RDL RCX-5CM Users Manual

RCX™ ROOM COMBINING SYSTEM

Version 3.3

Table of Contents

1. System Overview……………………………………………………………………….. 2

2. Quick-Start / System Operation……………………………………………………….. 3

2.1 System Setup Guide………………………………………………………. 3

2.2 Equipment Planning and Wiring Guide…………………………………..4

2.3 System Operation………………………………………………………….. 5

3. System Setup……………………………………………………………………………. 6

3.1 Configuration Overview…………………………………………………….6

3.2 Instructions for Selecting Room Configuration…………………………. 7
Room Layout Diagrams…………………………………………………… 8

3.3 Instructions for Setting Power Amplifier Levels………………………….10

3.4 Instructions for Storing Preset Levels…………………………………….11

3.5 Instructions for Tandem Configuration Setup……….............................12

4. Equipment Planning and Wiring………………………………………………………..14

4.1Equipment Mounting and Prewiring Requirements…………………….. 14

4.1.1 Common Equipment Locations/System Controller…………….. 14

4.1.2 Room Audio Inputs………………………………………………… 14

4.1.3 Room Audio Control (Level and Source)………………………...14

4.1.4 Room Audio Control (Level only)………………………………… 15

4.1.5 Multiple Room Audio Controls……………………………………. 15

4.1.6 Room Combination Control Panels……………………………….15

4.1.7 Linking Two Groups of Rooms (Two Controllers)……………….16

4.1.8 Music Source……………………………………………………….. 16

4.1.9 Paging Source and Control………………………………………..16

4.1.10 Open Collector Status Outputs…………………………………… 16

4.1.11 Control Inputs………………………………………………………. 16

4.1.12 Audio Recording Outputs...........................................................16

4.2Equipment Wiring…………………………………………………………........17

4.2.1 Room Audio Input Wiring…………………………………………..17

4.2.2 Audio Output Wiring………………………………………………..19

4.2.3 Room Control Wiring……………………………………………….20

4.2.4 Background Music Input Wiring…………………………………...22

4.2.5 Paging Input Wiring………………………………………………...22

4.2.6 Connecting Auxiliary Controls and Products……………………. 23

4.2.7 RCX-CD1 Custom Control Panel………………………………… 24

5. Typical Performance……………………………………………………………………. 25

6. Mounting Dimensions……………………………………………………………………26

Radio Design Labs Technical Support Centers

U.S.A. [phone], [phone]; Fax: [phone]

Europe [NH Amsterdam] (++31) 20-6238 983; Fax: (++31) 20-6225-287

RDL • 659 N. 6th St. • Prescott, Az., USA 86301 • [phone] • FAX [phone] • http://rdlnet.com

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1. RCX System Overview

The RCX system is an engineered room combining system configured from a variety of related products. Each system requires
an RCX-5C* Controller plus an RCX Room Control for each room. A maximum of two RCX Room Controls may be installed in
each room. The Controller may be remote controlled using one or more customized RCX-CD1 Control/Display Panels.

RCX-5C Controller: The system controller accommodates a maximum of 5 rooms, combined in any adjacent arrangement.
Audio inputs from each room are: LINE (only), MIC+LINE (dynamic mic), MIC+LINE (condenser mic). A front-panel level knob
with LED metering is provided for each room input. MUSIC and PAGING inputs may feed each room if desired. Two RCX-5Cs
may be linked in larger systems where two groups of rooms need to be combined. The standard RCX-5C does not mute mics
in a room while listening to music.

RCX-5CM Controller: The RCX-5CM is an RCX-5C that mutes the mics in a room while listening to background music.

RCX-CD1 Control and Display Panel: This optional remote control panel is customized by RDL with room layout graphics

matching each installation. Room combination status information and selection is provided on the panel. Multiple panels may
be connected to the RCX-5C controller. The RCX-CD1 may be ordered with key lock protection (RCX-CD1L). The
RCX-CD1(L) mounts in an equipment rack (19”, 4RU) or on a wall using the optional RDL RCX-BZL wall mount bezel.

