Xantech RT8 Installation Instructions Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

RT8

ADDRESSABLE INFRARED ROUTER

The RT8 Router is a ONE-IN/EIGHT-OUT IR switcher. It directs an infrared control signal to any one of 8
output ports or all 8 as a group. It is intended for selective control of up to 8 TV monitors (or any other
A/V product) from control locations using Xantech IR Receivers and /or SmartPads. The "I" and "G" output
ports provide the ability to drive LEDs placed at each controlled device location so that you can see which
device is being addressed at any given time. The RT8 responds to the Xantech RC68+ (or RC68)
commands and is Code Group changeable by the installer.

1

POWER

12 VOLTS

200 mA D.C.

5

I = INDICATOR O = IR OUT G = GROUND

RT8

ADDRESSABLE IR ROUTER

G G

IR RCVR

INPUT

2 3

S

IR IN+12

OGGI

24 68

13 57

IGGO

OGGI

IGGO

3

OGGI

IGGO

OGGI

4

IGGO

Fig. 1 Model RT8 Addressable IR Router

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

1. Input Terminals: One IR RCVR INPUT on a 4-terminal plug-in connector permits connection of any
Xantech IR Receiver, Keypad, Controller, etc. The Gs and IR IN terminals connect to the floated signal
input of the internal opto isolator. Allows ground isolation when needed.

2. IR RCVR INPUT LED: Green indicator LED blinks with the presence of any incoming IR commands.

3. Output Terminals: Eight IR "O" and "G" emitter outputs and eight "I" and "G" routing indicator outputs

are located on eight 4-terminal plug-in connectors.
The "I" and "G" routing indicator outputs are activated with the selected route. They are current limited

to 10 mA, allowing the direct connection of an LED without the need for an outboard current limiting
resistor.

4. LED Routing Indicators:

These eight red LEDs, located near each of the 4-terminal outputs, come on with the selected route.
They

do not

blink with signal.

5. Power Jack: 2.1mm coaxial type. 12V DC @ 200mA. Works with one 786-00 Power Supply (not
included) if powered separately from IR receivers and keypads. Otherwise, use a 782-00 Power
Supply.

Remote Control Switchers

®

1

• IR Command System:

- The RT8 output ports are selectively addressed using eight commands from the RC68+ (or RC68)
handheld programmer. A 9th command turns all 8 ports ON as a group and a 10th turns them OFF.

- The factory preset IR Code Group is 58. It can be changed by the installer, when needed, using the
RC68+ Programmer.

- IR carrier frequency range: 30 kHz to 100 kHz.

• Dimensions: 9-7/8" x 2-7/8" x 1-3/8" (251mm x 73mm x 35mm)

• Weight: 0.75 lb. (0.34kg).

RC68+ PROGRAMMER / REMOTE CONTROL

The RC68+ Programmer (available separately) contains all the commands necessary to operate the RT8
(see Fig. 2).

• You will need it to program universal learning devices such as the Xantech URC-1 learning remote, the
Xantech SmartPads, the 590 Programmable Controller, the 710 Fone Link, etc., with commands that
operate the RT8.

• NOTE: The RC68+ codes operate several other Xantech models as well, such as the RT16-10, CC12,
ZPR68, etc. Therefore, only the button descriptions that apply to the operation of the RT8 are listed.
All others should be ignored.

CAUTION: While the RC68+ can be used as a handheld remote control, it is highly recommended it not
be given to the final user for the following reasons:

• Since it includes adjustable code groups, the user may inadvertently alter the installer configurations.

• Since the user will require IR commands from other brands of equipment to control the total system, in

addition to those of the RT8, all commands should be consolidated into one learning device, for easy use.

APPLICABLE RC68+ BUTTON DESCRIPTIONS

(use "C" overlay, Fig.3)

Routing Commands (1 through 8).

The IR commands from these buttons cause the RT8 to route commands to any of the 8 corresponding
IR outputs. For example, pressing button 5 (la­beled 00 on the button face) on the RC68+ will
cause the RT8 to route the IR signal through to the
number 5 output.

NOTE: The RT8 will not respond to buttons 9
through 16.

GP-ON (group ON).

