Ei Electronics RadioLINK Ei170RF User manual

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Strobe Light & Vibration Pad Module
Deaf & Hearing Impaired
RadioLINK Alarm System
For use with RF Smoke/Heat/CO Alarms
(Smoke / Heat / CO Alarm
supplied separately)
Model Ei170RF RadioLINK Alarm System with Strobe & Vibration Pad
Model Ei171RF RadioLINK Alarm System with Strobe (Only)
Note: At least one RF Smoke/CO/Heat Alarm is required to make the Ei170RF / Ei171RF
Alarm operational. This is not supplied with the Ei170RF / Ei171RF and must be obtained
separately.
Important: Read these instructions, together with those from the separate RF Smoke/CO/
Heat Alarms and accessories before installation. All instruction leaflets must be left with the
end user after installation.
Models: Ei170RF
Ei171RF

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1. Introduction
This leaflet describes the installation of the Ei170RF / Ei171RF and its integration into a total RF Fire
Alarm System, incorporating a choice of RF Smoke/CO/Heat Alarms and Accessories.
Note: It is essential that the Ei170RF / Ei171RF is connected to the mains to preserve its one-week
battery standby. Leaving the unit operating without mains connected will completely deplete the
battery and possibly damage it. (If the Ei170RF / Ei171RF is not being used for a prolonged period
and cannot be left plugged in to the mains, then disconnect the battery).
Location
The Strobe Module should normally be fixed such that the internal strobe light can be seen from the bed,
and the vibration pad can be placed under the mattress or pillow. It has to be powered from the mains
(100-240VAC/50-60Hz) so a suitable socket must be available to which it can be permanently connected.
The back-up battery in the Strobe Module must not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine,
heaters or fires.
The associated RF Alarms and Accessories must be located and installed as described in their own
instruction leaflets.
Note: If installing the Ei170RF / Ei171RF in a system containing CO Alarms, we recommend installing
an Ei450 to determine the source of the alarm.
2. Installation
Strobe Module Ei170RF / Ei171RF
The battery must first be installed in the Strobe Module. Open the rear compartment by squeezing
together the two latches as shown in Figure 1b, and lifting the cover off.
Plug the battery into the socket at the rear of the battery compartment as shown in Figure 2 (while
holding the small latch on the battery plug, open). Place the battery in the compartment ensuring the
notch in the battery is used to leave clearance for the plug and sockets (see Figure 3).
The Strobe Module can be left on a table or permanently fixed to the wall using the screws and plastic
plugs enclosed. Use the drilling template (Figure 5).
Squeeze
Here
Squeeze
Here
Battery
Cover
Auxillary
Sockets
Mounting
Screw
Holes
Wire
Channels
for mains lead &
Vibration Pad
(and accessories
if required)
Model: Ei170
R
For use with RadioLINK Smoke Alarms
RadioLINK Fire Alarm Panel for
Deaf & Hard of Hearing
1. Connect battery plug & then plug in mains.
2. After installation, house code system by pressing
house code switch with a small screwdriver or simil
a
Vibration Pad (Ei170RF)
Conversion Jack (Ei171RF)
Figure 1a Figure 1b
Squeeze as shown to open
battery compartment

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If fixing to a wall, the screws should be spaced 95mm (3.7 inches) horizontally apart. The top screws
will be 70mm (2.7 inches) below the top surface of the Strobe Module when installed. The template at
the end of this leaflet can be used to locate the screws accurately. The screws (large heads) should
be screwed into the wall leaving a gap of approximately 4mm (0.15in) under the head. Fit the keyhole
slots on the back of the Strobe Module over the screw heads and slide the panel down vertically into
position.
Battery
Battery
Plug
Latch
Figure 2
Battery
Clearance
Notch
Figure 3
Shows battery orientation - Dress the battery leads as shown, replace the battery
cover and push firmly down on the two latches

