McIntosh RCT-4 User manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 139 3-2699
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Owners
Manual
RCT-4
RCT-4 Remote Control Translator Repeater

2
Table of Contents
Customer Service
Technical Assistance
Please Take A Moment
Thank You
Thank You, Please Take a Moment,
Technical Assistance and
Customer Service.................................. 2
Table of Contents and General Notes ... 2
Safet Instructions ................................ 3
Introduction .......................................... 5
Performance Features ........................... 5
Dimensions and Installation ................. 6
Front and Rear Panel Connections ....... 7
Front Panel Connections....................... 9
Rear Panel Connections ....................... 11
Front Panel Displa and Push-Button 12
How to Operate................................... 13
Specifications and Packing
Instructions ......................................... 19
The serial number, purchase date and
dealer name are important for possible in-
surance claim or future service. The spaces
below have been provided to record that
information:
Thank ou for our decision to own this
McIntosh RCT-4 Remote Control Transla-
tor Repeater. The McIntosh dedication to
Qualit , is assurance that it will provide
ou with man ears of enjo ment.
Please take time to read this manual, as
it will help ou to become more familiar
with our new McIntosh.
If our McIntosh product is in need of re-
pair, it can returned to our dealer or the
McIntosh Service Department. For assis-
If ou have questions about this product,
contact our McIntosh Dealer who is more
familiar with our component s stem. If
additional help is needed, ou can receive
technical assistance at:
McIntosh Laborator , Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
General Notes
1. The Data Control Cable is available from
the McIntosh Parts Department:
Data Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, 2 cond ctor shielded, with two
1/8 inch stereo mini phone pl gs.
2. Additional IR Emitters, Item No. R826, are
available from the McIntosh Sales
Department.
3. For additional connection information,
refer to the owners man al(s) for any
component(s) connected to the RCT-4.
Serial Number:
Purchase ate:
ealer Name:
Copyright 2 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
tance on repair return procedure, contact
the McIntosh Service Department at:
McIntosh Laborator , Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

3
Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE REA THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
WARNING SHOCK
HAZARD - DO NOT
OPEN.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated dangerous volt-
age within the products enclosure that may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
AVIS RISQUE DE
CHOC - NE PAS
OUVRIR.
The e clamation point within an equilateral tri-
angle is intended to alert the user to the pres-
ence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accom-
panying the appliance.
NO USER-
SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE.
REFER
SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL.
To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not re-
move cover (or back). No user serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
General:
1. Read all the safet and operating in-
structions, contained in this owners
manual, before operating this equip-
ment.
2. Retain this owners manual for future
reference about safet and operating
instructions.
3. Adhere to all warnings and operating
instructions.
4. Follow all operating and use instruc-
tions.
5. Warning: To reduce risk of fire or
electrical shock, do not expose this
equipment to rain or moisture. This
unit is capable of producing high
sound pressure levels. Continued
exposure to high sound pressure
levels can cause permanent hearing
impairment or loss. ser caution is
advised and ear protection is rec-
ommended when playing at high
volumes.
6. Caution: to prevent electrical shock
do not use this AC Adapter Plug
with an extension cord, receptacle
or other outlet unless the blades can
be fully inserted to prevent blade
exposure.
Attention: pour pevenir les chocs
elecriques pas utiliser cette fiche
polarisee avec un prolongateur, une
prise de courant ou un autre sortie
de courant, sauf si les lames
peuvent etre inserees afond ans en
laisser aucune partie a decouvert.

4
7. For added protection for this product
during a lightning storm, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet. This will prevent damage to the
product due to lightning or power line
surges.
8. Do not use attachments not recom-
mended in this owners manual as the
ma cause hazards.
Installation:
9. Locate the equipment for proper venti-
lation. The equipment should not be
placed were the flow of air arround the
unit ma be impeded.
10. Locate the equipment awa from heat
sources such as radiators, heat regis-
ters, stoves, or other appliance(s) (in-
cluding amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. Mount the equipment in a wall or cabi-
net onl as described in this owners
manual.
12. Do not use this equipment near water;
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundr tub, in a wet
basement or near a swimming pool,
etc.
13. Do not place this product on an un-
stable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table. The equipment ma fall, causing
serious injur to a person, and serious
damage to the product.
Connection:
14. Connect the AC Adapter onl to the
t pe of AC power source as marked on
the unit.
15. Route the AC Adapter Power Output
Cord so that it is not likel to be
walked on or pinched b items placed
upon or against it, pa ing particular
attention to the cord at the point where
it exits from the AC Adapter.
16. Do not overload wall outlets, exten-
sion cords or integral convenience re-
ceptacles as this can result in a risk of
fire or electric shock.
Care of Equipment:
17. Clean the instrument b dusting with a
dr cloth. Unplug this equipment from
the wall outlet and clean the panel with
a cloth moistened with a window
cleaner. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners.
18. Do not permit objects or liquids of an
kind to be pushed, spilled and/or fall
into the equipment through enclosure
openings.
19. Unplug the AC Adapter from the AC
power outlet when left unused for a
long period of time.
Repair of Equipment:
20. Unplug this equipment from the wall
outlet and refer servicing to a qualified
service personnel under the following
conditions:
A. The AC Adapter or the output
power cord has been damaged.
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has
been spilled into the equipment.
C. The equipment has been exposed to
rain or water.

