Carefree of Colorado APEX User manual

052522-002 Printed in USA May, 2006
INSTALLATION MANUAL
APEX
RV with Direct Response Electronics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product Overview.......................................................................................................................... 1
Apex Patio Awning Specifications..................................................................................................1
Component Checklist..............................................................................................................................2
Installation – Mechanical..............................................................................................................4
Required Pre-Installation Parameters.....................................................................................................4
Mounting Plate Layout and Installation...................................................................................................4
Mounting the Awning Unit.......................................................................................................................5
Installation – Electrical.................................................................................................................. 6
Component Installation – Single Awning................................................................................................7
Switch Installation...........................................................................................................................7
Control Box Installation ..................................................................................................................7
Component Installation – Multiple Awnings............................................................................................8
Touch Pad Installation....................................................................................................................8
Control Box Installation ..................................................................................................................8
Ignition Lockout Sensor Installation (Optional).......................................................................................9
Installing the RR24 RF Remote Receiver (All Configurations).............................................................10
Programming the RR24 for the Remote.......................................................................................10
Wiring Diagram – Single Awning..........................................................................................................11
Wiring Diagram – Dual Awnings...........................................................................................................12
Wiring Diagram – 4 Awnings ................................................................................................................14
Standard System Adjustments ..................................................................................................16
Adjusting the Pitch................................................................................................................................16
Setting the Motor Limits........................................................................................................................17
Adjusting the OUT Limit Switch....................................................................................................17
Adjusting the IN Limit Switch........................................................................................................17

PROPRIETARY STATEMENT
The Apex Patio Awning is a product of Carefree of Colorado, located in Broomfield, Colorado, USA. The
information contained in or disclosed in this document is considered proprietary to Carefree of Colorado.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented in the document is accurate and
complete. However, Carefree of Colorado assumes no liability for errors or for any damages that result
from the use of this document.
The information contained in this manual pertains to the current configuration of the models listed on the
title page. Earlier model configurations may differ from the information given. Carefree of Colorado
reserves the right to cancel, change, alter or add any parts and assemblies, described in this manual,
without prior notice.
Carefree of Colorado agrees to allow the reproduction of this document for use with Carefree of Colorado
products only. Any other reproduction or translation of this document in whole or part is strictly prohibited
without prior written approval from Carefree of Colorado.
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING
AWARNING INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH,IF NOT AVOIDED,COULD RESULT IN
DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION
ACAUTION INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION THAT MAY CAUSE MINOR TO MODERATE
PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.IT MAY ALSO BE USED TO ALERT AGAINST UNSAFE PRACTICES.
NOTE: A note indicates further information about a product, part, or step.
Tip: A tip provides helpful suggestions.
Safety Notes:
•Always disconnect battery or power source before working on or around the electrical system.
•Always wear appropriate safety equipment (i.e. goggles).
•Always use appropriate lifting devices and/or helpers when lifting or holding heavy objects.
•When using fasteners, use care to not over tighten. Soft materials such as fiberglass and aluminum
can be "stripped out" and lose the ability to grip and hold.
Reference Publications located @ www.carefreeofcolorado.com:'
052522-002: Apex Installation Manual
052522-201 Apex Owner's Manual
052522-301 Apex Service Manual
Carefree of Colorado 2145 W. 6
th
Avenue Broomfield, CO 80020
aScott Fetzer company 303-469-3324 ♦www.carefreeofcolorado.com
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Carefree of Colorado Installation Manual APEX
.522522-002 1
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Apex Patio Awning offers the coach owner an awning system that provides as much or as little shade
as required. The canopies are housed in an aluminum case that easily blends in with the coach roof.
Each unit is equipped with Apex lateral support arms that are the strongest available on the market. No
vertical arms interfere with coach sidewalls or equipment that may be mounted on the roof. These arms
can also be adjusted to vary the canopy pitch up to 3 feet (it is strongly recommended that service and
adjustments be performed by trained technicians).
The unique and innovative 110V electronic control system provides Carefree’s newest Direct Response system
with interior pushbutton controls for standard extend/retract functions. At the master control panel the auto-retract
system can be engaged to automatically retract the awning in windy conditions. Sensitivity can be set to respond
to a variety of wind speed conditions. An RF remote is furnished with the Direct Response system.
Apex Patio Awning Specifications
The following information is for reference only. Specific information is detailed in the installation instructions.
LENGTHS: 12’ – 22’ (in 1 foot increments)
EXTENSIONS: 10’ (standard)
COLORS AVAILABLE: Case: Standard: White; Optional: Black, Champagne, Pewter
Fabric: Sunbrella Acrylic Fabric refer to order form for available colors
MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS:Available in LH or RH configurations
Type: Tubular Motor
Power: 120V, 60HZ, 2.5A
Torque: 60 nm
Speed: 14 RPM
Cycle: 40 Sec ON / 1 Min OFF
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT (LBS.)
