Russound A-C68 User manual


A-BUS® Multizone Controller
Installation Manual

2Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
Safety Instructions
Read Instructions - All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the appliance is
operated.
Retain Instructions - The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow Instructions - All operating and user
instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture - The appliance should not
be used near water; for example, near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool. The apparatus
shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids
and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall
be placed on the apparatus.
Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used
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
only with a cart or stand that is
recommended by the manufacturer.
An appliance and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force and uneven
surfaces may cause the appliance and
cart combination to overturn.
Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so
that its location or position does not interfere with
its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance
should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar
surface that may block the ventilation openings, or
placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or
cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the
ventilation openings.
Heat - The appliance should be situated away from
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
or other appliances (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
Power Sources - The appliance should be connected
to a power supply only of the type described in
the operating instructions or as marked on the
appliance.
Grounding or Polarization - Precaution should be
taken so that the grounding or polarization means of
an appliance is not defeated.
Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, receptacles, and
the point where they exit the appliance.
Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-Use Periods - The power cord of the appliance
should be unplugged from the outlet when left
unused for a long period of time. To remove all power
(supply mains) from the appliance, remove the plug
from the wall outlet.
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Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that
objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the
enclosure through the openings.
Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be
serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power supply cord or the plug has been
damaged.
B. Objects have fallen, liquid has been spilled
into the appliance;
Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the
appliance beyond that described in the operating
instructions. All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.
Precautions:
Power – WARNING: BEFORE TURNING ON THE POWER
FOR THE FIRST TIME, READ THE FOLLOWING SECTION
CAREFULLY.
Do Not Touch The Unit With Wet Hands – Do not
handle the unit or power cord when your hands are
wet or damp. If water or any other liquid enters the
cabinet, unplug the unit from power immediately and
take it to a qualified service person for inspection.
Location of Unit – Place the unit in a well-ventilated
location. Take special care to provide plenty of
ventilation on all sides of the unit especially when it
is placed in an audio rack. If ventilation is blocked, the
unit may overheat and malfunction. Do not expose
the unit to direct sun light or heating units as the
unit internal components temperature may rise and
shorten the life of the components. Avoid damp and
dusty places.
4. Care – From time to time you should wipe off
the front and side panels of the cabinet with a soft
cloth. Do not use rough material, thinners, alcohol
or other chemical solvents or cloths since this may
damage the finish or remove the panel lettering.
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A.
 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

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Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
Product Overview ...................................................................................................................4
A-C68 Front Panel ................................................................................................................... 5
A-K5L Keypad ............................................................................................................................ 6
A-K5L User Options Menu ....................................................................................................7
A-K3 Keypad ............................................................................................................................. 8
A-KSC Keypad ........................................................................................................................... 9
Numeric Entry ........................................................................................................................... 9
Prefix and Suffix Commands ............................................................................................... 9
A-SRC1 Remote Control ......................................................................................................10
Installation Overview ...........................................................................................................11
System Installation Considerations ................................................................................11
Connection Tips .....................................................................................................................11
Keypad Wiring ........................................................................................................................11
Speaker Wiring .......................................................................................................................11
A-C68 Back Panel ...................................................................................................................12
A-K5L Keypad Update Port and Jumpers .....................................................................13
A-K5L Keypad Rear Panel ...................................................................................................13
A-K5L Keypad Installation ..................................................................................................13
A-K5L and A-KSC Connections and Installation .........................................................14
Keypad Port Connection ....................................................................................................15
Keypad Dip Switches ...........................................................................................................15
Source Audio Input Connections ....................................................................................16
Source IR Connections ........................................................................................................16
Common IR Input Connection ..........................................................................................17
Speaker Connections ...........................................................................................................18
Line Out Audio Output ........................................................................................................19
12V Mute Trigger In/Trigger Out ......................................................................................20
Page Trigger Input .................................................................................................................20
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Multiple Controllers ..............................................................................................................21
Controller Link In/Out ..........................................................................................................21
Source Audio Loop Out .......................................................................................................21
RS-232 Interface .....................................................................................................................22
Programming Center ...........................................................................................................23
Controller ID Assignment ...................................................................................................25
Factory Initialization .............................................................................................................26
Source Setup (primary procedure) .................................................................................27
Device Type Assignment ....................................................................................................28
Device IR Code Assignment ...............................................................................................28
Learn IR .....................................................................................................................................29
Numeric IR ................................................................................................................................30
Invalid Code ............................................................................................................................31
Clear Code ................................................................................................................................32
A-K5L Setup Menu ................................................................................................................33
A-K5L Version Menu .............................................................................................................33
Source Names .........................................................................................................................34
IR Device Codes (Manufacturer) ............................................................................... 35-37
Technical Specifications ......................................................................................................38
Warranty ...................................................................................................................................39

4Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
Thank you for choosing the Russound® A-C68 A-BUS® multizone controller.
The A-C68 caters to end users who want more control over their multiroom
systems with the ability to control the system from anywhere in the house. Six
source inputs, simplified programming, IR remote control and user adjustable
sound controls make listening to music throughout the home easier than ever.
This innovative product features a rack mountable form (1U) with support for
six sources and eight zones. It features six buffered, fixed level audio source
loop outputs. This source loop configuration allows the A-C68 to pass source
signals to another component, such as a home theater receiver or to another
A-C68 for sharing sources in a multiple controller system
The onboard IR library provides control codes for thousands of source
components, and supports learning new codes as well.
System setup and source programming is accomplished through a minimal
step process using the system remote control and the front panel programming
center.
Key features include:
Six sources delivered to 8 rooms for sharing music throughout the home.
Source trim for each source.
Simplified programming and control via IR library and intelligent IR learning
capabilities for quick setup.
Scalable to 48 zones by connecting multiple A-C68 units, to make whole-
house audio available to larger homes and buildings. Your system can grow
as your needs grow.
Muting and paging in each zone.
Listening options such as Party Mode, local source input.
The A-C68 employs a remote control (A-SRC1) and elegant keypads (A-K5L
and optional A-KSC) for home audio one-touch control. From each keypad, the
user can adjust bass, treble, balance and volume. The controller includes an
RS232 connection for infield upgrade capability and future use.
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

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Russound A-C68 Installation Manual

STATUS LED - Indicates power on when illuminated
The A-C68 front panel features a removable molded plastic cover that hides
the Programming Center buttons. The power switch has a push on/push off
action with a two-color LED (Status) indicator to the right. This LED is green
when the unit is active, and red when the unit is in standby mode.
MAIN POWER SWITCH - Turns power on and off
The A-C68 front panel cover hides the Programming Center and keypad dip
switch settings. The Programming Center is used to perform the controller
setup and source setup procedures. These are explained in detail in the
Installer’s section of this manual. The Programming Center button LEDs light
at different rates and in different colors during these procedures to indicate
programming steps. It also contains an IR receiver window for remote control
use during programming and RS-232 connector for firmware updates.
1 2 3 4 5 7 86
PROGRAMMING CENTER - Used to perform the controller setup
and source setup procedures
REMOVABLE COVER - Covers the Programming Center
buttons on the controller

6Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
The A-K5L keypad provides individual zone control of the system. It has amber
or green backlit soft-touch buttons for volume, power and source selection for
up to 12 sources. The User Menu allows for adjustments to the audio properties
of the room, such as bass, treble, balance, etc. A built-in IR receiver with LED
confirmation allows for use of remote controls.

