ATON AH66T User manual

AH66T
Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller
INSTALLATION MANUAL

ATON AH66T INSTALLATION MANUAL
©ATON 2010 |All rights reserved. Page 1
Preface
Purpose of this Manual
This manual provides step-by-step installation instructions and connection examples, along with basic user information for
installation and ongoing use of the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller. This manual is written for the installer of this
equipment.
Please see the SystemWorx programming software Help file for programming information.
SystemWorx can be found at www.atonhome.com.
Organization
The following information is contained in this manual.
Safety Information Provides a comprehensive list of safety practices and procedures allowing for the safe installation and
operation of ATON’s AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller.
AH66T Introduction Provides an introduction to ATON’s AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller, along with system
features to include Front and Rear panel controls, indicators and connections, along with a short
description of each.
AH66T System Design Overview Provides a system design application overview of the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller for
use in audio applications.
AH66T Connections Provides a description of the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller system connections and
direct connections from the AH66T to other components.
System Expansion Provides information about integrating the 3rd party audio, video, lighting and control devices.
Operation and Settings Provides location and function description of DIP switches, LEDs and the B1 Test Mode Button.
Troubleshooting Provides troubleshooting tables to help fix common problems that may be encountered when
installing the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller.
RS-232 Protocol and Commands Appendix A provides a list of the RS-232 commands and their functions.
Rack Mounting Appendix B provides specifications for rack mounting the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller.
Default Configuration Appendix C provides specifications for the out of box operation of the AH66T.
Specifications Provides equipment specifications for the AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller.

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Safety Information
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Rea d I nf or ma t i on ----- All the safety and operating information should be read before the appliance is operated.
Follow Information ----- All operating and use information should be followed.
Retain Information ----- The safety and operating information should be retained for future reference.
Heed Wa rni ngs ----- All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be heeded.
Wall Mounting ----- Mounting of this appliance should be done only by an authorized installer.
Ventilation ----- The appliances should be situated so that their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation. These
appliances should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. These appliances should not be placed in a built-in installation
such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Non-Use Periods ----- Appliances that are left unattended and unused for long periods of time should be de-energized.
Grounding or Polarization ----- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one blade wider than the other blade. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The polarized wide blade
and the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
Power Cord Protec tion ----- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and
the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Water----- Do not use the apparatus near water.
Cleaning ----- Unplug the apparatus from the power outlet before cleaning. Use only a dry cloth to clean the apparatus.
Power Lines ----- An outdoor antenna should be located away from power lines. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to avoid touching power lines or circuits, as contact with them may be fatal.

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Object and Li qui d Entry — Never insert objects of any kind through the openings of these appliances, as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids
are not spilled into the appliance through openings in the enclosure.
Servicing — Do not attempt to service these appliances yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage
or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Damage Requiring Service — These appliances should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
•A power supply connection or a plug has been damaged or
•If liquid has been spilled into the appliance or objects have fallen into the appliance or
•The appliance has been exposed to water or moisture or
•The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance or
•The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or that have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or
other hazards.
Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this audio product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the audio product is in proper operating condition.
Lightning Storms — Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Attachments and Accessories — Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Cart, Stand, Tripod, Bracket or Table — Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip over.
Disconnect Devi ce — Where the mains plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the
disconnect device shall remain operable.
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ATON could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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Table of Contents
Preface ............................................................................................... 1
Purpose of this Manual.................................................................................................1
Organization .................................................................................................................1
Safety Information .................................................................................. 2
Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................6
The ATON Story...................................................................................... 6
AH66T Features ..................................................................................... 7
AH66T Front Panel Indicators ..................................................................... 8
AH66T Rear Panel Connections................................................................... 9
Chapter 2: AH66T System Design Overview.................................. 10
Introduction ........................................................................................ 10
Rack Mounting .................................................................................... 10
Pre-Wire............................................................................................ 10
Applications........................................................................................ 12
Zone/Sub-Zone Definitions .........................................................................................12
Stereo Zones ..............................................................................................................13
Stereo Zones w/ Stereo Sub-Zone Using Volume Controls.........................................14
Stereo Zone w/ Stereo Sub-Zone Using a DLA Speaker Selector ................................15
Mono Zoning..............................................................................................................17
Stereo Zone w/ Mono Sub-Zone .................................................................................18
Chapter 3: AH66T Connections ................................................. 20
OLED2 Touchpads................................................................................. 20
Zone IR Input Connections....................................................................... 21
Source IR Output Connections .................................................................. 21
IR ALL Port Connections ......................................................................... 22
Sense Input Connections......................................................................... 23
System Trigger Output Connection ............................................................. 24
Zone Preamp Audio Outputs..................................................................... 24
Source Audio Connections....................................................................... 25
Integrated AM/FM Tuner.............................................................................................25
Speaker Outputs................................................................................... 26
Antenna Connections ............................................................................. 27
FM Antenna ................................................................................................................27
AM Indoor Loop Antenna ...........................................................................................27
Relay Output Connection......................................................................... 29