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The mains adaptor should then be plugged into a socket. This mains socket must not be used for any
other equipment and it must not be switched off. The mains plug must be readily removable (so the mains
can be disconnected if necessary). Note: The unit must not be wired directly to a mains junction box.
Vibration Pad (Ei170RF only)
The primary vibration pad is supplied already plugged into its locking socket on the rear of the Ei170RF
Strobe Module (see Figure 1a). Place the vibration pad under the pillow or mattress. It is important that
the person in the bed can feel the vibration – check it is sufficient to wake a person by lying on the
bed and pressing the test button on the Strobe Module – see also Section 4, Testing and Maintaining
your System. Some mattresses may not transmit sufficient vibration, and in these cases it should be
fitted under the pillow. Note: During testing, or in an actual alarm situation, the pad pulses on and off
for greater effect on sleepers. The Strobe Module must not be exposed to dripping or splashing and
items filled with liquids such as vases must not be placed on or above the apparatus.
Conversion Jack (Ei171RF only) - a conversion Jack is fitted instead of the primary vibration pad on
the Ei171RF to prevent faults.
Note: Do not remove the conversion jack on the Ei171RF.
3. Setting up the RadioLINK System
It is essential to House Code the Ei170RF / Ei171RF to all the other Ei Electronics RF Alarms and
devices in the system to ensure they will not communicate with nearby systems. Failure to house code
the system may also result in a system malfunction.
1) Press and hold the House Code button on the strobe (see figure 4) using a small screwdriver (or
similar, less than 3mm diameter) until the RadioLINK LED lights up blue, then release.
2) House code all other RF Alarms and devices in the system. Consult the instruction manuals on how
to house code the Alarms and devices. It is essential that each individual Alarm/device is put into
House Code mode in its final location.
3) Check the number of flashes on the Ei170RF / Ei171RF and on every other device. They should
correspond to the total number of devices in your system. A system with 3 Smoke Alarms and 1
Ei170RF / Ei171RF will result in 4 flashes. It may take up to 10 minutes before all 4 flashes are seen.
The flash pattern will repeat every 5 to 10 seconds while the Ei170RF / Ei171RF remains in house
code mode.
If it fails to flash the correct number of times, then consult the “Troubleshooting” section of this
instruction manual.
To complete the commissioning, the RF system must exit House Code mode.
4) The Ei170RF / Ei171RF will automatically exit House code mode after 30 minutes. Other devices
may exit after only 15 minutes. Once coded, the system will not communicate with any other RF
Alarms and devices outside of the house coded group.
To manually exit House Code mode, press the House Code button again on the Ei170RF / Ei171RF
until the RF indicator lights up blue, then release. This will send a signal to all the other RF Alarms
and devices to exit House Code mode.
After a short period, the blue light will turn off and the system will return to standby mode. Depending
on the number of RF Alarms and devices in the system this period could vary from 5 to 20 seconds.
Note: Not all devices are able to receive the Exit House Code mode signal from another device. If
some devices continue to flash amber / red, please consult their instruction manual to manually exit
house code mode.
Check that the RF indicators have stopped flashing on all devices.
5) To check the system, press the Test button for up to 60 seconds on any Alarm. After a few seconds
all Alarms should sound, the strobe should flash and the vibration pad should pulse. All devices
should be checked similarly.

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Mains
Indicator
Green
(mains
disconnected =
amber flash/
4 seconds)
RadioLINK
Indicator
Blue
House Code
Button
Alarm
Indicator
Red
Fault
Indicator
Amber
Test
Button
Strobe
TEST
ALARM
FAULT
Figure 4