LCD PANEL - 5-character amber or green backlit display shows
source name and volume.
VOLUME LEVEL - 20-segment volume level bars increase from left to
right to indicate volume level. Also shows user option settings.
VOLUME UP/DOWN - Raises/lowers the volume for the room/
adjusts User Menu settings.
STATUS LED - Green LED lights to show Status “on” and turns off
when Status is “off”
IR CONFIRMATION LED - Red LED blink confirms IR signal reception.
IR RECEIVER - Receives IR signals and passes them to the controller
and source equipment. Source components attached to IR emitters
in an A-BUS system can be controlled with their own remote controls,
A-SRC1 (with A-C68 controller) or A-LRC2 learning remote aimed at
the A-K5L’s IR window.
POWER - Turns zone ON or OFF when pressed once. If connected to
an A-C68 controller, when ON, press and hold will turn on all rooms
(Party mode). If the A-K5L is connected to a multisource hub, an “All
Off” can be performed by a press and hold of the power button when
the keypad is OFF. Status LED remains lit when keypad/zone is OFF if
any other zone in system is ON.
SOURCE SELECT (Multi-source controller) - Press and release toggles
through the available sources. Press and hold brings up the User
Options Menu for Loudness, Bass, Treble, etc.
A-K5L Keypad
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Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
The User Options Menu allows the user to adjust the audio properties of a
particular zone. The audio features that can be adjusted are: Loudness, Bass,
Treble, Balance, Turn On Volume, Local Source Volume and Page Volume. The
background color and All On settings are located here as well.
To enter the User Options mode, press and hold the Source button when the
zone is on. Press and hold the Source button again (or a 12-second timeout)
returns the keypad to regular operation.
The first option (Loudness) appears on the display to indicate it is ready for
adjustment. Subsequent presses of the Source button toggle through Bass,
Treble, Balance, Turn On Volume, Local Source Volume, Background Color, All
On Enable and Page Volume.
Once an option is selected, the Volume Up/Down buttons are used to adjust
settings. The volume indicator bars indicate the option setting, along with
setting numbers displayed on the LCD. Some settings will simply display an
“on” or “off” choice.

Loud (Loudness) (fuller sound): On or Off
Bass: -10 to +10, Flat =0
Treb (Treble): -10 to +10, Flat =0
Bal (Balance): L10 - C - R10
OnVol (Turn on Volume) (default room volume level): 0-20
LSVol (Local Source Volume): turn on volume for the local source: 0-20
(when used with A-LC3)
Bkgnd (Background Color) backlight color: Green, Amber, Off
AllOn (All On Enable/Party mode): if the zone will respond to an all on
command from another keypad: On or Off
Page (Page Volume): turn on volume for paging to that zone: 0-20
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Press Volume Up or
Down buttons to adjust
setting

Press and hold Source
button to enter or exit
User Options Mode
Press Source button to
select option
A-K5L Keypad

8Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
The A-K3 keypad provides individual zone control of the system. It has green
backlit soft-touch buttons for volume, power and source selection for up to six
sources. A built-in IR receiver with LED confirmation allows for use of remote
controls.

VOLUME UP/DOWN - Raises/lowers room volume
VOLUME LEVEL - Volume level indicator LEDs light
up from bottom to top to indicate volume level. Also
indicates source selected (1-6) when in “multi-source”
mode.
STATUS LED - Green LED lights to show Status “on”
and turns off when Status is “off”
IR CONFIRMATION LED - Red LED blinks to confirm IR
signal reception.
IR RECEIVER - Receives IR signals from a remote
control. Source components attached to IR emitters
in an A-BUS system can be controlled with their own
remote controls or A-LRC2 learning remote aimed at
the A-K3.
POWER - Turns zone ON when pressed once. (In multi-
source mode, when ON, press and hold will turn zone
OFF. When OFF, press and hold will turn OFF all zones.)
Status LED remains lit when keypad/zone is OFF if any
other zone in system is ON.
SOURCE SELECT (Multisource controller) - When the
keypad is set in “Multisource” mode, the power button
is used to toggle through and select a source. Tap the
power button to toggle between 1 and 6 multiple
sources (once power is on). The top LEDs of the volume
indicator show (from top to bottom) the source that is
selected (top LED is source 1, next LED down is
source 2, etc).
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A-K3 Keypad

