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The Eleven Facts of Echoflex's Wireless Technology

Fact # 1 – Energy Harvesting Transmitters

Echoflex switches and sensors use energy harvesting to generate the power needed to operate the radios. Energy harvesting makes them truly wireless with installation as simple as peel ‘n stick and no batteries making them friendly to the ecology.

Fact # 2 – Unique Radio Codes

Each controller, switch or sensor has a unique 32 bit code embedded in the radio. In practical terms, this means there are over 4 billion radio codes. When a transmitter is linked to a receiver, the radio code is used as the identifier. Each telegram sent by the transmitters use the radio code so only those devices linked will respond to the telegram.

Fact # 3 – Transmitters only send

Each switch or sensor only transmits a value, for switches the value is ON or OFF. Sensor transmissions contain analog values representing some monitored element such as light level, occupancy status, temperature, humidity, etc. These transmitters do not have any intelligence outside of the ability to monitor a value and represent the state as a digital word.

Fact # 4 – Transmitters can be linked to an unlimited number of receivers

Transmitters only know how to talk so there is an unlimited number of receivers who can be linked to the transmitter. As long as the two devices are within the transmission distance of each other then they can be linked.  Linking a transmitter to a receiver is limited only by range not by the number of receivers. Any Echoflex controller can be configured as a single-hop repeater to increase the range between a transmitter and receiver.

Fact # 5 – Receivers can have 30 transmitters linked

A receiver or controller can learn up to 30 switches or sensors. One of these can be a photo sensor and the balance switches, occupancy sensors or some other transmitter.

Fact # 6 – Echoflex products offer versatility for all markets

Echoflex controllers are designed to support multiple voltage rating and are available in both EnOcean 868 and 315MHz frequencies making the Echoflex product line compatible with most regions around the globe.

Fact # 7 – Gateway Integration

Gateways are devices that take messages from one communication protocol and translate to another communication protocol – very similar to a translator. Many Echoflex products are interface/gateway ready. The controllers will broadcast status to a receiving gateway and will respond to specific commands sent from the gateway.

Fact # 8 – Range Planning is important

Echoflex products are based on wireless technology using radios. Radios and metal objects or other dense materials to not play well together. The radio signal does have good penetration properties for other softer materials; however range planning is a very important step when applying this technology on any project.

Common obstructions include:

·         File cabinets

·         Elevator shafts

·         Fire doors

·         Concrete walls

·         HVAC Duct work

Fact # 9 – Easy Installation and Commissioning

Sensors and Switches do not require junction boxes or switch leg wires so placement of these devices is dependent upon convenience. Echoflex controllers wire directly to lighting fixtures, appliances or junction boxes and are designed for quick mounting. Embedded SmartClick software in the controllers allows remote commissioning and configuration of the controller after they’re installed.

Fact # 10 – Distributed Automation creates Smart Spaces

Rooms become their own autonomous zones with integration of true distributed controls. Eliminate disruption and the need to shut down an entire floor or a wing of a building just to perform energy retrofits.  Choose areas with the greatest payback first accelerating return on the investment.

Fact # 11 – Interoperability means more choices

Echoflex products are interoperable with other manufacturers EnOcean products. We believe choice is good and it places emphasis on us as a manufacturer to earn and keep your trust by producing quality economical products.