Symetrix Arc-k1 User manual

Modular ARCs

Quick Start Guide

Modular ARCs (K1, SW4, SWK, MIC, XLR, EXK, EX4)

Quick Start Guide

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com

Safety

Modular ARCs

GThe lightning ﬂash with arrowhead

symbol within an equilateral triangle is

intended to alert the user of 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 of

the presence of important operating and

maintenance (servicing) instructions in the

literature accompanying the product (i.e.

this Quick Start Guide).

GCAUTION: To prevent electric shock,

do not use the polarized plug supplied

with the unit with any extension cord,

receptacle, or other outlet unless the

prongs can be fully inserted.

GPower Source: This Symetrix hardware

uses a switching power supply that

automatically adjusts to the applied

voltage. Ensure that your AC mains

voltage is somewhere between 100-240

VAC, 50-60 Hz. Use only the power

cord and connector speciﬁed for the

product and your operating locale. A

protective ground connection, by way of

the grounding conductor in the power

cord, is essential for safe operation. The

appliance inlet and coupler shall remain

readily operable once the apparatus has

been installed.

GUser Serviceable Parts: There are no

user serviceable parts inside this Symetrix

product. In case of failure, customers

inside the U.S. should refer all servicing to

the Symetrix factory. Customers outside

the U.S. should refer all servicing to an

authorized Symetrix distributor. Distributor

contact information is available online at:

http://www.SymetrixAudio.com.

AVIS:

NE PAS OUVRIR

Il ne se trouve a l’interieur aucune piece pourvant entre reparée l’usager.

SEE OWNERS MANUAL. VOIR CAHIER D’INSTRUCTIONS.

S’adresser a un reparateur compétent.

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

CAUTION

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR

ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

DO NOT OPEN

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

Important Safety

Instructions

!Read these instructions.

@Keep these instructions.

#Heed all warnings.

$Follow all instructions.

%Do not use this apparatus near water.

This apparatus shall not be exposed to

dripping or splashing and no objects

ﬁlled with liquids, such as vases, shall be

placed on the apparatus.

^Clean only with dry cloth.

&Do not block any ventilation openings.

Install only in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

*Do not install near any heat sources such

as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or

other apparatus (including ampliﬁers) that

produce heat.

(This apparatus shall be connected to

a mains socket outlet with a protective

earthing connection. Do not defeat

the safety purpose of the polarized or

grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has

two blades with one wider than the other.

A grounding type plug has two blades

and a third grounding prong. The wide

blade or the third prong are provided for

your safety. If the provided plug does not

ﬁt into your outlet, consult an electrician

for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

BL Protect the power cord from being

walked on or pinched particularly at

plugs, convenience receptacles, and the

point where they exit from the apparatus.

BM Only use attachments/accessories

speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

BN Use only with the cart, stand,

tripod, bracket, or table

speciﬁed by the manufacturer,

or sold with the apparatus.

When a cart is used, use

caution when moving the cart/apparatus

combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

BO Unplug this apparatus during lightning

storms or when unused for long periods

of time.

BP Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service

personnel. Servicing is required when

the apparatus has been damaged in any

way, such as power-supply cord or plug

cord is damaged, liquid has been spilled

or objects have fallen into the apparatus,

the apparatus has been exposed to rain

or moisture, does not operate normally, or

has been dropped.

What Ships in the Box

• AModularARChardwaredevice.

• OnePS-6(domestic)orPS-6E(export)

power supply which provides 9 VDC @

500 mA.

• Asingle-gangordouble-gangwhite

Decora® wall plate (as applicable).

• Asingle-gangordouble-gangplastic

old-work outlet box (as applicable).

• ThisQuickStartGuide.

What You Need to Provide

• AWindows®PC with 1 GHz or higher

Pentium®and:

• WindowsXP®Vista®.

• 250MBfreestoragespace.

• 1024x768graphicscapability.

• 16-bitorhighercolors.

• CD-ROMdriveorInternetconnection.

• 512MBormoreofRAMasrequiredby

your operating system.

• Shieldedtwistedpairwiretoconnect

theModularARC’sRS-485terminalsto

theRS-485portofaSymetrixhardware

device.

• CAT5cablestoconnectanyARCtoany

device with an RJ-45 ARC port.

NOTE: The Modular ARCs require SymNet

Designer™5.5 or later for use with SymNet.

Not all Modular ARC models are supported

by all Integrator Series devices. Refer to

respective devices’ documentation for

details.

Getting Help

All Symetrix software, the Windows

applications that control all Symetrix

hardware, include a help module which

acts as a complete User’s Guide for both

hardware (including the Modular ARCs) and

software.

