Sapling SCB-100-000-1 User manual

Sapling Converter Box
SCB-100-000-1
Version Number 1.3
The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
(+1) 215.322.6063 P.
(+1) 215.322.8498 F.
www.sapling-inc.com
Current as of
March 30, 2018
Installation Manual

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
2
Table of Contents
2-Wire Converter Box (SCB-100-000-1)
*Manuals may change without prior notice
Table of Contents—2
Important Safety Instructions—3
System Preparations—4-5
Installing the Converter Box--Wall Mount—6-8
Installing the Converter Box--Rack Mount—9-10
2-Wire Digital Communication and Wiring Information—11-14
Status Panel—15
Troubleshooting—16-17
Warranty—18
For information on how to install and configure SMA, SAM, or SBD model clocks,
please consult the manual for that clock. This manual only covers installation for the
converter box.
Please be aware that Sapling distributed a different model of converter box prior to
July 2014. Older converter boxes can be identified by their lack of external LEDs and
unpainted steel covers. For information on the older converter box, please contact
Sapling for an older copy of the manual.

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
3
Important Safety Instructions
! DANGER
SHOCK HAZARD
• Keep the electricity to this device
turned OFF until the clock installation
is complete.
• Do not expose the clock movement to
water, or install the clock in a location
where it may be exposed to water.
! WARNING
FIRE HAZARD
• Always follow your national and regional
electrical codes or ordinances.
• The AC power circuit for the device must
be attached to a circuit breaker that can be
reset by the user.
PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD
• If you are standing on an object while
installing your device, make sure that the
object can support your weight, and will
not sway or move as you stand on it.
• Take precautions to avoid injury by
potential safety hazards near the point
of installation including (but not limited
to) heavy machinery, sharp objects, hot
surfaces, or exposed cables carrying an
electric current.
• Follow all mounting instructions exactly as
stated in this manual. Failure to do so may
result in the device falling off the point of
installation.
• Packaging materials and mounting items
include plastic bags and small pieces,
which pose a suffocation hazard to young
children.
NOTICE
• Do not install the device outdoors. Damage
to the device if placed outdoors voids the
warranty.
• Do not hang objects from the device or device
mounting parts. The clocks are not designed
to support the weight of other objects.
• After being powered down, the housing may
be cleaned with a damp cloth or disinfectant.
Test other cleaning products on a small part
of the clock housing before attempting to
use on the rest of the clock. Avoid bleach
and chemicals known to dissolve plastics.
,H
|

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
4
System Preparations
Identify an appropriate location to install the converter box. The location should be accessible to
the installer, and should have a moving airflow. Ensure that the converter box cooling fan will not
be obstructed by walls, or counteracted by surrounding the device with heavy insulation. Keep the
converter box away from objects that may melt or warp at 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The converter box must also be installed to the correct number of clocks, at the correct distance,
and with wiring of the correct diameter. Please consult our website for a calculator, which can be
found at http://www.sapling-inc.com/converterboxcalculator/
For added convenience, some generalized calculations are provided below:
Number of Analog Clocks (0.030A each)
Feet / Meters 20 30 40 50 60 70 100
Distance (feet / meters)
0-9 ft
0-30 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
100-199 ft
30-60 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
200-299 ft
61-91 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
300-399 ft
91-122 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
400-499 ft
122-152 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AW
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
500-599 ft
152-183 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
600-699 ft
183-213 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
700-799 ft
213-244 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
800-899 ft
244-274 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
900-999 ft
274-305 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
Number of 2.5”, 4 Digit Clocks (0.089A each)
Feet / Meters 10 20 30 40 45 50 55
Distance (feet / meters)
0-99 ft
0-30 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
100-199 ft
30-60 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
200-299 ft
61-91 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
300-399 ft
91-122 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
400-499 ft
122-152 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
500-599 ft
152-183 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
600-699 ft
183-213 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
700-799 ft
213-244 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
800-899 ft
244-274 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
900-999 ft
274-305 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
Analog Clock Calculations
4 Digit 2.5 inch Digital Clock Calculations

