Simply Automated UCS-01 — UPB Controller, Scheduler-Timer User Guide

User guide for the Simply Automated UCS-01 UPB Controller, Scheduler-Timer — a plug-in scheduling device that controls UPB (Universal Powerline Bus) devices and Links by time, sunrise/sunset, or vacation-mode randomness, without requiring a PC.

Overview

• Model: UCS-01 — Controller, Scheduler-Timer
• Provides control of UPB devices or UPB Links according to user-defined events/schedules
• Plugs into a standard 120VAC receptacle (included L-shaped connector or 6-foot power cord)
• Supports up to 99 configurable events
• Location set by zip code or latitude/longitude, enabling sunrise (dawn) / sunset (dusk) relative scheduling
• Can double as a Computer Interface Module (CIM) for connecting a PC running UPStart to a UPB network
• Battery-backed memory retains time and events for up to one week when unplugged (after a full 24-hour charge)

Controls & Display

• 2-line x 16-character LCD display with diagnostic LED, 7 buttons, polarized power connector, and DB-9 serial port
• MENU: access main menu / return to previous menu without saving
• ENTER: select/save a setting, execute commands
• UP/DOWN: navigate menus, toggle characters
• RIGHT/LEFT: move cursor across the display
• FUNCTION: toggles LCD backlight
• Diagnostic LED: glows amber when powered; flashes red on incoming UPB messages, green when transmitting (in CIM mode)
• DB9 port: RS-232 serial connection for CIM mode or firmware upgrades

Installation

• Indoor use only. Plug the power cord or L-shaped connector into the top of the UCS and the other end into a 120V outlet.
• The L-shaped connector is designed to let the unit hang from a mid-wall receptacle (common in kitchens/garages); the 6-ft cord suits hand-held programming or tabletop mounting.
• On power-up, the unit runs a startup routine, then shows the Idle Screen (time, Schedule Mode, date, day of week). The diagnostic LED should glow amber when ready.

Initial Configuration Steps

From the Idle Screen, press MENU to access: 1) Set Event, 2) Set Time, 3) Set Location, 4) Delete Events, 5) Set Randomness, 6) Set Network, 7) Set Contrast, 8) CIM Mode, 9) Clock Source.

1. Set Time: Move the cursor with Right/Left, adjust digits with Up/Down. Set hours/minutes, then use Right to select Schedule Mode ([OFF]/[RUN]/[VAC]), then adjust month/day/year and day of week. Press ENTER to save (MENU exits without saving).
2. Set Location: Select Zip Code and enter it with Up/Down/Right/Left, press ENTER. The screen then shows Longitude & Latitude for optional fine-tuning. The UCS calculates and displays Dawn (sunrise) and Dusk (sunset) automatically.
3. Set Network: Enter the UPB Network ID (found via UPStart software → Network → Network Properties, or the Pocket Programmer model UPP-20, if unknown).
4. Set Events: Each event requires a Device ID (for a UPB device) or Link ID (for a UPB Link). Keep a written list of Device/Link IDs before programming. Choose an Event ID (01–99), then the Device/Link ID, then days of week (capital letter = ON that day, lowercase = OFF), then Event Mode (see table below), then On/Off times or dim level, then press ENTER to save and test.

Schedule Mode vs. Event Mode

Setting On/Off Times & Event Type

• Scroll through hours:minutes, AM/PM, and dawn/dusk deviations using Up/Down.
• Examples: 07:00P 11:00P (on at 7PM, off at 11PM); Dusk+15 Dawn-30 (on 15 min after dusk, off 30 min before dawn); ------ 11:00P (off-only event at 11PM, useful for "all off" commands).
• Event Type: dim levels D0 (100%) through D9 (90%)... D1 (10%), or LA (Link Activator, where receiving devices control their own dim level/rate).
• Press ENTER to save; press ENTER again to test the On function, and again to test the Off function (event must be displayed on screen and have a valid stored Device ID).

Vacation Randomness

Vacation events randomize ON/OFF times by ±1 to 60 minutes (as configured) to give the home a "lived-in" look while the Schedule Mode is set to [VAC]. Example: with Vacation random set to 10 minutes, all Event Mode 'V' events fire within ±10 minutes of their scheduled time. A new random offset is generated daily, shared between that day's ON and OFF times.

CIM Mode

Selecting CIM Mode from the menu and pressing ENTER lets a PC running UPStart access the UPB network through the UCS's RS-232 port. Scheduled events do not run while in CIM mode, and pressing any button exits CIM mode (no timeout). Default is Message Mode; UPStart switches the UCS to Pulse Mode when connecting a UPB Device Interface — exit and re-enter CIM mode to return to Message Mode.

Clock Source

The Scheduler-Timer can synchronize to the 60Hz power line for maximum accuracy (select Y), or run on its internal clock (select N), which has a maximum error of ±1.7 seconds/day.

Other Menu Functions

• Delete Events: enter a range (e.g. 5 to 10) and press ENTER to delete that range; use the same start/end number to delete a single event.
• Set Contrast: hold Up/Down to adjust LCD viewing angle, press ENTER to save.

Important Safety Instructions

• Read and follow all safety instructions.
• Keep away from water; unplug immediately if the product contacts water or other liquid.
• Never use a product that has been dropped or damaged.
• For indoor use only; use only for its intended purpose.
• Install out of reach of small children to avoid fire, burn, injury, or shock risk.
• Do not cover the product with cloth, paper, or other material while in use.
• Uses polarized plugs/sockets as a shock-reduction feature — do not force, alter, or use with an extension cord unless the plug can be fully inserted.
• Save these instructions.