A-BUS SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The product you have just purchased is an integral part of the Russound A-BUS
Multi-Room Audio System. It is a component which, when combined with
other essential components and your source equipment (receiver, CD player,
etc.), creates a versatile whole-house audio system that will fill your rooms with
high-quality sound for years to come.
A-BUS technology is a new, innovative method of providing high quality audio
to remote locations with a single 8-conductor cable such as CAT-5. A-BUS
technology provides many advantages over other methods of audio distribu-
tion, including: simple, single CAT-5 wiring scheme; infrared control of system
components; infrared control of the optional A-KP2 amplified keypad module;
and system power status.
Every A-BUS System is comprised of components from each of the following
three areas.
1.
A-BUS Amplified Modules
: The Module contains both the amplifier for the
room’s speakers as well as the control for those speakers. One Module
should be used for each room you choose to control. The Russound A-KP2
Amplified Keypad (with built-in IR receiver) and A-VC2 Amplified Volume
Control are examples of A-BUS Amplified Modules.
2.
A-BUS Hubs
: All components of the A-BUS system must be wired centrally
to a Hub located near your source equipment. The Hub provides the con-
nection for source equipment, volume controls, infrared emitters and power
supply. The A-H484, A-H4, A-H4D, and A-H2 are examples of A-BUS Hubs.
The A-H484, A-H4, and A-H2 are surface-mount units. The A-H4D is an in-
wall Decora© style unit.
3.
Power Supply
: The power supply plugs into the Hub. The Russound A-PS
24VDC/2.5A unit is an example.
All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Model A-H2
2-Zone Hub
for A-BUS System
Instruction Manual
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONNECTING AND USING RUSSOUND MODEL A-H2. REFER TO THE DIAGRAMS INSIDE.
A-H2 OVERVIEW
The A-H2 is an A-BUS 2-zone, 1-input audio distribution hub used
with A-BUS Amplified Modules. The A-H2 can also be linked to
other A-BUS Hubs (such as the A-H484) and to A-BUS Ready
stereo receivers in order to increase the number of zones in a
system.
IMPORTANT
– Before installation, review the manuals included
with each component in your system. If you are unsure of any of
the installation procedures described herein or elsewhere, consult a
professional electronics installer.
A-H2 KEY FEATURES
1) 1 source audio input
2) 4 common IR outputs, with confirmation LED
3) Status power input with LED indicator and selector switch
4) Power input with LED indicator
5) Expansion In
6) Compact size for mounting near audio equipment
Although the A-H2 has only 1 audio input, it can be connected to
multiple audio sources via the Tape 2 or Zone 2 output of a stereo or
home theater receiver. Connecting to a receiver gives the A-H2 access
to any audio source connected to that receiver. Alternatively, a single
audio source can be connected directly to the A-H2.
A-KP2 keypads can be operated manually or by using the optional
A-KP RC remote control. A-VC2 volume controls are operated manu-
ally using the rotary knob. If you installed IR emitters (see Step 2),
then sources can be operated with their own remote control by aim-
ing it at the IR window on an A-KP2 keypad.
Mount the A-H2 near the source equipment using screws or hook and
loop fastener.
The Expansion Input is used to connect the A-H2 with an RJ45 patch
cable to other A-BUS single-source Hubs or to an A-BUS-Ready prod-
uct to increase the number of rooms in a system. The Expansion Input
connects the Common IR, Status, and the audio source signal. Single-
source A-BUS Hubs such as A-H4, A-H2, A-H4P and A-H1 all use the
same format for linking. The A-H484 multi-source Hub is different
and cannot be linked to single-source Hubs in this manner.
The Link Out or A-BUS Ready Sub-Zone output of one device must
be connected to the Link In (Expansion Input of A-H2) of the sub-
sequent device.
NEVER connect the Link Out to another Link Out or A-BUS Ready
output. This may damage the components and void the warranty.
Note: Each Hub in the chain requires its own A-PS power supply.
