Elan s86a User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

G
Grant BurnsAug 19, 2025
Why is there an audio hum or buzz through my Elan Network Router system speakers when audio is playing?
- D
  Daniel WilliamsAug 20, 2025
  A ground loop might be the reason for the hum or buzz you hear through your Elan Network Router system's speakers when audio is playing. To resolve this: * Ensure your system is properly grounded using a three-prong grounded AC outlet. * Isolate the problem by disconnecting each source one by one. * Reduce level settings in VIA!TOOLS or ELANTOOLS. * Check the source equipment cables for damage and faulty connections. * Ensure any volume controls are not hooked up backward. * Check for shorts in the wiring.
J
john65Aug 21, 2025
Why is the audio very distorted in areas using volume controls in my Elan Network Router system?
- L
  Linda Richardson MDAug 22, 2025
  If the audio is very distorted in areas using volume controls with your Elan Network Router, verify the impedance-match jumper settings on the volume control(s) are correct. Also, check for proper input/output connections at the volume control. The input should come from the amplifier, and the output should go to the speakers.
M
Mark TuckerAug 25, 2025
Why is the audio distorted at normal volume levels on my Elan Network Router?
- D
  David TuckerAug 25, 2025
  If you're experiencing distorted audio at normal volume levels with your Elan Network Router, try the following: * Reduce level settings in VIA!TOOLS or ELANTOOLS. * Check for physical damage to the speaker. * Ensure the speakers have an appropriate power rating for the amplifier. * Check for proper input/output connections at the volume control, ensuring the input comes from the amplifier and the output goes to the speakers.
J
Joshua WelchAug 26, 2025
What to do if there is no audio present in any zone of my Elan Network Router?
- F
  fullerteresaAug 26, 2025
  If you have no audio present in any zone of your Elan Network Router, try the following: * Perform the steps for when there is no audio in a specific zone. * Turn the amplifier ON. * Ensure that any remote turn-on cables are connected at both ends. * Find the cause of the amplifier’s protection mode and correct it, as miswired speakers or volume controls are the most likely cause.
A
amanda19Aug 27, 2025
How to troubleshoot no audio in a specific zone with my Elan Network Router?
- T
  Tanya LaneAug 28, 2025
  If there's no audio in a specific zone of your Elan Network Router, make sure to: * Press Play, tune the station, and turn on the device. * Select the source on the front panel, keypad, or other zone controller. * Consult the front panel display to determine Zone selection. * Connect the IR keypad or touch panel to the correct zone. * Increase the volume. * Test a known good speaker/volume control at the amplifier. * Verify the connections.
Y
yolanda16Aug 30, 2025
What to do if the audio quits, zone LEDs turn off, there is no control over the system, and the red power LED is blinking slowly on my Elan Network Router?
- B
  brendanibarraAug 30, 2025
  If the audio quits, zone LEDs turn off, there is no control over the system, and the red power LED is blinking slowly on your Elan Network Router, the cause may be poor ventilation or fan failure. Check the ventilation and see if the fans are working. Let the system cool until the power LED stops blinking, then turn the zone(s) on at a low volume. If problems persist, contact ELAN Technical Support.
A
Ariel CruzAug 31, 2025
How to fix no Music-On-Hold on my Elan Network Router?
- R
  rhoganSep 1, 2025
  If you are not getting Music-On-Hold with your Elan Network Router, try pressing Play, tuning the station, and turning on the device. Also, adjust the levels. Consult the C2 manual for additional assistance.
T
Taylor LopezSep 3, 2025
Why is there a hum in my Elan Network Router speakers when audio is not present?
- U
  ustoneSep 3, 2025
  If you experience a hum in the speakers when audio is not present with your Elan Network Router, it might be due to a ground loop. Try plugging all sources into the same AC outlet and test the AC outlet using a ground tester.
F
Frances WaltersSep 5, 2025
How to resolve no audio from one or more channels on my Elan Network Router?
- B
  Benjamin ShawSep 5, 2025
  If you have no audio from one or more channels on your Elan Network Router, check the cable ends at the binding posts and speaker terminals. Check the continuity of each speaker cable using a multimeter. If a short or open is indicated, check the wiring for proper connections. Swap with a known good speaker. Verify the source is powered up and playing. Check any Tape Monitor settings on the A/V Receiver.
M
Mrs. Megan BuchananSep 6, 2025
Why does audio play at full volume in a variable zone with no volume control on my Elan Network Router?
- M
  Mr. James EsparzaSep 6, 2025
  If the audio plays at full volume in a variable zone, and there's no volume control with the IR zone controller (keypad, etc.) on your Elan Network Router, set the DIP switches to Variable and connect the Variable zone output to the amplifier.

Elan s86a Specifications

General

Category	Network Router
Frequency Band	2.4 GHz
Maximum Speed	300 Mbps
Antennas	2 external antennas
Model	s86a
Wireless Standards	802.11b/g/n
Ports	4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN, 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN
Security	WPA, WPA2, WEP

Summary

Preface

Purpose of This Manual

Describes the manual's goal.

