INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS MODEL MRC44 FOUR ZONE – FOUR SOURCE AUDIO/VIDEO CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER SYSTEM
Page: 2 Model MRC44 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - READ BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Model MRC44 Page: 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title Page General Information...........................................................................................................................................4 System Overview...............................................................................................................................................5 Controller/Amplifier Features .....................................................................................................
Page: 4 Model MRC44 GENERAL INFORMATION The Xantech MRC44 System is a revolutionary whole-house audio/video distribution, audio amplification and control system. The MRC44 System consists of the MRC44 Controller/Amplifier, four LCD Keypads and four IR Emitters. When combined with almost any four IR controlled audio/video source components (CD, DVD, VCR, Satellite, etc.), using the MRC44 System is as easy as pushing a button.
Model MRC44 Page: 5 SYSTEM OVERVIEW The MRC44 is a four-source four-zone audio/video distribution and control system. The System is comprised of a Control Amp, four LCD Keypads, and four 283M IR Emitters. Together the Control Amp and the Keypads make up a multi-room A/V system. The Control Amp acts as the Server and the Keypads act as the Clients. The end users interact with the Keypads in order to control all aspects of Audio/Video Distribution and Control.
Page: 6 Model MRC44 CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER FEATURES Central Processor x Four Audio/Video Source Inputs x Video sensing (NTSC/PAL Sync) on each input for power management of common source components x Current sensing (>20mA-<10A) for each input for power management of common source components and future control modules using the optional CSM1 x Internal memory (96 Kbytes non-volatile flash) for storing IR codes. x Programmable only with Dragon Drop-IR Programming Software.
Model MRC44 Page: 7 MRC44 CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER PANEL AND FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS 1 MRC44 POWER 1 2 3 4 FOUR ZONE - FOUR SOURCE AUDIO/VIDEO CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER 2 3 4 2 Figure 2 – The Model MRC44 Controller/Amplifier – Front Panel Features and Functions 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.
Page: 8 Model MRC44 11 AUDIO LEFT 1 7 5 2 3 4 AUDIO RIGHT WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN, MOISTURE OR PLACE WATER FILLED OBJECTS ON THE PRODUCT. ATTENTION: RISQUE DE SENSE SENSE SENSE NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER TO OWNERS MANUAL FOR SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. SENSE VIDEO 1 ATTENTION: POUR UN REGLAGE CORRECT, SE REPORTER AU MANUEL DINSTRUCTIONS.
Model MRC44 Page: 9 12. IR Out (1-4). 3.5mm Mono Mini Phone Jacks. These mini jacks are for the connection of IR emitters to control source components. These jacks are “steerable” with Dragon Drop-IR for IR routing and priority lockout. (See: Controller Options Programming.) 13. IR Out (Common). 3.5mm Mono Mini Phone Jacks. The Control Amp has a single Common IR Output that can be used to control devices such as motorized drapery systems, TV lifts and lighting systems. 14. Com Port. DB9 Connector.
Page: 10 Model MRC44 MRC44 KEYPAD FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS 20 24 26 27 22 21 POWER 23 28 25 32 CH 33 CH 34 PAUSE REW SELECT PLAY FF VOL 29 VOL 30 STOP STATUS MUTE 31 35 Figure 4 – The Model MRC44 Keypad – Front Panel Features and Functions 20. MRC44 Keypad. 21. Power. Turns the zone ON and OFF. Can be programmed with IR codes or sequences. 22. IR Sensor. Receives IR from hand-held remotes to control both source components and the MRC44 system.
Model MRC44 Page: 11 26. Source 2 Selector. Selects source input 2, reverses source icon on LCD Display when source is selected and sends IR commands programmed to this button (if any) to the source 2 and common emitter outputs. Also used in Dynamic Monitor Lockout and Dynamic Zone Link Modes. 27. Source 3 Selector. Selects source input 3, reverses source icon on LCD Display when source is selected and sends IR commands programmed to this button (if any) to the source 3 and common emitter outputs.
Page: 12 Model MRC44 36. Controller Terminal. RJ45 Jack. Connects Keypad to zone keypad input on MRC44 Controller via CAT5 cable. 37. Expansion Terminal. RJ45 Jack. Allows a second Keypad or external IR receiver for each zone. 38. Secondary Keypad. Jumper. Used to configure as secondary keypad in zone. 39. Zone Termination. Jumper. Do not remove jumper if there is only one keypad in a zone. If there are two keypads in a zone, remove only from the first keypad. 40. Enable Sensor. Jumper.
