smart home BoosterLinc 4827 User manual

BoosterLincTM
Real-time PLC/X10 signal booster in a
simple plug-in device
For model:
#4827 BoosterLinc
Patent Pending
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Congratulations !
Thanks for purchasing the world's first plug-in signal booster for X10 and PLC signals.
BoosterLincTM is designed to provide a boost for PLC (power line carrier) signals.
Key Features
• Simple plug-in operation
• Support for multiple BoosterLinc Signal Boosters in a home
• Diagnostic LED
• Narrow frequency band amplification prevents false triggering of PLC receivers
• Supports 3-phase electrical systems (converts split-single signals into 3-phase signals)
• Fully compatible with PLC Bright & Dim commands
• Diagnostic test generator
• Disables boosting if electrical noise is detected
• Pass-through 15-amp outlet for other 120-volt device
Installing BoosterLinc
To use BoosterLinc, simply plug it into an unswitched electrical outlet. You may need to
try several outlets in order to find the one that successfully fixes your signal strength
problems. To improve the strength of the entire home with a single BoosterLinc, try plugging
it into circuits that have only one outlet. The outlets for the washer/dryer (120-volt), furnace,
and refrigerator are ideal outlets to try. For solving a problem localized to a specific circuit,
plug the BoosterLinc into an outlet in the middle of the run.
Operation
Your new BoosterLinc is ready for the challenge of improving the PLC signal strength in any
home, apartment, or industrial application. It is designed to be plugged into any
unswitched 3-prong North American 120-volt AC socket.
The LED will indicate the status of BoosterLinc:
On Steady BoosterLinc is on and ready to boost PLC signals
Fast Blink BoosterLinc is detecting and boosting PLC signals
Intermittent Blink BoosterLinc is detecting noise on the line and
has disable boosting. Amplification will resume
instantly once the noise has ceased.
Selecting the Signal Test Generator Mode
BoosterLinc can operate in two different modes: normal boosting or signal generation test
mode. In the signal generation test mode, the BoosterLinc will send P1-ON and P1-OFF
continuously. When receivers are set to receive P-1, you'll be able to continuously test
modules (during the test) for proper PLC/X10 reception. Use this mode to troubleshoot
your home automation system. To switch modes, press and hold the set button for six sec-
onds and release.
Using BoosterLinc with 3-Phase Electricity
BoosterLinc is compatible with 3-phase electricity found in some apartments and busi-
nesses. The booster detects signals from single-phase transmitters, and then re-transmits
the signal to all three phases. This makes BoosterLinc ideal for apartments, condos, and
businesses that use single-phase transmitters. While just plugging in a BoosterLinc will
produce dramatic results, to insure excellent signal strength, we recommend a phase cou-
pler like SignaLinc.
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Factory Reset (to default settings)
Should the BoosterLinc begin operating strangely or not at all, the Factory Reset pro-
cedure can be used to reset all the variables to default settings.
1. Unplug the BoosterLinc from the receptacle for about 10 seconds.
2. While holding down the set button on the lower right-hand side, plug it back in.
3. After plugging the module back in, continue to hold down the set button for
about 2 or 3 more seconds.
4. Release the set button. A few seconds later, the BoosterLinc is ready for use.
A few recommendations:
• In general, we recommend installing one BoosterLinc per
1,000 square feet of living area.
• BoosterLinc works best when installed in a location where the
signals are weak but not totally gone. If a Smarthome Design
receiver won’t respond to the signals in a certain outlet,
BoosterLinc won't be able to detect the signals either.
• While BoosterLinc works well in homes that don't have a
phase coupler (sometimes called a signal bridge), it works bet-
ter when one is installed. We recommend a SignaLinc™ Plug-
In Phase Coupler or Hardwired SignaLinc Phase Coupler.
• For homes with widespread signal strength problems, plug the BoosterLinc into
the outlet closest to the electrical panel. When combined with a passive phase
coupler, the two units will effectively become the equal of a coupler-repeater
(sometimes called an amplifier) without the delays and bright/dim issues.