1
The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
5
Number of 2.5”, 6 Digit Clocks (0.121A each)
Feet / Meters 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Distance (feet / meters)
0-99 ft
0-30 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
100-199 ft
30-60 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
200-299 ft
61-91 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
300-399 ft
91-122 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
400-499 ft
122-152 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
500-599 ft
152-183 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
600-699 ft
183-213 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
700-799 ft
213-244 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
800-899 ft
244-274 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
900-999 ft
274-305 m
12AWG
3.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
System Preparations
4 Digit 4.0 inch Digital Clock Calculations
Number of 4.0”, 4 Digit Clocks (0.138A each)
Feet / Meters 10 15 20 25 30 35
Distance (feet / meters)
0-99 ft
0-30 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
100-199 ft
30-60 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
200-299 ft
60-91 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31mm2
12AWG
3.31mm2
300-399 ft
91-122 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31mm2
12AWG
3.31mm2
400-499 ft
122-152 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31mm2
500-599 ft
152-183 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
600-699 ft
183-213 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
700-799 ft
213-244 m
12AWG
3.31 mm2
800-899 ft
244-274 m
12AWG
3.31 mm2
900-999 ft
274-305 m
12AWG
3.31 mm2
6 Digit 2.5 inch Digital Clock Calculations
6 Digit 4.0 inch Digital Clock Calculations
Number of 4.0”, 6 Digit Clocks (0.183A each)
Feet / Meters 10 15 20 25
Distance (ft/m)
0-99 ft
0-30 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
100-199 ft
30-60 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
200-299 ft
60-91 m
16AWG
1.31 mm2
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
300-399 ft
91-122 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
400-499 ft
122-152 m
14AWG
2.08 mm2
12AWG
3.31 mm2
500-599 ft
152-183 m
12AWG
3.31 mm2
600-699 ft
183-213 m
12AWG
3.31 mm2
700-799 ft
213-244 m
12AWG
3.31 mm2

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
6
Installing a Converter Box—Wall Mount
Included in Package
1) Converter Box
Description Quantity Picture
2) Mounting kit
(M-SURF-MNT-KIT-1)
1
1
Included in Wiring and Mounting Kit
2a) #10-1.5 Sheet Metal Screw 4
A user will also have to provide a Phillips-head screwdriver, a ruler, a level, and a drill capable of creating #10 sized holes
in your wall.
2b) #10 Wall Anchors 4
(See Below)
3) Power Cable 1

12
3 4
The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
7
3) Insert wall anchors into the holes.
1) Use a ruler and a level to mark four points on
the wall. The screws should have a horizontal
separation of 5 inches (12.7cm), and a vertical
separation of 9 and 7/8 inches (25.1cm).
Installing a Converter Box—Wall Mount
2) Use a drill to drill holes into the wall at the
marked locations.
4) Insert the sheet metal screws into the wall
anchors.
5in (12.7cm)
9 and 7/8in
(25.1cm)

56
78
The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
8
7) Plug the power cord into the socket on
the converter box.
5) Hang the converter box on the wall screws.
Do this by lining the screws up with the keyhole
slots on the bottom of the box, and slipping
the slots atop the screws.
Installing a Converter Box—Wall Mount
6) Attach the signal wiring to the input ports
and at least one pair of output ports.
8) If the Master clock has been connected,
powered, and configured, and the converter
box is powered and operating normally, the
colored LEDs on the front panel should be lit
or not lit depending on their function. See the
Status Panel section of this manual for more
information.
INPUT A
2-Wire
OUTPUT
POWER
A1A2 B1B2 C1C2
INPUT B
RS485
Output*
*The RS485 Output extends the RS485 signal to
other converter boxes. It DOES NOT provide 2-wire
power to clocks. Output A goes to Input A on the
next box, and Output B goes to Input B.