Organization

Outlines the manual's structure and content.

Safety Information

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Details crucial safety practices for operation and maintenance.

Chapter 1: Introduction

The ELAN Story

Background on the company and its history.

S86A Features

Lists key features and capabilities of the S86A controller.

S86A Functions & Indicators

Details the functions and indicators of the S86A unit.

Front Panel

Describes the controls and indicators on the front of the S86A.

Rear Panel

Details the connections and indicators on the rear of the S86A.

Chapter 2: S86A System Design Overview

Introduction

General overview of system design principles for the S86A.

Rack Mounting

Instructions for mounting the S86A in an equipment rack.

Pre-Wire

Explains pre-wiring recommendations for system setup.

Applications

Describes typical system applications for the S86A.

Zone/Sub-Zone Definitions

Explains the concepts of zones and sub-zones in the system.

Stereo Zones

Details how to configure independent stereo zones with the S86A.

Stereo Zone w/ Stereo Sub-Zone

Explains how to set up a stereo zone with an independent stereo sub-zone.

Stereo Zone w/ Mono Sub-Zone

Describes setting up a stereo zone with an independent mono sub-zone.

Stereo Zone w/ Multiple Sub-Zones

Details configurations for stereo zones with multiple sub-zones.

Video Applications

Explains how to use the S86A for video distribution.

Chapter 3: S86A Connections

SPP System Precision Panel

Describes the SPP panel for system connectivity.

Connections When Using an ELAN SPP System Precision Panel - Rear

Details rear connections when using the SPP panel.

Connections When Using an ELAN SPP System Precision Panel - Front

Details front connections when using the SPP panel.

VIA! Touch Panel Connections

Explains how to connect VIA! Touch Panels.

Olé Film Interactive Touchpads

Details connections for Olé Film Interactive Touchpads.

“A” Punchdown Locations

Describes the "A" punchdown locations for touchpads.

“B” Punchdown Locations-16V

Details the "B" punchdown locations for 16VDC power.

“B” Punchdown Locations-12V

Details the "B" punchdown locations for 12VDC power.

“C” Punchdown Locations

Describes the "C" punchdown locations.

Z•Pad Connections

Details how to connect ELAN Z•Pad keypads.

IR Receiver Connections

Explains how to connect IR receivers.

Sense Input Connections

Details connecting ELANSENSE Sensors.

Programmable Trigger Connections

Describes how to connect programmable triggers.

LINK IN/LINK OUT Connections

Explains linking multiple S86A chassis.

External Power Connections

Details connecting external power supplies.

RS-485 Expansion Connections

Explains RS-485 expansion connections.

Switches

Discusses various switches affecting controller function.

INT 12V-EXT 16V Switch

Explains the INT 12V-EXT 16V switch.

ZNET/VNET Switch

Details the ZNET/VNET switch.

SS/SC4-NO SS/SC4 Switch

Describes the SS/SC4 switch.

ZONE 1-8 Connections

Details connections for Zones 1-8.

VIA!NET Connection

Describes the VIA!NET connection on the front panel.

EXT IR Connections

Notes that EXT IR is not used for S86A.

Sense Input Connections

Details connecting Sense Inputs on the front panel.

SS/SC4 Connection

Explains SS/SC4 integration.

ZONE 1-8 Connections

Details Zone 1-8 connections to SPP.

Triggers Connections

Explains the use of programmable trigger outputs.

Power Connections

Details connecting power supplies to the SPP.

S86A Connections When NOT Using a System Precision Panel

Details connections directly to the S86A without SPP.

Sense Input Connections

Explains connecting Sense Inputs directly to the S86A.

VIA! Touch Panel Connections

Details VIA! Touch Panel connections without SPP.

Olé Touchpad Connections

Explains Olé Touchpad connections without SPP.

Keypad Connections

Details Keypad connections without SPP.

Programmable Trigger Output Connections

Describes programmable trigger outputs.

SYSTEM TRIGGER OUT Connections

Explains the system trigger output.

Additional S86A Connections (With or Without SPP Precision Panel)

Discusses direct S86A connections.

SOURCE IR OUTPUT Connections

Details source-specific IR output connections.

ALL IR OUT Port Connections

Explains the ALL IR OUT port.

Audio/Video Connections

Details audio and video source connections.

Loop Output Connections

Explains how to use loop outputs for sharing sources.

Advanced Video Switching-Composite Video

Discusses composite video switching.

V8 Video Controller

Explains the use of the V8 Video Controller.

VIA!®QUAD 4-Channel Video Processor

Details the VIA!QUAD video processor.

Advanced Video Switching-Component Video

Discusses component video switching.

V85 Component Video Controller

Explains the V85 Component Video Controller.

Zone Preamp Outputs-Audio

Details audio outputs for zones.

Zone Preamp Outputs-Video

Details video outputs for zones.

Speaker Outputs

Explains speaker output connections.

ELAN RS-232 Ports

Details RS-232 ports.

SC-4* RS-232 System Controller

Explains SC-4 controller connection.

SS1 System Station

Details SS1 System Station connection.

