Bose AWRC-1G Service Manual

The Bose AWRC-1G is a professional-grade wireless remote control unit designed for integration with Bose audio systems. This service manual provides technical information for qualified service personnel, including specifications, disassembly procedures, circuit diagrams, troubleshooting steps, and replacement part information. It is intended for use by trained technicians only.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Product Overview & Specifications 3. Exploded View & Parts List 4. Disassembly & Reassembly Instructions 5. Circuit Description & Schematics 6. PCB Layout & Component Identification 7. Troubleshooting Flowcharts 8. Test & Alignment Procedures 9. Firmware Update Guide 10. Regulatory & Compliance Information

Safety Precautions

Before servicing the Bose AWRC-1G, read all safety instructions. This device contains components sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Warning Symbol	Precaution
⚠️ High Voltage	Disconnect all power sources before servicing. Ensure capacitors are discharged.
⚡ ESD Sensitive	Use grounded wrist strap and anti-static mat when handling PCBs.
🔥 Heat Warning	Some components may become hot during operation. Allow to cool before handling.
🔧 Qualified Personnel	Service should only be performed by trained Bose technicians.

WARNING! Incorrect repair can cause electric shock, fire, or damage to the unit. Use only Bose-approved replacement parts.

Product Overview & Specifications

The AWRC-1G is a 2.4 GHz digital wireless remote with RF and IR control capabilities, designed for commercial audio installations.

Model: Bose AWRC-1G
Wireless Protocol: Proprietary 2.4 GHz FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum)
Control Range: Up to 100 ft (30 m) line-of-sight
Power Supply: 2 x AA batteries (User) / 5V DC via service port
Battery Life: Approx. 12 months (typical use)
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
Dimensions: 5.1" x 2.4" x 0.8" (130mm x 61mm x 20mm)
Weight: 4.2 oz (120 g) with batteries
Compatibility: Bose ControlSpace® ESP, ESP-00, ESP-880 systems

Exploded View & Parts List

Reference diagram showing all major assemblies: Front Housing, Button Membrane, Main PCB, RF Module, Battery Compartment, Rear Cover.

Ref. No.	Part Number	Description	Qty
1	123456	Front Housing Assembly (Black)	1
2	123457	Button Keypad Membrane	1
3	123458	Main PCB Assembly (AWRC-1G)	1
4	123459	2.4 GHz RF Transceiver Module	1
5	123460	Battery Contact Spring Set	1
6	123461	Rear Cover with Clip	1
7	123462	Phillips #00 Screw (4mm)	4

Note: Order parts directly through Bose Professional Parts Distribution.

Disassembly & Reassembly Instructions

Required tools: Phillips #00 screwdriver, plastic spudger, anti-static precautions.

Power Off: Remove batteries.
Remove Rear Cover: Use spudger to gently release four plastic clips around perimeter.
Remove Screws: Remove four (4) Phillips screws securing front housing to internal frame.
Separate Housing: Carefully separate front housing from internal assembly.
Access PCB: Lift button membrane away to reveal Main PCB. Note ribbon cable orientation.
RF Module: The RF module is soldered to the main PCB. Do not remove unless replacing.
Reassembly: Reverse order. Ensure ribbon cable is fully seated and housing clips engage audibly.

CAUTION! Excessive force can damage plastic clips or ribbon cable connectors.

Circuit Description & Schematics

The main system consists of a microcontroller (U1), RF transceiver (U2), voltage regulator, and button matrix.

Block Diagram: Battery Input -> LDO Regulator (3.3V) -> Microcontroller (MCU) -> RF IC & IR LED Driver -> Button Matrix.

Key ICs:
U1: Microchip PIC18LFxx (Manages control logic, RF communication)
U2: Texas Instruments CC25xx Series RF Transceiver
U3: Low-Dropout 3.3V Regulator

Schematic Pages: Power Supply, Microcontroller & Clock, RF Section, Button Interface. (Note: Full schematics are proprietary Bose documents included in the complete service pack).

PCB Layout & Component Identification

Top Layer: Mainly MCU, crystal, bypass capacitors. Bottom Layer: RF section, antenna matching network.

Designator	Component	Value/Part No.
C1, C2	Decoupling Capacitors	100nF, 0805
Y1	Crystal Oscillator	16.000 MHz
L1	RF Matching Inductor	3.9 nH
R1-R8	Button Pull-up Resistors	10kΩ, 0603
J1	Service/Programming Header	4-pin, 1.27mm pitch
ANT1	PCB Trace Antenna	Integrated

Test Points:
TP1: 3.3V (Power)
TP2: GND
TP3: MCU Reset (Active Low)
TP4: RF Data Line

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power (LED off)	Dead batteries, corroded contacts, faulty regulator (U3)	Replace batteries. Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol. Check voltage at TP1. If <3V, replace U3.
LED on, no RF communication	RF module fault, antenna damage, incorrect system pairing	Check continuity of antenna trace. Re-pair remote to host system per user guide. If persistent, suspect U2 or matching network.
One or more buttons not working	Dirty membrane, torn conductive pad, open resistor in matrix	Clean membrane contacts. Check continuity from button pad to MCU pin. Replace membrane or resistor as needed.
Intermittent operation	Poor battery connection, cracked solder joint, faulty crystal	Reseat batteries. Visually inspect solder joints under magnification, especially on crystal (Y1) and MCU. Reflow if necessary.
Rapid battery drain	Short circuit, failing regulator, stuck button	Measure standby current (should be <50µA). Inspect for solder bridges. Check if any button inputs are permanently low.

Test & Alignment Procedures

Required Equipment: Spectrum analyzer, RF signal generator, digital multimeter, Bose test jig (P/N 987654).

Power-Up Test: Apply 3V to battery terminals. Current should be < 1mA in standby. LED should blink once.
RF Output Test: Place remote in test mode (short J1 pins 1&3). Using spectrum analyzer centered at 2.44 GHz, verify output power is +5 dBm ±3 dB.
Frequency Accuracy: Verify carrier frequency is within ±20 ppm of channel center.
Button Matrix Test: Use test jig to verify all button presses are registered and transmit correct RF code.
Range Test: In clear environment, verify reliable control at 100 ft to a known-good receiver.

Note: RF alignment is factory-set and typically does not require adjustment.

Firmware Update Guide

Firmware can be updated via the 4-pin service header (J1) using the Bose Service Programmer (BSP-1) and PC software.

Connect BSP-1 programmer to PC USB port and to J1 on AWRC-1G PCB.
Launch "Bose Service Tool" software on PC.
Select "AWRC-1G" from device list.
Click "Read Version" to confirm current firmware.
Load the new firmware file (*.hex).
Click "Program Device". Do not interrupt power during this process (approx. 30 seconds).
Software will verify the programming. Upon success, disconnect the remote and perform a functional test.

WARNING! Incorrect firmware can render the remote inoperable. Use only firmware versions released by Bose.

Regulatory & Compliance Information

FCC ID: ASZAWRC1G. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.

IC: IC: 5118A-AWRC1G. Complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).

EU: CE Marked. Complies with the essential requirements of the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC.

Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local electronic waste (e-waste) regulations. Do not dispose of with household trash.