RCX-CD1L Control and Display Panel: The RCX-CD1L is an RCX-CD1 with a keylock to prevent selecting room combinations.
The room combination display operates with the keylock is in either the LOCKED or UNLOCKED position.

RCX-1 Room Control: The standard RCX remote control features pushbutton UP/DOWN volume adjustment, and pushbutton
selection between MUSIC and LOCAL (microphones and/or line level inputs). The RCX-1 mounts in an RDL WB-2U wall box.

RCX-2 Room Control: Pushbutton selection between MUSIC and LOCAL (microphones and/or line level inputs) is adjacent to
a large rotary optical encoder knob with an LED virtual pointer. The knob controls the audio volume. The RCX-2 mounts in an
RDL WB-2U wall box.

RCX-10R Room Control: This control provides level adjustment identical to the RCX-2 except without source selection. The
RCX-10R is suited to systems in which rotary control is preferred and that do not use the background music source. It may also
be used as a second (volume only) Room Control in a system that uses background music. The RCX10R mounts in an RDL
WB-1U wall box.

RCX-3/3S Room Controls: These remote controls provide the same features as the RCX1, but require a key to activate
source selection or volume adjustment. The absence of buttons or knobs make them ideally suited to institutional use. The
RCX-3 features ULTRASTYLE design; the RCX-3S is finished in stainless steel with gray trim. Either model mounts in an RDL
WB-2U wall box.

RCX-3R/3RS Room Controls: These remote controls provide up/down key operated volume control for systems that do not
use a background music source. The RCX-3R features ULTRASTYLE design; the RCX-3RS is finished in stainless steel with

gray trim. Either model mounts in an RDL WB-2U wall box.

Note: RCX-5C: When the MUSIC source is selected on an RCX-1, RCX-2 or RCX-3, the system background music is
switched on and the local inputs remain active, permitting users to make announcements over the music without selecting LOCAL
on the wall control. When LOCAL is selected, the background music is disabled in the room.
RCX-5CM: When the MUSIC source is selected on an RCX-1, RCX-2 or RCX-3, the system background music is switched on
and the local inputs are muted. When LOCAL is selected, the background music is disabled in the room.

RCX-J1 Microphone Input Panel: This input panel provides a microphone input (XLR).

RCX-J2 Line Input Panel: This input panel installs in a room to provide a stereo unbalanced line level input (phono jacks). The

line inputs are passively mixed to mono and transformer balanced.

RCX-J3 Microphone + Line Input Panel: This input panel installs in a room to provide both a microphone input (XLR) and a
stereo unbalanced line level input (phono jacks). The line inputs are passively mixed to mono and transformer balanced.

RCX-A2 Audio Output Panel: This output panel provides two -10 dBV (left and right) outputs from the room audio signal. The
RCX-A2 is mounted in a room to allow users to record the audio in that room. The output signals are transformer isolated from

the room amplifier feed.

Note: The RCX-J1, J3 and A2 mount in RDL WB-1U wall boxes.

*Unless otherwise stated, references to the RCX-5C apply to all current RCX-5C models.

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2. QUICK-START / SYSTEM OPERATION

2.1 System Setup Guide
The QUICK-START System Setup Guide is intended to familiarize new users with system setup. It is also
intended as a functional installation guide and checklist for installers who have previously connected and set up
an RCX system. The complete RCX instructions in Sections 3 and 4 should be read, understood and followed
for first time installations.

SELECT ROOM CONFIGURATION

1] Hold Button 1 in while powering up the

RCX-5C. LED 1 flashes during setup.

2] Find room layout (Section 3.2). Set rear-

panel MODE switch and buttons as shown.

3] Only if ‘continuous’ remote inputs are used,

set Button ALL LED to on.

