Niles Flush-Mount IR MicroSensor MS110 Installation And Operation Manual Download Page 2

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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Type of Cable

The MS110 connects to the Niles infrared main 
systems unit or IRH610 sensor expansion hub 
with an individual home run of CAT 5 cable. 
When running wires inside walls, most states and 
municipalities in the U.S. specify that you must use 
a special type of wire. Usually, the requirement is 
that the wire has a specific “CL” fire rating, such 
as “CL-2” or “CL-3”. Consult your Niles dealer, 
building contractor, or local building and inspection 
department if unsure about which type of wire is 
best for your application.

MS110 Mounting Location

The MS110 is ideal for use in applications when 
tabletop, ceiling, or wall-mounting is undesirable. 
Its small size and unobtrusive appearance makes 
it ideal for installation in obscure, hidden locations, 
in cabinet facings, or in the sensor knockout built 
into Niles in-wall loudspeakers. Installing the 
MS110 close to the primary location of the user 
will ensure best performance.
The MS110 is designed to flush-mount almost 
anywhere. Convenient mounting locations for the 
MS110 are:
•  In a cabinet door
•  In a wall, or wall-plate
•  Behind a speaker grille.*

NOTE:  Some types of speaker grilles will reduce the 

IR pickup range of the MS110. If unsure, test  

the pickup range before permanently installing the 

MS110 behind the speaker grille.

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We do not recommend this. The cable connected 
to the MS110 can act as an “antenna” for 
electrical noise. Locating the MS110 cable too 
close to a light dimmer or switch may interfere 
with the MS110. If you must locate the MS110 
near electrical devices, install it in a separate 
metal electrical box, ground the box to the 
electrical system ground, and route the MS110 
cable several feet away from all electrical wiring.

Avoiding Optical Feedback

If installing the MS110 in the same room as an IR 
flasher, it is possible for the flasher’s IR output to 
be picked-up by the MS110. This effect, known 
as an optical feedback loop, can cause erratic 
operation. Optical feedback is similar to acoustical 
feedback: the howling or whistling sound heard in 
a P.A. system when the microphone is too close to 
the speaker. 
To avoid optical feedback:
1.  Re-position the flasher(s) and/or the sensor.
2.  Use Niles MF1 or MF2 flashers and cover them   
     with the supplied IR blockers.

Using the MS110 with the Intellipad Ci System

The MS110 is fully compatible with the Niles 
Intellipad Ci line, follow the wiring instructions 
in 

Figure 2

. For specific information see your 

Intellipad Ci manual.

Receiving Range and Pickup Angle

The receiving range of the MS110 will vary 
according to the IR output strength of the remote 
control being used. Remote strength varies among 
brands depending on the number and size of 
batteries used, and how many IR emitters the 
remote has. For example, remotes that operate 
on two small AAA batteries and have only one IR 
emitter are generally not as strong as remotes 
that use the larger AA size batteries and have two 
emitters. Tests with various manufacturers’ remote 
controls have shown that the operating range 
can  vary from a minimum of 20’ to a maximum 
of about 75’.
Infrared signals travel essentially line-of-sight. 
They will not pass through or around solid objects. 
Do not rely on an IR signal being able to “bounce” 
off a wall or object to the MS110.
The IR pickup angle of the MS110 is 60° off-axis 
(horizontal and vertical) at 20’. 

Avoiding Electrical Interference

Avoid locating the MS110 near any potential 
sources of electrical or optical noise, such as light 
dimmers, low-voltage lights, and neon lights.

Do not install the MS110 into electrical boxes 
with 110 volt devices

Some states or municipalities allow devices 
such as the MS110 to be installed into the same 
electrical box as 110 volt devices, provided a “low-
voltage partition” is used between the devices. 

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12V DC Power 

Supply  (Supplied 
with the MSU250 

Main System 

Unit) Plugged into 
an Unswitched AC 
Outlet Powers the 

System

Niles IR Flasher

Stereo Receiver

12V DC Power supply 

(Not Supplied)  plugged 

into a switched outlet 

(Niles stock# FG01035)

MS110 IR Sensor

Power, IR data, status signal and ground  

via CAT 5 wire

MSU250

Figure 3.

  Wiring Diagram (Typical installation with an MSU250 Main System Unit)

Figure 4.  

This color code is based on the industry standard T568A coding for the RJ45 connector. When connecting 
the MS110 to the Niles Ci System observe this pin configuration

Figure 1.  

a

  Hex Nut  (supplied)

b

  Washer  (supplied)

c

  Mounting Surface

d

  IR Cable (10 feet supplied)

e

  MS110 Miniature IR Sensor (supplied)

f

  MS110 Lens Bezel (supplied)

Figure 2.  

Wiring legend

FEATURES & BENEFITS

The MS110 offers a number of improvements over 
other miniature IR sensors.

•  Plasma and LCD-proof performance—allows 

placement of the MS110 near plasma or LCD 
displays

•  CFL interference resistant—expands installation 

flexibility to areas with fluorescent lighting

•  Works under most lighting conditions, including 

indirect sunlight—eliminates environmental 
restrictions

•  Universal system—compatible with virtually all 

brands of A/V equipment and remote controls

•  Excellent IR receiving range — 20’ to 35’ of 

remote control range (depending upon the 
strength of your handheld remote)

•  100% factory tested for pickup range and angle.
•  Small size of only 1/2” diameter by 2-7/8” 

long—fits almost anywhere

•  10’ connecting cable included
•  Printed circuit board design uses surface mount 

technology, assuring high reliability

•  Ideal for both home and commercial installations
•  Two year parts and labor warranty

INTRODUCTION

The MS110 is a flush-mount IR sensor designed for 
use with the Niles infrared extender systems.

Installed in a remote room location, the MS110 
receives the IR commands transmitted from your 
existing hand-held remotes in that room. The 
commands are carried via a CAT 5 cable to your 
A/V equipment in another room, and instantly 
“repeated”.

The MS110 is compatible with all current Niles 
infrared systems. It may be used along with, or as 
an alternative to, the Niles TS110, WS110R, MS210 
and CS110 sensors or the IntelliPad

®

.

The MS110 is just one part of the three building 
blocks necessary to complete a Niles IR repeating 
system:

•  IR Main System Unit—Models MSU140,   
    MSU250, MSU480 and MSU440Z.
•  IR Sensors/Keypads—Models WS110R, TS110,  
    MS110, MS210, CS110, and the IntelliPad.
•  IR Flashers—Models MF1, MF1VF, MF2, MF2VF  
    and the IRB1.

An IR sensor expansion hub, Model IRH610, is 
available to provide additional sensor inputs to your 
system.

IMPORTANT: Refer installation to a professional 

custom installer if you are unfamiliar with any of 

the following procedures.

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