Niles RVL-6 Original operating instructions

INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
Infrared Remote Control Speaker Selection,
Volume Control, and Infrared Repeater System
RVL-6
RVL-6
®
Modular Multi-Room Controller
BLENDING HIGH FIDELITY AND ARCHITECTURE
®

2
Congratulations!
Thank you for purchasing the Niles RVL-6 Multi-Room Control System, one of the most flexible and convenient audio
components ever offered. The RVL-6, like all Niles products, is built to the highest standards of quality and reliability.
With proper installation and operation, you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use.
Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation components and accessories for audio/video
systems. For a free full line catalog write:
Niles, Catalog Request, P.O. Box 160818, Miami, Florida 33116-0818
Table Of Contents
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
FEATURES AND BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR RVL-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
THE ROOM CONTROL MODULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
MAKING THE CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
SETTING THE DIP SWITCHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
OPERATING YOUR RVL-6 SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
CHOOSING THE RVL-6 SYSTEM THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
A SINGLE ZONE SYSTEM USING ONE RVL-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
A SINGLE ZONE SYSTEM USING UP TO FOUR RVL-6s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
A MULTIPLE ZONE SYSTEM USING UP TO FOUR RVL-6s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
A DUAL ZONE SYSTEM USING AN IR REPEATER SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
POWERLINE CARRIER CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
ROOM CONTROL MODULE TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
IR TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Introduction
The RVL-6 is a modular multi-room control system. It combines the benefits of a remote controlled speaker selection/vol-
ume control/infrared repeater system into one low-profile chassis. The RVL-6’s unique modular design enables you to
design your system to suit your needs. Each RVL-6 can be configured for up to six rooms, and four RVL-6s can be linked
in a single system to control up to 24 rooms. Each room is assigned an insertable room control module (sold separate-
ly). Choose between a volume control module (includes room on/off control) and a basic room on/off module. You pur-
chase only the room control modules required for your system.
The RVL-6 can be integrated with Niles keypads, programmable IR keypads (the Niles IntelliPad™), IR sensors and pow-
erline carrier controls to deliver the optimum level of control for each room.Additionally, the RVL-6 interfaces with Niles
automation products for total convenience.
You’ll never have to worry about overloading an amplifier powering an RVL-6. The RVL-6 constantly monitors which
speakers are playing and selects exactly the right amount of impedance protection for your amplifier.
Figure 1 The RVL-6 Multi-Room Controller
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Features and Benefits
High-Power Handling
The RVL-6 is designed for amplifiers rated at 150 watts per channel continuous (RMS) power. Massive copper
traces on the printed circuit-board handle large amounts of amplifier current, ensuring high dynamic-range and
clarity. Isolated left and right channel ground returns make the RVL-6 compatible with virtually any amplifier.
Independent Control for Room ON/OFF, VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN Commands
The RVL-6 ROOM ON/OFF and VOLUME UP/DOWN commands enable you to control the room you are in
without affecting the rest of the system.You can fine tune your listening area without disturbing others in anoth-
er room.
Global ALL ON and ALL OFF Command
DIP switches on the rear panel of the RVL-6 enable you to individually choose which speakers turn on when
the ALL ON command is received. Every room in the system enabled via the ALL ON DIP switches can be
turned on instantaneously by issuing the ALL ON command. The entire system can be turned off from any
location by issuing the ALL OFF command.
Total Front-Panel Control
The front panel buttons of the RVL-6 enable you to control ROOM ON/OFF and VOLUME UP/DOWN (pro-
viding that the correct control module has been installed. When entertaining family and friends, whole-house
speaker volume changes are easy and convenient.
Keypad and Hand-Held Remote Control
The RVL-6 can be operated by optional Niles wall-mount keypads (RP-6, RP-7, or the IntelliPad) and/or via
Niles IR sensors with hand-held remote controls. The front panel IR sensor of the RVL-6 enables you to con-
trol virtually every aspect of your components using a hand-held remote control.