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Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
The A-KSC keypad connects to an A-K5L keypad to add optional source control
and numeric capability. The amber or green backlit buttons provide primary
source controls when pressed, such as stop, play, next, etc.
When the Numeric button is pressed, it becomes backlit in the opposite color
of the backlight (green if amber backlight and vice versa), and changes the
buttons to numeric entry (0 - 9).
Pressing the Numeric button also sends a Prefix command of “Disc.”
A second press of the Numeric button sends a Suffix command of “Enter”
and puts the keypad back into the primary control mode. If the button is not
pressed the second time, a 6-second time out will send the Suffix command
and exit Numeric mode.

SLEEP - Sets a sleep timer for the zone. When
pressed, shows time in minutes on A-K5L keypad.
Press Sleep until desired time is displayed
(0-60 minutes in 15 -minute increments).
PRIMARY SOURCE CONTROLS - Functions on
outer edge of buttons are default or normal
operation for each selected source. These include
play, stop, forward, back, pause, etc.
NUMERIC CONTROLS - Once numeric control
is initiated, the primary control buttons now
represent the numeric value when pressed (0 - 9).
NUMERIC SHIFT - Press to shift buttons to
numeric control or entry. Also issues Prefix
command “Disc” and Suffix command “Enter.”
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A-K5L Keypad A-KSC Keypad

10 Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
SOURCE KEYS - Selects specific sources.
ON OFF ALL
OFF
DISC
SLEEP
ZONE

POWER - Turns on or off selected zone.
TV - Select local source
PAGE UP/DOWN - For use with cable or satellite box.
TRANSPORT KEYS - Controls components (Play, Pause, Stop,
Forward, etc.).
EXIT - Exits the selected component’s menu or guide.
CURSOR KEYS - Moves the cursor in the program guide and
menu screens.
OK - Chooses the highlighted menu option. Performs “Enter”
function for devices.
MENU - Accesses menu of the selected component.
CHANNEL UP/DOWN - Incrementally scrolls through
channels or tuned stations.
MUTE - Mutes/unmutes zone audio output.
NUMERIC INPUT - Number buttons for direct input of
frequency, channel, etc.
ENTER - Choose highlighted menu option. Performs “Enter”
function for devices (Suffix command).
SLEEP - Puts A-BUS zone to sleep at selected time
ALL OFF - Issues “All Off” to all zone keypads
OFF - Turns off zone
DISC - Input (prefix) command for track, channel, etc.
ON - Turns on zone
INPUT - Switches sources on zone keypad.
VOLUME UP/DOWN - Raises/lowers volume in zone.
LAST - Recalls last channel or page back
one screen in the main menu.
INFO - Displays current channel, program information.
GUIDE - Displays the program guide.
CCTV1/CCTV2 - Issues CCTV1 or CCTV2 command.

