My landlord is having a problem with this thing. You're supposed to replace all your outlets and wall switches with control modules, then you can operate any electrical equipment in your house remotely or on a schedule. The manual is sketchy, but it looks like the control center sends a 2.4 ghz signal through the house wires that operate the control modules.
It works somewhat, but it screws some things up. Like it will manually dim a light, until it goes all the way off, but then it won't come back on again. We have an ISP across the street that broadcasts a wireless internet signal at 2.4 ghz. Could that be causing problems? The model number of this device is 61-2470. My landlord is having a problem with this thing.
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You're supposed to replace all your outlets and wall switches with control modules, then you can operate any electrical equipment in your house remotely or on a schedule. The manual is sketchy, but it looks like the control center sends a 2.4 ghz signal through the house wires that operate the control modules. It works somewhat, but it screws some things up. Like it will manually dim a light, until it goes all the way off, but then it won't come back on again. We have an ISP across the street that broadcasts a wireless internet signal at 2.4 ghz.
Could that be causing problems? The model number of this device is 61-2470.
I have spent a lot of time in commercial buildings and residences troubleshooting this technology. Some people refer to it as X10 because BSR was one of the first companies 20 or so years ago that developed it and marketed it under the X10 name. Now there are several manufacturers of these products including Leviton (Decora Home Controls) and Advanced Control Technologies (A10). Radio Shack also has their own version. Much of the technology is interchangeable.
After all that I have experienced, I am reluctant to recommend the use of this equipment except as a last resort. I have seen modules work on one day and the next day don't work, but the day after that work again. My conclusion is that the equipment never works 100% of the time. 99% under the best circumstances is what you should expect. I have had other electrical contractors consult with me after they have installed this technology in a building or residence because they were getting tired of all the callbacks.
Electrical interference can be a big problem. Motors, computers, and everything else connected to your power system can inhibit that signal traveling across your existing circuits. Another problem that arises from time to time is neighbors controlling each others lights from their home.
One contractor I know was really pushing the use of this technology and made several sales and installations in the same neighborhoods. He particularly would use the modules for outdoor lighting. Neighbors would talk to each other and then call up this contractor to install the same set-up in their home. I had cautioned this guy about the use of this technology based on my experiences, but he figured that since the customers were asking for it, he would give it to them. After several installations on the same street he kept receiving callbacks.
The customers were complaining that their lights were going on and off at all different times of day and night. The contractor did not pay much attention to the choice of address codes for each residence when he did each installation. The neighbors all had the same codes and were able to turn each others lights on and off. This is especially true when each neighbor's power is from the same utility company transformer. This contractor had to go back to each customer's house and change the codes so that each house was different. It cost him a lot of time and manpower to do this. Now he tells me that he cautions his customers about the downside of this type of installation and only recommends it when it is more cost effective.
The manufacturers produce amplifiers, couplers, controllers, signal strength meters and other components to get a good signal and measure it at each module location. Troubleshooting is a very time consuming process. You are not working with wires that have become loose or broken although a loose connection can affect performance also.
You are fixing something that you cannot see or feel. If you don't have the equipment to test the signal it is difficult to see what the actual problem may be. I couldn't say with certainty that the internet service provider across from your location was causing a problem, but I would consider it a possibility. Try contacting the manufacturer of your components for technical support.
I expect that this technology will be around for a long time as it is an easy way to modernize an old house into a 'Smart House'. I also expect that the manufacturers will continue to improve the functionality and reliability of their systems. My recommendation for anyone considering this type of installation is to plan carefully. Don't go around and replace every switch and receptacle, but only the ones that you really want to be controlled from a central or remote location or by computer.
Also take into consideration that it is not just a matter of replacing a switch or receptacle. You should also install a coupling device across your phases in the electrical panel. A big house or building should have an amplifier and a repeater. Ideally the circuits used for these components should not have any other equipment connected to them, but that would be difficult to achieve in a retrofit installation.
I hope this information helps. Good luck, John Grabowski.
. 61-2576.fm Page 1 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMCat. 61-2576OWNER’S MANUALPlease read before using this equipment. 61-2576.fm Page 2 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMFEATURESWith your RadioShack Plug ’N Power Wireless RemoteControl System, you can discover the convenience, comfort, and security of a Plug ’N Power system. You canturn on or off all lights or appliances plugged into yourPlug ’N Power Wireless Remote Control System with thetouch of one button from anywhere inside or outside yourhome. 61-2576.fm Page 3 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMPLUG ‘N POWER PRECAUTIONSTurning lights and appliance on and off by remote controlis a great convenience, but there can be some unexpected consequences.
For example, you might unknowinglyturn on an empty coffee pot in another room, and it couldbe damaged by overheating or could even start a fire.You might also turn on an electric heater in another roomwhen flammable materials are close to the heater. Again,damage or a fire could result. 61-2576.fm Page 4 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PM.