Teaches Learning Remote Controls its IR Commands
All IR commands required to control the RVL-6 can be taught to a learning remote control via the the RVL-6’s
teaching IR flasher. This conveniently integrates control of your source components with control of your RVL-6.
IntelliPad-Ready with Power Status Feedback
The RVL-6 communicates the status of each room module to a corresponding IntelliPad, Niles’award-winning
programmable IR keypad system. Each IntelliPad in the system displays and controls whether its room is on or
off. The IntelliPad’s power synchronization circuitry enables you to create one-touch synchronized sequences
to automate your system.
Powerline Carrier Control
Using an optional powerline carrier controller (X-10®or Leviton Decora®Home Control) you can control the
RVL-6 through the existing 120V AC electrical wires in your home. An optional NilesTW-523 interface mod-
ule (Niles stock# FG00256) is required.
4

Modular Construction
The RVL-6 uses insertable room control modules for each room you wish to control giving you optimum flex-
ibility when designing your system. With a single RVL-6 chassis you can control up to six rooms by installing
either an RVC-1 VOLUME CONTROL module (Niles stock# FG00247) or a simple RSS-1 ROOM ON/OFF
module (Niles stock# FG00248) for each room. You purchase only the number and type of modules you need.
Easy System Expansion
Up to four RVL-6’s can be linked to control systems with up to 24 rooms. When linked, GlobalALL ON or ALL
OFF commands affect the entire system. In addition, IR commands can be routed to common source equip-
ment from any of the 24 rooms.
Computerized Amplifier Protection
The RVL-6’s programmable microcontroller constantly monitors which room modules are on (you specify each
speaker’s impedance, see page 15) and their volume level, then calculates the total impedance and provides
the minimum impedance protection your amplifier requires (you specify your amplifier’s requirements, see
page 15). This extremely accurate handling of impedance protection maximizes the power for your speakers
at all times, while protecting your amplifier from overloading.
Automatic Audiophile Bypass
When only one pair of speakers is playing, the RVL-6 bypasses the impedance protection circuit. This creates
the purest possible circuit between the amplifier inputs and the speaker outputs.
Control Output
The 12V DC CONTROL OUT and an optional NilesAC-3 voltage-activated AC power switching system (Niles
stock# FG00242) enable your amplifier/receiver to turn on automatically when any of the RVL-6’s room mod-
ules are turned on (the amplifier must have a “latching” power switch and non-volatile memory, see page 21).
When all of the room modules are turned off, the AC-3 and the amplifier/receiver will be turned off automati-
cally after a 30 second delay. This delay enables the equipment to remain on if an ALL OFF command was
inadvertently issued.
Confirm and Status LEDs
The CONFIRM LED flashes green when the RVL-6 receives any IR command. The ROOM STATUS LEDs light
green when a room module is turned on. When a green ROOM STATUS LED blinks the corresponding room
module is “selected” and ready to be controlled.
Room Identification Labels
Recessed areas above the ROOM STATUS LEDs and buttons accommodate room identification labels enabling
you to custom label each room. Seventy-two adhesive-backed room labels are included with your RVL-6.
Proudly Made in the USA
The RVL-6 is made in Miami, Florida and comes with a limited two year parts and labor warranty.
5

Getting To Know Your RVL-6
Because the RVL-6 presents an extensive amount of configuration possibilities it is important to become familiar with all the
features and options that are available. A good understanding of the anatomy of the unit will enable you to optimally create,
configure and install your system (see Figure 2).
ALL OFF button turns off
your entire system
ON/OFF and VOLUME con-
trols affect rooms which are
“selected” (LEDs are blinking)
CONFIRM LED flashes green
whenever an IR signal or
interference is received from any
IR sensor
TEACHING LED teaches Niles
IR commands to any learning
remote control
ALL ON button enables
you to turn on all or some
of your speakers depend-
ing upon the rear panel
DIP switch settings
INFRARED
SENSOR
controls Room 1
module
ROOM STATUS LEDs.
