Remote controller Allen Heath PL-14

Allen Heath PL-14

The PL-14 is an ‘intelligent’ remote controller for use with the Allen & Heath GR3 & 4 audio zone mixers. It provides the non-technical operator with local control of the music source selection and/or audio level.

Up to two controllers may be connected, just one, one for each zone, or a single unit to simultaneously control both zones. A menu of setup options allows the installer to configure its function to match the specific requirements of each application. Additional switches may be wired for room combining situations and to disable the controller when the settings should not be changed.

The optional PL-5 hand held infra-red remote controller adds wireless control, and additional features including the store and recall of up to 4 source/level pre-sets.

The PL-14 can be mounted into a single unit wall box using the standard face plate provided, or furniture mounted using the cutting template details given here. It interfaces with the GR3/4 using standard CAT5 cables. The second controller daisy chains with the first for convenient single run cabling. Space is provided on the panel for custom labelling.

Front panel

• Source select Scroll up/down through the available music sources
• Source indicators Light green to show the selected source, red for mute
• Rotary level control Adjusts audio level in 32 steps from off to on
• Level indicator 8 LED bar to display the level
• Infra-red sensor Detects the optional PL5 hand held controller
• Label space Recessed areas for custom labelling

Rear panel

• Face plate fixings Mount the module to the wall plate
• Zone select jumper Configures which zone to control
• Disable option Wire a switch to lock out the controls
• Zone 2 follow zone 1 option Wire a switch for control of both zones
• To GR3/4 RJ45 for CAT5 cable connection to GR3/4
• To next PL-14 (LINK) RJ45 for CAT5 cable connection to second PL-14 if used

Connections

Use standard one-to-one wired CAT5/RJ45 cables. The control of both zones are passed down a single CAT5 cable. Connect the GR3/4 ZONE REMOTE port to the first PL-14 “TO GR” port (CN1). If two remotes are used, connect the first “LINK” port to the second “TO GR” port (CN1). Do not connect more than two remotes. Note the maximum cable length from the diagram shown here. Use unbooted plugs to ensure the cables can fit into the back box. Allow enough service loop for module removal.

PL-14 Settings

Default setting is to select between music sources 1, 2 and 3, to power up with the last settings, the PL-5 pre-set store and recall functions disabled, and the zone 2 follow zone 1 function affecting both source and level. A good starting point is to reset the remote before configuration. Refer to the reset and option menu instructions later in this guide.

GR Settings

The GR3/4 can be configured to operate in many different ways. Check that its rear panel DIP switches are correctly set for your application. Make sure the remote enable switches IJKL are set according to which zones you want the PL-14 units to control, and whether they should work with just the level or level and source selection. Refer to the individual user guides for further information.

PL-14 Option Menu

Access using the front panel keys. Enter and exit setup Press and hold the Down key for 4 seconds to enter setup mode. The 4 source indicators light orange until an option is selected by turning the rotary.

Keep the Down key - held down while changing the settings. To save the settings and return to normal operating mode release the key.

Option select - Turn the rotary control to scroll through the 8 available options. The current option number is displayed on the LED indicator bar above.

Parameter display - The current setting for the selected option is displayed on the 4 LED indicators.

Change parameter - While holding the Down key, tap the Up key to cycle through the available parameters. These are detailed in the table in section 4.5.