User manual NILES IRC-1

IRC-1 Infrared Flasher INTRODUCTION The IRC-1 is a Velcro®-mount "flooding" IR flasher. It is one of three elements that make up an infrared repeater system: 1. Remote Sensors 2. Main System Units 3. Infrared Flashers When an IR remote sensor receives a command from a hand-held remote control, it sends a corresponding electronic signal through a wire to the Main System Unit. Here, the Main System Unit cleans and amplifies the electronic signal. Finally, the Main System Unit outputs the signal to the IR flasher which relays the infrared command to the audio/video component you wish to control. The IRC-1 relays the infrared command using "flashes" of infrared light in a powerful flooding pattern from its two 1 infrared L.E.D.'s. The output is extraordinarily accurate over a wide bandwidth. This allows the IRC-1 to control most makes and models of IR controlled audio /video components. The IRC-1 is compatible with all Niles infrared repeaters, infrared routers, and multi-zone keypad systems. Tools Required ·1/8" Standard Slotted Screwdriver FEATURES & BENEFITS · Two infrared L.E.D.'s give the IRC-1 exceptional range and power. With proper placement, a single IRC-1 flasher can control an entire stack of audio /video components. · The IRC-1 is equipped with prestripped and tinned wire ends. This provides you with easy hookup. · An adhesive-backed Velcro strip is included with the IRC-1, providing quick, secure, "remove and replace" mounting. · The IRC-1 is supplied with an ample ten feet of connecting wire. INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS The IRC-1 is typically used as a "flooding" flasher to control a stack of audio/video components. For this type of application, place the IRC-1 with its L.E.D.'s pointed straight up and at least an inch in front of the equipment you wish to control (See Figure 1). The effective range varies between 8" and 30" depending on the brand and/or the model of the audio/video component. Note: If cabinet dimensions permit, experimenting with the placement of the IRC-1 may yield better operating results. For tall stacks of components use multiple IRC-1 flashers. For example, place one IRC-1 at the top of a stack with the L.E.D.'s pointing down and one IRC-1 at the base of the stack with the L.E.D.'s pointing up (See Figure 2). In some installations there are shelves blocking a direct path between the IRC-1 and the components' IR sensor window. It is possible to bounce infrared light off of smooth reflective surfaces (particularly white surfaces). If a suitable surface exists (like the back of a cabinet door, or a white wall within a few feet) try to place the IRC-1 so that its reflected output reaches the sensor windows of the audio/video components (See Figure 3). If some of the components are still not getting adequate signal, mount a Niles IRC-2 MicroFlasherTMon the sensor window of each of the problematic components. Sometimes, it is desirable to mount the IRC-1 so that it directly faces the equipment from across a room. In this type of situation the IRC-1 has an effective operational range of 18 to 30 feet (depending on brand and model). Niles offers several wall mount flashers which may improve the cosmetics of this type of installation. See your local Niles dealer for more information. INSTALLATION & OPERATION Route the connecting two-conductor wire to the Main System Unit. Connect the ends of the wire to the corresponding positive and negative terminals labeled "Flasher" on the Main System Unit (See Figure 4). IRC-1 PARTS GUIDE High Output L.E.D.'s Polarity Markings Adhesivebacked Velcro strip 10 feet of 2-conductor 22 gauge connecting wire FIGURE 4 Connecting the IRC-1 to the Main System Unit's flasher outputs. BE SURE TO OBSERVE PROPER POLARITY WHEN CONNECTING THE IRC-1. THE WIRE LEAD MARKED WITH A GRAY STRIPE IS NEGATIVE (-); THE UNMARKED LEAD IS POSITIVE (+). Connecting Multiple Flashers FIGURE 1 Controlling a stack of components. FIGURE 2 Controlling a tall stack of components. FIGURE 3 Controlling a stack of components by reflecting infrared commands. 