This button (labeled 60 on the button face) causes
the RT8 to route IR commands to all 8 outputs at
the same time.

GP-OFF (group OFF).

This button (labeled 88 on the button face) causes
the RT8 to shut off all of the 8 outputs.

Code Group Numbers.

The RT8 is capable of being set to 55 different IR
code groups. If the RT8 is used in a common IR

Routing
Commands

(1 through 8)

GP-ON
GP-OFF

Code Group
Numbers

(on face of
each button)

80 48 10 90 01

1234

00 C0 50 D0 41

5678

40 A0 30 B0 21

9101112

20 E0 70 F0 61

13 14 15 16

60 88 18 98 09

GP-ON GP-OFF

08 A8 38 B8 29

28 E8 78 F8 69

68 C8 58 D8 49

E1 89 C9 A9 E9

71 19 59 39 79

F1 99 D9 B9 F9

C

Place the

"C" Overlay

on the RC68+

RC68+

bus system with other Xantech RT8's, it will be
necessary to change the code group on one or
more of them to avoid mutual interaction.

Fig. 2 RC68 Programmer

2

®

RT8

Refer to the RC68+ instructions for code group setting details and procedures!

The code groups are identified by the numbers and letters that are on the face of each button.
NOTE: When shipped from the factory, the RT8 is set to code group number 58.

Be sure to set the RC68+ to the same number!

IR ROUTING MODES

The RT8 has the ability to direct IR control signals to any one of the 8 output ports, or all 8 as a group as
follows:

1. Single Routing

An IR route to a single port (1 through 8) occurs when a corresponding RC68+ Hand Held Programmer
code is sent. It remains on until a different routing command is sent (1 through 8) or when the GP-OFF
(group off) code is sent.

This allows any individually selected port to be driven with an IR control signal. The other seven will
be turned OFF.

2. GP-ON (Group On - all 8 ON as a group)
In this mode all 8 routes are chosen instantly with the GP-ON command. This is useful if you wish to

quickly address all groups at the same time.

3. GP-OFF (Group Off - all 8 OFF as a group)

OR

After GP-ON is chosen, all 8 IR routes remain on until the GP-OFF command is sent

until an

individual route command is sent (1 through 8).

IR RCVR INPUT CONNECTOR

(refer to Figs. 1 & 3)

This 4-terminal input has electrical connections for +12V, G (chassis ground), Gs (IR signal ground) and
IR IN (IR signal). The Gs terminal is provided so that, if needed, the IR signal ground can be isolated from

the chassis ground. This isolation may be necessary in some instances to prevent ground loop problems,
etc.

A special jumper, within the RT8, gives you the option to make the grounds common or have them isolated.
Refer to Fig. 3.

To gain access to this jumper, remove the six screws that secure the top cover to the metal chassis.
Carefully lift the cover off. When you have made the
adjustment, reassemble in reverse order.

NOTE: When shipped from the factory, the jumper
is installed in the ON (common) position.

CAUTION: When powering IR receivers and key­pads directly from the RT8, you

jumper installed in the ON position

must leave the

so that the G
and Gs terminals are connected in common. This
provides the needed ground return for the IR signal.

Change the jumper to the OFF position only
when powering IR source devices separately
from the RT8 and there is a need for electrical
isolation

.

IR Signal &
12VDC Terminals

+12 G Gs IR IN

Jumper ON Position
(Common ground between G and Gs terminals)

IR Signal &
12VDC Terminals

+12 G Gs IR IN

Jumper OFF Position
(Isolated Grounds. No connection between the G and Gs terminals).

Fig. 3 Location and Adjustment of Grounding Jumper

Metal Chassis
PCB

Metal Chassis
PCB

Remote Control Switchers

RT8

®

3

RT8

42

OGGI

+

–

+

–

LED

Indicators

To Emitters

on TVs

2-conductor

cable

+

–

+

–

OGGI

INSTALLATION

Fig. 4 illustrates a typical applica­tion where an RT8 is used to route
IR control signals to four TV moni­tors in a media wall.

1. In this system, the four TV
receivers are the same brand

- one large screen and three
small. All are individually con­trolled from a Xantech
SmartPad and a 480-30 IR
Receiver through a 789-44
Connecting Block and the RT8
IR router.

