Niles RCA-SM2 User manual

REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE!®KIT
RCA-SM2
INSTALLATION GUIDE

II
CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you for choosing the RCA-SM2 Remote Control Anywhere! Kit from Niles. With proper
installation and operation, you should enjoy years of trouble-free use.
Niles manufactures the industry’s most complete line of custom installation components and
accessories for audio/video systems. To see the complete Niles product assortment, visit us on the
internet at: www.nilesaudio.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Contents 1
Features and Benefits 2
Installation Considerations 6
Installation 7
Specifications 22
Limited Warranty 24
Warranty Registration Card 25

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – [phone] 1
INTRODUCTION
The Niles RCA-SM2 Remote Control Anywhere! Kit enables you to operate your remote controlled
audio/video equipment from virtually any location. Now you can place your audio/video (A/V)
components out of sight (behind cabinet doors, in the rear of a room, or in a different room) and still
conveniently control your system.
CONTENTS
Check that your RCA-SM2 Remote Control Anywhere! Kit contains the following:
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Connection Hub
MicroFlasher (3)
CAT-5 sensor
Cable (50ft)
Surface Mount
MicroSensor®
12VDC Power
Supply

2
FEATURES AND BENEFITS – REMOTE CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT
COMPLETE SYSTEM
Everything needed to assemble a complete IR extender system is included in one box:
ONE INFRARED MICROSENSOR®
Receives/initiates the IR commands and routes them to the Main System Unit
ONE MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
Amplifies and distributes the commands to each infrared MicroFlasher®
IR MICROFLASHER® (THREE)
Transmit the IR commands to the audio/video components

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FEATURES AND BENEFITS – IR MICROSENSOR®
HIGH-FIDELITY WIDEBAND DESIGN
Ensures compatibility with virtually any brand of equipment, even those using faster, more difficult
to reproduce IR codes
PATENT PENDING UNIVERSAL NOISE SUPPRESION DESIGN
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cent lights, and direct sunlight
EXTENDED IR RECEIVING RANGE
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PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
Our printed circuit board uses surface mount technology (SMT) to ensure reliability
COMPACT SIZE
Fits almost anywhere; only 2” wide x 11/16” high x 1/2” deep
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EXTRA LONG CABLE
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4
FEATURES AND BENEFITS – MAIN SYSTEM UNIT
UNIVERSAL SYSTEM
Compatible with virtually all brands of audio/video equipment and remote controls
VERSATILE CONNECTIONS
Accommodates one IR MicroSensor®XJUISFNPWBCMFTDSFXMFTTDPOOFDUPSQMVTGPVSnBTIFST
via 3.5 mm jacks
SYSTEM FEEDBACK LED
Confirms proper operation
3-30V AC/DC STATUS INPUT
Provides system status to connected sensors and keypads
EXPANDABLE
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INTEGRATED MOUNTING WINGS
Both horizontal and vertical installation is supported
POWER SUPPLY
UL listed regulated power supply with universal voltage capability

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FEATURES AND BENEFITS – MICROFLASHER®
MINIATURE AND DISCRETE
Each MicroFlasher mounts directly to the IR remote sensor window of your audio/video equipment
while maintaining a clean appearance
INFRARED BLOCKING COVER
Useful when controlling several identical TVs (or audio/video components) that use the same remote
control and IR commands
TRANSPARENT TO IR COMMANDS
Even though the MicroFlasher covers the IR remote sensor window, you can still directly operate
your equipment using a remote control
EASY INSTALLATION
A strip of self-adhesive tape provides secure mounting
CONNECTING WIRE
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to the MSU

6
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
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1. Read through the entire manual – Before attempting any installation, read this manual
thoroughly and keep it for future reference.
2. Avoid contact with all high voltage electrical wiring and equipment!
3. Keep away from water and moisture – Never use or install electronic products near water,
ie., near a bathtub, sink, washing machine, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, or
anywhere else the product may be exposed to water or moisture.
4. Power supply cord protection – Do not run the power cord where it may be subject to wear or
abuse. Do not allow anything to rest on or roll over the power cord which may damage it.
6. Lightning – It is suggested that you remove the power supply from the wall if your system will
not be used for long periods of time. Power surges due to lightning strikes may damage your
equipment.
7. Check your local building and electrical codes – There may be specific requirements
regarding running low voltage in your area.

