Audio Authority 903i Comparator

Introduction

The Model 903i Comparator is a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen that connects to any Access™ switching system, providing an easy way to select products and compare systems.

For tips, examples, and FAQs, visit: audioauthority.com/access_tips.

Please read and follow these instructions carefully. For assistance during installation, contact Audio Authority Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Additional template diagrams and tips are available at audioauthority.com/access_tips.

Model 903i Comparator Main Screen

The main screen of the 903i Comparator displays controls for various audio components. It is organized into logical groups:

• Sources: Buttons 1-4 for selecting audio sources.
• Receivers: Buttons 1-8 for selecting receivers.
• Front Speakers: Buttons 1-8 for selecting front speaker pairs.
• Center Speakers: Buttons 1-4 for selecting center speaker pairs.
• Rear Speakers: Buttons 1-8 for selecting rear speaker pairs.
• Subwoofers: Buttons 1-8 for selecting subwoofer pairs.
• Front Ceiling Speakers: Buttons 1-4 for selecting front ceiling speaker pairs.
• Rear Ceiling Speakers: Buttons 1-4 for selecting rear ceiling speaker pairs.

Navigation controls include "COMPARE SYSTEMS" and "PREVIOUS SELECTION", along with a menu icon [☰].

The screen also indicates the current style as "Style: 903i" and software version as "Software v.1.6.3".

Features

• Multiple Product Group cards for organized display.
• Swipe functionality to browse up to 99 products per group.
• Compare Systems mode for easy A/B system comparison.
• PIN protection for setup features.
• Lock feature to disable the comparator, unlockable with a PIN.

Access System Operation Modes

In addition to the 903i Comparator, the Access System can be operated via:

• Product Select Buttons (PSBs): Push-buttons located next to each product.
• 906 Control Panel: Controls one group of products.
• Custom controller via RS-232.

The Access System supports the simultaneous use of these different product selection modes within a single system.

Configuring the 903i

Access configuration options via the MENU icon [☰] in the upper right corner. The drop-down menu offers:

• Help: Displays usage instructions for the 903i. Press OK to exit.
• About: Shows the 903i software version and manufacturer contact information. Press OK to exit.
• Lock: Prevents unauthorized use by locking the screen. A PIN is required to unlock. If the incorrect PIN is entered within 30 seconds, the 903i returns to the main screen. The Access System remains functional while locked, and PSBs can still operate the system.
• Admin: Used to create PIN-protected access, poll the Access system for Group identification, and set up product groups.

Setting and Managing the PIN

The default PIN is 1234. To change the PIN:

1. Select "Set PIN" from the menu.
2. Enter a new PIN code using the numeric pad.
3. Select OK.
4. Press the checkmark button [✔️] to exit.

This PIN is used to Lock/Unlock the 903i. When locked, the switching system remains operational, but the Comparator cannot be used by customers.

System Polling and Sleep Mode

Poll on Start

When "Poll on Start" is enabled (ON), the 903i polls connected Access modules. After system configuration, this can be turned OFF by sliding the button to the OFF position.

Sleep While Locked

The "Sleep While Locked" function powers down the entire Access switching system when the 903i is locked. While locked, the Comparator and PSBs are disabled, and a message prompts users to seek assistance. If this function is disabled (checkbox unchecked), the system remains powered, and PSBs can still be used.

Setup and Bypass

In the Setup menu, you can name groups and specify the number of product positions within each group. Bypass can also be activated for Electronic groups. When Bypass is engaged, the fourth position of the last module is hidden. This feature is useful for demonstrating components like equalizers or car amplifiers. To use Bypass, the Bypass switch on the relevant switching Module (e.g., 942, 958) must also be set.

Deleting Setup

To reconfigure the 903i, select "Delete Setup", choose OK from the selection window, and restart the 903i. This action deletes previous settings and group names, and the 903i then polls modules to create blank group cards.

Operation: Selecting Products

To select products:

1. Touch a product number within a group to activate its position.
2. Scroll to the desired Product Group card if it is not currently visible.
3. Activate a complete system to hear audio.

Operation: Speaker Add

To play multiple pairs of speakers within the same Speaker Group (default limit is 2 pairs):

1. Select a speaker pair.
2. Long-press the icon of the second speaker pair to add.
3. Long-press a third speaker pair; the first pair will deselect.