Model MRC44 Page: 13 INSTALLATION MRC44 CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER PHYSICAL LOCATION AND MOUNTING (BASIC/ADVANCED) When you mount the MRC44 Controller, you should plan its location carefully. Pay close attention to each of the following factors: 1. The amplifier is convection cooled. That is, it 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.
Page: 14 Model MRC44 Keypad mounting for the MRC44 Keypad does not require a junction box. The MRC44 keypad can be mounted on drywall, lath & plaster, button board or other surfaces covering a hollow wall. Follow these simple procedures to install the provided MRC44 mounting bracket and keypad: NOTE: Check local electrical codes. Some areas require a backbox in certain applications. For installations that require a backbox, see Xantech Part# MRCBOX. The MRC44 keypad will not fit in a standard 2-gang box.
Model MRC44 Page: 15 2. Installing the Mounting Bracket a. Attach the ground wire to the ground lug to the rear of the back-bar with the provided green screw, before beginning the bracket installation process. NOTE: A ground wire connected to Earth ground is required to protect against static discharge. b. Run the supplied screws through the top (marked on the front of the bracket) of the mounting bracket into the back-bar as shown in Figure 8. c. Pull the CAT5 cable through the hole in the wall. d.
Page: 16 Model MRC44 CONNECTING THE MRC44 CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER When making connections to the MRC44 Controller be sure the power cord is unplugged. Proceed as follows, referring to Figure 13 for Typical MRC44 System layout: Source Component Connections Audio Connections (BASIC/ADVANCED) Using good quality RCA-type patch cables connect the LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUT jacks of the source component (DVD, CD, Satellite receiver, etc.) to the appropriate LEFT and RIGHT INPUT jacks on the MRC44.
Model MRC44 Page: 17 NOTE 2: Program IR commands fro MRC44 Controller current sensing as described in “PROGRAMMING SENSE CODES”. (EXPANDED) Connect CSM1’s as described above to the Primary Controller. Sense inputs are not available on the Secondary Controller. Zone Wiring Connections at the MRC44 Controller/Amplifier (BASIC/ADVANCED/EXPANDED) In typical applications, each zone will have at least one MRC44 Keypad and a pair of stereo speakers.
Page: 18 Model MRC44 RJ45 Connector at Controller/Amplifier Cat 5 Cable RJ45 Connector at Keypad Wire Color white/orange orange white/green blue white/blue green white/brown brown Signal Tx+ Tx12V RET IR RET IR +12V Rx+ Rx- Wire Color white/orange orange white/green blue white/blue green white/brown brown Signal Rx+ Rx12V RET IR RET IR +12V Tx+ Tx- Figure 10 - CAT5 Pin Assignments (per EIA/TIA 568B) MRC44 Keypad Cable Connections at the MRC44 Controller/Amplifier (BASIC/ADVANCED/EXPANDED) 1.
Model MRC44 Page: 19 (EXPANDED) When at least one zone on either the PRIMARY or SECONDARY controller is turned ON, the Control Out on the PRIMARY Controller is High (+12 volts). The Control Out on the SECONDARY Controller will be inactive. AC Power Connections (BASIC/ADVANCED/EXPANDED) Use the supplied power cable and plug into a power source capable of delivering the rated amps shown in the specification section of this manual.
Page: 20 Model MRC44 Extended Runs and Secondary Keypad In Zone 400 feet max (122 m) A IR Receiver POWER MRC44 POWER 1 2 3 4 CH VOL PAUSE FOUR ZONE - FOUR SOURCE AUDIO/VIDEO CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER CH REW SELECT PLAY FF VOL STOP MUTE STATUS 200 feet max (61 m) B POWER IR Receiver POWER MRC44 POWER 1 2 3 4 CH PAUSE VOL CH VOL CH VOL PAUSE FOUR ZONE - FOUR SOURCE AUDIO/VIDEO CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER CH REW SELECT PLAY FF REW STOP STATUS SELECT PLAY FF VOL STOP MUTE
Model MRC44 Page: 21 Speaker Connections (BASIC/ADVANCED/EXPANDED) SPEAKER PHASING: TO OBTAIN STABLE IMAGING AND FULL BASS RESPONSE, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT STEREO SPEAKERS BE CONNECTED "IN PHASE" WITH EACH OTHER. YOU CAN VERIFY THIS AS FOLLOWS: 1.
