QUICK START GUIDE MRC88 MRAUDIO8X8 EIGHT ZONE – EIGHT SOURCE AUDIO & VIDEO CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER SYSTEMS
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS READ THIS FIRST!!!..........................................................................................................................................................3 SYSTEM PLANNING .........................................................................................................................................................5 CONTROLLER LOCATION.........................................................................................
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE READ THIS FIRST!!! About the MRC88/MRAUDIO8X8 Quick Start Guide The MRC88/MRAUDIO8X8 Quick Start Guide provides fundamental instruction for planning, installing, connecting and programming a basic MRC88 System. The MRC88 Series Controllers have features and options to accommodate functionality in the most basic or sophisticated of whole-house audio/video distribution and control applications.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE Figure 1 – Typical MRC88 System 08905142A 4
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 5 SYSTEM PLANNING CONTROLLER LOCATION Consider all of the flowing when planning the Controller location: 1. The MRC88 depends on the natural free flow of air up through the slot perforations in the bottom plate, over the internal heat dissipating fins, then out the top cover, for adequate cooling. 2. Provide large holes in the shelf below the MRC88 and allow at least 2 inches of space above the top cover to allow adequate airflow. 3. Never remove the chassis feet.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 6 MOUNTING THE KEYPAD Keypad Location • The MRC88 Keypad should be mounted in a convenient location, typically near the entrance to a room where other room controls such as light switches are located. NOTE: Some light dimmers can interfere with the Keypad and IR Sensor. Test compatibility prior to determining mounting location. • Do not mount the Keypads in locations that will be exposed to sunlight or bright artificial light.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE KEYPAD CABLE LENGTH The maximum cable length for MRC88 connection to a single keypad is 500 feet (152m) over CAT5 cable. • Zone Keypad CAT5 cables should be pulled in home-runs from the keypad locations to the MRC88 Controller. • Label each end of the CAT5 with the Zone Number and Room Name to assure proper connection and assist in troubleshooting. • CAT5 cable must be properly terminated with RJ45 connectors for MRC88 Keypad connections.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE SPEAKER WIRE LENGTH The maximum wire length for Zone Speaker connections is 150’ (39m) over 14AWG stranded wire. • Speaker wire should be pulled in home-runs from the speaker locations to the MRC88 Controller, two pair for each zone. • Always use quality stranded speaker wire for zone speaker connections. • Label each end of the speaker wire with the Zone Number and Room Name to assure proper connection and assist in troubleshooting.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 9 VIDEO DISPLAY CABLE LENGTH (MRC88) The maximum coaxial cable length for Zone Video Output is 150’ over RG6 quad-shield cable. • Coax for zone video should be pulled in home-runs from the zone video display locations to the MRC88. • Coax must be properly terminated with a shielded male RCA video plug on the MRC88 end and as appropriate for connection to the video display.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 10 PREPARATION – WIRING CAUTION: Power voltage for the keypad is transmitted along the CAT5 cable! Incorrect wiring on this cable can destroy the MRC Keypad! TERMINATING THE CAT5 CABLES All MRC88 CAT5/RJ45 connections utilize the EIA/TIA 568B Standard pin-out as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 – CAT5/RJ45 Pin-out (EIA/TIA 568B) Cables should be configured in a pass through (pin to pin) configuration. To terminate CAT5 cables: 1.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 11 Test the cable connections using a proper CAT5 cable tester or use a multimeter to check pin to pin continuity and for possible shorts. Using either method, it is advisable to measure pins 3 and 6 to verify proper voltage. A 12VDC measurement should be read when the positive probe is on pin 6 and the negative probe is on pin 3. See Figure 7.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 12 SOURCE CONNECTIONS Be sure the MRC88 power is off and the unit is disconnected the from the AC supply when making connections to avoid potential electrical shock and damage to the MRC88, the Keypads, Sources and Speaker components. MRAUDIO8X8 (Audio Only) 1. Use a quality stereo audio patch cable to connect the L&R line level audio outputs of a source component to the appropriate L&R line level source audio inputs on the MRAUDIO8X8 rear panel. 