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Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
System Installation Considerations
The A-C68 can be shelf or rack-mounted. Locate the A-C68 near the sources
for RCA connections and IR emitter placement. Also allow for any other
connections for Mute and Page In.
System keypads are located in various rooms and connect to the controller
with CAT-5 cable. Speakers in these rooms connect directly to the keypads with
standard speaker cable.
There are several factors to consider before installing the Russound A-C68
system:
What are the intended listening zones(rooms)?
What system options and accessories might be required for additional
features such as local sources?
From where in each zone will the user prefer to control the system? Where
will the keypads be located? Where will the speakers be located?
Connection Tips
It is recommended that the A-C68 and the source equipment be plugged into
a dedicated circuit with an isolated ground. A power line conditioner can reduce
interference problems caused by noise found in some electrical systems.
For all RJ45 connectors, use T568A wiring standard.
Disconnect all live power cords before making connections to the
controller.
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Check for correct connections and polarity.
Keep all power cords away from all signal cables to prevent humming from
induced noise.
Choose reliable signal cables/patch cords.
Label all wires with room location at both ends of the wire.
Keypad Wiring
To determine the amount of CAT-5 wire required for the system installation,
first decide how many keypads will be used, then determine the distance
between each intended keypad location to the planned A-C68 location. The
maximum recommended wire run length from controller to keypad is 150 feet
for each A-K5L or A-K3 keypad (includes use of A-LC3).
Make sure that the entire wire path between keypads and A-C68 is clear and
not obstructed by a floor ceiling joist, or masonry wall which can’t be drilled
through. Confirm ahead of time that you can drill an outlet hole easily and in an
unobtrusive spot to connect wires with the A-C68.
Label wires with keypad and room location. This simplifies A-C68 hook-up
once the keypads and speakers are installed.
Speaker Wiring
Speakers in each system room connect to the keypad with standard 16-gauge
4-conductor stranded speaker cable. It can be run up to to 125 feet; 14-gauge
wire can be run up to 250 feet.
When running cable, avoid locations concealing pipes, heating ducts and AC
wiring in the general vicinity.
Avoid running wires close to house electrical wiring for any distance. If you
have to run them parallel, make sure to space the wires at least two feet from
the AC line.
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
/ / /
/

12 Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
CONTROL LINK IN/OUT - RJ45 female jacks link multiple A-C68 controllers and pass IR, Status and two-way event driven commands between controllers.

AC 100/240 INPUT - Grounded 3-terminal plug detachable power cord connection,
autoswitching A/C input voltage for 100 and 240VAC.
FUSE HOLDER - Holds a replaceable fuse for A/C input connection:
100VAC operation - T3.0A; 240VAC operation, T1.25A.
SOURCE VOLUME TRIM - Adjust the line level audio input
SOURCE IR OUTPUTS - Six source-specific IR Output
jacks allow IR control of source equipment.
SOURCE INPUTS - Six pair of audio line level input connections for A-C68 source components.
AUDIO SOUREC LOOP OUTPUT - Buffered audio line level loop output connection
12VDC TRIGGER OUT - 12VDC 100mA Trigger Out turns on when any zone is on, and turns off 5 minutes after the last zone is turned off.
COMMON IR OUTPUT - Output jack passes all IR signals from all keypads.
KEYPAD PORTS - One A-BUS Keypad Port for each of the eight A-C68 Zones.
PAGE TRIM - Adjust the line level audio page input
3.5mm PAGE INPUT - Applying audio (in a 3.5mm connector) to the Page In jack will activate audio
page for assigned A-C68 zones and initiate a page (overrides signal sense).
MUTE 12VDC TRIGGER IN - Applying 12VDC to the Mute In jack will mute all A-C68 Zones.

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Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
HUB
UPGRADE
VARIABLE LINE LEVEL OUTPUT
- Line-level audio output connection
for external amplifier or powered
subwoofer. 4-pole screw-down
terminal accepts a stripped
two-conductor RCA cable.
Keypad Installation
Ensure it is possible to route the
wire to the desired location.
To install a single-gang keypad,
use a UL/CSA approved plastic
single-gang (18 ci) electrical box.
Route CAT-5 wire to the electrical
box from the A-C68 system
controller and connect to keypad
via RJ45 connector.
Route speaker wire from room
speakers to keypad. connect to
screw-down terminal.
Mount the keypad in the
electrical box and attach the trim
plate.
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5.