Use extreme care when controlling potentially dangerous products as part of your Plug ’N Power system. Use a separate unit code exclusively for suchappliances. If you want to control fluorescent, mercury vapor,sodium, or low voltage lights, see your localRadioShack store for assistance. Do not use Lamp Dimmer Modules to control light fixtures that have built-in dimmers. 61-2576.fm Page 5 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMCONTENTSPlug ‘N Power Precautions. 3Safety Precautions. 3How Plug ‘N Power Works.Setting Codes.House Code.Unit Code.Placing the Control Center Module.
1-2576.fm Page 6 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMHOW PLUG ‘N POWER WORKSPlug ’N Power controllers such as your Wireless RemoteControl System send high frequency signals through yourhousehold wiring. The remote control sends radio frequency signals to the control system’s receiver, which retransmits the signals over your house wiring to other Plug’N Power modules.
61-2576.fm Page 7 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMHouse CodeThe house code is a master code for aPlug ’N Power system. You must set theremote control center mode and all themodules it controls to the same housecode. There are 16 codes to choose from(A through P).OACMKEIGYou can operate two or more independent Plug ’N Powersystems in your home by using a different house code foreach system. Of course, each system must have its owncontroller and modules. 61-2576.fm Page 8 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMUnit CodeEach Wireless Remote Control Centercan operate up to 16 different modules orgroups of modules.
Every module has aunit code dial with settings from 1 through16. You can set the control center to control any module or group of modules setto the same house code.7The unit code dial on the control center sets the code forthe outlet on the control center.
It can be set to respondto unit codes 1 through 16. 61-2576.fm Page 9 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMPLACING THE CONTROL CENTERMODULEBecause the control center’s module is a receiver andalso a transmitter, you need to consider the best locationfor its installation.If you only want to use the control center module to control something plugged into it, then connect it to an outletnear the lamp or appliance you want to control. 61-2576.fm Page 10 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMPREPARATIONINSTALLING BATTERIESYour remote control requires four AAA batteries (not supplied) for power. For the best performance and longestlife, we recommend RadioShack alkaline batteries.Cautions:. Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type. Do not mix old and new batteries, different types ofbatteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), orrechargeable batteries of different capacities.
61-2576.fm Page 11 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMWarning: Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly.Do not burn or bury them.Caution: If you do not plan to use the remote control fora month or more, remove the batteries. Batteries canleak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.SETTING THE SYSTEM1. Use a small screwdriver to set the house code dialson both the remote control and the control centerreceiver to the same letter. 61-2576.fm Page 12 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PM5. Press ON/OFF on the receiver to make sure the lightor appliance turns on and off.6. If 1–8/9–16 on the remote control is set to 9–16,press the button under ON or OFF next to 1 and 9(labeled on your remote) to turn the light or applianceon or off.7.
Use your fingernail or another object to remove theclear cover over the label on the remote, and writedown the location of each Plug ’N Power module youare using with the system on the label. 61-2576.fm Page 13 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMSETTING UP ADDITIONAL MODULESThe following are types of Plug ’N Power modules available from RadioShack. We include a brief descriptionhere, but be sure to read and follow the instructions thatcome with each module. Other types of modules are alsoavailable. If you have special Plug ’N Power needs, askfor assistance at your local RadioShack store.Appliance Modules (Cat. 61-2576.fm Page 14 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMLamp Dimmer Modules (Cat. 61-2682) — Thesemodules are designed to control lamps, and you can dimthe connected lamps from a Plug ’N Power controller.You can connect incandescent lamps of up to 300 wattsto these modules.Lamp Dimmer Modules respond to the ALL LIGHTS ONcommand.
Use the module only for incandescent lamps.Some devices might be damaged by the use of the dimmer circuit (even if you don't dim the module). 61-2576.fm Page 15 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMCaution: Do not use Lamp Dimmer modules, WallSwitch Modules, or 3-Way Wall Switch Modules with fluorescent lighting.3-Way Wall Switch Modules(RSU 11911039) — Thesemodules are similar to WallSwitch Modules, except thatthey are designed to control alight that is presently controlled from two different wallswitches. 3-Way Wall SwitchModules come with a companion switch to replace thesecond existing switch. 61-2576.fm Page 16 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMWall Outlet Modules (Cat. 612685) — These modules completelyreplace existing wall outlets, but youcan only control the top outlet from aPlug ’N Power controller. The bottomoutlet is always on.You can connect appliances or lampsthat draw a total of up to 1800 watts tothe outlet module. Because you mightuse the outlet module to control an appliance, these modules do not respond to the ALL LIGHTS ON command.
61-2576.fm Page 17 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMSet the selector switch dial on the remote control to 1–8 ifyou want to control the lamp and appliance set from 1 to8, or control from 9 to 16 if you set the selector switchesto 9–16.CONNECTING LIGHTS ANDAPPLIANCES TO MODULESAfter setting the desired house codes and selectorswitch, place the supplied labels in the boxes next to thebuttons on the remote control to remind you of what eachbutton controls. 61-2576.fm Page 18 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMFollow the procedure in “Controlling Additional Modules”to test each receiver module.