(Default inputs are ‘momentary’ as required if RCX-CD1 is connected to RCX-5C)

4] Push Button 1 to save settings, exit Room Configuration Setup and assume normal operation.

SET POWER AMPLIFIER LEVELS

1] Turn power amplifier gain off for room being adjusted.
2] On RCX Room Control, select LOCAL and ramp level to maximum.
3] Connect a typical source (usually mic) providing usual audio level.
4] Use front-panel dual-LED meter to set corresponding level knob.
5] Adjust power amplifier gain for the maximum level ever desired.
6] Ramp level off and repeat for all other rooms.

STORING PRESET LEVELS

Note: Default preset levels are 18 dB below max.; storing
new levels is optional.

1] Set all room levels off by repowering RCX-5C

with the rear-panel PRESET button held in.

2] Turn level up to desired level (on only one RCX room

control at a time).

3] Push PRESET button; LED will illuminate steady for 3 seconds.

(If more than one room is turned up (not off), LED flashes indicating error.)
4] Ramp level to off position (red LED on) and repeat steps 1-3 for other rooms.
5] If MUSIC is used, repeat steps 1-4, but set RCX Room Controls for MUSIC source.

SET UNCOMBINED ROOMS TO USE EITHER THE PRESET OR LAST LEVEL USED

1] Set the IND RM LEVEL rear panel switch to PRST if the preset level is desired upon selecting

the LOCAL source in any uncombined room; or
2] Set the IND RM LEVEL switch to LAST to return to the last local level setting upon selecting LOCAL.

TANDEM LEVEL CONTROL AND/OR SOURCE SELECTION

Note: Room level control and source selection initially default to TANDEM; storing other modes is optional. (TANDEM control
causes the RCX Room Control(s) in a combined room to control the level and/or source selection in all associated combined
rooms. When MUSIC LOCKOUT source selection mode is active, the controller will force all Room Controls to the LOCAL source
when the associated room is combined. If any room in the system is equipped only with Room Controls that do not provide
source selection [RCX-10R, RCX-3R, RCX-3RS], then the MUSIC LOCKOUT mode must be programmed.)

1] Repower RCX-5C with Button ALL held in. LED ALL flashes during setup.
2] Set Button 1 LED on for TANDEM volume control (factory default); off for INDEPENDENT
3] Set Button 2 LED on for TANDEM source select (factory default); off for MUSIC LOCKOUT
4]

Push Button ALL to save settings, exit Tandem Configuration Setup and resume operation.

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2.2 Equipment Planning and Wiring Guide

Minimum rectangular

MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS

Width Height

RCX-A2 Use RDL WB-1U (US/International) or US single electrical box* 1.80” (4.60 cm) x 2.73” (6.93 cm)
RCX-J1 Use RDL WB-1U (US/International) or US single electrical box* 1.80” (4.60 cm) x 2.73” (6.93 cm)
RCX-J2 Use RDL WB-1U (US/International) or US single electrical box* 1.80” (4.60 cm) x 2.73” (6.93 cm)
RCX-J3 Use RDL WB-1U (US/International) or US single electrical box* 1.80” (4.60 cm) x 2.73” (6.93 cm)
RCX-1 Use RDL WB-2U (US/International) or US double electrical box** 3.55” (9.02 cm) x 2.73” (6.93 cm)
RCX-2 Use RDL WB-2U (US/International) or US double electrical box** 3.55” (9.02 cm) x 2.73” (6.93 cm)
RCX-3 Use RDL WB-2U (US/International) or US double electrical box** 3.55” (9.02 cm) x 2.73” (6.93 cm)
RCX-10R Use RDL WB-1U (US/International) or US single electrical box* 1.95” (4.95 cm) x 2.73” (6.93 cm)
RCX-5C Rackmounted, 1RU, leave ventilation above and below
RCX-CD1(L)Rackmounted, 4RU; Wallmounted using RDL RCX-BZL

* Note that US single gang masonry boxes are a substandard width not suitable for these products.
**If US “square” electrical box is installed with a mud ring, use the RDL MR-2 (available separately)
in place of any mud ring that does not provide the minimum required rectangular clearance.