If you have questions beyond the scope

of the help module, contact our Customer

Support Group in the following ways:

Tel: +1 (425) 778-7728

8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Monday through Friday,

Pacific Time

Web: http://www.SymetrixAudio.com

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC

Rules. Operation is subject to the following

two conditions: (1) This device may not cause

harmful interference, and (2) this device must

accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired

operation.

ThisClassBDigitalapparatusmeetsall

requirements of the Canadian Interference-

Causing Equipment Regulations

CetapparielnumeriquedelaclasseBrespecte

toutes les Exigences du Reglement sur le materiel

brouilleur du Canada.

Safety

Quick Start Guide

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com

The RJ-45 connectors labeled “ARC” are only for use with the ARC series of remotes.

DO NOT plug the ARC connectors on Symetrix products into any

RJ-45 connector labeled “SYMLINK”,“ETHERNET” or “COBRANET”.

The “ARC” RJ-45 connectors on Symetrix products can carry anywhere from 6 to 24 VDC which

can damage SymLink, Ethernet and CobraNet circuitry.

ARC

SYMLINK

TRANSMIT RECEIVE

COBRANET/

ETHERNETETHERNET

Warning

Modular ARCs

Overview

The Modular ARCs are a series of conﬁgurable remotes

within the ARC family. The series consists of ﬁve base base

and two expansion devices. The Modular ARCs,

as their name implies, are expandable within a familiar

Decora®form factor. Note: Cooper brand Decora®plates

are recommended for use with the Modular ARCs due to

their better ﬁt.

The Base Devices

ARC-K1

The ARC-K1 is a modular remote

control for Symetrix DSPs featuring

a push-button rotary encoder that

provides the client with simple control

of two (2) parameters in the system.

The8-segmentLEDstackprovides

instant user feedback, clearly

showing relative volume level. Two

additionalLEDs,labeled“A”and“B”,

illuminate to indicate which of the two

available controls is active. All control

assignments, including

parameter limits and ﬁrmware version upgrades are handled

by the software included with Symetrix DSP hardware.

Power, control, and a single channel of ARC Audio are

connected via RJ-45 inputs or screw-type barrier strips.

The ARC-K1 also supports “sleep” mode for light-sensitive

environments like theaters. Hardware lockout pins are

provided to accommodate an installer-supplied key switch

and software and hardware lockout functions can be

independently programmed. Upper and lower parameter

limits help contain the range of adjustment. The ARC-K1 is

splash-resistant and mounts into a single gang electrical box

(US), ﬁnished with a standard Decora®faceplate (supplied in

white).

ARC-SW4

The ARC-SW4 is a modular

remote control for Symetrix

DSPs featuring four momentary

pushbutton switches that provide the

client with simple control over source

selection, preset triggering and

more. Each of the four pushbuttons

havecorrespondingtri-colorLEDs

which can provide user feedback in

anumberofways.LEDsmayfollow

buttonsorLEDsandbuttonsmaybe

programmed independently.

Allcontrolassignments,includingbuttonandLED

functionality, parameter limits and ﬁrmware version upgrades

are handled by the software included with Symetrix DSP

hardware. Power, control, and a single channel of ARC

Audio are connected via RJ-45 inputs or screw-type barrier

strips. The ARC-SW4 also supports “sleep” mode for light-

sensitive environments like theaters. Hardware lockout pins

are provided to accommodate an installer-supplied key

switch. The ARC-SW4 is splash-resistant and mounts into

a single gang electrical box (US), ﬁnished with a standard

Decora®faceplate (supplied in white).

Hardware Overview

Quick Start Guide

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com

ARC-SWK

The ARC-SWK is

a modular remote

control for Symetrix

DSPs that combines

the functional attributes

of the ARC-K1 and

ARC-SW4 into a single

product featuring a push-

button rotary encoder

and four momentary

pushbutton switches

that provide the client

with simple control

over source selection with volume, room combining and

more. In addition to the programming modes supported

by the ARC-K1 and ARC-SW4, the ARC-SWK integrates

directlywiththeBGMRoomCombinermodulesinSymNet

providing an elegant room combining solution where all

wall panels update according to the room combine status.

The ARC-SWK also supports a “Select and Set” mode

that allows the buttons to select a parameter after which

the knob can adjust the selected parameter. All control

assignments,includingbuttonandLEDfunctionality,

parameter limits and ﬁrmware version upgrades are handled

by the software included with Symetrix DSP hardware.

Power, control, and a single channel of ARC Audio are

connected via RJ-45 inputs or screw-type barrier strips.

