INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONSMRC-816 MULTI-ROOM CONTROLLER

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all of these instructions before operating and save instructions for later use.

1. Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the appliance and in the instructions should be adhered to.4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.5. Water and Moisture – The appliance should not be used near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry

tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.6. Carts and Stands – The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. An appliance

and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.

7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting – The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.8. Ventilation – The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For

example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

9. Heat – The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

10. Power Sources – The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.

11. Grounding or Polarization – Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.12. Power-Cord Protection – Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed

upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from theappliance.

13. Cleaning – The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.14. Power Lines – An outdoor antenna should be located away from the power lines.15. Nonuse Periods – The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.16. Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through

openings.17. Damage Requiring Service – The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:

◦ The power-supply cord or the plug has been damage; or◦ The appliance has been exposed to rain; or◦ Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the appliance; or◦ The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or◦ The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

18. Servicing – The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.........................................................................................................................2INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................4SYSTEM OVERVIEW................................................................................................................................5

MRC-816 Controller................................................................................................................................5Rear Panel................................................................................................................................................6TP-2 touch panel......................................................................................................................................7

DESIGNING AND INSTALLING A MRC-816 SYSTEM........................................................................9System Design.........................................................................................................................................9Head End Considerations.........................................................................................................................9Zone Considerations................................................................................................................................9

INSTALLATION.........................................................................................................................................9Controller Location..................................................................................................................................9Ventilation................................................................................................................................................9Touch Panel Location & Mounting..........................................................................................................9

INSTALLING WIRING..............................................................................................................................9Touch Panel wiring................................................................................................................................10Speaker wiring.......................................................................................................................................10Mute.......................................................................................................................................................10RS-232...................................................................................................................................................11Audio Page.............................................................................................................................................11

MAKING CONNECTIONS......................................................................................................................11HEAD END CONNECTIONS..............................................................................................................11ZONE CONNECTIONS........................................................................................................................12

SYSTEM EXPANSION TO 16 ZONES...................................................................................................13EXPANDED SYSTEMS.......................................................................................................................14

SYSTEM POWER UP...............................................................................................................................15SYSTEM PROGRAMMING....................................................................................................................15FIRMWARE UPDATES............................................................................................................................16

Upgrading the MRC-816 Controller......................................................................................................16Upgrading the MRC-816 Touch Panels.................................................................................................16

RS-232 PROTOCOL.................................................................................................................................16TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................................................................18SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................................................................19WARRANTY.............................................................................................................................................20

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NEXUS AUDIO SYSTEMSMRC-816 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

INTRODUCTIONWelcome to Nexus Audio Systems and congratulations on your purchase of the MRC-816 Multi-Zone Controller.

The MRC-816 utilizes standard CAT-5e cabling for touch panel connections and standard speaker wire for thespeaker connections. All aspects of the system setup are accomplished via a convenient web interface similar towhat would be seen on a soho router. Just connect the MRC-816 to the home network, and navigate with a webbrowser to http://nexus816

The MRC-816 supports eight independently operated zones and infrared (IR) control of six external line levelaudio source components. The MRC-816 also features a built-in AM/FM Tuner with twenty channel presets.

Each zone 1-6 features a 20 watts per channel stereo amplifier. Zones 7-8 are line level output for use with Nexuszone amplifiers. Each of the routed source IR outputs can be used to control legacy home electronics such as CDplayers. The unit includes an RS-232 Port that allows the MRC-816 to be easily integrated with other homeautomation control systems. A mute function that can integrate with a doorbell or telephone system to ensure noimportant call or visitor is ever missed, and audio paging for whole-house audio announcements. The system isexpandable to 16 zones using two MRC-816 Controllers.

The MRC-816 touch panels provide simple, intuitive control of zone power, source selection, source control,volume, treble and bass and tuner functions. The touch panel LCD indicates zone status, source selection,volume as well as tuner frequency and preset. Zone names and source names are configurable in the MRC-816web interface and are displayed on the touch panel LCD. The touch panel features a built-in infrared receiver thatcan be used with third party manufacturer supplied remotes to pass IR data back to the remotely located sourceequipment.

