First install of a production Collage multiroom system

Before a Collage system is installed, test pigtails are connected to system keypads. These allow the keypads to be "plugged in" to electrical fixtures in the home in order to test the strength of the Powerline Carrier network in each room the Collage system is to be installed in.



Here a Collage system keypad is shown, having been "bound" to the system's Media Manager. This procedure establishes the network connection and allows the installer to name the keypad or zone.



In rooms where power will be tapped from an electrical outlet, the test pigtail is simply plugged into the outlet.



To test the signal strength at a light switch, a pigtail with flying leads and jumper clips is added to connect the system keypad to the terminals of the switch.



With the Powerline Carrier signal strength tested and approved, the installation can begin. An outlet is sourced in the dining room, and using the supplied template, a location for the keypad is laid-out in the stud bay above.



With the hole for the keypad cut, a second hole is located nearby for the installation of an Acclaim 7 Series Fixed Tilt Single Point Stereo speaker. Speaker cable is run between the two cut outs.



A length of Romex cable is run from the outlet up to the keypad location, and connected to the keypad's power supply. Once connected, the power supply is dropped into the keypad back box.



Speaker connections, a network connection, and a power connection are made, and the keypad is installed into the back box.



This zone is completed with the installation of the speaker and electrical components returned to their fixtures.



Other zones are installed similarly, making use of outlets and light switches to tap the Powerline Carrier network.





We're anxiously waiting for feedback from the homeowner, as this family was the non-R&D system installed.