Carefree BT12 User manual

070029-001r2 Printed in USA July, 2018
INSTALLATION
BT12 Wireless Awning Control System
C ONTROL S YSTEM FOR 12V M OTORIZED A WNINGS
U SING B LUETOOTH
®
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
Read this manual before installing or using this product. Failure to follow the instructions
and safety precautions in this manual can result in personal injury and/or cause the
product to not operate properly.
The BT12 Wireless Awning Control System may be installed as part of the original motorized awning
installation or as an upgrade to an existing motorized awning installation.
The system offers unique features not available with a standard awning installation.
1) Carefree Connects Mobile App – The app provides full and enhanced control of the awning using a
smart phone or tablet. The free app can be downloaded on any devices that support: 1) Current iOS
or Android operating systems, and 2) Bluetooth low energy technology.
2) Full Retract – When the awning is retracted, it retracts completely. It is not necessary to hold the
button when closing the awning.
3) Full Extend – When the awning is extended, it extends completely. It is not necessary to hold the
button when opening the awning.
4) Auto-Retract – The awning can be set to automatically close when windy conditions occur with the
optional BT Motion Sensor.
5) Remote Control – The operator can conveniently operate the awning from any location with the
optional BT Remote.

BT12 WIRELESS AWNING CONTROL SYSTEM INSTALLATION MANUAL CAREFREE OF COLORADO
2 070029-001r2
NOTICES AND DISCLAIMERS
TRADEMARKS
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Use of such marks by Carefree of Colorado is under license.
Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
STATEMENTS OF COMPLIANCE
●BT12 Control Module ●BT Motion Sensor ●BT Remote
FCC and IC identification numbers are located on the exterior surfaces of the individual components.
FCC C OMPLIANCE
These devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) These devices may not cause harmful interference and, (2) These devices must accept
any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
IC C OMPLIANCE
These devices comply with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two
conditions: (1) These devices may not cause harmful interference and, (2) These devices must
accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Ces appareils sont conformes aux normes RSS exonérées de licence d'Industrie Canada. L'opération est
soumise aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) Ces appareils ne doivent pas causer d'interférences nuisibles et, (2)
Ces appareils doivent accepter toute interférence reçue, y compris les interférences pouvant entraîner un
fonctionnement indésirable.
FCC/IC R ADIATION E XPOSURE S TATEMENT
●BT12 Control Module ●BT Motion Sensor
This equipment complies with FCC and IC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. The
minimum distance between the radiator and people is designed to be 20cm when installed and operated.
Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux radiations FCC et IC pour un environnement non
contrôlé. La distance minimale entre le radiateur et les personnes est de 20cm lorsqu'installé et utilisé.
●BT12 Remote
This equipment complies with FCC and IC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. The
minimum distance between the radiator and people is designed to be 5mm when operated.
Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux radiations FCC et IC pour un environnement non
contrôlé. La distance minimale entre le radiateur et les personnes est de 5mm (à l'exclusion des extrémités:
mains, poignets, pieds et chevilles) lors de l'utilisation.

CAREFREE OF COLORADO INSTALLATION MANUAL BT12 WIRELESS AWNING CONTROL SYSTEM
070029-001r2 3
DISCLAIMERS
The BT12 Wireless Awning Control System and the Carefree Connects Mobile App are products 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 components and software listed on the title
page. Carefree of
Colorado reserves the right to cancel, change, alter or add any parts and
procedures, 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.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT
www.carefreeofcolorado.com/carefreeconnects
[email protected]
Carefree of Colorado
2145 W. 6th Ave.
Broomfield, CO
80020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Installation .....................................................................................................................................5
BT12 Control Module Installation............................................................................................................6
Awning Switch Installation ......................................................................................................................7
Awning Lights Switch Installation............................................................................................................7
Wiring Diagram.......................................................................................................................................8
Installing the BT Motion Sensor............................................................................................................10
Altitude / Longitude / Latitude.......................................................................................................10
Small Box Awnings.......................................................................................................................10
Pairing the Motion Sensor ............................................................................................................10
Setting the System into Pairing Mode...................................................................................................11
Battery Replacement...................................................................................................................12
BT Motion Sensor.................................................................................................................................12
BT Remote............................................................................................................................................12

