Knoll MR640 User manual

Six zone stereo controller with
individual volume control electronics
and four input source selection
Version 1.1
INSTALLATION
MANUAL
MR640
For the latest information, see our web site www.knollsystems.com
Complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
It is very important to use a top quality
RJ45 8/8 crimper tool. We strongly
suggest using a cat 5 / RJ45 electronic
tester to verify the wire conductors.
2
CongratulationsandthankyouforchoosingtheKnöll
MR640 controller. The MR640 is designed to meet the
amplifier needs of custom installed multi-zone systems
where high quality sound is a specific requirement.
Key Features:
1. Individual zone, four source selection. Each of the six
roomscanselectanyoneoffourstereosources.
2. Individual mute, volume, bass and treble
adjustment.Eachofthesixstereochannelsfeature
adjustmentsforbassandtreble.Individualroomkeypads
controlvolumeand mute. Anykeypadcanturnthewholesystem
onoroff.
3. External trigger and functions out. An 12VDC trigger
outputisprovidedtoturnothercomponentsonoroff.Six
functionportsareprovided(connectstoaXantech590)toturn
on and off components via IR as well as provide four IR
commands,sourcedfromtheMR60keypads
4. Adjustable source gain. Each source has individual gain
adjustmentstolevelorequalizethegainofthevarioussources.
5. Stackable 17" chassis. The MR640 can be stacked or
placedin a 19"EIAequipment rack(requiresRM640 kit).
6. Data port. For larger systems, multiple MR640's and
MVP64'scan operatein tandem so all MR640's and MVP64's
turnoffandontogether,shareinfraredsignals,page,connectto
doorchimes,connecttoexternalcontrollers,etc.
7. All on and all off. MR60 keypads turn on any source in all
rooms.
8. Volume level indication. MR60 keypads display volume
levelontopthreerowsofbuttons. FNC-MUTE level isthe
lowest.
9. All room volume up and down (rooms on only) via FNC
button.

System layout considerations
The MR640 is the heart of a whole home music system. A MR640
is designed to work with 1-6 rooms or zones. Up to three
MR640's and/or MVP64's can be ganged together to allow up to
18 rooms or zones each individually controlling one or two pairs
of enclosure or inwall speakers. Connection is achieved via the
data port using a stereo 3.5mm jack on the rear of the MR640.
Rooms are usually controlled by a MR60 keypad. The MR60
contains an almost all brand infrared repeater and most functions
can be controlled by the Knoll RB8 remote control. RB8
commands can easily be stored in a learning remote. The MR60 is
available with three different source layouts (all of the MR60
keypads in one system have to have the same source layout) and
three bezel colors white, almond and ivory for a total of 9 models.
The source layout and bezel colors are easy to change in the field.
Some rooms will not require a MR60 keypad and most MR640
functions can be utilized with an RB8 remote and an infrared
repeater (a MR173 IR converter is required). Up to three IR
receivers in three different rooms can be connected to a single
MR173 (see information shipped with the MR173). The MR640
includes four internal single or dual emitter connection ports, so
emitters will have to be ordered if required. The infrared pass
through is always available when the controller is turned on and in
standby or powered up.
In certain commercial applications a microphone paging override
is required. Model MR171 paging and override module takes a
balanced or unbalanced mic, (with automatic phantom power) or a
line level input and when activated overrides all inputs (even if
some or all zones are in standby) and pages at an adjustable preset
volume in all zones.
A variety of door chime, video switching, telephone paging, door
entry and front door camera modules are being developed. Check
our web site for more information. ...continued
3
...systemlayoutconsiderationscontinued
The MR640 includes a 12VDC trigger output to control and power
various items when the MR640 is powered up. When the MR640
goesintostandbythetriggeroutputends.It'smaximumoutputis
60mA.
In certain cases when several high powered amplifiers will be
controlled by the MR640, a delayed turn on sequence is required
to turn on the amplifier so a fuse will not trip or just cause a low
voltage situation in the house. The MR166 turn on sequence is
used to sequentially delay the trigger turn on to 6 trigger inputs in
1.5 second or 3 second delay sequences. The MR166 is also
bufferedincasethe60mAoutputfrom the MR640 is insufficient.