7 It is possible to use more than one flasher from a single output on a Niles infrared sys8 2 3 4 5 6 Over Please INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE tem. Consult the operating manual of the Niles main system unit or consult your local Niles dealer for more information. Increasing the Wire Length If the connecting wire is too short to reach the main system unit, a new length of heavier gauge wire should be spliced onto a six inch length of the original wire. For distances between ten and twenty feet upgrade the original wire to an eighteen gauge two-conductor wire. For distances of up to two hundred feet go to a sixteen gauge two-conductor wire. Mounting the IRC-1 Test the operation of the IRC-1 in the planned mounting location. If all of the components operate correctly via the IR repeater system, mount the IRC-1 using it's self-adhesive Velcro strip. Make sure the mounting surface is clean and dry. Remove the protective coating from the back of the Velcro strip attached to the IRC-1 and stick it in place. Coil any excess connecting wire and tie it in place. TROUBLESHOOTING This troubleshooting guide discusses the most common problems that prevent an IR flasher from operating correctly. it is farther away from the sensor window or off to the side of the sensor window. If adjusting the level down makes no change, or makes operation even worse, return the level to the full power position (clockwise). Then, try moving the IRC-1 closer to the sensor window or try to point the L.E.D.'s more directly at the sensor window. the Flasher Level Adjust (located on the Main System Unit) counter-clockwise. 2. Replace the IRC-1 with an IRC-2 for each component controlled by the problemcausing flasher. The IRC-2 comes with a plastic IR blocking cover which will prevent the IR output of the flasher from reaching the sensor in the same room. SPECIFICATIONS IR System Compatible with virtually all brands of remotes using carrier frequencies between 26 and 60 kHz IR Transmitting Range 18 to 30 feet if mounted so that the transmitting L.E.D.'s face the sensors in a direct line of sight. IR Transmitting Angle Variable with the brand and/or model of the audio/video component. Because of the high power and "flooding" pattern of the IRC-1, extreme transmitting angles can be successfully used if the sensor window of the component is close. Unit Dimensions 1" Wide x 2" High x 3/4" Deep (Includes Velcro) Mounting Supplied with self-adhesive tape attached to Velcro strips Wiring Requirements Supplied with 10 feet of 2-conductor 22 gauge connecting wire. Substitute an 18 gauge 2-conductor wire for distances ranging from 10 to 20 feet and a 16 gauge 2-conductor wire for up to 200 feet. Testing the Remote Control Test that the hand-held remote control operates the component when you point it at the front panel (check the batteries if it does not). Main System Unit Power Supply Check that the red power light on the Main System Unit is lit (the wall adapter should be plugged into an active AC wall outlet and the wall adapter has to be supplying 12V DC). Adjusting the Flasher Level Try adjusting the flasher level up or down (some components sensors are overloaded by too strong a command from the IRC-1). If the operation of the component improves when the flasher level is all the way down, but it is still not perfect, try moving the IRC-1 so that Optical IR Feedback Loop If there is an IR sensor and an IR flasher located within the same room--an "optical IR feedback loop" can occur. This occurs when the IR output from a flasher unintentionally reaches an IR sensor located within the same room. The IR commands are eventually forwarded back to the IR flasher and the whole process endlessly repeats itself. This effect is similar to acoustical feedback (the howling or whistling sound heard in a P.A. system when the microphone is placed too close to the speaker). The optical IR feedback loop can be eliminated by one of the two following methods. 1. Reduce the flasher output until normal operation resumes. This is done by turning 12 If problems persist, refer to the user's manual for the Main System Unit or contact your local Niles dealer. TECH TIP Wire size is expressed by its AWG (American Wire Gauge) number. The lower the number, the larger the wire, i.e. twelve AWG is physically larger than fourteen AWG. IRC-1 Infrared Flasher ® 12331 S.W. 130 Street Miami, Florida 33186 Tel: (305) 238-4373 Fax: (305) 238-0185 Internet: www.nilesaudio.com ©1999 Niles Audio Corporation. Niles, the Niles logo and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Velcro is a trademark of Velcro Industries. Printed in USA DS00118B Niles Audio Corporation 9 10 11 13 14 B LENDING AND H IGH F IDELITY ® A RCHITECTURE