I N S TA L L AT I O N G U I D E Improved RF Section WITH Enhanced Range! RADIO FREQUENCY GATEWAY with Adjustable Antenna RFG
CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you for purchasing the RFG Radio Frequency Gateway with Adjustable Antenna from Niles. With proper installation and operation, you should enjoy years of trouble-free use. Niles manufactures the industry’s most complete line of custom installation components and accessories for audio/video systems. To see the complete Niles product assortment, visit us on the Internet at: www.nilesaudio.
INTRODUCTION The Niles RFG Radio Frequency Gateway is a highly flexible tool that allows system designers to add a ZigBee® radio transmitter/receiver to Niles MultiZone products or extend the Radio Frequency Receiver of a Niles HT-MSU Home Theater Main System Unit. Features and Benefits MULTI-MODE DIPSWITCHES Two dipswitches are used to select the operation mode: Master Base, Repeater Base, Wireless Keypad, and Not Assigned.
Quick and Easy Set-up with Wizard-based Niles Configuration Software An RFG can be added to any network based Niles MultiZone Receiver or Home Theater Main System Unit (HT-MSU) using the Niles System Configuration Software. The software is wizardbased and guides the installer/programmer through basic and advanced system designs. Configuration is stored in non-volatile memory within the RFG. This safeguards against accidental loss of programming for the entire life of the product.
1) Power LED - The blue LED indicates that the RFG has power. This LED also indicates the connection status to the Niles MultiZone Receiver or Home Theater Main System Unit. 2) System Connection - This RJ-45 connection is used when the RFG is connected to a Niles MultiZone receiver. 3) Keypad Connection - This RJ-45 connection is used when the RFG is connected to a keypad, a Niles HT-MSU Home Theater Main System Unit, or to continue the CAT-5 cable run to other RFGs.
zigbee terminology To understand how to use the RFG, the system designer needs to understand ZigBee terminology. Master Base The Master Base is the coordinator of the RF mesh network. Its job is to receive information from the Repeater Bases and End-Points in the system, consolidate that information, and send it to the main controlled source. The Master Base is like a head coach in football. His job is to listen to the assistant coaches and players to create and send the game plan to those that execute it.
Zigbee RF network When designing an RF network it is important to know that at least one Master Base and one End-Point are needed. Repeater bases are used to expand the coverage area of the RF network. Multiple hops can be used in an RF network design, however great care should be used to not exceed more than four hops. To count the hops, start from an end-point, and then add one for each Repeater Base used between the End-Point and the Master Base. See Figure 1 for basic RF network system design. Figure 1.
RFG Usage with Niles Network-based MultiZone Receivers The RFG can be used with Niles Network-based MultiZone receivers allowing the installer to create “wireless keypads.” Typically, control keypads are connected to the MultiZone receiver via a CAT-5 cable. In installations that do not allow a run of CAT-5 cable (such as a retrofit or a detached area from the main equipment area), use the RFG to overcome the hard-wired limitation.
System Design Wiring for RFG The RFG has two RJ-45 connections for wiring into the system. The connection used depends on the mode and overall system design. A Master RFG connected to a Niles Network-based MultiZone receiver: An RFG with dipswitches set for Master Base mode must be connected directly to the MultiZone receiver using CAT-5 cable as detailed in Figure 2. No power supply is needed. Figure 2.
A Repeater RFG not wired to a multizone receiver An RFG set for Repeater Base Mode and not connected to a MultiZone receiver (stand alone) must have an optional power supply connected. Figure 4. R FG wired as a stand alone repeater RFG Radio Frequency Gateway MAKE SURE THE EXTERNAL ANTENNA IS ALWAYS ORIENTED VERTICALLY RFG An RFG set for Wireless Keypad mode An RFG set for Wireless Keypad must have the optional power supply and a CAT-5 cable connected to the keypad. Figure 5.
An RFG extending the radio of the Niles HT-MSU The RFG dipswitches should be set for Master Base mode and an optional power supply must be used. Connect from the HT-MSU Expansion port to the RFG’s Keypad connection (Figure 6 ). (See more detail in HT-MSU manual, available online at www.nilesaudio.com). Figure 6.
