Niles TS100 Troubleshooting guide

TABLE-TOP INFRARED SENSOR
TS100
BLENDING HIGH FIDELITY AND ARCHITECTURE®
INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
TS100
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Introduction
The TS100 is a tabletop, infrared sensor designed for
use with the Niles infrared extender systems.
Installed in a remote room location, the TS100 receives the
IR commands transmitted from your hand-held remote(s).
The IR commands are carried via a category 5 cable to
your A/V equipment in another room, and instantly
“repeated”.
The TS100 represents one of the 3 building blocks neces-
sary to complete a Niles IR repeating system:
• IR Main System Unit—Models MSU140, MSU250,
MSU480 and MSU440Z.
• IR Sensors/Keypads—Models WS100, TS100, MS100,
MVC100IR, MS200, CS100 and the IntelliPad®.
• IR Flashers—Models MF1, MF1VF, MF2, MF2VF and the
IRB1.
An IR sensor expansion unit, Model IRH610, is available for
IR repeater systems used in more than six rooms.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Features and
Benefits 2
Installation
Considerations 3
Installation 7
Operation 8
Trouble-
shooting 9
Specifications 12
Contents 12
TS100
Table-top Infrared
Remote Sensor
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2
Features and Benefits
The TS100 offers a number of improvements over other
table-top IR sensors.
• Plasma-proof performance—allows placement of the TS100
near plasma displays.
• CFL interference resistant—expands installation flexibility to
areas with fluorescent lighting.
• Works under most lighting conditions, including indirect
sunlight—eliminates environmental restrictions.
• Universal system—compatible with virtually all brands of A/V
equipment and remote controls.
• Excellent IR receiving range—you get 18' to 30' of remote
control range (depending upon the strength of your hand-
held remote).
• 100% factory tested for pickup range and angle.
• Small size of only 2-7/8" wide x 1-1/16" high x 3-1/8 deep—
fits almost anywhere.
• Printed circuit board design uses surface mount technology
(SMT), assuring high reliability.
• Ideal for both home and commercial installations.
• Non-skid, non-scratch feet.
• Two year parts and labor warranty.
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3
Installation Considerations
Type of Cable
The TS100 connects to the Niles infrared main system unit or
IRH610 sensor expansion hub with an individual home run of
category 5 cable. When running wires inside walls, most states
and municipalities in the U.S. specify that you must use a spe-
cial 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, building contractor, or local building and
inspection department if unsure about which type of wire is
best for your application.
MS100 Mounting Location
The TS100 is ideal for use in applications when ceiling or wall-
mounting is undesirable. Its small size and unobtrusive appear-
ance makes it ideal for installation in existing homes or cabi-
nets with great ease and minimal custom work. Installing the
TS100 close to the primary location of the user will ensure
best performance.
The TS100 is designed to mount over or under almost any flat hori-
zontal surface. Convenient mounting locations for the TS100 are:
• On top of a television set
• On a shelf in an entertaiment center
• Under a shelf in an entertanment center
Receiving Range and Pickup Angle
The receiving range of the TS100 will vary according to the IR
output strength of the remote control being used. Remote
strength varies among brands depending on the number and
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”Tech Tip“
Wire size is
expressed by it's
AWG (American
Wire Gauge) num-
ber. The lower the
AWG number, the
larger the wire, i.e.,
20 AWG wire
is physically larger
than 22 AWG.
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Niles IR flasher
MSU250
TS100 IR sensor
Power, IR data, and power status signal
via category 5 wire
Stereo receiver
Figure 2
Connecting the TS100 to a Niles MSU250
IR main system unit broadcasting a status
feedback signal.
12V DC power supply
(supplied with the
MSU250 IR main sys-
tem unit) plugged into
an unswitched
AC outlet powers
the system
12V DC power supply
(not supplied, Niles stock#
FG00665) plugged into the
switched outlet
Figure 1 Parts guide.
Bi-colored LED
Removable
connector pins
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size of batteries used, and how many IR emitters 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 larger AA size batteries and
have two emitters. Tests with various manufacturers
’ remote
controls have shown that the operating range can vary from a
minimum of 20' to a maximum of about 30'.
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 MS100.
The IR pickup angle of the TS100 is 30° off-axis (horizontal and
vertical) at 20'.
Avoiding Electrical Interference
Avoid locating the TS100 near any potential sources of electri-
cal or optical noise, such as light dimmers, low-voltage lights,
and neon lights.
Avoiding Optical Feedback
If installing the TS100 in the same room as an IR flasher, it is
possible for the flasher’s IR output to be picked-up by the
TS100. This effect, known as an optical feedback loop, can
cause erratic operation. Optical feedback is similar to acoustical
feedback: the howling or whistling sound heard in a P.A.
system when the microphone is too close to the speaker.
To avoid optical feedback:
1. Re-position the flasher(s) and/or the sensor.
2. Use Niles MF series flashers and cover them with the
supplied IR blockers.
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Avoiding Interference
TS100 is designed to work in most applications including plas-
ma TV’s and in areas where CFL lighting and indirect sunight
are present. You should avoid locating the TS100 near poten-
tial sources of electrical or optical noise, such as light dimmers
or low-voltage lights.
Using the Power Status Display
The Green power status LED can only be activated by a
“power status” broadcast from a Niles IR main system unit
(MSU140, MSU250, MSU480, MSU440Z). The IR main system
unit will broadcast the power status signal if the preamp/
receiver is on and a 12V DC adapter is plugged into the pre-
amp/receiver’s switched AC outlet and the 3.5mm plug is
connected to the IR main system unit’s Status input jack. (Figure 2).