An innovative IR connection system is also included to turn on and
off the various source components as well as four separate
commands. A Xantech 590-00 controller is required for this
purpose. The Xantech 590-00 is a an IR sequence generator. When
it receives commands from the MR640 it generates an IR
commandor sequence of upto 10 commands. Theoncommand is
automaticallygeneratedwhen the MR640 goesoutofstandbyand
intopower up. The offcommandis automatically generated when
the MR640 goes from power on to standby. These sequences are
generallyusedtoturn on and off the source equipment.
Toactivate the four FNC commandsonthe MR60 keypad (only
when the system is powered up) press the MR60 keypad button
FNC then quickly press one of the four source buttons on the top of
the MR60 keypad. This will initiate a pulse at the MR640
FUNCTIONoutput,thatinturngeneratesanIRcommandthatis
pumped back into the MR640 IR emitter port 1 and out to the
various emitters connected to ports 2-3-4, that will initiate the
commandtothesourcecomponent.
4

5
Installation
It is very important to use a top quality RJ45 8/8 crimper
tool. We strongly suggest using a cat 5 / RJ45 electronic
tester to verify the wire conductors.
Installing the MR640 should be relatively easy. With a bit of
planning, the MR640 will give trouble free service for years.
1.When installing the MR640 ina rack we suggest mountingiton
the bottom shelf so it is not heated by power amplifiers below it.
2.Followtheamplifier manufacturers information about installing
the power amplifiers.
3.Connectthe MR640inputstothe source componentoutputsand
amplifiers with good quality, short as practical RCA jack cables.
Connecteachchannelindividually.
4.In multiple MR640 and/or MVP64installations,connect the
sources to the MR640 and MVP64 inputs using RCA Y adaptors.
5. If source D is not being used we suggest you short both left and
right jacks with a RCA shorting plug. This will make the room
speakers quieter in standby modes.
6 Install MR60 keypads (or infrared receivers) in the rooms with
the speakers. Cat 3 or cat 5 wire can be home run to the MR640 or
up to three rooms daisy chained on one wire.
***Be sure to set the dip switch on the rear of the MR60***
See the dip switch adjustment below. Connect all eight individual
wires using RJ45 connectors. Four wire conductors are needed
foreachkeypad(oneunique,common:IR,groundand 12VDC).
MR60 Dip Switch
Adjustment
Use either RJ45
connector as they
are in parallel
MR60 1 2 3 4
6
7.TherearoftheMR60isshown.BecauseonetothreeMR60'scan
beconnectedordaisychainedtothesamecat5wire,thekeypad
positiononthewiremustbeselectedusingthedipswitch.Thetwo
MR60RJ45connectorsareinparallel.Onlyonedipswitchslider
shouldbeonandtheothertwooff(#1isshownoninthisexample).
TheMR601-2-3dipswitchpositionscorrespondtoMR640keypad
portsandspeakeroutputsA1-A2-A3orB1-B2-B3.
***Even if the keypads are home run, the
MR60 dip switch position has to be selected***
Ifthreekeypadsaredaisychainedononewire,selecttheMR60dip
switchonthefirstMR60toone,thesecondMR60totwoandthe
thirdMR60tothree.AttherearoftheMR640,theRJ45connector
fromthethreeMR60keypadscanbeconnectedanycorresponding
keypadBankAor Bank B; port 1, 2 or 3. Thecorresponding
speakeroutputswillbethesamenumberasselectedontheMR60
keypad(example:theMR60keypadwith#2diponandconnectedto
MR640keypadbankBwillcontrolspeakeroutputsB2RandB2L).
After installation,ifthekeypadsarenotworkingproperlyornot
controllingatall,ChecktheMR60dipswitchsettings,wiring
layoutandcrimpaswellasbankconnectionsverycarefully.
8.ConnecttheemitterstotheIREmitterportsontherearofthe
MR640. Single or dual emitters can be used. If a Xantech 590-00 is
being installed do not connect emitters in the MR640 IR Emitter #1.
9. When connecting two or more MR640's and/or MVP64's in the
samehome,connect theampstogetherusing stereo3.5mmplugs
(all three wires are used) to the data plug on the rear of the MR640.
The MR640's and MVP64's share power on and off data as well as
infrared signals.
10.ConnecttheMR640triggeroutput to the amplifier triogger
inputs if the total current for the trigger is less tan 60 mA and a turn
on delay sequence is not required. If more than 60 mA or a turn on
sequence is required use the optional MR166 turn on sequencer.

