PCS PulseWorx TPR-120 — UPB Three-Phase Repeater Manual

Full Installation Guide and Owner's Manual (v2.2) for the PCS PulseWorx TPR-120 Three-Phase Repeater — an electronic device that enables UPB (Universal Powerline Bus) communication across all three phases of a 120/208VAC delta-wye three-phase powerline.

Function

The TPR-120 Three-Phase Repeater enables communication between PulseWorx and other devices using the UPB method of communication on a three-phase 120/208VAC delta-wye 60Hz powerline. Its main purpose is to transfer UPB multi-packet messages transmitted on one phase (leg) of the electrical system and strongly repeat them onto the other phases to ensure proper communication.

Why Do I Need a TPR-120?

UPB communication was designed to work on a single-phase powerline. In a three-phase environment, signals will not directly jump across all three phases of a 120/208V electrical system. The TPR-120 was invented to take any UPB multi-packet signal generated on a single phase and repeat it onto all three phases of the powerline.

Installation

Important: Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician only. The main breaker must be turned off during installation, and the repeater must be installed in a suitable junction box or equivalent enclosure. Installation must comply with all applicable codes and requirements, including the National Electrical Code (NEC). The TPR-120 works best when installed as close to the main circuit breaker panel as possible.

1. Turn off the power at the main breaker panel.
2. Install the repeater into a suitable workbox or equivalent enclosure.
3. Run wires from a three-pole circuit breaker to the workbox for Phase A, Phase B, Phase C, and Neutral.
4. Use wire nuts to connect the TPR's black wire to Phase A, red wire to Phase B, and blue wire to Phase C. Connect the TPR's white wire to Neutral. Check that no bare wires are protruding and cover wire nuts with insulating tape if necessary.
5. Check all wiring and connections, and turn on the main breaker.
6. All three status LEDs will light up if all connections are proper.

Configuration

Although the TPR-120 will operate without any configuration, PCS highly recommends using the UPStart Setup Software to add the TPR to the UPB network with a Unit ID. Once added, UPStart can adjust the TPR's receive sensitivity and perform communication tests between other devices to ensure proper system signal strength.

Adding the TPR-120 to the UPStart Network

The TPR-120 is added to a network just like most other UPB devices: select Device > Add Device, place the TPR into Setup Mode, and click Next. Tap the TPR's Program Button 5 times to enter Setup Mode, and double-tap to exit. While in Setup Mode, the Status LEDs blink blue. Once added, it may be assigned a Room and Device Name for identification.

Performing Communication Tests

It's important to test the communication of your UPB network to ensure proper signal strength. UPStart has a Repeater Communication Test that shows how well each device communicates to the TPR and vice versa, including a record of signal strength, noise level, and phase at all devices.

Adjusting the Receive Sensitivity

If powerline noise is severe, it may cause UPB communication to become unreliable. All PulseWorx devices, including the TPR, have an adjustable receive sensitivity that may be set to LOW or HIGH via UPStart. The LOW setting helps block noise from affecting reception.

The TPR also has a manual push-button method to adjust receive sensitivity: press and hold the Program Button for 5 seconds, then release. The Status LEDs blink red to indicate the current setting (once for LOW, twice for HIGH). Single-tap the Program Button to set LOW, double-tap to set HIGH, then press and hold the Program Button for 5 seconds again to apply the new setting; release and the Status LEDs turn back to blue.

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

Multi-Packets

The Three-Phase Repeater automatically repeats all multi-packet messaging transmissions it receives to enable UPB communication on the entire three-phase network. A multi-packet transmits the same information more than once back-to-back. All PulseWorx devices (and most other UPB devices) are pre-configured at the factory to use 2-time multi-packet messaging. If any devices are configured for uni-packet transmissions, the TPR will not repeat them.

UPStart and the TPR

UPStart normally uses uni-packet transmissions to communicate with UPB devices; once the TPR is added to the network, it automatically switches to multi-packet transmissions, indicated by "TX=2" in the status bar along with which phase (A, B, or C) the PIM is plugged into. UPStart's Network Discovery function can quickly discover which Unit IDs are in use — in a three-phase environment, UPStart must use the TPR to gain access to this information for all three phases.

Status LED Indications

The TPR has a blue/red status LED for each phase of the powerline. When transmitting on the powerline, the LED turns red. When receiving, the LED turns purple. When nothing is happening on the powerline, the LED stays blue.

Multiple TPR-120s

PCS does not recommend installing more than one Three-Phase Repeater on a single electrical system.

Limited Warranty

Seller warrants this product, if used in accordance with all applicable instructions, to be free from original defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of purchase. Refer to the warranty information on the PulseWorx website (www.pcslighting.com) for exact details.