User manual NILES REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE KIT

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION GUIDE Remote Control Anywhere! Kit TM B LENDING H IGH F IDELITY AND A R C H I T E C T U R E® PRECAUTIONS IMPORTANT INFORMATION The Remote Control Anywhere Kit is designed to provide years of troublefree operation. For your protection, please read these instructions thoroughly before proceeding with your installation. Keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe and comply with all warnings, cautions and operating instructions described in this manual. WARNING To avoid injury, the following basic safety precautions will enable you to successfully install and use your Remote Control Anywhere Kit. © 1999 Niles Audio Corporation 1 PRECAUTIONS WARNINGS - To prevent possible injury, the following basic safety precautions should be observed in the installation and use of your Remote Control Anywhere Kit. 1. Read through the entire manual - Before attempting any installation, read this manual thoroughly and keep it for future reference. 2. Avoid contact with all high voltage electrical wiring and equipment! 3. Keep away from water and moisture - Never use or install electronic products near water, ie., near a bathtub, sink, washing machine, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, or anywhere else the product may be exposed to water or moisture. 4. Wall Adapter cord protection - Do not run the power cord where it may be subject to wear or abuse. Do not allow anything to rest on or roll over the power cord which may damage it. 6. Lightning - It is suggested that you remove the Wall Adapter from the wall if your system will not be used for long periods of time. Power surges due to lightning strikes may damage your equipment. 7. Check your local building and electrical codes - There may be specific requirements regarding running low voltage in your area. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction .............................................. ........................................... 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 Getting Started Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 Step 11 Step 12 Step 13 Placing the Connection Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the Sensor Cable to the Connection Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the Sensor Cable to the Wall-Mount Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the 12V DC Wall Adapter and MicroFlashers . . . . . . . . . . . Mounting a MicroFlasher to A/V Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mounting the Connection Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finding the Right Spot to Install the Wall-Mount Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cutting the Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installing the Mounting Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Running the Sensor Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installing the Wall-Mount Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reconnecting the Connection Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................................... 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 22 22 23 23 System Operation Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Running Sensor Cable in New Construction ............ Scheduling and Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety First! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pulling the Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Concealing Sensor Cable in Existing Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 INTRODUCTION The Remote Control Anywhere! Kit enables you to operate your remote controlled audio/video equipment from virtually any location. Now you can place your audio/video (A/V) components out of sight (behind cabinet doors, in the rear of a room, or in a different room) and still conveniently control your system. Connection Hub Wall-Mount Sensor Kit Contents Check that your Remote Control Anywhere! Kit contains the following: · Connection Hub · Wall-Mount Sensor · 12V DC Wall-Adapter · Mounting Bracket · MicroFlashers (3) · Sensor Cable (100ft) 12V DC Wall Adapter Mounting Bracket MicroFlashers (3) Sensor Cable (100ft) Tools Needed · pencil · drywall saw · standard screwdriver · phillips screwdriver · wire strippers · drill (and assorted bits) · wire coat hanger 4 GETTING STARTED While the Remote Control Anywhere! Kit is compatible with most brands of audio/video components, there are a few exceptions. You should perform a temporary hook-up to test for compatibility before you conceal wire or permanently mount any parts. Steps One through Five describe how to perform a quick and easy check for compatibility. Once you have determined that all of your remote controlled A/V components are compatible, proceed with the rest of the installation. 