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When making the connections at each end of the cable, strip
the outer insulation jacket about 1-1/2" to 2" from the end. The
cable is constructed of four twisted pairs of wires, as indicated
above. Flatten the wire ends to prepare them for insertion into
the connector. Fully insert the wire into the connector, being
certain to check the color codes of the pin assignments one
last time. Carefully crimp the connector, making sure that each
wire is securely fastened.
Step Three: Connect the Category 5/5e cable to the AB 2.
Once the wire is run to the remote location where the AB 2
will be installed, connect the Category 5/5e cable to the AB 2.
Prior to making the connections, strip the outer jacket of the Cat. 5/5e cable 1-1/2" to 2" from the end, taking care not to nickthe inner conductors. Next, separate the four twisted pairs within
the cable and then untwist the ends of each pair about 1/2."
All terminations are made at the Input-Cable Connection
Block
. Connect the wires using standard 110 Insulation
Displacement Connector (IDC) tools and procedures. DO NOT
use screwdrivers to insert the wire into the IDC connection
points. Make certain that there are no shorts between any of
the individual wires, as this may cause damage to the AB 2.
From left to right, the connections are made as indicated in
the figure below.
Step Four: Connect the speaker cable to the AB 2.
Connect speaker wires to the AB 2 module using the color-
coded chart on the Speaker Terminal Blockas a guide.
Observe the positive (+) and negative (-) polarity indications,
and avoid having the wire strands from one cable touch another.
Loosen the retaining screws on the Speaker Terminal Block
and insert the wire into the appropriate slots. Tighten the retaining
screws to secure the wire.
Step Five: Connecting the AB 2 to the A-BUS-equipped
product.
After making certain that the connections to the speaker cable and
Cat. 5/5e cable have been made properly, plug the RJ-45 jack
at the receiver end of the cable into the A-BUS jack on the back
of the A-BUS-equipped product, and connect its IR output to the
source devices IR input, daisychaining for more than one source.
Next, turn on the receiver or other source and turn on the
Multiroom system. As a confirmation that the system connections
have been made, theStatus LEDwill light. When the AB 2
is turned on by pressing a source selector or using a remote
control to issue an IR command, the red LED on the Power Off
key will light, and a green LED will indicate the current source.
Step Six: Adjust the output levels.
This step sets the level adjustments for the AB 2. Once this
process is complete, all further volume settings are made with
the Volume Up/Down Buttonson the AB 2, the included
remote, or any compatible third-party remote.
With the Multiroom system activated and a source playing,
press the Volume Up Buttonfor 20 seconds so that the
AB 2s volume is set at its maximum. Next, adjust each of the
Brown
Brown and White
Blue
Blue and White
Green
Green and White
Orange
Orange and White
Output-Level Trimsuntil the output begins to clip. At this point,
back the trim control down in the opposite direction until the
clipping stops. This is the correct level for your specific A-BUS-
equipped product and the AB 2. Before proceeding further,
lower the volume back to normal listening level.
Step Seven (Optional): Switch keypads.
You may switch keypads to better reflect the source devices
connected to the ABH 4000 or other multizone hub. The Power
Off/Mute, Skip Up/Down and Volume Up/Down keys remain
the same, but the source names change from AVR to TN
(tuner), CD to SAT, DVD to VID, and MP3 to The Bridge icon.
Note, however, that The Bridge may only be connected to a
Harman Kardon A-BUS-equipped product, and may only be
selected as a playback source by pressing and holding the
AVR Button on the AB 2 keypad.
To switch keypad sets, remove the AB 2s white front panel by
gently pressing the four clips that secure it to the back of the metal
chassis. Be gentle so as not to inadvertently break off the clips.
The entire keypad set may be removed and replaced, with the
small holes on the sides of the keypad frame fitting over the
corresponding pins on the back of the AB 2 front panel.
When replacing the front panel, orient it so that the red lens
fits over the red LED on the chassis.
Step Eight: Install the AB 2.
Place the AB 2 in the junction box or plaster ring, making sure
that any loose wire is carefully secured inside the wall or box,
and that there are no shorts between any of the connections.
Using the supplied mounting screws, attach the AB 2 to the
junction box or plaster ring through the Screw Slots. Attach a
Decora-style wall plate (not included) through the AB 2s Screw
Holes. Although any color Decora wall plate may be used with
the AB 2, the AB 2 itself should not be painted. OperationWhen the AB 2 is properly connected to the system and the
system is in standby mode (power is present but the A-BUS-
equipped product is powered off), the Status LED will light to
indicate that the system is ready to be turned on. When the AB 2
is turned on, the red LED under the Power Off key will light, and
a green LED will light under the current sources key.
Tap a source selector or use the ABR remote to
turn on the AB 2 and begin play. Some source
selectors offer additional commands, as indicated
in the table below.