Page: 22 Model MRC44 SAT Receiver DVD Player To IR OUTs on the MRC44 Controller/Amplifier CD Changer VCR To IR OUTs on the MRC44 Controller/Amplifier To IR OUTs on the MRC44 Controller/Amplifier VIDEO OUT ZONE 1 VIDEO OUT ZONE 2 VIDEO VIDEO To IR OUTs on the MRC44 Controller/Amplifier VIDEO OUT ZONE 3 VIDEO OUT ZONE 4 VIDEO VIDEO WARNING: TO REDUCE THE AUDIO LEFT 1 2 3 4 AUDIO RIGHT RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN, MOISTURE OR PLACE WATER FILLED O
Model MRC44 Page: 23 PLANNING THE SYSTEM Before attempting any programming, plan the system configuration first. This should include the following: 1. Determine the brand and type of all source components to be used. Source 1: _____________ Source 2: _____________ Source 3: _____________ Source 4: _____________ CAUTION: See caution card (included) for the latest information regarding code compatibility before finalizing the system as there may be some IR code incompatibilities. 2.
Page: 24 Model MRC44 Starting MRC44 Dragon Drop-IR™ Double-click the DRAGONMRC44 shortcut on your desktop or: 1. From START menu, choose Programs. 2. Select Xantech/DRAG450MRC from the list and click on the DRAG450MRC Icon. 3. The program loads and opens to the Xantech MRC44 Dragon Drop-IR opening screen. Serial Port Selection When first launched, the Dragon Drop-IR software scans the serial ports on your computer and will display the available ports under "Preferences" in the File menu.
Model MRC44 Page: 25 IR #2". At this point, press the same button on the teaching remote a second time. When "IR #2" is learned, two asterisks (**) will appear next to the command on the list. NOTE: As a matter of procedure, when learning commands, leave the Auto Detect checked at all times. Check the "Toggle" box only if commands do not seem to execute consecutively or consistently.
Page: 26 Model MRC44 Figure 16 – Source FUNCTION selection in Palette Editor Other Editing Functions x Help. Gives basic help information for the Palette Editor. x Close. Closes the Palette Editor when you have finished editing. Auto-save feature saves all IR commands and created palettes. x To access the Delete, Rename and New Function attributes, right click within the list of commands. A popup menu showing each of the above appears.
Model MRC44 Page: 27 Figure 17 – DRAG450MRC Basic System Window (ADVANCED) With Dragon open, from “FILE” select “NEW PROJECT” and give the project a name. Hit “ENTER” on the keyboard or click “SAVE”. Click on “USER SETTINGS” in the Menu bar. Select “ADVANCED DRAGON.” Click on the “BASE UNIT” Pull Down in the Menu bar and select “MRC44”. The MRC44 “ADVANCED SYSTEM WINDOW” will appear with a "virtual keypad", default source buttons (SRC1, SRC2 etc.
Page: 28 Model MRC44 Configuring Source Icons on MRC44 Keypad LCD (BASIC/ADVANCED/EXPANDED) Programming Source Icons Figure 18 – MRC44 Keypad LCD Icon Generator Icon Generator The display on the MRC44 Keypad is configurable to graphically show the type of source that can be selected at each input. The Icon Generator has a preprogrammed library of icons (bitmaps) that can be assigned to each source input. The Icon Generator has several optional source icons pre-configured at the factory.
Model MRC44 Page: 29 Creating New Icons 1. Click on the “ICON EDITOR” tab in the MRC44 System Window. The ‘Icon Editor’ window will appear. 2. Click “NEW”. This will clear the screen. 3. To type a new source name, using the PC keyboard, Select “TEXT”. A source name, or icon, up to four characters in length can be created. (i.e. SAT2) 4. Click the “SAVE AS” icon. 5. In the ‘File Name’ box, type in the same letters used in the icon.
Page: 30 Model MRC44 Editing Sequences 1. The Command List can be edited by dragging and dropping any command on the list to any position on the list. Left click and drag the command to be moved. As you drag upward and you want the command between two existing commands, drop it on the lower one. As you drag downward, drop it on the upper one. 2. You can delete any command on the list by Right Clicking on the command. Timed Delays 1. Timed delays can be placed in a sequence.
Model MRC44 Page: 31 16. Click OK for addition to Brand List (if shown) and OK for addition (or merge) to a .bci file. This completes the file import to the Brand and .bci files in DRAGMRC44. 17. At this point, or at any later date, you can choose additional component types from the CCF file (e.g., DVD, etc., if listed) by using the CCF Importer again. Simply click Import CCF from the File menu, double click on desired folder and repeat steps 13 to 16 as necessary.
