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MRC-8e/8.4e Multi-Room Controller Amplifier Installation Reference Matrix Audio Designs Inc. 20 Hamilton Road Barrie, Ontario Canada L4N 8Y5 Corporate Head Office (705) 737-4926 Tech Support (888) 485-9959 Fax (705) 727-7629 World Wide Web matrixaudiodesigns.com...
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Thank you for choosing a quality product by Matrix Audio Design Inc. Matrix Audio Designs Inc. 20 Hamilton Road Barrie, Ontario Canada L4N 8Y5 Corporate Head Office (705) 737-4926 Tech Support (888) 485-9959 Fax (705) 727-7629 World Wide Web matrixaudiodesigns.com Copyright 2001 Matrix Audio Designs Inc.
Matrix Audio Designs Table of Contents 5 System Overview 5 System Description 6 Source Components 6 Infrared Signalling Emitters 7 Keypad Controls 7 Kp-10 7 Kp-22 8 Infrared Remote Controls 9 System Layout 9 Cabling Installation Instructions 9 Cable Type...
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Matrix Audio Designs Table of Contents 19 Placement Of The Remote: 19 The Most Important Indicator 21 Special Commands 23 Step-by-Step Programming Of Special Keys 25 Step-by-Step Program For Basic / Advanced Commands 26 Operating And Testing Procedures 26 Basic Keypad Functions 26 On / Off 26 Source Select &...
Matrix Audio Designs System Overview The purpose of this manual is to provide an in depth review of the Matrix Audio MRC- 8e/ 8.4e series of distributed audio control system. It will outline recommendations and step- by- step installation, configuration, and program- ming instructions to assist you in setting up the system to suit your clients’...
Matrix Audio Designs Source Components Up to 4 stereo audio source components may be connected to the MRC- 8e / 8.4e. Devices supplied by most manufacturers will work with this system, and industry standard RCA connectors at the rear of the unit provide line- level input and output connections for devices such as Tuner, CD, Tape,DSS, MP3 players etc.
Matrix Audio Designs Keypad Controls Matrix Audio Designs currently provides two styles of remote keypad, the KP-10 that provides basic control functions, and the KP-22 that provides extra programmable function keys for management and control of the MRC-8e/8.4e and connected device.
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Infrared Remote Controls Infrared transmitters that operate any of the source components will still operate in a normal manner when used in the same location as the source equipment. The MRC-8e/8.4e does not affect normal component operation. An optional RC-10 or RC-22 infrared remote control is also available from Matrix Audio Designs Inc.
The MRC- 8e/ 8.4e is cabled using standard 4- wire speaker cable originating at the MRC- 8e/ 8.4e passing through the keypad, and terminating at the speaker location. Matrix Audio Designs generally recommends using a bundled 4 conductor 16 gauge stranded copper wire in a single continuous run.
Matrix Audio Designs RF Interference Shielded cable is generally not required for audio installations. Although the MRC- 8e/ 8. 4e does generate radio emissions, and uses a digital signalling path during command entry, these have been accommodated for in design and conform to RF emission standards.
Matrix Audio Designs The keypad device itself will also fit in a standard electrical box, and you should install 1 or 2 gang (as required) standard electrical boxes to accommodate them before the drywall has been put into place. Existing Construction...
Matrix Audio Designs Tip: When running each cable carry a fine tip permanent marker with you and mark both ends of the cable. When you get to the keypad location,mark a couple of arrows on the cable to show which direction the speakers are in, and which direction the MRC- 8e/ 8.4e is in.
Matrix Audio Designs These should be safely mounted inside a weatherproof electrical box with a door covering the keypad and adequate water barrier seals to protect the unit. External cabling should run through conduit (plastic electrical conduit works well) to protect it from the elements and small animals that may wish to chew on the cable.
Matrix Audio Designs Installation Tip: When working with the Molex connector, only strip away about 1/4” inch (about 6mm) of the insulation from each wire. Most common electrical problems occur when the wire is stripped too long, and can short out against neighbouring wires behind the wall.
Matrix Audio Designs Zone Connections The cables that run from each of the keypads connect to the MRC- 8e/ 8.4e via the same Molex connectors used at the keypads. In this case, the connectors will not already be installed in the MRC- 8e/ 8.4e, and will be found in a bag in the equipment box.
We suggest you read this section through carefully in its entirety before starting to program the MRC- 8e/ 8.4e. With a general understanding of what to see and expect, when you go through the programming exercise you will understand the behaviour of the MRC-8e/ 8.4e throughout the step-by-step exercise.
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Matrix Audio Designs You will find they will not only help you plan in advance which keypad key performs a function, but will assist in the event that codes need to be re-learned or changed, and reduce the time needed to program/reprogram the device. As well, should any of the audio devices be changed or upgraded in the future, you will know what the configuration looked like for the original device,so they keypad can be programmed in a similar configuration.
Matrix Audio Designs Getting Started in Programming The Programming Panel The programming controls are located by removing the cover plate on the MRC- 8e/ 8.4e. This cover is located front and centre to the unit, and is simply held in place with several small magnets.
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Matrix Audio Designs Memorize the following lighting sequences to understand how the programming is proceeding. Ready to Learn slow flashing RED of the LEARN/ ERROR LED Good Signal will make the LED quickly flash GREEN 3 times. Bad Signal will make the LED quickly flash RED 3 times.
Matrix Audio Designs Special Commands Keys associated with source selection and on/ off controls are slightly different than the other function keys. Source Select: This key not only switches the listening zone to that particular source device, but it will also automatically transmit a specified infrared command to that unit.