Awning Length (ft.) Weight Awning Length (ft.) Weight Awning Length (ft.) Weight
12 155 16 192 20 227
13 162 17 198 21 234
14 169 18 205 22 240
15 185 19 216
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APEX Installation Manual Carefree of Colorado
2 052522-002
COMPONENT CHECKLIST
RTA032
Single Awning Electronics
Dual Awning Electronics
Dual Awning Electronics
345
7
6
1
2
8
11 9
10
12
13
14 15
16
18 19
17
20
21
22
23 24
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Carefree of Colorado Installation Manual APEX
.522522-002 3
;ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY NOTE
1 Apex Awning Assembly 2 1
2 Mounting Bracket 8 2
3 Screw, Rolock, Thread Cutting 3/8 x 1 1/2 96
4 Screw, Lag 1/4 x 1 1/2 96
5 Screw, Hex Head M8 x 55mm 8
6 Threaded Plate M8 8
7 Hex Key 7mm x 133mm 1
8 Control Box Single Awning 1 3
9 Switch Assy Single Awning 1 3,4
10 Switch Mounting Box 1 3
11 Switch Plate 1 3,4
12 Remote Control Key FOB Single Awning 1 3,5
13 Control Box Dual Awning 1 3
14 Touch Pad Assy w/ Bridge Dual Awning 1 3
15 Remote Dual Awning 1 3
16 Control Box 1 (Motor #1, Motor #2) 4-Awning Combo 1 3
17 Control Box 2 (Motor #3, Motor #4) 4-Awning Combo 1 3
18 Touch Pad Assy w/ Bridge 4-Awning Combo 1 3
19 Remote 4-Awning Combo 1 3
20 RR24 RF Receiver 1
21 RJ11 Cable 60 inches 1 6
22 RJ11 Cable, Touch Pad, used with items 14 & 18 25 feet 1
23 Sensor, Ignition Lock-Out 1 7
24 Splitter 1 7
Notes: 1. Awning configuration is specified at time of order, including awning length, LH or RH
configuration, fabric color etc. Check awning assembly against original purchase order.
2. Quantity of 4 per awning is standard for item 2-mounting brackets. Some Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) installations may specify a different quantity.
3. Electronic components are not interchangeable between systems.
4. Mounting screws are included with switches and switch plate.
5. Additional remotes can be ordered separately.
6. 60" cable (item 21) is furnished with items 9, 20 and 23
7. The optional ignition lockout and splitter (items 23, 24) must be ordered separately
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APEX Installation Manual Carefree of Colorado
4 052522-002
INSTALLATION –MECHANICAL
The following instructions are for the physical installation of one Apex awning. Repeat the instructions for
each awning to be installed.
REQUIRED PRE-INSTALLATION PARAMETERS
Prior to installing the awning system, the installer must determine the layout of the system and provide
specific construction elements to successfully assemble the awning components.
1. Determine the location, size and type of awning to be mounted.
•There must be structure at the awning mount locations. Fiberglass or sheet metal alone is NOT
strong enough to support the weight of the awning!
WARNING
THE APEX AWNING HAS SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT.THE AWNING AND ATTACHING BRACKETS MUST BE SECURELY FASTENED
TO THE STRUCTURAL FRAME OF THE ROOF.CONSULT THE COACH MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE THE TYPE AND
POSITION OF THE ROOF'S STRUCTURAL MEMBERS AND THE STRUCTURE'S ABILITY TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT.FAILURE
TO HEED THIS WARNING CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE
2. Determine the mounting locations for the control box and switch assemblies.
•For 110VAC installations, the installer must provide enclosed junction boxes for all wire splices. Boxes are
required in conformance with prevailing construction codes.
•At the control box location, AC input is required. It is recommended that the installer provide a
dedicated AC circuit for the awning system that is protected by an appropriate sized fuse/circuit
breaker. Each patio awning draws a maximum of 3 amps.
•The motion sensor for the Direct Response system is mounted on the patio awning. 10 feet cable is
available from the awning wall mount, and will require a routing path to the control box. If the control box is
located at a distance greater than 10 feet, the installer must provide a terminated jumper cable from the
box location to the cable end. CAUTION
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE INSTALL THE AWNING DUE TO THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF THE
COMPONENTS!
MOUNTING PLATE LAYOUT AND INSTALLATION
The Apex Patio Unit is mounted using four (4) 24” mounting brackets.
