SpeakerCraft MZC-66 User manual

HARDWARE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Multi-Zone Audio/Video Amplifier Controller
MZC-66

Page 2 MZC-66 Hardware Installation Instructions
Read all of these instructions before operating and save instructions for later use.
1. Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. 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.
PORTABLE CART
WARNING
6. Carts and Stands – The appliance should be used 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.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting – The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. 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.
9. Heat – The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. 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.
11. Grounding or Polarization – Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
12. 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, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the appliance.
13. Cleaning – The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
14. Power Lines – An outdoor antenna should be located away from the power lines.
15. Nonuse Periods – The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
16. Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
17. Damage Requiring Service – The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damage; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the appliance; or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
18. 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.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not remove cover, (or back).
No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, when in an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of in-insulated
"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.
APPLICABLE FOR USA, CANADA OR
WHERE APPROVED FOR USAGE
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK,
MATCH WIDE BLADE PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
INSERT FULLY
ATTENTION: POUR EVITIER LES CHOCS
ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS
LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE
CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER
JUSQU AU FOND

MZC-66 Hardware Installation Instructions Page 3
Contents
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 5
WHAT’S INCLUDED ......................................................................................................... 5
IMPORTANT NOTE .......................................................................................................... 5
PRODUCT FEATURES ....................................................................................................... 6
SYSTEM OVERVIEW......................................................................................................... 7
KEYPAD CONFIGURATIONS ............................................................................................. 7
EZ-PAD..................................................................................................................................................7
IMKP .....................................................................................................................................................7
MODE 3.1 .............................................................................................................................................7
EZ-PAD FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS ..................................................................................... 8
MZC-66 FRONT PANEL .................................................................................................. 10
MZC-66 REAR PANEL..................................................................................................... 11
EPR-1.0 EZ-PAD RELAY MUTING MODULE...................................................................... 13
TYPICAL MZC-66 SYSTEM ............................................................................................... 14
SYSTEM PLANNING AND INSTALLATION ........................................................................ 15
SYSTEM PLANNING ....................................................................................................... 15
SYSTEM INSTALLATION.................................................................................................. 17
WIRING ........................................................................................................................ 17
KEYPADS .............................................................................................................................................17
SPEAKERS ...........................................................................................................................................18
CONTACT CLOSURES ...........................................................................................................................18
EXPANSION PORT/LOOP .....................................................................................................................18
CONTROL PORT ..................................................................................................................................18
PHONE PAGE IN..................................................................................................................................19
VIDEO PAGE IN ...................................................................................................................................19
DOORBELL/STATUS IN.........................................................................................................................19
COMMON IR OUT................................................................................................................................19
COMMON STATUS OUT .......................................................................................................................19
SOURCE IR OUT ..................................................................................................................................20
SOURCE IR LOOP ................................................................................................................................20
SOURCE AUDIO/VIDEO INPUT.............................................................................................................20
SOURCE AUDIO/VIDEO LOOP .............................................................................................................20
ZONE PRE-OUT ...................................................................................................................................20
ZONE IR OUT ......................................................................................................................................20
EZ-PAD CONFIGURATION.............................................................................................. 21
INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................. 23
HEAD-END ..........................................................................................................................................23
CONNECTIONS - HEAD END ................................................................................................................23
Keypads ...........................................................................................................................................................23
External Source Components............................................................................................................................23
Audio/Video.....................................................................................................................................................23
Emitters (Source)...............................................................................................................................................23
Speakers...........................................................................................................................................................23
Video Output...................................................................................................................................................24
Paging .............................................................................................................................................................24
Phone (Page In)................................................................................................................................................24
Video (Page In).................................................................................................................................................24
Doorbell/Status In (1&2) ...................................................................................................................................24
Contact Closures ..............................................................................................................................................24
Expansion Port/Loop ........................................................................................................................................24
Control Port......................................................................................................................................................24

Page 4 MZC-66 Hardware Installation Instructions
Common IR Out...............................................................................................................................................25
Common Status Out.........................................................................................................................................25
Zone Pre-Out ...................................................................................................................................................25
High-power, Two Channel Amplifier - VC, Variable Output ................................................................................25
INSTALLATION - ZONES .......................................................................................................................26
CONNECTIONS - ZONES ......................................................................................................................26
Keypads ...........................................................................................................................................................26
Speakers...........................................................................................................................................................26
Direct Speaker Connection To MZC-66 Or Amplifier...........................................................................................26
Sub-Zone Expansion, Multi-Channel Amplifier - NVC, Fixed Output....................................................................26
Zone IR Out .....................................................................................................................................................26
Speaker Connection To EPR-1.0 EZ-Pad Relay Muting Module ...........................................................................27
Other Zone Connections ..................................................................................................................................27
EXTERNAL AMPLIFIERS.................................................................................................. 28
ADDING A HIGH-POWER TWO-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER TO A ZONE ........................................................28
Installation........................................................................................................................................................28
Connections And Configuration........................................................................................................................28
ADDING A 12-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER TO A ZONE..................................................................................30
Installation........................................................................................................................................................30
Connections And Configuration........................................................................................................................30
EXPANDED SYSTEMS ..................................................................................................... 32
Installation........................................................................................................................................................32
Connections And Configuration........................................................................................................................32
Common Status Out.........................................................................................................................................37
TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................... 38
MZC-66 SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................... 39
LIMITED 2-YEAR WARRANTY.......................................................................................... 40

