|
Using Pronto(Pro) NG with Radio Frequency
By default, the TSU7000/TSU3000 uses infrared (IR) signals
to operate devices. This means that you have to point the
TSU7000/TSU3000's sending eye towards the device you're
operating. Normally, IR signals have an operating distance
of maximum 33 feet (10 meters).
You can choose to operate devices using radio frequency (RF)
signals instead of IR signals. Depending on the
circumstances, RF signals have an operating distance up to
approximately 100 feet (30 meters) in house and can, unlike
IR signals, go through obstacles like furniture and walls.
The RF signals sent out by the TSU7500/TSU7000/TSU3000 are picked up
by the RF extender RFX6500. The RF extender
translates the RF signals in IR signals and sends the IR
signals to the appropriate device.
Therefore, the RF extender has to be placed near the device
you are operating, with the extender's sending eye pointing
to the device. Your devices will always receive IR signals
either directly from the TSU7000/TSU3000 or from the RF
extender RFX6500. You can also use the supplied IR Emitters
to stick directly onto your equipment, if it is not
convenient to use the blaster-portion in the RF box.
Changing the TSU6500 RF IR settings
All devices are set up by default to work with IR signals.
To be able to operate one or more devices with RF signals,
you have to change the TSU7000/TSU3000 RF-IR settings for
those devices.
Details on how to change these settings can be found in the
RFX6500 manual (see link below). More tips and tricks can be
found in the "tips & tricks" document below. The specs are
summarized in the datasheet.
Tips and
Tricks for the Philips Pronto RF Extender RFX6500
Use these guidelines for optimal use of the RF function in
the ProntoPro TSU7000 and Pronto NG TSU3000.
Interference:
Interference from other radio signals is the main reason why
the Pronto RF may not perform well. In most cases
interference is caused by other consumer products like
wireless headphones, wireless audio speakers,
wireless/cellular phones. But, microwaves and other
appliances can also disturb the RF extender. When you live
in an urban area the chance of interference increases.
As radio signals are invisible it is hard to recognize the
existence of the interference. The red LED on the RF
extender lights up when no Pronto commands are sent. This
indicates that interference signals are being received. See
if you can track the source of interference or, if possible,
try to move the RF extender to another area.
Range:
All RF extenders are tested in the factory to receive the
RF-signals from the Pronto properly at minimal 100 ft (33
m). However, the presence of metal objects in the
neighborhood of the RF extender or Pronto will have a
negative effect on the range.
Here are some tips to achieve an optimal range:
-
Place the RF extender at least 3ft (1 m) from
the floor. Ideally place it on your ceiling at around 10
ft (3 m) from the floor.
-
Avoid placing the RF extender and Pronto near
metal cabinets or metal walls.
-
Avoid placing electronic devices next to the RF
extender (ie. avoid placing the RF extender behind a TV
as this will affect the range).
-
Don't put the RF extender in a warm, cold or wet
environment.
-
Armed concrete walls will block or weaken the RF
signal.
-
Using the remote control on the floor will
reduce the distance range.
-
Using the remote control on a metal support
(table, cabinet&) will also reduce the RF performances.
-
Even your hand will influence the range.
Covering the Pronto with your hand will have a negative
effect on the range.
-
Experiment with different channels and extender
IDs of the RF extender.
If by following the above guidelines, the RF extender is
continues to perform poorly, check if a neighbor is
continuously using the same frequency band as you are. (418
Mhz +/- 1 Mhz in the US and 434 MHz +/- 1 Mhz in Europe).
Following these tips & tricks will help you to get the best
out of your Pronto.
|