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Multi-Chassis Connections ...................................................................... 30
Source Audio Inputs...................................................................................................30
IR Loop Connections..................................................................................................31
A-Net Loop Connections.............................................................................................32
AM/FM Tuner Connections .........................................................................................33
Chapter 4: System Expansion................................................... 34
iPort®Integration ................................................................................. 35
FS-22..........................................................................................................................35
IW-22 .........................................................................................................................36
RadioRA®2 Integration .......................................................................... 37
Sirius® SR-H2000 Satellite Radio Integration ................................................ 38
3rd Party RS-232 Control Integration .......................................................... 39
ELAN®C2 Communication Controller Integration ............................................ 40
Video Switching ................................................................................... 41
HDR44 Video Router Integration ................................................................................41
ELAN®V85 Component Video Router Integration.......................................................43
ELAN®V8 Composite Video Router Integration..........................................................45
Chapter 5: Operation, Settings & Programming............................. 47
Unit ID DIP Switch Settings...................................................................... 47
B1 Button Operation .............................................................................. 47
USB Port............................................................................................ 47
Front Panel LEDs.................................................................................. 48
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting ..................................................... 49
Appendix A: RS-232 Protocol and Command Set............................................. 54
Appendix B: Rack Mounting ..................................................................... 84
Appendix C: Default Configuration ............................................................. 85
Specifications ..................................................................................... 87
Warranty…………………………………………………………….…………..Last Page

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Chapter 1: Introduction
The AH66T Multi-Source/Multi Zone Controller, combining an integrated AM/FM tuner plus
six additional source inputs and a 30W x 12 channel internal amplifier, coupled with the
ability to “stack” two AH66Ts (for a total of 12 listening zones) makes the perfect –
affordable - whole-house distributed audio system.
Add the ability to seamlessly incorporate Sonance®iPod® integration docks, the Lutron®
RadioRA®2 lighting system and Sirius® Satellite Radio, along with software configurable
mono and stereo audio outputs, and intuitive touchpad control and the AH66T gives you
everything you need to “rock the house!”
Oh, did we mention how easy it is to control the AH66T with 3rd party IR, RF and
RS-232 controls?
The ATON Story
ATON products are designed using multiple control and distribution technologies to
provide easy-to install systems that route, control and deliver audio and video content
throughout the home. The company’s core technologies include Dynamic Level
Adjustment (DLA), Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared (IR), and Category 5 (Cat5) digital
distribution of audio and video. Organized in late 2005 as a development group, the
company has been working on key products aimed at providing innovative, affordable
systems for consumers. ATON, a Division of ELAN Home Systems, LLC, is based in
Lexington, Kentucky, and sells through a distribution network to custom installers.
To learn more, visit http://www.atonhome.com
ATON is a trademark of ELAN Home Systems, LLC, - Lexington, Kentucky.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Items in Package:
•AH66T Controller
•Power Cord
•Dipole FM Antenna
•Loop AM Antenna
•DB9M to RJ45 adapters (2)
•DB9F to RJ45 NULL Modem Adapter
•Quick Install Guide
•4 Position Speaker Connectors (6)
•3 Position Relay Connector
•RJ45 TIA/EIA568A Cat5 Cables (2)

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AH66T Features
•6 +1 Source, 6 Zone Controller
“Stack” 2 AH66Ts for 12 zones and have 2 tuners + 5 additional sources
•Integrated AM/FM Tuner
Station information displays on the ATON OLED2 Touchpads and 3rd party RS232
controls
•30 Watts Per Channel Internal Amplifier
Produces 30W/Ch into an 8 ohm load and can be configured for stereo or mono
listening areas
•Variable or Fixed Preamp Outs
Connect to external amplifiers when you need extra power, for example, in an
outdoor listening area or a large zone with multiple speakers, or when using an
amplifier and ATON DLA Speaker Selector
•iPod®Dock Integration
Integrates seamlessly with Sonance®FS-22 or IW-22 iPort docking stations
•Lighting Integration
Makes adding a RadioRA2®Lighting System almost as easy as “flipping a switch”
•Sirius® Tuner Integration
Full control and feedback for the SR-H2000 Satellite Radio
•OLED2 Inputs (6)
Accommodates up to two OLED2s per zone
•Zone IR Inputs
Allows 3rd party controls to easily be integrated
•Routable IR Outputs
Makes IR source control connections a breeze
2 IR “ALL” ports add system capabilities
•Front Panel Status LEDS
Provide system status and troubleshooting feedback
•USB Port
Configuration and firmware updates

