I am planning to install an IR distribution system based on Xantech kit and I have created three possible layouts to meet my needs. I would appreciate it if some of you Xantech experts out there would review my diagrams and make comments and criticisms as you see fit.

Please follow this link to view my layouts
[Link: mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk]

I have tried to get Xantech tech support to review my plans but they seem to be having a problem receiving my recent emails. Only one email got through and received an answer - and that was about 10 days ago. I did have one telephone conversation with them but it is difficult to get a proper review when they can't see my diagrams.

To save repeatedly referring back to my diagrams, let me briefly summarise the three options I am currently considering.

[1] All IR emitters wired to a single 791-44, including a pair remote from the others (xantech1.gif)

[2] Remote emitters connected via 790-00 (xantech2.gif)

[3] Remote emitters connected via second 791-44 (xantech3.gif)

Option 1 is the cheapest, but if I ever want more emitters in the remote location I would have to run more wires (very disruptive). Option 2 is more expensive but allows up to ten emitters at the remote location, all driven at high level via 100 Ohm resistors. Option 3 is the most expensive but offers the most flexibility. It also allows the connection of ten emitters at the remote location but these can be driven at either high or low level (should cover a wider range of emitter placement requirements).

You might need 795-20 instead. I don't think you can parallel IR sensors. This piece has 4 input zones and several common emitter ports

I don't really understand your comment as none of my diagrams show emitters wired in parallel! They are all connected to individual outputs on various connector blocks. I also have no awareness of a need for multiple zones.

I said sensors...not emitters.

Your diagrams show more than one sensor all wired in parallel. Each sensor is for a separate zone, no?

Perhaps I read the diagrams wrong

Sensors have open collector outputs, with a weak pullup. They can easily be 'wire-ORd' together.

Layout #3 gives you the most flexibility but I would substitute 18awg/4 for all wiring runs. Eliminate the 12v connection between the 791-44 connecting blocks. Use a 782 power supply for the top 791-44 block. Eliminate all of the CB-12 connecting blocks and wire the IR receivers directly to the connecting blocks. Run Cat5e with all wiring runs. It is cheap and will allow you future upgrade options.
BTW, you could do option 1 with a 782 power supply, no CB-12s and add a second connecting block if it ever needed.

Ooops! You wrote sensor. I read emitter. Must get some new glasses.

Yes, the sensors (or IR Receivers in Xantech-speak) are wired in parallel. As Automan1 stated, this should not be a problem - and such layouts are shown on the Xantech website. However, the entire IR system constitutes a single zone (controlling a single AV system).

Thanks for taking the time to review my plans. However, I am puzzled by a couple of your recommendations. Why do you suggest 18 awg for all wiring runs when Xantech specs say that 24 awg is good for 200 feet of IR Receiver leads? Why do you suggest a 1 Amp power supply when the current requirements are a fraction of that, using the calculations described in the 791-44 Inst Instrns?

I would also appreciate clarification of another two items. What upgrade options would be facilitated by running Cat 5e in parallel with the 18 awg cable? Also, is there a technical reason for eliminating the CB-12 Connecting Blocks? There is no cost saving as these blocks are bundled with the 291-10 Receivers.

Not sure I understand you. Are you simply saying that I could migrate from Option 1 to Option 2 or 3 (a comment I already make on the diagram for Option 1), or have I missed the point you are trying to make?

You are powering 4 IR receivers if you go the option 1 route and I prefer a bit more current once I power more than 2. Powering the receivers through 50 or 60 feet of cable might make my "overspecing" prudent in the long run once the walls are closed and the cabling done.
The 18 gauge wire has more copper than Xantech specs for the same reason as the larger power supply. Better safe than sorry. The cat5 to the receivers is to give you the option of upgrading to more advanced technology that sure will come along. Like I said, the wire is cheap. You could mess around with the 781 power supply but for the extra 15 or 20 bucks why take the chance.
What I suggest is overkill but in the profession I am in, I'd rather spend a few extra bucks than waste an additional trip.
The use of the CB-12 connecting blocks is redundant and just an additional source of failure. They are not neccesary. The cat5 will probably work for the entire system and I wouldn't lose any sleep over using it but I'm a belt and suspenders type of person. Telling my customer that Xantech said it should work, will not do me any good when I'm trying to get paid, if it doesn't.

Hello David.

I thought you were looking for a second opinion, so I was being quiet.
It looks like you have expanded your original plan a bit.
It looks like you've done a lot of research, and your schematics are pretty impressive, but, I have to ask.

Are you planning on using more than one remote: one at each location?

Depending on the size of your house, you could buy an RF remote(if your only planning on one remote) that would not only make your kit easier to run, but, would save you money in the long run(after adding up your parts list).

You might want to check out an MX-800 with an MX-250 RF reciever.
With your computer skills, you would LOVE programing this remote!!
Or go with the 850 and the 300 ! A few more dollars but, it's even more 'cutting edge' !

Something to consider! You won't have to run wires from room to room, it will work anywhere in your house with no 'pointing' at the IR reciever (sensor).

Just a thought worth considering.

This message was edited by pilgram on 03/15/05 00:15 ET.

Hi Mike! (Pilgram)
I guess the first thing to say is that my primary focus at present is working out what cabling is required for a hard-wired solution. Why? Well, all my floor boards are up at present for other work and if I don't get them back down again very soon (permitting the laying of much delayed carpet) my wife will kill me! Once the fitted carpets are laid I don't want to lift them again. As you know, I've already tried and rejected one cheap RF solution so I want the greater certainty of a hard-wired IR system to be an available option - even if I'm eventually persuaded to go down a more up market RF route. As Shoe said, the cables are cheap and now is the time for me to install them even if they never get used.

As regards remotes, I have been assuming I would use my Pronto in the living room and cheap remotes in the other locations. I like the idea of an MX-850 but they are scarcer than hen's teeth in the UK and horribly expensive. I haven't checked it out, but I also suspect that the UK version might use different RF frequencies from the US version thus limiting the number of potential suppliers.

A minor point, but all my options have 4 receivers, not just Option 1. Anyway, thanks for the clarification. I understand where you are coming from now. A bit of over-engineering is better than the alternative and I'm a 'belt and braces' kind of person myself (suspenders have a different meaning this side of the pond!).

However, I have just completed installing 18 awg for the emitter runs and Cat 5e for the receiver runs. Given your comments, I might install some more Cat 5e.

David
Things are suddenly more clear now!

By all means, run the wires while you have access.
Keep in mind that sunlight will affect IR recivers, so don't select a spot that will have a direct sunbeam from the windows that will shine directly on the IR recivers. Indirerect lighting is less of a problem. Direct shots of sun will overload the IR system and make it not work!

As far as the power supply, more is better. Especially with 4 receivers.
The power supply will last a lot longer if it's not straining to put out the required output.

Running an extra cat 5 has 'saved' me many a times! At 5 cents a foot, it's silly not to.
You can do high def video, sd video, audio, as well as IR over cat 5 ! It makes a good safety net!

Get your wires run while you have the chance, get your floors done to keep the wife happy (very important!), and enjoy life !

You can decide on the emitter block AFTER you get the carpet! Just be sure and home run all wires to the IR block location!

Keep me posted.

Mike