AudioStak ProSwitch PRSW-MCU-PCB Installation and operating instructions

ProSwitch
Manual and Installation Guide

Overview
Introduction
ProSwitch modules are used to create interactive product demonstration displays which can be intuitively
operated by a salesperson or customer without instruction or special technical knowledge. ProSwitch
modules switch low level (RCA), high level or high current (ie subwoo ers and high power ampli iers) signals,
and can be combined to create scalable audio/video systems rom small stand-alone displays to large car-audio
rooms.
A button and LED is placed next to each device, component or speaker, to be selected by the ProSwitch
system. Pressing the button allows the user to select or deselect that device. When a new device is selected
any previous devices o the same type are automatically deactivated. The LEDs will light when its associated
device is active, giving the user a visual indication o which devices are currently selected.
Overview

ProSwitch Modules
ProSwitch systems are comprised of four types of modules:
1. Main Module (PRSW-MCU-PCB): Main Modules read button presses and communicate with other
Main Modules in the system. They control and synchronize ADD- N signal modules. Each set of four
components or speakers to be switched requires one Main Module.
2. High Level DD-ON Module (PRSW-4HL-PCB): High Level Modules (4H) switch high level signals up to
7A MAX (196 Watts for a typical 4 ohm speaker), such as speakers, head unit outputs or amplifier
outputs. Each module switches L+/L-, R+/R- for four positions. High Level Modules can be ordered
with MTA connectors which use a specialized crimp tool to connect wiring, or with simple screw
terminal blocks which only require a screwdriver to use.
3. Low Level RC DD-ON Module (PRSW-RC -PCB): Low Level Modules (4L) switch low level RCA
signals, such as amplifier inputs or head unit RCA outputs. Each module switches Left/Right RCA signals
for four positions.
4. High Current Mono DD-ON Module (PRSW-MONO-PCB): High Current Modules (HC) switch high
current mono signals up to 16A MAX (1024 Watts for a typical 4 ohm speaker), such as sub woofers and
high-power amplifiers. Each module switches +/- mono signal for four positions.
For each set of four components or speakers, one Main Module is used, plus ADD- N Modules as required to
switch all associated signals. For example, a set of four speakers would require one Main Module and one High
Level Module. A set of four 4-channel amplifiers would require one Main Module, two Low level Modules and
two High Level Modules.
Additional modules are available to add to ProSwitch systems to provide advanced functions, such as Feature
System Module PRSW-FEAT-PCB, which allows four complete system settings to be programmed and then
recalled at the touch of a single button.
Overview – ProSwitch Modules

Main Module PRSW-MCU-PCB
Figure 1: Main Module PRSW-MCU-PCB
Main Module PRSW-MCU-PCB (Figure 1) is used to read push-buttons and communicate with other modules in
the system. Each set of four components or speakers requires one Main Module. It controls and synchronizes
ADD- N modules to switch signals. DIP switches are used to set the Module’s address and other functions.
Remote turn-on power can be supplied using the Component Remote Turn-on Power Connectors (5A MAX).
This allows only active components to be turned on to save power and allow a smaller system power supply.
This is the method recommended by AudioStak.
The Active LED indicates when the module has an active position or flashes in different modes as a
troubleshooting aid in the event of a wiring error or module failure.
Overview – ProSwitch Modules
COMP.
GROUP BOARD
BUTTONS
A
B
POWER
C
D
MEM GND A B C D
12V
GND
ADD-ON
COMM IN
COMM OUT
ACTIVE
NUMBER NUMBER
BYPASS
MUTE
TIME
SPKR
REMOTE TRIGGER
Component Power Connector Button Connectors
Mounting Standoffs
C MM Bus Connectors
Active LED
Writing/Labelling Area
DIP Switches
ADD- N Connector
Module Power Connectors
PRSW-MCU-PCB

