Niles RFG User manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE
RADIO FREQUENCY GATEWAY WITH ADJUSTABLE ANTENNA
RFG
EnhancEd
RangE!
IMPROVED RF SECTION
WITH

CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you for purchasing the RFG Radio Frequency Gateway with Adjustable Antenna
from Niles. With proper installation and operation, you should enjoy years of trouble-free use.
Niles manufactures the industry’s most complete line of custom installation components and
accessories for audio/video systems. To see the complete Niles product assortment, visit us
on the Internet at: www.nilesaudio.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Features and Benefits 1
Contents 2
Parts Guide 2
System Design Considerations 3
Installation Considerations 10
Installation 12
Troubleshooting 14
Accessories 16
Specifications 17
FCC Compliance Statement 18
Warranty 20

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373 1
INTRODUCTION
The Niles RFG Radio Frequency Gateway is a highly flexible tool that allows system designers
to add a ZigBee®radio transmitter/receiver to Niles MultiZone products or extend the Radio
Frequency Receiver of a Niles HT-MSU Home Theater Main System Unit.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
MULTI-MODE DIPSWITCHES
Two dipswitches are used to select the operation mode: Master Base, Repeater Base,
Wireless Keypad, and Not Assigned.
NEW EXTERNAL ADJUSTABLE ANTENNA
An external antenna improves reception coverage, range and reliability and is easily
adjustable, regardless of installation restrictions.
INSTALLATION FLEXIBILITY
The low-profile housing, accessible connections, and wall-mount hole wings enable the RFG
to be installed behind components or along a baseboard. The high-impact plastic housing is
heat resistant, so the RFG works well in an attic. Multiple RFGs can be cascade wired over a
single CAT-5 cable run.
RELIABLE ZIGBEE®RF COMMUNICATION
The RFG uses a ZigBee based 2.4 Gigahertz radio frequency that works well in “noisy” RF
environments. The 15-channel* and 15-network ID capability allows multiple RFGs to be used
near each other and in multiple-dwelling units.
RFG EX has 10 channels

2
QUICK AND EASY SET-UP WITH WIZARD-BASED NILES
CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
An RFG can be added to any network based Niles MultiZone Receiver or Home Theater Main
System Unit (HT-MSU) using the Niles System Configuration Software. The software is wizard-
based and guides the installer/programmer through basic and advanced system designs.
Configuration is stored in non-volatile memory within the RFG. This safeguards against
accidental loss of programming for the entire life of the product.
CONTENTS
Check that your RFG Radio Frequency Gateway contains the following:
  
PARTS GUIDE
RFG
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SURE THE EXTERNAL
ANTENNA IS ALWAYS
ORIENTED VERTICALLY
MAKE SURE THE EXTERNAL
ANTENNA IS ALWAYS
ORIENTED VERTICALLY
KEYPAD
SYSTEM
POWER
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SURE THE EXTERNAL
ANTENNA IS ALWAYS
ORIENTED VERTICALLY
MAKE SURE THE EXTERNAL
ANTENNA IS ALWAYS
ORIENTED VERTICALLY
KEYPAD
SYSTEM
POWER
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SURE THE EXTERNAL
ANTENNA IS ALWAYS
ORIENTED VERTICALLY
3
1
6
7
2
4

