
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 
ML85K 
Micro Link™ Peep Hole Style 
Plasma\LCD\LED\CFL Friendly 
IR Receiver 
1 
DESCRIPTION 
The Micro Link IR Receiver is a small peep-hole style infrared repeater 
assembly. The Micro Link IR Receiver is equipped with a 7-foot cable and a 
3.5mm stereo mini plug, which is plugged directly into the “IR RCVR” jack on 
the connecting block, such as the models 789-44, CB60, and 791-44. The 
Micro Link IR Receiver is primarily intended for use in installations where the 
connecting block is within reach of its 7-foot cable – as when installing the 
Micro Link IR Receiver in a cabinet where the controlled equipment is behind 
closed doors.  
FEATURES 
• Small size; mounts in 1/2” diameter hole. 2 inches deep (50mm). 
• Quick-Connect 3.5mm Stereo Mini Plug on 7ft. cable for direct plug-in to 
Xantech Connecting Blocks. 
• Works in normal 3-wire mode (12VDC, IR, GND). 
• Green Talkback LED for System Verification. 
• Includes 789-44 Connecting Block, Power supply, and four 283D emitters 
for easy system installation. 
SPECIFICATIONS 
• Infrared modulation frequency bandwidth: 30 – 60 kHz. 
• IR reception range: Up to 80 feet, depending on remote control output 
strength and ambient conditions. 
• Reception angle: 55 degrees off axis for 50% range reduction. 
• Cable requirements: 3-conductor. Use 24 gauge up to 200’, 22 gauge up 
to 600’ 20 gauge up to 2000’, 18 gauge up to 5000’ – unshielded OK. 
• Max. transmission length: 1 mile using 18 gauge wire. 
• Maximum current output: 100mA 
• Drives IR emitters through Xantech Connecting Blocks, Controllers, etc. 
• Dimensions: 1/2” diameter x 2” deep (13mm x 50mm). 
• Power requirements: +12VDC, 20mA. 
 
 

2 
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. 
4. Installation complete 
MOUNTING 
Drill a 1/2” hole in any surface, such as a cabinet panel. Pass the lead and the 
body of the ML85 through the hole and secure from the rear with the nut 
(supplied). 
LOCAL SYSTEM APPLICATION 
In this system a 283D Blink-IR Designer Emitter is shown connected to the 
“OUT” jack. If expansion beyond two emitters is required, use the included 
Xantech 789-44 Connecting Block. 
CABLE CONNECTIONS 
ML85s may also be used where the 7-foot cable is not long enough. Simply 
cut off the mini plug, strip the leads and splice them to a 3-conductor 
extension cable with a terminal block or other means. Then connect the 
extension cable to the 3- or 4-terminal block on the connecting block. 
ML Series
IR Receivers
 To 120 VAC 
(unswitched)
781ERGPS
789-44
Connecting Block
Hand Held
Remote
A/VReceiver
DVD
IRPhotodiode
Talkback LED
Satellite Receiver
283D Emitter
12VDC
+12VDC 
GND 
STATUS 
IR IN
EMITTERS
IR
RCVR
789-44
CONNECTING BLOCK
®
283D Emitter
283D Emitter
3 
3.5mm mini plug  Signal Name 
TIP  SIGNAL 
RING  GROUND 
SLEEVE  +12VDC 
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. 
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. 
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. 
 
 

4 
LARGE SYSTEM APPLICATION 
The ML85 IR receiver is compatible with all Xantech Connecting Blocks. 
Different connecting blocks are provided for application specific situations. For 
instance, in the diagram below, an optional 791-44 connecting block is used 
to control several components. 
 To 120 VAC 
(unswitched)
Emitter
Emitter
Controlled Equipment 
(mounted behind 
closed cabinet doors)
Emitter
Emitter
Satellite Receiver
VCR
AVReceiver
CD Changer
Cassette Deck
ML Series
IR Receivers
Hand Held
Remote
IR Photodi ode
Talkback LED
791-44
Amplified
Connecting Block
+1 2 V DC 
GN D
EMITTERS
12VDC
HIGH
IR
OUT
STATUS 
IR I N
IR
RCVR
791- 44
AMPLIFIE D
CONNECTING BLOCK
®
781ERGPS
Emitter
5 
1.  
Micro-Link (ML) IR Receiver Kit 
DESCRIPTION 
The ML 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) ML Series IR Receiver 
ITEM B: (1) 784-44 Connecting Block 
 
 

6 
ITEM C: (4) 283D Designer Emitters 
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. 
7 
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. 
 
