Harman-Kardon AB 2 owner manual Introduction, Installation and Connection, Installation Planning

Introduction

Thank you for choosing this Harman Kardon® product. With your purchase of a new AB 2 Amplified In-Wall Module you will be able to extend the flexibility of your home enter- tainment system so that it delivers sound to another room in your home. Custom-designed for use exclusively with Harman Kardon A-BUS®-equipped products and ABH series hubs, the AB 2 enables you to send a separate source to the remote room and power most speakers – without the need for an additional amplifier – through one single Category 5/5e cable. The keypad and built-in IR sensor, compatible with the included remote and Harman Kardon AVR and second-zone remotes,

Always observe the appropriate safety codes for concealed wiring. Be extremely careful not to cut through or drill into concealed wiring or pipes. Make a small inspection opening before cutting or drilling.

Dust or dirt can cause special problems on wiring contacts. Be sure all contacts are clean, and that all parts are installed correctly to protect them from dust and dirt.

Your Harman Kardon AB 2 Amplified In-Wall Module has been custom-designed for use with Harman Kardon A-BUS-equipped products; it is also compatible with many other A-BUS-compatible systems. Do not connect it to any other device.

What Is Included

•Two self-starting, universal-head machine screws for mounting

•Remote control

You are responsible for providing a Decora-style wall-plate, available in a variety of colors at your local hardware retailer.

You must also provide the speakers and a sufficient length of Category 5/5e (or better) UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cable and an RJ-45 modular plug. The wiring scheme is the standard TIA T568A configuration. The maximum length should not exceed 100 feet to avoid degrading the signal. Further informa- tion on the correct wiring configuration is provided in Step Two.

Press and hold this button to select The Bridge/DMP as the multiroom source. If a compatible iPod (not included) is docked in The Bridge, it will begin playing. The Bridge is a Harman Kardon accessory that is sold separately. It may be connected to a The Bridge-Ready Harman Kardon product.

CD Source Control – When the AB 2 is used with a Harman Kardon ABH 4000 or other compatible multizone A-BUS hub, and when a CD player is connected to Source 2 of the hub, tap this button to select the CD player as the source and begin play (if the player was not already playing). Tap the button again to pause play. If audio is not heard within a few moments of the first tap, tap the button again, as the CD player may have

Input-Cable Connection Block – Using standard IDC punch- down tools, connect the Category 5/5e cable linking the AB 2 to the receiver or hub to this connection block in accordance with the color code printed on the circuit board.

Output-Level Trims – Use these trim pots prior to final instal- lation to match the output level of the AB 2 to your speakers.

Speaker-Terminal Block – The wire used to connect the AB 2 to your speakers is connected to this terminal block. Insert the wire in accordance with the color coding shown and then tighten the screw. The maximum wire size is 14 AWG.

Installation and Connection

offer control over source selection and operation, local volume and system power.

To fully enjoy the benefits of remote keypad control, please take a few minutes to read this owner’s manual. It contains important information that will guide you through the correct and safe installation of your Amplified In-Wall Module. If you do not have experience installing in-wall electrical and telecommunications components, consult a qualified low-voltage contractor or custom installer.

If you have any questions about this product, its installation or its operation, please contact your retailer or custom installer. They are your best source of product information.

Features

■ Simple connection to any A-BUS-equipped Harman Kardon

product or ABH series hub

The AB 2 is only to be installed by qualified personnel and as per the requirements of all applicable state and local building codes, as well as NEC requirements. Check with your local authorities as needed to ensure that all wiring inside walls is installed in compliance with the proper standards. Failure to do so may present a potential safety hazard.

If you have any doubt about your ability to work with electrical and telecommunications wiring, you are advised to hire a licensed electrician or custom installer to install this product.

Installation Planning

The AB 2 may be installed in any location appropriate for standard in-wall electrical components. You are responsible for selecting and properly installing an appropriate electrical junction box or plaster ring. Check the fit of the box or ring with the

AB 2 before installation.