2.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 13 IR EMITTERS Use the 8 included 283M Emitters for IR control of common source components. 1. Locate the IR sensor on the device to be controlled. If the sensor is not obvious, shine a small flashlight into the device front panel display to locate the sensor or refer to the product manual for that device. 2.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE ZONE CONNECTIONS KEYPADS Prior to connecting the keypads, be sure the zone dual-gang boxes and keypad mounting brackets have been installed and the keypad CAT5 runs have been terminated and tested as described in the previous sections. Head End Connections 1. Connect the zone CAT5 keypad cable to the appropriate Zone Keypad Terminal on the MRC88 rear panel. Be sure the RJ45 connector ‘clicks’ into place. 2. Repeat for all zones. Zone Connections 1.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 15 SPEAKERS Head End Connections Use the included 4-conductor plug-in connectors, (6 included) to connect speaker wires to the MRC88. 1. Strip each speaker wire conductor’s insulation back about ¼ inch (6mm) and twist the ends to prevent fraying. 2. Insert the leads into the appropriate “L+, L-”/“R+, R-” Terminals on each plug-in connector. Confirm polarity. Slightly pull the connected wire to confirm connection. 3.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 16 VIDEO DISPLAY (MRC88) Head End Connections 1. Connect the zone video cable to the appropriate Zone Video Output on the MRC88 rear panel. 2. Repeat for all zones with video displays. Zone Connections Prior to connection, confirm the input to be used for the zone video feed and appropriately terminate the video cable. (Shielded male RCA video plug typical.) 1. Connect the zone video cable to the appropriate composite video input on the zone video display. 2.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 17 SYSTEM INITIALIZATION When all system connections (head-end and zones) have been made and confirmed, connect the AC power cords for the MRC88 and all system devices. Press the Power Button on the MRC88 Front Panel. The Xantech logo will illuminate indicating the main power is ON. The Status LEDs (1-8) on the MRC88 front panel will flash as follows while performing a system status check: • Slow Orange Blink – Indicates general initialization is occurring.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE The following Table shows out-of-box default functionality of a MRC88 Keypad when connected to an un-programmed (factory default) MRC88: Button Name Power Source Buttons CH+ CHStatus Pause Select/Play REW FF Stop VOL+ VOLMute Default Function/ Non-Programmable Default Function/ Programmable X X No Default/ Must Be Programmed X X X X X X X X X X X Table 2 – MRC88 Keypad Default Functionality SYSTEM DEFAULT SETTINGS A MRC88 has a wide range of system, source and
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 19 ZONE AUDIO ADJUSTMENTS (MRC88 Keypad – User Settings) To adjust Treble, Bass and Balance from a MRC88 Keypad: 1. Simultaneously press the Status and VOL+ Buttons. The ‘Audio Setup Mode’ will appear on the keypad LCD. 2. To adjust Balance, press the button under ‘BAL’. The ‘<’ REW Button will shift audio to the left speaker. The ‘>’ FF Button will shift audio to the right speaker. The Select/Play Button will restore center balance.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 20 5. Adjust Volume Buttons until the apparent loudness is the same as the device in Step 2 (lowest output). 6. Select another input that sounds louder. 7. Adjust Volume Buttons again until the apparent loudness is the same as the device in Step 2 (lowest output). 8. Repeat this procedure for each remaining input. 9. Verify settings by selecting each input again, making adjustments as necessary until all inputs have the same relative audio level. 10.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 21 NOTE: The MRC88 remembers the last volume setting on a power down and returns to that level when the Zone is powered back up. The ON-VOL feature will ensure that if the volume was turned off at a loud volume setting, when it is turned back on it will never go above the preset level (ON-VOL) setting as a maximum. If user preference is to have the zone always turn on the last volume set, do not program an ON-VOL Setting. 9.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE Universal Dragon™ can be installed using the included CD-ROM or as a download from www.xantech.com . Given the size of the program, it is recommended that downloading only be done with a high-speed internet connection. Universal Dragon™ will automatically update when a PC running Universal Dragon™ is powered up, but it is always a good idea to check the website for the latest version and Application Advisories before starting a new project.