 

8 
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 
1. 
Weak Batteries in Transmitting 
Remote. 
 Replace batteries. 
2. 
Bad Emitter or no emitter 
plugged into connecting block.
 Test emitter and verify wiring. 
3. 
Signal wire between IR 
Receiver and the Connecting 
Block is open. 
Recheck wiring. 
4. 
Power Supply not putting out 
proper voltage. 
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) 
5. 
Output from the IR 
receiver/connecting block is 
connected to a high impedance 
IR input jack on a component. 
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. 
6. 
IR Receiver is inoperable. 
Replace Receiver. 
7. 
(XTRALINK Only) RF 
Amplifier is being used on 
same COAX Line anywhere 
between the Coupler (CPL94) 
and Injector (INJ94). 
Need to use a Bypass Kit (model BYPASS94 
Kit) to route the IR control signals around the 
amplifier(s). 
9 
Symptom #2: TB LED on IR Receiver (and/or Emitters) Dimly lit or 
flickering 
Cause:  Solution 
1. 
Signal and ground wires are 
reversed or shorted either at the 
connecting block or IR receiver. 
Recheck your wiring. 
2. 
Defective emitter. 
Replace Emitter 
3. 
Relatively high levels of ambient  
noise. This can be due to any of 
the following: Sunlight, florescent 
Lighting or Plasma Displays. 
In this case use either a SUN filter 
(SUNKIT), or any of our ‘Plasma/CFL 
Friendly’ IR Receivers (DL85/9
ML85/95, WL85/95). These can also be 
used in direct sunlight and in the presence 
of ‘tube style’ fluorescent lighting. 
4. 
EMI induced noise. This can be 
due to light dimmer controls or 
other radiating electronic devices 
(PC’s or any poorly shielded 
electronic device). 
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. 
5. Plasma Interference 
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 
free from any obstruction that might reflect 
back into the receiving eye. 
 
 

10 
Symptom #3: TB LED on IR Receiver (and/or Emitters) on solid 
Cause:  Solution 
1. Plasma Interference 
Use a 85 or 95 series Plasma 'Friendly' 
Receiver. If already using a this 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 free from any obstruction that might 
reflect back into the receiving eye. 
2. 
Voltage and Ground wires are  
reversed at the connecting 
block or IR Receiver 
Recheck your wiring. 
3. 
Relatively high levels of 
ambient noise. This can be 
due to any of the following: 
Sunlight, florescent Lighting or 
Plasma Displays. 
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. 
4. 
EMI induced noise. This can 
be due to light dimmer controls 
or other radiating electronic 
devices (PC’s or any poorly 
shielded electronic device). 
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. 
5. 
Power Supply not putting out 
proper voltage. 
Verify supply is a 12VDC regulated supply 
reading between 11.5 to 13VDC under load. 
11 
Symptom #4: TB LED on IR Rec. blinks but 283D or 286D 'Blink' 
style Emitters do not 
Cause:  Solution 
1. 
There may be a short, such as a 
staple driven through the Signal 
and GND wires of the IR 
Receiver and/or the emitter. 
Recheck your wiring. 
2. Emitter may be shorted internally
Replace Emitter or use TEST EMITTER to 
check circuit. 
3 
(XTRALINK Only) TV on same 
splitter with no IR Receiver 
installed 
Place a DC Blocker (Model 203-00) on 
any TV Leg without IR Receiver 
Symptom #5: Intermittent IR control (I.e. buttons on remote need to 
be pressed multiple times) 
Cause:  Solution 
1. Plasma Interference 
Use a 85 or 95 series Plasma 'Friendly' 
Receiver 
2. 
Relatively high levels of 
noise. This can be due to any of 
the following: Sunlight, florescent 
Lighting or Plasma Displays. 
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. 
3. 
Long Wire Runs – shielded wire 
typically of 100 feet (30 meters) 
or longer causes a filter effect 
due to accumulated capacitance 
of the wire. Intermi
control, could actually be 
because of the longer wire runs. 
Putting a 470-ohm resistor in parallel at 
the connecting block between signal and 
ground will effectively discharge the 
capacitance of the wire. This will allow 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. 
 
 

12 
Symptom 6: Emitters function but some (or all) components do not 
respond. 
Cause:  Solution 
1. Emitter placement is incorrect.
Reposition the Emitter so that it is directly 
over the components sensor window. 
Consult the components owners’ manual of 
the unit for the exact location of the IR 
Sensor Window. 
2.
Emitter placement is correct 
but the signal is overpowering 
the unit or there is bleedthrough from other emitters 
close by. 
Reposition the Emitter to a position that is 
suitable for the unit. Use a 283 o
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. 
13 
Symptom #7: Absolutely No Functionality (How to determine which 
component is at fault) 
  Component to Test Instructions 
1. Verify Power Supply 
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 
sup
ply from the Connecting block and measure again 
this time directly on the 2.5mm Coaxial plug. If it 
reads between 11.5VDC and 13VDC, power supply is 
most likely good. Reconnect to the Connecting Block 
and proceed to step 2. NOTE: In most cases this 
will in
dicate the supply is good but in some cases 
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.) 
2. 
Verify Emitter. (283D 
or 286D Blink Style 
ONLY) 
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. 
3.
Verify Emitter. (282M 
or 284M NON Blink 
Style) 
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. 
4. Verify IR Receiver. 
Remove the power supply from the connecting block 
and all Emitters from the output. Place a jumper wire 
on the connecting block between IR Signal and GND. 
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. 
 
 

14 
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, ML85K © 2009 Xantech Corporation 
Document # 08905314A 
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.