INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE RVL-6 Modular Multi-Room Controller Infrared Remote Control Speaker Selection, Volume Control, and Infrared Repeater System ® B LENDING H IGH F IDELITY AND A R C H I T E C T U R E® Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Niles RVL-6 Multi-Room Control System, one of the most flexible and convenient audio components ever offered. The RVL-6, like all Niles products, is built to the highest standards of quality and reliability. With proper installation and operation, you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use. Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation components and accessories for audio/video systems. For a free full line catalog write: Niles, Catalog Request, P Box 160818, Miami, Florida 331 .O. 16-0818 Table Of Contents INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 FEATURES AND BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR RVL-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 THE ROOM CONTROL MODULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 SETTING THE DIP SWITCHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 OPERATING YOUR RVL-6 SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 CHOOSING THE RVL-6 SYSTEM THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 A SINGLE ZONE SYSTEM USING ONE RVL-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 A SINGLE ZONE SYSTEM USING UP TO FOUR RVL-6s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 A MULTIPLE ZONE SYSTEM USING UP TO FOUR RVL-6s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 A DUAL ZONE SYSTEM USING AN IR REPEATER SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 POWERLINE CARRIER CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 ROOM CONTROL MODULE TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 IR TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 2 Introduction The RVL-6 is a modular multi-room control system. It combines the benefits of a remote controlled speaker selection/volume control/infrared repeater system into one low-profile chassis. The RVL-6's unique modular design enables you to design your system to suit your needs. Each RVL-6 can be configured for up to six rooms, and four RVL-6s can be linked in a single system to control up to 24 rooms. Each room is assigned an insertable room control module (sold separately). Choose between a volume control module (includes room on/off control) and a basic room on/off module. You purchase only the room control modules required for your system. The RVL-6 can be integrated with Niles keypads, programmable IR keypads (the Niles IntelliPadTM), IR sensors and powerline carrier controls to deliver the optimum level of control for each room. Additionally, the RVL-6 interfaces with Niles automation products for total convenience. You'll never have to worry about overloading an amplifier powering an RVL-6. The RVL-6 constantly monitors which speakers are playing and selects exactly the right amount of impedance protection for your amplifier. Figure 1 The RVL-6 Multi-Room Controller 3 Features and Benefits High-Power Handling The RVL-6 is designed for amplifiers rated at 150 watts per channel continuous (RMS) power. Massive copper traces on the printed circuit-board handle large amounts of amplifier current, ensuring high dynamic-range and clarity. Isolated left and right channel ground returns make the RVL-6 compatible with virtually any amplifier. Independent Control for Room ON/OFF, VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN Commands The RVL-6 ROOM ON/OFF and VOLUME UP/DOWN commands enable you to control the room you are in without affecting the rest of the system. You can fine tune your listening area without disturbing others in another room. Global ALL ON and ALL OFF Command DIP switches on the rear panel of the RVL-6 enable you to individually choose which speakers turn on when the ALL ON command is received. Every room in the system enabled via the ALL ON DIP switches can be turned on instantaneously by issuing the ALL ON command. The entire system can be turned off from any location by issuing the ALL OFF command. Total Front-Panel Control The front panel buttons of the RVL-6 enable you to control ROOM ON/OFF and VOLUME UP/DOWN (providing that the correct control module has been installed. When entertaining family and friends, whole-house speaker volume changes are easy and convenient. Keypad and Hand-Held Remote Control The RVL-6 can be operated by optional Niles wall-mount keypads (RP-6, RP-7, or the IntelliPad) and/or via Niles IR sensors with hand-held remote controls. The front panel IR sensor of the RVL-6 enables you to control virtually every aspect of your components using a hand-held remote control. Teaches Learning Remote Controls its IR Commands All IR commands required to control the RVL-6 can be taught to a learning remote control via the the RVL-6's teaching IR flasher. This conveniently integrates control of your source components with control of your RVL-6. IntelliPad-Ready with Power Status Feedback The RVL-6 communicates the status of each room module to a corresponding IntelliPad, Niles' award-winning programmable IR keypad system. Each IntelliPad in the system displays and controls whether its room is on or off. The IntelliPad's power synchronization circuitry enables you to create one-touch synchronized sequences to automate your system. Powerline Carrier Control Using an optional powerline carrier controller (X-10® or Leviton Decora® Home Control) you can control the RVL-6 through the existing 120V AC electrical wires in your home. An optional Niles TW-523 interface module (Niles stock# FG00256) is required. 