WIRING REQUIREMENTS

RCX-5C Audio inputs and outputs use standard single shielded pair.

Interconnect with other RCX components using wires listed below:
RCX-A2 Single shielded pair audio wire (normally 24 gauge / 0.22 mm2 or heavier)
RCX-J1 Single shielded pair audio wire (normally 24 gauge / 0.22 mm2 or heavier)
RCX-J2 Single shielded pair audio wire (normally 24 gauge / 0.22 mm2 or heavier)
RCX-J3 Two shielded pairs audio wire (normally 24 gauge / 0.22 mm2 or heavier)
RCX-1 5 conductors, or two shielded pairs (normally 24 gauge** / 0.22 mm2 or heavier)
RCX-2 5 conductors, or two shielded pairs (normally 24 gauge** / 0.22 mm2 or heavier)
RCX-3 5 conductors, or two shielded pairs (normally 24 gauge** / 0.22 mm2 or heavier)
RCX-10R 4 conductors (normally 24 gauge** / 0.22 mm2 or heavier)
RCX-CD1 15 conductors (normally 24 gauge** / 0.22 mm2 or heavier)

clearance inside box

** For wire lengths 100 m (330 ft) to 300 m (1000 ft), 20 gauge / 0.5 mm2 (min.) wire is required.

For wire lengths 300 m (1000 ft) to 600 m (2000 ft), 18 gauge / 1.0 mm2 (min.) wire is required.

Notes: 1] A maximum of two Room Controls (RCX-1, RCX-2, RCX-3, RCX-10R) may be installed in

each room by continuing the wiring run from the first remote to the second remote, or by

making a ‘home run’ from each Room Control back to the RCX-5C.

2] Multiple RCX-CD1 panels may be connected to a single RCX-5C by continuing the wiring run

from the first RCX-CD1 to subsequent RCX-CD1s, or by making a ‘home run’ from each

RCX-CD1 back to the RCX-5C.

WIRING DETAILS

Audio wiring follows industry standards for balanced and unbalanced wiring. Unbalanced inputs require that the
“-” input terminal be connected to ground. Unbalanced outputs are connected between “+” and ground; no
connection to “-”.

RCX Room Controls wire directly to the corresponding numbered terminal on the rear of the controller: 1 to 1,
2 to 2, 3 to 3, 4 to 4, 5 to 5, 6 to 6.

Use a standard stereo RCA patchcord to link two RCX-5C controllers together.

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2.3 System Operation

AUDIO INPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT

There are 5 audio input level knobs on the RCX-5C front panel. Above each knob is a corresponding RDL dual­LED VU meter. When audio from a room is present, the green LED should pulse brightly with the red LED
flashing only occasionally. When mics (or other sources) are set up in a room for a sound check, adjust the
corresponding RCX-5C front panel input knob for the correct level on the dual-LED VU meter.

COMBINING AND UNCOMBINING ROOMS

There are 6 pushbuttons on the front panel of the RCX-5C. Five buttons correspond to walls that may divide an
area into separate rooms. When a wall is open, adjacent rooms are combined to form a single room. Push the
button that corresponds to the open wall to combine the audio in the adjacent rooms. The green LED above the
button glows when the adjacent rooms are combined. Pressing the button again will uncombine the rooms.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ROOMS ARE COMBINED

When rooms are combined, the audio jack(s) in each combined room are mixed together, and the combined
audio feeds the speaker amplifiers in each of the combined rooms. When a room combination button is pushed,
the audio level in each of the affected rooms is automatically set to a ‘preset’ level determined by the installer if
the RCX-5C is in the TANDEM level mode. If the RCX-5C is in the INDEPENDENT level mode, entering a combination
sets each room to LOCAL and selects either the preset or last local level used, depending on the position of the rear
panel IND RM LEVEL switch. If the factory defaults were not changed during initial setup, the controls in each
combined room operate in tandem. Source selection or volume adjustment is possible from any control in the
combined room. (The installer may set up the system to leave the volume adjustment independent in each room, or
to lock out the MUSIC source from being selected when rooms are combined.)