Page: 32 Model MRC44 PROGRAMMING THE MRC44 CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER Figure 19 - MRC44 System Window Sense Input Tab Automatic Source Power Management (Figure 19) (BASIC/ADVANCED/EXPANDED) With the ability to turn the system ON and OFF from more than one location, The MRC44 Controller needs to know when the different sources are ON or OFF and be able to know when to send or not send power commands to keep the sources in sync with the system. The MRC44 Controller features two sensing methods.
Model MRC44 Page: 33 PROGRAMMING POWER MANAGEMENT AND SENSE TRIGGER CODES (BASIC) In the Basic mode Video and Current Sensing can only be used for power management of common source components. (ADVANCED/EXPANDED) In Advanced or Expanded modes, the Video and Sense inputs can be used for either power management of source components or as sense triggers to initiate IR codes or Internal Amplifier Commands.
Page: 34 Model MRC44 Polarity of Sense Input TIP: +12VDC RING: Input (+12VDC) SLEVE: Ground When using a dry contact closure to activate a Current Sense Input Trigger, the switch should be between TIP and RING. When using an external voltage, (12 volt control out from switched outlet, etc.) the switch should be between SLEVE and RING. Current Sense De-Bounce Settings “De-Bounce” is the amount of time switches and relays need to stabilize. The factory default of ‘2’ should be tried first.
Model MRC44 Page: 35 Priority Lockout Mode (Factory default: “DISABLED”) This mode is the opposite of “Whole House”. That is, when one is ENABLED, the other is DISABLED. When ENABLED, if Zone 1 selects a source, Zone 1 will maintain exclusive control over that source until Zone 1 either selects another source or is turned OFF. Zones 2-4 can monitor the source, but cannot control that source until released by Zone 1.
Page: 36 Model MRC44 ohm resistor.) The Low output should normally be used. The Medium Setting is close to the High Power Mode emitter out on a 791-44 Amplified Connecting Block (120ohm resistor.) The Medium output should be used with components with weak IR signals or when the emitter wire needs to be extended if a source component is some distance from the Controller. The High Setting can be used when driving a 789-44 Connecting Block to drive multiple emitters from the Common IR out.
Model MRC44 Page: 37 linked zone numbers. (i.e. The display in Zone 1 would show: “LINK SESSION” Z2). The display will ‘time out’ and return to the normal screen after 10 seconds. Dynamic Zone Link Mode (Factory default: “DISABLED”) This mode allows zone linking ‘on the fly’. There may be times when it may be desirable to link multiple zones, that might not be the normally desired system configuration. (i.e. linking the living room and dining room for a dinner party.
Page: 38 Model MRC44 10. After the firmware transfer is completed, select the Base unit menu item and then select Who am I? It should now display the correct three-digit firmware version that you just loaded into the MRC44 unit. If this is true, the new firmware has been successfully installed and is ready for use. RC68+ IR CODE TRIGGERED SEQUENCER The MRC44 Controller/Amplifier can generate IR code sequences triggered by single RC68+ commands.
Model MRC44 Page: 39 4. From the Internal Amplifier Command Window Select “ZONE TOGGLE POWER COMMAND” and set to the appropriate zone number. That command will appear in the Command List. 5. From the Amplifier Command Generator select “ZONE SOURCE SELECT COMMAND” and set to the appropriate zone and source number. That command will now appear in the Command List. 6. From the CD player palette, select the “PLAY” command. It will now appear in the command list. 7.
Page: 40 Model MRC44 1. In the MRC44 System Window Menu, click on Palette, and select “MRC44 Amplifier Command Generator” (F6). 2. From the MRC44 System Window, select the Zone to be programmed. (e.g. Zone 1) 3. Click the button to be programmed. (e.g. “Power”) 4. Select the command to be used (e.g. “Zone Source Select Command) from the pull-down list in the Amplifier Internal Command Setup window. 5. Two Parameter boxes will appear as shown in Figure 23, to set the action of the command. (e.g.
Model MRC44 Page: 41 TRANSFERRING A PROJECT TO THE MRC44 (BASIC/ADVANCED) When all programming of the virtual keypad has been completed and all IR commands tested, to confirm operation, the project can be transferred to the MRC44. Proceed as follows: 1.