7
11.ThegainpotsundertheinputgoldRCAjacksontherearofthe
MR640arenormally turned fully clockwise tomaximum.Theonly
time they are reduced in gain is when the input source is distorted
(clipping), usually only with CD inputs or if one source has a very
highnormalgainwhencomparedtotheothers.
12. If a Xantech 590-00 is to be installed, the 590-00 needs to be
wired to the MR640 removable 8 terminal connector and the
590-00 has to be programmed.
Wiring the 590-00 to the MR640 or MVP64
The wire/plug from the 590-00 IR emitter port 1 is a mono 3.5mm
with the stripe wire to the center/end of the 3.5mm connector. The
rest of the wires can be almost any type.
MR640 or MVP64 to Xantech 590-00
The Xantech 590-00 is an infrared learning "remote" capable of
converting a dry contact closure of each of the MR640 or MVP64
four functions, power-on (TON) and power-off (TOFF) to an IR
macro sequence of up to 10 commands each.
The 590-00 power supply is shipped with the 590-00. Power to
the 590-00 should be on all the time (like a TV set) so the system
IR commands can be sent as soon as any MR60 source buttons are
pressed.
The first time installing and programming a 590-00 connected to a
MR640 can be a bit tricky, so please follow these directions
closely.
See the diagram on page 7.
Connectthe590-00rearpanel"O"and"G" terminalstothewirepair
onthe3.5mmtowirepair(installersupplied).Connecttheblackwire
withthestripetothe"O".Nextinsertthe3.5mmplugintotherearof
theMR640labelled"IREmitters"and"1".
Withany type ofsingle conductor wire connectthe 590-00 bottom
row - terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and the -12VDC terminal.
DO NOT connect any wires to the TRIG
terminalon the MR640 at this time.
Now connect the MR640 terminal FD to the 590-00 top row +
terminal 1. Next connect the MR640 terminal FC to the 590-00 top
row + terminal 2.
Continuebyindividually connectingtheMR640FB, FA, TOFF
and TON to the 590-00 top row + terminal 3, 4, 5 and 6. If all of
the source equipment has the same IR commands for power-on and
power-off, move the wire on the 590-00 connected to terminal +5
(on the + row) with the wire on the 590-00 terminal +6.
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9
MVP64 Activation
The590-00generatesinfraredcommandsequenceswhenamomentary
pulsefromanyofthesixMR640functionoutputsareactivated.Source
AisusuallyreservedforCDuse.WhentheMR640ispoweredup
someonepushingaMR60SourcebuttonorRB8remotesource,the
poweron(TON)pulseisactivated.
SomeexamplestounderstandwhenMR640pulsesareactivatedand
the590-00macrosequenciesareinitiatedarelistedbelow:
Note:NoneofthefunctionsbelowworkwhenanyMR60ledsare
blinkingtoindicateMUTEactivated.
PulseO/P Activateswhen: ExampleIRsequence:
PowerOn AnyMR60orRB8source Sequencepower(on)
(TON) keyispushedwhenall commandtoall
MR60ledsareoff. sourcecomponents
FA FNCthenSource A (CD) CD skip, CD play or
(sourceA keypushedwhensystem'son CDrandom
CDplayer) andnoMR60blinkingled's.
F B FNC then Source B (FM or CDskiptonext disk
(source B AUX1) keypushedwhen
Jazzstation) thesystemison.
FC FNCthenSourceC(Dish Scantonextnews
(source C AMorCD2)keypushed stationprogrammed
newstuner) whenthesystemison. intonewstuner
F D FNCthenSourceD (AUX or Scanuponestation
(sourceD AUX2)keypushedwhen
satdish#2) thesystemison.
Programming the 590-00
IRfunctionsdonothavetoberelatedtothesourceinput.Forexample,
ifsourceAisaCDplayerandsourceBisajazztuner,functionA
couldbeasequenceofCDskip,CDplay,andCDrandom.Function
BcouldbeCDSkiptonextdisk.Afterdecidingandwritingdownthe
commands tobeprogrammedforeachofthesixpulseactivations
(FunctionA, B, C, D, TON andTOFF),
gather all the source remotes (with batteries inserted) near the 590-
00. Screw one end of a temporary wire to the 590-00 terminal
marked +12VDC. Power up the 590-00 and the MR600.
The 590-00 can learn up to 16 different commands on each of its
four banks. If more than 10 different IR commands are being stored
use bank 2, 3, and 4 to store the sequence commands and bank one
positions 1-6 to execute the sequences.