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Matrix Audio Designs Start Enter Program LED Programming Mode Lights Source LED LEARN/ERROR Select a Source Lights Flashes RED Slowly LEARN/ERROR Press “Play” on Flashes 3 Times Quickly Remote Good Signal? 3 Red 3 Green Flashes Flashes Press ON Button on...
Matrix Audio Designs Step-by-Step Programming of Special Keys Step 1. Enter Programming Mode: Press the button on the MRC-8e/ 8.4e marked program. The red LED above the program button will light up. Step 2. Select a Source: Press the source buttons on the left side of the panel you wish to con- figure.
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Matrix Audio Designs Start Enter Program LED Programming Mode Lights Source LED Select a Source Lights LEARN/ERROR Select a Key to Flashes RED Slowly Program Press Associated LEARN/ERROR Key on Remote Flashes 3 Times Quickly Good Signal? 3 Red 3 Green...
Matrix Audio Designs Step-by-Step Program for Basic / Advanced Commands Step 1. Enter Programming Mode: Press the button on the MRC-8e/ 8.4e marked program. The red LED above the program button will light up. Step 2. Select a Source: Press the source buttons on the left side of the panel for the device you wish to program.
Now that the unit has been installed, wired and programmed, you can test each zone for operations, and begin to educate your client on how to use their new Matrix Audio device. At each zone, test for zone on/ off, volume, source selection, bass/ treble setting, and function key programming.
Matrix Audio Designs Volume Controls The volume controls are located at the bottom of the keypad and are identified by the ^ and v symbols. Check to make sure that the volume keys work appropriately. Programmable Keys Select each source, and test the function of each of the keys you have programmed.
Matrix Audio Designs Zone Grouping This feature is specifically designed to accommodate a situation where it is desirable to link a com- bination of rooms (zones) to a common source. For example when hosting a party and you wish to have the common areas all linked to the same audio source.
Matrix Audio Designs Troubleshooting OK something has gone wrong. You have installed, and tried to program but something just doesn’t seem to be working right, or at all. Try working your way through this troubleshooting section to help isolate the problem. Before units leave the factory they are ‘burned in’...
Fuses There is a fuse beside the power switch at the back of the MRC-8e/ 8.4e. Remove the fuse and inspect it to see that it is intact. If you have an ohmmeter, test for continuity across the fuse (sometimes they look good, but they’re really broken near one of the ends).
Cabling Dead Zones There is power at the source, and source devices and MRC-8e/8.4e seem to be powering up OK, but one or more of the zones are not working. Check each zone keypad and press the ON button, and look for the ON LED, or source LED’s to light.
Techniques you can use to help isolate a sources problem include swapping the source with another on the MRC-8e/8.4e to see if the problem stays with the MRC-8e/8.4e device, or follows the movement of the source. Try swapping I/R emitter leads. Take a look at the source to ensure that any MUTE functions have not accidentally been activated.
Try approaches like short bursts from the donor remote by tapping the key, as well as longer (holding the key down). Watch and wait for confirmation of a good signal from the MRC-8e/ 8.4e (3 quick green flashes). Be patient, it may take an extra second or two longer to get a confirmation than you may expect (especially on a short tap).
"speaker level" output of the MRC-8e to a It is sometimes desirable to have a "line level" so that it in turn can drive an remote amplifier at the zone end.
Matrix Audio Designs Keypad 2 Wire Control Only Configuration In some retrofit configurations it is not feasible or possible to re-route the speaker cable through the keypad. In cases such as this, it is possible to run a separate cable pair (CAT- 3 / CAT- 5 / Twisted Pair) cable from the MRC- 8e to the keypad device for control purposes.
Matrix Audio Designs Split Zone / Analogue Volume control (Option 1) In cases of split zones where more than one set of speakers are driven from the same keypad (such as an en-suite off of a master bedroom) it is sometimes desirable to place a volume control in the split zone.
Matrix Audio Designs Split Zone / Analogue Volume Control (Option 2 Multiple Control Keypads) In this case,two keypads are shown. Please note this does not truly split the zone, but provides controls in two areas of the same zone. If one keypad selects a different source, or...
Matrix Audio Designs Shared Speakers – Priority Selection Some home automation devices are configured such that background music (such as provided by the MRC- 8e) is available on a common speaker system to a home theatre. When the home theatre is active the signal switches and the primary source takes control of the speaker system.
Matrix Audio Designs Multiple Keypads in Zone Certain situations such as large rooms, or rooms with more than one common entrance may require more than one keypad control to conveniently manage the zone. This configuration allows for 2 controls to be placed on the control circuit.
Matrix Audio Designs Null Modem Cable Please note: The primary design of the MRC- 8e/ 8.4e is to operate in a single chassis configuration., While dual chassis configurations are possible, you need to be aware that some of the behavioural characteristics surrounding the source device selection.
Matrix Audio Designs MRC-8e/8.4e Specifications Features • Eight Independent Zones • Modular Construction • Easy to program and install • Programming buttons under the front panel (no external programmer required) • RS232 port on board to interface with home automation systems •...
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Matrix Audio Designs Product Line *MRC-8e/8.4e Multi-Room Controller *also available in Silver and Rack Mount *SA-1e Multi-Room Multi-Speaker Stereo Amplifier *also available in Silver and Rack Mount *SA-2e Multi-Room Stereo Amplifier *also available in Silver and Rack Mount ZS-2e ZoneSplitter...
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Matrix Audio Designs Matrix Audio Designs Inc. 20 Hamilton Road Barrie, Ontario Canada L4N 8Y5 Corporate Head Office (705) 737-4926 Tech Support (888) 485-9959 Fax (705) 727-7629 World Wide Web matrixaudiodesigns.com Copyright 2001 Matrix Audio Designs Inc.