Connect two (2) A-BUS Amplified Modules. A CAT-5 cable is used
to connect each A-KP2 or A-VC2 Amplified Module to a keypad
output on the A-H2 Hub. For clean installations, use RJ45 CAT-5
patch cables to connect from the Hub to an RJ45 Wall Plate
(optional), and then wire from the Wall Plate to the Amplified
Module (see diagram). The Amplified Modules have 110 punchdown
connectors for the 8 individual conductors of the CAT-5 cable (use
a punchdown tool with a 110 blade to insert conductors).
NOTE:
When wiring directly to an Amplified Module (i.e., not using
an RJ45 Wall Plate) use T568A RJ45 wire configuration.
Common IR Outputs.
Connect an IR emitter such as the 845.1 to
each of the 4 IR connectors on the A-H2 (you need use only one IR
emitter if you’ve connected a single source directly to the A-H2).
The IR signal that is received through a zone’s Amplified Module is
routed to the A-H2’s Common IR outputs. This allows remote oper-
ation of sources such as CD, DVD or DSS from each zone.
5
SOURCE
The A-H2 Hub and Amplified Keypads are powered by the A-PS
24VDC/2.5A power supply. The A-PS should be plugged into an
unswitched AC outlet (one that is live all the time). When the A-PS
is providing power, the A-H2’s POWER LED will illuminate.
6
POWER SUPPLY
2
IR EMITTERS
1
AMPLIFIED KEYPADS
4
EXPANSION INPUT
7
OPERATION
8
MOUNTING
A-H2 SPECIFICATIONS
Power Supply:
A-PS. 24VDC/2.5A
Status Power:
12VDC/100mA
Keypad Connection:
RJ-45 T568A Standard
Expansion Connection:
RJ-45 T568A Standard
Emitter Connections:
1/8" Male. Tip (+), sleeve (–)
Dimensions:
6.5"W x 2"H x 1.25"D (165x51x32mm)
Weight:
9.5 oz. (270g)
®
LIMITED WARRANTY
The Russound A-H2 is fully guaranteed for Two (2) years from the date of purchase against
all defects in materials and workmanship. During this period Russound will replace any defec-
tive parts and correct any defect in workmanship without charge for either parts or labor.
For this warranty to apply, the unit must be installed and used according to its written
instructions. If service is necessary, it must be performed by Russound. The unit must be
returned to Russound at the owner’s expense and with prior written permission. Accidental
damage and shipping damage are not considered defects under the terms of the warranty.
Russound assumes no responsibility for defects resulting from abuse or servicing performed
by an agency or person not specifically authorized in writing by Russound. Damage to or
destruction of components due to improper use voids the warranty. In these cases the repair
will be made at the owner’s expense. To return for repairs, the unit must be shipped to
Russound at the owner’s expense, along with a note explaining the nature of the service
required. Be sure to pack in a corrugated container with at least 3 inches of resilient mate-
rial to protect the unit from damage in transit. Russound sells products only through author-
ized Dealers and Distributors to ensure that customers obtain proper support and service. Any
Russound product purchased from an unauthorized dealer or other source, including retail-
ers, mail order sellers and online sellers will not be honored or serviced under existing
Russound warranty policy. Any sale of products by an unauthorized source or other manner
not authorized by Russound shall void the warranty on the applicable product.
5 Forbes Rd. Newmarket, NH 03857, USA
Tel 603.659.5170 • Fax 603.659.5388
e-mail: tech@russound.com
The status feature provides two functions:
- Visually confirms when the source component is on
- When the source component is turned off, all Amplified Module
will also turn off
The status feature requires that the source component has a
switched AC outlet.
To enable the status feature:
- Move the status jumper on all Amplified Module to the
“Enabled” position.
- Move the status switch on the Hub to the “STATUS” position.
- Using a Russound Model 846C 120V/12VDC or comparable
adapter, connect the coaxial plug end to the STATUS input on
the Hub, and plug the adapter into a switched AC outlet on the
source component.
When the source is on and supplying status voltage to the Hub, the
Amplified Module’s LED indicator will illuminate green. When the
source is turned off, all Amplified Modules that are on will also
turn off (the A-VC2 will mute).
IMPORTANT:
When the status feature is enabled, it must be used
(i.e., supplied with power) in order to ensure proper operation with
accessories such as the A-LC2 Local Source Input Module.
3
STATUS
Rev. 3 3/22/04