5 INSTALLATION Step 1 Placing the Connection Hub Place the Connection Hub so that the MicroFlasher wires will reach the components. ! Figure 1 Never place the Connection Hub closer than 1 foot away from a television set. (See Figure 1) Step 2 Connecting the Sensor Cable to the Connection Hub For your convenience, the Sensor Cable ends have been stripped. Insert one of the stripped ends into the INPUT connector on the Connection Hub as shown in Figure 2 and tighten the screws. ! Figure 2 REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT CONNECTION HUB Additional Sensors The Cable must be connected as follows: 1 = Red 2 = Bare 3 = Black 1 2 3 ! Red Black Bare Make sure that the stripped ends of the wire do not come in contact with one another or any surface other than the connector. 6 INSTALLATION Step 3 Connecting the Sensor Cable to the Wall-Mount Sensor Pull out the removable connector from the back of the Wall-Mount Sensor. Insert the other stripped end of the Sensor Cable into the removable connector on the Wall-Mount Sensor and tighten the screws. (See Figure 3) ! CONTINUED Figure 3 1 2 3 Red Bare Black Figure 4 The cable must be connected as follows: 1 = Red 2 = Bare 3 = Black Plug the connector into the connector socket on the back of the Wall-Mount Sensor. Make sure that the orientation of the connector is correct. (See Figure 4) 7 INSTALLATION Step 4 Connecting the 12V DC WallAdapter and MicroFlashers Plug the connector on the supplied 12V DC WallAdapter into the socket labeled POWER on the Connection Hub and then plug the wall adapter into a live electrical outlet. The power LED should light. If the LED does not light, confirm that the outlet you used is live by plugging in a lamp. Plug the MicroFlashers into any of the sockets labeled FLASHER OUTPUTS on the Connection Hub. (See Figure 5) CONTINUED Figure 5 Additional Flashers REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT CONNECTION HUB 8 INSTALLATION Step 5 Mounting a MicroFlasher to A/V Components Make sure all of your remote controls have batteries and that they are able to operate the A/V components. Locate a place for the remote control that is within arm's length of the A/V components, yet cannot directly control them. Place the Wall-Mount Sensor no closer than two feet in front of the remote control. (See Figure 6) Hold the MicroFlasher four inches in front of the remote sensor window on the A/V component's front panel. Press buttons on the remote control while watching the front panel of the A/V component. When the component responds repeatedly to the commands, peel off the protective backing on the MicroFlasher and place the MicroFlasher in that location. continued CONTINUED Figure 6 9 INSTALLATION If the A/V component's remote sensor is not clearly marked, slowly move the MicroFlasher over the window of the A/V component while pushing buttons on the remote control until you get a response. (See Figure 7) Repeat this procedure for each A/V component you wish to control. When the A/V component responds repeatedly, peel off the protective backing on the MicroFlasher and place the MicroFlasher in that location. If you get no response at all, call Niles Technical Support at 1-800-289-4434. (M-F 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM ET) CONTINUED Figure 7 10 INSTALLATION Step 6 Mounting the Connection Hub ! CONTINUED Figure 8 Make sure that your system tested OK before proceeding Once you have decided on the ideal location for the Connection Hub, unplug the 12V DC Wall-Adapter from the electrical outlet and disconnect the Wall-Mount Sensor and the MicroFlasher cables from the Connection Hub. (See Figure 8) Also remove the Sensor Cable from the removable connector on the Wall-Mount Sensor. (See Figure 9) The Connection Hub can be either mounted on a wall using screws or placed on a shelf using the included adhesive feet. (See Figure 10) REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT CONNECTION HUB Figure 9 Figure 10 A: Wall mounting A REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT CONNECTION HUB B: If you desire to shelf mount the Connection Hub, stick the included B adhesive backed feet on the bottom of the unit and place it on the shelf ,, 11 INSTALLATION Step 7 Finding the right spot to install the Wall-Mount Sensor. Find a location in the remote room that is convenient for you and where you believe the Sensor Cable from the Connection Hub will easily reach. ! CONTINUED If you have doubts about whether you are capable of installing a Niles Remote Control Anywhere! Kit in your walls, consult a Niles dealer or professional installer. They have special tools, techniques, and experience to make the impossible possible. The installer can provide you with an estimate before any work is done. Do not install the Wall-Mount Sensor in the same electrical box with a light switch or any other high voltage device. ! Do not install the Wall-Mount Sensor where it will be exposed to sunlight or any other bright light. Do not install next to TV's, fan motor switches, or alarm panels. ! ! 