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – [phone] 7
Figure 1 Connection Hub Placement
INSTALLATION
TOOLS REQUIRED
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GETTING STARTED
While the Remote Control Anywhere! Kit is compatible with
most brands of audio/video components, there are a few
exceptions. You should perform a temporary hook-up to test
for compatibility before you conceal wire or permanently
mount any parts.
Steps one through five describe how to perform a quick
and easy check for compatibility.
Once you have determined that all of your remote
controlled A/V components are compatible, proceed with
the rest of the installation.

8
INSTALLATION
STEP 1 – PLACING THE CONNECTION HUB
Place the Connection Hub so that the MicroFlasher wires will reach the components.
Never place the connection hub closer than 1’ away from a television set (Figure 1).
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Plugged into a switched
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found in back
of a receiver.
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Figure 3: Removable Connector Plug Figure 4: Wiring Legend
INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
STEP 2 – CONNECTING THE MICROSENSOR CABLE TO
THE CONNECTION HUB
For your convenience, the MicroSensor cable ends have been stripped.
Insert each wire into the appropriate hole on the removable connector plug (Figure 2), and snap the
locking tab down. To help you, the connector plug is keyed. Insert the smooth side of the connector
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into the smooth side of the socket. Make sure that the orientation of the connector matches the
MicroSensor (Figure 3 & 4).
TECH TIP: Wire size is expressed by it’s AWG (American Wire Gauge) number. The lower
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10
INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
STEP 3 – CONNECTING THE 12VDC POWER SUPPLY AND EACH
MICROFLASHER
Plug each MicroFlasher into any of the sockets labeled FLASHER OUTPUTS on the connection hub
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TECH TIP: Make all final connections to the MSU before connecting the power supply.
This will avoid potential damage to components.
Figure 5: Connection Ports

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INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
STEP 4 – MOUNTING A MICROFLASHER TO A/V COMPONENTS
Make sure all of your remote controls have batteries and that they are able to operate the A/V
components. Locate a place for the remote control that is within arm’s length of the A/V compo-
nents, yet cannot directly control them. Place the MicroSensor no closer than two feet in front of
the remote control (Figure 6).
Hold the MicroFlasher four inches in front of the remote sensor window on the A/V component’s
front panel. Press buttons on the remote control while watching the front panel of the A/V compo-
nent. When the component responds repeatedly to the commands, peel off the protective backing
on the MicroFlasher and place the MicroFlasher in that location.
If the A/V component’s remote sensor is not clearly
marked, slowly move the MicroFlasher over the win-
dow of the A/V component while pushing buttons on
the remote control until you get a response (Figure 7).
Repeat this procedure for each A/V component you
wish to control.
When the A/V component responds repeatedly, peel off
the protective backing on the MicroFlasher and place
the MicroFlasher in that location.
Figure 6: Locating IR Sensor
MicroSensor

12
INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
STEP 5 – MOUNTING THE CONNECTION HUB
Make sure that your system tested OK before proceeding.
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supply from the electrical outlet and disconnect the MicroSensor and the MicroFlasher cables from
the connection hub (Figure 8). The connection hub can be either mounted on a wall using screws
or placed on a shelf using the included adhesive feet (Figure 9).
Figure 7: Locating IR Sensor Figure 8: Removing Cables