• Plug BoosterLinc into an outlet without other PLC transmitters, computers, or tel-
evisions. When two transmitters, are plugged into the same outlet, the signal
strength sent from each unit can be reduced by up to 40%.
• Plugging a PLC transmitter directly into BoosterLinc will not (in most cases) sig-
nificantly increase the transmitter's signal strength.
• It is unlikely that more than one BoosterLinc plugged into outlets serviced by the
same circuit breaker will be required.
• Every home is different, so a little trial and error in the placement of the
BoosterLinc is required to determine the best location in your home.
Specifications
• Input power: 120 VAC, 60 Hz
• Recommended number
of Boosters: 1 per 1000 square feet of living space
• Minimum PLC receive level: 22mV
• Mounting: North American 3-pin 120-volt, 15-amp outlet
• Status indicator: Green LED
• Operating temperature range: 40O F to 104O F
• Dimensions: 2.47”w, 4.26”h, 1.50”d (when plugged in)
• Weight: 7.3 oz
• Safety tested for use in the U.S. and Canada
#4816B2
SignaLinc Plug-in
Phase Coupler
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About BoosterLinc Signal Booster’s Certification
BoosterLinc has been thoroughly tested by ITS ETL SEMKO,
a nationally recognized independent third-party testing labo-
ratory. Products bearing North American ETL Listed mark
signifies that the product has been tested to and has met
the requirements of a widely recognized consensus of U.S.
and Canadian product safety standards, that the manufac-
turing site has been audited, and that the manufacturer has
agreed to a program of quarterly factory follow-up inspec-
tions to verify continued conformance.
Smarthome Limited Warranty
Smarthome warrants to the original consumer purchaser of this product that, for a period of two
years from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship
and will perform in substantial conformity to the description of the product in this Owner's Manual.
This warranty shall not apply to defects or errors caused by misuse or neglect.
If the product is found to be defective in material or workmanship or if the product does not perform
as warranted above during the warranty period, Smarthome will either repair it, replace it or refund
the purchase price, at its option, upon receipt of the product at the address below, postage prepaid,
with proof of the date of purchase and an explanation of the defect or error. The repair, replace-
ment, or refund that is provided for above shall be the full extent of Smarthome's liability with
respect to this product.
For repair or replacement during the warranty period, call Smarthome customer service to receive
an RA# (return authorization number), properly package the product (with the RA# clearly printed on
the outside of the package) and send the product, along with all other required materials, to:
Smarthome
ATTN: Receiving Dept.
16542 Millikan Ave
Irvine, CA 92606-5027
Limitations:
THE ABOVE WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF AND SMARTHOME DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MER-
CHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHICH MAY NOT
BE DISCLAIMED OR SUPPLANTED AS PROVIDED ABOVE SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE ONE YEAR PERI-
OD OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY ABOVE. NO OTHER REPRESENTATION OR CLAIM OF ANY NATURE
BY ANY PERSON SHALL BE BINDING UPON SMARTHOME OR MODIFY THE TERMS OF THE ABOVE
WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER.
IN NO EVENT SHALL SMARTHOME BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE POSSESSION OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMI-
TATION DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PERSONAL INJURY, EVEN IF
SMARTHOME KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or the exclusion or
limitation of damages, in which case the above limitations and/or exclusions may not apply to you.
You may also have other legal rights, which may vary from state to state.
SwitchLinc, KeypadLinc, SignaLinc, LampLinc, PowerLinc, ToggleLinc, BoosterLinc, ApplianceLinc,
ControLinc, TesterLinc, FilterLinc, ProbeLinc, TempLinc, TouchLinc, IR Linc, Insteon, AccessLinc, &
SmarthomeLive are trademarked by Smarthome, Inc.
© Copyright 2004 Smarthome, 16542 Millikan Ave., Irvine, CA 92606-5027
800.SMART.HOME - 949.221.9200 - www.smarthome.com
rev 092304
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