The Zone Sharing feature allows up to three zones to be linked together for ease of use in common areas thatwould typically have the same source selected and playing. Zone Sharing includes two modes. One links thezones for power, source and volume, the other has the same source selected in all three zones, but each zoneretains independent power and volume control.

Thank you for your support.

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Eight Zones (expandable to sixteen using two MRC-816 controllers). 20W/channel into 8 ohms, all zones driven. Up to 6 stereo audio source inputs. Fixed/variable line level outputs. Mute input with 12V DC trigger. Audio page input with dry contact trigger. Six routed source IR outputs. RS232 serial control port. USB connector for firmware updates via thumb drive. Eight RJ45 touch panel ports. Six Molex Speaker Connectors. Built in AM/FM tuner with twenty presets. LAN port for web end setup. Dimensions: 17”W x 3.75H x 14”D Designed and manufactured in Canada.

FEATURES

Figure 1. MRC-816 Controller Front Panel

MRC-816 ControllerFront Panel1. IR Learning Eye – IR sensor used for programming IR commands.2. Zone Status LEDs – 8 LEDs illuminate blue to indicate powered zones.

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FEATURES (contd.)

Figure 2a. MRC-816 Controller Rear Panel

Rear Panel1. Touch Panel Ports – Eight RJ45 jacks, connect to MRC-816 touch panels via CAT-5 Cable. Zone control for

power, source selection, tuning, tone controls, etc are communicated on these connections.2. Audio Inputs – Six stereo pair RCA jacks connect to the left & right line level audio outputs of up to six

external source components using standard RCA patch cords.3. IR – Six 3.5mm mini jacks output routed IR commands to their specific corresponding source components.

Polarity: Tip = signal; sleeve = ground. 4. Nexlink – One RJ11 jack connects to the Nexlink jack on a second MRC-816 for system expansion to

sixteen zones.5. Audio Page – One, four-pin terminal adapts to one of the included Molex connectors to switch all zones

configured for audio page in the controller setup to the audio page source. Pins 1-2 are page audio in. Pins 3-4 are a dry contact input (shorting pins 3-4 activates page).

6. Mute – One 2.1mm coaxial jack mutes audio in selected zones as configured in the controller setup when 12VDC is present. Polarity: Pin = +12VDC; Sleeve = GND.

7. AM/FM Antenna – One female ‘F’ type terminal for connecting the included AM/FM wire antenna. 8. AC Power – Standard IEC 3-conductor AC line cord receptacle. 9. FN button – Used when performing firmware updates to the system. 10. LAN – Connect to home network router or switch.11. Indicator LED – May flash at various rates for indication of certain activities.12. RS-232 – One, DB9 female connector provides two-way RS-232 communication with home automation

systems. Pinout: Pin 2 = Tx; Pin 3 = Rx; Pin 5 = Ground.13. USB Flash Drive – One, USB 2.0 Port connects to a USB flash drive for installing firmware updates.14. Zone Line Level Outputs - Stereo pair RCA jacks connect to the left & right line level audio inputs on an

external audio amplifier. 15. Speaker terminals – Zones one to six have a built in 20W/ch stereo amplifiers. Connect speakers to utilize

these amplifiers.16. Trigger outputs – When the zone is turned on, a DC voltage is supplied from the trigger output. This can be

used to remotely power on an external amplifier.

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TP-2 touch panel

Figure 3. TP-2 Touch Panel (trim plate removed)

1. J-Box Screw Holes – Four slots adapt to the mounting holes on a standard 2-gang J-Box when wallmounting the touch panel.

2. Touch Panel Trim Plate Tab Slots – Four slots lock the touch panel trim plate.3. Touch Panel LCD – Touch activated. Displays zone status for: Source, Volume, Zone Name, Tuner

Frequency and Preset Number. Also displays touch panel Menu for: Tuner Preset programming, Tone Controls and touch panel Display Contrast.

4. IR Receiver – Allows pass through of consumer remote controls to operate remotely located sourcecomponents.

5. Touch Panel Port – Run Cat5e cable from this port to a zone port on the rear of the MRC-816.

Figure 4. TP-2 rear panel

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Figure 6. MRC-816 Typical System Connections

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DESIGNING AND INSTALLING A MRC-816 SYSTEM

System DesignIt is always good to get as much information from the client/user/homeowner as possible when designing a multi-source, multi-zone system. What sources are they going to use? How many zones will be included in the system?Some zones may only require speakers for background music, while other zones may include a TV or videodisplay for movies, sports and news. It’s all part of the same system and planning ahead will insure that thesystem does what the user requires…or asks for later.

