Primex BC100 User manual

Smart-Sync™ Bridge (BC100/BC100-E) Install Guide
Smart-Sync™ Synchronized Time
Copyright © 2017 by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Other third-party brands and
names are the property of their respective owners.
OneVue is a trademark of Primex. The innovative technology software solution for facility and time synchronization monitoring and
reporting. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2017 Primex. The Primex logo is a registered trademark of Primex.
All Rights Reserved. 8/30/2017
Primex | 965 Wells Street | Lake Geneva, WI 53147 | Phone: [phone]

Legal Notice
Copyright ©2017 Primex. All rights reserved.
Printed in the USA.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The software described in this document is
furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of those agreements. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, for any
purpose, without the prior written permission of Primex.
Worldwide Headquarters
965 Wells Street
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Phone: [phone]
Hours: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm CST
[e-mail]

REGULATORY APPROVALS
FCC Compliance
Pursuant to FCC 15.21 of the FCC rules, changes not expressly approved by Primex might cause harmful
interference and void the FCC authorization to operate this product.
FCC Radio Frequency Interference
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator
and your body.
This devices complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions.
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm
from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Channel
The Wireless Channel sets the radio frequency used for communication.
lAccess Points use a fixed Channel. You can select the Channel used. This allows you to choose a Channel
which provides the least interference and best performance. In the USA and Canada, 11 channel are
available. If using multiple Access Points, it is better if adjacent Access Points use different Channels to
reduce interference.
lIn "Infrastructure" mode, Wireless Stations normally scan all Channels, looking for an Access Point. If
more than one Access Point can be used, the one with the strongest signal is used. (This can only happen

within an ESS).
lIs using "Ad-hoc" mode (No Access Point), all Wireless stations should be set to use the same Channel.
However, most Wireless stations will still scan all Channels to see if there is an existing "Ad-hoc" group
they can join.
Note: This equipment marketed in the USA is restricted by firmware to only operation on 2.4 GHz channel 1-11
Radio Standards Specification (RSS)
This device complies with Industry Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference; and
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de
licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
(1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
(2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est
susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
The device meets the exemption from the routine evaluation limits in section 2.5 of RSS 102 and compliance
with RSS-102 RF exposure, users can obtain Canadian information on RF exposure and compliance.
Le dispositif rencontre l'exemption des limites courantes d'évaluation dans la section 2.5 de RSS 102 et la
conformité à l'exposition de RSS-102 rf, utilisateurs peut obtenir l'information canadienne sur l'exposition et la
conformité de rf.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This
equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator
and your body.
Cet émetteur ne doit pas être Co-placé ou ne fonctionnant en même temps qu'aucune autre antenne ou
émetteur. Cet équipement devrait être installé et actionné avec une distance minimum de 20 centimètres entre
le radiateur et votre corps.

CONTENTS
Specifications & Features Smart-Sync™ Bridge 6
Smart-Sync Bridge Specifications 7
LCD Display 9
LED Indicators 10
Service Buttons 11
No Network mode 12
Check-In to OneVue 15
Install Smart-Sync™ Bridge 16
Deployment Examples 17
What's Needed - Smart-Sync Bridge Installation 21
Installation Location Guidelines 22
Surface-Mount Installation 23
Wall-Mount (Key-Hole) Installation 25
Troubleshooting 27
How to Measure the Bluetooth Signal Strength at Installation Location 28
Warranty 29
Technical Support 30

Specifications & Features Smart-Sync™ Bridge
A Smart-Sync Bridge is a network communication device that sends and receives data from Smart-
Sync Clocks over its connection to a Smart-Sync Bluetooth Network, and sends data to and downloads
settings from your OneVue account over its connection to your facility's Ethernet or Wi-Fi network.

