7
Smarthome’s BoosterLinc
™
can solve localized problems
SignaLinc Repeater is ideal for improving the home
automation signal strength throughout all the out-
lets in a home. But, as the PLC signals travel down
a circuit and away from the repeater, it will weaken
by the same factors listed above. Additionally, the
signal will get weaker as it passes installed PLC
transmitters. Each PLC transmitter contains a
tuned circuit that when it's not sending signals it's
absorbing them! In addition to plug-in transmitters,
LampLinc™ 2-Ways, SwitchLinc™ 2-Ways,
ToggleLinc™ 2-Ways, ApplianceLinc™ 2-Ways,
KeypadLinc™ Controllers, or any module with 2-way abilities will load down the avail-
able signal. With so many transmitters installed, the signal is loaded down to a
point where some modules will be unable to receive a signal. Installing multiple 2-
way devices on one branch circuit may necessitate the use of local amplifier like
Smarthome's BoosterLinc.
#4827 BoosterLinc
TM
Plug-In Amplifier
How To Improve Reliability
(continued)
Once the signal has been amplified, it’s time to preserve it. Since PLC signals go
everywhere in the home, some electrical devices will have more of an effect on the
signal strength than other devices. PLC signals are like water pressure in pipes, it
actually goes everywhere it can, not just to the receiving module. In the last 20
years, an explosion of electrical devices has invaded our homes. Computers, video
gear, and fancy high-end electronics are more present than in years past. The more
complicated the electrical power supply is in a device, the more likely it is to absorb
PLC signals. Engineers who design power supplies build in traps to filter out and kill
electrical noise. Unfortunately, the PLC signals looks like electrical noise to these
devices. The result is that a large percent of the transmitted signal is lost to these
devices leaving less for the receivers. The most common sources of signal loss are:
• Televisions
• Computer systems
• Audio/Video gear • Computer UPS's and power strips
• Power supplies for laptops and cell phones
Testing for the problem is simple. If a device is suspected of
causing signal absorption, unplug the device and then re-
transmit the signal. It is very important that the device is
unplugged and not just turned off! If the controlled product
begins working after the appliance is unplugged, then a filter
will be needed on that device to keep PLC signals from being
absorbed and raise the signal strength of the entire home.
Smarthome has many filters that will fix the problem. An aver-
age home will need between three and five filters. If you are
in the business of installing automation systems and not in
the ‘call-back’ business, include some of these in your bid as
part of the standard package.
#1626 FilterLinc
TM
Plug-In Filter
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