12 INSTALLATION Step 8 Safety Check Once you have found your installation spot, locate nearby studs in the wall with a stud sensor or by hand knocking. When you've found a location that is free of studs, drill a small 1/8" pilot hole just barely through the drywall. (See Figure 11) ! CONTINUED yyyyyyy ,,,,,,, yyyy ,,,, yyyyyyy ,,,,,,, yy ,, yyyyyyy ,,,,,,, Figure 11 Be careful. If you feel any extra resistance as you are drilling. STOP! Cut a piece of coat hanger and bend the wire to create two right angles opposite of each other about four inches long. Poke the four inch end of the "Z-shaped" wire into the pilot hole and rotate in a complete circle while probing the inside of the wall for obstructions. If the wire's movement is obstructed by a pipe, cable or wall stud, fill the hole with spackle or other patching compound, sand, paint and try another location. 13 INSTALLATION Step 9 Cutting the hole Once you have determined the ideal position for the cut-out, hold the Mounting Bracket up to the wall surface. Level the Mounting Bracket and mark the wall by tracing the inside perimeter of the Mounting Bracket with a pencil. (See Figure 12) If you are cutting painted or wall-papered drywall, use a razor-knife to cleanly cut the wallpaper. Then use a drywall saw to cut the drywall. (See Figure 13) ! CONTINUED Figure 12 Figure 13 Be very careful not to saw through existing wires, pipes or structure. 14 INSTALLATION Step 10 Installing the Mounting Bracket Place the Mounting Bracket against the hole. (See Figure 14) Bend the tabs at a 90° angle and insert into the hole. (See Figure 15) When the bracket is secure, bend the tabs back against the inside of the drywall and insert the screws so that they penetrate the tabs, clamping the bracket to the drywall. (See Figure 16) || zz y , |, z | y y , | z y ,z |y , z yy ,, z, y | CONTINUED Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 15 INSTALLATION Step 11 Running the Sensor Cable Conceal the Sensor Cable between the Wall-Mount Sensor hole and a new hole near the Connection Hub. (See Figure 17) ! If you have doubts about whether you are capable of installing a Niles Remote Control Anywhere! Kit in your walls, consult a Niles dealer or professional installer. They have special tools, techniques, and experience to make the impossible possible. The installer can provide you with an estimate before any work is done. For more information, see the section "Hints for Concealing Wire" located on page 23. ! |||| zzzz yyy ,,, |||| zzzz yyy ,,, |||| zzzz yyy ,,, CONTINUED Figure 17 Room 1 Room 2 Figure 18 1/4" 1/4" Bare ! If you need to cut and restrip the wire, make sure that only 1/4" of wire is exposed. Exposing too much wire could create "shorts" within the system. (See Figure 18) 16 INSTALLATION Step 12 Installing the Wall-Mount Sensor Reattach the Sensor Cable to the Wall-Mount Sensor's removable connector following the same procedure as before. (See Figure 18) ! CONTINUED Figure 19 Connect the wires as before: 1 = Red 2 = Bare 3 = Black Plug the Sensor Cable connector into the back of the Wall-Mount Sensor. Screw the Wall-Mount Sensor to the bracket using the supplied screws, then screw the Decora® faceplate into place using the supplied faceplate screws. (See Figure 19) 17 INSTALLATION Step 13 Reconnecting the Connection Hub Connect the stripped ends of the Sensor Cable into the INPUT connectors on the Connection Hub. ! CONTINUED Figure 20 Connect the wires as before: 1 = Red 2 = Bare 3 = Black Plug the MicroFlashers into the FLASHER OUTPUT sockets on the Connection Hub. Plug the connector on the 12V DC Wall Adapter into the POWER socket on the Connection Hub and then plug it into a live electrical outlet. The POWER LED should light. (See Figure 20) That's it! Now you are ready to control your audio/video equipment from the room you chose. Red Black Bare Additional Flashers REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT CONNECTION HUB Additional Sensors 1 2 3 ! Make sure that the stripped ends of the wire do not come in contact with one another or any surface other than the connector. 