BT12 W IRELESS A WNING C ONTROL S YSTEM I NSTALLATION M ANUAL C AREFREE OF C OLORADO
4 070029-001r2
S AFETY I NFORMATION
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert individuals to potential
personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to
avoid possible personal injury or death.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in death or
serious bodily injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate bodily injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a situation that may result in equipment-related damage.
General Safety:
WARNING SHOCK HAZARD. Always disconnect battery or power source before
working on or around the electrical system.
WARNING Always wear appropriate safety equipment (i.e. goggles).
WARNING FALL HAZARD. ALWAYS use a ladder that meets or exceeds the
standards and requirements of the American National Standards Institute and the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for ladder safety. Failure to follow this warning could result in death or
serious bodily injury.
CAUTION Always use appropriate lifting devices and/or helpers when lifting or
holding heavy objects.
NOTICE When using fasteners, do not over tighten. Soft materials such as fiberglass and
aluminum can be "stripped out" and lose the ability to grip and hold.
The state of California requires the following warning:
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause
cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. California’s Proposition 65 requires this
warning to be given to customers in the state of California.

C AREFREE OF C OLORADO I NSTALLATION M ANUAL BT12 W IRELESS A WNING C ONTROL S YSTEM
070029-001r2 5
INSTALLATION
WARNING SHOCK HAZARD. Always disconnect battery or power source before
working on or around the electrical system.
Important Note: To comply with 2015 NFPA 1192 RV Standard, Section 6.4.9, switches must be
mounted as follows:
a) Installed in a dedicated switch cabinet with a latching door; or,
b) Installed with the optional covered bezel available from Carefree; or,
c) Installed in a cabinet with a latching door where the switch is protected and CANNOT be activated by any
items or cargo that may move or shift during transit; or,
d) Installed with an interrupt circuit that disables awning extension when the vehicle is in motion.
1. The BT12 module provides an ignition lockout option. When the “IGN LOCK” is connected to the
vehicle PCM or other switched source the following parameters are set:
i) If Open = Awning Active
ii) If tied to GND = RTL (Retract Then Lock) – Awning retracts, extend command disabled
iii) If tied to +12Vdc = Standard – Extend command disabled
To Start:
1. Determine the location for the awning switches, awning lights switch and BT12 control module.
NOTE: The BT12 control module leads are 6" in length. If the distance between the module and the
switches is greater than 6", the installer must furnish splice wires for the extra distance. Use
appropriate size wire gauges. Use appropriate sized butt splices to secure connections.
2. Route the motor cable and LED harness to the location of the module.

BT12 WIRELESS AWNING CONTROL SYSTEM INSTALLATION MANUAL CAREFREE OF COLORADO
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BT12 CONTROL MODULE INSTALLATION
(Refer to the wiring diagram on page 8.)
NOTICE Do not mount the unit near heat producing elements such as LP appliances or engine
exhaust components.
NOTICE For best reception, do not mount the unit near or on a metal surface.
1. Clean the mounting surface. The surface must be flat
and clean for the mounting tape to properly adhere.
2. Remove the release paper from the tape on the back
of the module and firmly press the module onto the
mounting surface.
NOTE: The module may be oriented for best fit with
access to the wire leads.
3. Attach the motor wires (refer to diagram for
corresponding wire colors) to the module leads for the
motor using 14-16awg butt splices.
4. Run a minimum 14 awg wire to chassis ground.
Suitable ground would be the vehicle chassis or
conductive structure connected to the chassis. Splice the wire to the module GND lead with a 14-
16awg butt splice.
5. Run a minimum 14 awg wire from the power distribution panel (auxiliary battery circuit) or equivalent. The
circuit should be protected by a 15-amp fuse. Splice the wire to the module +12V lead with a 14-16awg
butt splice.
NOTE: If the wire run is 30 feet or longer for +12Vdc and/or GND, use 12awg wire to prevent voltage
drop. Use the appropriate butt splices for the wire size.
6. Splice the Black wire from the LED Harness to the module LED GND lead (Black) with a 18-22awg butt
splice.
7. Route the module LED + lead (RED) to the awning lights switch location. Use 20awg wire and 18-
22awg butt splice to extend the lead as necessary.
8. Route the module IGN LOCK lead (Green) to the vehicle PCM or other switch source (used for ignition
lockout).
9. Route the remaining wires (Violet, Gray, Yellow and Brown) to the location for the awning control
switches. Use 20awg wires and 18-22awg butt splices to extend the leads as necessary.
Remove
Release Paper
Mounting
Tape
BT003

