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Echo™
Technical
wiring devices
|
wireless
www.mkelectric.co.ukTransmitters, Receivers and Accessories
Echo™ Installer Guide
1. Introduction
The MK Echo
™
range of products are different from all other products in MK’s Wiring Devices
portfolio in so far as the “switches” are RF transmitters which communicate with Switch Receivers.
It is the Switch Receivers that actually switch the mains power.
Echo
™
Transmitters send an RF signal at 868.3 MHz. The unique feature of these products is that the
signal transmission is made without the need for mains power, or batteries.
Compared to installing hard-wired systems, wireless systems are much simpler and provide the
flexibility to relocate or add to a system.
A symbol is visible on all Switch Receivers to indicate the position of the antenna. Although not
always possible, the best reception will always be achieved if the front face of the Transmitter is
directly facing the surface of the Switch Receiver on which the antenna symbol is shown.
Based on the physical principle of the propagation of radio waves, certain basic conditions should
be observed. The following simple recommendations are provided to ensure successful installation
and reliable operation of a robust radio network.
NOTE: A FIELD STRENGTH TEST MEASUREMENT SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT PRIOR
TO EACH INSTALLATION TO ENSURE COMPLETE RELIABILITY.
2. PRINCIPLES OF RADIO SIGNALS IN BUILDINGS
As stated in the introduction, Echo
™
Transmitters send wireless transmissions to the echo
™
Switch
Receivers. The receiver checks the incoming signal for accuracy and uses the data to control
outputs. Radio signals are electromagnetic waves; hence the signal becomes weaker the further it
travels.
Please note that RF signals also decrease in strength when they pass through certain materials
between the transmitted signal and the receiver.
While radio waves can penetrate a wall, they are dampened more than on a direct line-
of-sight path. A few examples of different types of wall and the realistic typical reduction
in signal strength that can be seen are:
Material
Attenuation
Wood, plaster, uncoated glass,
with no metal content
0 – 10%
Brick, pressed board
5 – 35%
Ferro-concrete
10 – 90%
Metal, aluminium lining
90 – 100%
In practice, this means that the material used in a building must be taken into consideration during
any assessment for radio coverage.
Here are some typical guideline figures when using Logic Plus style Transmitters with plastic
frontplates:
Line-of-sight connections:
typically 30m range in corridors, or up to 100m in halls
Plasterboard walls / dry wood:
typically 30m range, through 5 walls
Brick walls / aerated concrete:
typically 20m range, through 3 walls
Ferro-concrete walls / ceilings:
typically 10m range, through 1 ceiling
All other Transmitters in the range that have metal frontplates, do of course cause a reduction in the
signal strength and therefore the transmission distance. Generally, the line of site distance in a hall
is reduced from 100m described above for Logic Plus, down to 30m.
l
Wireless and Batteryless – using
RF technology with ranges up to
300metres in ideal conditions
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Available in all MK wiring device
aesthetics
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Quick and easy to install with no need
for cabling from the switch to the
lighting circuit
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Robust Metalclad Plus and Masterseal
available
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400w and 10AX receiver/repeaters
available to cover most installation
needs
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Switch Receivers are capable of
switching all lighting types
Features
Description
Echo™ is an innovative range of entirely
wireless, batteryless and self powered
switches, only available from MK Electric.
Wireless – allows for instant switch installation
and location flexibility, reducing disruption and
cost.
Batteryless – low maintenance and low
running costs makes echo a very versatile and
sustainable option.
Self Powered – using innovative technology to
‘harvest’ energy.
Echo™ is a registered trademark of Novar ED&S Limited