The Product Group card will display the selected speaker pair numbers. Additional pairs can be added depending on system limitations. Be mindful of potential severe loads (low impedance) on the amplifier's output; consult amplifier manufacturer recommendations for maximum speaker limits.

To deselect a speaker pair:

• Press "Previous Selection" to return to the first selected speaker, or
• Press one of the currently selected pairs in that Product Group.

Note: The maximum number of simultaneously playing speakers is determined by DIP switch settings on the 980 System Module. For issues with selecting multiple speakers, refer to the 980 System Module Installation Manual or contact Tech Support at 800-322-8346.

To turn off all products within a Product Group, touch the active product in that group. Car audio head units can be played without amplifiers if Bypass is configured.

Operation: Comparing Systems

A "system" comprises one component from each required audio category (e.g., source, amplifier, speakers). The 903i allows comparison of two different systems, switching all groups simultaneously with a single touch.

1. Once a system (System "A") is selected, press "Compare Systems" to enter the dual comparison screen.
2. System "A" will be displayed on the left. System "B" can be selected from the Product Groups in the right-hand column. Touch the right-hand column to choose System "B".
3. Compare the two systems by touching the darkened half of the screen (left for "A", right for "B"). Products in the active system can be changed.

The screen displays indicate System "A" active and System "B" active.

Installation

Download the template from audioauthority.com/903i for fixture or wall mounting.

1. Print the template at full scale (100%) and drill the six indicated holes. Cut a 10.750" x 6.750" opening for the 903i.
2. Connect the USB serial device to a vacant Access System Bus header using the system bus cable. Connect the USB mini cable to the 903i USB port. Securely mount the USB serial device. Connect power and the bottom cover.
3. Mount the 903i and attach the bezel using the provided screws.

Note: Only the Power and USB ports are used on the 903i tablet; other ports are not utilized.

Connection Diagram Description

The system involves a 903 Control Panel (Model 980B System Module) connected via a System Bus Cable to a vacant System Bus Port. A USB to RS-485 Adapter (Model 1809) connects to the 903i USB port and the system bus.

Mounting Dimensions

The 903i-A bezel outer dimensions are provided, with a full-size template available at audioauthority.com/903i. The 903i with mounting bezel (701-1482) has an active screen area of 10.1 inches diagonally.

Using Product Select Buttons (PSBs)

Product Select Buttons (PSBs) enhance merchandising flexibility with the 903i. When using both a 903i Comparator and PSBs, selections made via a PSB are confirmed by the PSB's LED and on the 903i Comparator's Product Group display.

Pressing an alternate component's PSB activates the new selection and deactivates the previous one. To turn a selected component OFF, press its PSB again.

To add a pair of speakers to the current selection, long-press the PSB for that speaker set. To deselect one of multiple playing pairs, press its PSB. The maximum number of speaker pairs allowed is determined during installation.

Troubleshooting

Ensure the 903i is connected to a System Bus port, not the 903 port on the 980. Two common issues causing system malfunction are:

1. Switching Modules that are not properly addressed.
2. Improperly connected buses (system bus, high-level bus, low-level bus).

These issues can lead to the system being "confused," preventing the 903i from communicating with all switching modules. Verify that all module addresses were set and bus networks connected during installation. If addresses have changed or new modules were added, re-verify all address settings and bus connections.

For installation difficulties, contact Audio Authority Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Check audioauthority.com/access_tips for diagrams and tips.

How to Update Firmware

Download the latest firmware and follow these steps, or watch the video at www.audioauthority.com/903i-update:

1. Enter the menu and touch "Admin".
2. Enter the code 8675309 (instead of the usual code).
3. Touch the icon at the bottom of the screen to find apps.
4. Touch "Apk Installer".
5. Touch "Install".
6. Insert a USB drive containing the new firmware APK file.
7. Touch "USB Memory".
8. Touch "USB_DISK2".
9. Touch "udisk0", then touch the APK file on the right.

The 903i will reboot and be ready for use.

Contact Information

Audio Authority

2048 Mercer Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1071

Phone: 800-322-8346 | Phone: 859-233-4599 | Fax: 859-233-4510

Website: www.audioauthority.com

Support Email: support@audioauthority.com

Software Version: v. 1.6.3 | Revision: Rev B 20230905