Dakota Alert SBB-4000 — Solar Break Beam Transmitter User Guide

User guide for the Dakota Alert SBB-4000 Solar Break Beam Transmitter — a wireless, solar-charged photoelectric beam pair that detects when a person or vehicle crosses between them and sends an alert to any Dakota Alert 4000 series receiver.

Package Contents

• Break Beam Pair "A" and "B" (2 sensors)
• (8) M4x10 Pan Head Screws with Flat Washers and Lock Washer
• (8) M4x40 Pan Head Screws with (8) M4 Nuts
• (4) Metal Pipe Mounts
• (4) Pipe Mount Rubber Adapters
• (2) "C" Mounting Brackets
• User Guide

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 7mm wrench (or adjustable wrench).

Initial Setup

Remove the protective plastic covering the lenses and solar panels. It's recommended to charge both the "A" and "B" units via a USB Micro charger (not included) for about 4-6 hours before initial setup.

Pairing the Sensors

1. Before mounting permanently, place the sensors on a table or flat surface about 6-12 inches apart with the three IR lenses facing each other.
2. Press and release the power button on the "B" sensor. The LED will start flashing.
3. Press and release the power button on the "A" sensor — the LED will start flashing green.
4. When the LED stops flashing on the "A" sensor, pairing is complete (about 30 seconds).
5. Test the pairing by completely blocking the beams (e.g. with cardboard, or by misaligning them). The LED on the "A" sensor will flash for about two seconds.

Coding the Receiver

1. The SBB-4000 can send a signal to any Dakota Alert 4000 series receiver — refer to your receiver's manual for coding instructions.
2. To activate the SBB-4000 to send a signal for code learning, either break the beams while paired, or quickly press and release the power button on the "A" sensor.
3. If coding more than one set of beams to a receiver, repeat for each additional pair.

Setting the Reminder Signal

If the beams are continuously interrupted, the "A" sensor sends a reminder signal to the receiver. The factory default interval is every 20 seconds.

• To change the reminder to 5 minutes: press and hold the power button on the "A" sensor for 5 seconds, then release. The LED will flash red.
• To change back to 20 seconds: press and hold the power button on the "A" sensor for 5 seconds again. The LED will flash green.
• After pairing, coding, and setting the reminder time, re-insert the rubber plugs into the holes near the power button on both "A" and "B" sides to keep water out during outdoor use.

Mounting the Sensors

• Recommended mounting height is about 3 feet, to avoid false alerts from small animals crossing under the beams.
• Sensors can be mounted up to 300 feet apart, facing each other.
• Mount on a solid object such as a wall, post, or pipe.
• Mounting to a flat surface: use appropriate screws/fasteners (not included) to mount the back of the "C" bracket directly to a wall or wood post.
• Mounting to a pole or pipe: use the provided M4x40 screw and nut, pipe mount, and rubber adapter to connect the "C" bracket to the pipe.

Mounting Sensors to the "C" Bracket

1. Make sure both "A" and "B" units are powered on and the rubber plugs are inserted into the power button recess.
2. Use the provided small screws, split ring lock washers, and flat washers to mount the "A" and "B" beams to the "C" brackets.
3. Align the "A" and "B" units so the lenses point toward each other.
4. Rotate the beams inside the "C" bracket (loosen the top/bottom screws) to fine-tune alignment, then re-tighten.
5. If paired correctly, walking between the beams triggers a signal. A repeating signal every 20 seconds (or 5 minutes) indicates a reminder/misalignment — reposition until the reminder stops.

Note: When mounted, the level bubble on the bracket must be toward the top.

Recharging the Beams

The beams charge automatically outdoors via the built-in solar panels. For interior locations with no light, charge manually:

1. Remove the rubber plug from the power button.
2. Locate the USB Micro charging port.
3. Connect a USB Micro charger (not included).
4. Once charged, re-insert the rubber plug.

You can leave the charger connected indefinitely or charge periodically — a full charge typically holds for about a month, depending on activations.

Troubleshooting

Getting false signals:

• Check for tree branches or other obstructions periodically blocking the beams.
• A repeating signal every 20 seconds (or 5 minutes) indicates misalignment or a continuous obstruction.
• Extreme rain, snow, or fog can cause false signals.
• If false signals repeat every 20 seconds (5 minutes), the "B" unit battery may be dead — manually charge via USB Micro for several hours, then power back on.

Getting no signals:

• Confirm both "A" and "B" units are powered on.
• Confirm the beams are coded to your receiver.
• Confirm the beams are charged (manually charge with USB Micro if needed).
• Move the beams closer to the receiver.
• Keep the "A" sensor away from large metal objects that may interfere with the radio signal.

Specifications

*Actual range varies depending on local terrain and obstructions.

Safety Information

• Only use this product for detecting moving objects such as people or vehicles.
• Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the product.
• Do not install with other infrared detectors — this may cause false signals.
• Clean and inspect the beams regularly; contact Dakota Alert if any trouble is found.

Compatible Dakota Alert 4000 Series Products

• DCR-4000 Receiver — works with any Dakota Alert 4000 transmitter, 12 chimes/tunes, no relays.
• RE-4k+ Receiver — 2 relay outputs plus one 12VDC output, supports up to 16 transmitters, 16 chimes/tunes, selectable output duration (1, 5, 15 sec, or 5 min).
• PR-4000 Portable Receiver — compatible with all 4000 series transmitters, stores up to 200 event logs per zone, LCD display, audible/vibrate alert.
• DCMT-4000 Transmitter — motion detecting sensor, 9V battery, ~100 ft detection range.
• UT-4000 Transmitter — 3V lithium battery, push button (panic/doorbell), magnetic door/window contact, N/O or N/C input terminals.
• DCPT-4000 Transmitter — buried driveway probe with 50 ft direct burial wire, detects vehicles within ~10-12 ft.
• DCRH-4000 Transmitter — 25 ft exterior hose sensor for driveways, 9V battery, signals up to ~1 mile.

Warranty

Dakota Alert warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage from accident, abuse, act of God, or improper operation. Defective products should be returned to Dakota Alert with a note describing the issue, along with name, return address, and original sales receipt.

Tech Support

Dakota Alert, Inc. — Phone: (605) 356-2772, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM CST, Monday–Friday. Address: 32556 477th Ave., PO Box 130, Elk Point, SD 57025. Web: www.dakotaalert.com