Xantech DL85K Users Guide

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

DL85K

Dinky Link™ Surface Mount

Plasma\LCD\LED\CFL Friendly

IR Receiver

DESCRIPTION

These small IR receivers have been designed for mounting in very small
spaces. They may be mounted under shelf edges, cabinet ledges, in wall
speakers, etc. – anywhere an inconspicuous appearance is desired. The high
sensitivity of these receivers allows placement behind speaker grilles and still
receive IR commands up to 80 feet away*.

FEATURES

• Wire channel for clean installation.

• System testing red-talk-back LED.

• Includes 789-44 connecting block, power supply, and four 283D emitters
for easy system installation.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Infrared carrier frequency bandwidth: 25 - 60 kHz.

• Reception range: Up to 80 feet.*

• Reception angle: +/- 60 degrees.

• Cable requirements: See “INSTALLATION” below.

• Max. Transmission length: 1 mile using 18 gauge wire.

• Maximum current output: 100mA.

• Drives IR emitters through Xantech Connecting Blocks, Controllers, etc.

• Dimensions: 2.55” x 0.55” x 0.35” (65mm x 14mm x 9mm).

• Power requirements: +12VDC, 10mA.

* Depending on remote control output strength and ambient conditions.

MOUNTING

The IR receiver can be mounted to any flat surface, using the two-sided
adhesive tape supplied.

An additional feature is a wire channel on the rear of the surface mount IR
receiver. This will give the installer the ability to provide clean wire dressing in
any direction.

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I

INSTALLATION

QUICK-START

A typical system will use an IR receiver, several emitters, and a power supply
all connected to a connecting block.

1. Connect the IR receiver to the “IR RCVR” port on the connecting
block. The ‘red’ connector is installed to the ‘red’ plug.

Note: In some extended distances, additional 3-conductor may be
required and can be connected to the terminals on the connecting
block.

2. Connect the Emitters to the connecting block. The ‘yellow’ connector
is installed to the ‘yellow’ plug.

3. Connect the power supply to the connecting block.

781ERGPS

To 120V AC

DL Series

R Receiver

(mounted on or
near cabinet in an
inconspicuous
location).

Red

Talk back LE D

Hand Hel

Remote

IR Phot odio de

d

(unswitched)

789-44

Connecting Block

12VD C

CONNECTING BLOCK

+12 VDC

GND

STATUS

IR IN

®

RCVR

IR

789-44

EMITTERS

MAIN ROOM

REMOTE ROOM APPLICATION

One application is to locate the IR receiver in a remote room. This will give the
end-user the ability to control audio/video equipment from a location where
the remote control no longer has the ability of direct line-of-sight.

The IR receiver will need the 3.5mm stereo type mini plug removed to extend
the wire run to the connecting block. A 3-terminal block can be purchased
separately to connect the IR receiver to the connecting block with a 3­conductor inter-room cable in between.

Satellite Receiver

283D Emitter

DVD

283D Emitter

A/V Receiver

283D Emitter

The 3-conductor inter-room cable (24 gauge up to 200’, 22 gauge up to 600’,
20 gauge up to 2000’, 18 gauge up to 5000’), is run to the main room.

Red (or white)
Stripe

7' Ribbon Cable

3-Terminal Block (not included)

DL Series

IR Receiver

Red

Talkb ack LED

IR OUT

+12V

GND

REMOTE ROOM

IRPhotodiode

3-Conductor
Inter-room Cable
(unshielded OK)

Hand Hel d

Remote

781ERGPS

To 120V AC
(unswitched)

Connecting Block

12VDC

+12 VDC

GND

STATUS

IR IN

RCVR

789-44

IR

Satellite Receiver

283D Emitter

DVD

CONNECTING BLOCK

789-44

EMITTERS

®

MAIN ROOM

283D Emitter

A/V Receiver

283D Emitter

Input connections must be made as illustrated. To extend the emitter wires to
a more distant location, you may splice in 2-conductor wire, in the wire
gauges mentioned before, as needed.

While it is possible to make wired connections without the connecting block, it
is not recommended. The connecting block reduces installation time, helps to
eliminate errors, allows easy troubleshooting and permits easy system
upgrades later, if needed.

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3

LOCAL SYSTEM APPLICATION

Another application is to locate the IR receiver in a central location, such as
the TV, video screen and/or a speaker. The audio/video equipment can then
be hidden inside a cabinet or located away from the front of a room. This will
give the end-user the ability to direct a remote control to one central location
and not have to worry about aiming to the respective device to be controlled.

