Instruction manual

10
Sphere System Instruction Manual
11
Important Information -
Read before commencing
installation
Maximising Sphere Performance
and Reliability
Sphere is a radio frequency wireless
system, similar to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
and can similarly be affected by
the surrounding environment. To
ensure maximum performance,
avoid installing Sphere receivers
where the wireless signals between
the controllers and receivers may
be shielded or disrupted by building
materials such as metal foil faced
dry lining or ceiling board, metal foil
faced insulation blocks, metal ceilings,
walls and floors, metal building
frameworks, metal cupboards and
shelving, high efficiency double glazing
and the like. The wireless signal will
travel effectively, without significant
signal loss, through a single ordinary
plasterboard partition, stud wall,
wooden floor etc. However all variants
of hard building materials such as
brick, block, stone and concrete will
reduce the useable range. Range
related issues show as erratic
response i.e. loads randomly failing
to change in response to controller
commands. As with other remote
control systems the usual method
of overcoming this is to move closer
to the affected Receivers and/or by
repeating the command.
Typical expected range for 90%
reliability: 30 metres line of sight in
open conditions.
Following the advice below will enable
the best performance to be achieved.
Always:
• Strip the input and output cable
insulation to stated lengths.
• Ensure input and output connections
are tight.
• Use the cable clamp provided.
• Re-fit the Receiver end caps after
wiring.
• Ensure the antenna is kept straight
when placing Receivers in their final
position.
• Try to keep at least 10cm between
Receivers if installing more than one
in an enclosure or distribution board.
• Ensure enclosures for Receivers
have adequate ventilation.
• Try to ensure that the Receivers are
not subjected to strong local radio
frequency fields from equipment
such as CB sets, HAM radio, walkie-
talkies, emergency services radio
networks etc.
• In ceilings position the Receiver at
least 20cm from recessed luminaires
and lighting transformers.
• Replace the batteries in Controllers
if, in normal use, either or both
Controller LED’s flash when any
button is pushed (see page 36).
Do Not:
• Shorten the Receiver or Controller
antennas or remove the antenna
insulation or make any connection
to the antennas.
• Attempt to operate Receivers from
the output of a preceding Receiver.
• Connect a load type other than that
specified for the particular Receiver*.
• Exceed the maximum rated
connected load of Receivers*.
• Loop in/out on Receiver terminals –
always use a separate junction box.
• Use cable exceeding 1.5mm².
• Place receivers inside metal
enclosures.
• Place Floor Receivers under soft
furnishings, adjacent to sources of
heat or where a trip hazard could
result.
• Locate Receivers adjacent to other
electronic equipment such as
Wireless routers, Modems, Wireless
alarm systems, cordless phones etc.
• Position Receivers where they may
come into contact with water, dust
build up, building debris, paint etc.
• Locate Receivers in conditions
where they could be affected by
condensation or frost.
Avoid:
• Inferior economy or unbranded
mains voltage incandescent or
halogen lamps.
• Low cost dimming electronic
transformers.
* For Receiver loading and load type
compatibility see pages 34–35.