2. In addition to controlling the
TV receivers and the IR router,
this system permits control of
source components as well,
through the 789-44 Connect­ing Block. If you need to drive
more emitters, use the 791­44 Amplified Connecting Block
instead of the 789-44. Note
that the 789-44 is powered
from the RT8.

3. MS1 Mouse Emitter Shield
Covers (optionally available
for use with Mouse Emitters)
must be used on each TV IR
sensor window as shown in
Fig. 4. This is necessary to
prevent the TVs from respond­ing directly to the IR signals
from the handheld remote
control. See the 282M and
MS1 instructions for informa­tion on applying the Shield
Covers.

4. When connecting the emitters to the RT8, it is necessary to cut off the mini plugs, strip the leads back
about 1/4" (6mm) and connect them to the screw terminals.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to connect the white striped side of the
emitter leads to the "O" terminal (+) on the RT8 outputs as shown.

5. Since only one RT8 is used in this system, the factory preset Code
Group 58 can be used. The RC68+ Programmer is set to the same
number.

6. The RC68+ commands 1, 2, 3, & 4 (refer to Fig. 2) will establish an
IR route to each TV individually. The GP-ON (Group On) command
will route to all 4 TV's simultaneously.

4

TV

480-30

Dinky Link™

Hand
Held Remote

782-00

Power Supply

Smart Pad™

Satellite Receiver

282M

Mouse

Emitters

+

Use MS-1 Mouse

Emitter Shields

IR Window of

each TV.

(See text, pg 4)

282M

Mouse

Emitter

TV

Large Screen

TV

+

+

200 mA D.C.

RT8

ADDRESSABLE IR ROUTER

To 120 V AC
(unswitched)

OUT

IR

STATUS

+12V

POWER

12 VOLTS

GND

+12

IR RCVR

I = INDICATOR O = IR OUT G = GROUND

3-wire cable
connection to
keypad

G

S

G IR IN

INPUT

White

Striped

Side (+)

12VDC

+12 VDC

GND

STATUS
IR IN

RCVR

IR

789-44

Connecting Block

286M Blink-IR™

Mouse Emitter Ass'y

DVD Player

OGGI

OGGI

24 68

13 57

IGGO

IGGO

+

CONNECTING BLOCK

789-44

EMITTERS

®

OGGI

IGGO

+

Side (+)

3.5mm-to-stripped ends

283M Blink-IR™

Mouse Emitter

Fig. 4 Using the RT8 for IR Control of 4 TV Monitors

Fig. 5 Connecting LED Indicators to

the "I" and "G" Terminals

®

on

White

Striped

6015900

OGGI

IGGO

VCR

TV

cable

RT8

282M

Mouse

Emitter

RT8

Subsequent IR commands specific to

Four Remote Rooms

the TV's, such as channel Up/Down,
then operate the functions of the TV or
TV's addressed.

7. In this system, the RC68+ codes are

480-00

CB12

TV

291-10

490-30

TV

TV

Smart
Pad™

TV

"taught" to a Xantech URC type Learn­ing Remote for use with the 480 Dinky
Link™ IR Receiver and to the Xantech
SmartPad. Other learning devices may
be used provided they are capable of

IR

RF

CPL10

RF/IR

Coaxial

Cable

RCVR

TV

IR

INJECTOR

INJ94

+12 V

INPUT

RCVR

TV

IR

INJECTOR

INJ94

INPUT

781RG

Power
Supply (4)

+12 V

CB12

IR

RF

CPL10

RF/IR

learning and outputting the RC68+
codes, with carrier, to the RT8.

8. When programming, begin by assign­ing 6 keys to a keypad or a learning
device for the RC68+ commands.

In this case, these would be commands

1, 2, 3, & 4 for individual routing and the
GP-ON and GP-OFF commands. Next,

assign keys for the TV function com­mands, such as channel Up/Down.

NOTE: Since GP-ON is cancelled when
any one of the individual commands is
subsequently sent, you could eliminate
the GP-OFF command. This will save
you one key on the learning device.

