Setup
Input Level Adjustments [1]
- The ABX-88 Multi-Zone Hub is supplied with the input level
adjustments set fully clockwise. If one source is noticeably louder than the other sources, turn both
the Left and Right Input Level Adjustments for that source counterclockwise, reducing the input
level to match the volume level of the lowest source. Repeat this procedure for any other sources
that are too loud, until all sources are balanced. Some audio sources such as computer sound
cards may have very low output. In these cases it is recommended that the volume be turned up at
the output of the source. Check for either a physical volume control or an IR remote volume control
on such devices.
Trigger Output [3]
- The Trigger Output may be used to activate a relay or other device that
responds to a steady-state 12volt trigger signal. This output may be used to power a Power Strip,
which may be used to power the source components. When the System Off command is pressed,
the 12 Volt Trigger Output will be turned off. Source components that are plugged into a trigger-
controlled power strip will be switched off. Care should be taken to ensure that components will not
lose their memories (clocks, etc. or presets) after long periods of non-use.
Infrared (IR) Emitter Ports [5] [7]
- There are 5 emitter ports, 4 are routed ports. The routed
outputs will only emit commands from the zone that has selected that source. This will allow more
than one source device with the same code set to be used. If this is the case, light-blocking emitter
caps should be used to prevent infrared commands from straying into the infrared receivers of
adjacent components. The common emitter port will generate all commands from any zone with
infrared capability. Some components have an IR IN socket on the back, it is recommended that this
direct connection be used.
CAUTION
: Do not confuse a serial data port connection with an infrared port.
TIP
: 1. Finding the infrared receiver location in some components can be difficult. To find the right
place, place a large card with a hole the size of a folder punch hole in it over the front of the
component and while generating a command from the components Remote Control handset move
the card around until the unit responds to the command.
2. In situations where the unit is not responding to the commands from the emitter or if the response
is erratic the signal level may be too high. If the operation improves when the emitter is held away
from the component a filter will be required such as some exposed camera film.
3. Some source components may not respond to repeated infrared commands. This is rare and
may require a change in component.
Status [4]
- The green status light indicates when the system is turned on. The system is activated
when the Hub receives a source-select command from any zone. Once a command has been
received by the Hub to activate, a 12 volt signal will be available at the Trigger Output [3]. Other zones
may be activated at any time. Individual Volume Control Modules have to be turned on separately
before sound can be heard. Regardless of which Volume Control Modules are on or off, the 12 volt
trigger will remain active until a System Off command is sent to the Hub.
Infrared Talkback [6]
- The Red Talkback indicator flashes when an infrared data command is
passing through the Hub.
Power [12]
- The two red power lights indicate when the power supplies connected to bank A or bank
B are active. These indicators do not indicate the system is active (see System Indicator [4]).
Advanced A-BUS Multi-Room system provides for up to four sources to be heard in any number of zones around the home simultaneously.
A-BUS Remote
Source Equipment
ABX-88
APS-40
ABO-45
Kitchen (Listening to FM Radio)
Dining Room (Listening to CD)
IR Remote
ABO-45
(cont...)
Setup
System Design
The ABX-88 Multi-Source Hub is compatible with any A-BUS Volume Control Module; however,
some Volume Control Modules do not have the capability to control the ABX-88 Multi-Source Hub
directly from keypad buttons. We recommend using only Volume Control Modules with IR receivers
built in, so that you will be able to control the ABX-88 Multi-Source Hub by pointing an A-BUS IR
Remote at the Volume Control Module, which will repeat the IR commands to the ABX-88.
A-BUS is a very flexible system, it allows for many variations not normally possible in traditional
multi-room systems. For instance; it is possible to mix Multi-Source Hubs with single source Hubs.
There are many reasons you may want to do this, the most common reason is because in an open
plan house you may have interconnecting areas which are acoustically the same (family rooms,
dining rooms and kitchens). So if you change the source in one area the other rooms can track the
same source. Another example is bedrooms with bathrooms. In the master bedroom, the full-
function Volume Control Module would normally be used; however, in the bathroom a less-
expensive Volume Control Module may be all that is needed. The Multi-Source Hub has a second
output port (the second bank requires a separate power supply) in each zone to cater for this
requirement. If additional areas are required within the zone the second output port may be
connected to a separate 4-Room Hub to expand that zone.
ABX-88
Multi-Source Hub
