Russound BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit Installation Guide

Russound BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit

IMPORTANT
PLEASE READ THIS IF USING MORE THAN ONE BSK-2 KIT WIT A RUSSOUND MCA-66 OR MCA-88 CONTROLLER

• In order to have more than one BSK-2 kit on the Russound controller’s RNET communication bus, each BTC-2 must be properly paired to its BTC-2X BEFORE being connected to the Russound controller.
• Attempting to use more than one BTC-2 without completing this simple pairing process will result in all unpaired BTC-2’s not switching inputs properly when the BTC-2X stops receiving a Bluetooth audio signal.
• This only occurs if using more than one BSK-2 kit with a Russound controller. If you are NOT using your BSK-2 kit with a Russound controller or if you are only using a single BSK-2 kit with your Russound controller, you don’t need to perform any of these steps and can proceed with the installation following the instructions in the included manual.

To pair each set of BTC-2 and BTC-2X together for use with a Russound controller:

1. With the BTC-2X and BSK-2 disconnected from power, use a flathead screwdriver to set the source number on the bottom of the BTC-2X to the source number that matches the controller’s configured source number for this BTC-2X
2. Connect your CATS cable from the BTC-2 to the BTC-2X. DO NOT CONNECT the RNET connection from the BTC-2 to the controller yet.
3. Apply power to the BTC-2.
4. Press and hold the “Pair” button on the rear of the BTC-2X for 5 seconds until the LED blinks green twice. That completes the pairing of the BTC-2X to its BTC-2.
5. Connect one of the BTC-2’s available RNET ports to one of the MCA-66 or MCA-88 controller’s available RNET ports or to an available RNET port on another BTC-2 that is already connected to one of the controller’s RNET ports.

OVERVIEW

Thank you for purchasing the BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit from Russound. Since 1967, Russound has been providing audio professionals with the tools they need to enhance the lives of their customers. The BSK-2 can be used in multiple ways:

• To provide multiple Bluetooth inputs to a Russound controller in the same installation
• To allow a Bluetooth radio to be located up to 500’ (165m) from connected audio gear, allowing for the ultimate in Bluetooth range in any home or business.

The BSK-2 is a complete kit composed of the BTC-2X Bluetooth Remote Transceiver and the BTC-2 Termination Box. Russound sells the BTC-2X separately for standalone applications where the extended range is not needed, or when the BTC-2X is to be used as the only Bluetooth device used with a Russound MCA-Series controller.
With its advanced Bluetooth 5.1 technology, the BSK-2 is the perfect solution for your Bluetooth audio needs.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR BTC-2X

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR BTC-2

USING YOUR BSK-2 BLUETOOTH SOURCE KIT

The BSK-2 is a unique Bluetooth solution that allows audio connections to be made at an amplifier or receiver while locating the Bluetooth radio (found in the BTC-2X) up to 500’ (152m)away in the area of the home closer to a user’s phone or tablet that is being used as the Bluetooth audio source.
Input Saver Feature
The BSK-2 offers a helpful input saver design. With many of today’s audio devices reducing the number of dedicated inputs, the BSK-2 allows you to add Bluetooth to any system without requiring a new input connection. The input saver allows you to connect any audio source and have it be the primary audio source until Bluetooth is activated. Whenever a Bluetooth audio signal is detected, the audio content will automatically switch to Bluetooth. When the Bluetooth signal stops, the audio content will automatically switch back to the other source.

OPERATION

This means that the BSK-2 is ideal for use directly with stereo or multi- channel amplifiers and can be connected even if all inputs on the amplifier are already in use.

POWER CONNECTION
Use the included MicroUSB power cable and the included 5VDC power supply to supply power to the BTC-2. The power supply includes adaptor plates for US, UK, Euro, and AUS power sockets. To change the adaptor, simply press the button marked “Push” to release the plate and, after aligning the new adaptor plate properly, simply snap it into place until it clicks.
Please note that both the BTC-2 and the BTC-2X have a MicroUSB power input. When used together, power is supplied to the BTC-2 and the only connection needed on the BTC-2X is a CAT-5 cable that will carry power, data, and audio signals up to 500’ (152m).

