HAI UPB Split-Phase Repeater (39A00-2) — Installation Manual

Installation and operating instructions for the HAI UPB™ Split-Phase Repeater (Model 39A00-2, "SPR"), a small electronic device that enhances communication reliability between UPB™ powerline devices in a residential 120/240VAC split-phase electrical environment.

Overview

The Split-Phase Repeater increases powerline communication reliability by taking UPB messages transmitted on one phase (leg) of the electrical system and strongly repeating them onto the other phase (leg). This helps HLC devices and most other UPB devices — which are pre-configured at the factory to use multi-packet messaging — communicate reliably across a home's full electrical panel.

Safety Warnings

• Intended for installation in accordance with the National Electrical Code and all local codes/regulations.
• Installation must only be performed by a qualified electrician.
• Indoor use only. Connect only copper or copper clad wire.
• Disconnect all power at the main breaker panel before installing.
• Must be installed in a suitable junction box or equivalent enclosure.

Installation Steps

1. Turn off power at the main breaker panel.
2. Install the SPR into a suitable junction box or equivalent enclosure, using the wiring nipple to insert into any ½" knock-out if necessary.
3. Connect the black wire to Phase A, and the red wire to Phase B, using wire nuts. Connect the white wire to neutral. Check for no bare wires and cover wire nuts with insulating tape if needed.
4. Check all wiring and connections, then turn on the main breaker.
5. The LED will light up if all connections are proper.

Operation

The SPR automatically repeats all multi-packet messaging transmissions it hears, enhancing UPB communication reliability across the network. All HLC devices (and most other UPB devices) are pre-configured at the factory to use multi-packet messaging.

Status LED Indications

• Blue — idle, nothing happening on the powerline
• Red — SPR is transmitting on the powerline
• Purple — SPR is receiving on the powerline

Configuration (via UPB™ UPStart Software)

Although the SPR operates without configuration, HAI recommends adding it to the UPB network with a Unit ID so UPStart can adjust receive sensitivity and run communication tests.

Adding the SPR to the UPStart Network

1. In UPStart, select Device → Add Device.
2. Place the SPR into Setup Mode by pressing the Program Button 5 times (press twice to exit Setup Mode). The Status LED blinks blue while in Setup Mode.
3. Click Next. Once added, the SPR may be assigned a Room and Device Name for identification.

Performing Communication Tests

UPStart's Repeater Communication Test checks how well each device communicates with the SPR and vice versa, showing signal strength, noise level, and phase for all devices — important to verify proper system signal strength after installation or configuration changes.

Adjusting Receive Sensitivity

If powerline noise is severe, UPB communication may become unreliable. The SPR's receive sensitivity can be set to LOW or HIGH:

• Via UPStart: Set directly in software. LOW helps block noise from affecting reception.
• Via manual push-button method: Press and hold the Program Button for 5 seconds, then release — the Status LED blinks red once (LOW) or twice (HIGH) to indicate the current setting. Single-tap the Program Button to select LOW, or double-tap to select HIGH. Press and hold the Program Button for 5 seconds again to set the new sensitivity; the LED returns to blue when released.

After changing receive sensitivity, repeat the Repeater Communication Test to confirm proper signal strength and communication.

Other Important Notes

Multi-Packet Messaging

The SPR automatically repeats all multi-packet messaging transmissions it receives. All HLC devices (and most other UPB devices) are pre-configured at the factory to use 2-time multi-packet messaging. Devices configured to use uni-packet (Gen 1) transmissions will not be repeated by the SPR.

UPStart and the SPR

UPStart normally uses uni-packet transmissions, but once an SPR is added to the network it automatically switches to multi-packet transmissions, indicated by "TX=2" in the status bar (alongside which phase — Same or Opposite — the PIM is plugged into). UPStart's Network Discovery function can quickly discover which Unit IDs are in use; in very large electrical environments, UPStart must use the SPR to access this information across all phases.

Multiple Split-Phase Repeaters

If installing more than one SPR on a single electrical system, change the multi-packet messaging transmissions setting to three.