Front-Panel Controls

AVR Tuner/DMP Control

CD Source Control

DVD Source Control

MP3 Source Control

Wall-Plate Screw Hole Mounting Screw Slot

Power Off/Mute

Skip Up/Down

Volume Up/Down

IR Sensor

Status LED

Mounting Screw Slot Wall-Plate Screw Hole

already been playing and would have interpreted the command as a Pause.

If this button was previously tapped to start play, press and hold the button to skip to the next disc (assuming the player is a multidisc unit).

DVD Source Control – When the AB 2 is used with a Harman Kardon ABH 4000 or other compatible multizone A-BUS hub, and when a DVD player is connected to Source 3 of the hub, tap this button to select the DVD player as the source and begin play.

If this button was previously tapped to select the DVD player as the source, press and hold the button to begin play.

MP3 Source Control – When the AB 2 is used with a Harman Kardon ABH 4000 or other compatible multizone A-BUS hub, and when an MP3 player is connected to Source 4 of the hub, tap or press and hold this button to select the MP3 player as

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES:

•Before beginning the installation process, make certain that all electronic products in the system are turned off and disconnected from their A/V power connection.

This avoids the possibility of accidental activation, which could possibly damage the equipment or cause personal injury. Do not turn on the equipment until instructed to do so.

•Be certain to observe all appropriate safety measures when installing any wiring, including, but not limited to, the use of eye protection when required, and attention to the required distances between low-voltage wiring and high-voltage AC mains wiring.

Step One: Run a Category 5/5e cable from the receiver or hub location to the module.

■ 8-Key button control for source selection, transport control,

volume up/down and mute

■ Built-in IR sensor for control of compatible sources; remote

included

■ Decora®-style wall plate (not included) blends perfectly with

other in-wall electrical controls

■ Mounts in standard electrical junction boxes or plaster rings

■ Uses standard Category 5/5e cable

Important Safety and Installation Information

Low-voltage wiring systems must be properly installed to mini- mize the possibility of accidental contact with hazardous power and lighting wiring. Never place audio or remote control wiring near bare power wires or lightning rods, antennas, transformers, steam or hot water pipes, or heating ducts. Never run low-voltage wire in any conduit, box, channel, duct or other enclosure containing power or lighting circuits of any type. In addition to ensuring proper separation between any AC power wiring and the Category 5/5e cable used for A-BUS, avoid running the A-BUS cable in parallel to any AC wiring. Always maintain at least the minimum separation between AC wiring and the A-BUS cable or ANY low-voltage cable that is required by the NEC (National Electrical Code) or any applicable local building codes or regulations.

Make sure to follow all instructions when preparing wiring for use with the AB 2 module. Failure to do so may result in a potential safety hazard, including possible danger to persons and/or equipment.

If you will be running the cable through a ventilation riser or plenum, use plenum-rated cable to comply with NEC and local electrical codes. Failure to do so may result in a potential fire or safety hazard.

Since the AB 2 uses a built-in infrared sensor to receive commands, avoid installing it near potential sources of interference, including plasma video displays, dimmer-controlled lighting, bright sunlight, and reflective surfaces such as mirrors or blank walls. Temporarily place the AB 2 in the proposed location to test the integrity of IR signals.

The AB 2 should be installed in a convenient place where it may be operated manually, or by using a remote control from any place in the room. The AB 2 may be mounted close to other wall switches, but it should NEVER be installed in the same gang box as any product (e.g., light switch or dimmer) where AC line voltage is present.

Consider the distance from the AB 2 module to the speakers, particularly when they are in-wall or in-ceiling mounted. Be certain that there are no solid walls or load-bearing structures that would prevent the speaker wires from reaching their location.