PAIRING MODE
The BTC-2X has two pairing modes: automatic and manual, which are set via a convenient slide switch on the bottom of the BTC-2X.

Automatic Pairing
Automatic Pairing is the simplest method and is designed for use in most residential single-family homes or any envi-ronment where it is not likely to have any neighbors or other people close enough to pair their phones or tablets to the BTC-2X. When not connected to a phone or tablet, the BTC-2X will always be available to pair with any new device within range that requests pairing.

Manual Pairing
Manual Pairing is designed for all applications when greater control over the Bluetooth connections is desired and especially in environments where multiple homes are within Bluetooth range such as Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU’s) like condominiums, townhouses, apartments, etc.
When in manual pairing mode, the BTC-2X will only be able to pair with new phones or tablets when not connected to a device and someone:

• Presses the “Pair” button on the rear panel of the BTC-2X; – OR –
• Activates the “Remote Pair” contact closure on the rear panel of the BTC-2X. The Remote Pair is a unique optional feature that allows an installation professional to wire a simple push button control or to use an automated contact closure from a smart home control system. This allows the BTC-2X to be hidden com-pletely from sight and still be able to be put into pairing mode easily when desired.

NAMING YOUR BTC-2X
A convenient feature of the BTC-2X is the ability to re-name it to a “friendly” name that makes it easier to access and use in your home. The default name of the BTC-2X is “BTC-2X-ZZZZ” with “ZZZZ” being the last four digits of the device’s MAC ID.
After installing your BTC-2X using one of the configuration options listed below, you can easily rename it to something more convenient. For example, if you install the BTC-2X in your Living Room, you can rename it to “Living Room” so that it is easier to identify on your phone or tablet’s list of available Bluetooth devices.
To rename your BTC-2X

1. Download and install the Russound BTC-2X Naming App from either the App Store or the Google Play Store.
2. With the BTC-2X powered up, within Bluetooth range, and already paired to your phone, open the BTC-2X Naming App.
3. The app should automatically discover all Russound BTC-2X devices within range. You can refresh the screen by swiping down in the app.
4. Once your BTC-2X is discovered, select it and tap “Connect”. Once connected, you can enter a new Blue-tooth name and tap “Enter”.
5. Your BTC-2X has now been configured with the new name.

Note: Names can be up to 15 characters long and composed of any mix of letters from A-Z, Numbers 0-9 and the “-“ character. To avoid confusion, we recommend using a different name from all other Bluetooth devices in the home.
Audio Connections with the BSK-2 Kit
The BSK-2 Kit has two components, the BTC-2X Bluetooth Remote Transceiver and the BTC-2 Termination Box. The BTC-2 should be located near your audio equipment and the BTC-2X in the area of the home where the Bluetooth audio source is going to be used. A CAT-5 cable is used to connect the two. The CAT-5 cable carries data, power, and the audio signal between the two.Audio output from the BTC-2 can be either analog stereo RCA or optical digital. You are free to use either one depend-ing on your preference or the availability of inputs on your amplifier or receiver.
From the BTC-2, simply connect either the RCA analog stereo outputs to your amplifier or receiver or connect the Tos-link Digital Optical connection depending on your available inputs on your amplifier or receiver (cables not included).

USING YOUR BTC-2X WITH A RUSSOUND MCA-SERIES CONTROLLER

• The BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit can be used when adding more than one Bluetooth source to a Russound MCA-Series Controller. All of the connections are made as listed above, but several additional steps are necessary:

• Setting the Source Number
  Before using the BTC-2X with a Russound MCA-66 or MCA-88, the source number switch on the bottom of the BTC-2X must be properly set to the same source number that is configured in the MCA-Series controller’s WebConfig.
  Set the rotary dial on the bottom of the BTC-2X to correspond with the same source number to be used on the MCA-66 or MCA-88 controller. Make sure that the MCA-Series controller’s associated source type is configured with the Source Type of “BTC-2X”.

