Elan M86A User manual

M86A
Multi-Room Audio Controller
INSTALLATION MANUAL

ELAN M86A INSTALLATION MANUAL
©ELAN 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 M86A Multi-Room Audio Controller. This manual is written for the installer of this
equipment.
Please see the software tutorial and Help file for programming information.
These can be found at www.elanhomesystems.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 ELAN’s M86A Multi-Room Audio Controller.
M86A Introduction Provides an introduction to ELAN’s M86A Multi-Room Audio Controller, along with system features to
include Front and Rear panel controls, indicators and connections, along with a short description of
each.
M86A System Design Overview Provides a system design application overview of the M86A Multi-Room Audio Controller for use in
audio applications.
M86A Connections Provides a description of the M86A Multi-Room Audio Controller system connections and direct
connections from the M86A to other components.
M86A System Expansion Provides information about integrating the C2 Communications Controller and V8 Composite Video
Router.
M86A 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 M86A Multi-Room Audio Controller.
Programming Appendix A provides a list of the IR and VIANet commands and their functions.
Rack Mounting Appendix B provides specifications for rack mounting the M86A Multi-Room Audio Controller.
Specifications Provides equipment specifications for the M86A Multi-Room Audio Controller.

ELAN M86A INSTALLATION MANUAL
©ELAN 2010 |All rights reserved.
Page 2
Safety Information
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Read Information ----- 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 Mounti ng ----- 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 Protection ----- 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.

ELAN M86A INSTALLATION MANUAL
©ELAN 2010 |All rights reserved.
Page 3
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.
Object and Li quid 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.
R eplacement 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. The Master Control Unit battery should be replaced only after turning the power off and only by an authorized installer.
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 S torms — 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 Device — 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 ELAN could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

ELAN M86A INSTALLATION MANUAL
©ELAN 2010 |All rights reserved.
Page 4
Table of Contents
Preface ............................................................................................... 1
Purpose of this Manual.................................................................................................1
Organization .................................................................................................................1
Safety Information .................................................................................. 2
Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................6
The ELAN Story...................................................................................... 7
M86A Features ...................................................................................... 8
M86A Front Panel Indicators ...................................................................... 9
M86A Rear Panel Connections.................................................................. 10
Chapter 2: M86A System Design Overview................................... 11
Introduction ........................................................................................ 11
Rack Mounting .................................................................................... 11
Pre-Wire............................................................................................ 11
Applications........................................................................................ 13
Zone/Sub-Zone Definitions .........................................................................................13
Stereo Zones ..............................................................................................................14
Stereo Zones w/ Stereo Sub-Zone Using Volume Controls.........................................15
Stereo Zone w/ Multiple Sub-Zones............................................................................16
Chapter 3: M86A Connections .................................................. 18
System Controller Connections ................................................................. 18
VIANet Connection .....................................................................................................18
IR Expansion Port Connection....................................................................................19
All Zones IR Out Connection.......................................................................................19
Source Input Connections ..........................................................................................19
M86A Connections ................................................................................ 20
TS2 Touchpads ..........................................................................................................20
Source IR Output Connections ...................................................................................21
Sense Input Connections............................................................................................22
Zone Preamp Audio Outputs.......................................................................................23
Source Audio Connections .........................................................................................23
Speaker Outputs.........................................................................................................24