5
8

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373 3
1) Power LED - The blue LED indicates that the RFG has power. This LED also indicates
the connection status to the Niles MultiZone Receiver or Home Theater Main System Unit.
2) System Connection - This RJ-45 connection is used when the RFG is connected to
a Niles MultiZone receiver.
3) Keypad Connection - This RJ-45 connection is used when the RFG is connected to
a keypad, a Niles HT-MSU Home Theater Main System Unit, or to continue the CAT-5 cable run
to other RFGs.
4) Power Connection - This barrel type jack is where the power supply connects to the
RFG. A Niles FG01035 Power Supply (optional) is required for certain system configurations.
The ferrite bead is used on the end of the power plug connected to the RFG.
5) Mounting Wings -The RFG can be conveniently mounted to a baseboard, wooden
stud, or directly to the wall. (Mounting screws not included).
6) Set-up Dipswitches - These switches allow the RFG to be configured for one of four
operation modes: Master Base, Repeater Base, Wireless Keypad, and Not Assigned.
7) External Adjustable Antenna - This is the ZigBee Antenna. The RFG should
always be positioned so that the antenna is vertical.
8) Antenna Connection - This screw terminal allows the adjustable antenna to
be attached.
SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The Niles RFG Radio Frequency Gateway is a highly flexible tool that allows system designers
to add a ZigBee radio transmitter/receiver to Niles MultiZone products or extend the Radio
Frequency receiver of the Niles HT-MSU Home Theater Main System Unit.
Multiple RFGs are used to create an RF mesh network. RF mesh networks require at least
a transmitter and a receiver, however in large installations repeater bases can be used.

4
ZIGBEE TERMINOLOGY
To understand how to use the RFG, the system designer needs to understand
ZigBee terminology.
MASTER BASE
The Master Base is the coordinator of the RF mesh network. Its job is to receive
information from the Repeater Bases and End-Points in the system, consolidate that
information, and send it to the main controlled source. The Master Base is like a head
coach in football. His job is to listen to the assistant coaches and players to create and
send the game plan to those that execute it. The Master Base should be located centrally
and as high as possible within the system design. A Master Base is hard-wired to the
main controlled source, the MultiZone receiver, or Home Theater Main System Unit.
END-POINT
The End-Point is where the RF transmitted information starts and stops. For the RFG,
the End-Point is typically a MultiZone system keypad. A system design can have multiple
End-Points (keypads). End-Points can be spread over a large area and communicate
directly to the Master Base, or through a Repeater Base to the Master Base. By its nature
an End-Point will not repeat RF information to other End-Points.
REPEATER BASE
The job of a Repeater Base is to listen for any network RF information, take that
information and re-transmit it so that other bases can pick it up if they are too far away
for direct communication.

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373 5
ZIGBEE RF NETWORK
When designing an RF network it is important to know that at least one Master Base
and one End-Point are needed. Repeater bases are used to expand the coverage area
of the RF network. Multiple hops can be used in an RF network design, however great
care should be used to not exceed more than four hops. To count the hops, start from an
end-point, and then add one for each Repeater Base used between the End-Point and the
Master Base. See Figure 1 for basic RF network system design.
Figure 1. 
Master Base
End-Point
= Master Base
= Repeater Base
= End-Point
Repeater Base
End-Point

6
RFG USAGE WITH NILES NETWORK-BASED MULTIZONE RECEIVERS
The RFG can be used with Niles Network-based MultiZone receivers allowing the installer to
create “wireless keypads.” Typically, control keypads are connected to the MultiZone receiver
via a CAT-5 cable. In installations that do not allow a run of CAT-5 cable (such as a retrofit
or a detached area from the main equipment area), use the RFG to overcome the hard-wired
limitation. The dipswitches pre-configure each RFG to the application for which it is being
used. See Setting the Dipswitches section.
RFG USAGE WITH A NILES iC2TM HOME THEATER
AUTOMATION & CONTROL SYSTEM
The Niles iC2 uses RF communication between the iC2 Tabletop Controller and the Home
Theater Main System Unit (HT-MSU). In other words, there is a Master Base built inside of the
HT-MSU and the iC2 remote is an End-Point. The HT-MSU is typically located behind the home
theater gear in an equipment rack. That is usually the worst place for the Master Base to be
located due to the metal and noise (interference) created by the home theater sources. One RFG
can be used to replace and extend the built-in Master Base to an area where there will be little
or no interference. The RFG is hard-wired to the HT-MSU using CAT-5 cable terminated with
RJ-45 plugs. Please see the Installation Section for proper termination wiring.
SETTING THE DIPSWITCHES
The two dipswitches on the RFG allow for it to be pre-configured to one of the four modes:
1) MASTER BASE
2) REPEATER BASE
3) WIRELESS KEYPAD (END-POINT)
4) NOT ASSIGNED