Head End ConsiderationsWhen planning a whole-house system, for either new or existing construction, always try to find the mostconvenient location for the system components. Try to find a central location to pull the wire runs to with adequatespace for the components and room to work on them. Certainly not the least important consideration should beconvenience for the user. For service or upgrading components, an equipment closet with rear access to thecomponents is ideal but not always possible. Consider a pull-out rack mount system if rear access is not possible.Leave plenty of extra wire to be able to easily remove components should they need service or replacing.

Zone ConsiderationsThink the system through in terms of how the system will be used. What is the layout of each room? Where willthe speakers go? Where will the touch panels go? Are there going to be any other system components in theremote zones such as TV’s or video displays? Be sure to pull all required cabling and observe all local buildingand electrical codes.

INSTALLATION

Controller LocationThe MRC-816 should be located at the main termination of all wire and cable runs. The source components(Tuner, CD, DVD, SAT, Music Server, etc) should also be installed at this location.The MRC-816 and source components can be placed on shelves in a wall unit in a media room, or rack mountedin a standard 19” rack mount system. Always provide convenient access for loading CDs and DVDs. Easy accessfor service should also be a consideration.

VentilationThe MRC-816 must be placed in a location that allows adequate airflow. Leave at least two inches above andbelow the unit to allow air to flow freely through the vent holes on the top, bottom and sides. Blocking the ventholes can inhibit airflow and possibly damage the unit. Removing the feet a placing the unit on a shelf or anothercomponent will inhibit airflow and is not recommended. Additionally, care should be taken to leave plenty of extraroom for wires and cables. Extra wire cramped in around the unit can block side vents and inhibit proper airflow.

Touch Panel Location & Mounting The MRC-816 touch panels should never be mounted in the same J-box with AC house wiring or any other highvoltage device such as a light switch. Avoid mounting the touch panels in areas with high moisture such as aroundsinks, bathtubs, showers or outdoor locations that will be exposed to rain or high humidity. Care should also betaken to avoid mounting the touch panels in locations that will be exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight can interferewith the IR sensors on the touch panels and make it difficult to see the display.

INSTALLING WIRING

One of the most important aspects of system design and installation is the wiring infrastructure. When planningthe wiring infrastructure, always pull extra wire. In new construction, wires can be damaged during construction,so it is a good idea to use wire with additional conductors in case a nail or staple gets run through a wire.Additionally, even though the system has been designed and contracted based on extensive interviews with thehomeowner, things change. The homeowner may decide to add music, video and control to additional rooms longafter the walls have been sealed up. In new construction, always pull wire to every room that could ever possibly

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be added to the system, so when the homeowner decides to add a room, the wire is already in place. Pull speakerand control wires for audio and control as well as coax or other appropriate cable (HDMI over CAT-5, etc), forvideo distribution, even though the MRC-816 does not switch video and the system will only initially be used foraudio sources. Pull each wire or cable to an appropriate location for touch panels, speakers and video displays.Terminate with appropriate wall plates or keep a map detailing exactly where the wire runs are terminated in thewalls. Always label the wire runs by room and device to assist in installation and troubleshooting.

Figure 8a. Typical Zone Configuration

Touch Panel wiring:Pull CAT-5 cables directly from each touch panel location to the MRC-816 Controller location. Terminate withRJ45 plugs in a pass-through (pin to pin) configuration using the TIA568A Standard pin-out.

CAT-5 RJ45 SIGNALWhite/Green PIN 1 +12V

Green PIN 2 GNDWhite/Orange PIN 3 Touch panel Data +

Blue PIN 4 IR Data +White/Blue PIN 5 IR Data -

Orange PIN 6 Touch panel Data -White/Brown PIN 7 N/C

Brown PIN 8 N/C

Figure 8b. RJ45 TIA568A Standard Pin-out

Speaker wiring:Pull two conductor wire in home-runs directly from each speaker location to the MRC-816 Controller location. Youwill need two 2 conductor runs per zone (stereo pair). You could also use four conductor wire, but will have to splitup the conductors when you get to the speakers. WIRE GAUGE: 16AWG stranded up to 75’; 14AWG stranded upto 100’. Non-shielded preferred.

