Network Verification Before Installation; Signal Strength - Russound Collage Installation Manual

Network verification and location validation
As with any retrofit prequalification or initial survey of an installation
site, Collage's electrical-based Gridcast network strength must be tested
before installation to verify that the keypads and media manager have
strong communication between them.
In a Collage system, there are two types of communication: from
keypad to keypad (intercom calls, viewing sources active in other
rooms), and from keypad to media manager (streaming music). The
verification procedure measures the signal strength between all of these
components and assigns each a numeric value.
Note: It is assumed that a licensed electrician will be performing all
high voltage activities. The following procedures are reminders and not
actual procedures for circuit verification. Always follow all local codes
and safe electrical procedures.
Pick the proper pigtail
Select the desired location where the keypad is to be installed, and
determine the access point for testing: receptacle or light switch.
Use a three-prong plug when utilizing a receptacle as a power feed
(intended circuit). If half of the duplex receptacle is switched via a light
switch, use the constant on side of the duplex receptacle.
If tapping off an electrical light switch, remove the light switch and
test off of the feed supplying the light switch (pigtails). Hot, neutral and
ground must be present in the box. No switched hot legs can feed the
Collage keypad.
Power up units
1. Power on each keypad with appropriate pigtail at its intended
location.
2. Power on the CMM1 near the intended computer network access
location. This can be near the computer equipment or near a remote
Russound Collage System Installation Manual
network access port such as a RJ45 wall plate. It is not necessary to
connect to the network for this procedure.
ADVISORY: Pay special attention to external power supplies commonly
found with computer and network equipment. These may induce
enough noise to greatly affect the Gridcast test results. Use of a noise
filter or filtered surge strip may be necessary to isolate that noise-
producing device.
Checking signal strength
3. On a keypad's Home screen, scroll to and select Options and
Settings. Under Status, select Gridcast.
4. On the Gridcast signal strength screen (Diagnostics), all device
names appear, with the keypad's own name at the top of the list.
This is a report from the entire network.
5. Each device shows a network strength number that must be
greater to qualify as a Collage keypad installation site. If the number
for a device is 6, efforts should be made to maximize that number. If
the number is less than 6, that device must be moved to an alternate
location and checked again.
GRIdCAST VERIFICATION
Gridcast network as seen
from the Kitchen keypad.
Each device is reporting on
its "view" of the network.
All numbers are within
acceptable range and do not
require further investigation.
6 or
11