18 SYSTEM OPERATION Normal Operation To control your audio/video components, simply aim your remote control at the Wall-Mount Sensor. If you are within range (and your remote control's batteries are fresh), the LED on the sensor will flash a bright red color each time you press a button on the remote. (See Figure 21) If you are using a remote control with macro capabilities (a single press of a button issues a string of commands), allow sufficient time for all of the commands to execute. Figure 21 19 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES Additional MicroFlashers Although the Remote Control Anywhere! Kit includes three MicroFlashers, the Connection Hub can accommodate up to six. Order model IRC-2P (Stock# FG00726) from your authorized Niles dealer for each additional A/V component you wish to control. IRC-2P MicroFlasherTM Stock # FG00726 Figure 22 Status Feedback Wall Adapter The Status Feedback feature (see page 19) lights the LED green on the Wall Mount Sensor whenever your system is on. This is a very useful feature when operating your equipment from a remote location. For this feature to work, your system receiver (or preamp) must have a switched AC outlet and you must purchase the optional Status Feedback 12V DC Wall Adapter (FG00665). The Status Feedback Wall Adapter is plugged into the switched AC outlet of your receiver. The 12V DC output plug is inserted into the Connection Hub's Status Input. (See Figure 22) Switched outlet on the back of receiver or preamp. REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT CONNECTION HUB 12V DC Wall- Adapter Stock # FG00665 20 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES Additional Sensors Although the Remote Control Anywhere! Kit includes one Wall-Mount Sensor, the Connection Hub can accommodate up to four Sensors or Keypads. For additional Wall Mount Sensors order Model IRR4D+ White (Stock number FG00643). Niles also makes a variety of sensors for virtually any application. See your Niles dealer for more information. CONTINUED Wall-Mount Sensor (IRR4D+) White Stock # FG00643 Double-Gang Mounting Kit Stock # FG00783 Double-Gang Mounting Kit Used for applications that desire the mounting of two Decora® style low-voltage controls next to one another. The kit includes a doublegang Decora faceplate and an easy to install drywall support. All necessary hardware is also included. Order Double-Gang Mounting Kit (Stock number FG00783). 21 INSTALLATION FUNDAMENTALS Running Sensor Cable in New Construction Scheduling and Preparation Plan to schedule the sensor wiring after the electrical wiring is finished. That way you can avoid cable routes which could potentially induce interference over the Sensor Cable. The basic rules are: Never run the Sensor Cable through the same hole as an electrical cable. Never run the Sensor Cable into the same J-box as electrical cable. Avoid running the Sensor Cable beside the electrical cable. Keep it at least 3 or 4 feet distant from any electrical power cable. As side-by-side wiring is unavoidable in particular spots in every house, just move the Sensor Cable route away as soon as possible. If construction forces a side by side run for more than ten feet, install metal conduit or shielded Sensor Cable. Low-voltage cables such as doorbells, intercoms, telephone, speaker, security, or television cannot cause interference on your Sensor Cables, so you can safely run all of them at the same time, through the same holes, side-by-side. work. You will be drilling a lot of holes, so this is important. Always drill the holes in the center of the stud. If you have to notch the stud or drill the hole closer than one inch from the edge of the stud, protect the cable with a nail plate (See Figure 23). When drilling holes in ceiling joists, drill in the center of the joists and try to locate the hole near the end of the joist. DO NOT drill through a "gluelam" or any load bearing beam without the direction of your contractor. Try to line the holes up perfectly, because it makes pulling the cable much easier. A good technique is to snap a chalk line across the face of the studs or Safety First! Wear gloves, safety goggles and head protection when drilling. Avoid nails, they ruin bits and they can create injury. Pay particular attention when using "hole-hogs" and other powerful electric drills; the torque of the drill when suddenly stopped by a nail can break a strong person's wrist. Drilling Use a bit that is large enough for Figure 23 the cables you plan to run. An auger bit is the preferred bit for rough-in wiring. It will actually pull itself through the wood, so that the drill motor, not you, does most of the 22 INSTALLATION FUNDAMENTALS against the bottom of the ceiling joists. Then work backward so that you can always see the holes you have already drilled. Paying careful attention to this will save you a lot of time later! walls or ceilings of Figure 24 your home. Interior walls in almost all North American residences are hollow, so that it is easy to flush mount the Wall-Mount Wall-Mount Sensor Sensor into them Location and route new Sensor Cable around the house. Stereo What you see Location when you look at the painted wall makes it very difficult to board, plaster, or paneling is retrofit long lengths of cable. only the skin of the wall. In some areas of the country Behind the skin is the skelethe exterior walls are ton; two-by-four wood or constructed of solid metal "studs" running vertimasonry, and have no cally from the floor to the