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AH66T Front Panel Indicators
Figure 1-1:AH66T Front Panel Display
Item
Function
1 Zone Status Indicators
Solid blue when the zone is on, Flickers when IR is being received in the zone
2
Power LED
Solid blue when the AH66T has AC power, Slow blink if unit is overheating, Fast blink if unit has shut down due to high
temperature
3 Whole House Music (WHM) and Do Not Disturb (DND) Indicators
Solid green if the zone is part of WHM, Blinks slowly if the zone is in DND. Off if neither of these conditions is true.
1
3
2

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33
AH66T Rear Panel Connections
Figure 1-2 AH66T Rear Panel Connections
Item Function Item Function
1
AC Power Connector and Fuse Holder
4A 250VAC 5x20mm SLO-BLO
12
Source Specific IR Outputs
Routes IR to specific sources
2 B1 Button
Activates a test sequence to verify operation
13 ALL IR Output
Use when IR routing is not needed
3 USB Download Port
Used to download configuration programming and
firmware
14 Sense Input Triggers
Used for conditional programming
4 Unit ID Switch
Sets chassis as unit ID # 1 or unit ID # 2
15 Speaker Outputs
30W per channel, Stereo or Mono capability
5 Relay Connection
Used to activate relay controlled devices
16 Zone Preamp Outputs
Fixed or Variable Output Level
6 System Trigger Output
Provides a 12V Trigger Output whenever any zone is on 17 Source Audio Inputs
7 Serial Ports (2)
Connections for serial control Output or Input
18 Page / Doorbell Audio In
(Future Use)
8 IR Loop Connections
Links second chassis IR inputs to main chassis
19 Music On Hold Output
Connects to phone systems with Music On Hold Inputs
The Internal Tuner is used for MOH Audio
9 A-Net Connections
Links A-Net between chassis
20 Tuner Output
Share tuner output with second chassis
10 Zone Touchpad Connections
Connect to OLED2s
21 FM Antenna Connection
11 Zone IR Connections
IR input from 3rd party controllers
22 AM Antenna Connection
2
9
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
10
14
13
12
11
15
19
18
17
22
21
20
16

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Chapter 2: AH66T System Design Overview
Introduction
The first step to a good design is to map the system. It is advisable to mark up a copy of
the house floor plan with speaker, touchpad, volume control, and equipment locations etc.
Make sure that all locations are decided upon before pre-wiring commences so that all
necessary wiring and installation hardware is in place. This unit will be interfacing with
other components such as amplifiers, source components, communications controllers,
serial controllers, and user interfaces, so it is essential that ALL system components are
accounted for prior to the pre-wire stage.
Secondly, make a detailed list of all components. Include source equipment, touchpads,
volume controls, amplifiers, communications gear and the AH66T itself. Be sure to include
necessary electrical boxes, structured wiring enclosures, telephone lines, rough-in
brackets, patch cords, power supplies, etc.
Rack Mounting
Use the ELAN RMK3 Rack-Mount Kit when installing the AH66T in an equipment rack. The
RMK3 is designed to facilitate mounting ATON dual rack-space integrated Multi-Room
Controllers into standard 19” equipment racks in order to provide optimum air flow and
heat dispersion for these units. The RMK3 will take up three rack spaces when installed.
Pre-Wire
This section explains the specifics of pre-wiring for an AH66T system. Care should be
taken at this stage to ensure a properly operational system.
Most system wiring is “home-run” from the device being installed (a touchpad, for
example) back to the equipment location.

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ATON pre-wiring recommendations for connections to the AH66T
Item Description
OLED2 Touchpads
Category 5 cable
IR Receivers Category 5cable
Volume Controls
Category 5cable for control wiring
16-18 AWG 2 or 4 conductor wire for speaker wiring
Use stranded, twisted pair speaker wire between amplifiers and volume controls,
and between volume controls and speakers.
Speakers
16-18 AWG speaker wire
Use stranded, 2 or 4 conductor speaker wire between amplifiers and speakers.
Remotely Located Sources Category 5 cable
RG6 or RG59 coax (if necessary)
ELAN C2 Communications
Controller
Category 5 cable When using an ELAN C2 Communications Controller, run Cat-5
for telephones and door stations. See the C2 Installation Manual for details.
Serial Devices Category 5 or Serial Cable
Run Cat-5 or serial cables between RS-232 controllers and the AH66T.
Sense Inputs Category 5 (3 conductors used)
Use Cat-5 to extend sensor leads, if necessary.
System Audio RCA Interconnect Cables

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Applications
This section describes typical applications using the AH66T for audio distribution. These
are all basic in nature and should be used for guideline purposes only. Each application
can be augmented as needed for individual circumstances. This section is for overall
design purposes.
Please see Chapter 3: AH66T Connections for specific wiring configurations.
Zone/Sub-Zone Definitions
A zone is defined as an area within a system that has independent source selection ability.
A zone may be one room, or several combined areas. A sub-zone is a part of a zone - it
shares source selection - but has independent control of volume. Typically, sub-zones use
volume controls for volume up/down.