Installation considerations Placement of the RFG Niles recommends placing the RFG along a baseboard or in an attic. Generally, the unit should be placed in a concealed location because its indicator and connections are only used during installation. Placement possibilities include: 1) Baseboard (affixed to the back of the equipment cabinet or a nearby wall) 2) Attic (attached to a ceiling joist) Antenna Considerations Communication between RFGs is RF-based with a frequency of 2.4 Gigahertz.
Wiring Considerations The RFG requires two different types of wires run, based on set-up and system design: 1) CAT-5 Cable A CAT-5 cable is used to connect the RFG to either the HT-MSU, MultiZone receiver or to a keypad. This cable must be terminated with RJ45 connectors using T568A protocol as shown in Figure 8. 2) Power Cable A power supply is needed when the RFG is set-up as an independent Repeater Base or Wireless Keypad.
Installation Caution: The RFG antenna connection is susceptible to static discharge. Be sure to use a grounding strap or touch an earth ground prior to picking up the RFG. Handle the RFG by the plastic housing. Avoid touching the antenna connection directly. 1) Set the RF Mode dipswitches (Figure 9) 2) Connect CAT-5 cable Connection to a MultiZone receiver or a keypad uses CAT-5 cable terminated with RJ45 connection plugs. The CAT-5 cable must be terminated using the T568A standard wiring. Figure 9.
3) Connect Power supply per RFG set-up Based on the mode of the RFG, a Niles Power Supply may be needed (see System Considerations section to see if optional power supply is needed). 4) Mount the RFG (see Figure 10). 5) Attach the Antenna The external antenna screws to the RFG chassis as shown in (Figure 11). Figure 10. Wall mount placement. Use Sheetrock Screws 6) Orient the Antenna Adjust the flexible joint antenna so it is vertical for maximum reception.
Troubleshooting The set-up dipswitches allow the RFG to be pre-configured for its role in the system RF mode design. With this in mind, troubleshooting the RFG comes down to two main issues: 1) set-up Issues 2) Hardware Issues SET-UP Issues PROBLEM: 1. Wrong Set-up If the RFG is set-up for the wrong operation mode, the system will not operate properly. The symptoms could include: Power LED flickers or is off, intermittent operation, or no operation.
PROBLEM: 1. Bad Connections or Wiring If the connections or wiring are wrong, loose, shorted, or open, the system will not operate properly. The symptoms could include: Blue LED flickers or is off, intermittent operation or no operation. SOLUTIONS: • Test your power supply connections • Test your CAT-5 cable for shorts and opens PROBLEM: 2.
ACCESSORIES of the RFG 1.25A 12VDC Universal Power Supply FG01035 12V power supply for powering the RFG when in “wireless keypad” mode or “stand alone” repeater.
Specifications Power Requirements: 12VDC from either connection to Niles Network based MultiZone receiver or optional Niles power supply (FG01035) Unit Dimensions: 4.68" L x 2.15" W x 1.15" H : Chassis (11.89cm x 5.46cm x 2.92cm) Antenna: 4.1” (10.5cm) long RF Section: 2.4GHz frequency ZigBee wireless mesh technology Signal Range: 75 to 100 feet or greater open air (22.86 meters to 30.48 meters) Wiring Requirements: CAT-5 cable Shipping Weight: 1 lb.
FCC Compliance statement Compliance Statement (Part 15.19) This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Warning (Part 15.21) Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
• C onnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Industry Canada Compliance - Section 7.1.5 of RSS-GEN Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Section 7.1.
Limited Warranty Niles Audio Corporation (“NILES”) warrants to the original retail purchaser only that this product will be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for the following periods and subject to the limitations and exclusions set forth below: Lifetime Warranty All Passive Loudspeaker Products (those not requiring AC or battery power). Ten years from the date of purchase All Other Passive Products (those not requiring AC or battery power).
Detach here and return to: Niles Audio Corporation Warranty Registration Dept. P.O. Box 160818 Miami, Florida 33116-0818 Warranty registration card RFG Model Purchased___________________________________ Serial Number_ _________________________________ Date Purchased (month/day/year)_______________________ Dealer Name and Location_ ________________________ Dr. Miss Mr. Mrs. Ms.
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