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View Full Version : Inexpensive options for Zone II volume control?



sensibull
04-20-2005, 05:07 AM
Pretty quiet here lately, so I thought yet another question from me wouldn't raise too many hackles...

As I mentioned in a previous thread, I've set up a Zone II on my deck and now I'm wondering about my options for controlling volume on the HK 635. I know about the A-Bus module (AB1), but that would require Cat5 wiring, and mounting a plate outside, etc, not to mention another $100+. Not a very good option for outdoors. Anyone have good experience with and/or a recommendation for IR relays and such?

sensibull
04-20-2005, 08:27 AM
I think I just answered my own question... For anyone else with similar needs, this (http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/WirelessRFRemoteControlExtender.php) looks like just the ticket.

tamuct
04-20-2005, 04:38 PM
I've been looking for something similar to do Zone II on my H/K AVR635. According to the manual, though, for the Zone II remote to work it has to go through the zone II remote-in on the back. Which requires a separate IR receiver. Otherwise, the ZoneII remote controls Zone 1. I tried using a RadioShack IR receiver that worked well for a HTPC project, but it didn't work properly. Something must be different in the wiring. Anyone out there have the wiring schematics for the IR port on the back of the AVR635? I'd rather not have to shell out the $60 for the HE1000-A (http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=HE1000-A) from H/K if I can help it.

sensibull
04-21-2005, 05:30 AM
Thanks for the heads up re: Zone II remote needing a separate IR receiver to function at all (kind of stupid if you ask me). I don't actually have my 635 yet, but after perusing the manual in PDF, I see that another option for controlling Zone II vol., when combined with the Wireless Remote Extender I linked above, is to get an inexpensive universal learning remote (such as the URC 8811, which is also JP1 compatible, meaning I can tweak and program it on the computer) and teach it a Macro that runs through the necessary steps to change the Zone II volume from Zone I (using the main remote's codes). This combo would be approximately the same amount of money as getting an HE1000-A or A-Bus if you include the cost of extension cables, but has the additional benefits of being wireless, ability to control non HK sources, and lots of other macro options. It is not as elegant as the HK options, however, and is limited to about 100' away.

They are out of them at the moment, but FYI and FWIW that Wireless Remote Extender is available for $39.95 here (http://www.surfremotecontrol.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RLRX), whish is $20 less than MSRP.