4 Modular Construction The RVL-6 uses insertable room control modules for each room you wish to control giving you optimum flexibility when designing your system. With a single RVL-6 chassis you can control up to six rooms by installing either an RVC-1 VOLUME CONTROL module (Niles stock# FG00247) or a simple RSS-1 ROOM ON/OFF module (Niles stock# FG00248) for each room. You purchase only the number and type of modules you need. Easy System Expansion Up to four RVL-6's can be linked to control systems with up to 24 rooms. When linked, Global ALL ON or ALL OFF commands affect the entire system. In addition, IR commands can be routed to common source equipment from any of the 24 rooms. Computerized Amplifier Protection The RVL-6's programmable microcontroller constantly monitors which room modules are on (you specify each speaker's impedance, see page 15) and their volume level, then calculates the total impedance and provides the minimum impedance protection your amplifier requires (you specify your amplifier's requirements, see page 15). This extremely accurate handling of impedance protection maximizes the power for your speakers at all times, while protecting your amplifier from overloading. Automatic Audiophile Bypass When only one pair of speakers is playing, the RVL-6 bypasses the impedance protection circuit. This creates the purest possible circuit between the amplifier inputs and the speaker outputs. Control Output The 12V DC CONTROL OUT and an optional Niles AC-3 voltage-activated AC power switching system (Niles stock# FG00242) enable your amplifier/receiver to turn on automatically when any of the RVL-6's room modules are turned on (the amplifier must have a "latching" power switch and non-volatile memory, see page 21). When all of the room modules are turned off, the AC-3 and the amplifier/receiver will be turned off automatically after a 30 second delay. This delay enables the equipment to remain on if an ALL OFF command was inadvertently issued. Confirm and Status LEDs The CONFIRM LED flashes green when the RVL-6 receives any IR command. The ROOM STATUS LEDs light green when a room module is turned on. When a green ROOM STATUS LED blinks the corresponding room module is "selected" and ready to be controlled. Room Identification Labels Recessed areas above the ROOM STATUS LEDs and buttons accommodate room identification labels enabling you to custom label each room. Seventy-two adhesive-backed room labels are included with your RVL-6. Proudly Made in the USA The RVL-6 is made in Miami, Florida and comes with a limited two year parts and labor warranty. 5 Getting To Know Your RVL-6 Because the RVL-6 presents an extensive amount of configuration possibilities it is important to become familiar with all the features and options that are available. A good understanding of the anatomy of the unit will enable you to optimally create, configure and install your system (see Figure 2). ROOM STATUS LEDs. TEACHING LED teaches Niles IR commands to any learning remote control LED BLINKING - The room is selected; you may adjust volume, room on/off, etc. using the front panel controls LED on - The room is on LED off - The room is off ON/OFF and VOLUME controls affect rooms which are "selected" (LEDs are blinking) ALL ON button enables you to turn on all or some of your speakers depending upon the rear panel DIP switch settings INFRARED SENSOR controls Room 1 module CONFIRM LED flashes green whenever an IR signal or interference is received from any IR sensor ROOM SELECT buttons allow you to "select" rooms singly or in combinations. Once a room(s) is selected, you may control it with the ON/OFF and VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN buttons ALL OFF button turns off your entire system AMP IMPEDANCE DIP switches enable you to match the RVL-6 to your amplifier's ideal load Screw-locked removable connector for AMPLIFIER or receiver DEDICATED FLASHER UART jack for ALL ON and ALL-ON DIP switches enable you to select output controls compoALL OFF commands when which rooms are activated when the ALL-ON nents which are dedicatmultiple RVL-6 are used command is issued SENSOR/KEYPAD ed to this RVL-6 within one system connections corresponding to each of the Room Control MODE switches VOLUME DIP Modules control the chooses whether configuration of IR DATA IN connects all rooms will turn FLASHER level X-10 jack multiple RVL-6 to other IR systems on at 25% or at adjusts the power for TW-523 and the routing (RVL-6, IRP2+, the last volume of all flashers interface module of IR Data IRP6+, IRZ6+, etc.) setting used Screw-locked removable connector for SPEAKERS SPEAKER IMPEDANCE DIP switches enable you to select proper impedance for each speaker pair EYE DIP switch enables the front panel IR sensor IR DATA OUT connects to other IR systems (RVL-6, IRP2+, IRP6+, IRZ6+, etc.) POWER jack for 12V DC wall adapter (included) X-10 DIP switches select starting house and unit codes when integrating the RVL-6 with a powerline carrier control system CONTROL OUT provides 12V DC @ 200mA when one or more speakers are turned on COMMON FLASHER outputs control components which are common to all RVL-6s in a system Figure 2 RVL-6 features 6 The Room Control Modules Overview For each pair of speakers you wish to control you need to a install a room control module (sold separately). The RVL-6 accommodates two kinds of room control modules--an RVC-1 module which controls volume and room on/off and an RSS-1 which only controls room on/off. RVC-1 Volume Control Module Provides room on/off and volume control. It utilizes Niles premium quality autoformers that have twelve popfree steps and 42dB range of attenuation. Use an RVC-1 module for any area where you woul ...