User Manual

Product Overview and Connectivity

The Audio Authority® 1870 Serial Switch Controller provides a flexible way to control a compatible mediahub, such as an MH2-HD, using RS-232 serial commands. Each 1870 unit controls four push-buttons and can be expanded to manage up to 64 positions. RJ9 style push-buttons can be utilized for product selection or other commands.

The unit is compatible with Audio Authority MediaHubs and features an RS-485 BUS for two-way communication.

The device features the following connectivity:

• RS-232 IN: For receiving serial commands.
• RS-232 OUT: For sending serial commands.
• RS-485 BUS: For daisy-chaining multiple 1870 units and two-way communication.
• 12V POWER BUS: For power distribution to linked units.
• 12V POWER INPUT: Main power connection.
• MODULE ID SWITCHES: Four switches (1-4) to set the unit's address.
• PRODUCT SELECT BUTTONS (1-4): Four RJ9 connectors for external push-buttons.
• MICRO SD SLOT: For custom setup via a microSD card.

Package Contents

Before installing, please verify the shipping carton contains the following items:

• 1870 Serial Switch Controller
• 12V 1.5A DC Power Adapter
• 711-126 Mounting Screws (2)

Button Control Functions

Demonstration sequences are controlled by RJ9 style push-buttons (Audio Authority PNs: 013-100, 013-101, 013-102). The 1870 allows custom button setup using a microSD card. A file named "AUTO.txt" on the card can assign specific commands to each button, which are then output via the RS232 OUT port. If no microSD card is present, default commands are used for each button press. The command protocol depends on the connected device.

Buttons are illuminated solid when idle. Pressing a button initiates a demo. If no demo is active, a new demo starts, and the button blinks. When a demo is active, the corresponding push-button blinks, while all other buttons remain dark.

Ports and Communication

RS-232 Ports

The RS-232 port connects via modular RS-232 to any compatible device at a 9600 Baud rate. The connection uses the following pin assignments: RX (Receive) is on pin 3, TX (Transmit) is on pin 6, and GND (Ground) is on pin 7. A special RJ-45 to DB-9 cable (Audio Authority PN: 801-252) is available for this connection.

RS-485 COM Bus

The RS-485 communication pathway is designed for use with multiple 1870 units. Both RJ-45 jacks on the unit are bi-directional, enabling daisy-chaining.

Module ID Switches

The Module ID switches, labeled 1 through 4, are used to set the unit's address. By default, switches are set to OFF, designating the unit as UNIT 1. To assign unique IDs for multiple 1870 units, configure the switches according to the following chart. The 'ON = UP' setting indicates the switch position for activation. An example shows switch 4 marked on the case for address identification.

Power

Connect the included 12V 1.5A power adapter to the port marked 'Power input'. The Power Bus port can be linked to an Audio Authority device or up to seven 1870 modules, allowing them to be powered via the RS-485 pathway. When all buttons are illuminated, each 1870 unit draws approximately 200mA.

Installation

Follow these steps for installation:

• Attach the media player and the 1870 modules to a flat surface using the provided screws.
• Connect the RJ9 style push-buttons to the respective ports.
• Set the Module ID switches and mark the unit's case for identification.
• Connect the RS-232 cable from the 1870 to a compatible media player.
• Connect the power supply to an AC outlet and then to the 1870 power port.
• For questions not covered in this manual, contact Audio Authority.

Operation

Upon power-up, the demo push-buttons are lit solid. When a demonstration is active, the corresponding push-button blinks, while all other buttons remain dark.

1870 Example System

In a typical setup, pushing one of eight product select buttons connected to a MediaHub initiates a video about a specific product. Additional buttons connected to 1870 modules can provide transport controls, with each button exhibiting different behavior. Pause and mute buttons blink when active, while other buttons remain lit solid while a track is playing.

A system diagram illustrates this setup:

A TV is connected to an MH2-HD MediaHub via HDMI/Audio/Video. The MediaHub is equipped with 'PRODUCT SELECT BUTTONS 1-8'. A 12V Power Adapter connects to the '12V POWER BUS' of the first 1870 unit ('1870 #1'). This unit is connected via RS-485 BUS to a second 1870 unit ('1870 #2'). The '1870 #1' unit controls buttons for 'NEXT - PREVIOUS - PAUSE - MUTE'. The '1870 #2' unit controls 'VOLUME UP - DOWN BUTTONS'. Both 1870 units are connected to the MediaHub via RS-485 CONTROL.