MTX ABUS-HUB4X8 User manual

A-BUS by MTX AUDIO products purchased in the United States from an authorized MTX dealer are guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two

years from the date purchased by the end user, and limited to the original retail purchaser of the product. Product found to be defective during that period will be repaired or

replaced by MTX at no charge. This warranty is void if it is determined that unauthorized parties have attempted repairs or alterations of any nature. Warranty does not extend

to cosmetics or finish. Before presuming a defect is present in the product, be certain that all related equipment and wiring is functioning properly. MTX disclaims any liability

for other incurred damages resulting from product defects. Any expenses incurred in the removal and reinstallation of products are not covered by this warranty. MTX's total

liability will not exceed the purchase price of the product. If a defect is present, your authorized MTX dealer may be able to effect repairs.

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ABUS-HUB4X8

Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub

1 Mitek Plaza

Winslow, IL 61089

815-367-3000

800-225-5689

21A8375

We hope you enjoy your ABUS system. Your ABUS component has been designed to give high quality sound and be simple and functional to operate.

All ABUS products bearing the ABUS logo are made to the ABUS standard, so when you connect an ABUS input device, hub or volume control module

they are compatible with each other. Some functions on some manufacturer’s products may not work with other manufacturer’s products; however, most

features will be interoperable. All ABUS components are simple to service or upgrade, so upgrading your system with components that offer improved

features should be easy.

The ABUS Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub is the core of your ABUS system. It is the input connection point for the source components. It also distributes

power and sound to each room volume control module. It also repeats infrared (IR) commands to the source components. Multiple hubs may be used to

expand the system to more than eight rooms.

ABUS-HUB4X8

Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub

Operation Chart

Function ABUS-VC3 Volume Control Module Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub

System Off N/A System Off

Room ON (zone 1) Touch any key in a zone 12v trigger ON to switch on source

Module backlighting turns on components

Input LED indicates input System ON status trigger turns on

(same as last selected)

Volume (low level)

Room OFF Tap centre OFF button N/A

Status (OFF button) remains on N/A

Input indicated

Room ON Tap volume UP/DOWN Hub already on

Backlighting ON

Volume (same as previous level)

Other rooms (zone 1) Status indicator ON If system is already on volume level will

(Off Button) return to previous setting

Input indicated

Room 2 (zone 1) Touch volume Up or Down N/A

Volume at low level

Zone 2 ON Tap button N/A

Volume (low level) unless previously on

Volume Touch and hold either Up or Down button N/A

Input indicates ripple right for volume up and left

for volume down

Select Input 1-4 Tap left or right buttons to change input Changes input for that zone only (A & B

Four indicator lights outputs)

Room Off Tap centre button N/A

Turns off power module

Other rooms remain on

System OFF Press centre button for three seconds Hub OFF

Turns all rooms and zones off Status light OFF (Green)

Power Supply LEDs Indicates power status (Red)

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ABUS-HUB4X8 Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub

Audio Input (1) (2) - There are four stereo line-level source inputs (2). Each input has individual level adjustments (1) (left and right).

Trigger (3) - The trigger is activated when any part of the system is on; its output is 12 volts at 300mA.

Emitter Ports (5) (7) - Each source input has its routed emitter port (5) if more that one component of the same type is used the remote control commands

will not be confused. Eg. 2 tuners. There is also a common emitter port (70) to control components that are common to all zones.

Indicators (4) (6) (10) - The green status indicator (4) is on when the system (one or all zones) is in operation. The red emitter indicator (6) ﬂashes when

there is an infrared data command passing through the hub. The power indicators (10) indicate when the corresponding power supply is on.

ABUS Outputs (8 A & B) - Each of the ABUS Outputs provides the power, audio and data signals to feed a Volume Control Module. There are four output

zones, each zone may independently select from any of the four sources. Each zone has two outputs bank “A” and bank “B”. One power supply is supplied

with the hub to power the outputs for one bank. A second power supply can be added to power the second bank or alternatively the second output can be

used as an expansion port to feed one or more single source hubs with expansion capability.

CAUTION: Only an approved ABUS 4-Room Power Supply (12) should be used. Substitutes which may appear to be suitable are not recommended and

could void warranty.

DC Power Input Sockets (13) - There are two power sockets one for each output bank “A” and “B”.

Data Expansion Ports (In/Out) (9) - Another ABUS-HUB4X8 may be connected to this port if additional zones are desired. Up to four ABUS-HUB4X8

Multi-Source Multi-Zone hubs may be connected together, providing for a maximum of 16 zones. CAUTION: The Data Expansion Ports pass the control

data between multi-source hubs and may not be used for any other purpose.

