nector block; secure the wiring to the connector by tighten­ing the small connector screws. Double-check all connec­tions. Plug the connector back into its socket on the IRR4D+.

see (Figure 4)

.

Continued on page 13

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Figure 4

IRR4D+ Parts Guide

a

b

c

d

e

g

f

e

(a) Electrical Box
(b) 2-Conductor Shielded Cable
(c) IRR-4D IR Receiver (supplied)

g

(d) Snap-on Color Insert (supplied)
(e) Device Screws (2 supplied)
(f) Decora Faceplate (supplied)
(g) Faceplate Screws (2 supplied)

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IRR4D+ Wiring Configuration
PIN 1 = Red (+12V DC)

PIN 2 = Bare (GND)*
PIN 3 = Black (DATA)

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123

Bare

Red Black

Figure 5

Installing the

Connector

NOTE: The color code shown above is for West Penn D291
IR cable. Actual color code of recommended cables may vary.

13

* You must use the bare drain wire for the ground connection.

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4. Secure the IRR4D+ to the electrical box or p-ring. Insert
the 1

1/4 " long device screws into the oblong-shaped scr ew

holes on the top and bottom of the IRR4D+. Note that the
oblong shape of the screw holes allow you to position the
IRR4D+ so that it is vertical. Position the IRR4D+ so that the
screws are aligned with the threaded holes in the electrical
box or p-ring. Tighten the screws using a phillips screwdriver.
DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN. In some instances, you may need
to loosen these screws several turns to allow the IRR4D+ to fit
flush with the Decora cover plate. See (Figure 6).

5. Use the shorter plate screws to fasten the Decora cover
plate to the IRR4D+. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE PLATE
SCREWS OR YOU MAY DAMAGE THE COVER PLATE. Line
up all the screws in the same direction for a finished look.

NOTE: Certain "old work" or "retro-fit" boxes, such as the
Carlon B225R, have a plastic "lip" which interferes with the
Decora plate screws. This lip prevents you from being able
to tighten these screws completely. To make the clearance
necessary for these screws, you must remove the parts of
the lip causing the interference. There are two ways to
accomplish this:

1. Drill through the lip of the box at the screw points.

2. Cut notches into the lip with a pair of diagonal cutters.

Figure 6

Loosening the Screws

for a Flush Fit

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Operation

This manual contains instructions for the IRR4D+ only. For
specific information on the adjustment and operation of
your Niles Infrared system, please refer to the instruction
manual included with your Niles IR main system unit.

Operation of the IRR4D+ is straightforward. Simply aim your
hand-held remote at the IRR4D+. Your IR command is instant­ly repeated to your A/V equipment. A bicolor LED on the
IRR4D+ visually confirms remote control operation.

Troubleshooting

The bicolor LED on the front of the IRR4D+ is a useful trou­bleshooting aid.

The LED should light only when a remote command is
being received.

If the IRR4D+ does not work, and the LED does not light at all:

1. Test the remote control(s) by operating the A/V equip­ment directly. Replace the batteries if needed.

2. Double check the cable connections on all IRR4D+'s and
on the IR main system unit. Look for open, shorted or
reversed wires.

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If the IRR4D+ does not work, and the LED remains
solidly lit:

1. Double check the cable connections on all IRR4D+'s and
on the IR main system unit. Look for shorted or reversed
wires.

2. Test for interference from the following sources:

●

Reduce the amount of sunlight in the area of the IRR4D+.

●

Turn off florescent, neon or halogen lights in the room.

●

Turn off light dimmers, beginning with those closest to
the IRR4D+.

Observe the IRR4D+ LED while performing all the tests. It is
possible to have interference from more than one source.

There are many methods for reducing interference. Which
solution is best for you depends on your situation. Contact
Niles Technical Support at 1-800-289-4434 if you require
further assistance.

If the LED on the IRR4D+ "flickers" dimly, and the IRR4D+
functions normally, there is no cause for concern.

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SPECIFICATIONS

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IR System

Compatible with virtually all brands of remotes using carrier
frequencies between 26 and 60 kHz

IR Receiving Range

Varies depending on remote strength; 18-30' typical

IR Receiving Angle

60ooff-axis (horizontal and vertical) at 18'

Mounting

In-wall, fits into most 18 cu. in. single-gang electrical boxes at least
2-3/4" deep, Decora-style face plate

Wiring Requirements

Individual home-runs of 2-conductor shielded cable, West Penn D291
or equivalent

Unit Dimensions

1-5/8" wide x 2-5/8" high

Face Plate Dimensions

Decora wall plate; 2-3/4" wide x 4-1/2" high

Depth Behind Plate

2-3/4"

17

®

Niles Audio

Corporation

www.nilesaudio.com

12331 S.W. 130 Street

Miami, Florida 33186

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

©1999 Niles Audio Corporation All rights reserved. Because Niles constantly strives to improve the qual-

ity of its products, Niles reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. Niles, the
Niles logo and IntelliPad are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Decora is a registered
trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Company. Printed in USA 4/96 DS00162C