The ARC-SWK also supports “sleep” mode for light-

sensitive environments like theaters. Hardware lockout pins

are provided to accommodate an installer-supplied key

switch and software and hardware lockout functions can be

independently programmed. Upper and lower parameter

limits help contain the range of adjustment. The ARC-SWK

is splash-resistant and mounts into a single gang electrical

box (US), ﬁnished with a standard Decora®faceplate

(supplied in white).

ARC-MIC

The ARC-MIC is

a modular remote

control for Symetrix

DSPs that combines

an onboard electret

condenser microphone

and push-to-talk button

with the ARC-SW4’s four

momentary pushbutton

switches that provide the

client with simple control

over zone selection plus

paging and more. Each

ofthevepushbuttonshavecorrespondingtri-colorLEDs

which can provide user feedback in a

numberofways.LEDsmayfollowbuttonsorLEDsand

buttons may be programmed independently. The onboard

mic may be used not only for an integrated paging station

butalsoasasensemicforanSPLComputerDSP

module.Allcontrolassignments,includingbuttonandLED

functionality, parameter limits and ﬁrmware version upgrades

are handled by the software included with Symetrix DSP

hardware. Power, control, and a single channel of ARC

Audio (for the onboard mic) are connected via RJ-45 inputs

or screw-type barrier strips. The ARC-MIC also supports

“sleep” mode for light-sensitive environments like theaters.

Hardware lockout pins are provided to accommodate

an installer-supplied key switch. The ARC-MIC is splash-

resistant and mounts into a single gang electrical box (US),

ﬁnished with a standard Decora®faceplate

(supplied in white).

Hardware Overview

Modular ARCs

The Expansion Devices

Thebasedeviceslistedabovemaybeexpandeduponwiththefollowingtwoexpansionmodules.Bycombiningoneofthe

base devices with various expansion devices, it is possible to create up to a seven-gang wall panel which occupies a single

RS-485addressandconnectstotheSymetrixDSPhardwarewithoneCAT5cable.RefertotheDevicesCongurationTable

below for all possibilities.

ARC-XLR

The ARC-XLR is

a modular remote

control for Symetrix

DSPs that combines an

XLRaudioconnection

and push-to-talk button

with the ARC-SW4’s four

momentary pushbutton

switches that provide the

client with simple control

over zone selection plus

paging and more. Each

of the ﬁve pushbuttons

havecorrespondingtri-colorLEDswhichcanprovideuser

feedbackinanumberofways.LEDsmayfollowbuttons

orLEDsandbuttonsmaybeprogrammedindependently.

TheXLRaudioconnectionmaybeusedtoprovidearemote

input or output for the system to create a paging station or

remote monitoring device. There is an onboard microphone

preamp.Allcontrolassignments,includingbuttonandLED

functionality, parameter limits and ﬁrmware version upgrades

are handled by the software included with Symetrix DSP

hardware. Power, control, and a single channel of ARC

Audio (for the onboard mic) are connected via RJ-45 inputs

or screw-type barrier strips. The ARC-MIC also supports

“sleep” mode for light-sensitive environments like theaters.

Hardware lockout pins are provided to accommodate

aninstaller-suppliedkeyswitch.TheARC-XLRissplash-

resistant and mounts into a single gang electrical box

(US), ﬁnished with a standard Decora®faceplate

(supplied in white).

ARC-EX4

The ARC-EX4 is the expander version of

the ARC-SW4. Identical in form and function

to the ARC-SW4, it expands the capabilities

of a Modular ARC Wall Panel. The ARC-

EX4cannotbeusedstand-alonenorcanit

beattachedtoanARC-2.AsingleRS-485

deviceaddressmayhaveatotaloffourEX4

boards.TheARC-EX4issplash-resistantand

mounts into a Decora®faceplate (not provided)

alongside its Modular ARC host.

To these base Modular ARC devices,

one can add a maximum of:

EXK EX4

ARC-K1 1 4

ARC-SW4 2 3

ARC-SWK 1 3

ARC-MIC 2 3

ARC-XLR 2 3

ARC-EXK

The ARC-EXK is the expander version of

the ARC-K1. Identical in form and function

to the ARC-K1, it expands the capabilities

of a Modular ARC Wall Panel. The ARC-

EXKcannotbeusedstand-alonenorcanit

beattachedtoanARC-2.AsingleRS-485

deviceaddressmayhaveatotaloftwoEXK

boards.TheARC-EXKissplash-resistantand

mounts into a Decora®faceplate (not provided)

alongside its Modular ARC host.

Hardware Overview

Quick Start Guide

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com

Brain Anatomy

The Modular ARCs, true to their modular construction, utilize

an “expansion” board (which provides the user interface)

and a “brain” board (which provides the system, logic and

expansion connections, device addressing, processing,

etc.). Each Modular ARC must have one brain board to

which up to six extra expansion boards attach. Each brain

board has at least one expansion board attached by default

(anARC-K1alreadyhasoneEXK).Thebrain

board possesses the host processor, system connection

and power jacks, conﬁguration jumpers and device

address rotary switches. To quickly identify a brain board,

look for the RJ-45 jacks. The anatomy of a brain board is

outlined below:

J12: RS-485 and Power

When powering a Modular ARC from the

includedPS-6powersupply,RS-485data

and Power both connect here. Connect

the PS-6 positive lead to “V+” and the

negativeleadto“GND”.TheRS-485

shield or ground also connects to “GND”

andtheRS-485conductorpairconnects

thebusinaparallelfashionto“A”andB”.

WARNING! Do not use at the same time

as J9.

J11: RS-485 Termination

Place a jumper here to terminate the

RS-485busatthisdevice.Refertothe

RS-485Terminationsectionformore

information.

J9: RJ-45 “ARC” ports

TheARCportsdistributeRS-485data,

power and an ARC Audio line to one

or more ARC devices over standard

CAT5 cable. These ports may be used

to chain multiple ARCs or to home

run back to any Symetrix rack mount

device with an ARC port.

S1: Device Address “Ones”

Rotary switch which sets the device

address “ones” (1-9).

S2: Device Address “Tens”

Rotary switch which sets the device

address “tens” (10, 20, 30, 40, etc.).

J7: Baud Rate Select

Jumpered=115k,Open=38.4k.See

theRS-485BaudRatesectionformore

information.

J6: Hardware Lockout

Open=Unlocked,Jumpered=Locked.

SeetheHardwareLockoutsectionfor

more information.

J5: Logic Input

LogicinputaddressablefromSymNet

Designer’sRS-232/485Controller

Number system. Pin 1 is the active

input, Pin 2 is ground.

J8: Open Collector Output

Logicoutputaddressablefrom

SymNetDesigner’sRS-232/485

Controller Number system. Pin 1 is

the active output, Pin 2 is ground.

J13: ARC-Audio

The CAT5 cable connection provides

a balanced analog audio line

between the system and a remote

source or destination. Connects to

theMICorXLRintheARC-MICor

ARC-XLR,respectively.Canalsobe

wired to an installer-supplied audio

source/destination.

J2: Modular ARC Expansion Bus

Modular ARC expansion devices

daisy-chain from this connection.

BrainAnatomy

Modular ARCs

EX4

EachRS-485address(eachbrain

board) can be daisy-chained to

uptofourEX4s,whoseBoard

IDs will range from zero to three.

A table showing which jumpers

to connect for each address is

screenedontotheEX4.Ifthe

base device already contains an

EX4(asinthecaseoftheSW4,

MICandXLR),theBoardIDof

zero will already be taken. If the

base device does not already

containanEX4(asinthecaseof

theK1),theEX4BoardIDsmust

start at zero.

EXK

EachRS-485address(eachbrain

board) can be daisy-chained with

uptotwoEXKs.SinceBoardIDs

zero through three are reserved for

EX4s,theEXKsuseBoardIDsfour

and five. A table showing which

jumpers to connect for each address

isscreenedontotheEXK.Ifthe

basedevicealreadycontainsanEXK

(as in the case of the K1 or SWK),

theBoardIDoffourwillalready

betaken,sotheaddedEXKmust

besettoBoardIDfive.Ifthebase

devicedoesnotcontainanEXK(as

in the case of the SW4, MIC and

XLR),theaddedEXKBoardIDs

must start at four.

J3: Modular ARC

Expansion Bus

Connects to the

brain board or

expansion board

with the next

lowestBoardID.

J4: Board ID 1

The jumper position of J4

combined with the jumper

position of J5 determines

theBoardID(0-3).Atable

showing which jumpers to

connect for each address is

screenedontotheEX4.

J5: Board ID 2

The jumper position of J4

combined with the jumper

position of J5 determines the

BoardID(0-3).Atableshowing

which jumpers to connect for

each address is screened onto

theEX4.

J2: Modular ARC Expansion

Bus

Modular ARC expansion devices

daisy-chain from this connection.

J3: Modular ARC

Expansion Bus

Connects to the brain

board or expansion

board with the next

lowestBoardID.

J4: Board ID 1

The jumper position

of J4 determines the

BoardID(4-5).A

table showing which

jumpers to connect

for each address is

screenedontotheEXK

J2: Modular ARC

Expansion Bus

Modular ARC

expansion devices

daisy-chain from

this connection.

Hardware Setup

Quick Start Guide

6408 216th Street SW |Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

T+1.425.778.7728 F+1.425.778.7727 |www.SymetrixAudio.com

MIC

EachRS-485address(eachbrain

board)canhaveoneMICorXLR.

ThereisnoBoardIDtosetonthe

MIC, however some wiring and

jumpers must be properly placed.

The diagram below specifies the

necessary connections.

XLR

(input with gain)

EachRS-485address(each

brain board) can have one MIC

orXLR.ThereisnoBoardIDto

setontheXLR,howeversome

wiring and jumpers must be

properly placed. The diagram

below specifies the necessary

connections to configure the

XLRjackforamicrophoneinput

with46dBofgain.Nophantom

power is supplied and phantom

power must not be present on

the ARC Audio lines or damage

totheXLRwilloccur.This

configuration is useful for a local

dynamic paging or intercom

mic. The input from the mic is

boosted to nearly line level for

long distance transmission over

ARC Audio.

J1: Modular ARC

Expansion Bus

Connects to the

brain board or

expansion board

with the next lowest

BoardID.

J4: ARC Audio

Connects to

J13 on the brain

board.

J2: Electret Mic Connect/

Enable

Electret capsule wires

to pin 1 (+) and pin 2 (-).

Jumpers 3/4 and 5/6 must

be placed in order to enable

the electret and supply

necessarygain(46dB).

J3: XLR

Not used for electret mic.

J1: Modular ARC

Expansion Bus

Connects to the

brain board or

expansion board

with the next lowest

BoardID.

J4: ARC Audio

Connects to J13 on

the brain board.

J2: Electret Mic

Connect/Enable

No jumpers placed

whenXLRisused.

J3: XLR

Audio lines from the

XLRjackconnecthere

to be amplified then

sent over ARC audio.

Hardware Setup

Modular ARCs

XLR (input or output,

line or mic level)

EachRS-485address(each

brain board) can have one MIC

orXLR.ThereisnoBoardIDto

setontheXLR,howeversome

wiring and jumpers must be

properly placed. The diagram

below specifies the necessary

connections to configure the

XLRjackforaninputoroutput

at line level or microphone level

(mic gain and phantom power

supplied by Symetrix rack mount

device). Due to the nature of

sending low level audio signals

over CAT5, there are some

severe restrictions for mic level

signals in this configuration.

Refer to the ARC Audio section

for more information.

J1: Modular ARC

Expansion Bus

Connects to the

brain board or

expansion board

with the next

lowestBoardID.

J4: ARC Audio

Not used for line or

miclevelXLRI/O.

J2: Electret

Mic Connect/

Enable

No jumpers

placed when

XLRisused.

XLR: wires directly

to J13 on the brain

board.

J3: XLR

Not used for line or

miclevelXLRI/O.

XLRwiresdirectly

to J13 on the brain

board.

Hardware Setup

Quick Start Guide

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Open Collector Output

J8ontheModularARCprovidesanopencollectoroutputwhich

canbeusedtofireanexternalLEDindicator(LEDlitwhenOC

inactive) or drive an external relay. This logic output is addressable

bySymNetDesigner’sRS-232/485ControllerNumbersystem.Pin

1 is the active

output, Pin 2 is ground. Typical wirings are shown below.

Note:thisoutputcannotdriveanLEDdirectly;anexternal

power source is required. Refer to SymNet Designer’s Help for

programming information.

Logic Input

J5 on the Modular ARC provides an extra logic input which can

be wired to any simple closure by the installer. This logic input is

addressablebySymNetDesigner’sRS-232/485ControllerNumber

system. Pin 1 is the active input, Pin 2 is ground. A typical wiring

is shown below. Refer to SymNet Designer’s help for programming

information.

Internal External External

Note: You do not need to supply the components on

the "Internal" side. These components are internal to the

Modular ARC and only illustrated here for the purpose of

understanding the operation of the circuit.

2. External Relay Drive

to OC output

Relay

External Relay Supply

(24 VDC Max)

50 mA Max

coil current

1N4004

Ground from external relay supply

+V from

external supply

1. External LED drive using

external supply for

more current

to OC output LED

Ground from external supply

Internal External

Closure

Note: You do not need to supply the

components on the "Internal" side.

These components are internal to the

Modular ARC and only illustrated here

for the purpose of understanding the

operation of the circuit.

Hardware Setup

Modular ARCs

Remote ARCs

TheARCportsdistributepowerandRS-485datatooneormore

ARCs arranged in one or more chains over standard CAT5 cable. Most

Symetrix products with an ARC port can power from two (2) to ten (10)

ARCs. (Please see the individual products’ documentation for specific

details.)

WARNING: The RJ-45 connectors labeled “ARC” are only

for use with the ARC series of remotes. DO NOT plug

the ARC connectors on Symetrix products into any

RJ-45connectorlabeled“SYMLINK”,“ETHERNET”or

“COBRANET.The“ARC”RJ-45connectorsonSymetrixproducts

cancarryanywherefrom6to24VDCwhichcandamageSymLink,

Ethernet and CobraNet circuitry.

ARC Network Design

The ARC can be powered two ways: (1) over CAT5 via the RJ-45

“ARC” port on ARC-enabled Symetrix products, or (2) by local 6 to 24

VDC power supplied to the ARC’s terminal block connections.

The ARC’s power requirements vary depending on the voltage supplied

to it. At 15 VDC, it uses approximately 115 mA, while at 6 VDC it uses

approximately 300 mA maximum. As the voltage goes from 15 to 6

VDC, the current requirement increases accordingly.

ARCs can be daisy-chained and fed power over this daisy-chain

from the ARC port. However, as the length of the cable increases, so

does the resistive line loss, which lowers the voltage available at each

subsequent ARC. The actual power drain on each output from an ARC

port can vary substantially depending on the number of ARCs and the

distance each of them is separated by. In order to assist with system

design, Symetrix has available a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that can

help a system designer determine power requirements based upon

cable length, number of ARCs and the power supply to be used. This

spreadsheet can be downloaded from the Symetrix Technical Support

pages at: http://www.SymetrixAudio.com.

The following table gives some indication of cabling limitations, based

on DC power only (the following table is only relevant for the RJ-45

ARC port

when powering the ARC-2 from the ARC-PS): minimum stated

distancesassume28gaugeCAT5cabling,maximumstateddistances

assume 24 gauge CAT5 cabling.

IfpowerisnotdistributedoverCAT5,eachRS-485chainwillbelimited

to 1000 ft in a star network configuration and 4000 ft in a daisy-chain

networkconfiguration.Longerdistancesmaybepossibleusingthird

partyRS-485extenderproducts.

Disclaimer: From time to time we test the compatibility of our own

products with those of third parties. While we are happy to share with

our customers the results of our own studies as well as other possibly

unsubstantiated information regarding these third party products,

it is the policy of Symetrix, Inc. to neither endorse, recommend nor

support products manufactured and/or supplied by third parties. The

responsibility of choosing third party products which are compatible

with Symetrix products rests solely with the qualified contractor,

consultant or system designer.

WARNING: When designing a system, one must be careful

not to double power any ARCs. If all pins on the CAT5

connections are used, power can travel over the CAT5

cable and reach any ARC on that particular chain. So,

power over CAT5 could potentially come from the

originating ARC port or from an ARC that is powered locally and then

daisy chained via CAT5 to other ARCs. In general, it is recommended

to use only one type of connector on the ARCs, either the RJ-45s (with

CAT5 cable) or the terminal blocks

ARC Audio

ARC Audio provides a means to take a single balanced analog audio

lineandeitherinjectitintoorpickitoffanRS-485network’sCAT5

cable run. An ARC Audio port on a Symetrix device may be wired to

a nearby device’s analog input or output. This provides a means of

easily running a single audio channel to or from a remote source or

destination.TheARC-MICandARC-XLRmakeuseofARCAudioto

transport audio signals back to a Symetrix rack mount device.

Note 1: The original Menu ARC remote (simply named “ARC”) does not

support ARC Audio lines and will ground the audio lines if connected.

Note 2: To avoid the possible grounding, mixing, or shorting of the

ARC Audio lines, it is recommended to home run any ARC devices

making use of the ARC Audio lines so that only one ARC device is on

each chain.

ARC PORT PINOUT (both Grounds and

Powers required for specified distance)

Pin # Function

1Audio (+)

2Audio (-)

3Common Ground

4RS-485Data(A)

5RS-485Data(B)

6Common Ground

7Power (+V)

8Power (+V)

Note: The ARC Audio lines may be grounded at the Symetrix Rack-mount

device and the ARC wall panel to provide additional distance.

ARCNetwork•ARCAudio

Quick Start Guide

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Limits of ARC Audio

ARC Audio is a simple analog audio signal travelling the same cable as

theRS-485dataandpower.Assuch,theusualaudiosignalcautions

apply. Avoid running parallel to other power lines or near any other

sources of EMI or RFI. Most CAT5 is unshielded and is susceptible to

interference and noise. We provide here the following information on

ARC Audio’s performance and limitations:

Line-level Balanced Audio:

Professional line level balanced signals can also be sent over up to

approximately 1500 feet of CAT5 without significant degradation.

All unbalanced signals should be avoided completely.

Mic-level Audio:

Unbuffered condenser or dynamic microphones should generally be

avoided, though it may be possible to achieve decent quality with cable

runs of less than 50 feet using a fairly hot microphone level with a

noise gate or expander in to clean up the signal. This technique does

not provide much flexibility within the system design, and therefore is

not recommended.

Frequency response:

Frequency response can roll-off due to the capacitance of a long cable

run. The amount of roll-off is highly dependent on source impedance

(the output impedance of what is supplying the signal). Most pro audio

devices have low output impedances (200 Ohms or less) and do not

suffersignificantroll-off(approximately-1dBat20kHzwith1500feet

of CAT5). A device with a 600 Ohm output impedance could cause

someaudibleroll-off(-3dBat10kHz),butshouldbeofsufficient

quality for speech signals.

Data Noise:

With an unbuffered mic and long cables, data noise may be audible as

a“motorboat”sound.ExperimentingwithRS-485terminationandbaud

rate may improve the sound somewhat.

RS-485 Termination

TheModularARCsfeatureanRS-485terminationjumper.Jumper

J11 at the bottom left of an Modular ARC’s brain board enables and

disables termination. Jumping pins 1 and 2 = terminated. For maximum

signal integrity, follow the termination guidelines below:

For star configurations, terminate at the ARC-PS, Control I/O

or DSP device.

Note:NeverterminateasingleRS-485busatmorethantwodevices.

Hardware Lockout

J6 on the Modular ARC provides a hardware lockout feature. Installers

may wire a key switch to this jumper to provide a simple means to

secure a remote in an installation. This function may be inverted or

selectively enabled/disabled from the host Symetrix device’s. Refer to

the device’s Help for more information.

Device Addressing

EveryRS-485device(includingallMenuARCs,ModularARCs,and

ControlI/Os)connectedtothesameRS-485busmustbeuniquely

identified. The Modular ARCs use two rotary switches (S1 and S2) to

designate one of 99 device addresses. S1 determines the device’s

“ones” address and S2 determines the device’s “tens” address. For

example: to set an Modular ARC to device address 24, you would

place S1 in the “4” position and S2 in the “2” position.

Baud Rate Select

J7ontheModularARCsetstheRS-485baudrateforthedevice.

Jumpered=115kbps,Open=38.4kbps.Alldevicesonthesame

RS-485busmustbesettothesamerate.Additionally,thedevice

hostingtheRS-485busmustbeswitchedtotheappropriaterate.As

of this writing, only SymNet Express is capable of hosting a 115k baud

rate.AllotherSymNetdeviceshosta38.4kbaudrate.RefertoSymNet

Designer’sHelpforinformationonsettingtheRS-485baudrate.

Modular ARC Expansion Bus

As detailed on page three, J2 allows the daisy-chaining of expansion

boards.EachboardmusthaveauniqueBoardID.ThisIDissetbyJ4

andJ5ontheEX4orJ4ontheEXK.

RS-485 TERMINATION GUIDELINES

Daisy-chain length Termination

0 - 200 ft. No termination required

200 - 1000 ft.

(if powering over CAT5)

Terminate at the ARC

> 1000 ft.

(or if not powering over CAT5)

Terminate at the ARC-PS, Control I/O

or DSP device and at the furthest ARC

device

LimitsofARCAudio

Modular ARCs

The Symetrix Limited Warranty

Symetrix, Inc. expressly warrants that the product will be free from

defectsinmaterialandworkmanshipforeighteen(18)monthsfrom

the date the product is shipped from the factory. Symetrix’s obligations

under this warranty will be limited to repairing or replacing, at Symetrix’s

option, the part or parts of the product which prove defective in material

orworkmanshipwithineighteen(18)monthsfromthedatetheproduct

isshippedfromthefactory,providedthattheBuyergivesSymetrix

prompt notice of any defect or failure and satisfactory proof thereof.