NOTE: Some receiver models may require you to
manually turn on their multiroom systembefore
the AB 2 can be used. Consult the owners
manual for the receiver for more information.Selector Tap/ABR Remote Press and Hold
(AB 2 only)
AVR First press turns on Selects The Bridge as
system and plays tuner; the source and begins
additional presses change play
tuner band
CD
*
Turns on system and issuesDisc SkipPlay/Pause command
DVD
*
Turns on system and Playbegins play
MP3
*
Turns on system and Playbegins play
Power Off Mute Powers system off
(if AVR is current
source, turns off AVRs
multiroom system; if a
device connected to
the ABH hub is current
source, turns off hub)
Skip Up/
If source is: If source is:
Down
*
- AVR - Preset Up - AVR - Preset Down
(AB 2 only) - CD - Track Skip Up -
CD - Track Skip Down
- DVD - Next Chapter -
DVD - Previous Chapter
- MP3 - No effect - MP3 - No effect
Volume Up Volume Up Increases volume
Volume Volume Down Decreases volume Down
System Off If Source 1 is playing, Not applicable
(ABR turns off an A-BUS-
Remote equipped product; if
only) another source is playing,
AVR remains on and
ABH 4000 is turned off
*These keys only affect the ABH hub and devices connected to it.
The keypad itself offers local volume control and muting, and
limited source control. For more sophisticated control over the
AVR and source devices, point a remote at the IR sensor and
enter the desired command.
To turn off the AVRs multiroom system, select the AVR as the
source and press and hold the Power Off key. The AVRs main
listening area will not be affected.
If the AB 2 is connected to an ABH hub, turn off the hub by
selecting any source other than the AVR. Then press and hold
the Power Off key.
NOTE: Play/pause functionality may vary by model for
Harman Kardon CD and DVD players. System power-off
functionality may vary for remotes other than the one
included with the AB 2. The operation of your AB 2 with
a Harman Kardon AVRs second-zone remote may vary
from model to model. Not all features will work with all
models. Functions requiring press and hold are not
available when a remote control is used. Due to technology
advancements, the AB 2 may not operate as expected
with older Harman Kardon products; connect those
sources to an ABH 4000s analog inputs. Troubleshooting GuideIf you cannot hear any sound from the speakers connected to
the AB 2, make certain that:
AB 2
Amplified In-Wall Module
Harman Kardon is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated,
registered in the United States and/or other countries. Designed to Entertain is
a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
A-BUS is a registered trademark of LeisureTech Electronics Pty Ltd.
Decora is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797
516.255.HKHK (4545) Fax: 516.682.3583 Β©2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Printed 11/ 08 Part No. AB-2-OM
- The Cat. 5/5e cable is properly connected to both the AB 2
and the receiver or hub, and that the AVR, the hub and any
source devices have power.
- The source is turned on, media is loaded, and the Multiroom
mode is properly activated.
- Any needed volume-level adjustments on the receiver are
properly made.
- The volume control on the AB 2 is turned up and the AB 2
is not muted.
- The output-level trims are properly adjusted.
- Speaker connections are correct.
If the receiver or other components do not respond to commands
from the AB 2 or a remote pointed at the AB 2, make certain that:
- The A-BUS-equipped products Multiroom system has been
turned on.
- The Cat. 5/5e cable is properly connected to both the AB 2
and the receiver or hub.
- There is a proper connection between the A-BUS-equipped
productand any additional IR-controlled components.
- The remote is properly programmed to operate the receiver
and other components.
Other notes on using the AB 2 and other A-BUS products with
Harman Kardon A-BUS-equipped products:
- When using the AB 2 with Harman Kardon A-BUS-equipped
products, you may connect only one AB 2 at a time, unless
an optional, external powered A-BUS hub is used.
- If A-BUS hubs or other A-BUS accessories not specifically
designed for use with Harman Kardon products are used,
their operation may be slightly different than with the AB 2.
- When experiencing problems during installation, connect one
source and one AB 2 to the A-BUS hub to confirm the hub
is working correctly. Then add sources and modules to the
hub one at a time to discover the source of the problem.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Turn off and unplug all power before
changing connections. Specifications- Wire type required:Category 5/5e (or better) cable in
compliance with any applicable local building code or NEC
requirements for in-wall, riser or plenum use.
- Wiring protocol:TIA wiring specification for 568A at the
A-BUS-equipped product end. Connections at the AB 2 are
specified on the AB 2.
- Connection terminals:IDC type for Category 5/5e cable;
screw terminal type for speaker connections.
- Speaker wire:Maximum AWG 14, in compliance with any
applicable local building code or NEC requirements for
in-wall, riser or plenum use.
- Speaker impedance:Suitable for connection to speakers
with nominal 6 ohms to 8 ohms impedance.
- Speaker sensitivity:Optimized for speakers with sensitivity
above 88dB.
- Infrared compatibility:38kHz and 56kHz, with talkback.
- Dimensions (H x W x D):4-1/4" x 1-3/4" x 2-1/4"
(108mm x 45mm x 57mm)
- Weight:0.25 lb (0.11kg)
Front
Panel
Cover
Plate and
2 Screws
(not included)
1/8" x 3/4"
Machine
Screws (2)
(included)
WallboardJ-Box
Speaker-
Terminal
Block
Output-
Level Trims
Input-Cable
Connection
Block
AB2 Owners Manual 11/18/08 1:01 PM Page 2
