SmartLabs 2442 RF phase bridge for home automation User Manual 2442 July 15 04 web

SmartLabs, Inc. RF phase bridge for home automation 2442 July 15 04 web

Users manual

AccessLincTMBridges Insteon Signals BetweenWireless and Powerline For models:2442 AccessLinc RF Bridge2442 July 15,04_web.qxd 7/15/2004 10:59 AM Page 1
Congratulations!Thanks for purchasing and installing the AccessLinc™ for InsteonTM products. Thissimple, plug-in device is designed to bridge Insteon signals between the AC power-line and wireless devices. By plugging in a single AccessLinc, Insteon signals can beeasily bridged (or converted) between wireless radio frequencies (RF) and powerlinesignals.When two AccessLinc Interfaces are used in a home, they will also act as powerlinesignal repeaters. This allows Insteon powerline signals transmitted on one phase ofa home's electrical system to be automatically repeated and placed on the oppositephase. Since most homes in North America have two lines of electricity coming infrom the power company, getting the powerline signals between phases can oftenbe difficult. By using two or more AccessLinc Interfaces, this problem is easily elimi-nated.Key Features• Bridges RF to RF, RF to powerline, and powerline to RF• Provide powerlinc phase coupling when 2 or more are used• Allows wireless devices to communicate long distances over the powerline• Uses the reliable 900MHz band for good through-wall transmissions• Solves RF “dead spots”• Unlimited expansion to support large or complicated installations• Pass-through outlet for any AC device• Diagnostic LED aid setup and diagnostics• Advanced features adjustable over the powerline via computer software• FCC and ETA approved. Manufactured in an ISO 9001:2000 facilityWhat is Insteon?Insteon is a new method of communications between home automation devices. Byusing the latest technologies, Insteon communications are faster, more secure, andreliable than traditional signaling methods. The signals can travel over 900 MHzwireless and on the AC powerline. Insteon-based products are backwards compati-ble with the popular X10 powerline standard. With only a few affordable Insteon-based products, a home can be quickly and easily set up to make your life for con-venient, safe, and fun.22442 July 15,04_web.qxd 7/15/2004 10:59 AM Page 2
Quick Start InstructionsSingle Interface 1. Plug in the AccessLinc InterfaceThe Status LED will illuminate steady(see page 4 for more detailed instructions)Two Interfaces 1. Plug in the first AccessLinc Interface2. Tap the SET button, the Status LED will begin to blink3. Plug in the second AccessLinc Interface4. Tap the SET button, observe the Status LED:LED blinks then goes steady onOKLED blinks slowlyInterfaces on the same phase - move one interfaceLED is blinking rapidlyInterfaces are too far apart, move them closer together(see pages 4 for more detailed instructions)FCC Compliance StatementThis device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to two conditions:(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must acceptany interference that may be received or that may cause undesired operation.The digital circuitry of this device has been tested and found to comply with the lim-its for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limitsare designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in resi-dential installations. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequen-cy energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, maycause harmful interference to radio and television reception. However, there is noguarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this devicedoes cause such interference, which can be verified by turning the device off andon, the user is encouraged to eliminate the interference by one or more of the fol-lowing measures:• Re-orient or re-locate the receiving antenna of the device experiencing theinterference.• Increase the distance between the AccessLinc and the receiver.• Connect the device to an AC outlet on a circuit different from the one thatsupplies power to the receiver.• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.WARNING! Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by theparty responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate theequipment.32442 July 15,04_web.qxd 7/15/2004 10:59 AM Page 3
