|  Controlling
hidden or inaccessible components in your system can be a problem with the vast
majority of IR-based remote controls. Our system has components spread fairly
far apart on both sides of our large 100" screen with the front projector
mounted overhead. Niles Audio has addressed this problem with the introduction
of the RCA3 Remote Control Anywhere Kit, designed to repeat virtually any IR signal
directly to the components. The RCA3 has a local sensor that receives commands
and re-transmits them through a series of wired IR flashers. Up to five flashers
can be connected to the main hub. These flashers are designed to be placed near
the IR sensors on the individual components. The main sensor is placed in a logical
spot in front of the user (usually near the screen). The sensor acknowledges the
receipt of of an IR command by flashing a blue LED on the sensor assembly. This
gives the user visual feedback that the signal is being received.
The
RCA3 kit includes a single MS200 silver IR sensor, a MSU250 IR main system
unit, 5 MF1VF MicroFlashers, 50 feet of category 5 cable, a universal voltage
switching power supply and an installation guide. Two of the flasher outputs have
a high/low selector switch for changing the output level. There is also a status
LED located on the MSU250 that illuminates when the switched 3-30V AC/DC Status
Input is active. This Status Input is designed to be used with a 12VDC
AC adapter on a component with a switched power outlet. The 12VDC/200mA
output on the MSU250 is provided to trigger external devices when the status input
is triggered.  The
MSU250 IR main system unit is powered from the 12VDC, 1.25A universal power adapter
and can be mounted using the slotted screw holes or the rubber feet included with
the system. The MSU250 is built very well in a sturdy metal housing. The sensor
input connector plugs are designed with spring loaded wire inserts that eliminate
the need for tools when connecting the wires. Four wires are used to interface
to the input sensor (Power, Ground, Data and Status). The MSU250 is designed to
accommodate up to two input sensors depending on the needs of the setup. The hub
should be installed close to the components so that the flasher cables will reach
each of the IR detectors. The sensor input can be placed up to 50-feet from the
MSU250 using the included Cat-5 cable. Our setup didn't require the additional
Cat-5 cable.
 The
IR sensor housing has a silver finish complete with a blue status LED designed
to give the user visual feedback that the IR signal is being received. This sensor
matches the decor found on many of today's elegant flat panel displays. The double-sided
tape located on the sensor housing attaches the sensor to a flat surface. We placed
it directly in front of the viewer just below our Stewart FireHawk screen. The
five small IR flashers included with the RCA3 kit provided a strong IR signal
to each of our components. Each flasher plugs into the main hub with a standard
3.5mm plug. Double sided tape holds the flasher in place. Users can also use optional
dual flashers if more than five single flashers are required in a given setup.
However, the hub cannot accommodate more than five plugs, so each dual flasher
must be used to replace a single flasher. Each flasher also includes a status
LED to verify the signal is working properly.
Conclusion
The Niles RCA3 is a well designed product that solves a serious problem
with most advanced home theater setups. The RCA3 worked perfectly in our
home theater system and the visual feedback is a great feature that provides verification
of the signal received. Full control of A/V components can be achieved locally
or remotely from another location thanks to the dual sensor inputs (only one IR
sensor is included with the kit). Installation is simple and unless the additional
Cat-5 cable is needed for long cable runs for the input sensor, no tools are required.
Some may choose to mount the MSU250 IR Main System unit depending on the location.
We had our system up and running in less than 30-minutes, most of that time spent
on wiring the flasher units to the components. The professional build quality
of the Niles RCA3 is clearly beyond that of any ordinary consumer product. The
design is simple, yet achieves excellent value-added capabilities in any ordinary
or advanced home theater or audio system. If you have problems sending IR commands
reliably to your components or wish to remotely command your system, then we would
highly recommend that you take a look at the Niles RCA3. -
Kevin Nakano | 