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373 7
SYSTEM DESIGN WIRING FOR RFG
The RFG has two RJ-45 connections for wiring into the system. The connection used depends
on the mode and overall system design.
A MASTER RFG CONNECTED TO A NILES NETWORK-BASED MULTIZONE RECEIVER:
An RFG with dipswitches set for Master Base mode must be connected directly to the
MultiZone receiver using CAT-5 cable as detailed in Figure 2. No power supply is needed.
A master RFG can be wired with repeater RFGs by wiring the CAT-5 cable from the MultiZone
Receiver’s Communications port to the System connection of the first RFG, and then from the first
RFG’s Keypad connection port to the System connection of the next RFG. Two RFGs can be daisy
chained to the receiver without an additional power supply. If three RFGs are daisy chained, a Niles
power supply (FG01035) must be connected to an RFG in the chain. If more RFGs are required, note
that the Niles power supply can supply power to up to three adjacent RFGs in the chain.
Figure 2. 

 






Keypad
Connection
System
Connection
Figure 3. 

CAT-5 Cable
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SUR E THE EXTE RNAL
ANTENN A IS ALWAYS
ORIENT ED VERTI CALLY




RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SUR E THE EXTE RNAL
ANTENN A IS ALWAYS
ORIENT ED VERTI CALLY
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SUR E THE EXTE RNAL
ANTENN A IS ALWAYS
ORIENT ED VERTI CALLY
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SUR E THE EXTE RNAL
ANTENN A IS ALWAYS
ORIENT ED VERTI CALLY

8
A REPEATER RFG NOT WIRED TO A MULTIZONE RECEIVER
An RFG set for Repeater Base Mode and not connected to a MultiZone receiver (stand
alone) must have an optional power supply connected.
AN RFG SET FOR WIRELESS KEYPAD MODE
An RFG set for Wireless Keypad must have the optional power supply and a CAT-5 cable
connected to the keypad.
Figure 4. 

Figure 5. 
Keypad
Port
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SUR E THE EXTE RNAL
ANTENN A IS ALWAYS
ORIENT ED VERTI CALLY

RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SUR E THE EXTE RNAL
ANTENN A IS ALWAYS
ORIENT ED VERTI CALLY




NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373 9
AN RFG EXTENDING THE RADIO OF THE NILES HT-MSU
The RFG dipswitches should be set for Master Base mode and an optional power supply
must be used. Connect from the HT-MSU Expansion port to the RFG’s Keypad connection
(Figure 6). (See more detail in HT-MSU manual, available online at www.nilesaudio.com).
Figure 6. 



Keypad
Port

RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SUR E THE EXTE RNAL
ANTENN A IS ALWAYS
ORIENT ED VERTI CALLY

10
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
PLACEMENT OF THE RFG
Niles recommends placing the RFG along a baseboard or in an attic. Generally, the unit
should be placed in a concealed location because its indicator and connections are
only used during installation. Placement possibilities include:
1) Baseboard (affixed to the back of the equipment cabinet or a nearby wall)
2) Attic (attached to a ceiling joist)
ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS
Communication between RFGs is RF-based with a frequency of 2.4
Gigahertz. Effective range of communication is 75 feet (22.86 meters) in
open air. The RFG’s antenna is adjustable in a 3D axis, so you can point the
antenna vertically towards the ceiling for optimum reception, even when the
RFG’s chassis is oriented in another direction.
Figure 7. 
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SURE THE EXTERNAL
ANTENNA IS ALWAYS
ORIENTED VERTICALLY
RFG
Radio Frequency
Gateway
MAKE SURE THE EXTERNAL
ANTENNA IS ALWAYS
ORIENTED VERTICALLY
RFG
MAKE SURE THE EXTERNAL
ANTENNA IS ALWAYS
ORIENTED VERTICALLY
KEYPAD
OR OR

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373 11
WIRING CONSIDERATIONS
The RFG requires two different types of wires run, based on set-up and system design:
 CAT-5 CABLE


