User Guide Owner's manual
Wiring an IRL 20
The Extron IRL 20 is a hard wired IR signal receiver that can be used with the MLC 52 and 
an IR remote control. The IRL 20 receives a signal via its front panel (or an IR sensor) from 
the IR remote control, and outputs a modulated IR signal via an IR emitter. 
Wire and connect the IRL 20 to the MLC 52 as follows:
1.  If it has not been done, cut the required length of Extron CTL (Comm-Link) cable to 
connect the MLC 52 to the IRL 20 (see Recommended Cables on page 62 for 
cable part numbers).
The maximum total distance between an Extron controller and the IRL 20 is 150 feet 
(45.7 m).
2.  Attach a 3.5 mm, 5-pole captive screw connector to the end of the cable that will be 
plugged into the IRL 20.
Tx
IR OUT
GND
IR IN
GND
+ 12V
+12V 
GND 
CM 
ModIR 
SCP 
+12V 
GND 
CM 
ModIR 
SCP 
IR SNSR 
IRL 20 
GND 
SIG 
+5V 
D 
B 
A 
+12 V
GND
Modulated IR
C
B
A
+12 VDC
Ground (Gnd)
A
B
External Power Supply
(12 VDC, 1 A max.)
Control Connector
for MLC 52 Series
(Rear Panel)
F E D C B A
Figure 13.  Wiring an IRL 20
3.  Connect the wires on the other end of the cable to the provided 3.5 mm 6-pole 
captive screw connector.
• A (MLC) to A (IRL 20)
• B (MLC) to B (IRL 20)
• C (MLC) to D (IRL 20) 
NOTE:  Do not connect more than one IRL 20 (either in parallel or in series) to an 
Extron device.
4.  Plug the 5-pole connector end of the cable into one of the IRL 20 communications 
connectors.
5.  Plug the 6-pole connector end of the cable into the control port on the MLC 52 back 
panel.
6.  Connect power to the MLC or the IRL 20.
NOTE:  The +12 VDC power is shared between the MLC 52 and the IRL 20 
when they are connected. You can wire the power supply to either the MLC or 
the IRL 20.
MLC 52 MediaLink Controllers • Installation and Configuration 14