DL Series

IR Receiver

(mounted on or
near cabinet in an
inconspicuous
location).

Red

Talkb ack LE D

Hand Hel

Remote

IR Phot odio de

d

7 Foot Ribbon
Cable with Quick
Connect Mini Plug

781ERGPS

To 120V AC

(unswitched)

791-44

Amplified

Connecting Bloc k

HIGH

OUT

IR

RCVR

IR

+1 2 V D C

GN D

STA TU S

IR I N

AMPLIFIE D

CONNECTING BLOCK

®

12 VDC

Satellite Receiver

Emitter

VCR

Emitter

EMITTERS

791- 44

AV Receiver

Emitter

CD Changer

Cassette Deck

Emitter

1.

Dinky-Link (DL) IR Receiver Kit

DESCRIPTION

The DL Series Kit comes with everything needed for a complete IR repeater
system. With a Xantech IR Kit, equipment can now be concealed for clean
room design. In addition, a centralized IR receiver means there is only one IR
target resulting in improved remote control interaction. Featuring color-coded
connectors, a Xantech IR Kit is now an easy to install, and allows a worry-free
installation.

INCLUDED ITEMS

ITEM A: (1) DL Series IR Receiver

Controlled Equipment
(mounted behind
closed cabinet doors)

Emitter

The IR receiver is in close proximity to the audio/video equipment, no wiring
extension should be required so long as the connecting block is within reach
of the 7-foot cable. The 3.5mm stereo type mini plug is connected to the “IR
RCVR” jack on the Xantech Connecting Block.

PLACEMENT

The IR receiver should be located so that it is not directly facing a light source
such as lamps or displays (standard, LCD, and Plasma). When mounted near
a display, it should be flush to the display and away from light reflections that
may occur.

ITEM B: (1) 784-44 Connecting Block

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5

ITEM C: (4) 283D Designer Emitters

STEP 3:

Plug in the 283D Designer Emitters 3.5mm mono mini plug (ITEM C) into the
jacks labeled EMITTERS on the 789-44 (ITEM B) and affix the opposite end
to the IR Sensor Window of the controlled equipment. Extra double sided
adhesive tape is included.

The YELLOW connector connects to the YELLOW receptacle.

ITEM D: (1) 781ERGPS Power Supply

STEP 1:
Plug in the 2.1mm Coaxial power plug of the 781ERGPS Power Supply (ITEM
D) into the jack labeled 12VDC on the 789-44 Connecting Block (ITEM B).

Plug the AC end of the 781ERGPS Power Supply (ITEM D) into a ‘un­switched’ 120V AC Line outlet.

STEP 2:

Connect the 3.5mm stereo mini plug from the 481D IR Receiver (ITEM A) to
the ‘IR RCVR’ input located on the 789-44 Connecting Block (ITEM B).

The RED connector connects to the RED receptacle.

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nected to a high impedance

Friendly’ IR Receivers (DL85/95, HL85/95,

used in direct sunlight and in the presence

free from any obstruction that might reflect

IR Troubleshooting Guide

NOTE: Due to the many variables in a given installation, the

troubleshooting countermeasures you will have to take may vary from job
to job. Each installation is different due to the number of IR receivers in
use, length of wire runs, type of wire, amount of ambient IR noise present,
etc…. Therefore, your countermeasures for a particular job will range
from nothing at all, to any combination of the solutions listed below.

IR Receivers: Model #’s DL, HL, ML, and WL series

Symptom #1: DIM or NO Talk Back LED during IR Reception or
reduced operational range

Cause: Solution

Weak Batteries in Transmitting

1.

Remote.
Bad Emitter or no emitter

2.
plugged into connecting block.

Signal wire between IR

3.

Receiver and the Connecting
Block is open.

Power Supply not putting out

4.

proper voltage.

Output from the IR
receiver/connecting block is

5.

con
IR input jack on a component.

Replace batteries.

Test emitter and verify wiring.

Recheck wiring.

Verify supply is a 12VDC regulated supply
reading between 11.5 to 13VDC under load.
Should be using Power Supply Model
781ERGPS (12VDC Regulated, 200mA) or
782ERGPS (12VDC Regulated, 1.2A)

If you are using a passive connecting block,
such as a 789-44, and the system is not
working, try the amplified connecting block,
model 791-44. Put one of the small plastic
case jumpers supplied with the block on the
pins next to the emitter jack. This will provide
the IR-in jack on the component with a hotter
signal.

