Niles Audio RVL-6 - Manual (Page 44)

33) Test for Optical Interference
Reconnect the problematic sensor/keypad to the RVL-6. Cover up the Sensor with a piece of cardboard (your
hand will actually create electro-magnetic interference under some conditions). Observe the IR CONFIRM LED.
• IR CONFIRM LED on or flickering: Go to 35
• IR CONFIRM LED off: Go to 34
34) Optical Interference
Identify the source of the interference. The most common sources of optical interference are listed in the order
of their probability:
• Sunlight. Reflections from windows, mirrors, swimming pools, shiny floors or objects.
• Fluorescent light fixtures.
• Neon signs.
• A malfunctioning IR Remote Control.
• A malfunctioning Infrared Motion Detector on your Security system.
Either re-orient the sensor or move the source of interference. Niles infrared sensors have built-in filters to atten-
uate the effect of visible light. If you add additional filtration you will reduce the effectiveness of the system with
remote controls as well as the interference.
If you are using the MS-1or the MS-2 miniature sensors consider exchanging them for a Niles IRR4D+, IRR4S+,
TIR1+ or the CMS-3 ceiling sensor. These four sensors have AGC circuits which serve as automatic filters.
If you choose to attempt to filter an MS-1or MS-2, try a temporary material (e.g. a single thickness of facial tis-
sue) and test whether filtration will solve the interference and still give acceptable range.
35) Electro-magnetic Interference (EMI)
Identify the source of the interference. The most common sources of electro-magnetic interference are listed in
the order of their probability:
A) Televisions (particularly large direct view sets).
B) Wall-mounted light dimmers or variable speed controls for ceiling fans. These controls emit more interference
when turned down halfway. They emit little or no interference when turned up all the way (brightest position).
C) Fluorescent lights (the electronic ballast sometimes emits EMI)
D) Large appliances (air-conditioners, pumps, motors, compressors etc.)
E) AC line noise (noise brought into the system via the wall outlet connected to the RVL-6) Identify the EMI source
by turning potential sources on and off (or fully up and fully down) and watching for any change in the IR
CONFIRM LED on your RVL-6. Once you have identified the source of interference:
• Move the sensor or the sensor cable away from the EMI source or move the source of the EMI away
from the sensor or the cable.
• Shield the sensor with a metal J-Box.
• Connect the Sensor’s GND terminal to true earth ground (if this isn’t feasible use the RVL-6 GND
terminal).
• Place a EMI filter along the cable creating the interference. EMI filters (or ferrite rings) can be pur-
chased from an electronic supply store.
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