5
D. The equipment does not operate
normall b following the operat-
ing instructions contained within
this owners manual. Adjust onl
those controls that are covered b
the operating instructions, as an
improper adjustment of other con-
trols ma result in damage and
will often require extensive work
b a qualified technician to restore
the product to its normal opera-
tion.
E. The equipment has been dropped or
damaged in an wa .
F. The equipment exhibits a distinct
change in performance - this indi-
cates a need for service.
21. Do not attempt to service be ond that
described in the operating instructions.
All other service should be referred to
qualified service personnel.
22. When replacement parts are required,
be sure the service technician uses re-
placement parts specified b McIntosh
or have the same characteristics as the
original part. Unauthorized substitu-
tions ma result in fire, electric shock,
or other hazards.
23. Upon completion of an service or re-
pairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safet checks to
determine that the product is in proper
operating condition.
Performance Features
Introduction
The McIntosh RCT-4 Remote Control
Translator Repeater allows other brand
remote controlled products to be operated
in a McIntosh s stem.
 The RCT-4 provides the same function-
alit of a universal remote control
without the disadvantages.
 The RCT-4 can translate up to 29 IR
(Infra-Red) commands of most other
brand components and fourteen com-
mands can be continuous.
 Four individual translator circuits allow
four other brand components to be
controlled.
 The Translator operates from McIntosh
Remote Controls or Ke pads.
 Control is possible with IR emitters or
b data cables.
 Eas learning requires onl a McIntosh
Remote Control and the Remote Control
of the other brand component.
 All four RCT-4 channels automaticall
operate as a Repeater even though a
channel(s) has learned commands.
 All Learning functions are permanentl
stored in memor .
Introduction and Performance Features

6
Installation
The RCT-4 can be placed upright on a
table or shelf, standing on its four feet.
Cool operation ensures the longest pos-
sible operating life for an electronic
instrument. Do not install the RCT-4
directl above a heat generating compo-
nent such as a high powered amplifier.
Consideration should be given to allow
eas access to the RCT-4 for the Learning
Operation Procedure; at least one foot of
imensions and Installation
8- 9/16 "
21.74cm
5- 5/16 "
13.49cm
3- 1/16 "
7.78cm
Note: Add 1/8" (0.32cm) to allow for recessed feet on the bottom
The following dimensions can assist in de-
termining the best location for our
RCT-4.
imensions
space to the left of the RCT-4 for placing
the remote controls. If the RCT-4 is to be
used as a repeater, the distance between
the RCT-4, the other brand component(s)
and the emitter device should be consid-
ered. There is also needed additional space
required for the cable connections to the
front and rear of the RCT-4.

7
RCT-4 Front and Rear Panel Connections
Connect to the supplied RCT-4 AC Adapter
Sends data to a McIntosh IR Emitter used to
control operation of a component
Receives data from DATA ports
on a McIntosh Control Center
Sends DATA Signals ( igh to Low) to the
DATA input of the device being controlled
Sends DATA Signals (Low to igh) to the
DATA input of the device being controlled
Note: The RCT-4 Front Panel Connections for all four control channels are identical.

8
1. Connect a data cable from the DATA
port on the McIntosh Control Center
or Preamplifier that corresponds to the
component ou wish to control, to an
DATA IN (Control Channel 1, 2, 3 or
4) on the RCT-4.
Note: The example below would be for a
Tape Dec that is connected to the
Tape 1 Input on the Preamplifier. The
Control Data from the RCT-4 may be
Connection to Control Center or
Preamplifier
McIntosh Preamplifier
sent to the other brand component(s)
either via an R826 IR Emitter or by
direct connection. Please refer to the
following pages for the appropriate
method.