COMBINING ALL ROOMS
Pushing Button ALL causes all active rooms in the system to be combined and all Room Controls to be set to the
LOCAL source. It also causes all audio levels to be set to the levels described in preceding section. All (microphone

and/or line level) audio inputs in the rooms will be heard in all rooms. If the RCX-5C is linked to another RCX-5C, the
audio in all rooms on both controllers is sent to the speaker amplifiers associated with both controllers when ALL
combine is selected on both controllers.

VISUAL CONTROL PANEL

If the system installation includes an RCX-CD1, adjacent rooms may be combined or uncombined according to
a button placed on a graphic view of the room layout. Each combine button on the
RCX-CD1 is located in a ‘wall’, and each such button corresponds to a front-panel button on the RCX-5C
controller. Pushing a button shown in a ‘wall’ combines the adjacent rooms and turns on its associated green
LED. Pushing the button again deselects the combination. The RCX-5C front-panel buttons remain active with
an RCX-CD1 connected. The RCX-CD1 also provides an ALL combine button with LED, and may be equipped
with a key lock (RCX-CD1L) to enable/disable the buttons.

ERROR INDICATION

Rooms must be combined with adjacent rooms to form a single larger room. If two separate pairs of rooms have
been combined, pushing a button between the two groups results in an error. An error is indicated by rapid
flashing of the red LED above the ALL combine button.

PAGING

Activate the installer-provided switch to page into all rooms. Paging interrupts all other audio and overrides the
individual levels set in each room. Two seconds after the paging switch is released, all audio returns to the
previous sources and levels.

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3. System Setup

3.1 CONFIGURATION OVERVIEW

As shipped from the factory, the controller is configured as a 2 Room System with momentary REMOTE control
inputs, tandem ‘combined room’ volume controls, tandem ‘combined room’ source selection and ‘preset’ stored
levels set midscale. If this is your system, you may skip the configuration section.

3.1.1 Required:

If your system has more than two rooms, it must be configured prior to operation. This may be done with the
controller installed in the rack, or more easily on the bench prior to installation. The configuration is permanently
stored. Once saved, this setup does not need to be repeated. If there is a future change in the room layout (such
as a renovation to add a new room), the controller may be reconfigured (5 rooms max.).

Configuration is simple and straightforward. Only four parameters must be selected. If the factory default is
set to the desired parameter, then no action is required by the installer.

1] Select Configuration of Rooms

Number and Layout of Rooms (from Room Layouts diagrams, Section 3.2)

2] Set REMOTE inputs (if used) as MOMENTARY or CONTINUOUS

Controller rear-panel control inputs must be set to MOMENTARY (factory default) if a remote
pushbutton panel is to be used to select room configurations. These inputs are set to CONTINUOUS
if the controller is intended to switch automatically based on continuous closures provided by external
switches (example: magnetic switches triggered by the position of moving partitions). Note: If the
CONTINUOUS mode is selected, then applying an external switch closure to a particular input will
over-ride and disable the associated front-panel button until the switch opens. In the absence of an
external closure, the front-panel buttons will function normally.

3] Select INDEPENDENT or TANDEM room level control

TANDEM control (factory default) allows any RCX Room Control to adjust the level simultaneously
in all the rooms comprising the larger combined room. (The TANDEM mode may be preferred in
systems that allow overhead speakers to be disabled in the area where microphones are used, or
that have feedback controllers installed.) INDEPENDENT control allows the level in each room to
be independently adjusted when the room is part of a larger combined room. (This setting may be
preferred in installations that do not have feedback control or the provision to turn off overhead
loudspeakers in the area where microphones are used.)