SingleIRCommand Storing
Startby pushing the RES(reset) button on theback of the
590-00. If any of the six relay activations have a single command
(nota sequence of commands), program thesinglecommand(s)first.
For example if the jazz station tuner is on source C and you want to
program the IR command "scan" (two or more news stations have
beenprogrammedinthe news station tuner) into function C, program
the 590-00 with this first.
1. Make sure the bank 1 dip switch is on; bank 2, 3, and 4 off.
2. Push PGM (program lamp goes on).
3. Using the wire attached to the 590-00 +12VDC, touch and
hold the other end of the wire to the 590-00 upper + row
terminal 2. While holding the wire in place, push the tuner
remote control button "scan" while it is about 2-4 inches from
the 590-00 internal infrared sensor. The 590-00 PROGRAM
lamp will flicker while storing the IR signal. When the IR signal
is stored, the confirm lamp comes on. Release the remote
control button and release the wire to the upper row terminal.
The IR signal is now stored in the 590-00 bank 1 terminal 2.
4. Store any other single commands in bank 1 positions 1 and 3-6.
5. Push PGM (program lamp will go out).
590-00 Sequence IR Command Storing
The six MR640 pulse activations can activate a sequence of up to 10
IR commands each. As an overview, the individual IR commands
are first learned and stored in any of the 16 positions in the four
banks (except bank 1 positions 1 through 6), then assembled in order
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11
inbank1positions1through6).
The 590-00 can learn up to 16 different commands on each of its
four banks. If more than 10 different IR commands are to be stored
use bank 2, 3, and 4 to store the sequence commands and bank one
positions 1-6 to execute the sequences.
1. Write down the order for each of the sequences required for all
of the six functions (not programmed with single commands).
2. Turn the bank 2 dip switch on; bank 1, 3, and 4 off.
3. Push PGM (program lamp goes on).
4. Using the wire attached to the 590-00 +12VDC, touch and
hold the other end of the wire to the 590-00 upper + row
terminal 1. While holding the wire in place, press the remote
control button of the first function while the remote is about
2-4" from the 590-00 internal infrared sensor. The 590-00
PROGRAM lamp will flicker while storing the IR signal.
When the IR signal is stored, the confirm lamp comes on.
Release the remote control button and release the wire to the
upper row terminal. The IR signal is now stored in the 590-00
bank 2 terminal 1.
5. Hold the end of the wire to the 590-00 upper + row terminal
2. While holding the wire in place, press the remote control
button of the second function while it is about 2-4 inches from
the 590-00 internal infrared sensor. The 590-00 PROGRAM
lamp will flicker while storing the information. When the
information is stored, the confirm lamp will come on. Release
the remote control button and release the wire to the upper
row terminal. The IR signal is now stored in the 590-00 bank 2
terminal2.
6. Continue this procedure until all of the required sequence
commands have been learned by the 590-00. If more than 16
IR signals have to be learned, fill up bank 2 with the first 16
IR signals, then turn the bank 2 dip switch off, and the bank 3
switch on. Continue with bank 3 position 1, 2 etc. Use bank 4
positions 1, 2, etc., if required and bank 1 positions 7-16.
Note:When storing an IR signal command sequence, it is most
reliable if commands to a component are timed as far apart as
possibleinthesequencetogivethecomponentssettlingtime.For
example, sequence a power-on command: CD on, tuner on, and CD
play rather than CD on, CD play, and tuner ON.
7.Make sure the PROGRAM lamp is on.
8. Make sure the bank 1 switch is on and bank 2, 3 and 4 are off.
9. Push the SEQ (sequence) button.
10.Carefully touch (for one sec.) the wire to the bank 1 + terminal
1 to 6 where the first sequence is to be stored.
11. Move the bank 1 switch off and the bank 2 switch on.
12. Touch the wire to the terminal where the first IR signal of the
sequence is stored (for one second). Touch the wire to the
terminal where the second IR signal of the sequence is stored
(for one second). Touch any other terminals until the entire
command sequence is stored.
13.PushtheSEQ button and then the PGM button to leavethe
program mode (lamp goes out).
14. Move the bank 1 switch to on and bank 2, 3, and 4 to off.
The sequence is now complete.
15. Repeat steps 7 to 14 for each of the other sequences.
Note: 590-00 programming should be fully tested. Occasionally one
source component gets out of sequence especially if IR remote
controls are used (most often when using the remote to turn on and
off source components). The system user should be shown how to
correctfor a source componentgettingout of sequence.