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
9
Installing a Converter Box—Rack Mount
Included in Package
1) Converter Box
Description Quantity Picture
2) Rack Mount Flaps
1
2
A user will also have to provide a Phillips-head screwdriver, a mounting rack, and the screws and bolts needed to attach
the converter box to the rack.
3) #10-32x3/8 Truss Head
Phillips Black Screw
4
4) Power Cable 1

12
3 4
The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
10
3) Plug the power cord into the socket on
the converter box.
1) Use a screwdriver and the #10-32x3/8
Truss Head Phillips Black screws to attach the
converter box rack panels to both sides of the
converter box.
Installing a Converter Box—Rack Mount
2) Attach the signal wiring to the input ports
and at least one pair of output ports.
4) Use the rack screws and nuts to attach the
converter box to the rack.
5) If the Master clock has been connected, powered, and configured, and the converter box
is powered and operating normally, the colored LEDs on the front panel should be lit or not lit
depending on their function. See the Status Panel section of this manual for more information.
POWER
INPUT A
2-Wire
OUTPUT
A1A2 B1B2 C1C2
INPUT B
RS485
Output*
*The RS485 Output extends the RS485 signal to
other converter boxes. It DOES NOT provide 2-wire
power to clocks. Output A goes to Input A on the
next box, and Output B goes to Input B.

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
11
2-Wire Digital Communication Wiring Information
SMA 2000 or 3000 Series Master Clock
24VAC SAM Series Wired Clock
24V SBD 3000 Series Wired Clock
24VAC SAM Series Wired Clock
19
White
Black
White
Black
Orange
Yellow
115VAC o r
230VAC
18
Input A Input B
A1/B1/C1
A2/B2/C2
Converter
Box
Converter
Box
Converter
Box
Input A Input B
115VAC o r
230VAC
A1/B1/C1
A2/B2/C2
When translating systems from older converter boxes and wiring guides, the following values are
equivalent:
115VAC o r
230VAC
3 4
Converter
Box
12
Converter
Box
OLD
A2/B2/C2
Converter
Box
Converter
Box
Input A Input B
115VAC o r
230VAC
A1/B1/C1
CURRENT

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
12
2-Wire Digital Communication Wiring Information

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
13
2-Wire Digital Communication Wiring Information

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
14
2-Wire Digital Communication Wiring Information

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
15
Every potential concern relating to the converter box can be identified by examining the LEDs on
the converter box front panel. The panel is arranged as follows:
Status Panel
If the converter box is functioning normally, the Pulse LED will flicker, the 24V LED will
remain on, and in each pair of Output LEDS the LED nearest to the “P” in “OUTPUT” will remain
on, while the LED nearest to the “O” shall occasionally flicker. The Overcurrent LED will blink once
for each Amp being distributed. The Overheat LED displays the temperature inside the box by
blinking once for each additional 10°C. The Fan LED may be on or off, depending on the internal
temperature of the converter box.
A colored circle indicates that the
LED in question is steadily on.
A black circle with a dashed halo
indicates that the LED in question
is blinking on and off.
A black circle alone indicates that
the LED in question is off.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1) OUTPUT LED PAIRS— The converter box has three Output LED pairs: A, B, and C. Each pair
of output LEDs acts as an activity indicator for a pair of output ports on the back of the converter
box.
2) PULSE LED—The pulse LED indicates that the converter box processor is active.
3) OVERCURRENT LED—Indicates the Overcurrent Status. During normal operation, the
Overcurrent LED will blink once for each Amp being distributed (for example, two blinks means
that two amps are being distributed). The converter box can distribute up to 5.5 Amps.
4) OVERCURRENT RESET BUTTON—Resets the Overcurrent Sensor (See Troubleshooting)
5) 24V POWER LED—Indicates that the converter box is distributing 24V power.
6) OVERHEAT LED—Indicates the temperature status of the converter box. The Overheat LED
displays the temperature inside the box by blinking once for each additional 10°C (for example,
four blinks means that it is 40°C inside the converter box).
7) OVERHEAT RESET BUTTON—Resets the Overheat Sensors (See Troubleshooting)
8) FAN ACTIVE LED—Indicates whether or not the cooling fan is active.