Note: The data expansion (9) and audio expansion (11) ports must be connected to additional hubs for proper function.

Expansion Ports (Audio) (11) - The RCA Expansion Outputs allow expansion of the audio sources to the main system ampliﬁer or to an additional ABUS-

HUB4X8 Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub. The audio levels adjusted at the input will be the same on the output so no level adjustments will be required on

the additional hubs).

IR Remote Control (14) - One ABUS ABO-41RC remote control handset is supplied with the ABUS-HUB4X8 Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub. This remote

control includes a dedicated ABUS bank and includes keys for most standard functions including color cable box buttons (not used in all countries). The

remote control has a code library built in; however, it is capable of providing advanced functions for user convenience. All keys have learning capability

including the bank keys; all keys can also learn multiple commands (macros). See separate instructions.

ABUS-VC3 Keypad Volume Control Module

The ABUS-VC3 (RJ) Keypad Volume Control Module was designed to work with in-

telligent ABUS Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hubs using standard ABUS commands. The

ABUS-VC3 provides the following function:

Volume Up/Down

Input Selection Up/Down

Room Off

System Off

Infrared repeating

Status indication

Infrared talkback

Volume level change identiﬁcation

IR Remote Control ABO-41RC

The ABO-41RC Remote Control is a very ﬂexible device; it has been

designed for easy operation and to allow users to tailor the operation

for more sophisticated operation. It includes a code library for easy

selection of codes, a dedicated ABUS code bank, all buttons can learn

commands (including bank buttons) all buttons can learn macros (in-

cluding the bank buttons).

Quite often there are products not listed in the library so it is possible

to encode commands into the Remote Control from the ones supplied

with the source components. It is also possible to encode multiple

commands into one key (macros). For example; you could encode into

the SAT bank button commands to turn on your television monitor, the

cable box and select the audio input in the ABUS Multi-Source Multi-

Zone hub. The operator will then only need to press one button to turn

the system on and set it up for normal TV operation. Additional ABO-

41RC can be purchased if required.

Note: Macro strings take time to emit, the operator should take care not to turn the re-

mote control away from the infrared receiver on the Volume Control Module or speaker

before all commands have been generated.

ABUS Compatibility

This product complies with the A-BUS format. The A-BUS format has been adopted by

other manufacturers who make variety of products that can give your system added

ﬂexibility. When looking to expand and/or upgrade your home entertainment system,

be sure to look for products that carry the A-BUS trademark.

Comparison of an A-BUS™ Input against a standard RJ-45 Socket

RJ-45 Socket Socket

87 5 3 1

6 4 2

Pin Signal Function

NC Not Connected Brown

Brown & White

Blue & White

Green & White

Green

Orange & White

Orange

Blue

NC Not Connected

RX- Receive -ve

RX+ Receive +ve

TX- Transmit -ve

TX+ Transmit +ve

87 5 3 1

6 4 2

Pin Signal Function

24v 24v +ve

GND Ground

STAT Status

SIG Signal

RCH Right Channel

LCH Left Channel

RJ45 Ethernet vs.

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Setup

Input Level Adjustments (1) - The Input Level Adjustments should all be set to the centre position to start with. If one source is louder than the other sources, turn

both the Left and Right Input Level Adjustments for that source counterclockwise, reducing the input level to match the volume level of the other sources. If one

source is lower than the others, turn both the Left and Right Input Level Adjustments for that source clockwise, increasing the input level to match the volume level

of the other sources.

Trigger Output (3) - The Trigger Output may be used to activate a relay or other device that responds to a steady-state 12 volt trigger signal. This output may be used

to power a Power Strip, which may be used to power the source components. When the System Off command is pressed, the 12 Volt Trigger Output will be turned

off. Source components that are plugged into a trigger-controlled power strip will be switched off. Care should be taken to ensure that components will not lose their

memories (clocks, etc. or presets) after long periods of non-use.

Infrared (IR) Emitter Ports (5) (7) - There are 5 emitter ports, 4 are routed ports. The routed outputs will only emit commands from the zone that has selected that

source. This will allow more than one source device with the same code set to be used. If this is the case, light-blocking emitter caps should be used to prevent

infrared commands from straying into the infrared receivers of adjacent components. The common emitter port will generate all commands from any zone with infra-

red capability. Some components have an IR IN socket on the back, it is recommended that this direct connection be used. CAUTION: Do not confuse a data bus

connection with an infrared port.