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Figure 9A & B
A: Wall mounting
B: If you desire to shelf mount the connection hub, stick the included adhesive backed feet on the
bottom of the unit and place it on the shelf
Figure 9A: Wall-mount placement
Use sheetrock screws
INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
STEP 6 – RUNNING THE MICROSENSOR CABLE
Conceal the MicroSensor cable between the MicroSensor and the connection hub. For specific
information refer to “Running MicroSensor Cable in New Construction” or “Concealing MicroSensor
Cable in Existing Walls.” If you need to cut and restrip the wire, make sure that only 1/4" of wire is
exposed. Exposing too much wire could create “shorts” within the system.
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Figure 9B: Table-top placement
Affix the enclosed self-adhesive
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14
INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
STEP 7 – RUNNING THE MICROSENSOR CABLE
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(Figure 10).
That’s it! Now you are ready to control your audio/video equipment from the room you chose.
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ANOTHER OR ANY SURFACE OTHER THAN THE CONNECTOR.
Figure 10: Connecting Power Supply and Flashers

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Figure 12: System Operation
INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
STEP 8 – MS220 MOUNTING LOCATION
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anywhere. Convenient mounting locations for the
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viewer
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ance, or a speaker grille
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NORMAL OPERATION
To control your audio/video components, simply aim your remote control at the MicroSensor.
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on the remote (Figure 12).
If you are using a remote control with macro
capabilities (a single press of a button issues a
string of commands), allow sufficient time for all
of the commands to execute.
Figure 11: Convenient Mounting Location

16
INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
STATUS FEEDBACK WALL ADAPTER
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is on. This is a very useful feature when operating your equipment from a remote location. For this
feature to work, your system receiver (or preamp) must have a switched AC outlet and you must
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into the connection hub’s Status Input (Figure 13).
Figure 13: Connecting the Status Adaptor
E CONTROL ANYWHERE! KIT
Optional Niles Universal
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INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
ADDITIONAL SENSORS
The Remote Control Anywhere! Kit includes one surface mount MicroSensor. Niles also makes a
variety of sensors for virtually any application. See your Niles dealer for more information or visit
www.nilesaudio.com.
RUNNING SENSOR CABLE IN NEW CONSTRUCTION
SCHEDULING AND PREPARATION
Plan to schedule the sensor wiring after the electrical wiring is finished. That way you can avoid
cable routes which could potentially induce interference over the sensor cable. The basic rules are:
Never run the sensor cable through the same hole as an electrical cable.
Never run the sensor cable into the same J-box as electrical cable.
Avoid running the sensor cable beside the electrical cable. Keep it at least 3 or 4 feet distant
from any electrical power cable.
As side-by-side wiring is unavoidable in particular spots in every house, just move the sensor cable
route away as soon as possible. If construction forces a side by side run for more than ten feet,
install metal conduit or shielded sensor cable. Low-voltage cables such as doorbells, intercoms,
telephone, speaker, security, or television cannot cause interference on your sensor cables, so you
can safely run all of them at the same time, through the same holes, side-by-side.

18
INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
SAFETY FIRST!
Wear gloves, safety goggles and head protection when drilling. Avoid nails, they ruin bits and they
can cause injury. Pay particular attention when using “hole-hogs” and other powerful electric drills;
the torque of the drill when suddenly stopped by a nail can break a strong person’s wrist.
DRILLING
Use a bit that is large enough for the cables you plan to run. An auger bit is the preferred bit for
rough-in wiring. It will actually pull itself through the wood, so that the drill motor, not you, does
most of the work.
Always drill the holes in the center of the stud. If you have to notch the stud or drill the hole closer
than one inch from the edge of the stud, protect the cable with a nail plate.
When drilling holes in ceiling joists, drill in the center of the joists and try to locate the hole near
the end of the joist. DO NOT drill through a “gluelam” or any load bearing beam without the
direction of your contractor.
Try to line the holes up perfectly, because it makes pulling the cable much easier. A good technique
is to snap a chalk line across the face of the studs or against the bottom of the ceiling joists. Then
work backward so that you can always see the holes you have already drilled. Paying careful
attention to this will save you a lot of time later!