PCS/PulseWorx UPB 8-Button Controller — User's Guide

User's Guide for the PCS/PulseWorx UPB 8-Button Controller — available in wall-mount (WMC8) and desktop (DTC8) versions. Covers pushbutton operation, linking to other UPB devices, LED behavior, and special configuration modes.

What is a UPB 8-Button Controller?

PCS 8-Button Controllers are pushbutton devices that transmit Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) commands over the 120VAC powerline to remotely control other UPB Lighting System devices (such as Wall Switch Dimmers). Because communication happens over existing electrical wiring, no new communication wires are needed to install one.

• WMC8: Wall-mounted version, wired directly to the powerline (black = line, white = neutral).
• DTC8: Desktop version, plugs into any standard 120VAC 60Hz outlet with a standard two-prong cord.

Both versions have eight momentary pushbuttons (labeled 'E' through 'L') and eight LED indicators (one behind each pushbutton). The LEDs can be set to one of four brightness levels or off, and can double as a nightlight.

Pushbutton Switch Events

Each event on each pushbutton can be individually configured (via UPStart software) to transmit a different UPB command — making the 8-Button Controller a very flexible lighting system controller.

Default Pushbutton Operation & Linking

From the factory, none of the 8-Button Controller's pushbuttons are linked to any UPB device — you must link them first. There are two ways to do this: manually, or using PCS's UPStart setup software (recommended for full feature access).

Manually Linking a Button to a Wall Switch Dimmer

1. Press the pushbutton that will control the scene — all lights in the scene go to their currently programmed levels.
2. Adjust the new light to the desired level for the scene, then press its rocker switch 5 times quickly. The load flashes and its LED blinks green quickly.
3. Press the pushbutton that controls the scene 5 times quickly. All lights in the scene — including the newly linked light — flash to confirm they've learned their new levels.

Manually Unlinking a Button from a Wall Switch Dimmer

1. Press the rocker switch of the dimmer you want removed, 5 times quickly. The load flashes and its LED blinks green quickly.
2. Press the pushbutton that controls the scene 10 times quickly. The newly removed dimmer's light flashes to confirm it's been removed from the link.

Manually Adjusting Preset Light Levels (Scenes)

Wall Switch Dimmers default to a 100% preset light level, but each pushbutton scene can be set to different levels per device (e.g. one light to 80%, another to 50%, another to 25%):

1. Press the pushbutton controlling the scene — all lights go to their programmed levels.
2. Adjust each light to the desired level for the scene.
3. Press the pushbutton controlling the scene 5 times quickly to save the new levels.

Configuring With UPStart

UPStart is PCS's Windows-based setup software, used with a Powerline Interface Module (PIM) that plugs into a wall outlet and connects to a PC via serial or USB. UPStart unlocks the full range of pushbutton and LED configuration, including:

• What each pushbutton event transmits (transmit modes)
• Links between pushbuttons and devices
• Scenes (dramatic multi-device lighting presets activated by a single press)
• Number of transmission attempts per command (default and custom)
• LED indicator tracking, group behavior, brightness, and keypad backlighting

UPStart also includes powerline noise testing, signal strength measurement, and functional device testing (via the Device Test tab) to confirm your installation is solid before you walk away from it.

LED Indicator Behavior

By factory default, LED indicators track device group status and provide keypad backlighting. Using UPStart, you can reconfigure:

• LED indicator tracking (whether LEDs reflect linked device state)
• LED group behavior
• Pushbutton indicator brightness (including lowering it for a dimmer nightlight effect)
• Keypad backlight feature (including disabling it entirely)

Special Modes of Operation

Setup Mode

Enter: Press and hold the 'E' and 'L' pushbuttons at the same time. All LED indicators begin blinking to indicate Setup Mode.

Exit: Press and hold 'E' and 'L' again — the LEDs stop blinking to confirm you're out. Setup Mode also automatically times out after approximately 5 minutes.

Factory Default Mode

Factory Default Mode resets all configuration registers to original factory values, while the controller continues to operate normally during the reset.

1. Enter Setup Mode first (press and hold 'E' and 'L').
2. Press and hold 'F' and 'K' together — the 'E' and 'L' indicators light up and all other blinking stops, confirming Factory Default Mode.

Exit: Same as exiting Setup Mode — press and hold 'E' and 'L'.

Note: Factory Default Mode can only be entered from Setup Mode.

Getting Help

PCS/PulseWorx maintains a support website (www.PulseWorx.com) with the UPStart User's Guide, installation manuals, and technical support resources. For exact wiring instructions, refer to the separate 8-Button Controller Installation Manual.

Manufacturer

Powerline Control Systems (PCS) — 19201 Parthenia Street, Suite J, Northridge, CA. Web: www.pcslighting.com.