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Troubleshooting

Signal Indicator (Installation Validation

TM

)

The Signal Indicator provides instant signal strength feedback for the installer. 
The indicator always shows the strength of the last signal received. In order to clear
this signal, simply press the Smart Bypass button once; pressing the button again will
exit the bypass mode.

Improving Reception

The Wireless RainSensor operates under Part 15 of the FCC rules. This means that it
has to comply with certain standards and is only allowed to transmit up to a certain
power level. In rating transmitters of any form, typically a Line-of-Sight (LOS) value is
used in order to show the relative effectiveness of a transmitter and allow a 
transmitter and receiver to be compared to one another using a fair (apples to apples)
method. The Wireless RainSensor operates up to 300' (91.4m) LOS - meaning in an
open field, with no obstructions, the Sensor/Transmitter and Receiver pair will 
successfully communicate up to 300' (91.4m) apart.
However, in almost all installations, there are obstacles between the
Sensor/Transmitter and Receiver such as walls, floors, etc. The obstacles will all
affect the transmitted signal and typically reduce the radiated power that will be read
by the receiver. Different objects such as walls and floors affect the transmitted signal
differently depending on the material composition, geometry, and thickness. Typically,
most residential and light commercial construction materials do not reduce the 
effective transmitted signal enough to pose problems under normal installation 
conditions. However there are some installations with very thick, dense walls, or that
involve large amounts of radio frequency interference (electrical switching rooms etc.)
where the effective range of the Wireless RainSensor may be greatly reduced.
Some helpful tips on mounting the Sensor/Transmitter and Receiver for the best
Radio Frequency (RF) performance:
• Always try to keep the antennas straight and fully extended (straight up on the 

Receiver and straight down on the Sensor/Transmitter).

• Try to maintain a parallel orientation of one antenna to the other. Avoid installing

either unit where the antennas are in close proximity to large metal objects. 

• Attempt to mount the units as close together as possible to reduce the potential for

interference or signal reduction. If the signal strength is not good in one location, 
try another location - even as little as a few feet of movement can change from a
weak spot to a strong spot. Interior locations where cell phones or cordless phones
have trouble with reception may indicate areas with poor RF signal transmission. 

• If possible avoid an installation where the Sensor/Transmitter is located exactly

above the Receiver. Move the Sensor/Transmitter slightly offset to one side. 
When the RF signal is passing through walls, keep in mind that it has less thickness
to penetrate when it passes straight through the wall. In other words, passing 
diagonally through a wall increases its effective thickness. Because every installation
is different, the ONLY guaranteed method to verify an installation is to 
physically TRY IT! 

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Содержание RFS1000

Страница 1: ...tallation methods must comply with all applicable national and local building codes If you are unsure about proper wiring practices have a qualified contractor perform the installation for you The Rec...

Страница 2: ...ss and hold for 5 7 seconds to turn off the receiver 6 Power Indicator Steady light 24 VAC power is connected Blinking light Sensor Transmitter battery power low or other communication problem No ligh...

Страница 3: ...ighten the Receiver antenna wire upward and the Sensor Transmitter antenna wire downward 6 While holding the Sensor Transmitter at close range to the Receiver press and hold the spindle to test the wi...

Страница 4: ...er Part 1 Control Wire Connection The Receiver control wires are used to interrupt the common wire of the valves or they can be connected directly to the sensor input terminals of the controller if pr...

Страница 5: ...sensor inputs Refer to Figure 8 Disconnect all common control wires from the common terminal s of the controller generally marked C Com or VC Join these wires to the White wire using a wire connector...

Страница 6: ...Refer to Figure 9 On controllers that do not have 24 VAC terminals connect the two Red power wires to the transformer s secondary 24 VAC power wires where they attach to the controller s circuit board...

Страница 7: ...ignal Prior to testing the Sensor Transmitter in its final location clear the Signal Indicator first so the test will represent the signal as received during the final check To clear the Signal Indica...

Страница 8: ...he controlled area out of direct sunlight and avoid ing direct southern exposure A northeast to northwest shaded exposure works well Important Avoid installation of the unit near a large heat storing...

Страница 9: ...ld the Smart Bypass button until the Sensor Status indicator begins blinking rapidly 5 7 seconds Release the Smart Bypass button and confirm the Power indicator goes out and flashes periodically Simpl...

Страница 10: ...ransmitter and Receiver Although in most cases even if two identical units are installed unwanted activations would only occur if the two sensors are set for different rainfall amounts However the cod...

Страница 11: ...duce the effective transmitted signal enough to pose problems under normal installation conditions However there are some installations with very thick dense walls or that involve large amounts of rad...

Страница 12: ...roperly that is in strict accordance with the manufacturer s instructions may cause interference to radio and television reception It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a FCC...

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