Russound Sphere E Series User manual

Zone Expander
ZXP-E5 Premier products for Russound Sphere™ Certified Professionals
E-Series
Installation Manual

2Russound ZXP-E5 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.
POWER CORD NOTICE FOR INTERNATIONAL
OPERATION: For 240V, 50Hz operation please select the
power cord for your area. Select the plug for your area at one
end and an IEC320 connector at the other. It is not necessary
to make any other changes. If you have any questions please
call Russound Inc. at 1-800-638-8055 or 603-659-5170
Safety Instructions:
For your safety, please read and follow these precautions
before installing or using this product:
Read instructions. Read and understand all the
applicable instructions before installing or operating the
product.
Retain instructions. Keep this manual in a convenient
place for reference.
Heed warnings. Be aware and heed all warnings on the
product and in the instructions.
Follow instructions. Install and use this product only
as described in the instructions. Don’t try to use this
product in ways it wasn’t designed for.
Use indoors only. Don’t expose this product to the
weather or harsh environmental conditions such as
continuous sunlight, excessive humidity, or rain.
Keep product dry. Don’t use the product near water; for
example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry
tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool. Also,
do not handle the product when your hands are wet or
damp.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Cart or stand use. This product should be used only
with a recommended cart or stand. 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. This product should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by
the manufacturer.
Avoid heat. Locate the product away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Maintain ventilation. Locate the product so as not
to interfere with its proper ventilation. Don’t use the
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that
may block the ventilation openings, or in a bookcase
or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the
ventilation openings.
Use the right power source. Don’t connect the product
directly to electrical line voltage. Use only the power
adapter provided with the product, described in the
operating instructions, or as marked on the product.
Ground product properly. Make sure the product’s
means of grounding or polarization 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 from the appliance.
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.
Keep product clean. From time to time, wipe off the
product with a clean soft cloth. Don’t use abrasive
materials, thinners, alcohol or other chemical solvents
or materials.
Avoid spills and foreign objects. Make sure liquids and
objects don’t get into the product enclosure through
any openings.
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Get professional service. Have the product serviced
only by qualified service personnel when:
The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged
Liquids have spilled or objects have fallen into the
product
The product has been exposed to rain
The product doesn’t appear to operate normally
The product is damaged
Don’t attempt to service the product yourself. Doing so will
void the warranty.
Precautions:
Power – WARNING: BEFORE TURNING ON
THE POWER FOR THE FIRST TIME, READ THE
FOLLOWING SECTION CAREFULLY.
All models are designed for use with either 100-120
VAC, 60Hz or 220-240 VAC, 50Hz voltages. There is a
switch on the back of the unit which must be switched
to select the correct voltage.
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
unit’s cabinet, 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.
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.
If you have any questions, call Russound at 1.800.638.8055
or 603.659.5170.
17.
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WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product Overview ......................................................................................... 4
ZXP-E5 Front Panel ..................................................................................... 4
ZXP-E5 Rear Panel ...................................................................................... 5
Installation Overview .................................................................................... 6
Rack Installation ............................................................................................ 7
RNET Link to Additional Controllers ........................................................ 8
Controller ID Switch ..................................................................................... 8
Firmware Update ........................................................................................... 8
RNET Link to ACA-E5 Controller .............................................................. 9
Keypad Ports ................................................................................................10
Keypad to Controller Connections .........................................................11
Speaker Outputs .........................................................................................12
Speaker Connections ................................................................................13
Audio Inputs .................................................................................................14
Audio Source Connections ......................................................................15
Zone Audio Outputs ............................................................................ 16-17
Paging Audio Input/Output ............................................................... 18-19
RS232 Interface ..........................................................................................20
RS232 Connections ..................................................................................21
Technical Specifications ............................................................................ 22
Warranty and Repair ..................................................................................23

4Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
NOTE: The ZXP-E5 is part of Russound’s E-Series line of products,
sold exclusively through Sphere Certified Integrators. Installation of the unit
requires prior Russound Sphere certification. System programming requires
the use of Russound‘s SCS-E5 software to program zone settings and source
configurations.
The ZXP-E5 Zone Expander is a companion component of the ACA-E5
controller. It provides an additional six zones of distributed stereo audio from
any of 12 input sources from the main ACA-E5 controller. Six digital amplifiers
provide 40 watts of power per channel to six zones. All zones are equipped
with fixed or variable line-level outputs. These allow for zone output to feed a
home theater surround sound receiver or additional amplifiers to power large
rooms or outdoor areas.
The ZXP-E5’s zones are controlled via the HHR-E5 remote control and
the KLK-E5 Click Wheel Keypad. The KLK-E5 is a wall-mounted, standard
fit double gang keypad. The touch-sensitive ring allows for easy navigation
through source controls and menus, while responsive hard buttons select
often-used commands such as volume up and down and power on/off.
The ZXP-E5 also supports the UNO-TS2 touchscreen, and Russound
Smart Source components including the SMS3 Smart Media Server, iBridge
Dock and Bay, and ST2 Tuners with satellite and AM/FM radio.
ZXP-E5 zone expander front panel
Zone Activity LEDs - Six zone status LEDs show blue when active.

Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual 5
RNET Link
Links multiple
controllers/expanders
and RNET sources
Page 8
Speaker Outputs
Connect 4-8 Ohm speakers for
each of six zones
Page 12
Keypad Ports
RJ45 connection for
zone keypads
Page 10
Serial Interface
RS232 port for
firmware updates
Page 20
Controller ID Switch
For update mode and
multiple controller/expander
configurations
Page 8
Source Connections
Stereo audio RCA inputs
and loop outputs
Page 14
Power and Voltage
Voltage switch and fuse
Page 6
Page Input/Output
Audio input/output for page,
alarm and doorbell events
Page 18
Audio Outputs
Six line-level audio outputs (fixed
or variable, one output per zone)
Page 16
ZXP-E5 REAR PANEL

6Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
INSTALLATION VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS
IMPORTANT: The ZXP-E5 should be situated so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. Do not block
vents above or to the sides of the unit, as it requires ventilation for
proper operation. Do not expose to excessive dust, and do not allow dust to
build up on the unit and block vent holes. Do not place the ZXP-E5 directly
above or below a heat-generating component such as an audio amplifier.
Be sure to leave at least 2 inches of space to the sides of the unit with open
air flow above. A single-space rack mount vent or about 1.75 inches must be
kept clear above and below the unit.
INSTALLATION
The ZXP-E5 zone expander can be rack mounted or placed on a shelf in
an equipment rack. The controller will occupy two rack spaces with the feet
removed.
The unit can be installed in an equipment rack using the included rack-
mount ears and hardware to attach the ears to the chassis.
ELECTRICAL POWER
The ZXP-E5 toggle power button is located on the back of the unit. The
ZXP-E5 operates at either 100-120V or 220-240V. Voltage is selected using
the switch on the back panel, located near the power cord connector. It is
recommended that the ZXP-E5 and the source equipment be plugged into
a dedicated 20-amp circuit with an isolated ground. A power line conditioner
can reduce interference problems caused by noise found in some electrical
systems.
Disconnect all live power cords before making connections to the
controller.
Verify that all connections and polarity are correct.
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.
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Do not connect the controller’s main power feed until
all other connections have been made and verified.
Live connection or removal of the keypad wiring or
other wiring when the system is powered can cause
communication problems in the network.
Double-check terminations during each phase of the
installation to prevent accidental damage. Incorrect
wiring is the number one cause for non-warranty
product damage.

Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual 7
RACK INSTALLATION
ZXP-E5 side view Rack ear
front view
Rack ear
side view
Rack ear
screw holes
+
+
ZXP-E5 zone expander front view with rack ears installed
RACK MOUNT INSTALLATION
To attach the rack ears, locate the five rack mount holes on each side of
the controller’s chassis. Align the holes in the rack ears with the holes in the
chassis. Insert and tighten the screws.

8Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual
MULTI-CONTROLLER RNET LINK AND CONTROLLER ID
RNET LINK TO ADDITIONAL CONTROLLERS
The RNET Link In and Link Out is used to connect from two to five ZXP-E5 zone expanders and/or
ACA-E5 controllers to a main ACA-E5 controller (does not support CAV6.6, CAM6.6 or CAA66 controllers).
The connection is made using a CAT-5 patch cable from the Link Out of the first controller and into the
Link In of the next controller. Along with RNET data signals, the RNET Link In and Link Out jack passes
source IR signals.
The CAT-5 patch cable must have an RJ45 connector on each end with T568A wiring configuration.
It should not exceed 18 inches in length to avoid potential cross-talk between the source-specific IR
repeating signal lines. These are only for source-specific IR remote repeating, not codes initiated from the
controller’s internal IR library.
The RNET Link In and Link Out can also be used to connect the ZXP-E5 to other specified Russound
RNET-enabled source equipment. The connection is made using a CAT-5 patch cable from the Link Out of
the controller and into the Link In of the RNET-enabled source.
CONTROLLER ID SWITCH
The Controller ID switch is a rotary switch with six positions. It is used to set the controller ID number
for multi-controller systems, and to put the ZXP-E5 into Firmware Update mode.
Each ZXP-E5 connected in a series must have a unique controller ID prior to being connected through
the RNET ports. Set each expander’s ID switch to a unique number. In a multi-expander/controller
configuration, one ACA-E5 MUST be set to controller ID #1.
This action must be performed before the system setup procedure is completed through SCS-E5
software and before powering up the system.
FIRMWARE UPDATE
Before performing a firmware update on the ZXP-E5, set the switch to Firmware Update. Return the
switch to the assigned controller ID number after update is completed.

Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual 9
MULTI-CONTROLLER RNET LINK AND CONTROLLER ID
CAT-5
patch
cable
(18 in.
max)
CAT-5
patch
cable
(18 in.
max)
ACA-E5 controller
ZXP-E5 zone expander
ZXP-E5 zone expander
ZXP-E5 controller in multiple controller system setup

10 Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual
KEYPAD PORTS
KEYPAD PORTS
The ZXP-E5 Keypad Ports are located on the back of the unit near the top
left. These RJ45 ports support up to six keypads or touchscreens (KLK-E5 or
UNO-TS2).
The six keypad ports correspond to the six zones supported by the ZXP-E5.
When a connected KLK-E5 or UNO-TS2 is powered on, the zone becomes
active and the corresponding zone LED lights up on the front of the ZXP-E5.
Connections are made using CAT-5 with RJ45 connectors using T568A
wire configuration. 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 RJ45 wall
plate (optional). Using the same CAT-5 T568A RJ45 wiring configuration, use
CAT-5 from the RJ45 wall plate to the keypad. Maximum CAT-5 cable length is
250 feet between the controller and the keypad.
More detailed information can be found in the respective KLK-E5 and
UNO-TS2 installation manuals.
KLK-E5 AND UNO-TS2 USED IN SAME ZONE
If more than one keypad is desired for a zone, use an optional SA-ZX3
keypad splitter with a 1201A 1-amp power supply at the controller end. All
keypads on an SA-ZX3 control the same zone and need to be assigned the
same zone ID.
The SA-ZX3 will support 1 or 2 KLK-E5s plus 1 UNO-TS2.
More detailed information regarding SA-ZX3 installation and operation
can be found in its installation manual.
KLK-E5 AUX PORT
The KLK-E5 keypad has an AUX auxiliary input for daisy-chaining one
other KLK-E5 keypad. Connections are made using CAT-5 cable and RJ45
connectors with T568A wiring standard. Cable length from the last keypad in
the chain back to the controller should be no more than 250 feet.
RJ45 using T568A wiring standard Connection shown:
flat side on top, push
clip on the bottom
push clip
RJ45
KLK-E5 rear panel

Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual 11
KEYPAD PORTS
KLK-E5
VOL
VOL
HOME
MENU
XM Radio Menu
Channel
Category
Preset
Bank
VOL
VOL
HOME
MENU
XM Radio Menu
Channel
Category
Preset
Bank
VOL
VOL
HOME
MENU
XM Radio Menu
Channel
Category
Preset
Bank
VOL
VOL
HOME
MENU
XM Radio Menu
Channel
Category
Preset
Bank
KLK-E5
KLK-E5
KLK-E5
UNO-TS2
UNO-TS2
CAT-5 cable
CAT-5 cable
VOL
VOL
HOME
MENU
XM Radio Menu
Channel
Category
Preset
Bank
VOL
VOL
HOME
MENU
XM Radio Menu
Channel
Category
Preset
Bank
SA-ZX3
12VDC 1A
power supply
RJ45 wall plate
KLK-E5KLK-E5
VOL
VOL
HOME
MENU
XM Radio Menu
Channel
Category
Preset
Bank
KLK-E5
CAT-5 cable
AUX port connection
ZXP-E5 controller with KLK-E5 keypads and UNO-TS2 touchscreens connected

12 Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: Do not connect L- and R- together. Use four-conductor cable
and wire each ground individually. Do not use a common ground. Shorting
between terminals will cause damage to the digital amplifier.
The ZXP-E5 supports speaker outputs for six zones. These stereo speaker
level outputs have high-current two-channel digital amplifiers for 40 watts per
channel. Each speaker connection requires a 4 to 8-ohm load.
The speakers are connected to the ZXP-E5 using modular snap speaker
connectors. Each of these color coded connectors is designated for the
speaker set of a particular amplified zone. To avoid confusion, connect one
zone speaker set at a time starting with the connector marked 1, taking care to
keep zone and speaker wire identities straight.

Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual 13
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
4-conductor
speaker cable
Speakers
ZXP-E5 zone expander with six 8-ohm speaker pairs connected to speaker outputs

14 Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual
AUDIO SOURCE CONNECTIONS
AUDIO INPUTS
Sources are directly connected to the main ACA-E5 controller and looped
out to the ZXP-E5 source inputs. These sources can be programmed in
SCS-E5 software during zone setup to be global sources, or a source which
is assigned to one or more but not all zones.
Using RCA audio cables, connect the Left and Right Audio loop outputs
for each source on the ACA-E5 to the corresponding inputs on the ZXP-E5
zone expander.
AUDIO LOOP OUTPUTS
The buffered loop-through outputs are used to loop to additional ZXP-E5
expanders or other AV switching systems such as a home theater receiver.

Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual 15
AUDIO SOURCE CONNECTIONS
DVD-VCR
RCA cables
RCA cables
RCA cables
CD Changer
DVD Changer
DSS Media Server
Tuner
ZXP-E5 zone expander
ACA-E5 controller
ZXP-E5 controller with six sources looped out of ACA-E5

16 Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual
ZONE AUDIO OUTPUTS
AUDIO OUTPUTS
The ZXP-E5 supports six line-level audio zone outputs using RCA
connections. These can be set as fixed or variable output in SCS-E5
software.

Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual 17
ZONE AUDIO OUTPUTS
R235LS (two-channel amplifier)
Speaker cable
Speakers
RCA cable
ZXP-E5 controller with line outs to amplifier

18 Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual
PAGING AUDIO INPUT / OUTPUT
PAGING AUDIO IN/OUT
The ZXP-E5 has a paging audio input and loop output that accepts line
level audio via RCA cables. The paging input interfaces with the ACA-E5’s
page output. When a page event is triggered through the ACA-E5 controller,
it interrupts audio outputs for all enabled zones. System wide paging can be
disabled permanently in each zone by software programming or temporarily
with DND.
When using doorbells, alarms and paging, the Paging Audio output must
be looped to the next controller in a multi-unit system, and NOT looped to third
party paging systems.
If doorbells and alarms are NOT used, the Paging Audio output can be
looped to third party paging systems.

Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual 19
PAGING AUDIO INPUT / OUTPUT
Two conductor cable
Doorbell
(Front door)
Doorbell
(Back door)
Security camera
(Front door)
Composite video cable
Mono RCA
audio cable
Phone system
12VDC
trigger
cable
ZXP-E5 zone expander
ACA-E5 controller
ZXP-E5 controller with paging audio input from ACA-E5

20 Russound ZXP-E5 Installation Manual
RS232 SERIAL INTERFACE
RS232 SERIAL INTERFACE
The RS232 serial port is used for firmware updates.
The RS232 serial port is located on the back of the ZXP-E5 and uses a
DB9 cable connection. It supports a high-speed 115.2 kHz baud rate.