9
IR Emitter Connection
1. Connect the cable of a McIntosh IR
Emitter to the matching RCT-4 EMIT-
TER jack. Attach the IR Emitter to the
component being controlled, either in
front of, or near its IR sensor.
Note: When the component being controlled
through its IR sensor, is located in the
same area with a McIntosh Control
Center, the McIntosh IR Emitter
should be installed in the Alternate
OPAQUE configuration. Refer to the
instructions included with the
McIntosh R826 Emitter for the
Opaque installation information. The
Opaque mounting bloc s the other
brand component IR sensor from
receiving conflicting signals directly
from a remote control, allowing only
the signals from the McIntosh Emitter
to operate the unit. One McIntosh
R826 IR Emitter is included with the
RCT-4.
Front Panel Connection
McIntosh R826 IR Emitter
Tape Deck IR Sensor
Tape Deck

1
1. Connect a Data cable from the appro-
priate RCT-4 DATA OUT jack to the
DATA Input of the component being
controlled.
2. The (LH) DATA OUT feeds data sig-
nals consisting of positive pulses. The
(HL) DATA OUT feeds data signals
consisting of negative pulses.
Note: Determine which DATA OUT to use
by trying first one and then the other,
use the one which wor s best.
Front Panel Connections cont
irect ata Connection
Data In Jack
Tape Deck (Rear Panel)

11
Rear Panel Connection
1. Connect the RCT-4 AC Adapter power
output cable to the 12V connector on
the back panel of the RCT-4. Plug the
AC Adapter into an AC outlet. The
Front Panel green AC LED should turn
on, which indicates the RCT-4 is in
Run Mode and read for use.
Note: The RCT-4 AC Adapter must be
connected to a non-switched AC
outlet.
AC Adapter Connection

12
Front Panel isplay and Push-Button
ERROR LED flashes to
indicate an unsuccessful
operation has occurred
in the learning process
The SELECTOR push-
button switch cycles
through five separate
modes
AC LED indicates
that the RCT-4 is on
and ready to operate
LEARN LED flashes to indi-
cate when a Learn Process is
being successfully performed
for each component
STORE LED flashes
to indicate a success-
ful learning operation
has been performed
SIGNAL LED flashes to indi-
cate signals are being pro-
cessed to operate the compo-
nent; it will also show the re-
ceived IR Signal Strength
Note: The RCT-4 Front Panel Display Signal and Learn LEDs are the same for all four control
channels. The SIGNAL 1 LED also flashes to indicate an adequate signal is being received
during the learning functions for all four control channels.

13
A successful learning process requires an
adequate IR signal from both the McIntosh
and other brand remote controls. Please
make sure that all the remote controls have
fresh batteries installed in them and then
perform the initial learning tests below.
How to Operate
How to Operate
RCT-4 Top View
Figure 3
McIntosh Remote Control
Figure 2

1 to 3 inches
(2.54 to 7.62cm)
RCT-4 Left Side View
Figure 1
First perform the following tests on all
McIntosh and other brand remote controls
before attempting to have the RCT-4 learn
commands.
1. Press the SELECTOR push-button
once. This selects Channel 1 for both
learning and testing remote control IR
signal strength. Refer to diagram on
opposite page.
Note: The Channel 1 LEARN LED will start
flashing. To properly observe the
RCT-4 LEDs, you must loo at them
straight on and not from an angle.
2. Position the re-
mote control
pointing toward,
and approxi-
matel 1 to 3
inches from, the
IR sensor on the
left side panel
Initial Learning Tests
of the RCT-4. Refer to figures 1, 2 and
3.
Note: Since the remote controls must not be
moved while pressing the push-
buttons during learning, it will be
convenient to elevate each remote
control off the surface with an object
such as a small magazine or boo of
the correct thic ness to allow the
remote control to lie flat and point
directly at the sensor window. The
RCT-4 IR sensor must be receiving an
adequate IR signal for the learning
process to be successful.
3. Press an ke on the remote control to
determine if it is aimed correctl and if
its IR output signal is adequate. The
Channel 1 SIGNAL LED will flash if
it is receiving a good signal. If the
LED does not flash, reposition the re-
mote control until an adequate signal
is received.
4. After all remote controls have been
verified as functioning correctl for
the RCT-4 learning process, press the
SELECTOR push-button four more
times to exit and return to the Normal
Mode of operation.

14
Momentary Control Commands
The following McIntosh Remote Control
or Ke pad Push-Buttons can be used for
Momentar Control Commands with the
RCT-4. Refer to figure 4.
0 through 9, AM, FM, SEEK UP, SEEK
DOWN, REVIEW, PLAY, STOP, FAST-
FORWARD,NEXT, REWIND, BACK,
CHANNEL UP, CHANNEL DOWN, LEFT,
RIGHT, UP, DOWN, SELECT, TITLE,
DISPLAY, MENU, ACCessory ON,
ACCessory OFF
Note: The McIntosh Remote Controls in figures 4 and 5 may have a different
arrangement of push-buttons, than the McIntosh Remote Control you are using.
The following McIntosh Remote Control
or Ke pad Push-Buttons can be used for
Continuous Control Commands with the
RCT-4. Refer to figure 5.
CHANNEL UP, CHANNEL DOWN, SEEK
UP, SEEK DOWN, NEXT, BACK, LEFT,
RIGHT, UP, DOWN, SELECT, TITLE,
DISPLAY, MENU
Continuous Control Commands
Figure 4 Figure 5

