ALLEN & HEATH PL-3 User manual

PL-3 User Guide AP5081 issue 3 1
Introduction The PL-3 is one of several remote control devices available
for the iDR audio mix processor system. It is part of the Allen & Heath PL
Series of wall plates and remote controllers. It is a wall plate or furniture
mounted module comprising plastic control panel and attached circuit
assembly. It can be mounted in a single unit wall box using a standard face
plate (UK, EU or US version supplied). A suitable template with cutting details
is provided for custom application. The PL-3 interfaces with the Allen & Heath
RS485 based PL-Anet serial port. Multiple PL-3 units can be daisy chained
together along with other PL-Anet devices using CAT5 cable. For information
on the full range of PL products available visit http://www.allen-heath.com. The
wall plate control and indicator functions are programmed using the iDR
System Manager software. Space is provided on the control panel for custom
labelling of the programmed functions. The following combination of controls
makes the PL-3 ideal as a wall mounted room remote controller in installed
audio systems. The installer can program the unit so that the non-technical
operator has local control of volume, mute, source select, and preset changes
which reconfigure the room for different functions.
4 switches can be assigned for level up or down control (input, output,
crosspoint or group), mute toggle, polarity toggle, audio monitor select, or
preset recall.
4 LED indicators can be assigned as audio meters (choice of 8 points in the
signal path), mute status, polarity status, or as preset related static display.
They can display four states: off, green, yellow or red.
Custom labels Recessed areas are provided for fitting custom adhesive
labels. Recommended maximum sizes are 6x26mm and 26x9mm.
Number of devices The maximum number of PL devices that can be
connected depends on their type and the cable lengths. Up to 15x PL-3
devices may be connected to the PL-Anet port, or up to 24x if you are using the
optional PL-9 PL-Anet hub. Fewer devices may be connected if long distances
or other PL types are also involved. To check this refer to the PL Combinations
Calculator spreadsheet available from the Allen & Heath web site.
PL-Anet is the proprietary Allen & Heath system for daisy chaining remote
controllers. It is an RS485 serial connection that uses CAT5 STP cable to
communicate between devices over long distances. PL-Anet only works with
Allen & Heath PL devices. The connection includes +20V DC to power the
connected devices. The iDR-8 port is shown here.
This product complies with the European
Electromagnetic Compatibility directives 89/336/EEC &
92/31/EEC.
NOTE: Any changes or modifications to the
equipment not approved by Allen & Heath could void
the compliance of the equipment. Whilst we believe
the information in this guide to be reliable we do not
assume responsibility for inaccuracies. We also reserve
the right to make changes in the interest of further
product development.
Copyright© 2004 Allen & Heath Ltd. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT :
Observe the local standards which may apply
to the installation regarding the grade of cable and
installation methods.
To ensure operator safety ensure that any
exposed metal face plates are correctly bonded to
ground. Do not install the equipment where it is
subject to moisture, heat or vibration.
Connect this equipment to the Allen & Heath
PL-Anet port only. Test for correct wiring and
installation before switching the equipment on.
PL-3 Wall Plate AP5081
User Guide
iDR
PL-3
PL-3
PL-4
PL-4
PL-5
PL-5
PL-Anet SERIAL PORT
ROOM 3
ROOM 2
ROOM 1
ROOM 4
TERMINATION
EXAMPLE
DIGITAL EXPANDER
PL-ANET DR-LINK AUDIO OUTAUDIO IN
TO AVOID DAMAGE ONLY CONNECT
CAUTION 20V DC
COMPATIBLE REMOTE CONTROL
EQUIPMENT TO THE PL-ANET PORT.

2 PL-3 User Guide AP5081 issue 3
Aligning the arrow keys The four switch
caps can be rotated so that the arrow faces up, down,
left or right. Decide which way you want them to face
according to function, for example volume or source
select.
To change them, first remove the two screws (B) and
unplug the top PCB. Remove the four screws (C) and
lift the lower PCB away. Rotate the switch caps into the
required position. Reassemble the module taking care
to correctly align the two plugs (D).
Mounting into the face plate A pre-cut
brushed aluminium UK (part number AA5029), EU
(AA5250) or US (AA5030) plate is supplied. A backing
box for the UK plate can be supplied (AA5220).
The assembled module fits into an ‘H’ shaped cutout in
the centre of the mounting plate. The module is held
using the two screws with plastic clamps provided (A).
Unscrew these from the module first. Dimensions are
in millimetres below.
Grounding a metal plate If the
face plate is metal ensure that it is correctly grounded
to ensure operator safety. The plate should be
connected to a local safety ground, not the PL-Anet
screen connection. Use a ground wire or physical
contact with a grounded back box.
Wiring standards Use flame retardent CAT5
STP (shielded twisted pair) cable. We recommend the
multi-stranded rather than solid conductor type. The
connection follows the EIA/TIA 568B wiring colour
scheme. Ensure all ports and cables in the system are
wired to this scheme.
PL-Anet wiring Screw terminal blocks are
provided for the serial port IN and OUT connections.
Use a small flat bladed screwdriver. Ensure the wires
are correctly stripped and formed to allow sufficient
service loop in the backing box. Note that some wires
are twisted together in the same terminal.
End of chain termination As with any
RS485 system, the last PL device needs to have a
terminating resistor fitted to its output port. Each PL-3
is shipped with a 100 ohm resistor already fitted. Leave
this fitted only if the unit is the last in the chain.
RJ45 wiring The PL-Anet
network plugs into the iDR unit using
an RJ45 connector. This is wired to the
568B scheme. The pinout is shown
here.
Testing the wiring Before powering
up the system make sure all the wiring is inspected and
continuity tested. This is important as wiring errors
may result in damage to the equipment.
Powering up the PL system Ensure
that the iDR PL-Anet port is active. Its green ‘active’
LED should be lit. If not, use the iDR System Manager
software Communications Option menu to activate the
port. Plug in the PL-Anet cable. The iDR System
Manager screen should display icons on the right hand
toolbar for each PL device it recognises. Refer to the
Help file for details on programming the PL functions.
Diagnostics If a fault is suspected check the
two diagnostics LEDs on the underside of the PL-3
connector PCB. Both the red and green LEDs should
be lit once communication with the iDR is established.
Also measure the PL-Anet +20V supply feed between
the blue wires (+20V) and the brown wires (0V). For
reliable operation this voltage should not drop below
+11V with all PL LEDs turned on. If a fault is found,
first check for correct wiring. If further assistance is
required contact Allen & Heath technical support.
1 WH/OR
2 OR
3 WH/GN
4 BL
5 WH/BL
6 GN
7 WH/BN
8 BN
12
16
32
16
34
20
20
DIA 6
c
TOP
16
16
INPUT OUTPUT
TERMINATION
100 ohms
CABLE SCREEN
WH/OR
OR
BN + WH/BN
BL + WH/BL
WH/GN
GN
INPUT OUTPUT
0V
+20V DC
A
A
BB
C
CD
+
-
C C
D