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Expanding an adorne Wireless Lighting System
An adorne Wireless Lighting System may be expanded in a number of ways:
• Increase RF (radio frequency) range with a Repeater
• Interface with external systems and devices via:
- RS232 Network Controller
- Scene Interface
- IR Interface
Increasing RF Range via Repeaters
We recommend including a Repeater in all whole-house systems for the following reasons:
• Increases transmit/receive range of an RF network
• Provides occupancy emulation (see P. 18)
Additional range ensures effective operation in any setting, while occupancy emulation is a significant
feature for homeowners.
The Repeater has a large antenna which allows it to receive and retransmit transmissions from other
devices up to 100 feet away. When the Repeater picks up a message including its own House ID, it
retransmits it.
When a single Repeater is being used, users should locate it close to the center of the building,
remembering that the building is a three-dimensional space. Identify a place near the vertical and
horizontal center line. The Repeater uses an external power supply that needs to plug into any
120-volt outlet.
Up to two Repeaters may be used in very large buildings. There is no benefit to using a second Repeater
unless actually necessary.
EXPANDING THE SYSTEM AND INTERFACING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS
EXPANDING THE SYSTEM AND INTERFACING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS
About RF and RF Range
adorne Wireless Lighting uses the 900MHz band for license-free, high-speed control communication. These
products use multiple channels simultaneously in this band, ensuring reliable communications without
interference from other wireless devices.
RF Range
In an open field, adorne devices will reliably communicate over several hundred feet.
In a conventional wood or steel frame building, communications typically range up to 100 feet, which is
more than adequate for most homes.
Some factors may reduce transmitting range, such as solid concrete walls and slabs. Another factor is
the use of metal wall plates – particularly if they are used in combination with metal back-boxes.
When possible, install wireless products in plastic boxes to maximize RF range. Metal boxes diminish
RF signals.
These factors are unlikely to be relevant in apartment buildings, as each application is usually within a
concrete shell. Where multifloor apartments exist, there will probably be a stairwell opening in the slab,
enabling communications between floors.
In applications where these factors may be an issue or in very large applications, one or two Repeaters may
be used to increase the effective communication range of adorne devices.
Note: Due to differences in
construction and other factors,
some trial and error in Repeater
positioning may be required for
optimum coverage.
100’ max
100’ max
100’ max
100’ max
300’
100’ max
100’ max
Original
Transmission
First
Transmission
Second
Transmission
100’ max
100’ max
100’ max
100’ max
300’
100’ max
100’ max
Original
Transmission
First
Transmission
Second
Transmission