High Level ADD-ON Module PRSW-4HL-PCB
Figure 2: High Level ADD-O Module PRSW-4HL-PCB
High Level ADD- N Module PRSW-4HL-PCB (Figure 2) is used for switching high level signals up to 7 Amps MAX
(196 Watts for typical 4 ohm speaker), such as speakers, head unit outputs or amplifier outputs. Each module
will switch L+/L-, R+/R- for 4 positions (speakers or components).
To switch signals higher than 7 Amps, use High Current ADD- N Switching Module PRSW-M N-PCB.
Overview – ProSwitch Modules
SIGNAL BUS SIGNAL BUS
L+ L- R+ R- L+ L- R+ R-
POSN A POSN B
POSN C POSN D
ADD-ON
A
C D
B
Mounting Standoffs
ADD- N Connectors
Writing/Labelling Area
Speaker or Component
High Level Signal Connectors
Signal Bus Connectors
Writing/Labelling Area
PRSW-4HL-PCB

Low Level ADD-ON Module PRSW-RCA-PCB
Figure 3: Low Level RCA ADD-O Module PRSW-RCA-PCB
Low Level ADD- N Module PRSW-4L-PCB (Figure 3) is used for switching low level RCA signals, such as amplifier
inputs or head unit RCA outputs. Each module will switch Left and Right RCA signals for 4 components.
Overview – ProSwitch Modules
SIGNAL BUS SIGNAL BUS
POSITION A
POSITION B
POSITION C
POSITION D
ADD-ON
A
CD
B
LEFT
RIGHT
LEFT
RIGHT
LEFTRIGHTLEFTRIGHT
LEFT RIGHT
LEFT RIGHT
Mounting Standoffs
ADD- N Connectors
Signal Bus Connectors
Component RCA Connectors
PRSW-RCA-PCB

High Current Mono ADD-ON Module PRSW-MONO-PCB
Figure 4: High Current Mono ADD-O Module PRSW-MO O-PCB
High Current Mono ADD- N Module PRSW-M N -PCB (Figure 4) is used for switching high current mono
signals, such as sub woofers and high-power amplifier outputs, up to 16 Amps (1024 Watts for a typical 4 ohm
speaker). Each module will switch +/- signals for 4 components. Screw terminals are used for signal wire
connections. For high current stereo applications, two High Current Modules can be used: one for Left +/-, and
one for Right +/-.
Overview – ProSwitch Modules
A
CD
B
ADD-ON
SIGNAL BUS SIGNAL BUS
+-+-
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
Mounting Standoffs
ADD- N Connectors
Signal Bus Connectors
High Current Screw Terminals
Writing/Labelling Area Writing/Labelling Area
PRSW-MONO-PCB

Groups
In a ProSwitch system, audio/video products must be arranged into Groups of similar devices. For example,
head units would be one Group, front spea ers would be another. Each Group is then given a Group Number,
which set through the DIP switches on the Main Modules (PRSW-MCU-PCB). ProSwitch systems can have up to
16 groups of spea ers, and up to 16 groups of components. A 'component' is any non-spea er device.
Boards
Within each Group it may be necessary to use multiple Main Modules depending on the number of products
involved. Each Main Module is able to switch up to four products. For each additional four products in that
Group, one more Main Module is needed. ADD-ON modules are connected to each Main Module to switch the
signals required by that Group. Each Main Module within a Group is given its own number, called its Board
Number. This is set using its Board Number DIP switch.
Positions
Each Main Module, together with its attached ADD-ON modules can switch up to four devices (spea ers or
components). The signal connectors on the ADD-ON modules and the button connectors on the Main Modules
are all labelled A through D, and are referred to as Positions. When a button connected to Main Module is
pressed, all the signal connectors on its attached ADD-ON modules with the same Position number are selected
and become active. Each component must have all its signal connectors connected to the same position, A, B,
C, or D, on each ADD-ON module.
For example, in a 2-channel amplifier Group each Main Module would use two ADD-ON modules: one 4L
module (PRSW-RCA-PCB) for RCA inputs, and one 4H module (PRSW-4HL-PCB) for high level outputs. When the
button connected to Position A on the Main Module is pressed, Position A on that Board becomes active, and
all other Positions within that Group are deselected and disconnected. The RCA inputs for that amplifier
connected to Position A on the 4L board will become active, as well as its high level outputs connected to
Position A on the 4H board.
The signal connectors for the four Positions on each ADD-ON module can be used for either input or output
signals. For example, 4H modules are used to switch the high level outputs from head units and amplifiers, as
well as the high level input signals to spea ers.
Overview – Groups, Boards and Positions

