Overview:

The Xantech 291-80 is a small shelf-top infrared repeater assembly. It is a CFL (compact fluorescent light) friendly version of the 291 Hidden Link series. It is specifically designed to have exceptional IR reception range. In addition, the 291-80 will operate in direct sunlight!

The 291-80 is equipped with a 7-foot cable and a 3.5 mm stereo mini plug, which is plugged directly into the “IR RCVR” jack on the CB12 (included). It can also be plugged into the “AUX” or “IR RCVR” jack on other Xantech connecting blocks, such as models 798-44, CB60 and 791-44. The mini plug provides quick installation where the connecting block is within reach of the 7-foot cable, as when installing the 291-00 in a cabinet where the controlled equipment is behind closed doors. However, cable length can be easily increased to accommodate any desired application.

Configuration:

            A typical system might consist of:

• 291-80 IR Receiver
• CB12 Connecting block
• 781RG Power supply for connecting block
• 286M Dual Blink IR emitter.

In the above system the 291-80 IR Receiver is plugged directly into the CB12 connecting blocks IR RCVR port.

The 781RG is plugged into the PWR port on the connecting block.

The 286M dual blink emitter is plugged into the “OUT” port on the CB12 Connecting Block

The three screw terminals on the opposite end of the connecting block from the power port are to be connected to another room after running 3-wire to the secondary rooms.

Adjusting the IR Carrier Frequency

The 291-80 is factory set to an IR carrier repeat frequency of 38 kHz. This will be correct for the majority of installations. However, other manufacturer’s components may use different carrier frequencies (such as RCAA DSS receivers that use 56 kHz. If such frequencies fall within the range of 32 kHz to 56 kHz, you can adjust the 291-80 to match them for best performance range. The adjustment can be made through a small opening on the rear of the panel.

To adjust, proceed as follows:

1. First, try the 291-80 in a repeater system. If it worked well with good range, do not make any adjustments!
2. If it does not work or had poor range (less then 15’), determine the IR frequency of the product you wish to control. Contact the manufacturer of the product, if necessary, to determine this frequency.
3. Using a small blade type screwdriver (3/32” blade width maximum), Rotate the adjustment shaft until the slot lines up with the desired frequency marking.

NOTE: The frequency markings are approximate only. You may need

            to “fine tune” the adjustment for best performance.

4. If you have products in the same IR system, that have different IR carrier frequencies, you will have to adjust the 291-80 to a midway position. For example, some products may operate at 38 kHz and other at 56 kHz. In this case, set the adjustment to approximately 47 kHz, a midway position just to the right of the 48 kHz marking.

NOTE: Some products are more tolerant of compromised

            frequency settings than others. You may have to “fine tune”    

            the adjustments to “favor” the least tolerant component for

            the best performance of all units in the system.

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. The 291-80 has been designed to have high rejection of many sources of interference, such as the following:
   • Compact Fluorescent, Neon or Halogen lights, Neon Art, and light dimmers.
   • Direct or Reflected sunlight.
   • Infrared security sensors (active types).
   • RF radiation from TV sets that may be close to the 291-80 IR Receiver.

However, in the presence of extremely intense interference from such sources, you may experience a reduction in range between handheld remote and the 291-80. This may result in a reduction from over 70 feet to 15 feet or so.

2. To improve the range under these conditions, you need to confirm the source of the interference by temporarily turning off TV sets, etc. In addition, reduce exposure of the 291-80 IR Receiver to direct sunlight and turn off all lights, light dimmers and infrared security systems. Then check to see if the range improves.

When you have isolated the source of the interfering source, it will be necessary to move either it or the 291-80 IR Receiver to improve operation.

3. If the red talk back LED on the291-80 or the 286-00 Emitters do not blink when you are sending IR commands from the remote control, check the following:

·        Make sure the 781RG Power Supply is plugged securely into a live 120V AC wall outlet.

·        Be sure the stereo mini plug of the 291-80 IR Receiver is plugged into the IR RCVR jack on the CB12 Connecting block not into the OUT jack.

·        Check to see that all the mini plugs are properly seated into the mini jacks on the CB12 Connecting Block.

4. If the 286-00 Emitters blink, but the component does not respond, reposition the 286-00 Emitter. They may not be located directly over the component's infrared receiving window.
5. CAUTION: Do not use more than one 291-80 in a given room or area! If two or more 291-80’s, (or other Xantech CFL friendly IR receiver) receive the same IR signal simultaneously, the system will not respond.
6. If the system still does not work, contact Xantech Technical Support.

APPLICATION PRECAUTIONS

The 291-80 is designed with special circuitry so that it has great immunity to infrared interference caused by CFL (compact fluorescent light) and other types of high frequency, electronically ballasted fluorescent lights. Because of this, the following precautions must be taken into consideration when using these special IR receivers:

1. Do not use more than one 291-80 in a given room or area!

If two or more 291-80’s, (or other Xantech CFL friendly IR receiver) receive the same signal simultaneously, the system will not respond.

      2.   The 291-80 (or other Xantech CFL friendly IR receivers) will not operate with Xantech products that use 679 and RC16 Programmer commands!

This includes models 670-00, 671-00, 676-00, 677-00,680-00, 686-00 and RT16-00. For installations using these products, use standard Xantech IR Receivers, such as the 291, 480, 490, and 780-10 series.

3.      The 291-80 (or other Xantech CFL friendly IR receivers) do not have improved operation over the standard Xantech IR Receivers in the presence of magnetically ballasted (60 Hz) Fluorescent lighting.

You may choose to use the CFL Friendly units in most applications anyway, since they will have superior rejection to other types of IR interference that may exist in the same installation.

      4.   The 291-80 will not operate in 2-wire Phantom Power   

             mode.

SPECIFICATIONS

• IR modulation frequency bandwidth: 30 to 60 kHz
• Adjustable IR carrier frequency: 32 to 56 kHz (allows matching to actual controlled component for optimum performance
• IR Reception range of up to 70 feet on axis (range depends on device being controlled and levels of IR or EM interference).
• Red talkback LED tests system for correct wiring as well as indicating infrared reception.
• Nominal reception angle: 45 degrees off axis.
• Attached 7’ cable and 3.5 mm stereo mini plug permits direct plug-in to Xantech Connecting Blocks that have an “IR RCVR” or “AUX” jack such as the CB12, CB20, CB60, 789-40, 791-40, etc.
• Cable Requirements for long lengths:

             Three conductor/24 gauge solid or stranded wire up to 200”,

             2 gauge up to 600’, 20 gauge up to 2000’ and 18 gauge up

             to 5000’ (unshielded ok)

• Maximum cable length one mile with 18 gauges.
• Maximum current output: 100 mA.
• Use Xantech Connecting Blocks for connection to emitters.
• Power consumption: 12 volts DC @ 20 mA.
• 781C-00 Power Supply (not included) powers up to six 291-80s.
• ·        Dimensions: 3-1/4” x 1” x 2”

 Products Related to This Technical Bulletin:

• X781RG 12 Volt Power Supply
• XCB12, XCB20, XCB60 Connecting Block.
• X291-80 Hidden Link - CFL Friendly

Information Source for This Technical Bulletin:

• Xantech Applications Manual 2001

 Last Revised:

By Kevin J. Lennon June 4, 2004

A Proud member of the Worthington Distribution Technical Staff

worthingtondistribution.com sales@worthdist.com