SPEAKER OUTPUT - Speaker
output connections for a pair of
8-ohm speakers. 4-pole screw down
terminals accept up to 14 gauge
speaker wire.
RJ45 HUB CONNECTOR - 8-conductor
RJ45 connector for the CAT-5
connection from the keypad to the
hub/controller.
Keypad Connections
Keypad Update Jumper
OS UPDATE/RUN JUMPER - (located on
the back circuit board, left side) The
pins are jumpered when performing
a firmware update. with jumper
removed during normal use.
OS UPDATE PORT - Used to update
the A-K5L keypad operating system
firmware. Uses the Russound Advanced
Programming Cable,
Part #2500-521065.
STATUS LED JUMPER - Both pins
jumpered, Status LED enabled. One or
no pins jumpered, Status LED disabled
SETUP BUTTON - Activates Installer
Setup mode and accesses update
menus
Keypad Status Jumper

14 Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
A-KSC PORT - (located on
the right side) Female 14-pin
header for connection to A-KSC
source control keypad.

Double-gang Electrical Box
Keypad Installation
The A-KSC keypad is an accessory to an A-K5L keypad to add source control
and numeric capability. The amber or green backlit buttons (follows color
choice of A-K5L) provide primary source controls when pressed such as stop,
play, next, etc.
The A-KSC connects to an A-K5L keypad via a 14-pin connector. A double-
gang electrical box and faceplate is required for installation.
Check whether or not you can route the wire to the location you have
chosen.
Use a UL/CSA approved plastic two-gang (32 ci) electrical box.
Route CAT-5 wire to the electrical box from the A-C68 system controller.
Insert the A-KSC 14-pin connector into the 14-pin header on the AK5L
keypad.
Connect the CAT-5 cable to the A-K5L as shown in the A-K5L installation
manual.
Mount the joined keypads in the electrical box and attach the trim plate.
1.
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6.
A-KSC Port Location
A-KSC Keypad
A-K5L Keypad

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Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
The Keypad Ports are located on the back of the A-C68 on the left. Connections
at the Keypad Ports are made with RJ45 connectors using T568A CAT-5 wire
configuration. CAT-5 cable length should be no longer than 150 feet from
controller to keypad (also applies when using A-LC3).
If connecting A-K5L or A-K3 keypads to the A-C68, the keypad dip switches
on the front programming center must be set in the DOWN position. For other
A-BUS keypad connections, the dip switch must be set in the UP position. Dip
switches correspond to numbered keypad ports.
For a clean installation when wiring from a Keypad Port, use an RJ45 CAT-5
patch cable to connect from the keypad port to an RJ-45 wall plate (optional).
Using the same RJ45 T568A CAT-5 wiring configuration, use CAT-5 from the
RJ45 wall plate to the keypad.
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HUB
A-K5L (back)
A-C68 (back)
1 2 3 4 5 7 86
Keypad Dip Switches
Update
Source/
Test
Cmd/
Type
Num Src
Code/
Key
IR Learn
Fact Init
Run
Firmware Update Setup
IR In
1 2 3 4 5 7 86
Keypad Dip Switches
A-C68 (front)
CAT-5
Cable
Keypad dip switch on A-C68
set in DOWN position
for A-K5L keypad
1 2 3 4 5 7 86
Keypad Dip Switches
A-K3 (back)
Keypad dip switch on A-C68
set in UP position
for all other A-BUS keypads
Location of dip switches
Wiring standard for
CAT-5 RJ45 connector
L GAIN R
1 2 3 4 5 7 86
Keypad Dip Switches
Keypad dip switch on A-C68
set in DOWN position
for A-K3 keypad
UPGRADE

16 Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
Source Audio Connections
The A-C68 supports up to six audio sources. The source audio connections
are located on the back panel. Connect each source using quality RCA signal
cables. Connect the Left and Right Audio outputs from each source to the
corresponding “In” inputs on the A-C68 controller. Label each cable with the
name of the selected source and the source input number located on the A-
C68.
Source IR Connections
Each source component has a designated IR port on the back of the A-C68.
This IR port is next to the source audio input connections.
Using an IR emitter (the Russound 845.1 is recommended) attach the end
of the emitter with the 1/8” plug to the IR emitter port next to the source
input.
Remove the adhesive back at the other end of the emitter and attach the
emitter over the source component’s IR window.
In order to control this source component with IR, the source must be
selected at the keypad receiving the command.
1.
2.
3.
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CD Changer
RCA Cable A-C68
IR Emitter
Tuner