Figure 8.
 POWER CABLE



Figure 8. 
1 = GREEN/WHITE
2 = GREEN
3 = ORANGE/WHITE
4 = BLUE
5 = BLUE/WHITE
6 = ORANGE
7 = BROWN/WHITE
8 = BROWN

12 
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: THE RFG ANTENNA CONNECTION IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO STATIC DISCHARGE. BE
SURE TO USE A GROUNDING STRAP OR TOUCH AN EARTH GROUND PRIOR TO PICKING UP
THE RFG. HANDLE THE RFG BY THE PLASTIC HOUSING. AVOID TOUCHING THE ANTENNA
CONNECTION DIRECTLY.
 SET THE RF MODE DIPSWITCHES (Figure 9)
 CONNECT CAT-5 CABLE


.
REPEATER BASE
WIRELESS KEYPAD
MASTER BASE
RFG DIP SWITCH MODES
NOT ASSIGNED
SEE MANUAL
RFG
RADIO FREQUENCY
GATEWAY
1 2
ON
Figure 9. 



NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373 13
 CONNECT POWER SUPPLY PER RFG SET-UP

System
Considerations 

 MOUNT THE RFG (see Figure 10).
 ATTACH THE ANTENNA

 (F i g u r e 11).
 ORIENT THE ANTENNA


 SET RF COMMUNICATION CHANNEL





see the keypad’s installation guide for installer menu information

Figure 10. 

Figure 11. 

14
TROUBLESHOOTING
The set-up dipswitches allow the RFG to be pre-configured for its role in the system RF
mode design. With this in mind, troubleshooting the RFG comes down to two main issues:
1) SET-UP ISSUES
2) HARDWARE ISSUES
SET-UP ISSUES
PROBLEM:
1. Wrong Set-up



SOLUTIONS:
• Check the dipswitch settings
• If set for wireless keypad mode, check the RF channel by accessing through
the keypad’s installer settings mode
• If dipswitches are set for Not Assigned mode, the RFG must be configured
using the Niles software
HARDWARE ISSUES
There are two basic issues that can prevent proper operation of the RFG.
These issues are presented in the order of probability.

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373 15
PROBLEM:
1. Bad Connections or Wiring



SOLUTIONS:
• Test your power supply connections
• Test your CAT-5 cable for shorts and opens
PROBLEM:
2. RF or Electromagnetic Interference





SOLUTIONS:
• Move your RFG to a new mounting location
• Check to make sure the orientation of the external antenna is vertical
• Change the RF Channel the RFG is communicating on
NOTE: THERE ARE ZIGBEE “SNIFFING” TOOLS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET THAT ALLOW
AN INSTALLER TO SEE RF CHANNEL USAGE BY WI-FI AND OTHER ZIGBEE DEVICES

16
ACCESSORIES OF THE RFG
1.25A 12VDC UNIVERSAL POWER SUPPLY
FG01035
12V power supply for powering the RFG when in “wireless keypad” mode
or “stand alone” repeater.
IC2 HOME THEATER AUTOMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM
FG01342
Home theater automation and control system that includes table top
remote control, main system unit, two power supplies, master key labels,
ZigBee Antenna and Extension Kit

NILES AUDIO CORPORATION – 1-800-BUY-HIFI – 305-238-4373 17
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Requirements: 12VDC from either connection to Niles Network based MultiZone
receiver or optional Niles power supply (FG01035)
Unit Dimensions: 4.68" L x 2.15" W x 1.15" H : Chassis
(11.89cm x 5.46cm x 2.92cm)
Antenna: 4.1” (10.5cm) long
RF Section: 2.4GHz frequency ZigBee wireless mesh technology
Signal Range: 75 to 100 feet or greater open air (22.86 meters to 30.48 meters)
Wiring Requirements: CAT-5 cable
Shipping Weight: 1 lb.
Warranty: Two-year limited

18
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
COMPLIANCE STATEMENT (PART 15.19)


1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
WARNING (PART 15.21)
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC INTERFERENCE STATEMENT (PART 15.105 (B))
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 of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.