• Connecting to the Controller
  Use a CAT-5 cable to connect one of the RNET ports on the back of the BTC-2 to an open RNET port on the rear of the MCA-Series controller.
  When adding more than one BSK-2 kits, continue connecting from an open RNET port on the additional BTC-2 to an open RNET port on the controller or on a previously connected BTC-2. In other words, the BTC-2 boxes must be daisy chained together and then to the controller.

CONNECTING MULTIPLE BTC-2X/BTC-2 PRODUCTS WITH A MCA-SERIES CONTROLLER

Make sure to adjust the “Source Number” rotary dial on the bottom of each BTC- 2X to correspond with the source number being used for the audio input on the Russound controller and to configure the same audio source in the con- troller’s Web Config as a “BTC-2X”.

Metadata with the BTC-2X
When connected to a Russound MCA-Series controller (MCA-66 or MCA-88), the BTC-2X can provide metadat such as song titles, album name, etc that is visible on compatible Russound keypads, touchscreens or when using the Russound app. This metadata is available for any BTC-2X connected to the controller’s Bluetooth input port as well as for any BTC-2X connected with the BTC-2 Termination Box that is connected to the controller using an RNET cable connection as mentioned previously.

Source Control with the BTC-2X
As with the metadata, the same BTC-2X devices can also receive control commands from the Russound controller us-ing either connected keypads, touchscreens, or the Russound app. Use these to pause, resume play, skip forward and back, etc. on any compatible Bluetooth audio source devices.

BTC-2 SPECIFICATIONS

Connections| RJ-45, 3.5mm Audio Out, Remote Pairing RJ-45, Stereo RCA Input/Output, Toslink Digital Output, Remote Pairing
---|---
Max CAT-5/6 Cable Length to BTC-2X from Russound Controller| 500′ (152m)
Audio Out| RCA Stereo Analog and Toslink Digital Optical
Power Requirements|
BTC-2 Termination Hub| 5VDC microUSB (110-220VAC Power Supply Included)
Dimensions (L x W x H)| 6.5” (16.51 cm) x 4.6” (11.7cm) x 1” (2.54 cm)
Weight| 0.8 lbs (0.36 kg)

LIMITED WARRANTY

The Russound BSK-2 is guaranteed for two (2) years from
the date of purchase against all defects in materials and workmanship. During this period Russound will replace any defective parts and correct any defect in workmanship without charge for either parts or labor. For this warranty to apply, the unit must be installed and used according to its written instructions. If service is necessary, it must be performed by Russound. Russound assumes no responsibility for defects resulting from abuse or servicing performed by an agency or person not specifically authorized in writing by Russound. Damage to or destruction of components due to improper use voids the warranty. In these cases, the repair will be made at the owner’s expense. Accidental damage and shipping damage are not considered defects under the terms of the warranty. To return for repairs, the unit must be shipped to a repair facility designated by Russound at the owner’s expense, along with a Return Authorization number and documentation explaining the nature of the service required. Any product returned without

©2022 Russound/FMP, Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice 08.14.22 REV3

prior written permission will be returned to sender. Russound sells products only through authorized Dealers and Distributors to ensure that customers obtain proper support and service. Any Russound product purchased from an unauthorized dealer or other source, including retailers, mail order sellers and online sellers will not be honored or serviced under existing Russound warranty policy. Any sale of products by an unauthorized source or other manner not authorized by Russound shall void the warranty on the applicable product.

WARRANTY ADDRESS
Russound
Attn: RA# (Insert your RA number here)
1955 Wehrle Dr
Williamsville NY 14221
email: tech@russound.com

Easy Bluetooth Multiroom Audio System

Perfect for updating existing audio systems

INSTALLER’S DILEMMA
Your customer wants a simple upgrade to their existing whole-house audio system to add Bluetooth so that they and their guests can easily play audio from their Living Room. All of their audio gear is in the basement in an equipment rack, and you’ve never been able to find a Bluetooth receiver that can work reliably so far away and inside a metal rack.

