INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE RVL-6 Modular Multi-Room Controller Infrared Remote Control Speaker Selection, Volume Control, and Infrared Repeater System ® B L E N D I N G H I G H F I D E L I T Y A N D 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Making the Connections Speaker-Level Connections The AMP input • The AMP input connects to the speaker level output of your receiver or amplifier (see Figure 4). Figure 4 Connecting an amplifier to the RVL-6 • The amplifier or receiver must be capable of driving a 4 Ohm load. • Some receivers or amplifiers may have multiple speaker outputs (i.e. speaker A and speaker B. The RVL-6 replaces the internal switch of the amplifier, it does not augment it.).
Room SPEAKER Outputs • The SPEAKER outputs connect to the room speakers (see Figure 6). Figure 6 Home running speaker wires to RVL-6. • Each room pair of speakers must be home run (wired directly) to its assigned SPEAKER output connector. • When installing an IntelliPad do not use the IntelliPad’s internal speaker relay (place the speaker relay jumper in the disable position). The RVL-6 will locally mute the speakers. • The RVL-6 can handle a total combined power of 150 watts per channel.
Making the Room SPEAKER Connections • CAUTION: Disconnect power to the RVL-6 and the amplifier. • For your convenience, the AMP input connector and all SPEAKER output connectors on the RVL-6 are removable. • Strip 3/8” of insulation from the end of each wire. • Tightly twist each wire end until there are no frayed ends. • Insert each wire into the appropriate hole on the connector terminals following the Speaker wiring convention (see Figure 7). • Tighten the screws which lock the wire into place.
MS-1 INTELLIPAD RP-6 MS-2 RP-6 / IRR4D+ MS-2 RP-6 RP-6 RP-6 / IRR4D+ Figure 8 Home running IR sensors/keypads. Making the IR Sensor/Keypad Connections • CAUTION: Power to the RVL-6 and amplifier must be disconnected. • For your convenience, all SENSOR input connectors on the RVL-6 are removable. • Strip 3/8” of insulation from the end of each wire. • Tightly twist each wire end until there are no frayed ends.
Distributing IR Commands Between Units Using the IR DATA IN and IR DATA OUT The IR DATA IN and IR DATA OUT are used to cascade IR data (TTL level, active high) from one unit into the next. IR DATA IN • The IR DATA IN routes an IR command to four locations within the RVL-6— the IR DATA OUT, the COMMON FLASHER outputs, the DEDICATED FLASHER output, and the Room 1 control module (see Figure 10).
RVL-6’s SENSOR inputs RVL-6’s built-in IR sensor FLASHER OUT IR DATA IN Figure 12 DEDICATED FLASHER Output • DIP switches on the rear panel of the RVL-6 enable the blocking of an IR command received from the RVL-6’s IR DATA IN (for more information see Setting the MODE DIP switches on pages 16 and 17). The RVL-6’s built in IR sensor can be disabled (for more information see page 18).
Connecting Multiple Flashers to a Single Flasher Output • Using crimp caps, wire nuts or solder, connect the negative of one flasher to the positive of the next flasher (see Figure 14). This creates a “series” circuit. The IRC-1 Flooding IR Flasher allows a maximum of two in series to be connected to a single FLASHER output. The IRC-2 MicroFlasher allows a maximum of four in series to be connected to a single FLASHER output. – + + – Figure 14 Series circuit.
Setting the DIP Switches Setting the Minimum Impedance The Amplifier Can Safely Drive Setting the IMPEDANCE DIP switches enables the RVL-6 to constantly monitor which pairs of speakers are playing and select the minimum impedance the amplifier can safely drive. This feature not only protects the amplifier, but optimizes the amount of power delivered to each speaker. Setting the AMP DIP Switches • The AMP DIP switches identify the minimum impedance an amplifier can safely drive (see Figure 17).
