Integration of Myryad M Series components into Multi-Room Systems

This paper is primarily intended as a guide for hi-fi retailers and installers. As such it does not contain detailed information and specifications regarding the Xantech products mentioned. Anyone setting up any of these systems should study Xantech’s installation instructions for all the individual parts before making any connections.

The My-Link control bus is a feature of all Myryad’s M Series products. The bus has primarily been used to provide the three specific benefits:

· Products connected via the My-Link will receive remote commands picked up by the IR receiver of any product on the bus. Thus only one unit needs to be in “line-of-sight” of the remote control handset in order to control the whole system.

· Products connected via the My-Link bus will automatically power up (or down) out of standby whenever the controlling unit (Integrated Amp or Preamp) is powered up (or down) using its front panel STANDBY button. When using the remote control handset the IR receiver on any product can receive the STANDBY remote command and power up (or down) the system. So, for instance, only the CD player need be visible to the remote handset.

· The My-Link allows the remote control of some products which do not have their own IR receiver (e.g. Power Amps).

However, the My-Link bus was designed to deliver one additional benefit. It allows any M Series product to be linked into a multi-room system and controlled remotely (i.e. from another room) via the My-Link interface. This white paper describes how to interface the My-Link bus into a multi-room system using Xantech components. The paper describes only the infra-red repeater remote control system, not the audio routing, which could vary from just a pair of “extension” speakers to a complex system with a separate multi-zone distribution amplifier.

Figure 1 shows the arrangement of a simple Myryad/Xantech multi-room system.

The principal hi-fi system is located in the “Main Room”. The system consists of a stack of Myryad M Series components all connected together via the My-Link bus. It also shows an additional product without My-Link which could be from the Myryad T Series, or product from another manufacturer such as a VCR.

The My-Link bus is interfaced into the Xantech system via a Xantech Universal Interface Module, model 794-50. This model number defines the standard 794 interface plus a linking cable from the 794 to an RCA jack to match the My-Link. The supplied cable is quite short, but it may safely be extended up to 3 or 4 metres. The 794 interface has a ten pole DIP switch which must be set correctly – before connecting power to the unit.

The correct DIP switch settings for interface to the My-Link are:

Power for the interface system is derived from a Xantech Power Supply, model 781. The power supply should be specified to suit the mains voltage and connector required for the country of use (for example, the UK model is number 781-78).

The “non-My-Link” component is controlled using an infra-red emitter, Xantech model 283-00. This emitter is supplied with transparent self-adhesive tape so that it can be stuck directly to the IR sensor window on the component to be controlled. If the location of the IR sensor is not obvious, consult the product’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer to confirm the exact location.

The above completes the “Main Room” interface set-up.

A 3-conductor cable (which need not be shielded) is used to wire from the Main Room to the second room (and to other rooms if required). Further information regarding this cable appears below.

The second room contains two Xantech components: a model 291-10 “Hidden LinkÔ” IR Receiver and a model CB12 Connecting Block.

Additional rooms may be connected to the system in the same way as the second room, using additional IR receivers and connecting blocks.

2. System Expansion and alternative parts.

2.1 Infra-red emitters

More than one “non-My-Link” product may be controlled via the 794 interface. Two products can be controlled by using a Xantech model 286-00 Dual Emitter in place of the 283-00. This part plugs directly into the 794 in place of the 283-00. Expansion up to four IR emitters (4 off 283-00 or 2 off 286-00) can be achieved by using a Xantech model CB60 connecting block. Further expansion would necessitate use of an amplified connecting block – Xantech model 791-44.

The 3-conductor cable can be of any gauge from 24 AWG to 28 AWG and may be unshielded. The maximum length of the cable depends upon the gauge used:

2.3 Alternative IR receivers

A variety of alternative Xantech IR receiver modules may be used in place of the 290-10 if desired.

780-10 J-Box IR receiver (wires directly to 3-conductor cable)

490-00 Micro Link IR receiver (wires to 3-conductor cable via connecting block supplied)

480-00 Dinky Link IR receiver (wires to 3-conductor cable via connecting block supplied)

If the IR receiver is likely to be used in direct sunlight, with bright halogen lamps or plasma screen TVs, it is recommended that a CFL friendly Xantech IR receiver is used. Models 291-80, 780-80 or 480-80 are suitable.

The 780-80 CFL friendly IR receiver can be adjusted to suit different IR carrier frequencies. Its factory setting of 38kHz is suitable for use with all Myryad products, so no change should be made from the factory setting.

Although the My-Link connectors on each Myryad product are marked “INPUT” and OUTPUT” they are directly wired in parallel (to allow daisy-chain connection). My-Link wiring may therefore be connected indiscriminately to INPUT and OUTPUT sockets to produce the neatest solution with the shortest cables.