Page: 42 Model MRC44 Backing-Up Project Files It is always wise to backup all project files to another hard drive, floppy disc or other storage media. It is recommended that each project be saved to a floppy disc and kept with each client's job files. To make backup copies, proceed as follows: 1. Open the hard drive icon from "My Computer" (usually drive C:) in Win 95/98/NT. Open the DRAG450MRC folder, then the Projects folder. 2. Locate project files. The files in the Projects folder will have an .
Model MRC44 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Page: 43 Select another input that sounds louder. Adjust VOLUME buttons again until the apparent loudness is the same as step 1. Repeat this procedure for each remaining input. Verify settings by selecting each input again, making adjustments as necessary. When the last input is adjusted, press one more input (the same or any other), to save the last setting. Press the ADJ-OFF (Adjustments Off - 90) button to drop out of the TRIM mode.
Page: 44 Model MRC44 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS With all system components connected and the MRC44 Controller and Keypads programmed, The system is ready for use. Zone Control (BASIC/ADVANCED/EXPANDED) 1. Press the ”POWER” button on any keypad. The MRC44 Controller will turn ON. If Power Management has been enabled, source components will turn on also. 2. Select a Source. Operate the source with the appropriate commands (CD PLAY, TUNER UP etc) 3. Adjust VOLUME. 4. MUTE and UN-MUTE the Speakers. 5.
Model MRC44 Page: 45 Dynamic Zone Link (ADVANCED) To temporarily tie multiple zones together from a zone with Dynamic Zone Link enabled: 1. Simultaneously press “STATUS and the “CH+” button. The ‘Link Session’ message will appear. 2. Press the button for the zone to be linked. (Z1, Z2, etc) The keypad status LEDs will show ‘busy’ (rapid amber flash) for 10 seconds after the last button press, then ‘time out’ and return to normal use mode (LED /green, LCD/normal display).
Page: 46 Model MRC44 ZONE EXPANSION USING MULTIPLE MRC44 CONTROLLERS Two MRC44 Controllers can be used to expand the number of zones in a MRC44 system to eight. When doing so there are additional Xantech components that will have to be added to the system. 1. AV61 Audio/Video Six Way Distribution Amplifier. This device allows the single A/V outputs of source components to be properly split to the inputs of both MRC44 Controllers. System requirement: 1 per source. 2. 793-10 Serial Control Combiner.
Model MRC44 Page: 47 CONTROLLER 1 AUDIO LEFT 1 2 3 4 AUDIO RIGHT WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN, MOISTURE OR PLACE WATER FILLED OBJECTS ON THE PRODUCT. ATTENTION: RISQUE DE VIDEO CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR. SENSE SENSE REFER TO OWNERS MANUAL FOR SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. SENSE POUR UN REGLAGE CORRECT, SE REPORTER AU MANUEL DINSTRUCTIONS. SPEAKER LEFT COM PORT 2 3 4 THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES.
Page: 48 Model MRC44 TROUBLESHOOTING If you encounter problems, review each of the following items and take corrective action as described. If problems persist, contact Xantech Technical Support. PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE AND SOLUTION The MRC44, after a successful Transfer from Dragon Drop-IR, will not send out any IR commands. a) Open all palettes that you used for the project. Click Edit Palette, on the first palette.
Model MRC44 Page: 49 PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE AND SOLUTION I have made hardware connections as shown in Figure 13. However, when attempting to learn IR commands, the "Waiting for IR from your Remote" display times out with the "No IR Recorded" dialog box. Try the following in the order listed: a) The default serial port selection (1) in Dragon Drop may already be in use by another device in your computer system (such as a mouse).
Page: 50 Model MRC44 PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE AND SOLUTION Unit will not learn IR commands from certain brands and models of remotes. a) Because of the wide variety of IR coding and timing relationships (there are no industry standards), there are some IR commands that are not learnable by the Dragon Drop-IR™. Be sure to test all components first to see that their IR command codes are learnable by Dragon Drop-IR and are executable by the MRC44 before selecting final components for the system.
Model MRC44 Page: 51 PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE AND SOLUTION When Transferring the project to a MRC44, the transfer stops with a "Transfer aborted-Receiver Stopped Responding" or a "Communications Error---" message. The following items may have interfered with the transfer of data. Check each one in the order listed, then redo the transfer. a) A corrupted or incorrectly learned IR code may exist in the data. Refer to item 1, previous, for correction.
Page: 52 Model MRC44 SPECIFICATIONS Audio (ea channel) Gain (@ max VC):.................................................................................................................................. Input Overload:...............................................................................................>2.2 V RMS (@ max VC) Input Impedance: ............................................................................................................... > 20 k Ohms Power Output: .....................
