Channel Vision AB-203 A-BUS Audio System — Installation & System Guide

Installation and system guide for the Channel Vision A-BUS® Audio System, including the AB-203 Single Source Module — a whole-house audio distribution system that runs power and audio over ordinary CAT5 cable.

Overview

The Channel Vision A-BUS Audio system distributes high-quality audio to every room over ordinary CAT5 data wire. Power for the entire system is delivered via the same CAT5 cable, so only a single run of CAT5 is required per zone. Each pair of speakers is powered and controlled from a local wall plate with its own dedicated amplifier. Volume in each zone can be controlled manually or via infrared remote, and IR signals are routed back to source components — enabling control of sources and functions from any zone.

Features

• Independent volume control in each room
• Built-in IR repeating
• Local audio input capability
• Easy installation and setup

Required Components (sold separately)

• AB-203 or AB-202 — Single Source Module. 1 per system; connects sources to the system. Mount near audio components (CD player, receiver, etc.).
• AB-404 — Distribution Module. 1 unit for every 4 amplified keypads; all CAT5 cables terminate here; inserts power into the system. Mount in a structured wire enclosure or screw to a wall. Compatible with enclosures from Channel Vision Central™, OpenHouse®, OnQ/Legrand®, or Leviton®.
• AB-124 — Multi-source Amplified Keypad. 1 per speaker pair. Drives the speakers, controls volume, and relays IR information. Mount in a single-gang low-voltage ring or deep J-box (if required by code). Blue LEDs show volume level; the Pwr button turns the keypad off and selects sources in multi-source mode.
• AB-T2454 — Power supply. 1 needed per AB-404. 120–240VAC.

Optional Components

• AB-301 — Universal input module. Provides local source input in any room and/or replaces the AB-203. Great for connecting local sources into a zone — TVs, MP3 players, computer sources, etc.
• A0501 or A0502 — Remote control. Controls the AB-124 as well as Channel Vision's iBus® wall docks.
• IR-3001 & IR-3002 — Single and dual head IR flashers. Use one head per source to control from the remote room.

How IR repeating works: Point any IR remote at the AB-124; the top LED flashes as IR information is received, and the emitter repeats the IR signal to the source component in the other room. Be sure the flasher is attached directly over the component's IR receiver.

System Configurations

Single Room System

The AB-203 and AB-T2454 can be used together to supply audio and power to a single AB-124 keypad. Connect audio L/R outputs from your source to the AB-203 inputs, and optionally use an IR-3001 emitter over the source's IR receiver for IR control through the keypad. Only 1 keypad can be connected when using a single-room setup, and the power supply should only be connected to the AB-203 for this application.

Basic System (Single Source, Multiple Rooms)

Four rooms listen to the same audio program with independent volume controls per room. Using the IR option, you can control components from any room (e.g., switch FM to CD, change satellite stations, pause the CD). Wire speakers in phase (+ terminal on AB-124 to + or red terminal on each speaker); use speaker wire rated for in-wall use, AWG 18 or larger recommended.

Advanced System (AB-301 as Local Source Input)

Each room can listen to a different local source — the RCA inputs on the AB-301 override the main input source, allowing per-room source selection. For example, the AB-301 senses audio from a TV and interrupts the AB-404's audio whenever TV audio is present, allowing TV audio through the in-wall speakers.

Advanced System (AB-301, AB-311, AB-313 iPod Docking)

The AB-301 inputs the main audio source; AB-313/AB-311 iPod® docking stations allow music from an iPod to override the main source. AB-301/AB-311 can serve as main system inputs and/or per-room inputs. These modules are activated by audio — the system mutes and conserves power with no audio present, and amplified keypads return to their last volume level when audio resumes. The AB-313 adds IR control compatibility (play/pause, fwd/rev via the A0501/A0502 remote's iBus buttons), unlike the AB-311.

Paging option: An additional AB-301 or AB-203 installed between the main audio input(s) and the AB-404 can sense a paging system's output and interrupt main audio to distribute a page announcement to all rooms — ideal for phone systems with a line-level paging output.

Independent room inputs: An AB-301 in an individual room interrupts all main-system audio, including paging announcements, until its local source is turned off.

CAT5 Wiring Notes

• Follow the color-code stripe/solid sequence shown on the connectors; use a 110 punch-down tool only (never a screwdriver — it causes intermittent connections and damages the connector).
• RJ-45 jacks are wired to the TIA-568A standard. Using TIA-568B will reverse left/right channels.
• The AB-124 may be wired using either 110 or RJ-45 connectors.
• Loop-out expands to an additional AB-404 (audio signals only — cannot directly connect a 5th AB-124).
• To add more zones, connect slave hubs — each requires its own AB-T2454 power supply and supports 4 more keypads. Older AB-404 hubs do not regenerate status and should not be used as slave hubs; newer P-1014 and AB-414ES modules regenerate status and work well as slave hubs.
• Volume indicator LEDs light briefly when pressing UP/DOWN to show the stored volume level; they stay dark when the zone is off.

AB-124 / AB-301 Notes

• Balance: Two potentiometers on the AB-124 adjust the volume levels of each speaker channel to fine-tune balance.
• Gasket: Both the AB-124 and AB-301 ship with a gasket to adjust height/fit for a decorator trim plate — leave it on for a flush fit, remove it to have the unit stand above the plate.
• Input/Output: The AB-301 has both 110 and RJ-45 inputs/outputs; only one input and one output should be used at a time.

Troubleshooting

• Verify the CAT5 cable is connected correctly — the stripe/solid pattern must match the product labels. Miswiring can cause distorted sound or a non-working system.
• Verify speakers are wired in phase per the product label. Out-of-phase speakers rob the system of bass, especially with dual-voice-coil speakers.
• Verify IR emitters are placed directly over the IR receiver for every device you want to control.

System Specifications (typical @ 25°C)

• Operating voltage: 24 ±0.5 VDC
• Cable requirements: CAT-5 or better
• Max CAT5 length: 250 ft
• Speaker impedance: 6–8 ohm
• IR repeating: 30–60 kHz
• IR sensor range (AB-124): 40 ft @ 40kHz, 25 ft @ 56kHz
• Operating temperature: -10°C to +50°C

Warranty

Channel Vision Technology will repair or replace any defect in material or workmanship occurring during normal use, with new or rebuilt parts, free of charge in the USA, for two years from the date of original purchase — no mail-in warranty card needed. Excludes shipping damage, failures caused by other manufacturers' products, and failures from accident, misuse, abuse, or alteration. Warranty applies only to the original purchaser; proof of purchase date is required for warranty repairs.

Mail-in service requires a Return Authorization number obtained in advance by calling (800) 840-0288 toll free.

Contact: Channel Vision Technology, 234 Fischer Avenue, Costa Mesa, California 92626 USA. Phone (714) 424-6500 / (800) 840-0288, fax (714) 424-6510, email techsupport@channelvision.com, www.channelvision.com.