Main Module Address
Each Main Module has an Address which is made up of the Group Number, Board Number and device type
(Component or Spea er). These are all set using the DIP switches on the Main Module, shown in Figure 5.
The switch labelled 'COMP' and 'SPKR' is used to set the device type. All spea ers and sub woofers should be
set to ‘SPKR’. All other devices should be set to ‘COMP’. Spea er Groups and Component Groups are handled
separately by the ProSwitch system, so this switch can also be considered as part of the address.
Figure 5: Main Module DIP Switches
The Group Number DIP switch on each Main Module is used to identify which Group it belongs to. Within each
Group, multiple Main Modules may be required depending on the number of products in that Group. Each
Main Module is given a different Board Number which is set using the Board Number DIP Switch.
ProSwitch systems can have up to 16 Groups of components, and 16 Groups of spea ers. Within each Group
there can be up to 16 Boards. Group Numbers and Board Numbers are assigned using the DIP switches as
shown in Figure 6.
When a Position is selected, all other Positions within its Group are automatically turned off before that
selected Position is activated. Pushing the button for an active Position will cause it to be deselected and turn
off.
Normally each Main Module will have its own unique Address, different from all other Main Modules in the
system. If two Main Modules are both set with the identical address, they will echo each others actions and
switch in unison, so if a position on one Main Module was selected, that position would become active on both.
This is generally not desirable, but may be used in some special applications.
Overview – Main Module Address
COMP.
BOARD
NUMBER
BYPASS
MUTE
TIME
SPKR
GROUP
NUMBER

Figure 6: Setting Group or Board Numbers with Main Module DIP Switches
Overview – Main Module Address
OFF OFF OFF OFF
OFF OFF OFF ON
OFF OFF ON OFF
OFF OFF ON ON
OFF ON OFF OFF
OFF ON OFF ON
OFF ON ON OFF
OFF ON ON ON
ON OFF OFF OFF
ON OFF OFF ON
ON OFF ON OFF
ON OFF ON ON
ON ON OFF OFF
ON ON OFF ON
ON ON ON OFF
ON ON ON ON
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
GROUP OR BOARD NUMBER:

COMM Bus
Main Modules communicate with each other using the COMM Bus to form an integrated system. Each Main
Module has two COMM Connectors: COMM In and COMM Out. The COMM Bus is wired by connecting the
COMM Out of the first module to the COMM IN of the second. The COMM Out of the second module is
connected to the COMM In of the third and so on, until finally the COMM Out of the last module is connected
bac to the COMM In of the first module to complete the COMM Bus. If there is only one Main Module in the
system, the COMM Out of that module is connected to its own COMM In (see Figures 7 to 9).
Figure 7: COMM Bus Wiring of System with Multiple Main Modules
Figure 8: COMM Bus Wiring of System with Two Main Modules
Figure 9: COMM Bus Wiring of System with only One Main Module
Overview – COMM Bus
COMM In
COMM Out
COMM In
COMM Out
COMM In
COMM Out
COMM In
COMM Out
COMM In
COMM Out
COMM In
COMM Out
COMM In
COMM Out