A (Awning Length)
BB
CC8.75”
6.13”
View From Top
Mounting Bracket (qty: 4)
24” (ref)
Align Bracket Edge
with Start of Roof
Edge Radius
M8 x 55mm
Securing Bolt
3/8 x 1 1/2 Rolock Screw
or 1/4 x 1 1/2 Lag Screw
(qty: 12 per plate)
RTA009
Threaded Plate
A (feet) B (inches) C (inches) A (feet) B (inches) C (inches) A (feet) B (inches) C (inches)
12’ 13 51.25 16’ 13 67.75 20’ 15.5 85.75
13’ 13 54.25 17’ 13 70.75 21’ 15.5 88.75
14’ 13 57.25 18’ 13 73.75 22’ 15.5 91.75
15’ 13 64.75 19’ 13 76.75
Figure 1. Mounting Plate Pattern.
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Carefree of Colorado Installation Manual APEX
.522522-002 5
1. Determine the location of the awning mounts:
1.1 Mounting area must be flat and clear of obstacles,
1.2 The awnings have appreciable weight; the mounting screws MUST fasten into the structure.
2. (refer to Figure 3) Position the mounting plates on the coach roof. Horizontally position the plates
using the dimension in the chart.
NOTE: Two types of attaching screws are included in the kit. The 3/8” rolock screws are for
attaching into metal structure. The 1/4” lag screws should be used for attaching into wood
structures.
3. For rolock thread cutting screws:
3.1 For each plate, on one end of the plate, use the plate as a template and drill an 11/32” pilot hole
into the structure. Attach the plate using a 3/8-16 x 1 1/2 thread cutting screw.
3.2 Confirm position of plate and repeat step 6 on the opposite end of the mounting plate.
3.3 Continue to drill and attach using the 3/8-16 x 1 1/2 thread cutting screws for all mounting holes.
4. For lag screws:
4.1 For each plate, on one end of the plate, use the plate as a template and drill a 3/16” pilot hole
into the structure. Attach the plate using a 1/4 x 1 1/2 lag screw.
4.2 Confirm position of plate and repeat step 6 on the opposite end of the mounting plate.
4.3 Continue to drill and attach using the 1/4 x 1 1/2 lag screws for all mounting holes.
5. In the rear track of each mounting plate, start one (1) M8 screw and threaded plate through hole in back of
mounting plate. Do not tighten at this time.
6. At the motor location, drill one (1) 1/2” hole through outer surface. The position may be under or behind the
end cap position.
MOUNTING THE AWNING UNIT
Mounting
Bracket (ref)
Securing Bolt
RTA004
Awning Frame (ref)
Figure 2. Mounting the Awning.
1. While lifting the awning, route the awning motor wires through the 1/2” hole drilled previously.
NOTE: It is necessary to first insert the sensor cable and connector through the hole then
insert the motor wires.
2. Set the awning into the hooks of the mounting bracket. Pull the case forward to ully engage the
bracket.
3. Adjust the horizontal position of the awning as required.
4. Tighten the securing bolts. Torque to 10 ft-lbs.
5. Seal the wires and access hole with a quality silicone sealant.
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APEX Installation Manual Carefree of Colorado
6 052522-002
INSTALLATION –ELECTRICAL
WARNING
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE VEHICLE BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SOURCES BEFORE WORKING WITH ELECTRICAL
WIRING AND COMPONENTS.
IMPORTANT NOTICES:
•Failure to follow the wiring instructions in this publication may void the warranty.
•All wiring must conform to NEC (National Electrical Code) and local codes.
•DO NOT wire two or more motors to one motor controller.
•The SO cable from the 110VAC awning motor can only pass directly through a wall, it can not be
laid up in the wall and must be connected to NM wire or individual wires in conduit no more than
6 inches past the point of entry.
•The installer must provide enclosed junction boxes for all 110VAC wire splices. Boxes are
required in conformance with prevailing construction codes. Installers are required to furnish
the UL approved electrical boxes where required.
•At the control box location, AC input is required. It is recommended that the installer provide a
dedicated AC circuit for the awning system that is protected by an appropriate sized fuse/circuit
breaker. Each patio awning draws a maximum of 3 amps.
•The motion sensor for the Direct Response system is mounted on the patio awning. 10 feet cable is
available from the awning wall mount, and will require a routing path to the control box. If the control
box is located at a distance greater than 10 feet, the installer must provide a terminated jumper cable
from the box location to the cable end.
•Terminated cable is a 4-wire RJ11 terminated phone cord (straight, no
twist).
NOTE: Cable lengths of the furnished cables are listed in the chart with
the system wiring diagram. If a connection requires a length
greater than the supplied cable, the installer must provide a
terminated jumper cable from the box location to the cable end.
Terminated cables are 4-wire RJ11 terminated phone cord
(straight, no twist).
Black
Red
Green
Black
Yellow
Red
Green Yellow
Cables are 4-wire RJ11
terminated phone cord
(straight, no twist).RTA031
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Carefree of Colorado Installation Manual APEX
.522522-002 7
COMPONENT INSTALLATION –SINGLE AWNING
Switch Installation
1. At the switch location, cut a rectangular hole 4” x 3
3/4”. The mounting box is able to clamp to
thicknesses from 1/4” to 1”.