Installing AccessLincAccessLinc Interfaces can be easily installed in any home with conventional 3-prongAC outlets.• When a single AccessLinc is installed, it functions independently by simply pro-viding a bridge between wireless and powerline devices.• When two units are used and installed on different electrical phases, theAccessLinc Interfaces will provide signal bridging.AccessLinc uses its Status LED to help you find the ideal outlet so that the inter-faces communicate between each other and provide signal bridging on the AC pow-erline. Please see "Tips for Using AccessLinc" on page 6 for hints to make yourinstallation more successful.Single Unit Installation1. Plug in the AccessLinc Interface into an unswitched outlet2. The Status LED on the side will illuminate steady3. Verify operation by sending some powerline or wireless Insteon signals; theStatus LED will briefly flickerTwo-Unit Installation and Establishing a Wireless LinkInstall the first AccessLinc1. Locate an unswitched outlet on one side of the house and plug in the firstAccessLinc Interface2. The Status LED on the side will illuminate steady3. Tap the SET button, the Status LED will begin to blinkInstall the second unit4. Locate an unswitched outlet on the other side of the house and plug in the sec-ond AccessLinc Interface5. The Status LED on the side will illuminate steady6. Tap the SET button and observe the Status LEDA. If the LED blinks then goes steady on - OK (the two modules are on oppositephases and can talk to each other)B If LED blinks slowly, the two interfaces are within wireless range of each other,but on the same phase. Try moving the first or second unit to another outlet.C. If LED is blinking rapidly, the two interfaces are not communicating. Move thefirst or second unit physically closer to the other and retest.42442 July 15,04_web.qxd 7/15/2004 10:59 AM Page 4
Ideas for Selecting the Placement of AccessLinc InterfacesWhen two AccessLinc interfaces are installed, in addition to bridging between pow-erline and wireless devices, they will also provide a path for the powerline Insteonsignals to travel between the two lines of electrical service found in most homes.Commonly called phase coupling or signal bridging, this feature solves the mostcommon issue with powerline signals not getting from one part of a home to anoth-er. Without a reliable coupling method, electrical devices in some parts of thehouse may not always receive Insteon signals.In the diagram below, two AccessLinc Interfaces are used. The unit on the left pro-vides wireless coverage for most of the living room, garage, dining and family rooms.The unit on the right covers the remaining areas likes the kitchen and bedroom.Any wireless signals sent in the home has a high probability of being received by atleast one AccessLinc.The diagram has also been shaded to shows how some rooms in the home receivepower from split-phase electricity (two lines of power). When one AccessLincreceives powerline Insteon signals, it will wirelessly send the data to its partneredinterface on the other side of the house. The receiving interface will insert the sig-nal back onto the powerline. By plugging each interface into a different phase ofpower, the Insteon signals will be strong on all circuits in a home.5Placing AccessLinc Interfaces in a HomeAccessLinc2442 July 15,04_web.qxd 7/15/2004 10:59 AM Page 5
Tips for Using AccessLinc• Do not plug AccessLinc into a power strip or AC line filter.• Some computers, audio-video products, and their acces-sories can absorb Power Line Carrier (PLC) signals off thepower lines. If the AccessLinc is electrically near thesedevices, they should be filtered. Use Smarthome’sFilterLinc #1626 on this equipment to keep the Insteonpowerline signals from getting absorbed.• Don't plug other PLC transmitters into the same outlet asthe AccessLinc. Every PLC transmitter will absorb theother transmitter's PLC signals when they are not trans-mitting. In some cases, up to half the signal can be lostnearby transmitters.• The AccessLinc is not designed nor approved for use on power lines that onsomething other than 120V/60Hz cycles. Attempting to use the AccessLinc onnon-approved power-lines may have hazardous consequences.• Due to the size of AccessLinc, it will block the bottom outlet of a duplex wallreceptacle if plugged into the top outlet. If possible, use the bottom outlet sothat the other outlet is accessible for other use. For convenience, a passthrough receptacle has been supplied on the AccessLinc so you don’t lose areceptacle.• If the AccessLinc is plugged into a receptacle controlled by a wall switch, consid-er leaving the switch on at all times. This will ensure that the AccessLinc neverloses power and is always functioning. Never plug the AccessLinc into an outletcontrolled by a dimmer.• Never stack another Smarthome automation module like LampLinc,ApplianceLinc, or PowerLinc. The internal heat generated when controlling aload may cause them to overheat, catch fire, or lockup and stop functioning.• When installed in pairs, the antenna direction needs to be the same. If oneantenna is vertical and another is horizontal, range and reliability will bereduced.• Do not place AccessLinc near large metal objects, like a refrigerator, cabinet, ortelevision. AccessLinc works best when placed out in the open.• If interference from AccessLinc is heard on 900MHz cordless phones, move to adifferent frequency or channel on the cordless phone. Exact procedures varyfrom brand-to-brand; please see your cordless phone instructions.#1626 FilterLincPlug-In Filter62442 July 15,04_web.qxd 7/15/2004 10:59 AM Page 6