CAREFREE OF COLORADO INSTALLATION MANUAL BT12 WIRELESS AWNING CONTROL SYSTEM
070029-001r2 7
AWNING SWITCH INSTALLATION
(Refer to the wiring diagram on page 8.)
1. At the switch location cut a 2 5/16"
[5.9cm) x 1 1/2" [3.8cm] hole.
2. From the module, terminate the
three (3) 20awg wires (Brown,
Yellow and Gray) with .187, 18-20
awg female terminals. Attach to
the EXTEND/RETRACT switch as
shown in the wiring diagram.
3. From the module, terminate the
Violet wire with a .187, 18-20 awg
female terminal. Attach to the
ON/OFF switch.
4. Run a minimum 14 awg wire to
chassis ground. Suitable ground
would be the vehicle chassis or
conductive structure connected to
the chassis. Terminate the wire with
.187, 14-16 awg female terminal and
connect to the second terminal of the
ON/OFF switch.
NOTE: If the wire run is 30 feet or longer, use 12awg wire to prevent voltage drop. Use the
appropriate wire terminals for the wire size.
5. Push the wires and switches into the hole then attach the switch frame using 4 #6 x 1/2" screws.
6. Snap the switch bezel over the switch frame.
AWNING LIGHTS SWITCH INSTALLATION
NOTE: Carefree offers two switch options, unlighted and lighted. Installers may choose to furnish the
control switch or may wire directly to a multiplexing control center.
1. Determine the location of the switch.
2. At the switch location, cut a 1 1/8" x 1 1/2" hole.
3. Wire the switch as shown. Wire terminals at the switch are .187, 18-24 awg female disconnects.
NOTE: The lighted switch has a third terminal. This is wired to GND.
ON
OFF
1.13"
1.5"
1.88"
2.9"
#6 x 1/2 " Screw (x2)
BT004d
Single Pole, Single Throw Switch
Lighted Single Throw Switch
GND
White/Violet (20awg)
To +12 V DC
White/Violet (20awg)
To +12 V DC
Multiplexing Control Connection
White/Violet (20awg)
To Multiplexing
Controller
1" [2.5cm]
BT001
2.32" [5.9cm]
1.5"
[3.8cm]
#6 x 1/2" Screw (x4)
RETRACT
ON
EXTEND
OFF
Awning Control
RETRACT
ON
EXTEND
Awning Control
OFF
Optional
Covered Bezel

BT12 WIRELESS AWNING CONTROL SYSTEM INSTALLATION MANUAL CAREFREE OF COLORADO
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WIRING DIAGRAM
Extend/
Retract
On/Off
Rear View of
Switch Assy
.187, 18-20awg Female
Spade Terminals (x5)
F
F
Red
Black
MF
MF
Top
Bottom
To +12VDC
GND
Red
Black
LED Strip
Violet
Green
Black
(16awg)
Red (16awg)
Control Module
To vehicle PCM
or other switched source
White (16awg)
Blue (16awg)
White/Black (20awg)
White/Red (20awg)
(18awg)
Red
(18awg)
(18awg)
Single Pole, Single Throw Switch
Lighted Single Throw Switch
GND
Gray
Brown
(18awg)
(18awg)
3
2
1
4
BT002e
A
B
DETAIL B
Awning Lights Switch Options
DETAIL A
Motor Connect
Dry Connectors
Direct Motor Control
Freedom WM, Freestyle WM, Marquee
Brown
Blue
White (16awg)
Blue (16awg)
A
B
MOTOR
Freedom RM, Freestyle RM
Blue
Brown
White (16awg)
Blue (16awg)
A
B
MOTOR
Eclipse, Travel’r, Latitude, Longitude, Altitude
F
F
Red
Black
MF
MF
Top
Bottom
White (16awg)
Blue (16awg)
A
B
MOTOR
To +12VDC
Yellow
(18awg)
White/Violet (20awg)
To +12VDC
White/Violet (20awg)
To +12VDC
White/Violet (20awg)
To +12VDC
Multiplexing Control Connection
White/Violet (20awg)
To Multiplexing
Controller
Violet
Green
(18awg)
(18awg)
Gray
Brown
(18awg)
(18awg)
Yellow
(18awg)
M1
M2
Violet
Green
(18awg)
(18awg)
Gray
Brown
(18awg)
(18awg)
Yellow
(18awg)
S1
S2
Com
To vehicle PCM
or other switched source
3To vehicle PCM
or other switched source
3
+12VDC
Awning Disable
Switch
+12VDC
Awning Disable
Switch
5 5
C
DETAIL C
Multiplex Control System

