A-C68 A-BUS® Multizone Controller Installation Manual
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Product Overview ................................................................................................................... 4 Multiple Controllers ..............................................................................................................21 A-C68 Front Panel ................................................................................................................... 5 Controller Link In/Out ...............................................................
PRODUCT OVERVIEW Thank you for choosing the Russound® A-C68 A-BUS® multizone controller. The A-C68 caters to end users who want more control over their multiroom systems with the ability to control the system from anywhere in the house. Six source inputs, simplified programming, IR remote control and user adjustable sound controls make listening to music throughout the home easier than ever. This innovative product features a rack mountable form (1U) with support for six sources and eight zones.
A-C68 CONTROLLER FRONT PANEL The A-C68 front panel features a removable molded plastic cover that hides the Programming Center buttons. The power switch has a push on/push off action with a two-color LED (Status) indicator to the right. This LED is green when the unit is active, and red when the unit is in standby mode. MAIN POWER SWITCH - Turns power on and off STATUS LED - Indicates power on when illuminated The A-C68 front panel cover hides the Programming Center and keypad dip switch settings.
A-K5L KEYPAD The A-K5L keypad provides individual zone control of the system. It has amber or green backlit soft-touch buttons for volume, power and source selection for up to 12 sources. The User Menu allows for adjustments to the audio properties of the room, such as bass, treble, balance, etc. A built-in IR receiver with LED confirmation allows for use of remote controls. 1 LCD PANEL - 5-character amber or green backlit display shows source name and volume.
A-K5L KEYPAD USER OPTIONS MENU The User Options Menu allows the user to adjust the audio properties of a particular zone. The audio features that can be adjusted are: Loudness, Bass, Treble, Balance, Turn On Volume, Local Source Volume and Page Volume. The background color and All On settings are located here as well. To enter the User Options mode, press and hold the Source button when the zone is on. Press and hold the Source button again (or a 12-second timeout) returns the keypad to regular operation.
A-K3 KEYPAD The A-K3 keypad provides individual zone control of the system. It has green backlit soft-touch buttons for volume, power and source selection for up to six sources. A built-in IR receiver with LED confirmation allows for use of remote controls. 1 VOLUME UP/DOWN - Raises/lowers room volume 2 VOLUME LEVEL - Volume level indicator LEDs light up from bottom to top to indicate volume level. Also indicates source selected (1-6) when in “multi-source” mode.
A-KSC KEYPAD The A-KSC keypad connects to an A-K5L keypad to add optional source control and numeric capability. The amber or green backlit buttons provide primary source controls when pressed, such as stop, play, next, etc. Pressing the Numeric button also sends a Prefix command of “Disc.” A second press of the Numeric button sends a Suffix command of “Enter” and puts the keypad back into the primary control mode.
A-SRC1 REMOTE CONTROL POWER - Turns on or off selected zone. TV - Select local source SOURCE KEYS - Selects specific sources. PAGE UP/DOWN - For use with cable or satellite box. CCTV1/CCTV2 - Issues CCTV1 or CCTV2 command. TRANSPORT KEYS - Controls components (Play, Pause, Stop, Forward, etc.). EXIT - Exits the selected component’s menu or guide. GUIDE - Displays the program guide. CURSOR KEYS - Moves the cursor in the program guide and menu screens. OK - Chooses the highlighted menu option.
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW System Installation Considerations • Check for correct connections and polarity. The A-C68 can be shelf or rack-mounted. Locate the A-C68 near the sources for RCA connections and IR emitter placement. Also allow for any other connections for Mute and Page In. • Keep all power cords away from all signal cables to prevent humming from induced noise. System keypads are located in various rooms and connect to the controller with CAT-5 cable.
A-C68 BACK PANEL MUTE 12VDC TRIGGER IN - Applying 12VDC to the Mute In jack will mute all A-C68 Zones. 3.5mm PAGE INPUT - Applying audio (in a 3.5mm connector) to the Page In jack will activate audio page for assigned A-C68 zones and initiate a page (overrides signal sense). PAGE TRIM - Adjust the line level audio page input COMMON IR OUTPUT - Output jack passes all IR signals from all keypads. SOURCE IR OUTPUTS - Six source-specific IR Output jacks allow IR control of source equipment.
A-K5L KEYPAD CONNECTIONS / INSTALLATION Keypad Connections STATUS LED JUMPER - Both pins jumpered, Status LED enabled. One or no pins jumpered, Status LED disabled HUB SETUP BUTTON - Activates Installer Setup mode and accesses update menus UPGRADE SPEAKER OUTPUT - Speaker output connections for a pair of 8-ohm speakers. 4-pole screw down terminals accept up to 14 gauge speaker wire. RJ45 HUB CONNECTOR - 8-conductor RJ45 connector for the CAT-5 connection from the keypad to the hub/controller.