Symptom #2: TB LED on IR Receiver (and/or Emitters) Dimly lit or
flickering

Cause: Solution

Signal and ground wires are
reversed or shorted either at the

1.
connecting block or IR receiver.

2.

Defective emitter.

Relatively high levels of ambient
noise. This can be due to any of

3.

the following: Sunlight, florescent
Lighting or Plasma Displays.

EMI induced noise. This can be
due to light dimmer controls or

4.

other radiating electronic devices
(PC’s or any poorly shielded
electronic device).

5. Plasma Interference

Recheck your wiring.

Replace Emitter

In this case use either a SUN filter
(SUNKIT), or any of our ‘Plasma/CFL

ML85/95, WL85/95). These can also be
of ‘tube style’ fluorescent lighting.

Reposition IR Receiver and/or cabling
away from emitting device. You can also
place a 470Ohm resistor in parallel with
the IR Signal and GND connections on
the connecting block. This will also help
alleviate any stray capacitance in the
cable.

Use an 85 or 95 series Plasma 'Friendly'
IR Receiver. If already using a 85 or 95
unit, please note the Plasma interference
can be reflected off of any item it comes
into contact with within approx. 3ft. From
the front of the display. Keeping this in
mind, make sure that the IR receiver is

back into the receiving eye.

6.

IR Receiver is inoperable.
(XTRALINK Only) RF

Amplifier is being used on

7.

same COAX Line anywhere
between the Coupler (CPL94)
and Injector (INJ94).

Replace Receiver.

Need to use a Bypass Kit (model BYPASS94
Kit) to route the IR control signals around the
amplifier(s).

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9

trols

Emitter or use TEST EMITTER to

ambient

the following: Sunlight, florescent

Friendly’ IR Receivers (DL85/95, HL85/95,

of the wire. Intermittent, or no IR

capacitance of the wire. This will allow the

Symptom #3: TB LED on IR Receiver (and/or Emitters) on solid

Cause: Solution

Use a 85 or 95 series Plasma 'Friendly'
Receiver. If already using a this unit, please
note the Plasma interference can be reflected

1. Plasma Interference

Voltage and Ground wires are

2.

reversed at the connecting
block or IR Receiver

Relatively high levels of
ambient noise. This can be

3.

due to any of the following:
Sunlight, florescent Lighting or
Plasma Displays.

EMI induced noise. This can
be due to light dimmer con

4.

or other radiating electronic
devices (PC’s or any poorly
shielded electronic device).

Power Supply not putting out

5.

proper voltage.

off of any item it comes into contact with within
approx. 3ft. From the front of the display.
Keeping this in mind, make sure that the IR
receiver is free from any obstruction that might
reflect back into the receiving eye.

Recheck your wiring.

In this case use either a SUN filter (SUNKIT),
or any of our ‘Plasma/CFL Friendly’ IR
Receivers (DL85/95, HL85/95, ML85/95,
WL85/95). These can also be used in direct
sunlight and in the presence of ‘tube style’
fluorescent lighting.

Reposition IR Receiver and/or cabling away
from emitting device. You can also place a
470Ohm resistor in parallel with the IR Signal
and GND connections on the connecting
block. This will also help alleviate any stray
capacitance in the cable.

Verify supply is a 12VDC regulated supply
reading between 11.5 to 13VDC under load.

Symptom #4: TB LED on IR Rec. blinks but 283D or 286D 'Blink'
style Emitters do not

Cause: Solution

There may be a short, such as a
staple driven through the Signal

1.

and GND wires of the IR
Receiver and/or the emitter.

2. Emitter may be shorted internally
(XTRALINK Only) TV on same

splitter with no IR Receiver

3

installed

Symptom #5: Intermittent IR control (I.e. buttons on remote need to
be pressed multiple times)

Cause: Solution

1. Plasma Interference

Relatively high levels of
noise. This can be due to any of

2.
Lighting or Plasma Displays.

Long Wire Runs – shielded wire
typically of 100 feet (30 meters)
or longer causes a filter effect

3.

due to accumulated capacitance
control, could actually be

because of the longer wire runs.

Recheck your wiring.

Replace
check circuit.

