Russound BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit — Installation Guide

Complete installation guide for the Russound BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit — a two-part Bluetooth 5.1 audio solution that lets you locate the Bluetooth radio up to 500 feet (152m) away from your amplifier or receiver, or add multiple Bluetooth inputs to a Russound MCA-Series controller.

Overview

The BSK-2 is a complete kit composed of the BTC-2X Bluetooth Remote Transceiver and the BTC-2 Termination Box. It can be used two ways:

• To provide multiple Bluetooth inputs to a Russound controller in the same installation
• To allow a Bluetooth radio to be located up to 500' (165m/152m) from connected audio gear — for the ultimate in Bluetooth range in any home or business

Russound also sells the BTC-2X separately for standalone applications where extended range isn't needed, or when it's the only Bluetooth device used with a Russound MCA-Series controller.

Components

BTC-2X (Bluetooth Remote Transceiver)

• MicroUSB power connection (5V 2A)
• Pairing button, plus separate "Remote Pair" contact-closure terminal
• 3.5mm stereo audio out, plus a connection to BTC-2 or MCA controller
• Source Number rotary switch (used only when connected to a Russound MCA-Series controller)
• Pairing Mode slide switch (Automatic vs. Manual), on the bottom of the unit
• Keyhole mounting slots and a MAC ID label

BTC-2 (Termination Box)

• MicroUSB power connection (5V 2A)
• RCA analog stereo audio in (for the Input Saver feature) and audio out
• Toslink optical digital audio out
• RJ-45/CAT-5 connection to the BTC-2X (carries power, data, and audio up to 500 ft/152m)
• RNET connections for optional connection to a Russound MCA-Series controller

Input Saver Feature

The BSK-2 lets you add Bluetooth to any system without giving up a dedicated input. Connect any audio source to the BTC-2's RCA input and it remains the primary source until a Bluetooth signal is detected — audio then automatically switches to Bluetooth. When the Bluetooth signal stops, it automatically switches back. This makes the BSK-2 ideal for stereo/multi-channel amplifiers even when all inputs are already in use.

Power Connection

Use the included MicroUSB power cable and 5VDC power supply (with adaptor plates for US, UK, Euro, and AUS sockets — press "Push" to release and swap plates) to power the BTC-2. When BTC-2 and BTC-2X are used together, power only needs to be supplied to the BTC-2 — the BTC-2X receives power, data, and audio over the single CAT-5 cable connecting the two (up to 500 ft/152m).

Pairing Modes

Set via a slide switch on the bottom of the BTC-2X:

• Automatic Pairing — simplest method, for most residential single-family homes. The BTC-2X is always available to pair with any new device in range when not currently connected.
• Manual Pairing — for greater control, recommended for multi-dwelling units (condos, townhouses, apartments) where neighboring Bluetooth devices could interfere. In this mode, pairing only activates when someone presses the rear-panel "Pair" button, or triggers the "Remote Pair" contact closure (which can be wired to a push button or an automated smart-home contact closure, letting the BTC-2X be hidden from sight).

Naming Your BTC-2X

Default device name is BTC-2X-ZZZZ (last four digits of the MAC ID). To rename it to something friendlier (e.g. "Living Room"):

1. Download the Russound BTC-2X Naming App (App Store or Google Play).
2. With the BTC-2X powered up and already paired to your phone, open the app.
3. The app auto-discovers Russound BTC-2X devices in range (swipe down to refresh).
4. Select your device, tap "Connect", enter a new name, tap "Enter".

Names can be up to 15 characters (A-Z, 0-9, and "-"). Use a unique name to avoid confusion with other Bluetooth devices in the home.

Audio Connections

Locate the BTC-2 near your audio equipment and the BTC-2X in the area of the home where the Bluetooth source (phone/tablet) will be used, connected by a single CAT-5 cable. From the BTC-2, connect either the RCA analog stereo outputs or the Toslink digital optical output to your amplifier/receiver, depending on available inputs (cables not included).

Using with a Russound MCA-Series Controller

To add more than one Bluetooth source to an MCA-66 or MCA-88 controller:

1. Set the Source Number — set the rotary dial on the bottom of the BTC-2X to match the source number configured in the MCA-Series controller's WebConfig, and set that source's type to "BTC-2X".
2. Connect to the controller — use a CAT-5 cable from an RNET port on the BTC-2 to an open RNET port on the MCA-Series controller. When using multiple BSK-2 kits, daisy-chain the BTC-2 boxes together and then to the controller (RNET port to RNET port).

Metadata & Source Control: When connected to an MCA-66/MCA-88, the BTC-2X can display metadata (song title, album, etc.) on compatible Russound keypads, touchscreens, or the Russound app, and can receive playback control commands (pause, resume, skip) from the same. This works both for BTC-2X units connected directly to the controller's Bluetooth input port and for those connected via a BTC-2 Termination Box over RNET.

Specifications

BTC-2 (Termination Box)

BTC-2X (Bluetooth Remote Transceiver)

Warranty

The Russound BSK-2 is guaranteed for two (2) years from date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship, provided the unit is installed and used according to its written instructions and any service is performed by Russound. Damage from abuse, unauthorized servicing, accidental damage, or shipping damage is not covered. Products purchased from unauthorized dealers/distributors are not covered under Russound's warranty policy.

For warranty service, contact Russound (Attn: RA#), 1955 Wehrle Dr, Williamsville NY 14221, email: tech@russound.com. ©2022 Russound/FMP, Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice — 08.14.22 REV3.