Niles IRR-4S Troubleshooting guide

IR System
Compatible with virtually all
brands of remotes using carrier
frequencies between 26 and 60
kHz
IR Receiving Range
Varies depending on remote
strength; 18-30' typical
IR Receiving Angle
60ooff-axis (horizontal and verti-
cal) at18'
Mounting
In-wall, fits into most 18 cubic. in.
single-gang electrical boxes at
least 2 3/4" deep, Standard-style
wall plate
Wiring Requirements
Individual “home-runs” of
2-conductor shielded cable, West
Penn D291 or equivalent
Unit Dimensions
15/8" wide x 2 5/8" high
Face Plate Dimensions
Standard wall plate; 2 3/4" wide
x 4 1/2" high
Depth Behind Plate
2 3/4"
This manual contains instructions
for the IRR-4S only. For specific
information on the adjustment
and operation of your Niles
Infrared system, please refer to
the instruction manual included
with your Niles Main System
Unit (IRP-2, IRP-6A, IRZ-6A).
Operation of the IRR-4S is sim-
ple. Aim your hand-held remote
at the IRR-4S. Your IR command
is instantly repeated to your A/V
equipment. A green "flash-back"
LED on the IRR-4S visually con-
firms remote control operation.
Troubleshooting
The "flash-back" LED on the front
of the IRR-4S is a useful trou-
bleshooting aid.
The LED should light only when
a remote command is being
received.
If the IRR-4S does not work, and
the LED does not light at all:
1. Test the remote control(s) by
operating the A/V equipment
directly. Replace the batteries if
needed.
2. Double check the cable con-
nections on all IRR-4S's and on
the Main System Unit. Look for
open, shorted or reversed wires.
If the IRR-4S does not work, and
the LED remains solidly lit:
1. Double check the cable con-
nections on all IRR-4S's and on
the Main System Unit. Look for
shorted or reversed wires.
2. Test for interference from the
following sources:
• Reduce the amount of sunlight
in the area of the IRR-4S.
• Turn off florescent, neon or
halogen lights in the room.
• Turn off light dimmers, begin-
ning with those closest to the
IRR-4S.
Observe the IRR-4S LED while
performing all the tests. It is pos-
sible to have interference from
more than one source.
There are many methods for
reducing interference. Which
solution is best for you depends
on your situation. Contact Niles
Technical Support at 1-800-289-
4434 if you require further assis-
tance.
If the LED on the IRR-4S "flickers"
dimly, and the IRR-4S functions
normally, there is no cause for
concern.
OPERATION
SPECIFICATIONS
The IRR-4S offers a number of
improvements over other in-wall
IR sensors.
• Universal system—compatible
with most brands of A/V equip-
ment and remotes using carrier
frequencies 26 to 60 kHz.
• Greater IR receiving range—18
to 30 feet of remote control
range instead of the typical 15 to
25 (depending upon the remote
control, actual range may vary).
• 100% factory tested for pickup
range and angle.
• Green "flash-back" L.E.D. visu-
ally confirms remote control
operation.
• Simple 3-wire hookup.
• Removable connector simpli-
fies installation.
• Mounting depth of 2 3/4" fits
into most standard 18 cubic.
inch 1-gang electrical boxes.
•Printed circuit board design
uses no hand wiring, assuring
high reliability.
• Ideal for both home and com-
mercial installations.
• Available colors: White, Bone,
Almond, or Black.
•Two year parts and labor
warranty.
• Proudly made in the USA.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
The IRR-4S is a wall-mount,
infrared sensor which uses a
standard-style wall plate and is
designed for use with the Niles
Infrared Repeating and IR
Routing Systems.
Installed in a remote room loca-
tion, the IRR-4S receives the IR
commands transmitted from your
existing hand-held remotes in
that room. The commands are
carried via a small 2-conductor
shielded cable to your A/V
equipment in another room, and
instantly "repeated".
The IRR-4S is compatible with all
current Niles infrared systems. It
may be used along with, or as an
alternative to, the Niles IRR-4D,
SCW-UIR, TIR-1, MS-1, MS-2
and CMS-3 IR sensors.
The IRR-4S is just one of the three
building blocks necessary to com-
plete a Niles IR repeating system:
• Main System Unit—Models
IRZ-6A, IRP-6A or IRP-2.
• IR Sensors—Models IRR-4S,
IRR-4D, SCW-UIR, TIR-1, MS-1,
MS-2 and CMS-3.
• IR Flashers—Models IRC-1,
IRC-2, IRW-1 and IRW-2.
An expansion unit, Model
XRP-6A, is available for IR
repeater systems used in more
than six rooms.
INTRODUCTION
Niles Audio Corporation 12331 SW 130 STREET MIAMI, FLORIDA 33186 TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
© 1999 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Because Niles constantly strives to improve the quality of its products, Niles reserves the
right to change product specifications without notice. Niles, the Niles logo and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks
of Niles Audio Corporation. Printed in USA 5/95 DS00112A
INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
MODEL IRR-4S
WALL-MOUNT
INFRARED SENSOR
BLENDING HIGH FIDELITY
AND ARCHITECTURE
®
®
www.nilesaudio.com

The IRR-4S is a standard-style
wall plate module and is
designed to use standard-style
cover plates (included) and
mounting hardware (included).
P-Rings and Electrical Boxes
The mounting depth of the IRR-
4S is 2 3/4". When installed, the
unit extends 21/4" behind the
drywall (assuming 1/2" drywall).
For installation, you must choose
between a standard light switch
plaster ring (p-ring) or a standard
18 cubic inch (or larger) electrical
box. Suitable p-rings and electri-
cal boxes are available from your
Niles dealer or local electrical
supply company. Using the p-
ring is best because it gives you
unobstructed access to the full
depth of the wall. In some
instances, the use of a p-ring may
be inappropriate, such as in a
retro-fit (existing) installation, or
when building codes require that
wall devices be enclosed in elec-
trical boxes. Contact your local
building code and inspection
department if unsure.
Type of Cable
The IRR-4S connects to the Niles
Infrared Systems with an individ-
ual “home run” (wired directly)
of 2-conductor shielded cable.
Recommended cables are West
Penn D291, Belden 8761, Carol
C2516 or equivalent, made of
two 22 gauge (or larger) conduc-
tors surrounded by a foil shield
and a bare drain (ground) wire.
DO NOT USE UNSHIELDED
CABLE WITH THE IRR-4S.
When running wires inside walls,
most states and municipalities in
the U.S. specify that you must
use a special type of wire.
Usually, the requirement is that
the wire has a specific "CL" fire
rating, such as "CL-2" or "CL-3".
Consult your Niles dealer, build-
ing contractor, or local building
and inspection department if
unsure about which type of wire
is best for your application.
IRR-4S Mounting Location
Locating the IRR-4S in the center
of a room usually results in the
most even IR receiving coverage,
especially if the room is square
shaped. Rooms that are L-shaped
or long and narrow require more
careful consideration. With these
types of rooms, installing the IRR-
4S closest to the primary location
of the user will ensure the best
performance.
Receiving Range & Pickup Angle
The receiving range of the IRR-4S
will vary according to the IR out-
put strength of the remote control
being used. Remote strength
varies among brands depending
on the number and size of batter-
ies used, and how many IR emit-
ters the remote has. For example,
remotes that operate on two small
AAA batteries and have only one
IR emitter are generally not as
strong as remotes that use the larg-
er AA size batteries and have two
emitters. Tests with various manu-
facturers' remote controls have
shown that the operating range
can vary from a minimum of 18ft.
to a maximum of about30ft.
Infrared signals travel essentially
line-of-sight. They will not pass
through or around solid objects.
Do not rely on an IR signal being
able to "bounce" off a wall or
object to the IRR-4S.
The IR pickup angle of the IRR-4S
is 60ooff-axis (horizontal and ver-
tical) at 18 feet.
Avoiding Interference
As with any type of IR sensor,
avoid locating the IRR-4S where
it will be exposed to direct sun-
light. The sun emits an enormous
amount of IR energy, many times
stronger than that of a hand-held
remote. Although the AGC cir-
cuitry in the IRR-4S automatically
compensates for ambient sun-
light, keep in mind that the less
sunlight the IRR-4S receives, the
better the range of the remotes.
Installing the IRR-4S outdoors is
not recommended. During day-
light hours, you will experience
poor range and/or interference.
Avoid locating the IRR-4S near
potential sources of electrical or
optical noise, such as light dim-
mers, florescent lighting fixtures,
low-voltage lights, and TV’s (both
tube-type and projection-type).
DO NOT INSTALL THE IRR-4S
INTO ELECTRICAL BOXES WITH
110 VOLT DEVICES.
Some states or municipalities
allow devices such as the IRR-4S
to be installed into the same elec-
trical box as 110 volt devices, pro-
vided a "low-voltage partition" is
used between the devices. We do
not recommend this. The cable
connected to the IRR-4S can act
as an "antenna" for electrical
noise. Locating the IRR-4S cable
close to a light dimmer or switch
may interfere with the IRR-4S. If
you must locate the unit near
electrical devices, install it in a
separate metal electrical box,
ground the box to the electrical
system ground, and route the
IRR-4S cable several feet away
from all electrical wiring.
Avoiding Optical Feedback
If installing the IRR-4S in the
same room as an IR flasher, it is
possible for the flasher's IR out-
put to be picked-up by the
IRR-4S. This effect, known as an
optical feedback loop, can cause
erratic operation.
To avoid optical feedback:
1. Lower the output power of the
flasher(s) using the variable flasher
level control(s) on the Niles Main
System Units (IRP/IRZ units).
2. Re-position the flasher(s) and/or
the sensor.
3. Use Niles IRC-2 flashers and
cover them with the IR blockers
(supplied with the IRC-2).
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
If you are installing the IRR-4S
into an existing wall, take time to
consider any possible obstruc-
tions which may be hidden inside
the wall, such as wood and metal
studs; electrical, telephone or
other types of wiring; plumbing;
conduit; old wall safes; etc.
1. Install the electrical box or p-
ring in the usual manner.
2. Run the cable to the IRR-4S.
Label the cable for future refer-
ence. See (Figure 2).
3. Make the connections to the
IRR-4S. Locate the connector on
the IRR-4S and remove it [see
(Figure 3)]. Next, strip 1/4" of
insulation from the end of each
wire. Tightly twist the end of each
wire until there are no frayed
ends. Insert each wire into the
appropriate hole on the remov-
able connector block; secure the
wiring to the connector by tight-
ening the small connector screws.
Double-check all connections.
Plug the connector back into its
socket on the IRR-4S.
IRR-4S Wiring Configuration
PIN 1 = RED (+12V DC)
PIN 2 = BARE (GND)*
PIN 3 = BLACK (DATA)
NOTE: The color code shown
above is for West Penn D291 IR
cable. Actual color code of rec-
ommended cables may vary.
Secure the IRR-4S to the electrical
box or p-ring. Insert the 1” long
screws into the screw holes on
the top and bottom of the IRR-4S.
Position the IRR-4S so that the
screws are aligned with the
threaded holes in the electrical
box or p-ring. Tighten the screws
using a standard slotted screw-
driver. DO NOT OVER-TIGHT-
EN. Line up all the screws in the
same direction for a finished look.
INSTALLATION
a
b
d
d
eg
f
g
c
Model IRR-4S
(a)
Electrical Box
(b)
22Gauge,2-Conductor
Shielded Cable
(c)
IRR-4S Unit
(d)
Device Screws
(supplied)
(e)
Standard-Style Wall
Plate (supplied)
(f)
Green “Flashback”
LED
(g)
Faceplate Screws
(supplied)
1 2 3
Bare
Room 1
*You must use the bare drain wire
for the ground connection
Receiver To
unswitched
AC outlet
IRP-2
IRR-4S
BlackRed
(Figure 2)
Wiring Diagram (Figure 3) Installing the
Connector
(Figure 1)
Parts Guide