The PC100T-R-BTAS can be used as a PIXIE Mesh booster, however there is a specific device – SGB3/BTAS – which is a dedicated PIXIE Mesh Booster and more cost effective.
If you already have the PC100T, then you can of course use it as described below, otherwise we recommend the SGB3/BTAS PIXIE Mesh Booster.
The Setup Process #
This is the recommend process for adding the PC100T-R-BTAS devices into the PIXIE Mesh.
Remember as it cannot be scanned and added as you do master devices, an alternate method of inclusion is needed.
(1) First, using the PIXIE Plus App, scan the network for PIXIE devices.
(2) Second, add a number of PIXIE master devices from the list of discovered devices, into the network which are closest to the installed location of the booster.
(3) Third, stand next to one of these PIXIE Master devices – like a dimmer or switch – and press the button 4 times in quick succession on this device. The LED indicator will begin to flash indicating the this master devices is in PAIRING mode.
You now have 30 seconds to do step 4 …
(4) Finally, on the PC100T-R-BTAS device, press the single button 4 times in quick secession – just as you did with the PIXIE Master device.
The light on the PC100T-R-BTAS will flash blue and white for up to 10-15 seconds. When it turns solid blue, it has been successfully paired with your PIXIE mesh network and will passively perform its booster function.
Repeat this function for all PC100T-R-BTAS devices being used as boosters.
Troubleshooting Pairing #
If it does not pair, repeat the whole process again ensuring that the master device’s LED is flashing indicative that it is in pairing mode.
You may need to quicken your 4 button presses, if you cannot get the devices to enter pairing mode or pair. Pressing 4 times in 1 to 2 seconds is ideal.
If it does still not pair and the light on the PC100T-R-BTAS is still white, rescan your network, discover some additional PIXIE master devices in the vicinity of the booster you are looking to pair with, add these devices to the network.
Then using one these newly added Master devices, repeat the pairing process again.
Do I need boosters? #
Whether or not you will need boosters in your project will depend on the total number and placement of all other PIXIE devices and the building materials in the home which PIXIE is being installed.
Best to make an allowance based on the recommendations below to cover yourself for product and installation.
What’s the best place to install them? #
As a general rule of thumb, irrespective of building materials. Remember you may not always need them but it is recommended you account for them in your original pricing to ensure robust operation and profitable installations.
1. If a multi-storey home, allow for a PIXIE booster on each level, near the staircase as a minimum. This can ‘knit’ the Bluetooth mesh together through the stair case creating a mesh SPINE of sorts. Not every home will need this, but ensuring you have allowed for it will eliminate any surprises later.
2. If the home has long hallways, or ‘wings’ – such as a separated Master Suite, which results in large distances between mesh devices, install a booster in-between the other PIXIE devices and the separated areas.
3. To control pool houses, cabanas, sheds and other ‘out-buildings’ physically separated from the main home – depending on distances – its may be possible to install 2 boosters to maintain a mesh network and control these areas.
- – Install the first booster in the ‘main house’ outside under the eaves in a weather proof box and ensure it is as near as possible to a PIXIE device inside the home AND aligned with the separated area.
- – In the separated area install the 2nd booster, again in a weather proof box as close to the edge of the building and at least 1 PIXIE device in this out building – and the initial booster.
- – The idea is to have these 2 externally mounted boosters knitting the radio signal together.
- – Note if these distances between buildings is greater than 15-20 metres this is unlikely to work.
- – If it is essential to have the outbuilding controlled with the main house, AND internet connectivity can be provided in the separated building, it will be possible to control with the addition of some extra equipment, not boosters. However this can be quite a costly process, but it will 100% work.