The cable used to connect the AB 2 to the A-BUS-equipped receiver or hub should be Category 5/5e (or better). Be certain that any local building or electrical codes mandating the use of plenum or riser wiring are taken into account. The speaker wiring should be in-wall rated as required, and may not exceed 14 AWG. To simplify wiring, you may use two-pair CL-3 rated in-wall wiring and run a single cable from the AB 2 to both loca- tions. One pair will be used to connect the first speaker and the other will continue to the second speaker.

NOTE: To ensure proper performance, the cable length between an A-BUS source component and the AB 2 should not exceed 100 feet.

Speaker Selection

The AB 2 is compatible with in-wall or in-ceiling speakers that have an efficiency rating of 88dB or greater, and a minimum speaker impedance of six ohms.

Wall-Plate Screw Holes – Use these screw holes to attach your Decora-style wall plate to the AB 2.

Mounting Screw Slots – Use the supplied machine screws to attach the AB 2 to an electrical junction box or plaster ring through these slots.

Volume ⁄/ ¤ Buttons – Press these buttons to raise or lower the volume of the speakers connected to the AB 2. Temporarily mute the system by tapping the Power Off button. To unmute the system and return to the previous volume level, tap the Power Off button again.

IR Sensor – This sensor receives signals from the included remote control, the main or second-zone remote supplied with some Harman Kardon multizone receivers, or a source remote, and uses them internally or passes them on to other components. When a command is received, the Status LED blinks and the AB 2 sounds a tone through the speakers connected to it in acknowledgement of the command. The operating range of the infrared system is up to 60 feet in ideal lighting conditions, and up to 15 feet in bright sunlight.

Status LED – The LED behind the red window indicates the system’s status.

•When the LED is not lit, the AB 2 is not connected to a powered A-BUS-equipped component or hub.

•When the LED is at full brightness, the system is operational.

•The LED will blink when it is receiving an infrared command code from a compatible remote control.

AVR Tuner/DMP Control – Tap this button to turn on an A-BUS-equipped Harman Kardon A/ V receiver’s (AVR’s) multiroom system and select the tuner as the multiroom (remote-zone) source. Each additional tap changes the tuner band.

the source.

Power Off/Mute – Tap this button to mute the AB 2. Tap it again to resume hearing audio. Muting the AB 2 does not affect the source, which will continue playing.

If the AVR’s tuner or The Bridge is the current source, or if the AB 2 is connected directly to the AVR, press and hold this button to turn off the AVR’s multiroom system. If any other source has been selected and the AB 2 has been connected to a hub, press and hold this button to power off the hub.

Skip Up/Down – Tap this button to skip up, and press and hold it to skip down. The precise behavior depends on the current source:

•AVR Tuner: Preset up or down; no effect on The Bridge

•CD: Track skip up or down

•DVD: Next or previous chapter

•MP3: No effect

Rear-Panel Connections

Speaker-Terminal Block

Output-Level Trims

Input-Cable

Connection Block

Run a splice-free Category 5/5e cable from the location where the AB 2 module will be installed to the location where the A-BUS-equipped product or hub is placed. Leave sufficient wire at each end for ease of installation. Any extra wire may be trimmed back during the installation. You will need to have access to the rear of the AB 2 after the module is connected, but before the module is secured into the wall box.

Step Two: Prepare and install an RJ-45 plug at the receiver end of the system.

The connection and cable termination at the receiver or hub end of the installation is a standard RJ-45 connector using the TIA T568A configuration.

Connect an RJ-45 plug to the end of the wire as follows. Looking at the connector with its clip on top and the wires coming out of the connector toward you, numbered from right to left, the typical pin colors are as follows:

Pin #	Striped Wire Pairs	Signal
1	Green and White	Left Channel Ground
2	Green	Left Channel
3	Orange and White	Right Channel Ground
4	Blue	IR
5	Blue and White	Status
6	Orange	Right Channel
7	Brown and White	Ground
8	Brown	+24V DC

Note that one wire in each pair is always a solid color, and the other is either white or striped. Make sure that the twisted pairs of wires consist of those attached to pins 1 and 2, pins 3 and 6, pins 4 and 5, and pins 7 and 8.