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Caution:The MR640containsnouserserviceableparts,so do
not attempt to open or repair the MR640. Refer servicing to a
qualifiedtechnicianonlyorcontactthefactoryforinformation.
Troubleshooting
If a problem is encountered with the MR640, the most expedient
procedureistolocatetheproblemandifpossiblerepairitbefore
requestingservice.Besuretocarefullycheckothersystem
componentssuchascontrollers,CDplayers,volumecontrols,wiring,
speakers,etc.thatmaybeatfault.
Problem Action
Power indicator does 1. Check that the MR640 is plugged in.
notlight -no sound 2. Test the AC outlet with a lamp.
Soundcutsout 1. Verify that all connctions (plugs and
jacks) are done properly.
2. Try swapping RCA connectors with ones
you know work for sure.
Sound is distorted 1.Turn the volumedown
2. Check speakers for damage.
3. Check inputs for proper levels.
Source input levels may need adjustment.
MR640 does not 1. Press any MR60 keypad "OFF" button
turnoff or RB8 remote "POWER" button for 5
seconds. The MR640 should power
down and the MR640 led turns orange
(standby).
In Canada:
11791 Machrina Way #120
Richmond, B.C. V7A 4V3
Knöll Systems
tel [phone]
fax [phone]
Knöll Systems, Richmond, BC & Point Roberts WA
CCOPYRIGHT 1998-2002, Knöll Systems, All Rights Reserved
In America:
145 Tyee Drive, #1206
Point Roberts, WA 98281
LimitedWarranty
Knöll Systems warrants the its electronic products sold in Canada and the USA by authorized Knöll
dealers to be free from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty extends for two full years
from the date of purchase by the consumer. Any products returned freight prepaid to Knöll Systems
and found to be defective by Knöll Systems within the warranty period will be repaired or replaced at
Knöll Systems option, at no charge. Knöll Systems will not be responsible for the actual cost of
installation or removal of the product, nor for any consequential or incidental damages. Some states
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may
have additional rights which vary from state to state. Knöll products sold outside of Canada and the
USA may be covered by warranties provided by an authorized Knöll distributor. Please contact the
distributor in the country that the Knöll product was purchased.
Printed in Canada
Specifications
MR640 Six Zone Controller
Inputs: Four pairs of gold RCA jacks
Inputimpedance: 24 k ohms
Outputs: Six pairs of gold RCA jacks
Freq. response: 10 Hz - 40 kHz +/- 1 dB (1w)
S/N ratio: over 100 dB A weighted
THDdistortion: <0.1% 20 Hz to 20 kHz
IMD distortion <0.01% 60 Hz 7 kHz 4:1 (SMPTE)
Trigger control: 12VDCoutput60mAmax.
Power: 12 VDC 500mA
Dimensions: 17" x 1.75" x 10.5"
Weight: 6 lbs (2.8 kg)
Caution: Never listen to sound that is distorted. If distorted
sound is heard, turn the volume down immediately or speaker
and/or amplifier damage could occur that is not covered by the
warranty. If this problem persists, contact your dealer.
14

MR640 Rear Panel
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Source
R
34
brown
white/brown
orange
white/blue
blue
white/orange
green
white/green
RJ45 plug color and pair wiring guide
Room A1 To Keypads
Room A2Room A3 Room B1 Room B2Room B3
Data
IREmitters
4/in 3 2 1
Infraredreceiver
Four source selection (this
room and whole house) and
four function selection buttons
Three bar volume level
indicators, blinks at min or max
Volume up and down
(this room only or whole
house when FNC selected)
MR60 keypad functions
OFF
FNC MUTE
34
12
DN UP
Mute button
Function select button
Shut off this room only or
whole house off button
(also blinks when remote
control signal detected)
FA
FB
FC
FD
GND
TRIG
TON
TOFF
RJ45 plug function identification
not
used
ground
12VDC infrared
comm
3comm
1
ground comm
2Each RJ45 connector uses 4 wires from MR60
toMVP64 for power,communicationsandIR.
3are common, 12VDC,GND(either) and IR.
1 is uniqure 2-way comm (1, 2 or 3)
Comm1 goes to keypad slot A1 or B1
Comm2 goes to keypad slot A2 or B2
Comm3 goes to keypad slot A3 or B3
L
Gain
A1 A2 A3 A1 A2 A3 Outputs
R
L