Russound BGK3 installation manual Product Overview, What it does, How it works

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

What it does

The iBridge Power Dock Kit (BGK3) allows a user to integrate an iPod into a Russound RNET audio system without running new wires. The kit's main components are the iBridge Power Dock (BGD2), the iBridge Dock Adapter (BGDA) and the iBridge Controller Adapter (BGCA).

The BGD2 Power Dock is portable because it is powered by and communicates over the home's electrical wiring through its companion piece, the BGDA. The third component, the BGCA is mounted at the multiroom controller location and is used to pull information from the electrical line and convert it back to RNET, IR signals and analog audio.

The iBridge Power Dock has a standard 30-pin dock connector and supports most iPod models. It ships with five well adapters for later iPod models (newer models are sold with well adapters). It provides power to the iPod to keep it charged while docked and connected to the system.

The iBridge Power Dock can also be used in an IR-controlled audio system. Regardless of which type of audio system, a maximum of four iBridge Power Docks per system, and each Power Dock requires its own Dock Adapter and Controller Adapter.

How it works

The Power Dock employs RNET Power Line Carrier (PLC) technology to send audio, RNET control and IR signals between the RNET controller and the iBridge Power Dock over the home’s existing electrical wiring.

Configuration consists of setting the iBridge Power Dock as a peripheral source in the RNET controller programming. The BGCA connects to the controller for audio and RNET control. The iBridge Power Dock connects to the BGDA with a CAT-5 cable. Once the two adapters are plugged into power outlets, a simple binding procedure ensures both ends of the system have found each other and are communicating.

After the initial successful binding procedure, the Power Dock and its adapter can be moved from room to room without worrying about running wires.

Installation and configuration constraints

•Surge protectors, power strips and uninterruptible power supplies must be PLC-friendly and/or Home Plug approved. Other models will compromise power line communication.

•GFCI outlets may hinder the PLC performance if they employ filtering and surge suppression as well. Check with the manufacturer.

•Surge duplex outlets may hinder the PLC performance if they employ certain types of filtering Check with the manufacturer.

•The PLC protocol used in the iBridge Power Dock system (Home Plug) does not function properly when an alternate protocol such as DS2™ is being used within the home. Removing the competing devices, or switching the competing device to the same protocol will resolve this issue.

4 Russound BGK3 iBridge Power Dock Kit Installation Manual