C2 Communications Controller Connections

Explains C2 controller connections.

VSE2 Electronic Volume Control Connections

Details VSE2 volume control connections.

Multi-Chassis Connections

Explains connecting multiple S86A chassis.

Loop Outputs/Source Inputs

Details loop output/source input connections for multi-chassis.

Source IR Expansion Ports

Details multi-chassis source IR expansion.

VIA!NET IN/OUT Ports

Details multi-chassis VIA!NET connections.

ELAN RS-232 Ports

Details multi-chassis RS-232 connections.

C2 Connections

Details multi-chassis C2 connections.

AC Power Connector

Details AC power connection.

Chapter 4: Operation and Settings

Access Door

Describes the front panel access door.

Unit ID DIP Switch Settings

Explains Unit ID DIP switch configuration.

UNIT ID DIP Switches

Shows UNIT ID DIP switch settings.

Front Panel LEDs

Describes the front panel LEDs.

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

Appendix A: Specifications

Appendix B: Programming

Appendix C: RS-232 Serial Control Commands

General Information

Provides general info on RS-232 serial interface.

S86A Communication Port Settings

Details the communication port settings for RS-232.

System Commands

Lists system-level commands.

BAS (Bass)

Command for controlling zone bass levels.

DND (Do Not Disturb)

Command for Do Not Disturb function.

DB

Command for Doorbell function.

KEY

Command for system-wide zone control.

MUT (Mute)

Command to control zone mute function.

PWR (Power)

Command for zone power on/off/toggle.

SRC (Source)

Command to select source in a zone.

SYSOFF (System Off)

Command to turn all zones off.

TRE (Treble)

Command for controlling zone treble levels.

VOL (Volume)

Command for controlling zone volume.

WHM (Whole House Music)

Command for Whole House Music function.

LUD (Loudness)

Command to control zone loudness.

PG

Command to enable/disable Page function.

TRI (Trigger Output)

Command for programmable trigger outputs.

VID (Video)

Command to switch video inputs.

AUD (Audio)

Command to switch audio inputs.

Query Commands

Introduces query commands.

ASD (Audio Signal Detect)

Query for audio signal presence.

PGD (Page Detect Query)

Query for page trigger status.

STI (Sense Trigger Inputs)

Query for sense trigger input status.

VSD (Video Signal Detect)

Query for video signal presence.

VER (Firmware Version)

Query for firmware version.

QRY (Query Chassis)

Query for chassis status data.

NAM (Get Zone Name)

Query for zone names.

SRCNAM (Get Source Name)

Query for source names.

Restore Factory Defaults

Command to reset system to defaults.

Appendix D: Rack Mounting

RMK3 Rack-Mount Kit

Details the RMK3 rack mount kit.

Limited Warranty

Related product manuals

Elan HC4

58 pages

Elan s86a User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Elan s86a Specifications

Summary

Preface

Purpose of This Manual

Organization

Safety Information

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Chapter 1: Introduction

The ELAN Story

S86A Features

S86A Functions & Indicators

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Chapter 2: S86A System Design Overview

Introduction

Rack Mounting

Pre-Wire

Applications

Zone/Sub-Zone Definitions

Stereo Zones

Stereo Zone w/ Stereo Sub-Zone

Stereo Zone w/ Mono Sub-Zone

Stereo Zone w/ Multiple Sub-Zones

Video Applications

Chapter 3: S86A Connections

SPP System Precision Panel

Connections When Using an ELAN SPP System Precision Panel - Rear

Connections When Using an ELAN SPP System Precision Panel - Front

VIA! Touch Panel Connections

Olé Film Interactive Touchpads

“A” Punchdown Locations

“B” Punchdown Locations-16V

“B” Punchdown Locations-12V

“C” Punchdown Locations

Z•Pad Connections

IR Receiver Connections

Sense Input Connections

Programmable Trigger Connections

LINK IN/LINK OUT Connections

External Power Connections

RS-485 Expansion Connections

Switches

INT 12V-EXT 16V Switch

ZNET/VNET Switch

SS/SC4-NO SS/SC4 Switch

ZONE 1-8 Connections

VIA!NET Connection

EXT IR Connections

Sense Input Connections

SS/SC4 Connection

ZONE 1-8 Connections

Triggers Connections

Power Connections

S86A Connections When NOT Using a System Precision Panel

Sense Input Connections

VIA! Touch Panel Connections

Olé Touchpad Connections

Keypad Connections

Programmable Trigger Output Connections

SYSTEM TRIGGER OUT Connections

Additional S86A Connections (With or Without SPP Precision Panel)

SOURCE IR OUTPUT Connections

ALL IR OUT Port Connections

Audio/Video Connections

Loop Output Connections

Advanced Video Switching-Composite Video

V8 Video Controller

VIA!®QUAD 4-Channel Video Processor

Advanced Video Switching-Component Video

V85 Component Video Controller

Zone Preamp Outputs-Audio

Zone Preamp Outputs-Video

Speaker Outputs

ELAN RS-232 Ports

SC-4* RS-232 System Controller

SS1 System Station

C2 Communications Controller Connections