Setting the X-10 Operation Parameters X-10 can control the RVL-6 over your existing AC home wiring. The X-10 commands are comprised of two basic parts, the address and the command. The address consists of a house code (A-P) and a unit code (1-16). The command is the function you wish to execute. For more information see Powerline Carrier Controls on page 33. • The RVL-6 implements the X-10 protocol by assigning a house code and unit code to Room 1 (see Figure 19).
ZONE DIP Switches The ZONE DIP switches enable you to control the routing of the IR commands from the IR DATA IN. Your two routing options include: • The left ZONE DIP switch controls the routing of IR DATA IN to the Room 1 control module. In the up position this routing is enabled and Room 1 can be controlled from the IR DATA IN. In the down position this routing is disabled and Room 1 cannot be controlled by the IR DATA IN (see Figure 21).
• Setting the V DIP switch in the down position will enable a room, when turned on, to automatically play at 25% of the maximum volume level. Enabling/Disabling the RVL-6’s Built-In IR Sensor In some installations, having the built-in IR sensor enabled will cause a feedback loop. The DIP switch labeled E disables the RVL-6 sensor (see Figure 24). • Setting the E DIP switch in the up position enables the IR sensor.
Controlling a Room’s Volume • Press the ROOM SELECT button(s) of the room(s) you wish to control. Its corresponding ROOM LED(s) begins to blink. This indicates the room(s) has be selected and is ready to be controlled. • Pressing the VOLUME UP or VOLUME DOWN button adjusts all selected rooms. • If a selected room is off, pressing the VOLUME UP button will first turn the room on to its lowest volume setting and then incrementally raise the volume.
Option 1: Programming a sequence consisting of ten RVL-6 VOLUME DOWN commands triggered from the Mute key on the System page of memory. • The IntelliPad automatically lowers its individual room’s volume while still allowing the user to change sources or utilize other keypad functions. Keep in mind that this is not a toggle-type function, volume can only be restored in the room by pressing and holding the Volume Up key until reaching the desired volume.
System Design Basics When planning your RVL-6 system, there are some basic system concepts that you should consider.
Automating System Turn-On and Turn-Off You can automate your system’s turn-on and turn-off with an optional Niles AC-3 voltage-activated switched outlet (stock# FG00242). Whenever a room module is turned on, the 12V DC CONTROL OUT of the RVL-6 triggers the AC-3 which turns on the system. When all of the room modules are turned off, the RVL-6 turns off the AC-3 and the system after a 30 second delay (see Figure 26). The AC-3 provides 1500 watts of 120V AC power when it is triggered.
A Single Zone System Using One RVL-6 A single zone system using one RVL-6 can distribute the audio from one source component, at a given time, to a maximum of six rooms. You can independently control the on/off and volume level of each room. In addition, you can route IR commands to your source components from any room. The following are basic system design characteristics in a single zone system using one RVL-6 (see Figure 28).
Line Level Distribution • The line level audio output of each audio source component (CD player, tape deck, etc.) is connected to the stereo receiver’s inputs. Speaker Level Distribution • The receiver’s speaker level output is connected to the RVL-6’s AMP input. • All speakers are home run to the RVL-6’s SPEAKER outputs so that the impedance protection circuity of the RVL-6 can accurately match the amplifier’s capability.
A Single Zone System Using Up To Four RVL-6’s A single zone system using up to four RVL-6’s can distribute the audio from one source component, at a given time, to up to 24 separate rooms. You can independently control the on/off and volume level of each room. In addition, you can route IR commands to your source equipment from any room. Each RVL-6 must have its own amplifier. A maximum of four RVL-6’s can be linked within a single zone.
Line Level Distribution • The line level audio output of each audio source component (CD player, tape deck, etc.) is connected to the stereo receiver’s inputs. The preamp or record output of the stereo receiver is connected to the remaining amplifiers in the system. In some cases, a stereo receiver’s preamp or record output is not strong enough to adequately distribute the audio signal to the additional amplifiers.