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 23 version number, the firmware in the MRC88 should be updated using the steps in the following section. If the firmware numbers are the same, click OK in the Who Am I? Window and proceed to section: Starting A New MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 Project, (Page 26). FIRMWARE UPGRADE OPTIONS The MRC88 has been designed to be “Future Proof”. As product feature improvements are developed, new System Firmware versions will be made available. Check www.xantech.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 24 on Archived Firmware Versions and scroll to the desired version (entries are sorted with the newest entries at the top of the list and the oldest at the bottom). Click on the desired filename link to begin the download process. 4. The File Download Window will appear. Select Save. 5. The Save As Window will open. Navigate to: Program Files/Xantech/Universal Dragon/Firmware (usually located on the local C Drive.). Click Save. 6.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 25 COLD FIRMWARE UPGRADE Cold Firmware Upgrades should be performed when the MRC88 firmware is more than 5 versions older than the most current version on the Xantech Firmware Upgrade Page or if the MRC88 Controller is not functioning correctly. Figure 18 – Cold Upgrade 1. Start Universal Dragon™, connect the programming cable to the front of the MRC88 and open a MRC88 project. 2. In the Base Unit Menu, select Upgrade, then MRC88, then Cold Upgrade. 3.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 26 STARTING A NEW MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 PROJECT For purpose of example, a Blank MRC88 Project similar to the system shown in Figure 1 – Typical MRC88 System will be used. Figure 19 – New Project Window 1. 2. 3. 4. In the File Menu, select New Project. The New Project Window will appear. Under Project Type, click the ‘+’ next to Audio/Video Distribution. Select MRC88 (or MRAUDIO8X8 if appropriate). Select the Radio Button for Blank Project. Click OK.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE CONFIGURING THE SOURCE ICONS Each of the Source Icons can be configured to show the source on each input. Each Icon can be up to four characters (CD, TUNR, DVD, MSRV, iPod, etc.) Figure 20 – MRC Icon Text Window 1. Double click a Source Button or Icon to name the Source. The MRC Icon Text Window will appear. 2. Type the Icon Name (CD, DVD, SAT, etc.) in the MRC Icon Text Window. Click OK. The Icon will appear on the virtual keypad LCD. 3.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 1. 2. 28 In the MRC88 Window select Zone 1 from the pull-down. If the Palette Editor is not already open, in the View Menu, select Palette Editor. 3. In the Palette Editor, click Show IR Library to open the IR Code Library. 4. Select the brand, (Denon, Pioneer, Sony, etc.) and the type of component, (CD, DVD, Sat, etc.) connected to Input 1 on the MRC88 (Pioneer CD). NOTE: Some brand/type sets (Pioneer CD, etc) will include multiple IR code sets.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 29 TEST IR COMMANDS To test IR Commands, the PC must be connected to either the RS232 COM or USB COM Port on the MRC88 Front Panel and IR emitters must be connected to the appropriate IR Emitter Outputs on the MRC88 Rear Panel and correctly attached to the appropriate devices. Figure 22 – Select Test Mode 1. In the Universal Dragon™ Tool Bar, in the Mode Menu, select Test. 2. On the virtual keypad, click the Power Button.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 30 PUNCH SYSTEM (Copy IR Programming to all Zones) Once the IR programming for Zone 1 has been confirmed, if all zones are to have the same programming, the Zone 1 Keypad can be ‘punched’ or copied to all zones saving valuable programming time. Figure 23 – Punch System 1. With Zone 1 (the programmed zone) selected in the MRC88 Window, right click any button. 2. Select Punch (System). A Punch System Level Caution Message will appear. Click YES.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 31 TRANSFER THE PROJECT With all Zone IR programming confirmed, the Project can be transferred to the MRC88. With the PC connected to either the RS232 COM or USB COM Port on the MRC88 Front Panel: Figure 24 – Transfer Data Window 1. In the File Menu, select Transfer Project or in the Tool Bar, click the Transfer Project Icon. 2. The Transfer Data Window will appear. When transfer is complete, the message: Transfer Succeeded will display in the window. Click OK. 3.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 32 SAVING THE PROJECT Unlike previous versions of Xantech Dragon Drop-IR™ Software, Universal Dragon™ does not auto-save work in progress. Therefore it is necessary to save all work and it is highly recommended that it be saved frequently. Figure 25 – Save Project 1. In the File Menu, select Save Project or in the Tool Bar, click the Save Project Icon. 2. The Save As Window will appear for a new, unsaved project.