Note: The 12V DC adapter plugged into the switched outlet
of the stereo receiver is not included with the IR main system
unit. It should be 12V DC with a minimum of 100mA of
output. It can be ordered from your Niles dealer (FG00665
power adaptor).
Using the TS100 with the Intellipad Ci system.
The TS100 is fully compatible with the Niles Intellipad Ci line,
follow the wiring instructions in Figure 4. For specific informa-
tion see your Intellipad Ci manual.
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Installation
Step by Step
1. The TS100 is a small free-standing box designed to sit on a shelf
or other convenient surface. The unit can be mounted under a
shelf using double-sided tape or Velcro®(not supplied).
2. Run the cable to the TS100. Label the cable for future reference.
3. Locate the connector on the TS100 and remove it.
4. 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.
5. Use a small flathead screwdriver or your thumbnail to raise the
locking tabs, exposing the holes on the removable connectors.
1 = Green/White - 12V
2 = Green - DATA
3 = Orange/White - GROUND
4 = Blue - EMPTY
5 = Blue/White - STATUS
6 = Orange - EMPTY
7 = Brown/White - EMPTY
8 = Brown - EMPTY
1 = STATUS
4 = 12V DC
1 = 12V
2 = DATA
5 = STATUS
3 = GROUND
2 = DATA 3 = GROUND
Tab
Down
Figure 4
This color code is based on the industry standard T568A coding for the RJ45 connec-
tor. When connecting the TS100 to the Niles Ci system observe this pin configuration
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6. 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 (Figure 5).
7. Double-check all connections. Plug the connector back into
its socket on the TS100.
Operation
Operation of the TS100 is simple. Stand within the operational
range of your TS100, aim your hand-held remote at the TS100
and press the button for the desired command. Your IR com-
mand is instantly repeated to your A/V equipment.
Green “Power Status” LED
When the TS100 is correctly connected (Figure 2), the Green
LED will stay lit as long as the preamp/receiver is on. When
your preamp/receiver is off, the LED will stay off.
Blue “Flashback” LED
The blue “flash-back” LED on the TS100 visually confirms the
reception of an IR command.
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1 = STATUS
4 = 12V DC
2 = DATA 3 = GROUN
Figure 5 Installing the
removable connector.
Figure 6
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9
Troubleshooting
This manual contains instructions for the TS100 only. For spe-
cific information on the adjustment and operation of your
Niles infrared extender system, please refer to the instruction
manual included with your Niles IR Main System Unit
(MSU140, MSU250, MSU480 MSU440Z, IntelliControl).
The bi-color blue/green LED on the front of the TS100 is a
useful troubleshooting aid.
The blue LED should light only when a remote command is
being received. If the LED on the TS100 “flickers”, and the
TS100 functions normally, there is no cause for concern, some
stray IR signal are being received by the TS100 but are not
being repeated.
1. Test the remote control(s) by operating the A/V equipment
directly. Replace the batteries if needed.
2. Double check the cable connections on all TS100’s and on the
main system unit. Look for open, shorted or reversed wires.
3. Test for interference from the following sources:
• Neon or halogen lights in the room
• Light dimmers, beginning with those closest to the TS100
Observe the TS100’s LED while performing all the tests. It is
possible to have interference from more than one source.
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Eliminating Optical feedback
In some installations, two conditions combine to create an
optical feedback loop. Symptoms can include: poor range,
intermittent operation or no operation.
The conditions which sometimes combine to create a feed-
back loop are:
1. Both a sensor and a flasher are located within the same room.
2. There is some low-level noise or interference on your system.
You can eliminate optical feedback by replacing any
IRB1 “flooding flasher” with MF1 or MF2 MicroFlashers and
covering all flashers with the supplied IR blocking covers.
Identifying the Type of Interference
The blue “flash-back” LED on the front of the TS100 is a useful
trouble-shooting aid.
The LED should light blue only when a remote command is
being received. However, if the LED on the TS100 “flickers”, and
the TS100 functions normally, there is no cause for concern.
If the TS100 does not work, and the LED does not
light at all: Test the remote control(s) by operating the A/V
equipment directly. Replace the batteries if needed. Double
check the cable connections on the TS100’s and on the
IR main system unit. Consult your IR main system unit’s manual
for more detail.
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If the TS100 does not work, and the LED “flickers”
or remains solidly lit: Cover up the Sensor with a piece
of cardboard (your hand will actually create electromagnetic
interference under some conditions). Observe the IR test LED.
IR Test LED Off:
Optical Interference
IR Test LED On or Flickering:
Electromagnetic Interference
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
Identify the source of the interference. The most common
sources of electromagnetic interference are listed in the
Installation Considerations section on pages 5 and 6. To elimi-
nate 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).
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 assistance.
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12
“TECH NOTE”
The feedback led can be disabled if it continues to flicker
or visual feedback is not desired. Discrete on and off IR
commands are available on the Niles Technical support
website for disabling the feedback led. The address is:
nilesaudio.com/techsupport.
Specifications
IR System
Compatible with virtually all
brands of remotes using car-
rier frequencies between 26
and 105 kHz
IR Receiving Range
18' to 30' depending upon
the strength of the remote
control
IR Receiving Angle
30°off-axis (horizontal and
vertical) at 20'
Mounting
Table-top
Wiring Requirements
Individual “home-runs” of
category 5 cable
Unit Dimensions
2-7/8" wide x 1-1/16" high x
3-1/8" deep
Contents
TS100 x1
Removable connector x 1
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13
Notes
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Notes
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Niles Audio
Corporation
www.nilesaudio.com
12331 S.W. 130 Street
Miami, Florida, 33186
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
©2004 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logo, IntelliControl, IntelliPad and
Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation.
Because we strive to improve our products, 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. 01/04 Printed in China DS00326ACN
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