17
Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
The Common IR jack on the rear of the A-C68 allows control of any source
equipment without that source being selected on the keypad. The connection
for the Common IR jack is made using an IR emitter with a 1/8’’ plug or IR link
cable.
The Russound 845.1 single IR emitter is recommended, or use an IR connecting
block such as the Russound 857 which allows multiple units to be controlled
through the COM IR Port.
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IR emitters to
source equipment
Alternate configuration
using 857 IR connecting block
with an IR link cable
123456
IR RECEIVER IN
IR COMMON IN
IR CONFIRM
+12VDC
GND
ST
ATUS
SIGNAL
EMITTERS
STATUS
+12VDC
POWER
+12VDC
DESIGNED IN USA MADE IN KOREA
857 INFRARED
CONNECTING BLOCK
A-C68
CD Player
857 IR
Connecting Block
IR Link Cable
IR Emitter

18 Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
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The speakers in each room are connected to the A-BUS keypad using 4-pole
screw down terminals.
NOTE: An 8 Ohm minimum speaker is required for each amplified output.
Pull the speaker wire conductors apart so they’re separated for the first two
inches from their ends.
Using a wire stripper, remove 1/4 inch of insulation from each conductor.
Twist the strands in each conductor into tight spirals.
1.
2.
Insert the speaker wire conductor into the appropriate Speaker Out screw-
down terminal opening, matching channel and polarity for all four wires.
Tighten the connection for each conductor.
NOTE: Use caution when connecting speaker wires, as shorting between
terminals will cause damage to the digital amplifier and void the warranty.
3.
A-K5L (back)
Screw down speaker
cable connector
Speaker cable 8-ohm speakers
HUB
UPGRADE
NOTE: Use
caution when
connecting speaker
wires, as shorting
between terminals
will cause damage
to the digital
amplifier and void
the warranty.

19
Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
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The A-K5L keypad provides a stereo line-level audio output connection
for an external amplifier or powered subwoofer. An amplifier provides more
power to a large listening area, and a powered subwoofer adds extended bass
response.
The screw-down terminal on the back of the A-K5L keypad accepts a two-
conductor RCA cable stripped of the RCA connectors or any four conductor
linelevel cable. The cable’s positive (+ tip) conductor connects to the positive
terminal (+) and the negative (-) shield conductor connects to the negative
terminal (-) on the A-K5L.
A-K5L (back)
Screw down
Line Out
connector
RCA Cable
Subwoofer
HUB
UPGRADE

20 Russound A-C68 Installation Manual
12VDC Mute Trigger In
When 12VDC is applied to the Mute In, the system will fully mute all zones in
the system. The connections for the trigger are made using a two-conductor
cable with 1/8” male mini-plug jacks. The tip is positive (+) and sleeve is negative
(-). This allows for the connection of an external paging or muting device.
12VDC System Trigger Out
Trigger Out 12VDC output is used for triggering an external amplifier or other
component. The connections for the output are made using a two-conductor
cable with 1/8” male mini-plug jacks at each end. The tip is positive (+) and
sleeve is negative (-). The System Trigger Out supplies 12VDC 100mA when the
first keypad is turned on. The 12 VDC is removed after the last keypad is turned
off.
Page Audio Input
When audio is applied to the Page In, the system will page to all enabled zones.
The connections for the audio are made using a two-conductor cable with 1/8”
male mono mini-plug jacks. The tip is positive (+) and sleeve is negative (-). This
allows for the connection of an external paging or muting device.
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A-C68
12V trigger cable
12VDC power supply
R235LS amplifier
Doorbell interface
DoorbellDoorbell
12V trigger cable
Doorbell chime
Line Out
1/8” mono mini
tip(+) sleeve(-)
Paging system
RCA-tip(+) sleeve(-)