NOTE: MAX LOAD: 8 ohms per zone. Do not load more than one pair of 8 ohm speakers per zone. This cancause the unit to go into protection and may possibly blow fuses.

Mute: Pull two conductor stranded wire from the 12VDC control output on the device that will trigger audio mutingto the MRC-816 Controller location. Terminate with a 2.1mm coaxial plug on the MRC-816 end. POLARITY: TIP =+12VDC, SLEEVE = GND. WIRE GAUGE: 20AWG up to 500’; 18AWG up to 1000’. MAX VOLTAGE IN: 32VDC.NOTE: Audio mute function will mute all active zones when 12VDC is present on this input. The menu systemallows you to configure which zone(s) will respond to the mute signal.

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RS-232When controlling the MRC-816 from an external controller such as a whole-house control system, use a DB9M(male) cable for the MRC-816 RS232 Port and terminate the control system end as appropriate.NOTE: RS-232 connections should not exceed 50’.

Figure 10. RS-232 Pin-Out

Audio PageAudio – Pull quality audio cable from the telephone system line audio or paging output to the MRC-816Controller location.Control - Pull two conductor stranded wire from the Contact Closure control output on the device that willtrigger Audio Page to the MRC-816 Controller location. The menu system allows you to configure which zoneswill respond to the page signal, and at what audio level.

MAKING CONNECTIONSWhen connecting source components, or making any connections, be sure that the MRC-816 Controller and allsystem devices are turned OFF and disconnected from AC power to prevent electrical shock and to avoid possiblydamaging components.

HEAD END CONNECTIONS

Touch PanelsTerminate each cat5 cable with an RJ45 plug following TIA568A guidelines. Connect the zone cat5 cable tothe appropriate zone port on the MRC-816 rear panel.

Speakers1. Using 14-16AWG two-conductor stranded wire, strip approximately ¼” of insulation from each conductor.

Twist the strands until tight.2. Connect the bare wires to the appropriate L+,L-,R-,R+ terminals on one of the included four-position plug-in

connectors. Be sure to maintain proper polarity. Be sure there are no loose strands sticking out that couldcause a short. When screwing down the wire clamps, be sure that the wire insulation does not get caught inthe clamp.

3. Plug the connector into the appropriate zone speaker terminal.

Source AudioUsing quality stereo RCA audio cables with gold connectors for each audio source, connect the left & rightaudio outputs of each source to the appropriate left & right audio inputs on the MRC-816 Controller forSources 1-6.

IR EmittersSources 1-6 – Use industry standard IR emitters for each external source component. 1. Plug each emitter into the appropriate source IR output jack (1-6). (If the CD player is source 1, plug the

emitter for the CD player into emitter jack 1.)2. Attach the emitter to the front panel of the device being controlled over the IR eye. If the eye is not

obvious, refer to the owner’s manual for that product or shine a small flashlight into the front panel tolocate the eye.

NOTE: IR commands initiated by a MRC-816 will be routed to the emitter for the selected source.(Commands for Source 1 will only output from emitter 1.) IR pass-through, (IR Commands initiated by theoriginal equipment remote or a programmed remote) will output from all source emitters.

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MuteUsing a properly configured 2.1mm coaxial plug, (see section: Wiring/Mute) connect the 2.1mm coaxial plugto the Mute jack on the MRC-816 rear panel. Terminate the other end as appropriate and connect to the12VDC control output terminal on the device used to trigger audio mute. Be sure to maintain proper polarityfrom the trigger device control out to the 2.1mm coaxial plug.

RS-232Using a properly configured DB9 cable (see section: Wiring/RS-232), connect the DB9 male connector to theRS-232 jack on the MRC-816 rear panel. Appropriately terminate and connect the other end to an appropriateRS-232 port on the control device. See section: RS-232 Protocol for additional information.

