
DESIGNING AND INSTALLING A MRC-816 SYSTEM
System Des gn
It is always good to get as much information from the client/user/homeowner as possible when designing a multi-
source, multi-zone system. What sources are they going to use? How many zones will be included in the system?
Some zones may only require speakers for background music, while other zones may include a TV or video
display for movies, sports and news. It’s all part of the same system and planning ahead will insure that the
system does what the user requires…or asks for later.
Head End Cons derat ons
When planning a whole-house system, for either new or e isting construction, always try to find the most
convenient location for the system components. Try to find a central location to pull the wire runs to with adequate
space for the components and room to work on them. Certainly not the least important consideration should be
convenience for the user. For service or upgrading components, an equipment closet with rear access to the
components is ideal but not always possible. Consider a pull-out rack mount system if rear access is not possible.
Leave plenty of e tra wire to be able to easily remove components should they need service or replacing.
Zone Cons derat ons
Think the system through in terms of how the system will be used. What is the layout of each room? Where will
the speakers go? Where will the touch panels go? Are there going to be any other system components in the
remote zones such as TV’s or video displays? Be sure to pull all required cabling and observe all local building
and electrical codes.
INSTALLATION
Controller Locat on
The MRC-816 should be located at the main termination of all wire and cable runs. The source components
(Tuner, CD, DVD, SAT, Music Server, etc) should also be installed at this location.
The MRC-816 and source components can be placed on shelves in a wall unit in a media room, or rack mounted
in a standard 19” rack mount system. Always provide convenient access for loading CDs and DVDs. Easy access
for service should also be a consideration.
Vent lat on
The MRC-816 must be placed in a location that allows adequate airflow. Leave at least two inches above and
below the unit to allow air to flow freely through the vent holes on the top, bottom and sides. Blocking the vent
holes can inhibit airflow and possibly damage the unit. Removing the feet a placing the unit on a shelf or another
component will inhibit airflow and is not recommended. Additionally, care should be taken to leave plenty of e tra
room for wires and cables. E tra wire cramped in around the unit can block side vents and inhibit proper airflow.
Touch Panel Locat on & Mount ng
The MRC-816 touch panels should never be mounted in the same J-bo with AC house wiring or any other high
voltage device such as a light switch. Avoid mounting the touch panels in areas with high moisture such as around
sinks, bathtubs, showers or outdoor locations that will be e posed to rain or high humidity. Care should also be
taken to avoid mounting the touch panels in locations that will be e posed to direct sunlight. Sunlight can interfere
with the IR sensors on the touch panels and make it difficult to see the display.
INSTALLING WIRING
One of the most important aspects of system design and installation is the wiring infrastructure. When planning
the wiring infrastructure, always pull e tra wire. In new construction, wires can be damaged during construction,
so it is a good idea to use wire with additional conductors in case a nail or staple gets run through a wire.
Additionally, even though the system has been designed and contracted based on e tensive interviews with the
homeowner, things change. The homeowner may decide to add music, video and control to additional rooms long
after the walls have been sealed up. In new construction, always pull wire to every room that could ever possibly
Page 9 of 21