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PL-4

 User Guide   AP5082 issue 4 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

   

The 

PL-4

 is one of several remote control devices available 

for the 

iDR

 audio mix processor system.  It is part of the Allen & Heath 

PL 

Series

 of wall plates and remote controllers.  It is a wall plate or furniture 

mounted module comprising plastic control panel and attached circuit 
assembly.  It can be mounted in a single unit wall box using a standard face 
plate (UK, EU or US version supplied).  A suitable template with cutting details 
is provided for custom application.  The 

PL-4

 interfaces with the Allen & Heath 

PL-Anet serial port.  Multiple 

PL-4

 units can be daisy chained together along 

with other PL-Anet devices using CAT5 cable.  For information on the full range 
of 

PL

 products available visit http://www.idrseries.com.  The wall plate control 

and indicator functions are programmed using the iDR System Manager 
software.  Space is provided on the control panel for custom labelling.  The 

PL-

4

 is ideal as a wall mounted room remote controller in installed audio systems.  

The installer can program the unit so that the non-technical operator has local 
control of volume, mute, source select, and preset changes which reconfigure 
the room for different functions, as well as the convenience of the 

PL-5 

infra-

red remote controller. 

2 switches

 can be assigned for level up or down control (input, output, 

crosspoint or group), mute toggle, audio monitor select, or preset recall.  

LED indicators

  can  be  assigned  as  audio  meters  (choice  of  8x  points  in  the 

signal path), mute status, or as preset related static display.  They can display 
four states: off, green, yellow or red.  

Rotary control

  can  be  assigned  as  a 

continuous level control (input, output, crosspoint or group).  An 8 LED meter 
bar displays the control position.  

Infra-red controller

 allows wireless local 

control using the hand-held 

PL-5

 remote controller.  Each of the 14 keys on the 

PL-5

 can be assigned in the same way as the switches described above.  The 

PL-4

 can be used without the IR controller.  

Custom labels

 Recessed areas 

are provided for fitting custom adhesive labels.  Recommended maximum label 
sizes are 6x14mm and 26x9mm. 

Number and addressing of devices

  

The maximum number of 

PL

 devices that can be connected depends on their type and the cable 

lengths.  Up to 12x 

PL-4

 devices (more if using half speed scan) may be 

connected in an 

iDR

 system, with or without the 

PL-9

 hub.  Fewer devices may 

be connected if long distances or other 

PL

 types are also involved.  To check 

this refer to the PL Combinations Calculator spreadsheet available from our 
web site.  The 

iDR

 allocates the device addresses automatically per 

PL

 type in 

the order they appear in the chain. 

PL-Anet

 

  is the proprietary Allen & Heath system for daisy chaining remote 

controllers.  It is an RS485 serial connection that uses CAT5 STP cable to 
communicate between devices over long distances.  PL-Anet only works with 
Allen & Heath 

PL

 devices.  The connection in20V DC to power the 

connected devices.  The 

iDR-8

 port is shown here. 

 

 

 

 

 

This product complies with the European 
Electromagnetic Compatibility directives 89/336/EEC & 
92/31/EEC. 

NOTE:

   Any changes or modifications to the 

equipment not approved by Allen & Heath could void 
the compliance of the equipment.  Whilst we believe 
the information in this guide to be reliable we do not 
assume responsibility for inaccuracies. We also reserve 
the right to make changes in the interest of further 
product development. 

Copyright© 2004 Allen & Heath Ltd. All rights reserved. 

IMPORTANT : 

 

Observe the local standards which may apply 

to the installation.  To ensure operator safety 
ensure that any exposed metal plates are correctly 
bonded to ground.  Do not install the equipment 
where it is subject to moisture, heat or vibration. 

 

Connect this equipment to the Allen & Heath 

PL-Anet port only.  Test for correct wiring and 
installation before switching the equipment on. 

NOTE:   Do not install the PL-4 in a position subject 
to bright sunlight.  This may reduce the 
effectiveness of the IR signal.    If you are using the 
IR function we recommend that you install only one 
PL-4 per room to avoid multiple pickup from the 
same hand set.  

 

   

 

 

         

PL-4 Wall Plate                              

AP5082

 

   

 

 

 

    

User Guide    

iDR

PL-3

PL-3

PL-4

PL-4

PL-5

PL-5

PL-Anet SERIAL PORT

ROOM 3

ROOM 2

ROOM 1

ROOM 4

TERMINATION

EXAMPLE

DIGITAL EXPANDER

PL-ANET

DR-LINK

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO IN

TO AVOID DAMAGE ONLY CONNECT

CAUTION 20V DC

COMPATIBLE REMOTE CONTROL

EQUIPMENT TO THE PL-ANET PORT.

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