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4. Testing and Maintaining your System
We recommend regular testing of your RF system (at least monthly).
Frequent testing of the system is advised to ensure its continued and safe operation.
Guidelines and best practices for testing are as follows:
1. After the system is installed.
2. Once monthly thereafter.
3. After prolonged absence from the dwelling (e.g. after holiday period).
4. After repair or servicing of any of the systems elements or electrical works being carried out.
4.1 With regards to the Ei170RF / Ei171RF:
4.1.1 Check that the mains indicator on the strobe is on continuously (green light).
4.1.2 Check also that the fault indicator is not flashing amber.
4.1.3 Press and hold the Test button on one of the Alarms. The RF indicator will illuminate on the
Alarm. Continue to hold the test button until all the Alarms in the system are sounding, the strobe
flashes and the vibration pad pulses. Release the test button when the test is completed.
4.2 Testing the rechargeable battery
The rechargeable battery can take up to 20 hours to charge when the unit is first powered up. It is then
maintained in a fully charged state by continuous trickle charge.
In the event of a mains failure the battery will power the system in standby for a week and then be
capable of at least 4 minutes of alarm. The mains indicator on the Strobe Module will then flash amber
every 4 seconds to indicate it is on battery power. The fault indicator will also flash amber every 4
seconds if the battery is almost depleted. Both indicators will go off to indicate the battery is depleted
and the unit is totally unpowered.
The battery will last 5 years in normal use provided it is not exposed to extremes of temperature for
prolonged periods, or fully discharged & charged a large number of times.
We recommend that the functioning of the rechargeable battery is checked at least yearly as follows:-
4.2.1 Ensure the Strobe Module has been mains powered for at least the previous 20 hours for the
battery to charge.
4.2.2 Turn off the mains power to the unit by unplugging it or switching off the circuit at the distribution
board. Check that the mains indicator starts flashing amber.
4.2.3 Press the Strobe Module test button for 20 seconds and check the strobe flashes brightly, the
pad vibrates strongly and that all the RF Alarms sound. Check that the Alarm indicator flashes
red while the test button is pressed. (Cover the strobe light to stop this dazzling you while looking
at the red flashes).
If the red light flashes, the strobe light or the vibrations of the pad are weak, the battery will need to be
replaced. The battery also needs to be replaced if it is over 5 years old (see “replace battery by” date
on side panel). To remove the battery reverse the instructions in the first part of section 2 Contact the
nearest address in this leaflet for advice about getting a replacement.
Replace the entire Strobe Module after 10 years operation. (see “replace unit by” date on side panel).
Switching off Mains for long periods
If the premises are regularly being left without mains power for long periods the battery should be
disconnected to prevent it from becoming fully depleted.

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5. Troubleshooting
If when Testing, the Ei170RF / Ei171RF does not respond, then:
5.1 Check carefully that all RF devices in the system are powered.
5.2 Ensure you have held the Test button of the Alarm until the RF indicator has flashed twice (this
can take up to 20 seconds).
5.3 Reset the house code. Sometimes to resolve an RF communication issue, it may be necessary to
reset and house code all RF Alarms and devices in the system again.
To reset the Ei170RF / Ei171RF, press and hold the House Code button. The RadioLINK indicator
will light up blue, remain blue and will start flashing blue. At this point release the House Code
button. The Ei170RF / Ei171RF is now reset. To reset the other devices in the system, consult the
appropriate instruction manuals. Once all devices are reset, repeat the House Coding procedure
(see the Setting up the RadioLINK System section).
5.4 Relocate the Ei170RF / Ei171RF and/or rotate/relocate the Alarms. There are several reasons
why RF signals may not reach all the devices in your system. Try rotating or relocating Alarms as
this can significantly improve signal reception.
Rotating and/or relocating the Alarms may move them out of the range of existing devices even though
they may have already been House Coded correctly in the system. It is therefore important to check
that all Alarms are communicating in their final installed positions. If Alarms are rotated/relocated, we
recommend that all devices in the system are returned to the factory settings. Then House Code all
devices again. The RF interconnection should then be checked again.
If the strobe flashes constantly for no reason (ie no alarm/RF signal received), then check that the
vibration pad/Conversion Jack is fully connected and that the connection is not damaged.
If the amber fault indicator flashes, check that the battery is connected.
6. Limitations of Radio Communications
Ei Electronics radio communication systems are very reliable and are tested to high standards.
However, due to their low transmitting power and limited range (required by regulatory bodies) there
are some limitations to be considered:
Receivers may be blocked by radio signals occurring on or near their operating frequencies, regardless
of the House Coding.
RF systems should be tested regularly, at least monthly. This is to determine whether there are sources
of interference preventing communication, that the radio paths have not been disrupted by moving
furniture or renovations, and if so, to give a warning of these and other faults.
7. Other Features & Accessories
Other Features
Strobe & Vibration Pad Module - Auxiliary Outputs - AUX 1 & AUX 2: The two auxiliary outputs are
activated when the Strobe Module is in alarm. The Aux 1 socket can supply up to 180mA at 12 Volts.
The AUX 2 socket can supply up to 20mA at 12 Volts.
Note: The AUX 2 socket can be used for low power devices such as pager trigger inputs.
Note: As supplied the two auxiliary sockets AUX 1 and AUX 2 are protected by latched plastic plugs
which must be removed before the auxiliary devices can be plugged in (see figure 5). These plugs can
be removed by pressing the latch lever (on the side nearest the “AUX” marking) before gently pulling
the plug off.
Accessories
Ei178 - Auxiliary Strobe: (draws 180mA). Supplied with 10m of cable and a suitable plug for
connection to the auxiliary socket. It should be plugged into AUX 1. It can be located, for example,
where it is readily seen during the day (e.g. downstairs hallway).
Ei174 - Auxiliary Vibration Pad: (draws 120mA). Supplied with 5m of cable and a suitable
plug for connecting to the auxiliary socket. It should be plugged into AUX 1.