Signal Bus
Each ADD-ON module has signal connectors for each of its four Positions, as well as two sets of connectors for
the Signal Bus. When a Position is active, it is connected to the Signal Bus. sing the Signal Bus connectors, the
signal is carried from one ADD-ON module to the next so all are connected within its Group. Finally the Signal
Bus from that Group is connected to the Signal Bus in the next Group.
Consider the example of the most basic car stereo system: a head unit and a pair of speakers (see Figure 10).
The outputs of the head unit are wired directly to the terminals on the speakers. A ProSwitch system allows for
multiple products, arranged in Groups. The Signal Bus is equivalent to the direct wiring from the head unit to
the speakers in the first example. In the example ProSwitch system shown in Figure 10, only
Figure 10: Connecting Groups using the Signal Bus
Overview – Signal Bus
ADD-ON Cable
SIGNAL BUS
L+
L-
R+
R-
Head Unit
L+
L-
R+
R-
Speaker Pair
Head Unit Group
Head Unit 1
Head Unit
Head Unit 2
Head Unit 4
ADD-ON Cable
Speaker Group
Speaker Pair 1
Speaker Pair
Speaker Pair 2
Speaker Pair 4
SIGNAL WIRING

one head unit and one pair of speakers can be selected at a time. When a head unit is selected, it is connected
to the Signal Bus for the Head nit Group. When a speaker pair is selected, it is connected to Signal Bus for the
Speaker Pair Group. Finally, the Signal Bus connection between these two Groups connects the selected head
unit to the chosen pair of speakers.
Figure 11 shows a sample system for eight head units and eight speaker pairs. Power, COMM and button wiring
are not shown for simplicity. Head nits are set as Component Group #1, and Speakers are set as Speaker
Group #1. Note that Speaker Groups and Component Groups are handled separately by ProSwitch systems,
Figure 11: Eight Head Units and Eight Speaker Pairs
Overview – Signal Bus
ADD-ON Cable
SIGNAL BUS
Head Unit Group
Head Unit 1
Head Unit
Head Unit 2
Head Unit 4
ADD-ON Cable
Speaker Group
Speaker Pair 1
Speaker Pair
Speaker Pair 2
Speaker Pair 4
ADD-ON Cable
SIGNAL BUS
Head Unit 5
Head Unit 7
Head Unit 6
Head Unit 8
ADD-ON Cable
Speaker Pair 5
Speaker Pair 7
Speaker Pair 6
Speaker Pair 8
SIGNAL BUS
SIGNAL BUSSIGNAL BUS
BOARDGROUPC B M BOARDGROUPC B M
BOARDGROUPC B M BOARDGROUPC B M

so these are each considered to be their own Group. Two Main Modules are needed for each Group (one per
four products). The only signal which needs to be accommodated for the Head nit Group in this sample
system is the high level output so one 4H ADD-ON module is required for each Main Module. In the Speaker
Group, one 4H module per Main Module is also required to switch the high level signal to the selected speaker.
Note that 4H modules are used to switch outputs in the Head nit Group, as well as for switching inputs in the
Speaker Group.
Overview – Signal Bus

Bypass
Sometimes it may be necessary to allow an entire Group to be deselected. If this Group is inline with the signal
path between two other Groups, the signal will need to be allowed to Bypass this Group. An example of this is
an equalizer Group, where if no equalizer is selected, the low le el output from the head unit Group should
pass directly through to the amplifier Groups.
Bypass Mode is enabled by using the Bypass switch on the Main Modules as shown in Figure 12. To use Bypass
Mode it must be set on a module with Board Number 1 that is part of a Component Group. Otherwise, turning
this switch on or off has no effect. When Bypass Mode is enabled, Position A of Board Number 1 will be
acti ated whene er there is no other acti e Position in the Group, including on initial system power-up.
Figure 12: Main Module DIP Switch set for Bypass Mode
The sample system shown in Figure 13 includes head units, amplifiers and speakers. Power, COMM, ADD-ON
cable and button wiring are not shown for simplicity. The Amplifier Group has Bypass Mode enabled through
the Bypass Switch on Board #1. The Head Unit Group uses 4L ADD-ON modules to switch low le el outputs to
the Amplifier Group. The Head Unit Group also uses 4H modules to switch high le el outputs, so when no
amplifier is selected, speakers can be powered directly by the head units.
The High Le el Output Bus from the Head Unit Group is connected to Position A of the 4H module for Board #1
in the Amplifier Group. Now, whene er there is no amplifier selected, Position A will be acti ated, allowing the
Amplifier Group to be Bypassed by the Head Unit Group. Note that because one Position is being used for
Bypass Mode, only se en amplifiers can be switched by a Group using two sets of modules.
Overview – Bypass
SPKR COMP.
BYPASS
MUTE
TIME

