OnQ Technologies A-Bus User manual

1. Introduction
The product you have just purchased is an integral
part of the OnQ A-BUS Multi-Room Audio System.
It is a component which, when combined with other
essential components and your source equipment
(receiver, CD player, etc.), creates a versatile
whole-house audio system that will fill your rooms
with high-quality sound for years to come. A-BUS
technology is a new, innovative method of providing
high quality audio to remote locations with a single
8-conductor cable such as CAT5. A-BUS
technology provides many advantages over other conventional methods of audio distribution such as simple,
single CAT5 wiring scheme, infrared control of system components and system power status.
2. Description
The A-BUS Source Input Unit (P/N 364474-02) is the source equipment interface of the A-BUS system. The
audio input connects to the receivers (or pre-amps) line level output (tape out, 2nd zone output, etc.). The
emitter output ports (4 of them) are for powering emitters (P/N 364494-01) providing control of the source equip-
ment via the IR passing OnQ A-BUS volume controls. There is a status power input that can be used to
indicate whether the source equipment is ON or OFF. This is accomplished by plugging the 12 VDC power
supply (included) into a switched outlet of the receiver/pre-amplifier and plugging in the connector into the status
input jack located on Source Input Unit. The Bypass/Status Switch must be in the “Status” position. The Status
input can also be used with receivers/pre-amplifiers that have a 12 VDC trigger output.
NOTE: If not using “true” status monitoring by plugging the A-Bus Status Power Supply into a switched
outlet or by using a switched DC output of a receiver/pre-Amplifier, simply place the Bypass/Status
Switch to “Bypass”. This will allow operation without using a status power supply.
IMPORTANT: Read the manuals that are included with all associated
A-BUS products before installation of any single
component! If you are unsure of any of the following
installation procedures contact OnQ Technical Support
@ 1-800-321-2343 option 2 or contact an OnQ
professional installer.
3. Installation
The Source Input Unit is located at the source equipment.
A dedicated CAT5 run from this location to the 4 Zone Distribution Hub
located in the OnQ enclosure is required.
A. Make sure that the Power Supply (P/N 364447-01) is not
connected to the 4 Zone Distribution Hub. Also make sure that the status input is not connected.
B. Connect a pair of RCA interconnect cables from the receiver/pre-amplifiers line level output (2nd zone
out, tape 1 out, tape 2 out, etc.) to the AUDIO IN jacks of the Audio Interface Hub. It is recommended
that you NOT use a pre-amp (or non fixed output) from a receiver/pre-amplifier. If this is used the output
will be post the receiver/pre-amplifiers volume control thus making the output to the Audio Interface
Module vary with the volume setting of the receiver/pre-amplifier.
OnQ Technologies, Inc.
P.O. Box 60907
Harrisburg, PA 17106-0907
800-321-2343
www.onqtech.com
Installation/Instruction Sheet
A-Bus Source Input Unit
IS-0148 Rev. B
IS-0148 Rev. B Page 1 of 2
Ref. P/N 100225-48
- POWER
BYPASS STATUS
A-BUS Source Input Unit
- POWER
BYPASS STATUS
Figure 1

If a FIXED output like tape 1 or tape 2 is used, it is independent of the volume setting of the
receiver/pre-amplifier thus allowing the OnQ A-BUS
Volume Controls to have full control over the sound
level. See Figure 1.
NOTE: If the TAPE OUTPUT jack is used and must be
shared with a Tape Deck, then audio Y cables can be
used. See figure 2.
C. To monitor “true” power status of the source
equipment connect a 12 VDC power supply (P/N
364488-01) from a switched output jack of the
receiver/pre-amplifier to the Status input jack. Place
the Bypass/Status Switch in “Status” position. If the
receiver/pre-amplifier has a switched 12 VDC output it
can be used in place of the OnQ A-BUS Status Power
Supply. A 3.5mm phone plug will be needed and
configured with the “tip” positive and “ring” negative.
See figure 3.
NOTE: If “true” status monitoring is to be used, see the OnQ A-Bus Volume Control Instruction Sheet to set the
status jumper to the ENABLE position.
D. If IR control is being used plug the emitters into the IR EMITTER outputs and place them onto the IR
receiver windows of the source equipment via the peel away adhesive strip. See figure 4.
E. Connect the Source input unit via a CAT5 jumper such as the OnQ 36” (P/N 363201-30) to a wall jack
with an RJ-45 insert. This jack in turn should be wired to the input of the OnQ A-BUS 4 Zone
Distribution Hub. See figure 5.
F. Check all other system components and then power the OnQ A-BUS 4 Zone Distribution Hub.
OnQ Technologies, Inc.
P.O. Box 60907
Harrisburg, PA 17106-0907
800-321-2343
www.onqtech.com
Installation/Instruction Sheet
A-Bus Source Input Unit
IS-0148 Rev. B
IS-0148 Rev. B Page 2 of 2
Ref. P/N 100225-48
- POWER
BYPASS STATUS
Figure 2
- POWER
BYPASS STATUS
- POWER
BYPASS STATUS
- POWER
BYPASS STATUS
Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5