Figure 11. Audio Page ConnectionsAudio Page

Page Audio1. Using the audio cable pulled for Audio Page, strip approximately ¼” of insulation from each conductor. Twist

the strands until tight.2. Connect the bare wires to the two left terminals on one of the included four-position plug-in connectors as

shown in Figure 11. Polarity is not critical. Be sure there are no loose strands sticking out that could causea short.

3. Terminate the other end of the audio cable as appropriate and connect to the appropriate audio out on thepaging device.

Page Control1. Using the two-conductor stranded wire pulled for Audio Page control, strip approximately ¼” of insulation

from each conductor. Twist the strands until tight.2. Connect the bare wires to the two right terminals on the same four-position plug-in connector used in Step 2

above, as shown in Figure 11. Polarity is not critical. Be sure there are no loose strands sticking out thatcould cause a short.

3. Terminate the other end of the control wire as appropriate and connect to the appropriate control out on thepaging device.

4. Plug the connector into the Audio Page Terminal.

ZONE CONNECTIONS (in each room)Touch Panels

Using CAT-5 cable properly terminated with a RJ45 plug (see section: Wiring/Touch panels) connect thezone CAT-5 cable to the Touch Panel Controller Connection (RJ45) jack on the touch panel rear panel.

Speakers1. Using the 14-16AWG two-conductor stranded wire pulled for zone speaker connections, strip approximately

¼” of insulation from each conductor. Twist the strands until tight.2. Connect the bare wires to the appropriate L+, L-, R-, R+ terminals on the left and right zone speakers. Be

sure to maintain proper polarity. Be sure there are no loose strands sticking out that could cause a short.

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SYSTEM EXPANSION TO 16 ZONES

Figure 14. Expanded MRC-816 System

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EXPANDED SYSTEMSTwo MRC-816 Controllers can be linked together to expand a MRC-816 system to up to sixteen zones. Thefundamental installation and connections are similar to those on a single controller system with a few minorchanges:

Nexlink ConnectionThis connection allows communication between the Master and Slave Controllers for zone/system status,system/source power management, page control, mute control and external common source IR control from thetouch panels or remotes used in the zones connected to the Slave Controller.

Using a RJ11 patch cable configured in a crossover configuration, connect the Nexlink jack on the MasterController to the Nexlink jack on the Slave Controller. See Figure 15b for construction of cable.NOTE: Two linked MRC-816 Controllers must be configured for Master/Slave configuration in the Main MenuMaster /Slave Setup. IR emitter, mute/page and LAN connections are made to the master.

Source AudioSource audio must be distributed to both the Master and Slave Controller source inputs to have source audiosignals available to all zones.

Use either ‘Y’ adapters or an audio distribution amp to split the line level audio signal from the source outputsto the source audio inputs on both controllers as shown in Figure 14.

IR EmittersThe IR Emitter are connected to the Master Controller IR Outputs as done in a single controller system. The SlaveController will communicate IR control to the Master via the Nexlink connection. See section: Connections/IR Emitters for additional information.

SpeakersSpeakers are connected to the appropriate Master or Slave Zone Speaker Outs as described in section:Connections/Speakers.

MuteThe Audio Mute control IN is connected to the Master Controller Mute jack as done in a single controller system. The Master Controller will communicate Audio Mute to the Slave Zones via the Nexlink connection. See section: Connections/Mute for additional information.

Page AudioPage Audio – The audio for paging must be distributed to both the Master and Slave Controller Page Audioinputs to have the Page Audio signals available to all zones.

Using quality audio cable, jump the Page Audio terminals on the Master Controller to the Page AudioTerminals on the Slave Controller as shown in Figure 15a. Though polarity from the Page Audio Source tothe Master Page Audio IN is not critical, do maintain proper polarity between the Master and Slave PageAudio Terminals. Be sure there are no loose strands sticking out that can cause shorts.

Page Control - The Page Audio Control IN is connected to the Master Controller Page Audio Control Terminals as done in a single controller system. The Master Controller will communicate Page control to the Slave via the Nexlink connection. See section: Connections/Page Audio for additional information.