A-K5L / A-KSC KEYPAD CONNECTIONS / INSTALLATION Keypad Installation The A-KSC keypad is an accessory to an A-K5L keypad to add source control and numeric capability. The amber or green backlit buttons (follows color choice of A-K5L) provide primary source controls when pressed such as stop, play, next, etc. The A-KSC connects to an A-K5L keypad via a 14-pin connector. A doublegang electrical box and faceplate is required for installation. 1.
KEYPAD PORT CONNECTION The Keypad Ports are located on the back of the A-C68 on the left. Connections at the Keypad Ports are made with RJ45 connectors using T568A CAT-5 wire configuration. CAT-5 cable length should be no longer than 150 feet from controller to keypad (also applies when using A-LC3). For a clean installation when wiring from a Keypad Port, use an RJ45 CAT-5 patch cable to connect from the keypad port to an RJ-45 wall plate (optional).
SOURCE AUDIO AND IR CONNECTIONS Source Audio Connections This IR port is next to the source audio input connections. The A-C68 supports up to six audio sources. The source audio connections are located on the back panel. Connect each source using quality RCA signal cables. Connect the Left and Right Audio outputs from each source to the corresponding “In” inputs on the A-C68 controller. Label each cable with the name of the selected source and the source input number located on the AC68.
COMMON IR CONNECTION The Common IR jack on the rear of the A-C68 allows control of any source equipment without that source being selected on the keypad. The connection for the Common IR jack is made using an IR emitter with a 1/8’’ plug or IR link cable. The Russound 845.1 single IR emitter is recommended, or use an IR connecting block such as the Russound 857 which allows multiple units to be controlled through the COM IR Port.
KEYPAD TO SPEAKER CONNECTION The speakers in each room are connected to the A-BUS keypad using 4-pole screw down terminals. NOTE: An 8 Ohm minimum speaker is required for each amplified output. 3. Insert the speaker wire conductor into the appropriate Speaker Out screwdown terminal opening, matching channel and polarity for all four wires. Tighten the connection for each conductor. 1. Pull the speaker wire conductors apart so they’re separated for the first two inches from their ends.
LINE OUT AUDIO OUTPUTS The A-K5L keypad provides a stereo line-level audio output connection for an external amplifier or powered subwoofer. An amplifier provides more power to a large listening area, and a powered subwoofer adds extended bass response. The screw-down terminal on the back of the A-K5L keypad accepts a twoconductor RCA cable stripped of the RCA connectors or any four conductor linelevel cable.
MUTE IN / TRIGGER OUT / PAGE IN 12VDC Mute Trigger In When 12VDC is applied to the Mute In, the system will fully mute all zones in the system. The connections for the trigger are made using a two-conductor cable with 1/8” male mini-plug jacks. The tip is positive (+) and sleeve is negative (-). This allows for the connection of an external paging or muting device. 12VDC System Trigger Out Trigger Out 12VDC output is used for triggering an external amplifier or other component.
MULTIPLE CONTROLLERS Controller Link In/Out NOTE: The Controller Link Out of the LAST controller must be connected with a CAT-5 straight-through patch cable to the Link In of the FIRST controller to complete the communication link. The Control Link In and Out are used to connect up to six A-C68 controllers. The Control Link In and Link Out jacks pass Status and the six source IR signals. These link ports also communicate the two-way event driven commands between controllers.
RS232 CONNECTION The RS232 port in the A-C68’s front panel programming center is used for firmware updates only. It supports controller firmware updates from a PC. The RS232 COM port is located behind the removable front panel and uses a DB-9 cable connection. For firmware updates, be sure the CPU Update switch next to the the RS232 interface is set in the “Update” position. For firmware updates, see the Document Center at www.russound.com. Look for the Technical Documents under A-BUS Systems.
PRE-PROGRAMMING SYSTEM CHECK Before proceeding with system programming section, it’s important to conduct an initial test to determine that the hardware components are working properly. 9. To be sure of proper placement of the IR emitter on the source component, aim the source remote control at the keypad for Source #1 and try to control the source. Adjust the emitter over the source’s IR receiver if necessary. 1. Connect the speaker wires from Zone #1 to that zone's keypad's speaker output connectors.