Figure 13: A plifier Group with Bypass Mode
Overview – Bypass
Head Unit Group
Head Unit 3
Speaker Group
4L
4H
BOARDGROUPC B M BOARDGROUPC B M
LOW LEVEL
OUTPUT
HIGH LEVEL OUTPUT
Head
Unit 1
Head Unit 4
Head Unit 2
Head Unit 7
4L
4H
BOARDGROUPC B M BOARDGROUPC B M
Head Unit 8
Head Unit 6Head Unit
4L
4H
BOARDGROUPC B M BOARDGROUPC B M
4L
4H
BOARDGROUPC B M BOARDGROUPC B M
BOARDGROUPC B M BOARDGROUPC B M BOARDGROUPC B M BOARDGROUPC B M
Amplifier 2 Amplifier 3
Amplifier 1
Amplifier 7
Amplifier
Amplifier 6
Amplifier 4
4H 4H
Amplifier Group
HEAD UNIT HIGH LEVEL OUTPUT BUS
LOW LEVEL BUS
LOW LEVEL BUS
HEAD UNIT HIGH LEVEL OUTPUT BUS
HIGH LEVEL BUS
LOW LEVEL BUS
LOW LEVEL
INPUT
HIGH LEVEL
OUTPUT
HIGH LEVEL BUS
Speaker Pair 1
Speaker Pair 3
Speaker Pair 7
Speaker Pair
Speaker Pair 4
Speaker Pair 2
Speaker Pair 8
Speaker Pair 6
HIGH LEVEL BUS

Mute Time
When some components, such as amplifiers, are turned on and off they can produce audible 'pops' and
'thumps' which are undesirable. To eliminate this, the Mute Time function can be used so speakers are
temporarily muted every time a component is turned on or off.
The first DIP switch on the Main Modules see Figure 1) has two switches for setting Mute Times. When this
function is enabled on a Main Module in a Speaker Group, all Positions on that Board will be turned off
momentarily so the speakers are disconnected. Selectable Mute Times are 0.5 seconds, 1.5 seconds, 3.5
seconds, or none disabled), as shown in Figure 14. Setting these DIP switches on a Main Module in a
Component Group has no effect.
Figure 14: Main Module DIP Switches for Mute Time
Overview – Mute Time
COMP. BYPASS
MUTE
TIME
0.5 SECONDS
MUTE TIME:
OFF ON
DISABLED OFF OFF
3.5 SECONDS ON ON
1.5 SECONDS ON OFF

