ALLEN & HEATH PL Series User manual

PL-7 User Guide AP5269 issue 3 1
Introduction Welcome to the Allen & Heath PL-7 LCD display panel.
This is part of the PL-Series of daisy chainable wall plates and remote
controllers available for the iDR-4 and iDR-8 audio mix processor systems.
Adding these devices greatly extends the capability of the system. The PL-7
features a 2 x 16 character LCD able to display important system information
and pre-programmed user text at locations remote from the iDR main unit. The
display is backlit to ensure it can be easily read in all lighting conditions. Each
line may be separately configured by the installer using the iDR System
Manager software to display:
Day and time
iDR unit name
Current patch name
User defined text up to 16 characters per line
The PL-7 module has an attractively styled face plate with fixing holes for wall
cavity or custom furniture mounting, and rubber feet for free standing
operation. It connects to the iDR PL-Anet serial port using CAT5 cable which
can be conveniently routed around the installation to provide for a network of
different types of PL remote controllers. Two underside RJ45 sockets connect
the input and pass PL-Anet on to the next PL device. A terminator plug is
provided to be plugged in if the PL-7 is the last unit in the chain.
An optional face plate with pre-punched cutout is separately available if you
wish to mount a wall plate controller assembly such as the PL-3 or PL-4 within
the PL-7 module itself. This provides remote controls such as switches, rotary
encoder, LED displays and infra-red detector in addition to the LCD display.
The fitted PL module is connected to the PL-Anet network within the PL-7. For
information on the full range of PL products available visit our web site
http://www.allen-heath.com.
The PL-7 can also be ordered with the PL-4 controller already fitted.
Applications A few examples are shown in the diagram here. By itself
the PL-7 provides a convenient display of system information at any point
within an installation. With another PL device such as the PL-4 fitted internally
it adds remote control and additional LED display within a single compact
module. Together with one or more similarly styled PL-6 fader or PL-10 rotary
encoder modules it provides additional control and/or information display to
create an easy to use remote mix station. This is ideally suited to installations
such as multi-function venues and houses of worship where a variety of regular
events may be controlled by non-skilled operators at different locations.
Planning the system An installation may comprise several different
combinations of PL devices, for example room wall plates for volume control
and source select, fader controllers and one or more PL-7 modules. The
maximum number of PL devices that can be connected depends on their type
and the distances involved. You can connect up to 8x PL-7 units in a system,
but fewer if long distances or additional PL types are involved. Long distances
up to 300m (1000’), and star point connection are possible if the optional PL-9
PL-Anet hub is used. It is important that you check the possibilities first by
referring to the PL Combinations Calculator spreadsheet available from the
Allen & Heath web site.
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© 2008 Allen & Heath Ltd. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT :
Observe the local installation standards
which may apply regarding the grade of cable and
installation methods. Test for correct wiring and
installation before switching the equipment on. Do
not install the equipment where it is subject to
moisture, heat or excessive movement.
Connect this equipment to the Allen & Heath
PL-Anet port only. Connect only PL equipment to
PL-Anet.
PL-7 LCD Remote AP5269
User Guide
PL-7 PL-7
PL-4
PL-5
PL-6 PL-7
PL-6 PL-7 PL-6
PL-3

2 PL-7 User Guide AP5269 issue 3
Installing the PL-7 Cutting template details
are shown here for mounting the PL-7 into a wall or
furniture. Secure the unit in place using 4x fixing
screws up to 3.5mm diameter. The chassis and plate
are grounded through the PL-Anet cable shield. Check
your installation requirements to see if any additional
safety grounding is needed.
Connecting to PL-Anet PL-Anet is the
proprietary Allen & Heath system for daisy chaining PL
remote controllers. It is an RS485 serial connection
that uses CAT5 STP cable to communicate between
devices over long distances. The connection includes
+20V DC to power the connected devices. Use flame
retardent CAT5 STP (shielded twisted pair) RJ45
cables. The iDR-8 main unit port is shown here.
The PL-7 has underside RJ45 ports for connecting to
PL-Anet. These are recessed so that the cables can be
hidden from view. The IN port connects to the previous
unit in the chain. The OUT port connects to the next
unit, or end of chain termination. As with any RS485
system, the last PL device needs to have a terminating
resistor fitted to its output port. The PL-7 is shipped
with an RJ45 terminator plug with this resistor built in.
If the PL-7 is the only unit or last unit connected make
sure the terminator is plugged into its output port.
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.
If further assistance is required please visit the our web
site www.allen-heath.com or contact Allen & Heath
technical support in your territory.
Fitting an internal PL device A single wall
plate sized module such as the PL-3 or PL-4 may be
fitted into the PL-7. This adds switch and infra-red
control to the PL-7.
A kit of parts including replacement front panel and
internal cables is available from Allen & Heath , part
number 003-862. Refer to Fitting Instructions sheet
AP7311 that comes with the kit or can be downloaded
from our web site. Note that the internal SW1 and SW2
switches should be set as shown below.
Using the PL-7 Ensure that the iDR PL-Anet
port is enabled with its green ‘active’ LED lit. If not, use
the iDR System Manager software Communications
Option menu to enable the port. Plug in the PL-Anet
cable. The screen should display icons on the toolbar
for each PL device it recognises. If an internal PL
device is fitted then it will be recognised in the chain
before the PL-7. Check that the PL-7 LCD lights up
and displays text. The 2x16 character LCD display is
configured using the iDR System Manager software.
Refer to the Help file that comes with the software.
We hope you enjoy using the PL-7.
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.
11.8
7.8
51
37
92
156.6170.6
122
DIA 4
CUTOUT
106.5 x 147 mm
1mm clearance each side
IN OUT
TO AVOID DAMAGE ONLY CONNECT
CAUTION 20V DC
COMPATIBLE REMOTE CONTROL
EQUIPMENT TO THE PL-Anet PORT.
PL-Anet
SERIAL NUMBER
Made in the UK by ALLEN&HEATH LIMITED
previous next
TERMINATOR
PLUG
AN5418
PL-7
Internal PL-Anet
PL-Anet IN OUT to next device
OUT IN
OUTIN
INTERNAL PL DEVICE
PL-7
Underside view
Top view
SW2- ALL ON (UP)
SW1- ALL OFF (DOWN)
PL DEVICE FITTED
or terminator plug
OPTION PLATE AA5436
CLIP IN WINDOW
PL DEVICE
SW2- ALL OFF (DOWN)
SW1- ALL ON (UP)
NOT FITTED