Niles IRC-1 Troubleshooting guide

infrared L.E.D.'s. The output is extraordi-
narily accurate over a wide bandwidth.
This allows the IRC-1 to control most
makes and models of IR controlled
audio/video components.
The IRC-1 is compatible with all Niles
infrared repeaters, infrared routers, and
multi-zone keypad systems.
Tools Required
•1/8” Standard Slotted Screwdriver
INSTALLATION &OPERATION
Route the connecting two-conductor wire
to the Main System Unit. Connect the ends
of the wire to the corresponding positive
and negative terminals labeled “Flasher” on
the Main System Unit (See Figure 4).
BE SURE TO OBSERVE PROPER POLARITY
WHEN CONNECTING THE IRC-1. THE
WIRE LEAD MARKED WITH A GRAY
STRIPE IS NEGATIVE (-); THE UNMARKED
LEAD IS POSITIVE (+).
Connecting Multiple Flashers
It is possible to use more than one flasher
from a single output on a Niles infrared sys-
FEATURES &BENEFITS
• Two infrared L.E.D.'s give the IRC-1
exceptional range and power. With
proper placement, a single IRC-1 flasher
can control an entire stack of
audio/video components.
• The IRC-1 is equipped with pre-
stripped and tinned wire ends. This pro-
vides you with easy hookup.
• An adhesive-backed Velcro strip is
included with the IRC-1, providing quick,
secure, “remove and replace” mounting.
• The IRC-1 is supplied with an ample
ten feet of connecting wire.
so that its reflected output reaches the sen-
sor windows of the audio/video compo-
nents (See Figure 3). If some of the compo-
nents are still not getting adequate signal,
mount a Niles IRC-2 MicroFlasher™on the
sensor window of each of the problematic
components.
Sometimes, it is desirable to mount the
IRC-1 so that it directly faces the equipment
from across a room. In this type of situation
the IRC-1 has an effective operational
range of 18 to 30 feet (depending on brand
and model). Niles offers several wall mount
flashers which may improve the cosmetics
of this type of installation. See your local
Niles dealer for more information.
IRC-1 Infrared Flasher
INTRODUCTION
The IRC-1 is a Velcro®-mount “flooding”
IR flasher. It is one of three elements that
make up an
infrared repeater system :
1. Remote Sensors
2. Main System Units
3. Infrared Flashers
When an IR remote sensor receives a
command from a hand-held remote con-
trol, it sends a corresponding electronic
signal through a wire to the Main System
Unit. Here, the Main System Unit cleans
and amplifies the electronic signal.
Finally, the Main System Unit outputs the
signal to the IR flasher which relays the
infrared command to the audio/video
component you wish to control.
The IRC-1 relays the infrared command
using “flashes” of infrared light in a pow-
erful flooding pattern from its two
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
The IRC-1 is typically used as a “flooding”
flasher to control a stack of audio/video
components. For this type of application,
place the IRC-1 with its L.E.D.'s pointed
straight up and at least an inch in front of
the equipment you wish to control (See
Figure 1). The effective range varies
between 8” and 30” depending on the
brand and/or the model of the audio/video
component. Note: If cabinet dimensions per-
mit, experimenting with the placement of the
IRC-1 may yield better operating results.
For tall stacks of components use multiple
IRC-1 flashers. For example, place one IRC-1
at the top of a stack with the L.E.D.'s point-
ing down and one IRC-1 at the base of the
stack with the L.E.D.'s pointing up (See
Figure 2).
In some installations there are shelves
blocking a direct path between the IRC-1
and the components’ IR sensor window. It
is possible to bounce infrared light off of
smooth reflective surfaces (particularly
white surfaces). If a suitable surface exists
(like the back of a cabinet door, or a white
wall withina few feet) try to place the IRC-1
12334567 Over Please
8
FIGURE 1 Controlling a stack of
components. FIGURE 2 Controlling a tall stack of components. FIGURE 3 Controlling a stack of components by reflecting infrared
commands.
FIGURE 4 Connecting the IRC-1 to the Main
System Unit's flasher outputs.
IRC-1 PARTS GUIDE
High
Output
L.E.D.'s
Adhesive-
backed
Velcro
strip
10 feet of
2-conductor
22 gauge
connecting
wire
Polarity
Markings

SPECIFICATIONS
IR System
Compatible with virtually all brands of
remotes using carrier frequencies between
26 and 60 kHz
IR Transmitting Range
18 to 30 feet if mounted so that the transmit-
ting L.E.D.'s face the sensors in a direct line
of sight.