MZC-66 Hardware Installation Instructions Page 5
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the SpeakerCraft MZC-66 Multi-Zone Audio/Video Amplifier Controller. The MZC-66 contains the
excellent performance and reliability that SpeakerCraft products have been recognized for. The MZC-66 features the flexibility
needed for the most demanding custom installation applications. It is ideal for use in residential and commercial multi-zone
applications. For best performance, please carefully read the instructions in this manual.
MZC-66 Is The Most Versatile Multi-Zone Audio/Video Control Solution Available Today.
• Power In Amplification ... 12 channels of 30 watt state-of-the-art digital amplification for maximum efficiency in a small
chassis.
• Power In Control...Complex control made simple with EZ-Pad’s and IMKP’s abilities to execute single IR commands or
complex macros with the press of a button. EZ-Pad and IMKP Keypads are the ONLY keypads available today that give
the installer the ability to change the number of Source buttons based on the user’s needs. MODE 3.1 offers addi-
tional flexibility with a 3.1” high-resolution color LCD for display of graphic ‘Virtual Buttons’ and metadata from iPods,
SpeakerCraft Tuners and MODE Jukebox.
• Power In Programming...The flexibility of EZ-Tools Programming Software allows system design for any number of
sources from one to six (twelve, six A/V, six audio only, when using iPod/MODE Base/MODE Adapters and MODE 3.1
Keypads) and the option to convert unused source buttons to function buttons as needed. EZ-Tools programming is the
most powerful and flexible multi-zone audio system programming software available today.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
1 - MZC-66 Multi-Zone Audio/Video Amplifier Controller
1 - Power Cord
6 - 5-circuit Screw Down Plug-in Connectors
6 - 4-circuit Screw Down Plug-in Connectors
4 - RCA Shorting Plugs
1 - Room Labels Sheet
1 - IRE-3T Test Emitter
1 - MZC-66 Quick Start Guide
1 - Firmware Notice
IMPORTANT NOTE
THIS MANUAL ONLY COVERS INSTALLATION AND HOOKUP. THOUGH CAPABLE OF SOME BASIC FUNCTIONS
OUT OF THE BOX SUCH AS ON/OFF, SOURCE SELECTION AND VOLUME/MUTE, CONFIGURATION OF MZC-66
ADVANCED FEATURES REQUIRES SPEAKERCRAFT EZ-TOOLS PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE. EZ-TOOLS AND THE
EZ-TOOLS MZC PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM: www.speakercraft.com.

Page 6 MZC-66 Hardware Installation Instructions
PRODUCT FEATURES
• 6 Independent Zones (Expandable to 24)
• 6 External Audio/Video Source Inputs
• 12 Channel Audio Amplifier @ 30 watts per channel
• Source Power Management
• Whole-House Party and Control Modes
• Telephone and Audio/Video Paging
• Doorbell Mute
• 2 Programmable 12V Inputs for Doorbell/Page Trigger or Source Status
• 1 Dry Contact Closure
• RS485 Control I/O
• 6 Configurable Preamp Outputs (One per Zone)
• 1 Common IR Output
• 6 Zone IR Outputs (One per Zone) for Dedicated Zone Source Control
• 6 Audio/Video Loop-Throughs for easy Connections in Expanded Systems
• 6 IR Loop-Throughs for Source Control in Expanded Systems
• Rear Panel Programming Port
• Upgradable Firmware
• Programmed With EZ-Tools Programming Software
• 2 Year Warranty

MZC-66 Hardware Installation Instructions Page 7
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The SpeakerCraft MZC-66 System consists of four subsystems. First, the Keypads, (EZ-Pad, IMKP, MODE 3.1, not included)
can be setup in a variety of configurations to meet virtually any client requirement. They are connected via convenient CAT-5
cable with home run lengths of up to 1000’ (305m); (MODE, 500’; 152m) to the centrally located MZC-66 Multi-Zone Audio/
Video Amplifier Controller and source components. The MZC-66 contains the “brains” of the system, taking key location data
(button presses) from the keypads to trigger IR, RS232 and RS485 commands to control system functions and source compo-
nents. Programming is accomplished using EZ-Tools, a SpeakerCraft developed Windows® software system. A fourth item,
the LTM-1.0 Learning Test Module, is an installer’s tool (not included) for learning and teaching special IR commands that are
not included in the EZ-Tools Command Library.
KEYPAD CONFIGURATIONS
EZ-PAD
One keypad option for MZC-66 system control is the SpeakerCraft EZ-Pad System. EZ-Pads can be configured in single,
double or triple-gang configurations as shown in Figure 1. (Decorator style cover plates are not included. Screw-less “Snap-
On” type cover plates can also be used. Each keypad module must be ordered separately.)
Each keypad comes with a set of factory installed “default buttons” plus a good variety of additional buttons for changes
to the default configuration. The default buttons can be easily changed to meet the needs of any installation. Additional
buttons are available separately for purchase. See the SpeakerCraft Catalog and Price Sheet for the latest availabilities or call
SpeakerCraft Customer Service.
Figure 1
EZ-Pad Gang Configurations
MKP-1.1 NKP-1.0 FKP-1.0
(optional)
Three Gang
MKP-1.0 NKP-1.0
(optional)
Two Gang
DVD SAT
MUTE
iPOD1 CD
PWR
MKP-1.1
(optional)
Single Gang
123
456
789
0
TRK DSC
RDM
GRP
123
456
789
0
TRK DSC
RDM
GRP
PLAY
ESC INFO
MENUGUIDE
SEL
CBL AUX
MUTE
DVD SAT
PWR
iPOD1
TREBBASS
CD
CBL AUX
MUTE
DVD SAT
PWR
iPOD1
TREBBASS
CD
IMKP
Another option for MZC-66 System control is the SpeakerCraft IMKP Series Keypads. The IMKPs are a Euro-Design version of
the EZ-Pads that have similar functionality in a mechanical package that fits European style in-wall junction boxes. They are
available in 2 and 3 gang configurations and each includes a SpeakerCraft IR Receiver with ANS. See: IMKP-2.1/IMKP-1.1
Installation Instructions for additional information. IMKP-2.1/IMKP-1.1 Installation Instructions can be downloaded from
www.speakercraft.com.
MODE 3.1
The third, and best option for MZC-66 system control, is the SpeakerCraft MODE 3.1. MODE 3.1 is a graphic display keypad
that combines the convenience and configurability of EZ-Pad/IMKP style hard keys with graphic ‘Virtual Buttons’ that can
be created in EZ-Tools for any function imaginable. In addition, MODE 3.1 displays metadata from the MZC as well as iPod
(when controlled with a SpeakerCraft MODE Base), SpeakerCraft Tuners and MODE Jukebox. MODE 3.1 requires a special
mounting bracket and bezel, both of which are included with MODE 3.1. See: MODE 3.1 Installation Instructions for
additional information. MODE 3.1 Installation Instructions can be downloaded from www.speakercraft.com.

Page 8 MZC-66 Hardware Installation Instructions
Figure 2
EZ-Pad Features
1. MKP-1.0/MKP-1.1 SOURCE/FUNCTION BUTTONS – Any of this set of eight buttons can be programmed as a
Source Select or transport/function button for the MZC-66. One of the eight must always be designated as a Source
Button. When the system is off, all buttons have a background green color. When a source button is pressed, it turns to
a low-level red color to show the active source and the system is on in that zone. (Backlight Timeout can be set in EZ-
Tools for EZ-Pad and IMKP. MODE 3.1 Backlight is configured in the MODE Keypad Settings Menu.)
2. KEYPAD EXPANSION TERMINAL – This 16-pin header terminal is used to inter-connect the NKP-1.0 and FKP-1.0
EZ-Pad modules for numeric and function key expansion as needed. A ribbon cable is packed with each NKP-1.0 and
FKP-1.0 module for making these connections.
3. ADDRESS SWITCH – An unique hex address must be set for each Master Keypad when connected on a common
bus within a single zone. Unique addresses are not required zone-to-zone (one keypad per zone). It provides up to 16
addresses (0 to F).
EZ-PAD FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
EZ-Pads come in four basic modules as shown. The MKP-1.0 and MKP-1.1 are Master Keypads and one must be used in each
MZC-66 Zone using a keypad. The MKP-1.1 features a built-in IR receiver and has one less function button than the MKP-1.0,
but are otherwise identical. The NKP-1.0 Numeric and FKP-1.0 Function key modules may be thought of as “slaves” to the
Master Keypad (they will not work alone), providing more buttons for additional numeric and function commands. MKPs,
IMKPs, and MODE 3.1s will all work right out of the box for basic functions such as Source Select /ON, Volume/Mute and
OFF. Configuration of advanced features and source control requires programming with EZ-Tools.
MKP-1.0 Master
(Not included with MZC-66) MKP-1.1 Master
(Not included with the MZC-66 and has an IR Receiver)
1.77"
4.07"
Rear View
DVD SAT
MUTE
iPOD1 CD
PWR
MKP-1.0
J-Box EZ-Pad
- Master -
SpeakerCraft®
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
KEYPAD EXPANSION
ADDRESS
+RELAY - RELAY
+12V IR/IO GND 485 A 485 B
MUTE
iPOD1 CD
PWR
BASS TREB
MKP-1.1
J-Box EZ-Pad
w/IRC
- Master -
SpeakerCraft®
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
KEYPAD EXPANSION
ADDRESS
+RELAY - RELAY
+12V IR/IO GND 485 A 485 B
Rear View
NKP-1.0 Numeric
(Not included with MZC-66)
FKP-1.0 Function
(Not included with MZC-66)
123
456
789
0
TRK DSC
RDM
GRP
PLAY
ESC INFO
MENUGUIDE
FKP-1.0
J-Box EZ-Pad
- Function -
SpeakerCraft®
KEYPAD EXPANSION
NKP-1.0
J-Box EZ-Pad
- Numeric -
SpeakerCraft®
KEYPAD EXPANSION
Rear View Rear View
SEL
DVD SAT
CBL AUX
1234
5
6
7
84
92
9

