2
PL-5
User Guide AP5196 issue 3
How it works
Pressing a
PL-5
button transmits
a code to the
PL-4
or
PL-11
wall plate. Each button
transmits a unique code according to which of the 14
buttons is pressed. All
PL-5
controllers generate the
same set of codes. These are chosen to limit
interaction with other equipment in the room. The IR
(infra-red) sensor in the wall plate detects the signal
and sends the code to the iDR main unit. The iDR
responds according to the function programmed by the
user for that button detected by that particular wall
plate.
The function associated with each button press is
programmed independently for each wall plate. This
means that the same
PL-5
controller can be used to
trigger different functions in different rooms, or that
several operators can each have their own controller to
operate the functions in any room.
The
PL-5
controller transmits a directional beam of
infra-red light. This is detected by a sensor in the wall
plate when the controller is pointed at it and a button
pressed. Typical maximum operating distance is
around 10 metres (33’) in a normally lit room. This is
reduced if the sensor is subject to sunlight.
How it is used
The
PL-5
hand held controller
uses the
PL-4
or
PL-11
wall plate as a gateway to
communicate with the iDR main unit. One or more
rooms in an iDR installation may have a wall plate
installed. Each can be independently programmed to
respond to the button presses in the required way.
For example, Room 1 may use iDR output 1 as its local
audio feed, and Room 2 may use iDR output 2. A
PL-4
in Room 1 may be programmed so that pressing
U
or
V
on the controller increases or decreases the level of
output 1. The
PL-4
in Room 2 may be programmed so
that the same controller buttons increase or decrease
the level of output 2 rather than output 1. This provides
local volume control using the same controller in
different rooms.
Similarly, buttons 1 to 5 may be programmed using
preset recall to select different sources. Each
PL-4
may be programmed to work with different sources
according to the room. The operator simply uses the
controller buttons 1 to 5 to select the source
appropriate for each room that he/she is in.
It is not usual to install more than one
PL-4
wall plate
per room. However, it may be useful to have two in a
large room, providing the convenience of control at
either end. In this case we advise that the programmed
infra-red controller functions are the same or related.
This avoids problems with both wall plates picking up
the IR at the same time due to reflections in the room.
The buttons are marked
U
and
V
, + and -, 1 to 5,
one with red border, and a further four unmarked.
These should satisfy most typical requirements. For
example, you could use
U
and
V
for volume
up/down, + and – to scroll through different sources, +
and – to adjust the tone (equalisation) through patch
changes, 1 to 5 or the unmarked keys for source select
or system patch changes, and the red key for local
audio mute or standby.
The PL-4 wall plate
In addition to the IR
sensor, this includes wall plate mounted switches,
LEDs and a rotary control which can be separately
programmed. For example, the LEDs could be used as
status indicators for functions selected using the
PL-5
controller.
Programming the button functions
The function is programmed using the iDR System
Manager software. For further details refer to the Help
file that comes with the software. Program the function
for each
PL-4
or
PL-11
wall plate in the system. Use
the Wallplate Settings, Infra-red window. A simulation
window is also provided for testing the system.
Select the contol number for the button you want to
program. The buttons are numbered 1 to 14 as shown
below. Available functions for each button are:
Level up/down (I/P, O/P, X/P, Monitor)
Group level up/down (I/P, O/P, XP)
Mute toggle (I/P, O/P, XP, Monitor)
Polarity toggle (I/P, O/P)
Monitor select (I/P, O/P)
Preset recall
MIDI message string
Labelling the buttons
If required, the
installer can adhere a custom label to the controller
surface. We advise that this is made using a strong,
waterproof and dirt resistant material. For reference the
top to bottom dimension of the keypad area is 60mm.
Technical support
For further information refer
to the iDR System Manager software Help file, the Allen
& Heath web site
www.allen-heath.com
, or contact
technical support in your area .
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1
PL-5
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4
3
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