4] Select TANDEM or MUSIC LOCKOUT source selection

TANDEM control (factory default) allows any RCX Room Control that provides source selection to
select the MUSIC or LOCAL source simultaneously in all the rooms comprising the larger combined
room. MUSIC LOCKOUT mode disables the MUSIC source selection in any room that is combined.
This setting may be preferred by a facility wishing to preclude the possibility of background music
being turned on after a combined room has been set up.

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3.1.2 Optional:

The controller allows the installer to store PRESET audio volume levels for each room. This setup may be done
only after completion of physical installation and wiring of the system. Two separate preset levels are stored per
room; one for the MUSIC input, one for the LOCAL input. Storing the correct level for a ‘typical’ room use will
facilitate subsequent system operation. For example, a mic can be set up in a room, and a room combination
selected on the controller. Selecting the room combination sets the associated room audio sources to LOCAL
and sets the volume to the stored value. Therefore, no further action is required to prepare for normal room use;
level changes can always be made in the room if desired.

As shipped from the factory, the RCX Room Control audio level will be halfway up when either input is selected
in any room. The factory setting allows levels to be adjusted +/- 18 dB in each room. This range is suitable for
many facilities, simplifying installation by making level storage unnecessary.

3.1.3

If the TANDEM control mode is active and a room is made part of a combination, its source is set to LOCAL and the
level is set to PRESET. If the INDEPENDENT control mode is active, a newly combined room’s level will go to the last
stored local level if the IND RM LEVEL switch is set to the LAST position. The audio level in the room may then be
adjusted to a different volume. If MUSIC is selected in the combined room, the last LOCAL level setting is stored in
memory. Upon reselecting LOCAL, the volume returns to the last level. In a room that is not part of a combination, the
LOCAL level can be set to return either to PRESET or to the LAST LOCAL level setting when the room source is
switched from MUSIC to LOCAL. If the RCX-5C rear panel IND RM LEVEL switch is set to the PRST PRESET
position, the audio level will always return to the stored local preset level when a user switches the room source from
MUSIC to LOCAL. If the RCX-5C rear panel IND RM LEVEL switch is set to the LAST position, the audio level will
always return to the previous local level when a user switches the room source from MUSIC to LOCAL.

3.2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELECTING ROOM CONFIGURATION

1] Hold Button 1 in while powering up the controller; release it when the LED above it turns on. The LED
above Button 1 will flash to indicate the ROOM CONFIGURATION setup mode is active. It will continue to flash
until the configuration settings are saved.

(Note: DO NOT push Button 1 again until you are done selecting the correct configuration settings. Pushing Button 1 stores the
configuration and exits the configuration mode. If you accidentally push Button 1 prematurely, you may re-enter the configuration
mode by repeating Step 1.)

2] Find your room layout from the diagrams on the following pages. Set the rear-panel MODE SWITCH to the
position shown. Then set the button LEDs on or off as shown on the button diagram associated with your layout.
The LEDs toggle on/off each time buttons are pushed.

(Note: If you push a button that would also require another LED to be set ‘on’ (or ‘off’), the controller will automatically set the
other LED(s) ‘on’ (or ‘off’) to simplify your setup. If no MODE SWITCH position is indicated, then the switch may be in any
position.)

3] Set the REMOTE CONTROL input terminals for CONTINUOUS closure operation if desired. (Factory
default is MOMENTARY.) CONTINUOUS operation is selected by toggling Button ALL LED on. (CONTINUOUS
mode is used if the RCX-5C is controlled by external switches activated by wall positions.)

4] Push Button 1 to save your settings. LED 1 will stop flashing and the system enters the normal operating mode.

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2 ROOM SYSTEM

3 ROOM SYSTEMS

Room Layout Diagrams

4 ROOM SYSTEMS

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