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
16
Troubleshooting
For each pair of Output LEDs, if the Output LED nearest to the “O” in “OUTPUT” remains
on, while the Output LED nearest to the “P” flickers, then the input wires were installed
backwards and must be switched.
A colored circle indicates that the
LED in question is steadily on.
A black circle with a dashed halo
indicates that the LED in question
is blinking on and off.
A black circle alone indicates that
the LED in question is off.
If the Output LED nearest to the “P” in “OUTPUT” remains on, and the Output LED
nearest to the “O” remains off, then no data is being received by the converter box. If the
Master Clock was configured correctly and there are no electrical shorts, contact Tech Support.
If the Overcurrent LED turns on and the 24V LED turns off, then either too many devices are
drawing current from the converter box (5.5 Amps has been exceeded), or the wiring has been
shorted. Remove a few clocks and press the reset switch to determine if the first case is the cause
of the problem.
If the solid red light reappears, check the wiring for an electrical short.
If the reset button refuses to function, unplug the converter box from the power source, and plug
it back in again.

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
17
Troubleshooting (continued)
If all of the LEDs are functioning normally, but a time signal is not reaching your clocks, check the
wiring between the converter box and the clocks. If the wiring is sound, compare the number and
position of the clocks you installed to the “Converter Box Table” at the beginning of this manual.
If the Overheat LED turns on and remains steadily on for a period longer than five
seconds, then the interior of the converter box has exceeded the temperature threshold. When
this happens, Pulse and Overheat will remain active/on, but all other LEDs on the front panel
should turn off. Give the converter box five minutes to cool down, then press the reset switch.
If the solid red light reappears, check to confirm that the air vent is not blocked, and that the
converter box has been installed in a room-temperature environment.
If both conditions have been proven true, and the red Overheat LED turns on and remains on a
third time, contact Tech Support.
If, at any point, you reset the device by disconnecting and reconnecting the converter box from
its power source, and the red Overheat LED remains on, contact Tech Support.
If the FAN ACTIVE LED never turns on before the Overheat LED activates and remains on, your
converter box fan may be having a mechanical problem. Contact Tech Support.
If the converter box is powered, the Overcurrent and Overheat LEDs are off, and either
the 24V LED or the Pulse LED remains completely dark, contact Tech Support.
A colored circle indicates that the
LED in question is steadily on.
A black circle with a dashed halo
indicates that the LED in question
is blinking on and off.
A black circle alone indicates that
the LED in question is off.

The Sapling Company, Inc.
1633 Republic Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
USA
P. (+1) 215.322.6063
F. (+1) 215.322.8498
www.sapling-inc.com
18
Warranty
Sapling Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
The Sapling Company, Inc. warrants only that at the time of delivery and for a period of 24 calendar months
after delivery or the period stated in this invoice, if different, the Goods shall be free of defects in workmanship
and materials, PROVIDED that this warranty shall not apply:
To damage caused by Buyer’s or any third party’s act, default or misuse of the Goods or by failure to follow any
instructions supplied with the Goods.
Where the Goods have been used in connection with or incorporated into equipment or materials the specification
of which has not been approved in writing by The Sapling Company, Inc.;
To Goods which are altered, modified or repaired in any place other than a Sapling Company, Inc. factory or by
persons not expressly authorized or approved in writing by The Sapling Company, Inc.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO GOODS
DELIVERED UNDER THIS CONTRACT, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION,
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The foregoing
warranty runs only to Buyer. There are no oral or written promises, representations or warranties collateral to
or affecting this contract. Representatives of The Sapling Company, Inc. may have made oral statements about
products described in this contract. Such statements do not constitute warranties, shall not be relied on by
Buyer and are not part of the contract.
Note: An extended 5 year (60 month) warranty is also available at the time of the system purchase with a
surcharge.