Smart-Sync Bridge Specifications
Power
AC-power: 5V DC USB Mini B (5 pin) connector interface, 5 feet (1.5 meter) cable, Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.4A, Output: 5V DC, 1.0A
max
Optional AC-power extension cable: USB power cable 6.5 feet (2 meter), Mini B (5 pin) M and Mini B (5 pin) F connector
Battery backup power: 3.0v Primex Lithium/Iron Disulfide Battery Pack or two AA 1.5V Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries. When
solely operating on continuous battery-backup power, its estimated battery life is up to one (1) day.
Power over Ethernet (PoE): compliant with IEEE 802.3af standard and compatible with 802.3at standard
Operation
Ethernet or Wi-Fi network connection: transmits Smart-Sync devices statuses to OneVue, downloads pending setting updates from
OneVue, and connects to NTP Server to receive UTC time.
Smart-Sync Bluetooth Network connection: sends OneVue setting updates and received UTC time to Smart-Sync Clocks and receives
statuses from Smart-Sync Clocks.
Alerts: visual LED and LCD display indicators
Internal Stored Clock Capacity: 1400 Smart-Sync Clocks
Check-In Interval: system defined
During Deployment mode, the first 8 hours after a Smart-Sync Bridge is powered on, its operation is unique during this time period.
lSmart-Sync Bridge automatically connects to the facility's network at the 15th and 45th minute of each hour. During each
connection, it obtains UTC time from a NTP Server and checks-in to OneVue to download pending setting changes.
lSmart-Sync Bluetooth Network automatically builds at the 20th and 50th minute of each hour. After each build, a Smart-Sync
Bridge automatically checks-in to OneVue to send received Smart-Sync Clock data.
Bluetooth®Wireless Communication Protocol
Bluetooth®Low Energy (BLE) Wireless Technology, version 4.1
Bluetooth Range: up to 80 feet (24.3 meters)
Network Communication
Power over Ethernet (PoE) model - Compliant with IEEE 802.3af standard and compatible with 802.3at standard
Wireless (Wi-Fi) Networking Protocols: 802.11b, 11g, 11n single stream (2.4 GHz)
Security Protocols: None, WEP (Open & Shared), WPA (TKIP & AES), WPA2 (TKIP & AES)
Encryption Protocols: TLS 1.2
Network Communication Protocols: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
IP Addressing: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), static IP addressing
Data Packet Size: typically less than 5 kilobytes (kB)
7Smart-Sync™ Bridge Install Guide

Enclosure
Enclosure: ABS plastic
Dimension: 4.7" H x 3.7" W x 1.3" D (11.93 cm x 9.39 cm x 3.30 cm)
Weight: 0.3 lbs (136 gram) with 2 AA batteries
Display: Liquid crystal display (LCD), dimension: 0.75" H x 1.38" W (1.90 cm x 3.50 cm)
LED Status Indicator: green, yellow, red
Mounting: wall or surface-mount
Device may be cleaned with a cloth moistened with water or a common disinfectant. Be sure to test any cleaning solution on a small
area before applying solution to entire device.
Environment
For indoor use only and is not weather protected. Operating a device outdoors or in wet areas is an electrical hazard and may damage
the device while nullifying its warranty.
Operating Temperature: 32° to 122° F (0 ° to 50 °C), indoor use only
Storage Temperature: -4° to 140° F (-20 ° to 60 °C)
Certifications
FCC, CE, and IC compliant
8