PROGRAMMING CENTER The A-C68 sources are configured through the Programming Center, located on the front of the A-C68 behind the removable lower panel. The LEDs are dual purpose with different colors to indicate different modes. NOTE: To remove cover panel, press in right and left tab at the cover's bottom edge, then lift out and up. The A-C68 has two main programming modes: Controller Setup Mode and Source Setup Mode.
CONTROLLER ID PROCEDURE Controller Setup - Controller ID Menu The Controller ID procedure identifies main (factory default setting) and non-main controllers when using multiple A-C68 controllers in a system.
FACTORY INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE Controller Setup - Factory Initialization Procedure The Factory Initialization procedure returns the controller to its factory settings and sets all programming and settings back to factory default. Press and HOLD Setup button UNTIL Ctrl ID (yellow) turns ON A-SRC1 Remote Control buttons Press and HOLD Setup button ON UNTIL Fact Init (orange) turns ON 5. Aim A-SRC1 remote control at IR In ON OFF ALL OFF SLEEP ZONE DISC 6.
SOURCE SETUP PROCEDURE Source Setup - Source Setup Procedure Basics The Source Setup procedure is used to assign source numbers, and command types for IR learning and IR device codes. Below are the primary source setup steps. Press and RELEASE Setup button. A-SRC1 Remote Control buttons Source/Test (green) turns ON ON OFF ALL OFF SLEEP ZONE DISC Aim A-SRC1 remote control 2 inches away from IR In ON OFF ALL OFF SLEEP ZONE DISC Enter source number (S1 to S6) 5.
IR DEVICE CODE PROCEDURE Source Setup - Device Type and Code Procedure The Device Type and Code procedure assigns a command type and IR device code for each source. IR device codes are listed on pages 35-37. Complete primary source setup on page 27 Cmd/Type (yellow) blinks SLOWLY A-SRC1 Remote Control buttons Aim A-SRC1 remote control at IR In ON OFF ALL OFF SLEEP ZONE DISC ON OFF ALL OFF ZONE DISC # # 5. 6. Cmd/Type (yellow) turns OFF Code/Key (orange) blinks SLOWLY 8.
LEARN IR PROCEDURE Source Setup - Learn IR Procedure The Learn IR procedure is used to add missing source control commands using the source’s factory remote control. Complete primary source setup on page 27 Cmd/Type (yellow) blinks SLOWLY A-SRC1 Remote Control buttons Aim A-SRC1 remote control at IR In ON OFF ALL OFF SLEEP ZONE DISC ON OFF ALL OFF SLEEP ZONE DISC Enter command type 99 5. Cmd/Type (yellow) turns OFF 6. Code/Key (orange) blinks FAST 7. Press command button to be LEARNED 8.
NUMERIC IR PROCEDURE Source Setup - Numeric IR Procedure The A-C68 controller can be programmed to automatically issue numeric IR prefix and/or suffix commands when using the “Numeric ” button on the A-KSC. The prefix will be sent when the Numeric button is pressed and the suffix will be sent out on a second press or when the numeric mode times out (3 seconds). A-SRC1 Remote Control buttons NOTE: Numeric commands requiring macros are not supported.
INVALID COMMAND TYPE PROCEDURE Source Setup - Invalid Command Type Entry Procedure The Invalid Command Type procedure allows you to re-enter a correct command type number after an incorrect entry. Complete primary source setup on page 27 Cmd/Type (yellow) blinks SLOWLY A-SRC1 Remote Control buttons Aim A-SRC1 remote control at IR In ON OFF ALL OFF SLEEP ZONE DISC ON OFF ALL OFF SLEEP ZONE DISC # # 5. Enter command type number 6.
CLEAR CODE PROCEDURE Source Setup - Clear Code Command Type Procedure The Clear Code Command Type procedure allows you to clear the current command type of a selected source. Complete primary source setup on page 27 Cmd/Type (yellow) blinks SLOWLY A-SRC1 Remote Control buttons Aim A-SRC1 remote control at IR In ON OFF ALL OFF SLEEP ZONE DISC ON OFF ALL OFF ZONE DISC Enter command type 00 5. 6. Cmd/Type (yellow) turns OFF Source/Test (green) blinks SLOWLY 7. Returns to source selection 8.
A-K5L SETUP AND VERSION MENUS A-K5L Setup Menu The A-K5L Setup menu is used to choose source names, check the version number and perform a Factory Initialization of the A-C68 controller. The menu is outlined in the diagram below. To access the Setup menu, press and release the Setup button on the right side of the keypad until “SrcNm” (source name) appears on the display. Press the Source button to toggle through the menu options, and use the Volume Up/Down buttons to scroll through the selections.