9. Teach the commands into the assigned
keys, following the instructions that
come with the learning device. On URC

RF Signal
IR Signal

786-00

Power Supply

POWER

+12

12 VOLTS

200 mA D.C.

I = INDICATOR O = IR OUT G = GROUND

RT8

ADDRESSABLE IR ROUTER

RT8

IR Router

283M

Mouse Emitters

G IR IN

IR RCVR

INPUT

G

INJ94

Injector (2)

+++

+

S

OGGI

OGGI

24 68

13 57

IGGO

IGGO

+

White

Striped Side (+)

Blink-IR™

CPL10

Coupler

(3 locations)

OGGI

OGGI

IGGO

IGGO

Modulator

(2-Input)

RF
AMP

AV Patch

Cords

RF/IR

CPL10

IR

RF

6015900 cables
(3.5mm-to­stripped ends)

IN OUT

2512

Combiner

202-00

4-way RF Splitter

DC Passing

To additional
emitter(s) on

controlled

device(s), if

needed.

Modulator

(2-Input)

789-44

Connecting

Block

IR

RCVR

®

IR IN
STATUS

GND

EMITTERS

789-44

+12 VDC

CONNECTING BLOCK

12VDC

NOTE: No

power supply is

needed in this

case.

283M

Blink-IR™

Mouse Emitters

X

type remotes and the Xantech Smart
Pad, all these commands could go into

Satellite Receiver #1 Satellite Receiver #2

Satellite Receiver #3

Satellite Receiver #4

one bank.

10. The "I" and "G" terminals on each of the

Fig. 6 Controlling Satellite Receivers through an RT8 Router

output terminal jacks are provided so
that LED indicators, placed near each
TV Monitor (if desired) will give a visual indication of the currently controlled Monitor. Refer to Fig. 5.
Use LED's with an operating current rating of 10 to 20 mA.

Fig. 6 shows a typical system whith four same-brand satellite receivers individually controlled from four
remote room locations.

1. Using the Xantech "Xtra Link™" patented principle, CPL10 RF/IR Couplers and INJ94 Injectors are
used to inject the IR signals onto the coaxial cable at the remote TV rooms and are extracted at the
other end to drive the emitters, selectively, at each satellite receiver through the RT8 Router.

2. A variety of Xantech IR Receivers and a keypad are shown in the remote rooms to illustrate the
flexibility of the system.

3. An RF Amp, such as the Channel Plus DA500 in the RF system, overcomes the RF signal losses of
the RF splitters and the long cable lengths.

4. A 789-44 Connecting Block is shown expanding the control signal from the IR jack on the CPL10
Coupler to the RT8 and to emitters on other controlled devices. If you need to drive even more emitters,
use the 791-44 Amplified Connecting Block instead of the 789-44.

+

Remote Control Switchers

RT8

®

5

5. When connecting the emitters to the RT8, it is necessary to cut off the mini plugs, strip the leads back
about 1/4" (6mm), and connect them to the screw terminals on the plug-in connectors.

CAUTION: Be sure to connect the white striped side of each emitter lead (+) to the "O" terminals on
the RT8 IR outputs as shown in Fig. 6.

6. Programming. Typically a programmable remote controller, such as the Xantech URC type or a
Xantech SmartPad, is "taught" the applicable RC68+ Programmer commands along with operational
commands for other system components, such as satellite receivers, TV monitors, DVD players, etc.

Commands that pass through the RT8 Router, such as those for the satellite receivers in Fig. 6, should
be preceded by the appropriate RC68+ routing command in a "sequence" or "macro". This ensures
that only the desired satellite receiver is being controlled when a command is executed.

7. The following are examples of such sequences:

Satellite receiver selection

a) RT8 command #2 (routes IR to satellite receiver #2).
b) Local TV to channel #56 (typically assigned modulator channel for satellite receiver #2).

Channel UP command for the satellite receiver.

a) RT8 command #4 (routes IR to satellite receiver #4).
b) Local TV to channel #62 (typically assigned modulator channel for satellite receiver #4).

c) Channel UP command for the satellite receiver.
Simply repeat this procedure for other satellite receiver commands.
Figs. 4 and 6 show typical applications of the RT8. Many others are possible using similar techniques.

6

2-22-01

Rev.B

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RT8