15
1. Press the SELECTOR push-button
once. Refer to figure 6.
Note: The SELECTOR push-button switch
cycles through five separate modes.
Press once to enter learning mode for
Channel 1, with each additional
button press the learning mode
switches in sequence to the next
channel. Press the push-button a fifth
time, and the RCT-4 switches bac to
the normal mode.
2. Position the McIntosh Remote Control
pointing toward, and approximatel 1
to 3 inches from, the IR sensor on the
left side panel of the RCT-4.
3. Decide which push-button on the re-
mote control ou wish to use for the
first learning function on the other
brand component. Press and hold the
desired push-button until the LEARN
1 LED stops flashing and sta s On
continuousl .
Note: When performing the following steps,
be sure to press and hold down the
remote control push-button until the
RCT-4 STORE LED flashes at least
How to Operate, cont
Learning Commands
one time. If the remote control push-
button is released before the STORE
LED flashes, the RCT-4 will not send
out the correct command for that
function. When the remote control
push-button is pressed more than
once, the ERROR LED may start
flashing. If this happens, wait until the
ERROR LED stops flashing, and then
repeat steps 2 and 3.
4. Place the other brand remote control in
position and press the desired push-
button for the control function. If the
learning is successful, the STORE
LED will flash and the LEARN LED
will start to flash On and Off again in-
dicating the RCT-4 is read for learn-
ing the next command.
Note: If the learning process is not
successful, the ERROR LED will flash
On and Off, then repeat steps 3 and 4
again. If the learning process is not
successful after the second attempt,
the RCT-4 will still be able to repeat
the remote command through the
system using the other brand remote
control.
Figure 6

16
5. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 to for the RCT-
4 to learn more operating functions for
Channel 1.
6. If additional components are to be con-
trolled, press the SELECTOR push-
button to switch to Channels 2, 3 and 4
and repeat the above learning process.
7. After completeing the RCT-4 learning
process, press the SELECTOR push-
button to exit, which returns the RCT-
4 to the Normal Mode of Operation.
Clearing a Specific Command
1. Press the SELECTOR push-button to
select the specific channel (1, 2, 3 or 4)
for which ou wish to clear a specific
learned function. Refer to figure 7
2. Position the McIntosh Remote Control
pointing toward, and approximatel 1
to 3 inches from, the IR sensor on the
left side panel of the RCT-4.
3. Press and hold the specific push-button
on the McIntosh Remote Control for
the learned function ou wish to clear,
until the LEARN LED stops flashing
Clearing All Commands
and sta s On. Then press the SELEC-
TOR push-button once to clear the
function. The ERROR and STORE
LEDs will flash On and Off for a few
seconds, then turn Off; the LEARN
LED will start to flash On and Off
again, indicating the clear operation
was successful.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for an additional
learned functions ou wish to clear.
5. After all clearing functions are com-
plete, press the SELECTOR push-but-
ton to exit which returns the RCT-4 to
the Normal Mode of Operation.
Figure 7
1. Remove the RCT-4 Power Suppl
Adapter from the AC outlet.
2. PRESS and HOLD the SELECTOR
push-button while ou reconnect the
RCT-4 Power Suppl adapter to the
AC outlet. The ERROR and STORE
LEDs will flash On and Off for a few
seconds; the both will turn Off, indi-
cating all learned functions for all
channels are cleared.

17
How to Operate, cont
&+$11(/3XVK%XWWRQ&RPPDQGV
'HYLFH1DPH
0F,QWRVK 2WKHU%UDQG





























&+$11(/3XVK%XWWRQ&RPPDQGV
'HYLFH1DPH
0F,QWRVK 2WKHU%UDQG






























18
&+$11(/3XVK%XWWRQ&RPPDQGV
'HYLFH1DPH
0F,QWRVK 2WKHU%UDQG





























&+$11(/3XVK%XWWRQ&RPPDQGV
'HYLFH1DPH
0F,QWRVK 2WKHU%UDQG






























19
Specifications Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessar to repack the
equipment for shipment, use the original
shipping carton and interior parts onl if
the are all in good serviceable condition.
If a shipping carton or the interior bubble
pack is needed, please call or write Cus-
tomer Service Department of McIntosh
Laborator . Please see the Part List for the
correct part numbers.
Quantit Part Number Description
1 033719 Shipping carton
1 033085 Bubble Pack
Specifications and Packing Instructions
Power Requirements
12 Volts, D.C. @100mA
Dimensions
8-9/16 inches (21.74cm) Wide, 3-1/16
inches (7.78cm) High, 5-5/16 inches
(13.49cm) Depth
Weight
3.8 pounds (1.7 Kg) net, 4.5 pounds (2 Kg)
shipping

McIntosh Part No. 040693
McIntosh Laborator , Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903