Channel Plus MDS-6 - Manual (Page 19)

Can I control volume and source selection with a wireless remote?
Yes, the MCS-1 and the MCS-2 controllers have a built-in IR emitter that will teach learning remote the
ChannelPlus IR codes for volume, source selection, and mute.
How do I control IR if I am using more than one MDS-6 amplifier?
The best solution is to use “Y” cords with two 1/8” male ends going to a 1/8” female end. This works
with the 4 source outputs as well as the 4 summed outputs.
Can I use more than one controller within a single zone?
Yes, the controllers can be tied together via a cat. 5 “Y” cord or an RJ45-Y adapter. We suggest using
only two controllers within one zone. It is also possible to control two zones with one controller.
Can I use more than one pair of speakers within a single zone?
The MDS-6 is intended to be used with two 8 ohm speakers per zone. It is equipped with line level
preamp outs for each zone. You can line out to any external amplifier using standard RCA cables. This
makes it possible to power additional speakers, or a powered subwoofer for surround sound systems.
Do I have to have all zones playing music to be able to hear the doorbell and page?
No, the page and doorbell features will work regardless of the status of the zones. You can, however,
use internal switches on each zone to defeat the doorbell and page, or allow the doorbell and page
without muting the system.
Can I program functions into a macro other than my audio equipment?
The MCS-2 controller will learn and store any IR code in its memory. Once an IR command is
programmed, that can then be used as part of a series of macro commands. It is important to note that
the MCS-2 can only do macros on commands that have already been stored into the controller's memory.
Do I need to have a backup for the memory in case of a power outage?
No, the MCS-2 controller has a non-volatile memory that will retain its memory once the controller has
been programmed.
How do I utilize the doorbell and page features?
The doorbell and page can be wired with simple two-conductor doorbell wire or standard twisted pair
wire such as Cat. 5 or Cat. 3. The doorbell can be lined off of the existing doorbell transformer, or from
the doorbell strike on the phone system. Since this feature utilizes a voltage to trigger an internal
closure, a 9-volt battery will trigger the doorbell chimes. The page function can be used in two different
ways. The simplest method is to take the audio line out from your phone system directly to the audio
in on the MDS-6. The MDS-6 is designed to sense the incoming signal and mute the system until a
signal is no longer present, at which point it will return to normal operation. It may be necessary to
adjust the sensitivity on the page/doorbell board of the MDS-6 to compensate for additional noise in
the phone line. An alternative solution to eliminate sensitivity problems between the MDS-6 and the
phone system is to add a second power supply (this can be a typical "wall wart") to one of the contact
relays on the phone system and from there to the mute input on the MDS-6. This will mute the system
regardless of an incoming audio signal, and will remain muted until the phone is hung up.
What if none of the lights on the controller come on?
It could be that the “POWER” button is not depressed on the MDS-6. Next verify that you have a source
plugged in and playing. Remember that the MDS-6 will go into standby mode after approximately 2
minutes if no incoming signal is detected. If both of these conditions have been met then you probably
have an incorrectly wired Cat-5 cable. The correct pin assignment from end to end is: 1 to 8, 2 to 7,
3 to 6, 4 to 5, 5 to 4, 6 to 3, 7 to 2, and 8 to 1.
Standard Installation Questions for the MDS-6
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