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 33 SAVE PROJECT AS When programming a project for a new client that is similar or identical to an existing project, Open the existing project. In the File Menu select Save As, then enter the new file name as described in Step 4 above. The project will be saved with the new file name. At this point, the project can be transferred to the Controller if no additional changes are required, or after making the necessary changes for the new client. PROJECT RECOVERY 1.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE APPENDIX MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER PANEL FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS Figure 26 – MRC88 Front Panel Features MRC88 FRONT PANEL FEATURES AND CONNECTIONS 1. Front Panel. 2. Chassis Feet. Set high enough to provide through-chassis cooling by natural convection. 3. Master AC Line On/Off Switch. Turns AC power On/Off to the entire unit. 4. Power and Status LED Indicators.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 35 c) Slow Green Blink – indicates that the Zone is in the Active, is muted and is not within 5 dB of MAX-V. d) Slow Red Blink – indicates that the Zone is Active, is muted and is within 5 dB of MAX-V. e) Fast Green Blink – indicates that Zone is Active, is being ramped Up or Down and is not within 5 dB of MAX-V. f) Fast Red Blink – indicates that the Zone is Active, is being ramped Up or Down and is within 5 dB of MAX-V.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 36 Figure 27 – MRC88 Rear Panel Features MRC88 REAR PANEL FEATURES AND CONNECTIONS 16. Keypad Terminals (8). Each Zone has one RJ-45 jack for Keypad Interface. Each connector interfaces the following: Power (Enough for 1 Primary & up to 1 Secondary Keypad per Zone), RS-485 Data I/O, and IR Input. 17. Speaker Terminals (6). Plug-in 4-terminal screw type connectors for zones 1 thru 6, permit speaker wire sizes up to 12AWG. 18. Composite Video Output (8).
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 37 b) Video Loop-Thru. Buffered Video Connection for connecting Input Video Source to another MRC-88 in Expanded Mode or to other local devices. NOTE: Since this is a Buffered video connection, this loopthru is not active when POWER is removed from the MRC88 24. Zone Audio Inputs (8). 3.5mm Stereo Mini Phone Jack for Zone specific stereo audio Server Inputs. Zone Audio Inputs override rear panel, Source 1 connection.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 38 MRC88 KEYPAD FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS Figure 28 – MRC88 Keypad Front Panel Features MRC88 KEYPAD FRONT PANEL FEATURES 1. MRC88 Keypad. 2. Power. Turns the zone ON and OFF. Can be programmed with IR codes or sequences. 3. IR Sensor. Receives IR from hand-held remotes to control both source components and the MRC88 system.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 39 icon on the LCD Display and sends IR commands programmed to the button (if any) to the corresponding source and common emitter outputs as well as Zone Emitter port. 7. Source 5-8 Selector Buttons. Pressing of Source Button selects the corresponding source’s Audio/Video signal to be played in the Zone of the keypad pressed.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 40 Figure 29 – MRC88 Keypad Rear Panel Features MRC88 KEYPAD - REAR PANEL FEATURES AND CONNECTIONS 15. Controller Terminal. RJ45 Jack. Connects Keypad to zone keypad input on MRC88 Controller via CAT5 cable. 16. Expansion Terminal. RJ45 Jack. Allows keypad to be daisy chained to another keypad for multiple control locations within a zone. Up to 4 keypads are supported per zone. 17. Keypad Address. Pair of Jumpers. Used to assign Keypad Address.
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE 41 23. External IR Terminal Block. 4-Terminal WECO style socket – Allows connection of other Xantech IR Receivers and/or Keypads to be used in conjunction with the MRC88. (i.e. Use WaterPad Keypad in subzone in shower or outdoor zone or Plasma Friendly IR Receiver in place of Keypad IR Receiver). 24. Snap-in Pins. These pins snap into the MRC88 Keypad wall bracket for mounting. SPECIFICATIONS Audio (ea channel) Min Input ...............................................
NOTES
NOTES
MRC88 / MRAUDIO8X8 QUICK START GUIDE Xantech Corporation 13100 Telfair Avenue, 2/F Sylmar, CA 91342 Quick Start Guide, MRC88, MRAUDIO8X8 © 2007 Xantech Corporation, Document #08905142A This document is copyright protected. No part of this manual may be copied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Xantech Corporation. Xantech Corporation shall not be liable for operational, technical, or editorial errors/omissions made in this document.