LCD Display
The LCD display of a Smart-Sync Bridge provides a visual reporting of its current operating state - the segments below are displayed
indicating its current state.
Segment Description
Bton Indicates the device is in Normal operating mode; allowing its connection to Smart-Sync Bluetooth Network and
Ethernet or Wi-Fi network.
NTP Indicates its connection to a NTP Server has failed three (3) consecutive times and its UTC time is not accurate.
The red LED flashes during this state.
NoNt Indicates the device is in No Network mode. During installation, when a network is not available, set the device to No
Network mode to allow its connection to Smart-Sync Clocks over the Smart-Sync Bluetooth Network.
When a network is available, the device must be set back to Normal mode (Bton).
For more information, see "No Network mode" on page12.
No Signal Indicates its last connection to an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network failed.
For PoE or Ethernet use, a failed check-in may be due to a network connection cannot be established.
For Wi-Fi network use, a failed check-in may be due to the device is not within range of a wireless signal or the wireless
signal strength is not adequate for normal operation.
If the device is powered by AC or Power over Ethernet (PoE), the yellow LED indicator flashes during this state.
Signal Ok Indicates its last connection to an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network and check-in to OneVue was successful.
LOW When operating solely on battery-backup power, indicates its estimated battery life is less than 25%. It's recommended
to replace the batteries.
Lbat When operating solely on battery-backup power, indicates its battery level is critically low.
Data is not logged or transmitted to OneVue during this state.
Up A firmware update is being applied to the device.
Data is not logged or transmitted to OneVue during this state.
Con The device is in configuration mode. The config icon is also displayed.
Data is not logged or transmitted to OneVue during this state.
9Smart-Sync™ Bridge Install Guide

LED Indicators
A Smart-Bridge has three LED indicators, located on the front of the device, that provide a visual indicator of its current status.
LED indicator specifications
Note:
When power is applied to the device, the LCD segments display and LED indicators briefly illuminate.
LED Status Device Power
Green LED
Illuminated
Normal AC or PoE power: LED is illuminated
Battery-power only: LED is disabled to conserve battery life. Upon power up, illuminates for 2
seconds
Yellow LED
Flashing
Low Battery
Unresponsive (1
connection to NTP
Server)
AC or PoE power: LED is illuminated and flashes.
Refer to the LCD display to identify the status resulting in the condition.
Either indicates a low battery status or an Unresponsive status.
Unresponsive status - indicates during its last connection to the Ethernet or Wi-Fi network, it
failed to connect to a NTP Server to obtain UTC time.
Red LED
Flashing
Unresponsive Indicates its connection to the Ethernet or Wi-Fi network has failed for three (3) consecutive
times; it has not checked-in to OneVue or obtained UTC time from a NTP Server.
10

Service Buttons
A Smart-Sync Bridge has two service buttons located on the front of the device.
Service buttons specifications
Action Button Use
No
Network
mode (press
and hold
for 3
seconds)
During installation, when a Ethernet or Wi-Fi network is not available, the device must be set to
No Network mode.
During this mode, the device does not connect to the facility's network.
For more information, see "No Network mode" on the facing page.
Dismiss
LED
Alert
During an Alarm state, pressing the silence button stops the LED from flashing.
Initiate
Manual
Check-
in
Pressing the check-in button during normal operation initiates a check-in to your OneVue
Account and its connection to a NTP Server to obtain UTC time. During a check-in, all data is
transmitted to your OneVue account and any pending updates are downloaded to the device.
When the check-in button is pressed, the LCD display indicates its connection by the showing the
number sequence below.
Number 1 displayed - radio powered on
Numbers 12 displayed - connected to facility's Ethernet or Wi-Fi network
Numbers 123 displayed - connected to NTP Server and obtained UTC Time
Numbers 1234 displayed - connected to OneVue; sends Smart-Sync Clock statuses to OneVue
and downloads update pending settings
During an active check-in connection, additional pressing of the check-in button is ignored.
If a check-in fails, all data is stored in the device's non-volatile memory; up to a maximum of
1400 clocks.
11 Smart-Sync™ Bridge Install Guide

