Niles Audio TS120 User Manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE

TABLETOP IR SENSOR

TS12 0

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you for choosing the TS120 Tabletop Infrared Remote Sensor from Niles. With proper
installation and operation, you should enjoy years of trouble-free use.

Niles manufactures the industry’s most complete line of custom installation components and
accessories for audio/video systems. To see the complete Niles product assortment, visit us on the
internet at: www.nilesaudio.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 1

Contents 1

Features and Benefits 2

Installation Considerations 3

Installation 7

Operation 9

Troubleshooting 10

Specifications 13

Limited Warranty 16

II

INTROdUCTION

The Niles TS120 is a tabletop infrared sensor designed for use with the Niles infrared extender
systems.

Installed in a remote room location, the TS120 receives the IR commands transmitted from your
hand-held remote(s). The IR commands are carried via a CAT-5 cable to your A/V equipment in
another room, and instantly “repeated”.

The TS120 represents one of the 3 building blocks necessary to complete a Niles IR repeating
system:

• IR Main System Unit—Models MSU140, MSU250, MSU480 and MSU440Z.

• IR Sensors/Keypads—Models WS120, TS120, MS120, MS220, CS120 and the IntelliPad

®

.

• IR Flashers—Models MF1, MF1VF, MF2, MF2VF and the IRB1.

An IR sensor expansion unit, Model IRH610, is available for IR repeater systems used in more than
six rooms.

CONTENTS

Check that your TS120 Tabletop Infrared Sensor contains the following:

• TS120

• Removable Connector

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 1-305-238-4373

1

FEATURES ANd BENEFITS

The TS120 offers a number of improvements over other tabletop IR sensors.

• Wideband High-Fidelity Design enables operation with virtually any brand of equipment

• Patent Pending Universal Noise Suppression Design enables operation in virtually any
environment: near plasma and LCD displays, compact uorescent lights, and indirect sunlight

• Excellent IR receiving range—you get 20’ to 35’ of remote control range (depending upon the
strength of your handheld remote)

• Small size of only 2-7/8” wide x 1-1/16” high x 3-1/8 deep— ts almost anywhere.

• Printed circuit board design uses surface mount technology, assuring high reliability

• Ideal for both home and commercial installations

• Non-skid, non-scratch feet

• Two year parts and labor limited warranty

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INSTALLATION CONSIdERATIONS

TypE OF CABLE

The TS120 connects to the Niles infrared main system unit or IRH610 sensor expansion hub with an
individual home run of CAT-5 cable. 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.

TS120 MOUNTING LOCATION

The TS120 is ideal for use in applications when ceiling or wall-mounting is undesirable. Its small size
and unobtrusive appearance makes it ideal for installation in existing homes or cabinets with great
ease and minimal custom work. Installing the TS120 close to the primary location of the user will
ensure best performance.

The TS120 is designed to mount over or under almost any flat horizontal surface. Convenient
mounting locations for the TS120 are:

• On top of a television set

• On a shelf in an entertainment center

• Under a shelf in an entertainment center

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 1-305-238-4373

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INSTALLATION CONSIdERATIONS (continued)

RECEIvING RANGE ANd pICkUp ANGLE

The receiving range of the TS120 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 20’ to a maximum of about 35’.

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 TS120. The IR pickup angle
of the TS120 is 30° off-axis (horizontal and vertical) at 25’.

AvOIdING ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE

Avoid locating the TS120 near any potential sources of electrical or optical noise, such as light
dimmers, low-voltage lights, and neon lights.

AvOIdING OpTICAL FEEdBACk

If installing the TS120 in the same room as an IR flasher, it is possible for the flasher’s IR output
to be picked-up by the TS120. 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. Re-position the asher(s) and/or the sensor.

2. Use Niles MF series ashers and cover them with the supplied IR blockers.

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