5-CHARACTER SOURCE NAMES FOR A-K5L KEYPAD 34 A-K5L Display Description A-K5L Display Description A-K5L Display Description A-K5L Display Description Aux Auxiliary DVDC1 DVD Changer 1 Relig Religious TV TV Aux 1 Auxiliary 1 DVDC2 DVD Changer 2 RepTV Replay TV VCR VCR Aux 2 Auxiliary 2 DVDC3 DVD Changer 3 Rock Rock VCR 1 VCR 1 Blues Blues DVD DVD Player Sat Satellite VCR 2 VCR 2 Cable Cable DVD 1 DVD Player 1 Sat 1 Satellite 1 (XM) <<>> Cbl 1 Cable 1 DVD
MANUFACTURERS' IR DEVICE CODES Device Code For Audio Amplifiers Durabrand GE Harman/Kardon JVC Left Coast Lenoxx Marantz Optimus Philips Polk Audio Realistic Soundesign Victor Wards Yamaha 1561 0078 0892 0331 0892 1561 0892 0395 0892 0892 0395 0078 0331 0078 0354 Device Code For Audio Amp/ Tuners ADC 0531 Aiwa 1405, 0158, 0189, 0121 Anam 1609, 1074 Audiotronic 1189 Bose 1229 Capetronic 0531 Carver 1189, 0189 Coby 1263 Dell 1383 Denon 1360, 1142 Gateway 1517 Glory Horse 1263 Harman/Kardon 0110, 0189 Hewle
MANUFACTURERS' IR DEVICE CODES Device Code For Satellite Receivers (continued) Echostar 1005, 0775, 1775, 1505 Expressvu 0775, 1775 GE 0566 General Instrument 0869 GOI 0775, 1775 Hisense 1535 Hitachi 0819, 1250 HTS 0775, 1775 Hughes Network Systems 1142, 0749, 1749, 1442 I-Lo 1535 JVC 0775, 1775 LG 1414 Magnavox 0724, 0722 Memorex 0724 Mitsubishi 0749 Motorola 0869 Next Level 0869 Panasonic 0247, 0701 Paysat 0724 Philips 1142, 0749, 1749, 0724, 1076, 0722, 0099, 1442, 0856 Proscan 0392, 0566 Proton 1535 Rad
MANUFACTURERS' IR DEVICE CODES Go Video 0432 GoldStar 0037, 0038 Gradiente 0000 Harley Davidson 0000 Harman/Kardon 0081, 0038 Harwood 0072 Hewlett Packard 1972 HI-Q 0047 Hitachi 0000, 0042, 0041, 0089 Howard Computers 1972 HP 1972 Hughes Network Systems 0042, 0739 iBUYPOWER 1972 Jensen 0041 JVC 0067, 0041 KEC 0037, 0278 Kenwood 0067, 0041, 0038 KLH 0072 Kodak 0035, 0037 Lloyd’s 0000 Logik 0072 LXI 0037 Magnavox 0035, 0039, 0081, 0000, 0149 Magnin 0240 Marantz 0035, 0081 Marta 0037 Matsushita 0035, 0162 Medi
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS A-C68 Controller Dimensions: Weight: Power Supply: Fuse Rating: Frequency Response: Total Harmonic Distortion: Signal to Noise Ratio: Audio Source Inputs: Input Impedance: Max Source Audio Input: Audio Zones/Keypad Ports Trigger Output: Trigger Input: 38 16.75”W x 10.5”D x 2.125”H (42.5 x 26.7 x 5.4 cm) 12.7 lbs. (5.8 kg) 100 - 240VAC 50-60Hz 100V input; T3.0A US and Canada 240V input; T1.25A Europe 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.1dB <0.3% 105dB A-weighted / 101dB unweighted 6 60 Kohms 3.
WARRANTY The Russound A-C68 is fully guaranteed against all defects in materials and workmanship for two (2) years from the date of purchase. During this period, Russound will replace any defective parts and correct any defect in workmanship without charge for either parts or labor. For this warranty to apply, the unit must be installed and used according to its written instructions. If service is necessary, it must be performed by Russound.
A-C68 A-BUS® Multizone Controller Installation Manual Russound, Inc. 5 Forbes Road, Newmarket, NH 03857 tel 603.659.5170 • fax 603.659.5388 email: tech@russound.com www.russound.com ©2007 Russound. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Russound is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. A-BUS is a registered trademark of LeisureTech Electronics Pty Ltd Australia.
