Xantech D5KP Network Card User Manual


 
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Defining Terms
Zone
A Zone is defined as an area of the house that has separate source selection capabilities from all
other areas of the house. Typically, a zone is comprised of a single room, but it is possible for a zone
to spread across multiple rooms (kitchen/dining room, master bedroom/master bath) or for multiple
zones to be contained in one room (game room/bar area or multiple zones in the yard).
Local Source / Source
A Source is any audio (or audio/video) device that is connected to the D5RH source input. Any
Source can be heard in any zone in the system.
2.0 System Design Overview/Applications
Planning
Before installing the D5KP, it is essential to have a detailed and accurate system design. The first
step to a good design is to map the system. It is advisable to mark up a copy of the house floor plan
with speaker, keypad and equipment locations, etc. Make sure that all locations are decided upon
before pre-wiring so that all necessary wiring and installation hardware is in place.
It is essential that ALL system components are accounted for prior to the pre-wire stage. After
establishing design goals, make a detailed list of all components. Include source equipment, keypad,
expansion hubs, local source wall plates, IR emitters, etc.
Pre-Construction
In a pre-construction installation, walls and ceilings are open with no drywall installed. This is
desirable and allows the installer greater access than in retro-fit applications. Before actually running
any wire or cable, take the time to look around each room or area of the house and plan your wire
paths for maximum efficiency. Look for routes through uncluttered parts of the stud wall or ceiling that
allow you to group all low-voltage (video, speaker wires, CAT-5, telephone, etc.) wires wherever
possible. It is a good practice to label both ends of all cables and to protect wires by tying a plastic
bag over the ends.
Note: Do not run low-voltage wires closer than 12" from high-voltage wires. If necessary, cross low-
voltage wires at a 90º angle to prevent interference.
Retro-Fit Wiring/ Post Construction
Retro-fit installations are more difficult to complete than pre-construction because walls and ceilings
are intact. Typically wires must be fished into position through walls, floors and ceilings. Holes must
be cut; speakers mounted directly in the ceiling or walls with no rough-in brackets and keypads and
local source wall plates must be mounted in existing drywall.