I am installing a 6 zone whole house audio in my house. There are 6 Xantech Smartpad3s with a Niles IRZ6+ connecting block. What is the best way to program them so that I can turn on/off all zones from a particular zone? Also, how about turning a particular zone on/off from another zone (living room from Master bedroom, etc.)

The SmartPad3's can be controlled from other locations, but they have to be on the same IR bus -- so, that won't work with the IRZ6.

Depending on what type of multi-zone preamp or receiver(s) you're using, there's probably another way...

I am using separate receivers for each zone. If I use the Xantech connecting block, will that solve my problem?

You'd have the same problem with the Xantech connecting block. The "catch" is, to use the SmartPad3's "global" commands, they need to be on the same IR bus -- but, to keep the receivers separate, you need zoned IR.

Possible solutions:

1. Use a multi-room pre-amp and amplifier(s), which can respond to zoned *or* global commands.

2. Use different brands of receivers in each zone, so they can all share the same IR bus, without responding to each others commands.

3. Use an "IR Router" with same-brand receivers on a common IR bus. Xantech and Niles both make them -- RT8, I think.

4. Connect the "common" output of the IRZ6 to the data terminals of the individual keypads, using diodes to keep the signal from coming back into the IRZ. I haven't tried this and it may even not work. If you're not *exactly* sure what I'm talking about, skip it.

5. Use an Ocelot, (or the new Xantech MAC1) programmed to broadcast commands to the other receivers, in response to specific keypad signals (like an "All Off").

I'd use #1, #3, or #5...

With the RT8, I am guessing you would send some kind of IR code before the sequence (or each code) that would tell it it is a global command to be applied to all receivers or an individual?

Does the Ocelot allow for that many (6) separate IR blinkers? Otherwise, it would seem that I would still need the RT8.

I was trying to avoid the multi-room amp route because many of them seem 1) underpowered (to drive more than a couple speakers per zone), 2) if it breaks, the whole system is broke and repairs will be expensive (vs. replacing 1 receiver), and 3) less flexibility in routing surround sound (most don't support all the channels).

Thanks for your help

This message was edited by michaeljc70 on 03/28/02 02:15.34.

Correct.



No, it only has one output. I was thinking of only "global" commands. For individual control, the RT8 would be a better choice.



You're welcome.

Be careful when sharing sources and using multiple receivers, you can't just y-connect the outputs. You will likely need a line level amp/splitter w/ buffered audio outputs (the Radio Shack equivalent will not work) or you will have crosstalk when any of the receivers is turned off. (Most receivers short their input stage when powered down.) Second, be sure to provide enough Rf signal to the antenna input for the 6 tuners. If you use ir emitters, be sure that the output of emitter "A" can't be seen by receiver "B". Better yet, use a rear panel (serial) interface, like the Xantech 794 series products.

Unless you already own the receivers, or you are getting a heck of a deal, there is not a large cost savings between this approach and a dedicated multi-room setup. As multi-room goes mainstream, the prices just keep getting lower and lower.

jcmitch