Troubleshooting - Irritrol RainSensor RS1000-I Guia Del Usuario

Troubleshooting

Signal Indicator
The Signal Indicator
indicator always shows the strength of the last signal received. To clear the previous
signal, press the Smart Bypass button
Bypass button again.
Solving Reception Problems
The Wireless RainSensor complies with CISPR 22 Class B and RTTE standards. This
means that it is only allowed to transmit up to a certain power level. In rating transmit-
ters of any form, typically a Line-of-Sight 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 method. The Wireless RainSensor operates up to 90 m Line-
of-Sight. For example, in an open field with no obstructions, the Sensor/Transmitter
and Receiver pair will successfully communicate up to 90 m apart.
However, in almost all installations, there are obstacles between the Sensor/Transmitter
and Receiver such as walls, floors, etc. The obstacles will 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 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 trou-
ble with reception may indicate areas with poor radio frequency signal transmission.
• If possible avoid installing the Sensor/Transmitter exactly above the Receiver. Locate
the Sensor/Transmitter slightly offset to one side.
• When the 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!
(Installation Validation
provides instant signal strength feedback for the installer. The
TM )
, pause momentarily, then press the Smart
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