Controls DATA IN to Room 1 control module Controls DATA IN to DEDICATED FLASHER Figure 31 DATA IN route enables Programming Learning Remote Controls and IntelliPads • Learning remotes and IntelliPads in the system are taught the Niles RVL-6 IR commands for ON, OFF, ALL ON, ALL OFF, VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN. The VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN IR commands of the RVL-6 replace those of the stereo receiver. Specific programming instructions are covered in the Operation section (see page 19).
A Multiple Zone System Using Up To Four RVL-6’s Unlike a single zone system, a multiple zone system enables each zone to select different sources at a given time. You can create a multiple zone system by adding a dedicated receiver to each RVL-6 used. Up to four zones can be created, each with a maximum of six rooms, using four RVL-6’s and four dedicated receivers. You can independently control the on/off and volume level of each room.
Line Level Distribution • The line level audio output of each audio source component (CD player, tape deck, etc.) is connected to each stereo receiver’s inputs. In some cases, a source component’s line level audio output is not strong enough to adequately distribute the audio signal to all the stereo receivers. If so, a Niles ADA-6 line level distribution amplifier (stock# FG00001) is recommended to buffer the signal.
Routing IR Data • IR commands from a room location are home run to its assigned SENSOR input on the RVL-6. • IR commands are routed to the next RVL-6 by cascading from the IR DATA OUT of the first RVL-6 to the IR DATA IN of the next. IR flashers controlling shared source components are connected to the COMMON FLASHER outputs of the last RVL-6. Each dedicated stereo receiver is controlled by an IR flasher connected to the DEDICATED FLASHER output of its corresponding RVL-6 (see Figure 35).
Programming Learning Remote Controls and IntelliPads • Learning remotes and IntelliPads in the system are taught the Niles RVL-6 IR commands for ON, OFF, ALL ON, ALL OFF, VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN. The VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN IR commands of the RVL-6 replace those of the stereo receiver. Specific programming instructions are covered in the Operation section (see page 19).
A Dual Zone System Using An IR Repeater System A home theater system can be integrated with an RVL-6 system and an additional IR repeater system to create a dual zone system. Each zone can select different sources at a given time enabling you to share audio components. You can independently control the on/off and volume level of each room in either zone. In addition, you can route IR commands to your common source equipment from any room in either zone.
Line Level Distribution • The line level audio output of each audio source component (CD player, tape deck, etc.) is connected to the RVL-6’s stereo receiver’s inputs and the Home Theater’s surround-sound receiver’s inputs. In some cases, a source component’s line level audio output is not strong enough to adequately distribute the audio signal to both the stereo and surround-sound receivers. If so, a Niles ADA-6 line level distribution amplifier (stock# FG00001) is recommended to buffer the signal.
Routing IR Data • IR commands from a room location are home run to its assigned SENSOR input on the RVL-6. • IR data from the home theater is routed to its dedicated source components (ie. surround-sound receiver, VCR, DSS, TV, etc.) via an IR repeater system (Niles carries a full-line of IR products). The IR DATA OUT of the IR repeater system’s IR main system unit is connected to the IR DATA IN of the RVL-6.
• To control the RVL-6 with a powerline carrier wall switch, control panel or remote control you must purchase the optional Niles TW-523 (stock# FG00256) powerline carrier interface module. This module plugs into any 120V AC power outlet and receives commands from your powerline carrier transmitters. It communicates the commands to the RVL-6 through a standard telephone cable with RJ-11 plugs on each end. The TW-523 has no configuration switches of its own.
In the following example, the HOUSE code is set to A, the UNIT Code is set to Two, and the INCREMENT switches are set to increment the unit code by two. ROOM ONE ROOM TWO ROOM THREE A-1 CEILING LIGHT A-3 CEILING LIGHT A-5 CEILING LIGHT A-2 SPEAKER PAIR ONE A-4 SPEAKER PAIR TWO A-6 SPEAKER PAIR THREE ROOM FOUR ROOM FIVE ROOM SIX A-7 CEILING LIGHT A-9 CEILING LIGHT A-11 CEILING LIGHT A-8 SPEAKER PAIR FOUR A-10 SPEAKER PAIR FIVE A-12 SPEAKER PAIR SIX 2.