See “Intercom Systems” onPage 28 if your system does not work properly.CONTROLLING ADDITIONALMODULES1. Set the remote control's slide switch to the group of 8modules you want to control (1–8 or 9–16). For example, if you set the switch to 1–8, the buttons on theremote control will control modules set to 1 through8.
61-2576.fm Page 19 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMCaution: Be sure to turn off the power at the maincircuit breaker panel before installing Wall SwitchModules or Wall Outlet Modules.3. Set the house code dial on all your Plug ’N Powermodules to the same letter as you set on the remotecontrol module.4. Set the unit code dial on your Plug ’N Power modulesto a number between 1 and 8 (or 9 and 16 if you setthe selector switches on the Remote Control to 9-16).5. 61-2576.fm Page 20 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMDIMMING OR BRIGHTENING LIGHTSCONNECTED TO MODULESTurn on the module by pressing the button on the remotecontrol that corresponds to the module's unit code.
Thenpressoron the remote control to dim or brighten the light. Hold the button down until you see the desired brightness level.Note: Because the control center only turns a lamp/appliance on or off, you cannot use the control center receiverto dim/brighten a lamp/appliance connected to it. 61-2576.fm Page 21 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PM. You always have manual control of Wall Switch Modules by simply using their on/off buttons.113OFFA59MEIONADDING ANOTHER CENTERYou can also add additional remote controls (available atyour local RadioShack store) to your system. For example, you could place a remote control in each room oreven in your car, so you can easily turn on/off modulesset to unit codes 1–16 from any location.
61-2576.fm Page 22 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMADDING OTHER CONTROLLERSYou can easily increase the size and flexibility of yourPlug ’N Power system by adding more modules or otherPlug ’N Power controllers.Mini Remote Control Center (Cat. 61-2677C D ) —lets you instantly control up to eight Plug ’N Power modules and dim lights, too. This controller also has ALLLIGHTS ON and ALL UNITS OFF controls.Keychain-Remote Light/Appliance Switch (Cat. 61-2576.fm Page 23 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMWireless Home Security System (Cat. 49-2551A)— lets you work with a total of 16 wireless sensor transmitters, lamp modules, motion detectors, and other accessories to customize your home security system.Programmable Control Center & Timer (Cat. 61-2576.fm Page 24 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMTROUBLESHOOTINGIf your system is not working as it should, try these suggestions.SymptomThe remote controldoes not turn the control center receiver onor off.SuggestionMake sure the red light on theremote control lights when youpress a button.The batteries in the remote control might be weak. Replace thebatteries.Make sure the house code dialson the remote control and controlcenter module are set correctly.
61-2576.fm Page 25 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMSymptomSuggestionThe control centermodule does not turnon or off using anothertype of Plug ’N Powercontroller.Try plugging the control centerreceiver and the other Plug ’NPower controller into the same ACoutlet. If it does not work in anyAC outlet even when connectedto the same duplex (top and bottom) of the AC outlet, replace thecontrol center receiver. 61-2576.fm Page 26 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMSymptomYou cannot controlother Plug ’N Powermodules from yourremote control(continued).26SuggestionMake sure that you have power tothe AC outlet and the light orappliance is on.Plug another Plug ’N Power controller and the modules into thesame AC outlet, then try to controlthe modules again. 61-2576.fm Page 27 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMCARE AND MAINTENANCEYour RadioShack Plug ’N Power Wireless Remote Control System is an example of superior design and craftsmanship.
The following suggestions will help you carefor your system so it will serve you for years.Keep the system dry. If it gets wet, wipe itdry immediately. Liquids might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.Use and store the system only in normaltemperature environments. 61-2576.fm Page 28 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMWipe the system with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.
Do not useharsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, orstrong detergents to clean the system.Modifying or tampering with the system’s internal components can cause a malfunction and might invalidateits warranty and void your FCC authorization to operateit. If your system is not performing as it should, take it toyour local RadioShack store for assistance.
61-2576.fm Page 29 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMPOWER INTERRUPTIONSWhen the power is restored after an outage, Lamp Modules and Wall Switch Modules will normally be OFF. Youcan use the remote control to turn Lamp and Wall Switchmodules on after a power failure.
Appliance modules (including the control center receiver) have a latching relaymechanism and will stay as they were before the interruption. 61-2576.fm Page 30 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMFCC STATEMENTThis equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, instrict 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 remote control security devices in accordance withthe specifications in sub-parts C and E of Part 15 of FCCRules. 61-2576.fm Page 32 Wednesday, September 8, 1999 1:50 PMLimited Ninety-Day WarrantyThis product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects inmaterial and workmanship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the dateof purchase from RadioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers.