The A-BUS ABX-88 4 source 4 zone (x2) Multi-Source Hub with expansion(cont...)
Indicators [4] [6] [10] - The green status indicator [4] is on when the system (one zone or all zones) is in
operation. The red emitter indicator [6] flashes when there is an infrared data command passing through
the Hub. The power indicators [10] indicate when the corresponding power supply is on.
A-BUS Outputs [8 A & B] - Each of the A-BUS Outputs provides the power, audio and data signals to
feed a Volume Control Module. There are four output zones; each zone may independently select from
any of the four sources. Each zone has two outputs, bank ‘A’ and bank ‘B’. One power supply is supplied
with the Hub to power the outputs for bank A. A second power supply can be added to power the bank B
or alternatively the second output can used as an expansion port to feed one or more single source Hubs
with expansion capability.
CAUTION: Only an approved A-BUS 4-Room Power Supply [12] should be used. Substitutes which may
appear to be suitable are not recommended and will void the warranty.
DC Power Input Sockets [12] - There are two power sockets one for each output bank ‘A’ and ‘B’.
ABX Control Ports (In/Out) [9] - Another ABX-88 Multi-Zone may be connected to this port if additional
zones are desired. Up to four ABX-88 Multi-Source Hubs may be connected together, providing for a
maximum of 16 zones. CAUTION: The ABX Control Ports pass the control data between Multi-Source
Hubs and may not be used for any other purpose.
Audio Outputs [11] - The RCA Audio Outputs allow sharing of the audio sources with the main system
amplifier or to expand to additional ABX-88 Multi-Source Hub. The audio levels adjusted at the input will
be the same on the output so no level adjustment will be required on the additional Hub(s).
IR Remote Control [13] - One A-BUS ABO-41RC Remote Control handset is supplied with the ABX-88
Multi-Source Hub. This Remote Control includes a dedicated A-BUS bank and includes keys for most
standard functions including color cable box buttons (not used in all countries). The Remote Control has a
code library built in; however, it is capable of providing advanced functions for user convenience. All keys
have learning capability; all keys can also learn multiple commands (macros) including the mode keys.
See separate instructions.
Operation
The ABX-88 Multi-Source Hub is controlled by A-BUS infrared (IR) commands. There are four audio
inputs. When the Hub receives a command for any one of the four inputs in any zone, the Hub will
switch on. This will be indicated by the green status indicator. The 12 volt trigger will also activate. If
source components are activated by a power strip switched by the trigger, they will also activate.
Each zone must have one Volume Control Module with a keypad that includes buttons with A-BUS
functions (inputs 1-4 or input Up/Down, Room Off and System Off commands). Alternatively, any
Volume Control Module containing an IR receiver may be used in conjunction with an A-BUS
remote that has these IR commands built-in. Volume Control Modules without Room On/Off
switches will activate when any Zone is turned on. Other modules with individual ON/OFF capability
require either an on command or a volume Up/Down command to activate the module. These units
will reset to a low volume level the next time the system is turned on. The A-BUS OFF command
will turn off the Volume Control Module only. To turn the whole system off, the SYSTEM OFF
command must be used.
Infrared Repeater - Volume Control Modules that include infrared receivers will pass most infrared
commands without difficulty. They will repeat standard 38 kHz commands and 56 kHz commands
which are often used in satellite receivers. Care should be taken to ensure the emitters are properly
placed over the receiver on the front of the component.
Infrared Remote IR Range - The operating range of your Remote Control will vary according to the
light conditions in the room, the quality of the IR remote (and battery condition) and the system
design in the components. In ideal conditions in areas with low light the range should be up to 20M
(70ft), however, in areas of high sunlight or lighting such as low-voltage lighting which can emit light
in the infrared frequency range the operating range can be substantially less. In direct sunlight the
range may be reduced to as little as 5M (15ft). Care should be taken when planning your A-BUS
system installation to locate the Volume Control Modules in a position away from direct light and in
a position convenient to the users to point the IR Remote Control to the receiver in the module.
Note: Remote controls are not RF devices. The commands are sent by line-of- sight and will not go
around corners or through furniture or curtains.
The ABO-41RC IR Remote Control is a very flexible device; it has been
designed for easy operation and to allow users to tailor the operation for more
sophisticated operation. It includes a code library for easy selection of codes
and a dedicated A-BUS code bank, all buttons can learn commands and
macros (including the bank buttons).
Quite often there are products not listed in the library so it is possible to learn
commands into the Remote Control from the ones supplied with the source
components. It is also possible to program multiple commands into one key
(macros). For example; you could program into the SAT bank button
commands to turn on your television monitor, the cable box and select the
audio input in the A-BUS Multi-Source Hub. The operator will then only need
to press one button to turn the system on and set it up for normal TV operation.
Additional ABO-41RC Remote Controls can be purchased if required.
Note: Macro strings take time to emit, the operator should take care not to turn the Remote Control
away from the infrared receiver on the Volume Control Module or speaker before all commands
have been generated.
IR Remote Control ABO-41RC
ABX-88
Multi-Source Hub