SOLUTION

• Use an existing CAT5 cable or run a new, inexpensive CAT5 wire from the Living Room to the equipment rack in the basement
• Using a BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit, connect the BTC-2 audio outputs to your multizone amplifier or multichannel amplifier (like a Russound D850)
• Place the BTC-2X in or near the living room. You can even hide it in the wall or ceiling. It doesn’t need to be visible if it’s in automatic pairing mode. Connect it to the BTC-2 with the CAT5 cable.
• Rename the BTC-2X using Russound’s free BTC-2X Re-naming App to “Living Room” to make it easy for family and guests to find

BENEFITS

• Bluetooth is now easy to use where it’s needed in the home
• If using a multizone amplifier such as a Russound MCA-66 or MCA-88, the homeowner and guests can easily play their favorite Bluetooth audio from the BTC-2X to any room of the home, or to any group of rooms
• If you want a simple multiroom system that uses Bluetooth as the source, just use a multichannel amplifier like the Russound D850 for up to 4 rooms of audio, or a D1650 for up to 8 rooms of audio and you’ve got a great, single source, easy-to-use audio system based on Bluetooth.
• The BSK-2’s “Input Saver” feature allows you to add Bluetooth even if there isn’t an available source input on the amplifier or receiver.
• The Bluetooth audio is simple to use because it has been given an easy-to-use name like “Living Room”

**Use a BSK-2 to add Bluetooth without Needing an Available Audio

Input**

Input Saver Feature allows the BSK-2 to be used in any system

Audio connections can be in the room they need to be and the Bluetooth radio can be where it needs to be – the perfect solution for Bluetooth Audio

INSTALLER’S DILEMMA
The homeowner has been using a multichannel amplifier with a bus input for a simple, single-source multiroom audio system. They want to add Bluetooth but their amplifier only has one input that they are already using. There isn’t a free input to add a typical Bluetooth device.

SOLUTION

• Add a BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit
• Use a CAT5 cable to place the BTC-2X wherever it needs to be in or around the home (up to 500’)
• Connect the existing audio source to the analog audio input on the BTC-2
• Connect the audio output from the BTC-2 to your amplifier audio input
• Rename the BTC-2X using Russound’s free BTC-2X Re-naming App to “Pool” or whatever custom name you’d like depending on the location in order to make it easy for family and guests to find

BENEFITS

• The homeowner can continue using the existing audio source, whatever it may be
• Whenever they want to use Bluetooth, the audio signal will automatically switch to Bluetooth and then will switch back after the Bluetooth stops
• No control system is needed for the switching. It will all happen automatically

Adding a 2nd Bluetooth Connection to an MCA-Series Controller

INSTALLER’S DILEMMA
The homeowner loves their BTC-2X in the living room because they get to see the song metadata and control the audio from their XTS7 mounted on the wall. They want to add a second Bluetooth radio in the kitchen and want the same convenient control available.

SOLUTION

• Add a BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit to add additional Bluetooth connections on their MCA-Series controller.
• Rename the BTC-2X using Russound’s free BTC-2X Re-naming App to “Kitchen” or whatever custom name you’d like in order to make it easy for family and guests to find

BENEFITS

• With its RNET data connections to the controller, the BSK-2 allows the homeowner to view song metadata and send play/pause, skip forward and back commands from any Russound keypad, touchscreen or using the Russound app.
• The native Russound Bluetooth solution is the perfect way to add additional Bluetooth receivers to a whole-home audio system.
• Up to 8 Bluetooth connections can be added to an MCA-88 with up to 6 being added to an MCA-66.
• The “Input Saver” feature of the BSK-2 allows a user to add Bluetooth as a source even if all sources on their controller are already being used.
• The Bluetooth audio is simple to use because it has been given a recognizable, friendly name that is easy for family and any guests to find and use.

Add additional Bluetooth sources to a Russound Controller (up to 8)

Daisy-chain the RNET connections from BTC-2 to BTC-2

INSTALLER’S DILEMMA
Your customer wants to use Bluetooth as a source from many areas of the home: from the master bedroom, the pool, the kitchen, the living room, and the children’s bedrooms. With any other brand’s Bluetooth audio sources, all of the devices would have to be located next to the MCA-88 and probably wouldn’t have the range to get all over the house and would all likely have the same name, making it impossible to pair and use easily.