No Network mode
No Network mode is required when an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network is not available during installation. During this mode, the Smart-Sync
Bridge does not connect to the facility's network to check-in to OneVue or obtain UTC time from a Network Server.
During No Network mode, the Smart-Sync Bridge is required to be configured with local time, which allows Smart-Sync Clocks to
receive and set their time to the local time configured in the bridge. Local time is configured using the Primex Device Configuration
software.
When the facility's network is available, the device must be set back to Normal (Bton) mode to allow its network connection to the
facility's Ethernet or Wi-Fi network.
How to set a Smart-Sync Bridge to No Network mode
WARNING:
Use of AC-power is required when operating in No Network mode. When operating on only continuous battery backup-
power, the device's estimated battery life is only up to one (1) day.
1. Press and Hold the button for 3 seconds.
2. Verify NoNt is shown on the LCD display, which indicates it's in No Network mode.
Next, configure the bridge with the computer's local time.
How to configure the bridge with local time
The bridge sets its internal time to your computer's local time. If you want to bridge to receive time from a different time zone, change
your computer's time zone before beginning this procedure.
WARNING:
Do not remove power from the bridge during this procedure - it must remain powered on at all times.
1. Download and install the Primex Device Configuration software.
Installation requires administrator permission and a computer with Windows® 7 or 10 (32 and 64-bit). If you do not have
administrator permission, contact your IT department to install the software.
To download the software from your OneVue account, go to Help >Devices >Primex Device Configuration Software >
Download Configuration Software
2. Plug the supplied Primex USB configuration cable into a USB port on your computer.
3. Plug the configuration cable mini-USB connector into the bridge's USB mini port.
The bridge detects the connection to your computer and enters configuration mode. The LCD displays the letters Con and the
Config icon is displayed indicating the device is in configuration mode.
4. Open the Primex Device Configuration software. Go to All Programs >Primex >Primex Device Configuration or from your
computer desktop, double-click on the Primex Device Configuration icon.
5. From the Enter Password window, enter the factory default password (case sensitive) - Primex1
12

6. Select Connect. A connection
between your computer and the
bridge is established.
7. Verify the notification area
located in the lower-left of the
screen, displays Connected to
clock bridge device on COMx,
which indicates the connection
is established.
8. Select Read Configuration.
9. Select Write Configuration.
From the Confirmation Needed
window, select Yes
10. Select Disconnect. The
connection between the
software and device is ended.
11. Remove the USB connection
between the bridge and your
computer.
You can now begin installing the
Smart-Sync Clocks.
13 Smart-Sync™ Bridge Install Guide

How to set a Smart-Sync Bridge back to Normal mode (Bton)
When a network is available, the device must be set to normal mode to allows its connection to the facility's network.
1. Press and Hold the button for 3 seconds to exit No Network mode.
2. Verify that Bton is displayed on the LCD.
3. Power cycle the device - it then enters the 8-hour Deployment mode.
During Deployment mode, the first 8 hours after a Smart-Sync Bridge is powered on, its operation is unique during this time period.
lSmart-Sync Bridge automatically connects to the facility's network at the 15th and 45th minute of each hour. During each
connection, it obtains UTC time from a NTP Server and checks-in to OneVue to download pending setting changes.
lSmart-Sync Bluetooth Network automatically builds at the 20th and 50th minute of each hour. After each build, a Smart-Sync
Bridge automatically checks-in to OneVue to send received Smart-Sync Clock data.
4. Press and release the Check-in button to initiate a manual check-in to validate the device can connect to your facility’s
network and OneVue account. The LCD displays a series numbers indicating its connection sequence.
Number 1 displayed - radio powered on
Numbers 12 displayed - connected to facility's Ethernet or Wi-Fi network
Numbers 123 displayed - connected to NTP Server and obtained UTC Time
Numbers 1234 displayed - connected to OneVue; sends Smart-Sync Clock statuses to OneVue and downloads update pending
settings
5. Verify the device LCD displays Signal OK and Bton (normal mode). Signal Ok indicates the device has successfully connected to
your facility's network.
14