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Figure 15a. Audio Page Connections – Expanded System

Figure 15b. Nexlink cable wiring

SYSTEM POWER UP

After the system wiring is complete, it is time to power up the system. The power switch for the MRC-816 is on therear panel of the unit above the power cord. This system is designed to remain powered up continuously. Turn thepower switch on the rear panel to the on position. If you have a 16 zone system using two chassis, then turn on the other MRC-816 as well. Touch panel scan – The system is not immediately available for use right after power up, as the touch panel scanning sequence is initiated first, which checks each port to see if a touch panel is connected, and properly configured. The eight leds on the front panel will indicate the progress of the touch panel scanning procedure: Starting with the left most led for zone 1, the led will illuminate momentarily as the port is checked for the presence of a touch panel. If a touch panel is not found, the led will extinguish, and the next led will illuminate to check port number two and so on. If a touch panel is detected on a port, the led for that port will remain illuminated, and scanning will continue with the next port until all eight ports are checked. By observing the scanning sequence, you can check for the possibility of wiring errors to the touch panels. For example, if you know that there is a touch panel attached to port 1 (zone 1), but the first led does not remain lit during the scanning sequence, then there must be a problem in that zone’s wiring. The touch panel scanning sequence requires about 20 seconds to complete. After this time, all leds go off, and the system is ready for use.

SYSTEM PROGRAMMING

The MRC-816 uses a web end interface for programming all of the system operational parameters. It is essentialthat the MRC-816 LAN port is connected to the local area network so that the setup pages may be accessed witha computer attached to the same network. In an expanded master/slave 16 zone system, connect only the MRC-816 unit that will be the master, to the network. The setup page for the MRC-816 can be accessed with a PC,MAC, tablet, or even a cell phone. Open your favorite browser, and navigate to http://nexus816. You may also usenexus816.local. If for some reason the setup page does not load, please check your connections. You may alsonavigate to your local router setup page to discover what ip address the MRC-816 has been assigned, and thenuse the ip address directly in your browser. Each setup page in the web interface contains full instructions on howto program the parameters, and the instructions are not repeated in this manual.

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1

1

RJ11

RJ11

Wiring:Pin1 – NCPin2 – Pin5Pin3 – Pin3Pin4 – Pin4Pin5 – Pin2Pin6 - NC

FIRMWARE UPDATESFrom time to time Nexus Audio will release firmware updates for the MRC-816 Controller and/or touch panels.Sometimes these updates will be improvements to system functionality and sometimes they will be new featureadditions. Updating firmware on the MRC-816 is done with a USB Flash (thumb) Drive.

Updates can be obtained by contacting Nexus Audio Systems Inc.

The file for the MRC-816 Controller (if included) will be named C816B.Vx_xx.hex where x_xx denotes the versionnumber. Similarly, the file for the touch panels (if included) will be named NEXUSTP1.bin.

The USB flash drive to be used for the upgrade can have other files on it, but if there are a lot of files, the MRC-816 may take a long time to initialize before the upgrade begins. If the MRC-816 does not initialize or downloadthe update, delete the extraneous files, or use another flash drive with less files on it.

Upgrading the MRC-816 Controller1. Unzip, and copy the file C816B_Vx_xx.hex to a USB flash drive in the root directory. NOTE: only have one

version of the file in the root directory. If there are multiple versions, the correct one may not be loaded. If youwant to keep older versions that may be present on the drive, move them to a sub-directory.

2. Turn off the MRC-816.3. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port on the MRC-816 Rear Panel.4. While holding down the FN button beside the power switch, turn on the MRC-816. Then release FN. The

status led beside the LAN port should start to flash.5. Wait for programming to complete. The status led will begin to rapidly flash as the new software loads. You

will know when programming is complete, as the status led will stop flashing, and the front panel leds willbegin light up as touch panel scanning commences.

6. Remove the USB flash drive.7. If using a slave chassis, it will need to be upgraded in the same manner.

Upgrading the MRC-816 Touch Panels1. Unzip, and copy the file NEXUSTP1.bin to the root folder of a USB flash drive.2. As a check, turn the MRC-816 OFF, then ON, and verify that all attached touch panels are properly detected

by observing the front panel leds as described in the system power up section. An un-detected touch panelwill not be updated.

