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Optional Rack Mounting Kit
If you want to rack mount your AVC-1800, you will need to obtain the optional Parasound
RMK-3 Rack Mount Kit. When you install the RMK-3 onto the AVC-1800 and remove its
four feet, the rack mounting brackets will occupy three rack spaces (5 1/4 inches high) in a
standard 19” wide equipment rack. There will be slightly less than ¾” gap above the front
panel when mounted in this fashion. Refer to the RMK-3 instructions for installation
procedures. Make certain to use the eight insulated shoulder washers included with the
RMK-3 to prevent metal-to-metal contact between its brackets and your equipment rack and
in order to prevent ground loops that could cause audible hum.
Making Connections to Your AVC-1800
Before making any connections to your AVC-1800, be sure to turn off the power to your
amplifiers. When connecting cables to the AVC-1800, make sure there is no strain or tension
on any connections that could cause them to pull loose later.
Rear Panel Connections
To make installing the AVC-1800 and our instructions easier, we have organized discussion
about connections in a clockwise direction from the left side to the right side of the rear
panel and also by functional groups for analog audio, video, digital audio, antenna, infrared
control interface, and AC cord. References to specific connectors on the AVC-1800 are
usually italicized.
Antenna Connections
You will not be able to receive any radio stations unless antennas for FM and AM bands are
connected. Following are options to connect FM and AM antennas to your AVC-1800.
FM Dipole Antenna
A standard FM “folded dipole” 300 ohm wire antenna with is included with your AVC-
1800. This dipole antenna is adequate for most urban and suburban locations. Connect the
spade lugs of the dipole antenna to the two screw terminals on the included small “balun”
matching transformer. Carefully press the balun over the 75
Ω
female connector of the rear
panel of your AVC-1800. Next, spread out the antenna and hang on the wall or the back of
the equipment cabinet. Experiment with the direction and placement of the dipole antenna
to obtain the best reception.
75 Ohm Coaxial
Antenna
The AVC-1800 has a standard DIN-type 75
Ω
connector for a push-on coaxial FM antenna
plugs. An adapter is included to accommodate the threaded F-type connectors that are used
in North America.
Outdoor Roof Antenna
For best reception and maximum noise rejection, we recommend the use of a high-quality
outdoor FM antenna. The additional stations you can receive and the superior sound quality
will make the extra effort worthwhile. Connect the outdoor antenna with a 75
Ω
coaxial
cable directly to the 75
Ω
FM Antenna Input of the AVC-1800. If you use 300
Ω
twin lead,
connect the two bare wire leads to the included “balun” adapter and press it onto the 75
Ω
coaxial FM antenna input connector.
Cable TV and Community Antenna
In many situations, you may be able to use the FM antenna output of a cable TV or a
community antenna jack. These connect in the same fashion as an outdoor antenna.