IR Transmitting Angle
Variable with the brand and/or model ofthe
audio/video component. Because of the
high power and “flooding” pattern of the
IRC-1, extreme transmitting angles can be
successfully used if the sensor window of
the component is close.
Unit Dimensions
1" Wide x 2" High x 3/4" Deep (Includes
Velcro)
Mounting
Supplied with self-adhesive tape attached
to Velcro strips
Wiring Requirements
Supplied with 10 feet of 2-conductor 22
gauge connecting wire. Substitute an 18
gauge 2-conductor wire for distances rang-
ing from 10 to 20 feet and a 16 gauge
2-conductor wire for up to 200 feet.
the Flasher Level Adjust (located on the
Main System Unit) counter-clockwise.
2. Replace the IRC-1 with an IRC-2 for each
component controlled by the problem-
causing flasher. The IRC-2 comes with a
plastic IR blocking cover which will pre-
vent the IR output of the flasher from reach-
ing the sensor in the same room.
If problems persist, refer to the user's
manual for the Main System Unit or con-
tact your local Niles dealer.
it is farther away from the sensor win-
dow or off to the side of the sensor win-
dow. If adjusting the level down makes
no change, or makes operation even
worse, return the level to the full power
position (clockwise). Then, try moving the
IRC-1 closer to the sensor window or try to
point the L.E.D.'s more directly at the sensor
window.
Optical IR Feedback Loop
If there is an IR sensor and an IR flasher
located within the same room—an "optical
IR feedback loop" can occur. This occurs
when the IR output from a flasher uninten-
tionally reaches an IR sensor located with-
in the same room. The IR commands are
eventually forwarded back to the IR flasher
and the whole process endlessly repeats
itself. This effect is similar to acoustical
feedback (the howling or whistling sound
heard in a P.A. system when the micro-
phone is placed too close to the speaker).
The optical IR feedback loop can be elimi-
nated by one of the two following methods.
1. Reduce the flasher output until normal
operation resumes. This is done by turning
TROUBLESHOOTING
This troubleshooting guide discusses the
most common problems that prevent an IR
flasher from operating correctly.
Testing the Remote Control
Test that the hand-held remote control
operates the component when you point
it at the front panel (check the batteries if
it does not).
Main System Unit Power Supply
Check that the red power light on the
Main System Unit is lit (the wall adapter
should be plugged into an active AC
wall outlet and the wall adapter has to
be supplying 12V DC).
Adjusting the Flasher Level
Try adjusting the flasher level up or
down (some components sensors are
overloaded by too strong a command
from the IRC-1). If the operation of the
component improves when the flasher
level is all the way down, but it is still
not perfect, try moving the IRC-1 so that
Mounting the IRC-1
Test the operation of the IRC-1 in the
planned mounting location. If all of the
components operate correctly via the IR
repeater system, mount the IRC-1 using it’s
self-adhesive Velcro strip. Make sure the
mounting surface is clean and dry. Remove
the protective coating from the back of the
Velcro strip attached to the IRC-1 and stick
it in place. Coil any excess connecting wire
and tie it in place.
tem. Consult the operating manual of the
Niles main system unit or consult your
local Niles dealer for more information.
Increasing the Wire Length
If the connecting wire is too short to reach
the main system unit, a new length of heav-
ier gauge wire should be spliced onto a six
inch length of the original wire. For dis-
tances between ten and twenty feet
upgrade the original wire to an eighteen
gauge two-conductor wire. For distances
of up to two hundred feet go to a sixteen
gauge two-conductor wire.
910 12 13 1411
Niles Audio Corporation
12331 S.W. 130 Street Miami, Florida 33186
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.nilesaudio.com
©1999 Niles Audio Corporation. Niles, the Niles logo and
Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered trademarks of
Niles Audio Corporation. Velcro is a trademark of Velcro Industries.
Printed in USA DS00118B
TECH TIP
Wire size is
expressed by its
AWG (American
Wire Gauge) num-
ber. The lower the
number, the larger
the wire, i.e. twelve
AWG is physically
larger than fourteen
AWG.
IRC-1
IRC-1
Infrared Flasher
INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
BLENDING HIGH FIDELITY
AND ARCHITECTURE
®
®