3. Insert the USB flash drive containing the update into the USB port on the MRC-816 Rear Panel. 4. In the web end menu, navigate to the USB tab.5. The status area in the USB menu should say “drive detected”.6. Click on the “Update Touch Panels” button to begin the update7. The screens on all touch panels will go blank, and then display the progress of the update.8. When update is complete, the touch panels will reboot, and the normal screen will display for a few seconds

before the touch panels go to sleep. Sometimes, a touch panel will not reboot, and will be displaying amessage “reboot” now”. If this happens, turn the MRC-816 off, then back on.

RS-232 PROTOCOL

The MRC-816 Controller has an RS-232 Port that allows the system to be controlled with a third party controller tobecome a sub-system in a whole-house control package. This allows system operation such as turning on certainzones for background music when the alarm system is deactivated. Conversely, a command can be sent to turnall zones off when the alarm system is activated. Many such scenarios are possible.

The MRC-816 RS-232 Port allows full control of all system functions. In addition to being able to control the MRC-816 Controller’s ‘on board’ functions (ON/OFF, input select, etc) RS-232 control also allows control of theconnected source components. When the MRC-816 ‘sees’ a command for one of the on board functions, itresponds accordingly. When it sees a command such as CD play, the incoming RS-232 command is interpreted ina similar manner to a touch panel button press and the MRC-816 will then output the appropriate correspondingIR command.

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The RS-232 Port on the MRC-816 is a DB9 female jack. Tx (transmit) = PIN 2, Rx (receive) = PIN 3, Ground =PIN 5. Communication settings are 19200 baud, 8 bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.

Figure 45. RS-232 Port Pin Out

Baud Rate Parity Data Bits Stop Bits Flow Control19200 None 8 bits 1 None

Each command must be terminated with a carriage return: <cr>. A carriage return is a single, non-printablecharacter with a hexadecimal value of 0x0D, or decimal 13. This character is represented in this document by thestring <cr> If an invalid command is sent, the MRC-816 will respond with ERR<cr>. If a valid command is sent,the MRC-816 will respond with OK<cr> unless it is a query type command, in which case the MRC-816 willrespond with information terminated with <cr>. Every response from the MRC-816 is terminated with a carriagereturn.

The MRC-816 sends out unsolicited information whenever a touch panel is operated. The syntax is the same asthat used for controlling the MRC-816. The information will be terminated with <cr>.The RS-232 commands for the Nexus MRC-816 are outlined in a separate document titled "Nexus MRC-816 RS-232 protocol". Please contact Nexus Audio Systems Inc. for a copy of this document.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM SOLUTIONPowerSystem will not Power up a) Confirm the MRC-816 controller is plugged into

an unswitched AC outlet.b) Confirm Power cord is plugged into MRC-816 Controller.

Touch panels will not power up Confirm connections and configuration of CAT-5 cables from Controller to Touch panels.

AudioNo Audio From Source a) Confirm that source is ON.

b) Confirm source line audio out is connected to the appropriate source input on MRC-816 Controller.c) Confirm source is playing.

No Audio In Zone a) Confirm speakers are connected.b) Confirm Zone is ON.c) Confirm Zone volume is turned up.

No Audio in Expansion Zones a) Check connection of source line level audio outputs to Y Adapters and Y Adapters to Controller’s line level audio inputs.b) See Troubleshooting sections: ‘No Audio From Source’ and ‘No Audio In Zone’.

Infrared ControlIR Commands are not getting routed to specific Source Components

a) Confirm emitters are plugged into the specific IRoutput jack for the device being controlled. (Input 1, emitter jack 1 etc.)b) Confirm emitter is attached over the IR eye of the device being controlled and is connected to theproper MRC-816 Controller IR Output.c) Confirm IR commands are programmed to the Controller for the selected device.

No IR output on Master Controller from commands initiated by touch panels connected to the Slave Controller

a) Confirm Nexlink connection.

R-3 Remote does not Control Source Components

a) Confirm IR commands have been properly programmed by source.

Source does not respond to IR Command output by MRC-816 Controller

a) Confirm IR emitter is attached over the IR eye ofthe device being controlled and connected to the proper MRC-816 Controller IR Output.b) Check to be sure proper IR command has been programmed to a button.

