Wintal A-1161 Instruction Manual

Volume Control with IR Receiver Instruction Manual A-1161

The A-1161 Volume Control is a wall-mount stereo
speaker-level volume control with built-in IR Receiver. It
connects between the speaker outputs of an amplifier or
receiver and a pair of speakers.
The A-1161 is matching the minimum output impedance of
the amplifier or receiver, in addition to adjusting volume. It
eliminates the need for a speaker selector or impedance
matching equipment.

IMPORTANT: Before installation, review the manuals
included with each component in your system. If you are
unsure of any of the installation procedures described
herein or elsewhere, consult a professional electronics
installer.

A-1161 FEATURES

1. Rotary control of volume level and speaker on/off

2. IR receiver

3. LED indicator for source component on/off status

4. Impedance matching

5. Fits standard faceplates
SPECIFICATIONS

Volume Control Component

Power Handling (/ch): 300 watts max; 100watts RMS

continuous

Input Impedance: Config. to 1x, 2x, 4x, or 8x

impedance matching
Quick Connect Terminals: Accept up to 12-gauge wire
Attenuation: 12 steps including off; total

attenuation 54 dB
Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz, +/- 2 dB at

rated power
Mounting: Fits most single-gang junction

boxes
Dimensions: 42W x 103H x 103D mm
Weight: 456g

Infrared Component

Receiver Frequency: 34 kHz to 40 kHz
Transmit Frequency: 34 kHz to 40 kHz
Range On-Axis: 55 ft. to 80 ft.
Range off-Axis: 30 ft.
Main Power: 12 VDC, 31 mA max.
Status Power: 12 VDC, 3 mA max.
Wire Requirements: 2 twisted pair, with or without

shield

INSTRUCTIONS

CONSIDERATIONS

1. Make sure that your amplifier has adequate wattage for

the number of speakers. Watts per channel divided by
the number of pairs should equal or exceed the individual
speaker’s minimum wattage requirements.

2. You must use one A-1161 volume control for each pair of

speakers.

3. Every switch setting must be set on the same setting

throughout the system.

4. A minimum speaker load of 4 ohms can be connected to

the output of each A-1161 volume control.

A-1139 IR CONNECTING BLOCK (OPTIONAL)
The A-1139 IR connecting block allows IR signals received
by the A-1161 to be easily distributed to multiple source
components via A-1141and or A-1 142 emitters.

SET THE CORRECT SWITCH POSITION FOR
IMPEDANCE MATCHING

Important: A minimum speaker load of 4 ohms can be
connected to the output of each A-1161 volume control.

The switch must be set in a position that correctly multiplies
the impedance of the system to a level that is equal to or
greater than the impedance of the amp.

1. Determine the amplifier's minimum impedance (as listed
in its owner’s manual or on its back panel).

2. Choose the correct impedance-matching chart (8 ohm or
4 ohm) shown on the 3rd page. If your amplifier is 6-ohm,
use the 8-ohm chart. Count pairs of 6-ohm speakers as
4-ohm pairs.

3. Determine the total number of 4-ohm pairs of speakers
(rows on charts)

4. Determine the total number of 8-ohm pairs of speakers
(columns on charts)

5. See the switches on all of the controls (A-1161) to the
same position (1x, 2x, 4x, or 8x) as shown in the
illustrations on the 3rd page.

WIRING INSTRUCTIONS

Type of Speaker Wire

For most applications, we recommend you use 16 or 18
gauge, stranded copper speaker wire for the A-1161
speaker connections. For wiring runs longer than 100 feet,
12 gauge wire is recommended. Using speaker wire larger
than 12 gauge for A-1161 Volume Controls is not
recommended as the wire may not fit into the connectors.

Amplifier & Speaker Connections

1. Connect the leads from the amplifier’s speaker outputs to
the connector labeled INPUT on the A-1161. Make sure
to maintain polarity (+, –) as well as channel identification
(Left, Right).

CAUTION: Do not reverse the input and output

connections!!
NOTE: A majority of receivers are designed to operate at a
rating of 8 ohms. On receivers that offer A and B speaker
outputs, the A and B connections share the same amplifier.
It is important to note, due to the way many receivers are
wired, that when using impedance matching devices, such
as A-1161 volume controls, it is recommended to wire all
speakers to the A output.

2. Connect the OUTPUT on each A-1161 volume control to

a pair of speakers.

IR Receiver and Status Line Connections

1. Connect the IR and Status wires to the A-1139

connecting block as illustrated. The A-1139 input
connector is designed to accept up to 12 AWG wire. If
you are using multiple A-1161 volume controls, use
thinner 24 AWG wire and bundle the IR and Status wires
together.

2. Use two-pair shielded wire (or equivalent) to extend IR

and status wires to the IR connecting block for best
results.

INSTALLATION

The total mounting depth from the wallplate/faceplate to the back of the A-1161 is 3.2". You must
use a minimum of a standard light switch plaster ring (P-Ring) or a standard 20 cu. in. (or larger)
electrical box. Suitable P-Rings and electrical boxes are available from your local electrical
supply company. Using the P-Ring during new construction is best because it gives you
unobstructed access to the full depth of the wall (some building codes require that wall devices
be enclosed in electrical boxes; check your local building code).

Do not install the A-1161 into electrical boxes with 110V devices. Speaker wires can act as an
“antenna” for electrical noise.

Locating speaker wires too close to a light switch or dimmer switch may cause a “humming” or
“buzzing” sound to be heard through the speakers. If you must locate the Volume Control near
electrical devices, install it in a separate metal electrical box, ground the box to the electrical
system ground, and route the speaker wires several feet away from the electrical wiring.
Install the completed A-1161 assembly in the electrical box. Insert carefully to avoid excessive
strain on wire connections. Taking the time to feed excess wire out the back of the electrical box
will help you with the final mounting.

OPERATION

1. Make sure your audio receiver is OFF and set its volume all the way down.

2. Set the A-1161 volume to maximum (fully clockwise).

3. Make certain the receiver volume is all the way down. Then turn on the receiver and select a
music source, such as tuner or CD player.

4. Slowly turn up the receiver volume and set it to a comfortable (not maximum) listening level.
Be careful not to overdrive your receiver. If the sound becomes muddy or distorted, you have
reached the limit of your receiver’s volume capability and should quickly reduce the volume to
avoid damaging your speakers.
NOTE: 12 o’clock (50%) on most receivers is full volume. A receiver that is being driven
beyond its potential will produce DC voltage (clipping) which will not pass through a
transformer, resultin g in improper signal transfer and possible amplifier shutdown or dam age.

5. Use the A-1161 to adjust the speaker volume to the desired listening level.

6. You can turn off the speakers in each room by turning the knob on the A-1161 fully

counter-clockwise.