CAREFREE OF COLORADO INSTALLATION MANUAL BT12 WIRELESS AWNING CONTROL SYSTEM
070029-001r2 9
For GND, run a minimum 14 awg wire to chassis ground. Suitable ground would be the vehicle chassis
or conductive structure connected to the chassis.
For +12Vdc, Run a minimum 14 awg wire from the power distribution panel (auxiliary battery circuit) or
equivalent. The circuit should be protected by a 15-amp fuse.
NOTE: If the wire run is 30 feet or longer, use 12awg wire to prevent voltage drop. Use the
appropriate wire terminals for the wire size.
The BT12 module leads are 6" in length. If the distance between the module and the switch is
greater than 6", the installer must furnish splice wires for the extra distance. Use appropriate size
wire gauges. Use appropriate sized butt splices to secure connections.
The BT12 module provides an ignition lockout option. When the “IGN LOCK” is connected to the
vehicle PCM or other switched source the following parameters are set:
a) If Open = Awning Active
b) If tied to GND = RTL (Retract Then Lock) – Awning retracts, extend command disabled
c) If tied to +12Vdc = Standard – Extend command disabled
The LED connection is optional to provide LED controls through the app for white LEDS only.
White LEDS can also be installed per the standard LED installation without BT12 Controls. RGB
lights must be installed per the standard RGB installation.
The awning disable switch is a single pole, single pole switch used with OEM Multiplexing Control
Systems. Switch is furnished by installer.
1
2
3
4
5

BT12 WIRELESS AWNING CONTROL SYSTEM INSTALLATION MANUAL CAREFREE OF COLORADO
10 070029-001r2
INSTALLING THE BT MOTION SENSOR
The system operates by gauging the motion of the awning's front edge (roller tube or lead rail). When the
motion exceeds the preset threshold the system retracts the awning. The factory default is “3” on a scale
from 1 to 5. When using the mobile app, the sensitivity can be adjusted for personal preference.
The sensor is located in the motor head for vertical arms or in the lead rail for box awnings.
Altitude / Longitude / Latitude
1. Remove the front cover on the motor side.
The cover snaps onto the rear cover.
1.1. Altitude / Longitude: Press in on both
sides of the rear cover in the area
shown. Rotate the cover up and off.
1.2. Latitude: Press the bottom of the rear
cover until the front cover releases then
lift the front cover off.
2. Clean the inside surface of the rear cover.
3. Remove the release paper from the
mounting tape on the back of the bracket.
4. Firmly press the bracket onto the inner
surface of the rear cover.
Small Box Awnings
This option is available for Freestyle WM and
Freestyle RM. It is not available for the
Freedom WM, Freedom RM or Marquee.
1. Open the awning to expose the inside of the
lead rail on the motor side.
2. Clean the inside surface of the lead rail.
3. With the module bracket oriented
horizontally, as shown, remove the release
paper from the mounting tape.
4. Firmly press the bracket onto the inner
surface of the lead rail between the end
plate and arm connector on the motor side
of the awning.
Pairing the Motion Sensor
NOTE: Only 1 active motion sensor can be
paired to the BT12 Control Module
1. After completing the installation restore
power to the awning and extend the awning
using the switches.
2. Place the awning in pairing mode (refer to
page 11).
3. Remove the battery pull tab from the motion sensor.
4. Hold the motion sensor next to the control module for 2-3 seconds. The module should be paired.
5. Holding the sensor vertically with the Carefree logo upright, repeatedly move the sensor vertically up
and down to simulate a brisk wind. The awning should retract.
6. Snap the module in the sensor bracket.
7. For Altitude / Longitude / Latitude: Snap the front cover onto the rear cover. Hang the cover on the top
and swing down until it clicks.
Front
Cover
BT013
Press Up On Rear Cover
to Release Front Cover
Remove
Release Paper
Attach Bracket
to Inside of
Rear Cover
Motion
Sensor
Latitude
Thumb Tab
Down
Attach Bracket
to Inside of
Rear Cover
Thumb Tab
Small Box Awning
(Freestyle WM Shown)
Remove
Release Paper
Motion
Sensor
Battery
Pull Tab
Battery
Pull Tab
Remove
Release Paper
Thumb Tab
Down
Front
Cover
Thumb Tab
Motion
Sensor
Battery
Pull Tab
Press on both sides
of the rear cover to
release front cover
Thumb Tab
Altitude / Longitude
(Altitude Shown)