LED BLINKING - The room is selected; you may adjust
volume, room on/off, etc. using the front panel controls
LED on - The room is on
LED off - The room is off
Screw-locked
removable connector
for AMPLIFIER or
receiver
EYE DIP switch enables
the front panel IR sensor
X-10 DIP switches select starting
house and unit codes when
integrating the RVL-6 with a
powerline carrier control system
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
DIP switches enable you to
select proper impedance for
each speaker pair
AMP IMPEDANCE DIP
switches enable you to
match the RVL-6 to your
amplifier’s ideal load
CONTROL OUT
provides 12V DC @
200mA when one or
more speakers are
turned on
POWER jack
for 12V DC
wall adapter
(included)
COMMON FLASHER outputs control
components which are common to all
RVL-6s in a system
IR DATA IN connects
to other IR systems
(RVL-6, IRP2+,
IRP6+, IRZ6+, etc.)
IR DATA OUT connects
to other IR systems
(RVL-6, IRP2+, IRP6+,
IRZ6+, etc.)
SENSOR/KEYPAD
connections corre-
sponding to each of
the Room Control
Modules
VOLUME DIP
chooses whether
all rooms will turn
on at 25% or at
the last volume
setting used
MODE switches
control the
configuration of
multiple RVL-6
and the routing
of IR Data
X-10 jack
for TW-523
interface module
FLASHER level
adjusts the power
of all flashers
DEDICATED FLASHER
output controls compo-
nents which are dedicat-
ed to this RVL-6
UART jack for ALL ON and
ALL OFF commands when
multiple RVL-6 are used
within one system
ALL-ON DIP switches enable you to select
which rooms are activated when the ALL-ON
command is issued
Screw-locked
removable connector
for SPEAKERS
Figure 2 RVL-6 features
ROOM SELECT buttons allow you to “select”
rooms singly or in combinations. Once a room(s) is
selected, you may control it with the ON/OFF and
VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN buttons
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The Room Control Modules
Overview
For each pair of speakers you wish to control you need to a install a room control module (sold separately).
The RVL-6 accommodates two kinds of room control modules—an RVC-1 module which controls volume and
room on/off and an RSS-1 which only controls room on/off.
RVC-1 Volume Control Module
Provides room on/off and volume control. It utilizes Niles premium quality autoformers that have twelve pop-
free steps and 42dB range of attenuation. Use an RVC-1 module for any area where you would like to adjust
the volume level independently without affecting other rooms throughout the home.
RSS-1 On/Off Module
Provides room on/off control. This module is useful for areas where a Niles in-wall volume control has been
installed or volume adjustment is considered unnecessary.
Step by Step Installation
• CAUTION: Power to the RVL-6 must be disconnected.
• Remove the four screws located on each side panel of the RVL-6. Then remove the two screws located on the
top cover of the RVL-6. Carefully lift the top cover straight up. Place the cover and the screws in a safe location.
• Insert the multi-pin connector of the control module into its assigned socket. There are six sockets total, one
for each room module. Viewed from the front of the RVL-6, the first slot on the left is for Room 1, the sec-
ond slot is for Room 2, and so on (See Figure 3).
• Secure the room control module to the unit using the supplied screws. This guarantees proper alignment of
the connectors.
• Repeat the previous two steps until all of your room control modules are installed.
• Carefully place the top cover back onto the RVL-6 and replace the top and side panel screws.
Figure 3 Inserting room control modules.
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Making the Connections
Speaker-Level Connections
The AMP input
• The AMP input connects to the speaker level output of your receiver or amplifier (see Figure 4).
• The amplifier or receiver must be capable of driving a 4 Ohm load.
• Some receivers or amplifiers may have multiple speaker outputs (i.e. speaker A and speaker B. The RVL-6
replaces the internal switch of the amplifier, it does not augment it.). Only one output should be used
when connecting to an RVL-6.
• Most tube-type amplifiers require that they be connected to a load at all times. If using this type of amplifi-
er with the RVL-6 you must add an external dummy load by inserting a 150 Ohm five watt resistor across
each output of the amplifier (see Figure 5).