TIP: 1. Finding the Infrared receiver location in some components can be difﬁcult. To ﬁnd the right place, place a large card with a hole the size of a folder punch hole

in it over the front of the component and while generating a command from the components remote control handset move the card around until the unit responds to

the command.

2. In situations where the unit is not responding to the commands from the emitter or if the response is erratic the signal level may be too high. If the operation im-

proves when the emitter is held away from the component a ﬁlter will be required such as some exposed camera ﬁlm.

3. Some source components may not respond to repeated infrared commands. This is rare and may require a change in component.

System Indicator (4) - The green power light indicates when the system is turned on. The system is activated when the hub receives a source-select command from

any zone. Once a command has been received by the Hub to activate, a 12 volt signal will be available at the Trigger Output (3). Other zones may be activated at

any time. Individual volume control modules may require activation separately before sound can be heard. Regardless, of which Volume Control Modules are on or

off, the 12 volt trigger will remain active until a System Off command is sent to the Hub.

Infrared Talkback (6) - The Red Talkback indicator ﬂashes when an Infrared data command is passing through the hub.

Mains Power (10) - The two red power lights indicated when the power supplies connected to bank A or bank B are active. These indicators do not indicate the

system is active (see System Indicator [4]).

System Design

The ABUS-HUB4X8 Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub is compatible with any ABUS Volume Control Module; however, some Volume Control Modules do not have the

capability to control the ABUS-HUB4X8 Multi-Source Mulit-Zone Hub directly from keypad buttons. We recommend using only Volume Control Modules with IR

receivers built in, so that you will be able to control the ABUS-HUB4X8 Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub by pointing a ABUS IR Remote at the Volume Control Module,

which will repeat the IR commands to the ABUS-HUB4X8.

ABUS is a very ﬂexible system, it allows for many variations not normally possible in traditional multi-room systems. For instance; it is possible to mix multi-source

hubs with single source hubs. There are many reasons you may want to do this, the most common reason is because in open plan houses you may have intercon-

necting areas which are acoustically the same (family rooms, dining rooms and kitchens). So if you change the source in one area the other rooms can track the

same source. Another example is bedrooms with bathrooms. In the master bedroom, the full-function Volume Control Module would normally be used; however,

in the bathroom a less-expensive volume control module may be all that is needed. The Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub has a second output port (the second bank

requires a separate power supply) in each zone to cater for this requirement. If additional areas are required, the second output port may be connected to a separate

4-room hub to expand that zone.

Operation

The ABUS-HUB4X8 Multi-Source Multi-Zone Hub is controlled by ABUS Infrared (IR) commands. There are four audio inputs. When the hub receivers a command

for any one of the four inputs in any zone, the hub will switch on. This will be indicated by the green power indicator. The 12 volt trigger will also activate. If source

components are activated by a power strip switched by the trigger, they will also activate. Each zone must have one power module with a keypad that includes but-

tons with ABUS functions (inputs 1-4 or Input Up/Down, Room Off and System Off commands). Alternatively, any Volume Control Module containing an IR receiver

may be used in conjunction with an ABUS remote that has these IR commands built-in. Volume Control Modules without Room On/Off switches will activate when any

Zone is turned on. Other modules with individual ON/OFF capability require either an on command or a volume Up/Down command to activate the module. These

units will reset to a low volume level the next time the system is turned on. The ABUS OFF command will turn off the Volume Control Module only. To turn the whole

system off, the SYSTEM OFF command must be used.

Infrared Repeater - Volume Control Modules that include infrared receivers will pass most infrared commands without difﬁculty. They will repeat standard 38 kHz

commands and 56 kHz commands which are often used in satellite receivers. Care should be taken to ensure the emitters are properly placed over the receiver on

the front of the component.

Infrared Range - The operating range of you remote control will vary according to the light conditions in the room, the quality of the IR remote (and battery condi-

tion) and the system design in the components. In ideal conditions in areas with low light the range should be up to 20M (70ft.), however, in areas of high sunlight

or lighting such as low-voltage lighting which can emit light in the infrared frequency range the operating range can be substantially less. In direct sunlight the range

will go down to 5M (15ft.). Care should be taken when planning your ABUS system installation to locate the Volume Control Modules in a position away from direct

light and in a position convenient to the users to point the IR remote control to the receiver in the module.

Note: Remote controls are not RF devices. The commands are sent by line-of-sight and will not go around corners or through furniture or curtains.

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