Troubleshooting Guidelines SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE RVL-6 will not turn on • Check to make sure that the 12V DC wall adapter is plugged into a switched outlet. • Check that the room you are trying to control has a control module installed. • Test that the wall adapter outputs 12V DC by measuring its output with a voltmeter (tip is positive, sleeve is ground). If the wall adapter is good go to Control Module Troubleshooting on page 36.
3) Remove all room control modules. Plug in one module at a time and test for front panel operation. Each time the front panel controls work, you add a new module and repeat the test until all modules have been tested. Caution: Unplug 12V DC power before making any changes. • All room control modules reconnected and front panel controls now work: If you have tested all of your SENSOR/KEYPAD connectors, you have probably had one module inserted incorrectly.
Optical Feedback Loop If you have an IR sensor in the same room as a flasher, and you have some low-level noise or interference, an optical feedback loop can occur which will interfere with proper operation. Symptoms can include: poor IR receiving range, intermittent operation or no operation. Steps (19) through (22) provide instructions for eliminating optical feedback loops.
7) Short between +12V (positive) and GND (ground). Examine the connectors for a hair-like filament of wire between any of the contacts at the RVL-6 and at the sensor or keypad. Then retest. • LED on: Go to Step 10 • LED off: Go to Step 8 8) Test the cable for shorts Disconnect the cable at both ends (at the sensor and at the RVL-6) and test it for shorts. Use an Ohm meter or electrical continuity checker. You should read an open (Infinite Ohms) between Red and Bare, Red and Black or Bare and Black.
• Poor operation: Start raising the level (a quarter turn clockwise each time) and retesting until level is back to full. • Poor operation continues: Go to Step 15 15) Test flashers. A) If you have only ONE FLASHER, reconnect it to the other FLASHER output. Retest the system. • Good operation: Congratulations! • Poor operation: Go to Step 17 B) If you have MORE THAN ONE FLASHER, disconnect all of them and reconnect one flasher at a time. Test for improved operation.
20) Disconnect all sensors and keypads and test one sensor input Disconnect all sensors and keypads. Reconnect one of the sensor cables and retest the system (Have someone watch the green IR LED on the RVL-6 while you aim a remote control at a remote sensor and press a button).
26) Replace the RVL-6 and/or the Sensor/Keypad If you have another RVL-6, sensor or keypad, exchange it and retest the system, otherwise return the RVL-6 and the sensor/keypads to your local Niles dealer for testing. 27) Disconnect all sensors and keypads Observe the IR CONFIRM LED.
33) Test for Optical Interference Reconnect the problematic sensor/keypad to the RVL-6. Cover up the Sensor with a piece of cardboard (your hand will actually create electro-magnetic interference under some conditions). Observe the IR CONFIRM LED. • IR CONFIRM LED on or flickering: Go to 35 • IR CONFIRM LED off: Go to 34 34) Optical Interference Identify the source of the interference. The most common sources of optical interference are listed in the order of their probability: • Sunlight.
SPECIFICATIONS Audio Power Handling 150 watts/channel continuous music power IR Range 30 feet @ 30 degrees off-axis FCC Certification This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference. 2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Mounting • Table-Top component • Optional rack-mount front panel available.
www.nilesaudio.com Niles Audio Corporation 12331 S.W. 130 Street, Miami, FL 33186 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 160818 Miami, FL 33116 Customer Service: 1-800-BUY-HIFI (1-800-289-4434) Phone: 305-238-4373 • Fax: 305-238-0185 © 1999 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Because Niles continually strives to improve the quality of its products, Niles reserves the right to change product specifications without notice.