Place a DC Blocker (Model 203-00) on
any TV Leg without IR Receiver

Use a 85 or 95 series Plasma 'Friendly'
Receiver

In this case use either a SUN filter
(SUNKIT), or any of our ‘Plasma/CFL

ML85/95, WL85/95). These can also be
used in direct sunlight and in the presence
of ‘tube style’ fluorescent lighting.

Putting a 470-ohm resistor in parallel at
the connecting block between signal and
ground will effectively discharge the

signal to travel farther on shielded wire.
Adding a resistor between the input and
ground of the connecting block will drop
the IR level down somewhat. Passive
connecting blocks, such as the 789-44,
may not have enough signal output for
consistent control of the equipment. You
may have to upgrade to an amplified
connecting block to bring the IR level back
to normal. In these cases, the 791-44
would be an ideal connecting block for
single zone systems while the 795-20
would work best for a 2-4 zone system.

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suitable for the unit. Use a 283 or 286D Blink

supply from the Connecting block and measure again

and 13VDC, power supply is

will indicate the supply is good but in some cases

on the connecting block between IR Signal and GND.

Symptom 6: Emitters function but some (or all) components do not
respond.

Cause: Solution

Reposition the Emitter so that it is directly

1. Emitter placement is incorrect.

over the components sensor window.
Consult the components owners’ manual of
the unit for the exact location of the IR
Sensor Window.

Reposition the Emitter to a position that is

Symptom #7: Absolutely No Functionality (How to determine which
component is at fault)

Component to Test Instructions

With a Multimeter, measure the DC Voltage of the
supply while it is connected to the Connecting Block.
Put the Negative lead of the meter on the terminal
marked GND and the Positive Lead on the terminal
marked 12VDC (or V). You should get a reading
between 11.5VDC and 13.0VDC. If not, remove the

Emitter placement is correct
but the signal is overpowering

2.

the unit or there is bleed­through from other emitters
close by.

style emitter (they have a lower output than
non-blink emitters 282 and 284M). If the
components do not need to be controlled
directly without an IR Repeater system
(components are located in an equipment
closet), place a Mouse Emitter Shield cover
over the Emitter (PN#MS1). The rounded
(non-stick) side of the emitter is a hi-output
side and can reflect off other devices and
overpower some components IR Sensors. If
using a CB12 connecting block, try a 789-44
connecting block. This has a series resistor
at the output, which will limit current to the
Emitter.

1. Verify Power Supply

Verify Emitter. (283D
or 286D Blink Style

2.
ONLY)

Verify Emitter. (282M
or 284M NON Blink

3.
Style)

this time directly on the 2.5mm Coaxial plug. If it
reads between 11.5VDC
most likely good. Reconnect to the Connecting Block
and proceed to step 2. NOTE: In most cases this

the supply can still be bad (i.e. reads good when
not plugged in but may not be able to handle the
current load of the system.)

Remove the power supply from the connecting block
and all Emitters from the output. Place a jumper wire
on the connecting block between IR and +12v.
Reconnect the Power Supply and one emitter. The
Emitter should Light bright and solid. Repeat for all
emitters.

Use a diode tester to verify proper Emitter operation.
Remove Emitter from Connecting Block. Place the
Positive Lead of the tester on the TIP of the Mono
Mini Plug and the Negative Lead on the Shield of the
Mono Mini Plug. Meter should read a voltage. When
the leads are reversed (Positive lead on Shield and
Negative lead on TIP) you should not get any voltage
reading at all.

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4. Verify IR Receiver.

Remove the power supply from the connecting block
and all Emitters from the output. Place a jumper wire

Reconnect the Power Supply. With a known good
hand-held remote, shoot a constant IR Command at
the receiver and verify the TB LED on the Receiver
lights.

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Limited Warranty

Xantech® warrants its products to be free of defects in materials or workmanship. This is a
Limited Lifetime warranty from the date of purchase by the original consumer. Any products
returned to Xantech and found to be defective by Xantech within the warranty period will be
repaired or replaced, at Xantech’s option, at no charge. Xantech will not be responsible for the
actual cost of installation or removal of the product, nor for any incidental or consequential
damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights. You may have additional legal rights that vary from state to state.

Xantech Corporation

13100 Telfair Ave., Sylmar CA 91342 | Xantech.com

Installation Instructions, DL85K © 2009 Xantech Corporation

This document is copyright protected. No part of this manual may be copied or reproduced in any

form without prior written consent from Xantech Corporation. Xantech Corporation shall not be

liable for operational, technical, or editorial errors/omissions made in this document.

Document # 08905311A

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