hollow space for cables. ceiling in walls and 2 x 6 or larger "joists" running horizontally in the ceilings and floors. In between the studs and the joists is the space for the wiring and plumbing of your home. Exterior walls are different. They must insulate the house from the heat and cold outside, so they are stuffed with insulation. The national building code requires that the hollow wall space in exterior walls be broken by a horizontal stud placed between the vertical studs. This "fire blocking" 23 Start by examining all the possible routes you might take to run the Sensor Cable from the Wall-Mount Sensor location to the A/V components to be controlled. Use a stud sensor or other device to locate the internal structure of the wall. You want to avoid all studs or joists. A typical route (See Figure 24) would be from the Wall-Mount Sensor location up the inside of the wall to a new hole drilled into the top "plate" (horizontal 2 x 4 at the top of the inside of the Pulling the Cable Whenever you run the cable farther than 4-1/2 feet from a hole in a stud or joist (open attic space, going up walls, etc.), fasten the cable to the joists or studs using cable clamps or appropriately sized cable staples. The cable should not have large sags in it, nor should it be too tight. Try to protect the cable from being stepped on in attics or other unfinished crawl spaces. There are guard strips, raceways and conduits which can be used to protect the cable. Consult the local building code for special requirements in your area. Concealing Sensor Cable in Existing Walls This is actually a fairly simple task if you restrict your choice of the WallMount Sensor location and cable routes to the interior INSTALLATION FUNDAMENTALS wall), into the attic crawl space, then down another plate to the wall behind the stereo system itself. The other very common route is through the bottom plate of the wall into an unfinished basement or crawl space. Identify where all of your electrical, phone, and TV wiring is likely to be and plan to route around it all. You can accidentally induce interference on your Sensor Cable right beside electrical cable for more than a few feet. Try to keep Sensor Cable running parallel to power cables at least 3 feet away. To find exactly where an electrical cable is routed, try inspecting the inside of the wall by turning off the breaker for a particular power outlet or switch, removing the cover plate and switch or receptacle, and shining a penlight into the wall. If you have access to an attic or basement space, you can see which part of the wall space is free of obstructions (See Figure 25). When you don't have access above or below the wall, try to estimate the existing cable and pipe locations from the positions Figure 25 Unobstructed space for Sensor Cable of electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures on both sides of the wall. Also, take a look at the outside of your house, sometimes a conduit, vent or drain pipe will be visible and will offer useful information. Choose the route with the fewest potential obstacles. If your house is built on a slab or you are wiring between two finished floors, look for baseboards which could be removed and replaced with the cable behind them. Doorjambs can be removed and often have enough space for Sensor Cable all the way around the door (See Figure 26). Sometimes, an under-thecarpet run is possible. As a last resort, heating and air conditioning vents can be 24 used as cable raceways for plenum rated cable (check your local building codes, some municipalities require a conduit). In traditional wood stud/drywall construction you can cut the hole for the Wall-Mount Sensor and utilize the hole to auger holes across, up or down Figure 26 INSTALLATION FUNDAMENTALS the wall for as far as your drill bit will take you. If you have matching paint and take reasonable care in patching you can cut a hatch in the drywall at each stud, run your cable, and patch and touch-up the wall (See Figure 27). When you are dealing with the unknown because of the structure of your home, or with difficult materials to patch the wall, such as plaster, lath and plaster, faux finishes, wallpaper etc., be patient. A careful study of the potential problems before you start the job will pay off later. Figure 27 25 Niles Audio Corporation 12331 SW 130th Street Miami Florida 33186 TEL: (305) 238-4373 FAX: (305) 238-0185 www.nilesaudio.com ©1999 All Rights Reserved. Niles Audio Corporation. Because Niles strives to continuously improve its products, Niles reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. Niles, the Niles logo and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Decora is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Company. Remote Control Anywhere, MicroSensor and MicroFlasher are trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Printed in the USA 8/98 DS00224B