COMM Bus Error Modes and Troubleshooting
Main Module Active LED
Each time a button is pressed, the ProSwitch system checks the entire COMM Bus for proper operation. If there
is a COMM Bus wiring error anywhere in the system, the ctive LED on each Main Module can blink in one of
three modes to assist in troubleshooting. This feature is designed to help the installer during initial wiring of a
ProSwitch system. The first step whenever there is a COMM Bus Error, signalled by one or more Main Modules
blinking their ctive LED, is to ensure that all Main Modules in the system are properly receiving power.
Normal COMM Bus Communications
When a Main Module detects a button press, it communicates over its COMM Out connector to the COMM In
of the next Main Module. This data is passed from module to module until it passes through the complete
COMM Bus and returns to the module that initially sent it. In this way, the integrity of the COMM Bus wiring,
and the ProSwitch system as a whole, is validated each time a button is pressed. This is an important safety
feature of the ProSwitch system to help prevent the possibility of damage to connected components.
The COMM Bus consists of 2 wires. Pin 1 on each connector is D T . Pin 2 on each connector is SYNCH. Data is
communicated over the D T wire. The SYNCH line is used to alert modules that a communication is in
progress and then synchronize the actions of all modules in the system during switching events.
Note that even a system consisting of a single Main Module needs a COMM Bus cable connected between its
COMM In and COMM Out.
Timeout Error Mode
ctive LED blinks slowly: one second on, one second off.
Cause of error
Initiation of a system communication was detected by this module on the SYNCH line, but no data was received.
Because this module did not receive data it will not be able to re-transmit it to the next module in the system,
so that module’s ctive LED will likely also be flashing in Timeout Error Mode. Modules that received and
retransmitted the data correctly will have their ctive LED off.
Troubleshooting
Start with any module flashing in Timeout Error Mode. Follow the cable from its COMM In connector back to
the COMM Out on the previous Main Module in the system. If that board is also in Timeout Error Mode, repeat
until you reach a module with its ctive LED off. This is the point in the system where the data failed to be
retransmitted correctly. The D T wire on this cable is the most likely cause of the error. nother possible
cause is that this module is not receiving power. This could be caused by the Module Power Cable being
connected backwards or not plugged in properly.
Appendix H – COMM Bus Error Modes and Troubleshooting

If all Main Modules in the system are flashing in Timeout Error Mode, the likely location of the error is the D T
wire from the COMM Out connector of the module that originated the data transmission. If you’re unsure of
which module that was, turn the system off and back on again, and re-initiate the error condition by pressing a
button connected to a different Main Module. This should cause a system error where some modules are
flashing in Timeout Error Mode and some have their ctive LED off, so the above troubleshooting method can
be used.
SYNCH Error Mode
ctive LED blinks rapidly, four times per second.
Cause of error
Data was received by this module, but no initiation of a system communication was detected on its SYNCH line.
Generally, there will only be one board in a system showing this error condition. The most likely source of the
error is the cable connected to its COMM In due to a faulty connection, miswiring, or induced noise from wiring
the COMM Bus along side power or high current wiring.
Troubleshooting
Check COMM Bus wiring and termination to this module, especially the COMM In connector. Common causes
include wires not properly terminated into the MT connector of the COMM Bus cables, or reversal of SYNCH
and D T wires. If necessary, replace the Main Module to verify that the source of the error is the wiring and
not a faulty module.
DATA Error Mode
ctive LED pulses three times, waits a second and repeats
Cause of error
This module received data which was corrupt or invalid.
Troubleshooting
Check COMM Bus wiring to the COMM In connector on this module for faulty connections or miswiring. This
error can also be caused because this COMM Bus cable has exceeded the maximum length of 50 feet or due to
induced noise from power or audio cables. COMM Bus cables may need to be shorter than 50 feet if they are
not properly isolated from power and audio cables. If necessary, replace the Main Module to verify that the
source of the error is the wiring and not a faulty module.
This error condition needs to be corrected even if it only occurs intermittently as it indicates poor quality of
data communication to this module which could result in unpredictable system operation.
Appendix H – COMM Bus Error Modes and Troubleshooting

Main Module DIP Switch Settings Worksheets
Main Module DIP Switch Settings Worksheet
COMP. BYPASS
MUTE
TIME
NUMBER NUMBER
GROUP BOARD
Group:
Settings:
Description:
COMP. BYPASS
MUTE
TIME
NUMBER NUMBER
GROUP BOARD
Group:
Settings:
Description:
COMP.
BYPASS
MUTE
TIME
NUMBER NUMBER
GROUP BOARD
Group:
Settings:
Description:
COMP. BYPASS
MUTE
TIME
NUMBER NUMBER
GROUP BOARD
Group:
Settings:
Description: