Niles MSU140 Troubleshooting guide

MSU140
INFRARED MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
MSU140
BLENDING HIGH FIDELITY AND ARCHITECTURE®
INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 20

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Features and
Benefits 2
MSU140 Parts
Guide 4
Installation
Considerations 5
Installation 8
Testing the
IR Extender
System 11
Power Status 13
Trouble-
Shooting 15
Specifications 17
Contents 17
Addendum 18
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
MSU140
Infrared Main
System Unit
Introduction
An infrared (IR) extender system enables you to control
your IR remote controlled A/V equipment from a remote
location. This enables you to place your A/V components
out of sight (behind cabinet doors, in the rear of a room, or
in a different room) and still conveniently operate your
equipment.
Installed at the equipment location, the MSU140 receives
the IR commands transmitted from your existing hand-
held remotes in that room. The commands are carried via a
small category 5 cable to your A/V equipment in another
room, and instantly “repeated”.
The MSU140 is compatible with all current Niles infrared
systems. It may be used along with the Niles TS100, MS100,
MS200, WS100, MVC100IR and CS100 IR sensors or the
IntelliPad®.
The model MSU140 is an IR Main System Unit. It is one of
three elements that make up an infrared extender system:
• IR Main System Unit—Models MSU140, MSU250,
MSU480 and MSU440Z.
• IR Sensors/Keypads—Models WS100, TS100, MS100,
MS200, CS100, IntelliPad, MVC100IR.
• IR Flashers—Models MF1, MF2, MF1VF, MF2VF.
An IR sensor expansion hub, Model IRH610, is available to
provide additional sensor inputs to your system.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 1

I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
2
Features and Benefits
The MSU140 offers a number of improvements over other
IR Extender Main System Units:
• Universal system—compatible with virtually all brands
of A/V equipment and remote controls.
• Accommodates one IR sensor or keypad.
• Provides four flasher outputs via convenient 3.5mm
jacks.
• System feedback LED confirms operation.
• 3-30V AC/DC status input. Provides system status to con-
nected sensors and keypads.
• Expandable—an IRH610 IR expansion hub can be used
to provide additional inputs.
• Printed circuit board design assures high reliability.
• Low profile and small footprint with integrated mount-
ing wings that allow for both horizontal and vertical
installation.
• UL listed regulated in-line power supply with universal
voltage capability.
• Two year parts and labor warranty.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 2

I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
3
1234
POWER
+12V DC
3-30V
AC/DC
STATUS
IN
FLASHER OUTPUTS
MSU140
IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
INPUT 1
Niles IR
Flasher
MSU140
WS100 IR Sensor
Power, IR data, status signal and ground
via category 5 wire
Stereo Receiver
12V DC power supply
(supplied with the
MSU140 Main
System Unit) plugged
into an unswitched
AC outlet powers
the system
3-30V AC/ DC power supply
(Not Supplied) plugged
into the switched outlet
Niles Stock # FG01035
Figure 1
Connecting the WS100 to a Niles MSU140
Main System Unit broadcasting a status
feedback signal.
In a typical system, the MSU140 provides
for the connection for one remote room
sensor (or keypad) and will control multiple
audio/video components via its flasher
connections.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 3

1234
POWER
+12V DC
3-30V
AC/DC
STATUS
IN
FLASHER OUTPUTS
MSU140
IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
INPUT 1
4
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
MSU140 Parts Guide
1. 12V DC Jack – Provides 12 volt DC power to
MSU via a regulated power supply.
2. IR Flasher Outputs – 3.5mm jacks provide out-
put for either single or dual (MF1, MF2,
MF1VF, MF2VF) low-level flashers.
3. 3-30V AC/DC Status – 3.5mm jack provides
system status to sensors/ keypads via a 12 volt
power supply attached to a switched outlet on
the system receiver or a 12V trigger output.
4. Status/ IR Confirmation LED – This LED
performs two functions: (1) it provides a
visible indication of system status via a green
LED and (2) confirms the reception of IR data
via a blinking blue LED.
5. Sensor Input – Removable quick connect
sensor plug for connection of IR sensors
(WS100, TS100, MS100, MS200, CS100
MVC100IR and the IntelliPad) to the system.
13
5
4
2
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 4

Installation Considerations
Placement of the MSU140
Place the MSU140 conveniently close to the equipment it
will be controlling. Generally, the unit is placed in a con-
cealed location because its controls and indicators are only
used during installation. Placement possibilities include:
1) Table-top (on the shelf behind the equipment)
See Figure 2.
2) Wall-mount (affixed to the back of the equipment
cabinet or a nearby wall). See Figure 3.
5
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
IMPORTANT
Do not place the
MSU140 on top
of or directly
behind a television
set. Some
television sets
produce intense
electromagnetic
interference which
may disable
your IR extender
system.
Figure 2: Table-top placement
Affix the enclosed self-adhesive
rubber feet to the base of the MSU140.
Self-Adhesive
Rubber Feet
POWER
+12V DC
Figure 3: Wall-mount placement
Use sheetrock screws
1234
POWER
+12V DC
3-30V
AC/DC
STATUS
IN
FLASHER OUTPUTS
MSU140
IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
INPUT 1
MSU140 Base
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 5

Wiring
From every IR Sensor location you must “home-run” a
category 5 cable back to the MSU140. Home run means
that an individual cable is connected between each IR
Sensor and the MSU140. See Figure 4.
6
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
“TECH TIP”
Wire size is
expressed by it’s
AWG (American
Wire Gauge)
number. The lower
the AWG number,
the larger the wire,
i.e., 20 AWG wire is
physically larger
than 22 AWG.
IMPORTANT – AVOIDING INTERFERENCE
Avoid locating any of the cables, sensors, keypads or the
Main System Unit near any potential sources of Electro-
Magnetic Interference (EMI), such as light dimmers, speed
controls for ceiling fans, electrical ballasts, television sets,
large motors, heaters or air conditioners.
Figure 4: Home run the
sensor cable from the
sensor to the MSU140.
D
A
T
A
S
T
A
T
U
S
G
N
D
+
12
V
Remotely Located
IR Sensor
SENSORS IN
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 6

Intellipad Wiring
When you are placing both a Intellipad and a sensor (or
two keypads) in one room you may “daisy-chain” using a
single cable. A cable is run between the keypad and the
sensor and a single cable is run from the sensor back to the
MSU140. To prevent data feedback an IN4003 Blocking
Diode is inserted on the data (IR) line between the
Intellipad and the sensor. The cathode, or blocking side of
the diode, faces the Intellipad. See Figure 5. Note that the
status wire is connected to Intellipad’s status (+) connector.
7
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
1234
POWER
+12V DC
3-30V
AC/DC
STATUS
IN
FLASHER OUTPUTS
MSU140
IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
INPUT 1
Figure 5: An IR sensor
cable is “daisy-chained”
from an Intellipad, to a
sensor and back to the
MSU140.
IN4003
Blocking
Diode
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 7

1234
POWER
+12V DC
3-30V
AC/DC
STATUS
IN
FLASHER OUTPUTS
MSU140
IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
INPUT 1
Sensor/Keypad Cable
The MSU140 connects to IR sensors and the Intellipad with
category 5 cable, with a maximum cable run of 500'.
Flasher Cable
Niles infrared flashers come supplied with a 10 foot 2-con-
ductor 22 gauge cable. Should you need to extend it, use a
16 gauge 2-conductor cable (“zip-cord”). Shielding is not
necessary for a flasher. Flasher wires can be extended up to
200 feet.
8
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
TOOLS
REQUIRED
• 1/8" Standard
Slotted
Screwdriver
• Wire Stripper
WS100 Sensor
To unswitched
AC Outlet
Figure 6:
MSU140
Installation
MSU140 Sensor
Connection
MSU140
To Niles
IR Flasher
To 3-30V AC/ DC power supply
plugged into a switched
AC outlet.Typically found
on back of a receiver.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 8

9
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
STEP DESCRIPTION
1. Connect and test the
power supply. If it tests
OK, unplug the connector
from the power socket
and proceed.
A) Plug the supplied 12vDC power supply into an unswitched
120V AC outlet, 50-60 HZ .
B) Plug the connector into the socket marked “Power” on the
MSU140.
C) If the Power LED does not light, test the unswitched 120
VAC outlet, 50-60 HZ with another appliance. If the outlet
tests OK, you have a defective power supply which must be
replaced for you to continue.
2. Connect the Sensor/
Keypad cable the Sensor
input.
A) Strip 1/4" of insulation from the end of each wire. Tightly
twist the end of each wire until no frayed ends remain.
B) Use a small flathead screwdriver or your thumbnail to raise the
locking tabs, exposing the holes on the removable connectors.
C) Insert each wire into the appropriate hole on the removable
connector plug (Figure 6), and snap the locking tab down.
To help you, the connector plug is keyed. Insert the smooth
side of the connector plug into the smooth side of the sock-
et. Don’t force the scalloped side of the connector plug into
the smooth side of the socket.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 9

STEP DESCRIPTION
10
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
1234
FLASHER OUTPUTS
BE SURE TO OBSERVE
PROPER POLARITY WHEN
EXTENDING THE FLASHER
WIRE.
The wire lead marked with a
gray stripe is positive (+);
the unmarked lead is nega-
tive (-).
3. Test for shorts and
interference.
A) Reconnect the power supply. If the Power LED lights and the
IR Test LED stays off, unplug the connector from the power
socket and proceed to Step 4. The following LED conditions
show a fault:
•If Power LED is Off there is a short between +12v and GND
•If IR Test LED is On or flickers blue there is a short between
DATA and GND or interference is present.
Before you proceed to Step 4 consult the Troubleshooting
Section beginning on page 14.
4. Plug the flashers into the
flasher outputs. If you
need to extend the wire,
use a 2-conductor 16
gauge or larger (See
“Tech Tip” on page 6).
Route the connecting wire to the IR Main System Unit.
Connect the 3.5mm plug into the jack labeled “Flasher
Output” on the MSU140. See (Figure 7).
“TECH TIP”
Make all final connec-
tions to the MSU before
connecting the power
supply. This will avoid
potential damage
to components.
Figure 7
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 10

11
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
Testing the IR Extender System
Test your IR Extender system by following these three
principal guidelines:
1. All components can be operated. Test all of your remote
controls for all of your equipment.
2. Operation is consistent. A good test is to repeatedly step
from Pause to Play with your VCR, CD, DVD, or Tape
player remote control. Operation should be identical to
standing in front of the component with the remote
control pointed directly at the sensor window.
3. Maximum Range between the Remote Control and the
Niles IR Sensor is similar to the maximum range between
the Remote Control and the A/V component’s IR sensor.
Typically a remote control with two batteries will have a
15 to 20 foot range and a remote with four batteries will
have a 20 to 30 foot range.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 11

12
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
Power Status — Introduction
To properly wire an Intellipad to the MSU140, refer to
Figure 5.
By providing 3-30V AC/DC to the status input jack of your
MSU140 you can send a status signal to sensors or an
IntelliPad without running any additional wiring. Built
into the MSU140 is a Niles status signal generator. When
the MSU140 sees 3-30V AC/DC at the status jack it broad-
casts a status signal over your existing IR sensor wires. Any
sensor or IntelliPad connected to one of your sensor wires
will display the power status of your system.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 12

13
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
Power Status — Installation Considerations
Proper Power Supply
If status is being supplied from a switched outlet you must
connect a Niles 12vDC wall adapter (Niles FG01035) into
the switched AC power outlet of the preamp/receiver in
your system. Any 12vDC power supply with a minimum of
100mA current capacity can be substituted.
Extending the Cable
If you must extend the cable from the wall adapter to the
MSU140’s status input jack be sure to maintain correct
polarity. The tip of the plug should be positive (+) and the
sleeve negative (-). Any 16 gauge 2-conductor cable can be
used to extend the power status cable up to 200 feet.
Checking the Power Supply
It is possible to check the status power supply itself and any
connections that were made to extend the cable by inserting
the status plug into the Power jack on the MSU140. If the
Power LED lights the status power supply and connections
are ok. If the Power LED does not light check all connections
and replace the power supply if necessary. For more details
on incorporating the IntelliPad please refer to the IntelliPad’s
users manual.
System expansion using an IRH610
The Niles IRH610 can be used to expand an MSU140
beyond a single sensor input. See Figure 8. The IRH610 will
allow system expansion to up to six locations. Contact
your local authorized Niles dealer or refer to the owner’s
manual for the IRH610 for details.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 13

14
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
OUTPUT TO MSU
POWER
STATUS
+12V DC
IRH610
IR EXPANSION HUB
INPUT 1
INPUT 4 INPUT 5 INPUT 6
INPUT 2 INPUT 3
1234
POWER
+12V DC
3-30V
AC/DC
STATUS
IN
FLASHER OUTPUTS
MSU140
IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
INPUT 1
3-30V AC/ DC power supply
plugged into an unswitched
outlet
Niles stock# FG01035
IRH610
Expansion Hub
MSU140
Main System Unit
Infrared
Sensors
Figure 8
Wiring diagram for
expanding a system
using the IRH610
Infrared Expansion Hub
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 14

15
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
Troubleshooting Guidelines
There are three basic problems which prevent proper oper-
ation. In the order of probability the problems are:
1.– Bad Connections or Wiring
If the connections or wiring are wrong, loose, shorted or
open the system will not operate properly. The symptoms
could include: Power LED flickers or is off, IR Test LED is
continuously flickering or on without any remote control
use, intermittent operation or no operation.
Systematically troubleshoot the wiring by:
1. Testing your power supply connections.
2. Testing your Sensor connections.
3. Testing your Flasher connections.
4. Testing your cable for shorts and opens.
2.– Optical or Electromagnetic Interference
Direct sunlight, reflections, neon signs and other sources of
infrared light or television sets, light dimming controls and
other sources of electromagnetic fields can induce noise
and interference into your IR extender system. Symptoms
can include: flashback LED’s continuously flickering or on
without any remote control use, poor range, intermittent
operation or no operation.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 15

16
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
Solution: To eliminate EMI try the following methods:
1. Move the sensor or the sensor cable away from the EMI
source or move the source of the EMI away from the
sensor or the cable.
2. Connect the Sensor’s GND terminal to true earth
ground (if this isn’t feasible use the main system unit’s
GND terminal).
3.– Optical Feedback Loop
If you have an IR sensor in the same room as a flasher, and
you have some low-level noise or interference, an optical
feedback loop can occur which will interfere with proper
operation. Symptoms can include: poor range, intermittent
operation or no operation.
Solution: You can eliminate optical feedback by covering
all flashers with the supplied IR blocking covers.
There are many methods for reducing interference. Which
solution is best for you depends on your situation. If you
require further assistance contact Niles Technical Support
at 1-800-289-4434.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 16

17
Specifications
IR System
Compatible with virtually all brands
of remotes using carrier frequencies
between 26 and 105kHz.
Wiring Requirements
Individual home-runs of category 5
cable from each sensor/keypad.
Unit Dimensions
4-3/4” wide x 1-1/4” high x 2” deep
Power Requirements
12VDC power supply (included).
Contents
MSU140 1
Screwless Connectors 1
In-line Power Supply 1
Self-Adhesive
Rubber Feet 4
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 17

18
I NFRARED M AIN S YSTEM U NIT
Addendum: Using the MSU140 with the
IntelliControl® automation system
1234
POWER
+12V DC
3-30V
AC/DC
STATUS
IN
FLASHER OUTPUTS
MSU140
IR MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
INPUT 1
150 OHm
Resistor
Using the MSU140 with the IntelliControl Home Theater
automation system
When connecting an MSU flasher output to an
IntelliControl “Home Theater” port, a 150-Ohm resistor
must be placed between the data and the ground line of
the IntelliControl IR sensor input (see figure above). No
resistor is needed if the MSU is being connected to the
”2nd Zone” port of the IntelliControl.
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 18

Niles Audio
Corporation
www.nilesaudio.com
12331 S.W. 130 Street
Miami, Florida, 33186
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
©2005 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logo, IntelliPad and Blending High Fidelity
and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. MicroFlasher is a trademark of Niles
Audio Corporation. Because we strive to improve our products. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Niles reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. The technical and
other information contained herein is not intended to set forth all technical and other specifications of
Niles products. Additional information can be obtained on-line at www.nilesaudio.com or by calling Niles at
1-800-289-4434. 05/05 Printed in China DS00329BCN
DS00329BCN-MSU140-1.qxp 8/17/05 11:26 AM Page 19