Figure 4
Connecting an amplifier to the RVL-6
8
Figure 5
Connecting a tube-type
amplifier to the RVL-6

Room SPEAKER Outputs
• The SPEAKER outputs connect to the room speakers (see Figure 6).
• Each room pair of speakers must be home run (wired directly) to its assigned SPEAKER output connector.
• When installing an IntelliPad do not use the IntelliPad’s internal speaker relay (place the speaker relay
jumper in the disable position). The RVL-6 will locally mute the speakers.
• The RVL-6 can handle a total combined power of 150 watts per channel.
Avoiding Interference
• Wires can act as an "antenna" for electrical noise. Locating RVL-6 wires too close to a light dimmer or switch
may cause a buzzing or popping sound to be heard through the speakers. If you must locate the RVL-6 wiring
near electrical devices, route the wires several feet away from the electrical wiring.
Recommended Speaker Wire
• For most applications, it is recommended you use 16 or 18 gauge, stranded copper speaker wire. For wiring
runs longer than 80 feet, 14 gauge wire is recommended. Using speaker wire larger than 14 gauge is not rec-
ommended—the wire may not fit into the RVL-6 connectors.
• Never use solid-core, aluminum, or "Romex" type wire with the RVL-6.
• When running speaker wires inside walls, most states and municipalities in the U.S. specify that you must
use a special type of speaker 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.
Figure 6 Home running speaker wires to RVL-6.
9

Making the Room SPEAKER Connections
• CAUTION: Disconnect power to the RVL-6 and the amplifier.
• For your convenience, the AMP input connector and all SPEAKER output connectors on the RVL-6
are removable.
• Strip 3/8” of insulation from the end of each wire.
• Tightly twist each wire end until there are no frayed ends.
• Insert each wire into the appropriate hole on the connector terminals following the Speaker wiring
convention (see Figure 7).
• Tighten the screws which lock the wire into place.
Connecting to Room IR Sensor/Keypads Using the SENSOR Inputs
There are many ways to control your RVL-6 system. Each location may have a different method depending upon the
level of control desired. You can choose from Niles hard-wired push-button keypads (RP-6 stock# FG00267 and RP-7
stock# FG00281), Niles IR programmable keypad (IntelliPad stock# FG00634), or Niles IR sensors. One keypad can be
combined with one IR sensor within the same room (see Figure 8). If a particular room requires two or more IR sensors
or two or more keypads you must install a Niles XRP6+ IR Expansion Unit (Niles stock# FG00638)
Avoiding Interference
• Avoid locating any of the cables, sensors, keypads or the RVL-6 near any potential sources of Electro-Mag-
netic Interference (EMI) such as light dimmers, speed controls for ceiling fans, electrical ballasts, television
sets, large motors, heaters or air conditioners.
Room Status Feedback Signal
• When a particular room control module is on, the RVL-6 outputs a status signal on the corresponding
SENSOR input.
• The Niles IntelliPad utilizes this status signal to automate room turn-on and room turn-off.
• Some Niles IR sensors (IRR4D+, IRR4S+, and TIR1+) utilize the signal to indicate the room’s on/off status.
Recommended IR Sensor/Keypad Cable
• Each room must be home run (wired directly) to its assigned SENSOR input (see Figure 8).
• The RVL-6 connects to IR sensors and keypads using 2-conductor shielded cable with a drain wire.
Recommended cables are “data grade” cables made of two 22 gauge (or larger) conductors surrounded by
a foil shield and a bare drain (ground) wire. Data grade cable provides the capability for runs of up to 500
feet to each sensor. Examples are West Penn D291, Belden 8761 or Carol C2516. Any 22 to16 gauge 2-con-
ductor shielded cable with a drain wire will accommodate 150 foot runs to each sensor and is available at
your local hardware store.
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SPEAKER WIRING CONNECTION
Pin 1 = L+ Pin 2 = L– Pin 3 = R – Pin 4 = R +
Figure 7