SOLUTION

• Add a BTC-2X to the MCA-88 for the first Bluetooth source needed.
• Add a BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit to add additional Bluetooth connections on their MCA-Series controller (up to 8).
• Connect the BSK-2 boxes to the MCA-Series controller in the equipment rack, daisy-chaining each additional BTC-2’s RNET connection to the first one (which has an RNET connection to the MCA-Series controller).
• Run an inexpensive CAT5 cable to each room where the homeowner wants to be able to use Bluetooth audio as a source.
• Rename each BTC-2X using Russound’s free BTC-2X Re-naming App to the name of each area they are located in like “Kitchen”, “Living Room”, “Patio”, or whatever custom name you’d like in order to make it easy for family and guests to find and use

BENEFITS

• With its RNET data connections to the controller, the BSK-2 allows the homeowner to view song metadata and send play/pause, skip forward and back commands from any Russound keypad, touchscreen or using the Russound app.
• The native Russound Bluetooth solution is the perfect way to add additional Bluetooth receivers to a whole-home audio system and with the 500’ extension of each BTC-2X, each can be located exactly where it needs to be in the home.
• Up to 8 Bluetooth connections can be added to an MCA-88 with up to 6 being added to an MCA-66.
• The “Input Saver” feature of the BSK-2 allows a user to add Bluetooth as a source even if all sources on their controller are already being used.
• The Bluetooth audio is simple to use because it has been given a recognizable, friendly name that is easy for family and any guests to find and use.

Use a BSK-2 with any Amplifier or Receiver

INSTALLER’S DILEMMA
The homeowner wants to add Bluetooth to their audio system but they want the Bluetooth to be near their pool where their family and guests want to be able to easily control their music. The audio gear for their whole-house audio system is hundreds of feet away in the main house.

SOLUTION

• Add a BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit that can work to add Bluetooth 5.1 to any audio system
• Run an inexpensive CAT5 cable from the main house to the pool area
• Connect the BTC-2X to your BTC-2 in the main house where the audio gear is located
• Rename the BTC-2X using Russound’s free BTC-2X Re-naming App to “Pool” or whatever custom name you’d like in order to make it easy for family and guests to find

BENEFITS

• Bluetooth is now easy to use wherever it’s needed, up to 500’ away from the audio gear
• Bluetooth is simple to find and pair because it has been given an easy-to-use name like “Pool”
• A single CAT5 cable is the only new cable that needs to be run to the Pool area from the main house. An existing CAT5 cable can easily be used.

Remote Pairing

A unique solution you’ll use over and over again

INSTALLER’S DILEMMA
Your customer wants to install multiple Bluetooth devices iin a small area and want them to easily pair when needed but not be available for pairing by anyone else. For example, in a condominium building where multiple neighbors are all within Bluetooth range, or in an installation in a boutique hotel where every room has Bluetooth but you don’t want a guest in another room to be able to pair their phone to the wrong room.

SOLUTION

• The BTC-2X has 3 different ways to pair:
  • Automatic – the BTC-2X is always available for any phone to pair with it whenever it is not being used – This is perfect for single-family homes but not for the problem here.
  • Manual via a button on the BTC-2X – This is perfect if the BTC-2X will be located in an area where it is easily accessible, but won’t work if the homeowner wants to hide all of their audio gear out of sight.
  • Manual via a contact closure – This is Russound’s unique solution – Use a smart home control system, a simple push button, or even a remote tool like a Global Cache IP2CC to activate pairing mode easily from anywhere, even if you have no access to the BTC-2X because you installed it out of sight somewhere.
• Rename the BTC-2X using Russound’s free BTC-2X Re-naming App to a custom name to make it easy for the proper user to find and use.

BENEFITS

• Multiple BTC-2X devices can be located within range of each other with full control over who can pair to each one.
• Contact Closure option allows the BTC-2X to be completely hidden from sight, even inside a wall, ceiling or cabinet and only be available for pairing when desired.
• The Bluetooth audio is simple to use because it can be given an easy-to-use name that can be reprogrammed easily at any time with a free app.