RS-232 ControlMRC-816 does not Respond to RS-232 Commands from control device

a) Confirm control device is ON.b) Confirm pin-out of RS-232 cable.c) Confirm control device is properly configured to send/receive.d) Confirm command strings are properly entered in control device.e) See Instructions section: RS-232 Protocol.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Amplifier Output Power 25 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20Hz to 20KHz)1% THD all zones driven. Output Power 47 watts per channel into 4 ohms (20Hz to 20KHz)1% THD all zones driven. THD+N = 0.003% @ 1W (8Ω, 1kHz) CCIF Intermodulation distortion = 0.0002%, 10W, 4Ω, 18.5kHz/1kHz Input Sensitivity .750mV Input Voltage (max.) +-3.3vP Tuner - FM Section Frequency Range: 87.5-108Mhz. IHF Sensitivity: 20dBu (19Khz LPF On THD = 3%) IF Rejection: 60db Image Rejection: 30db Usable Sensitivity: 25db (S/N = 20db) Selectivity: 60db Signal to Noise: 60db Stereo Separation: 25db Tuner - AM Section Frequency Range 530-1710Khz. IF Rejection: 45db Image Rejection: 30db Sensitivity: 61 db Selectivity: 18db (+/- 10Khz) Signal to Noise: 43db IR IR Modulation Frequency Bandwidth: 38K-56K Touch Panel IR Sensor Range: 30’ General Source Inputs: 4 Audio inputs in addition to the built-in Tuner

Up to 2 extra optional audio inputs using expansion bays.Expansion: Up to 18 Zones using another MRC-816 Controller.RS-232: 19200 Baud, Asynchronous, 8Bits,No Parity, No Handshake USB: Host port available for firmware updatesLine Level Outputs: One fixed, and one variable output tied to zone 1Power Requirements: 120VAC Power Consumption: 650 Watts IR Outputs: 1 common; 4 source specific Dimensions: 17”W x 3 7/8”H x 14”D (including feet and connectors) Weight: 28 Lbs.

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WARRANTYLimited Warranty (North America)

Nexus Audio Systems Inc. (Nexus Audio) Warrant the product designated herein to be free of manufacturingdefects in material and workmanship, subject to the conditions set forth below for a period of 2 years, from thedate of purchase by the original registered purchaser.

Conditions1.This Warranty is void and inapplicable if the product has been used or handled other than in accordance with

the instructions in the Owners Manual, abused or misused, damaged by accident or neglect in beingtransported.

2.This Warranty is void if the product is altered or otherwise repaired or tampered with by anyone other thanNexus Audio Systems Inc. or an authorized Nexus Audio Systems Inc. repair professional or center, asdesignated by Nexus Audio.

3.A returned product is to be delivered to Nexus Audio with a Nexus Audio assigned Return AuthorizationNumber. In addition, the returned product is to be accompanied by a written description of the defect andproof of purchase.

4.Nexus Audio Systems Inc reserves the right to modify the design and specifications of any product at anytime,without obligation to advise the purchaser of previously manufactured products and to change the prices ofany product without notice to any person.

5.In the sole discretion of Nexus Audio, warranty work may not be undertaken without evidence of purchaserregistration by way of the original warranty card filing.

Exclusions1.This Warranty is valid for specified Nexus Audio product and the assigned serial number for the duration

specified in this certificate.2.This certificate does not extend to any incidental or consequential costs or damages to the purchaser.3.This Warranty shall provide the original purchaser with specific legal rights, which may vary from State to

State in the United States and Province to Province in Canada.4.This Warranty is a Limited Warranty as defined by the Federal Trade Commission (Magnuson-Moss Warranty

Act) in the United States and as defined by Industry Canada (Competition Act) in Canada.

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Warrantor:Inquiries regarding the above Limited Warranty may be sent to:

Nexus Audio Systems Inc.122 Saunders Road, Unit 7.

Barrie, Ontario. Canada L4N 9A8

Canada and US Toll Free: 866-303-2629Phone: (705) 737-2629Fax (705) 792-3990Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm EST

Email: info@nexusaudiosystems.com

NEXUS AUDIO SYSTEMS INC.20 Hamilton Road

Barrie, Ontario L4N 8Y5 CanadaTel: 705.737.2629

866.303.2629Fax: 705.792.3990

www.nexusaudiosystems.com

© 2009 Nexus Audio Systems, Inc.

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