SpecificationsRange 200ft. (line of sight)FrequencyRF 904MHzPowerline 132kHzRF sensitivity -103dbmModulation FSKMessages per seconds 10Supply voltage, wattage 120VAC, 6VA maximumPass-through outlet ratings 120VAC, 15AOperational environment Indoors, 0-70°C, up to 85% r.h.FCC ID # SBP2442The LED on one of a pair ofAccessLinc is continuously blinkingrapidlyThe AccessLinc has lost communi-cations with its paired partnerMove the units closer togetherRe-initialize the link (see installa-tion on page 4)The LED has turned off and doesnot flicker during Insteon transmis-sionsThe Interface may have locked up Remove the interface from powerfor 10 seconds and re-installThe wireless range is extremelylimitedLarge objects may be interferingwith wireless operationsCheck antenna orientation onpaired interfacesMove the Interface to a differentoutletBoth antenna must be pointed inthe same direction (vertical or hori-zontal)Troubleshooting and Technical SupportStill having trouble....If you cannot resolve an issue you’re having with the AccessLinc Interface;• Search our on-line knowledge base at:http://smarthome.custhelp.com• E-mail: tech@smarthome.com• Call our Technical Support Dept. at 949-221-920072442 July 15,04_web.qxd 7/15/2004 11:00 AM Page 7
About AccessLinc’s CertificationThe AccessLinc has been thoroughly tested by ITS ETL SEMKO, anationally recognized independent third-party testing laboratory.Products bearing North American ETL Listed mark signifies thatthe product has been tested to and has met the requirements ofa widely recognized consensus of U.S. and Canadian productsafety standards, that the manufacturing site has been audited,and that the manufacturer has agreed to a program of quarterlyfactory follow-up inspections to verify continued conformance.Smarthome Limited WarrantySmarthome warrants to the original consumer purchaser of this product that, for a period of twoyears from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects in material and workman-ship and will perform in substantial conformity to the description of the product in this Owner'sManual. This warranty shall not apply to defects or errors caused by misuse or neglect.If the product is found to be defective in material or workmanship or if the product does not per-form as warranted above during the warranty period, Smarthome will either repair it, replace it orrefund the purchase price, at its option, upon receipt of the product at the address below, postageprepaid, with proof of the date of purchase and an explanation of the defect or error. The repair,replacement, or refund that is provided for above shall be the full extent of Smarthome's liabilitywith respect to this product.For repair or replacement during the warranty period, call Smarthome customer service to receivean RA# (return authorization number), properly package the product (with the RA# clearly printedon the outside of the package) and send the product, along with all other required materials to:SmarthomeATTN: Receiving Dept.16542 Millikan AveIrvine, CA 92606-5027Limitations:THE ABOVE WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF AND SMARTHOME DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MER-CHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUD-ING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHICHMAY NOT BE DISCLAIMED OR SUPPLANTED AS PROVIDED ABOVE SHALL BE LIMITED TO THEONE YEAR PERIOD OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY ABOVE. NO OTHER REPRESENTATION ORCLAIM OF ANY NATURE BY ANY PERSON SHALL BE BINDING UPON SMARTHOME OR MODIFYTHE TERMS OF THE ABOVE WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER.IN NO EVENT SHALL SMARTHOME BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OROTHER DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE POSSESSION OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT, INCLUDINGWITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PER-SONAL INJURY, EVEN IF SMARTHOME KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN OF THE POSSIBILITYOF SUCH DAMAGES.Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or the exclu-sion or limitation of damages, in which case the above limitations and/or exclusions may notapply to you. You may also have other legal rights, which may vary from state to state.SwitchLinc, KeypadLinc, SignaLinc, LampLinc, PowerLinc, ToggleLinc, BoosterLinc,ApplianceLinc, ControLinc, TesterLinc, FilterLinc, ProbeLinc, TempLinc, TouchLinc, IR Linc,Insteon, AccessLinc, & SmarthomeLive are trademarked by Smarthome, Inc.© Copyright 2004 Smarthome, 16542 Millikan Ave., Irvine, CA 92606-5027800.SMART.HOME - 949.221.9200- www.smarthome.comrev 0715042442 July 15,04_web.qxd 7/15/2004 11:00 AM Page 8

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