C AREFREE OF C OLORADO I NSTALLATION M ANUAL BT12 W IRELESS A WNING C ONTROL S YSTEM
070029-001r2 11
S ETTING THE S YSTEM INTO P AIRING M ODE
Kit components for the BT12 Control System are paired at the factory for simplified installation.
NOTICE Ensure that the kits are kept together and not mixed with other kits. The pairings are
unique to each control module.
To put the system into pairing mode for the mobile app and/or additional peripherals that may be added (i.e.
additional remotes), follow the directions below:
NOTE: The illustration shows the standard Carefree switches. Some OEM’s may choose to furnish their own
switches or incorporate the power and Extend/Retract controls in a multiplexing control system. The following
directions are valid for all configurations.
1. Turn power to the awning ON.
2. Extend the awning. Note that the awning does not have to
be opened completely.
3. Retract the awning.
4. When the awning is fully retracted, press and hold the
retract switch for 3 seconds.
4.1. The awning is now in pairing mode for 5 minutes.
5. The BT12 control module will automatically pair to the device then go to working mode.
NOTES:
The module will pair to the physically closest unpaired device first. Repeat the pairing steps for each
additional device (the module remembers the devices that have been paired).
Refer to the Carefree Connects Mobile App manual for setting up and pairing a smart device (such as a
smart phone or tablet). The app manual is available at www.carefreeofcolorado.com/carefreeconnects.
Multiple devices can be paired to the awning but only a maximum of 8 peripheral devices can be active
at one time such as key FOBS and one (1) mobile device.
Only one active BT Motion Sensor can be paired to the BT12 Control Module.
Only one mobile device (smartphone or tablet) can be active at a time.
Testing the Remote Functions:
1. Turn the awning and Awning Lights power switches ON.
2. On the remote, press and release the extend button.
Press a second time to stop the awning motion.
3. Repeat for the retract button.
NOTE: The LED controls are for White LED strips that
are wired to the BT12 module.
4. Extend the awning so that the LED strip is visible.
5. Turn the awning lights power switch ON.
6. Press the ON/Off button to turn the LED’s on and off.
7. Press the LED Bright to brighten the LEDs. Press the LED Dim to lower the LED’s

BT12 WIRELESS AWNING CONTROL SYSTEM INSTALLATION MANUAL CAREFREE OF COLORADO
12 070029-001r2
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BT MOTION SENSOR
If the motion sensor batteries are low, the awning will beep every 30 seconds (when the power switch is
ON). This will continue until the batteries are replaced. The awning will operate normally after the batteries
are replaced.
The motion sensor uses two (2) 675 batteries; batteries are available at local battery outlets.
1. Pull the thumb tab of the bracket away from the module and lift the module out of the bracket. NOTE:
It is not necessary to remove the mounting bracket.
2. Remove the two screws and the rear cover.
3. Replace the two batteries. Match the new battery orientation with the old batteries.
4. Replace the cover and screws.
5. Snap the module into the mounting bracket. The module will only fit one way in the bracket.
BT REMOTE
The remote uses one (1) CR2032 battery; batteries are available at
local battery outlets.
1. Carefully remove the back cover using a coin in the slot at the
bottom corner of the remote.
2. Remove the old battery and insert a new battery with the “+”
terminal facing up.
3. Snap the back cover on.
Remove Module
From Bracket
Remove Screws
and Cover
Replace Batteries
Match Battery
Orientation
BT007
Thumb Tab
Note: Refer to the module installation for location in awning.
SIDE
DOWN
675
CR2032
Coin
Slot
Remove Back Cover
Replace Battery
Match Battery
Orientation
BT008