2. Insert the mounting box and tighten the latch tab
screws. The tabs will automatically rotate to
clamp on the back side of the mounting surface.
Do not over tighten the clamp screws.
3. Mount the Patio Switch and Wind Speed Switch in
the mounting box.
4. Mount the faceplate onto the switches. It may be
necessary to slightly loosen the switches to align
the faceplate and switches.
5. Connect the switch cable to the patio switch and
route to the location of the control box.
Control Box Installation
(refer to wiring diagram on page 9)
1. Determine the location of the control box.
2. Remove the lid from the control box.
3. Attach the box using a minimum of two (2) #8 x
3/4 screws. The screws must be mounted in
opposite corners.
4. Route a 2-conductor 14AWG NM wire w/
ground from the AC power source to the box. It
is recommended that the installer provide a
dedicated AC circuit that is protected by an
appropriate sized fuse/circuit breaker. Each
patio awning draws a maximum of 3 amps.
Connect wires to the control box as shown in
the wiring diagram on page 11.
5. Splice the awning motor wires to a 3-conductor 14AWG NM wire w/ ground. (Refer to note 1 on the
wiring diagram on page 11)
6. Route the cable wire from the motor to the control box and attach the wires to the terminals as shown.
NOTE: For LH motor configurations:
RED WIRE goes to terminal (1) RED; BLACK WIRE goes to terminal (1) BLACK.
For RH motor configurations:
BLACK WIRE goes to terminal (1) RED: RED WIRE goes to terminal (1) BLACK.
7. Connect the cable from the switch panel to “ACC” in the control box.
8. Connect the cable from the motion sensor to “SHAKE” in the control box.
NOTE: Use the slot cutouts in the box to route the phone cables.
For RF Remote installation, go to page 10.
For optional ignition lock-out installation, go to page 9.
MIRAGE022a
4”
3 3/4”
Face Plate
Wind Speed
Switch
Patio
Switch
Mounting Box
Switch Cable to
Control Box
Latch Tab
Figure 3. Switch Installation.
#8 x 3/4 Screw (2)
RTA033
3”
2 1/2”
6 1/2”
Figure 4. Control Box.
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APEX Installation Manual Carefree of Colorado
8 052522-002
COMPONENT INSTALLATION –MULTIPLE AWNINGS
Touch Pad Installation
1. Locate the mounting location of the touch pad. The
touch pad requires a flat area approximately 3 1/2" wide
by 4 1/2" tall. Drill a 1/4" hole in the center of the touch
pad location. This is for routing the wires to the touch
pad bridge.
2. Remove the front cover from the touch pad assembly. It
snaps off and on.
3. Carefully rotate the touch pad board away from the
mounting plate.
4. Route the wires through the hole drilled in step 1 then
position the touch pad plate on the mounting surface
and attach using two (2) #6 x 1/2 screws.
5. Route the wires to the touch pad bridge and attach as
shown in the wiring diagram on page Error! Bookmark
not defined.. Note that the wires are not pin specific.
6. The bridge has double sided tape on the back. Remove
the release paper and stick the bridge to a clean
surface.
7. Plug the 25 foot RJ11 cable into the bridge socket marked "BUS" and route the cable to the location of
the control box location.
Control Box Installation
NOTE: The awning motor that is connected to motor #1 will correspond with "Awning 1" on the touch
pad control and remote. The awning motor connected to motor #2 will correspond with "Awning
2" on the controls etc.
For 4-Awning Installations: Awnings connected to motor #1 & #2 correspond to "Passenger Side
Awnings", awnings connected to motor #3 & #4 correspond to "Driver Side Awnings".
For Dual Awning installations: refer to wiring diagram on page 12.
For 4-Awning installations: refer to wiring diagram on page 14.
1. Locate the mounting location of the control
box(es). Each box requires a flat area
approximately 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" with a clearance
depth of 2 3/8". There is approximately 19" of
jumper cable between boxes (total jumper
length = 24"); position the boxes in close
proximity to allow the jumper to be connected
with some slack in the cable. Allow additional
room for wire routing at the top and bottom.
2. Remove the lid. Attach the box to the
mounting surface. Use a minimum of two (2)
#8 x 3/4 screws each. The screws must be
mounted in opposite corners.
NOTE: The boards in the box are labeled
Motor #1 & Motor #2; Motor #3 &
Motor #4.
RTA019b
Touch Pad
Bridge
RJ11 Cable
(ref)
#6 x 1/2 Screw (2)
O 1/4” Hole
4 1/2”
3 1/2”
Figure 5. Muliple Awning Touch Pad.
#8 x 3/4 Screw (2)
RTA019c
6 1/2”
(typ)
2 3/8”
Figure 6. Multiple Awning Control Box.
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