ProductsmaybereturnedbyBuyeronlyafteraReturnAuthorization

number(RA)hasbeenobtainedfromSymetrix.Buyerwillprepayall

freight charges to return the product to the Symetrix factory. Symetrix

reserves the right to inspect any products which may be the subject of

any warranty claim before repair or replacement is carried out. Symetrix

may, at its option, require proof of the original date of purchase (dated

copy of original retail dealer’s invoice). Final determination of warranty

coverage lies solely with Symetrix. Products repaired under warranty will

be returned freight prepaid via United Parcel Service by Symetrix, to any

location within the Continental United States. Outside the Continental

United States, products will be returned freight collect.

The foregoing warranties are in lieu of all other warranties,

whether oral, written, express, implied or statutory. Symetrix, Inc.

expressly disclaims any IMPLIED warranties, including fitness

for a particular purpose or merchantability. Symetrix’s warranty

obligation and buyer’s remedies hereunder are SOLELY and

exclusively as stated herein.

This Symetrix product is designed and manufactured for use in

professional and studio audio systems and is not intended for

other usage. With respect to products purchased by consumers for

personal, family, or household use, Symetrix expressly disclaims

all implied warranties, including but not limited to warranties of

merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

This limited warranty, with all terms, conditions and disclaimers set forth

herein, shall extend to the original purchaser and anyone who purchases

the product within the specified warranty period.

Symetrix does not authorize any third party, including any dealer or

sales representative, to assume any liability or make any additional

warranties or representation regarding this product information on behalf

of Symetrix.

This limited warranty gives the buyer certain rights. You may have

additional rights provided by applicable law.

Note: Some Symetrix products contain embedded software and may

also be accompanied by control software intended to be run on a

personal computer. Said software is specifically excluded from

this warranty.

Limitation of Liability

The total liability of Symetrix on any claim, whether in contract, tort

(including negligence) or otherwise arising out of, connected with, or

resulting from the manufacture, sale, delivery, resale, repair, replacement

or use of any product will not exceed the price allocatable to the

product or any part thereof which gives rise to the claim. In no event will

Symetrix be liable for any incidental or consequential damages including

but not limited to damage for loss of revenue, cost of capital, claims of

customers for service interruptions or failure to supply, and costs and

expenses incurred in connection with labor, overhead, transportation,

installation or removal of products, substitute facilities or supply houses.

Servicing Your Symetrix Product

If you have determined that your Symetrix product requires repair

services and you live outside of the United States please contact your

local Symetrix dealer or distributor for instructions on how to obtain

service. If you reside in the U.S. then proceed as follows:

Return Authorization

At the Symetrix factory, Symetrix will perform in-warranty or out-of-

warranty service on any product it has manufactured for a period of

three (3) years from date of discontinued manufacture.

BeforesendinganythingtoSymetrix,pleasecontactourCustomer

Service Department for a Return Authorization (RA) number. The

telephonenumberis+1(425)778-7728.Additionally,supportis

available via the web site: http://support.SymetrixAudio.com.

In-warranty Repairs

To get your Symetrix product repaired under the terms of the warranty:

1. Call us for an RA number (have the serial number, shipping and contact

information and description of the problem ready).

2. Pack the unit in its original packaging materials.

3. Include your name, address, daytime telephone number, and a brief

statement of the problem.

4. Write the RA number on the outside of the box.

5. Ship the unit to Symetrix, freight prepaid. We do not accept freight

collect shipments.

Just do these five things, and repairs made in-warranty will cost you only

one way freight charges. We’ll pay the return freight.

If you don’t have the factory packaging materials, we recommend using

an oversize box. Wrap the unit in a plastic bag, surround it with bubble-

wrap,andplaceitintheboxsurroundedbyStyrofoampeanuts.Besure

there is enough clearance in the box to protect the rack ears. We won’t

return the unit in anything but Symetrix packaging for which we will have

to charge you. If the problem is due to operator misuse or error, you will

have to pay for both parts and labor. In any event, if there are charges

for the repair, you will pay for the return freight. All charges will be COD

unless you have made other arrangements (prepaid, Visa or Mastercard).

Out-of-warranty Repairs

If the warranty period has passed, you’ll be billed for all necessary parts,

labor, packaging materials, and freight charges. Please remember, you

must call for an RA number before sending the unit to Symetrix.

Warranty and Service

Item No. 53-0024

Modular ARCs Quick Start Guide

Symetrix,Inc.shallnotbeliablefortechnicaloreditorialerrorsoromissionscontainedherein;norisitliableforincidentalorconsequentialdamages

resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes

neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Symetrix assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of these products. Under

copyright laws, no part of this brochure may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission

in writing from Symetrix, Inc. If, however, your only means of access is electronic, permission to print one copy is hereby granted. The following are