Check-In to OneVue
A Smart-Sync Bridge checks-in to your OneVue account and obtains UTC time from a NTP Server at a daily system specified interval.
Note:
During No Network Mode, the bridge does connect to an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network, therefore cannot check-in to OneVue. No
Network mode is for use only when a network is not available at the facility, commonly during new construction.
When the device check-in button is pressed, a manual check-in is initiated.
When the check-in button is pressed, the device LCD displays its connection sequence.
Number 1 displayed - radio powered on
Numbers 12 displayed - connected to facility's Ethernet or Wi-Fi network
Numbers 123 displayed - connected to NTP Server and obtained UTC Time
Numbers 1234 displayed - connected to OneVue; sends Smart-Sync Clock statuses to OneVue and downloads update pending settings
During an active check-in connection, additional pressing of the check-in button is ignored.
If a check-in fails, all clock data is stored in the device's non-volatile memory; up to a maximum of 1400 clocks.
15 Smart-Sync™ Bridge Install Guide

Install Smart-Sync™ Bridge
A Smart-Sync Bridge can be installed either by a surface or wall-mount method. The mounting
method is commonly dependent on its installation location area. Both techniques can be used
together if desired.
Note:
Wi-Fi or Non-DCHP Ethernet network only - a Smart-Sync Bridge is required to be configured
with your OneVue account ID and Wi-Fi or Non-DHCP network settings before it's installed at
its permanent installation location. Verify the device can successfully check-in to your OneVue
account at its installation location. For more information, see "Check-In to OneVue" on the
previous page.

Deployment Examples
These deployment examples provide a visual illustration of various deployments, including deploying the Smart-Sync™ Synchronized
Time in a building with single floors and multiple floors. Different facility layouts and interiors may present a variety of considerations
when planning an accurate and effective deployment.
These deployment examples are to be referenced as general guidelines and it's recommended that a Smart-Sync Site Survey is
completed. The results of the survey provide a deployment guide for the installation of Smart-Sync devices at your facility.
Single floor | less than 200 clocks
General guidelines
lInstall Smart-Sync Bridge off a corridor and ideally in a central location.
lAlways install and power-on a Smart-Sync Bridge before installing Smart-Sync Clocks.
lStart by installing Smart-Sync Clocks that are located closest to the Smart-Sync Bridge and then work outward. A Smart-Sync
Clock should always be first powered on at its designated installation location.
lIt's recommended to measure the Bluetooth signal strength at the installation location of the first clock - to verify its Bluetooth
wireless connection and communication path to the Smart-Sync Bridge.
lIf a clock fails to set its time, measure the Bluetooth signal strength at an installation location. This determines if the location has
adequate Bluetooth signal strength, resulting in no coverage gap.
Ideal deployment illustration
17 Smart-Sync™ Bridge Install Guide

Acceptable deployment illustration
Coverage gap detected post-installation
Scenario - a coverage gap was detected post-installation.
Recommendation - install Smart-Sync Bridge beyond coverage gap.
Alternate recommendation - install an additional Smart-Sync Clock to resolve coverage gap.
18

Single floor | greater than 250 Smart-Sync Clocks and multiple Smart-Sync Bridges
Deployment guidelines
lInstall Smart-Sync Bridges in outward third of physical space to ensure coverage.
lDo not install multiple Smart-Sync Bridges in close proximity to each other.
lStart by installing Smart-Sync Clocks that are located closest to the Smart-Sync Bridge and then work outward. A Smart-Sync
Clock should always be first powered on at its designated installation location.
lIf a clock fails to set its time, measure the Bluetooth signal strength at an installation location. This determines if the location has
adequate Bluetooth signal strength, resulting in no coverage gap.
Ideal deployment illustration
19 Smart-Sync™ Bridge Install Guide

Multi-floor | Smart-Sync Bridge on each floor
General guidelines
lA single Smart-Sync Bridge installed on each floor.
lThe single floor general guidelines apply per floor.
lAvoid installing the Smart-Sync Bridges in a vertical column above each other - stagger the bridge installation locations across
the multiple floors.
lIf a clock fails to set its time, measure the Bluetooth signal strength at an installation location. This determines if the location has
adequate Bluetooth signal strength, resulting in no coverage gap.
Ideal deployment illustration
20