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Stereo Zones
To create an independent stereo zone, simply connect the AH66T’s Speaker Outputs to a
pair of speakers. Make sure to take into account the amplifier’s 8 Ohm minimum
impedance when choosing and configuring speakers. Volume is controlled at preamp level
using IR or RS-232 commands. Any speakers connected to these channels ramp volume
up/down together. Use an OLED2 touchpad or hand-held remote control to control
functions (including volume) in zones with this configuration.
Figure 2-1 shows a typical stereo zone example.

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Stereo Zones w/ Stereo Sub-Zone Using Volume Controls
Connect the Zone Preamp Output to a pair of the external amplifier’s inputs. Using the
ATON configuration software, configure the Zone Preamp Output to FIXED. Use an
impedance matching volume control (ATON AVC100R or AVC100SL) on the external
amplifier’s speaker outputs to maintain independent volume control capabilities in each
room. The main zone ramps volume up/down at preamp level using IR or RS-232
commands sent from an OLED2 Touchpad, or hand held remote, while the sub-zone ramps
volume up/down at speaker level using the volume control. This application uses one pair
of amplifier channels from the AH66T and one pair of amp channels from the external
amplifier. Many areas of the home are ideal for zone/sub-zone configuration. Examples
include Master Bedroom/Master Bath or Kitchen/Dining Area.
Figure 2-2 shows an example of stereo zones and a stereo sub-zone.

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Stereo Zone w/ Stereo Sub-Zone Using a DLA Speaker Selector
Connect the Zone Preamp Output of the AH66T to the Audio Inputs of the ATON A275
amplifier. Using the ATON configuration software, configure the Zone Preamp Output to
FIXED. Connect the amplified output from the A275 to the Amplifier Input of the DLA
Speaker Selector. The main zone ramps the AH66T’s internal amplifier volume up/down at
preamp level using IR or RS-232 commands sent from an OLED2 Touchpad, or hand held
remote, while the sub-zone ramps volume up/down at speaker level using the Speaker
Selector.
The Speaker Selector can be controlled using its front panel buttons, IR commands from
handheld remotes or by using DLATP touchpads connected to the Speaker Selector. An
optional ATON RF remote is also available.
The diagram on the next page shows an OLED2 controlling zone one of the AH66T.
Commands from the OLED2 control the AH66T’s internal amplifier. Zone one’s preamp
output is set to FIXED and sends audio signals to the ATON A275 amplifier which then
sends its amplified output to the DLA4 Speaker Selector.
The DLA4 allows independent volume control for each speaker or speaker pair connected
to the Room outputs. In this example, Areas A and D are using Dual-Voice Coil speakers
and Areas B and C are using stereo pairs of speakers.
(Please visit www.atonhome.com for more information on the DLA Speaker Selector
series of products and the A275 amplifier.)

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Figure 2-3 shows an example using the DLA4 Speaker Selector.

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Mono Zoning
Rooms with no definite listening area (kitchens, hallways, L-shaped rooms, for example)
are ideal for mono applications. The AH66T can combine stereo source signals into a
single mono output that is available on two channels. Stereo / Mono selection is done on a
zone by zone basis using the ATON configuration software.
(Factory Default setting is STEREO.)
Note: The amplified outputs and the preamp outputs for any particular zone are linked.
They can either BOTH be stereo or BOTH be mono.
DO NOT bridge the speaker outputs of the AH66T. Each speaker output (Left and Right)
will have both channels of audio information.
Figure 2-4 shows a mono zone application.

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Stereo Zone w/ Mono Sub-Zone
If both stereo and mono audio is needed in the same zone, set the AH66T outputs to stereo
and use RCA “Y” cables to “sum” the left and right preamp outputs to the amplifier.
In the example on the following page, Zone One is set to stereo output using the ATON
configuration software and the internal amplifier is connected to a pair of stereo speakers.
Since the internal amplifier and the preamp are “linked,” the preamp output is also stereo.
An RCA “Y” cable “sums” the left and right preamp output into the left channel input of the
A275. A single RCA is connected to the left line output of the A275 and takes the
“summed” signal into the right channel input of the A275.
The OLED2 controls the source selection for the zone and the volume for the stereo area’s
in-wall speakers connected to the AH66T’s internal amplifier. The amplified output of the
A275 is routed through ATON AVC100SL volume controls, providing each mono listening
area with independent volume control.

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Figure 2-5 shows a stereo zone / mono sub-zone application.