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8. Getting your Product Serviced
If, within the guarantee period, your device fails to work after you have carefully read all the instructions
and checked that the device has been installed correctly, then contact us.
If you are advised to return your product, follow the instructions given and place the device in a padded
box with the proof of purchase, your contact details and a note stating the nature of the fault.
9. Guarantee
Ei Electronics guarantees this device for five years from the date of purchase against any defects that
are due to faulty materials or workmanship. If this device should become defective within the guarantee
period, we shall at our discretion repair or replace the faulty unit.
This guarantee only applies to normal conditions of use and service, and does not include damage
resulting from accident, neglect, misuse, unauthorised dismantling, or contamination howsoever
caused. This guarantee excludes incidental and consequential damage.
Do not interfere with this device or attempt to tamper with it. This will invalidate the guarantee but more
importantly may expose the user to shock or fire hazards.
This guarantee does not apply to any product that has been modified in any way by a third party or
has been fitted with a third party element.
This guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights as a consumer.

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Template for Mounting Screws
Drill Holes Here
12V
180mA(max)
Aux1
12V
20mA(max)
Aux2
Remove
protection
plug before
connecting
accessories
Vibration Pad
(Ei170RF)
Conversion Jack
(Ei171RF)
Figure 5

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Indicator Summary
Mode
Standby -
MAINS / STANDBY
Green Light
ALARM
Red Light
FAULT
Amber Light
STROBE
Light
VIBRATION
Pad
RADIOLINK
Blue Light
Aux1
Aux2Amber Light
Mains on
on off on off
off1flash / 5 sec
1 flash / 2 sec40 flashes / min
40 flashes / min
2 sec on/off pulse 2 sec on/off pulse
on on
off1flash / 5 sec 1 flash / 5 sec
1 flash / 5 sec 1 flash / 5 sec
offoff offoff offoff offoff
Mains off, battery connected Mains off, battery virtually depleted Mains off, battery fully depleted
In Alarm Activated by an Alarm RF signal Test Mode - Test button pressed
1 flash / 2 sec
40 flashes / minon for 4 sec
on for 4 sec
2 sec on/off pulse on
1 flash / 2 sec
Test button pressed on RF Alarm
Fault Mode - Vibration Pad disconnected
40 flashes / min on
Battery disconnected (mains on)
House Code Mode for RF -
flashes
In house code mode

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Mains
Indicator
Green
(mains
disconnected =
amber flash/
4 seconds)
RadioLINK
Indicator
Blue
Control Panel Indicators
Alarm
Indicator
Red
Fault
Indicator
Amber
Strobe
TEST
ALARM
FAULT
Indicator Summary

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© Ei Electronics 2019
P/N B16308 Rev3
Aico Ltd. Mile End Business Park,
Maesbury Rd, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NR, U.K.
Tel: [phone]
www.aico.co.uk
Ei Electronics. Shannon, Co Clare, Ireland.
Tel:[phone]
www.eielectronics.com
The crossed out wheelie bin symbol that is on your
product indicates that this product should not be disposed
of via the normal household waste stream. Proper
disposal will prevent possible harm to the environment or
to human health. When disposing of this product please
separate it from other waste streams to ensure that it can
be recycled in an environmentally sound manner. For
more details on collection and proper disposal, please
contact your local government office or the retailer where
you purchased this product.
Block E1
Hereby, Ei Electronics declares that this Ei170RF / Ei171RF RadioLINK Alarm System is in compliance
with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU. The Declaration of
Conformity may be consulted at www.eielectronics.com/compliance
0889