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Other Problems
A full trouble-shooting guide can be found in
the manual of your IR Main System Unit.

IR System
Compatible with virtually all brands of remotes
using carrier frequencies between 18 kHz and
100 kHz.

IR Receiving Range
Varies depending on remote strength; typically
18-30 feet.

IR Receiving Angle
60

o

off-axis (horizontal and vertical) at 18 feet.

Mounting
Surface-mount. Self-adhesive mounting strip
included.

Wiring Requirements
Individual home-runs of 2-conductor shielded
cable, West Penn D291 or equivalent.

Unit Dimensions
Overall Unit: 2" Long x 1/2" Wide x 1/4" High.

If the MS-2 does not work, and the LED “flick-
ers” or remains solidly lit: 
Cover up the Sensor
with a piece of cardboard (your hand will actu-
ally create electromagnetic interference under
some conditions). Observe the IR test LED.

IR Test LED Off: Optical Interference

IR Test LED On or Flickering: Electromagnetic

Interference

Optical Interference
Identify the source of the interference. The most
common sources of optical interference are listed
in the Installation Considerations section on page
7. Either re-orient the sensor or move the source
of interference. If this is not possible, consider
exchanging your MS-2 for an IRR-4D, TIR-1 or a
CMS-3 ceiling sensor. These three sensors have
AGC circuits which serve as automatic filters.

EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
Identify the source of the interference. The
most common sources of electromagnetic
interference are listed in the Installation
Considerations section on page 8. To elimi-
nate EMI try the following methods:    

1. Move the sensor or the sensor cable away

from the EMI source or move the source of
the EMI away from the sensor or the cable.

2. Shield the sensor with a metal J-Box.

3. Connect the Sensor’s GND terminal to true

earth ground (if this isn’t feasible use the main
system unit’s GND terminal).

Troubleshooting

Eliminating Optical Feedback
In some installations, two conditions combine to
create an optical feedback loop. Symptoms can
include: poor range, intermittent operation or no
operation. 

The conditions which sometimes combine to
create a feedback loop are: 

1. Both a sensor and a flasher are located within

the same room.

2. There is some low-level noise or interference

on your system.

You can eliminate optical feedback by replacing
any IRC-1 "flooding flashers" with IRC-2 "pin-
point" MicroFlashers

and covering all flashers

with the supplied IR blocking covers. 

Identifying the Type of Interference
The "flash-back" LED on the front of the MS-2 is
a useful trouble-shooting aid. 

The LED should light only when a remote com-
mand is being received. However, if the LED on
the MS-2 "flickers" dimly, and the MS-2 func-
tions normally, there is no cause for concern.

If the MS-2 does not work, and the LED does
not light at all: 
Test the remote control(s) by
operating the A/V equipment directly. Replace
the batteries if needed. Double check the cable
connections on all MS-2's Main System Unit
and on the IR Main System Unit. Consult your
IR Main System Unit’s manual for more detail.

Connecting to the Main System Unit
Strip 1/4" of insulation from the end of each
wire. Tightly twist the end of each wire until
there are no frayed ends. Insert the end of each
wire into the appropriate hole on the main sys-
tem unit's connector block. Secure the wiring to
the connector by tightening the small connector

screws. Double-check all con-
nections. This manual contains
instructions for the MS-2 only. For
specific information on the
adjustment of your Niles Infrared
system, please refer to the instruc-
tion manual included with your
Niles IR Main System Unit.

Operation

Operation of the MS-2 is straightforward. Simply
aim your hand-held remote at the MS-2. Your IR
command is instantly repeated to your A/V equip-
ment. A green "flash-back" LED on the MS-2 visu-
ally confirms the receipt of an IR signal.

high level of electrical interference. Move the
MS-2 housing to a location where the LED does
not light.

Extending the Cable
Once the cable is in place, label the cable ends for
future reference. The MS-2 is supplied with 6' of
pre-stripped IR cable. The IR cable may be length-
ened as needed. The IR cable may be lengthened
by splicing it to a recommended IR cable (See
page 5, Installation Considerations — Type of
Cable). You may splice the MS-2 cable to another
cable by soldering or crimping the connections.
Make sure that you maintain proper polarity and
correct connections through the splice.

After you’ve extended the wire strip 1/4” of insu-
lation from the end of each wire. Tightly twist
the end of each conductor until there are no
frayed ends.

Concealing the Wire
If you are installing the wire into an existing
wall, take time to consider any possible obstruc-
tions which may be hidden inside the wall, such
as wood and metal studs; electrical, telephone
or other types of wiring; plumbing; conduit; old
wall safes; etc.

If the MS-2 cable needs to pass through any
cabinetry (or other obstruction) drill a 1/8" hole
where the cable will run.

Installation

Determine a mounting location for the MS-2. If
there is a potential source of EMI near the pro-
posed mounting location (e.g nearby or on a
television set) you must test to find the best
(interference-free) position before mounting the
MS-2 in place.

Clean and dry the mounting surface. Peel off the
protective layer on the self-adhesive pad and
firmly affix the MS-2 to the mounting surface.

Testing for EMI ( Electrical Interference)

1. Turn on the device. If it is a wall mounted

light dimmer turn the dimmer knob to the
halfway position.

2. Connect the MS-2 to a main system unit and

plug in the 12VDC power supply. 

3. Place the MS-2 in the proposed mounting loca-

tion and observe the green "Flashback" LED.

3. If it flickers or lights constantly. This indicates a

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www.nilesaudio.com

Niles Audio Corporation 

12331 S.W. 130 Street  Miami, Florida 33186

Tel: (305) 238-4373  Fax: (305) 238-0185

© 1999 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Because Niles
continually strives to improve the quality of its products, Niles
reserves the right to change product specifications without notice.
Niles, the Niles logo and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are
registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. MicroFlasher 
is a trademark of Niles Audio Corporation. Printed in USA 
2/99  DS00143A

MS-2

MS-2

Miniature Surface-Mount

IR Sensor

I N S T A L L A T I O N   &   O P E R A T I O N   G U I D E

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I G H

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I D E L I T Y

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R C H I T E C T U R E

®

I

NSTALLATION

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-S

HOOTING

S

PECIFICATIONS

SENSOR IN

D
A
T
A

G
N
D

+

12

V

Bare

Red

Black

CONNECTIONS

• Red conductor is positive (12VDC +)
• Braid (shield) is ground (GND)
• Black conductor is data

NOTE: The color code shown above is for
West Penn D291 IR cable. Actual color 
code of recommended cables may vary.

TOOLS REQUIRED

• 1/8" Standard slotted screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Crimping tool with crimp rings  or

Soldering gun with solder

• Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.

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