DESCRIPTION

• The BSK-2 Bluetooth Source Kit from Russound adds significant new features and functionality from the popular prior model. The BSK-2 is designed to add full-featured Bluetooth audio to any audio system and offers a unique range extension of up to 500′ by allowing the remote location of the transceiver module anywhere in the home.
• The BSK-2 is comprised of two components, the BTC-2X Remote Transceiver and the BTC-2 Audio Hub that is used for the audio wiring and power connections.
• The BSK-2 is recommended for all installations where the ideal location of the Bluetooth source device, a customer’s phone or tablet, is located far away from their audio equipment. The BSK-2 is also used to add multiple Bluetooth inputs to a Russound MCA-66 or MCA-88 controller.
• The BTC-2X Remote Transceiver is designed to add a single source of Bluetooth audio to those same Russound controllers which have all of the audio
  and power connections to support it already built-in. The BTC-2 audio hub is therefore not required for a single source offering cost savings to easily
  add Bluetooth to Russound controllers. The BTC-2X can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth audio source when the extra 500′ (152 m) of extension
  is not required.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

BTC-2

Connections                            RJ-45, 3.5mm Audio Out, Remote Pairing RJ-45, Stereo RCA Input/Output, Toslink

Digital Output, Remote Pairing

Max CAT5 Cable Length to BTC-2X from Russound Controller| 500′ (152m)
Audio Out| RCA Stereo Analog and Toslink Digital Optical
BTC-2 Termination Hub Power Requirements| 5VDC microUSB (100-240VAC Power Supply Included)
Product Dimensions                   6.5” (16.51 cm) x 4.6” (11.7cm) x 1” (2.54 cm)
Product Weight| 0.8 lbs (0.36 kg)
 |

FEATURES

• Bluetooth Extendibility
  Place the included BTC-2X remote Bluetooth transceiver wherever it is needed in the home and use a simple CAT5 wiring connection back to the location of the BTC-2 source box near the home’s audio equipment or amplifier up to 500′ (152 m) away. This same feature is available when connecting the BTC-2X to a Russound MCA-66 or MCA-88 controller.

• Analog and Digital Output
  The BSK-2 offers both analog and digital outputs, with high quality, gold- plated stereo RCA analog connectors as well as a digital optical S/PDIF connection for compatibility with any audio system.

• Input Saver
  Add Bluetooth to any audio system even if there are no free inputs. Simply connect the analog audio out connection of the BTC-2 to your audio system and then connect whatever other audio source was previously connected there to the analog BTC-2 input. Your Bluetooth will automatically become the primary input whenever the connection is active, and you don’t need an extra free audio input to use it!

• Bluetooth 5.1
  The BTC-2X from Russound uses the Bluetooth 5.1 standard for improved audio quality and range

• Automatic/Manual Pairing Modes
  For most homes, using automatic pairing is recommended because users can always connect to their home audio system and start playing their favorit music quickly and easily. For MDU’s, hospitality, or commercial applications where protecting the pairing is desired, the BTC-2 offers a unique manual pairing mode controllable by a contact closure. Wire a simple push button for a momentary contact, or attach to a contact closure on a control system like Control4, URC, RTIL, Elan or others to activate pairing mode when desired.

• Track Info, and App Control
  When used with a compatible Russound MCA-66 or MCA-88 controller, the metadata from the audio source playing on a phone/tablet can be viewed on the Russound app and compatible Russound touchscreens. You can also control the audio source to skip tracks, replay a track, adjust or mute the volume and even set repeat/shuffle for compatible sources, all from your Russound system.

• Multiple Bluetooth Inputs on a Russound Controller
  The BSK-2 offers the possibility of up to 8 individual Bluetooth receivers being used as audio sources with an MCA-88 controller (6 with an MCA-66
  controller). Each BSK-2 is configured with its own unique source number allowing for easy access and control from the Russound app, or Russound
  touchscreens or keypads.

c2022 Russound/FMP Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Russound is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>