MZC-66 Hardware Installation Instructions Page 9
4. SNAP TABS – These tabs hold the decorator style insert panel to the metal mounting plate and are easily released for
changing buttons.
5. MOUNTING PLATE – Standard plate allows the keypad module to be attached to standard in-wall J-Boxes using the 2
screws provided. Also allows attachment of standard and screw-less, snap-on decorator type cover plates.
6. IR RECEIVER LENS – The MKP-1.1 includes SpeakerCraft’s exclusive ANS (Ambient Noise Suppressor) IR Receiver, built-in.
The IR Receiver allows use of a handheld remote for control of the system and IR controlled source components.
7. EZ-CONNECT TERMINALS – These seven spring-loaded terminals accept wire sizes 14 to 28 AWG for connection of
the following:
• +RELAY/–RELAY – For connection of the external EPR-1.0 EZ-Pad Relay Speaker Muting Module. (Refer to
Designated Relay Mute Key section and Figures 6 & 19).
• +12V DC – Powers the Keypad, including the internal IR Receiver on the MKP-1.1. Includes reverse voltage protec-
tion.
• IR/IO (Data) – Sends IR control signals for control of system components.
• GND – Return for Power, IR signal and Data.
• 485 A/485 B – Balanced, bi-directional system communications data.
8. FUNCTION BUTTONS – These lower 5 buttons (4 buttons on the MKP-1.1) are primarily used for volume, mute and
power, but can also be programmed for any function except source select. These buttons glow a low-level background
green and do not change color when pressed. Button background lighting can be programmed to go off after a set
time of inaction, or stay on continuously as programmed in EZ-Tools.
9. NUMERIC AND FUNCTION BUTTONS – These buttons are used for direct numeric access of discs and tracks, selec-
tion of tuner presets, transport functions and menu navigation. All numeric and function buttons, including those on
the Master Keypads, glow a low-level background green and do not change color when pressed. This background
lighting can be programmed to go off after a set time of inaction, or stay on continuously as programmed in EZ-Tools.

Page 10 MZC-66 Hardware Installation Instructions
FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS
MZC-66 FRONT PANEL
The MZC-66 is an 6-Zone, 6-Source Audio/Video Amplifier Controller. It serves as the “brains” of the entire keypad system and
provides audio and video switching and control for up to six external sources. Twelve 30W/channel digital audio power
amplifiers provide clean, powerful audio for up to six zones.
The Front Panel features a Master Power ON/OFF Switch and indicator and Zone ON/OFF Status is also displayed on the
front panel to show system activity.
The Rear Panel is neatly laid out to provide clear access for all system control, audio, video, paging and trigger connections.
System Programming is done via connections on the Rear Panel.
1. ZONE STATUS LED INDICATORS AND LABELS – Six, green LEDs indicate the zones that are currently active. Indented
spaces accept adhesive backed labels for zone/room identification. A sheet of descriptive labels, typical of room or area
names used in homes, are included.
2. MASTER POWER SWITCH – When pressed to the in position, the MZC-66 is placed in the power ON standby condition,
permitting individual zones to be turned ON and OFF by keypad or touch panel commands. In the OFF (out) position,
power from the AC mains is completely turned off.
3. RED INDICATOR LED – Indicates when the Master Power switch is in the depressed position and that power has been
applied from the AC mains.
Figure 3
MZC-66 Front Panel Features
MZC-66
ZONE STATUS
MASTER POWER
1
23
12
34
56