SPOST500SPOST180HL

Smart PostOutdoor Motion Sensor

Installation Manual

SPOST500/180SPOST180HL/180

180º coverage 360º coverage

RAB

It’s easy

to add

motion detection

to your post

lantern!

Specifications

Switching Capacity:

Relay On/Off Model: (SPOST500/180)(SPOST500)500 watts Incandescent or 250 watts Fluorescent @120 volts

Voltage:120 Volts AC

Power Consumption:One watt

UL Listing:Raintight Photoelectric SwitchTime Adjustment:5 seconds to 15 minutes

Quick Test Time:

5 second test time for fast installa-tion. Works day or night.

“No Hands” Auto Testing: Auto mode starts after 3 minutes oftesting.

Built for Severe Conditions:Double weatherproofing for long life.

Photoelectric Control:Deactivates lights during daylight.Fully adjustable for 24 hour operation or custom applications.

Vandal Resistant Lens:Hard lens resists casual vandalism.

Color Matched Lens:Dark lens with black units.

Manual Override:Double flip wall switch logic preventsactivation by short power outages.Resets to auto at dawn. No extrawiring needed.

LED Detection Indicator:Glows red day and night for “on-guard” deterrence.RF Immunity:

Circuits fully shielded for maximum

radio frequency immunity.

2

Contents

Why RAB Sensors are Best for You

Smaller is better! SmartLantern uses state-of-the-art surface mount technology (SMT), just like cellular phones and beepers. SMT gives youmore reliability, greater RF immunity, and a compact sensor that can fitneatly where others cannot.

Wider is better! The wide 180º view detects movement with only one compact sensor.

Molded is better! No leaky gaskets or bug hotels with SmartLantern.The hard lens is molded as part of the case. Itʼs vandalproof, rainproof, bugproof and absolutely sealed.

3

Sensor

180º

4

Cautions

• All wiring MUST comply with localelectrical codes and should beinstalled by a qualified electrician.

• Read entire Installation Manualbefore proceeding.

TURN OFF POWER BY REMOVINGPOWER FUSE OR TURNINGOFF CIRCUIT BREAKERBEFORE INSTALLATION.

• Total lighting load must not exceed:Relay On/Off Model: 5 amps,500 watts incandescent quartz or250 watts fluorescent at 120 volts.To switch more wattage, an electri-cian can install an additional relay.

• Line Carrier Remote ControlSystems such as X-10, Leviton orRadio Shack are incompatible withsensors and cause false activations.

• Do not install on circuits feedingmotor loads such as kitchen appli-ances, HVAC equipment, washer/dryer or garage door openers.

• Sensor must be below and as faras possible away from lights.

• Sensor functions best whenmovement is across its detectionpattern, not towards the sensor.

• Mount 5-8ʼ high for optimumrange and direction. Lower mount-ing height will reduce range(which may be desired).

• Turn controls gently. DO NOTforce past stops.

5

Assembly and Wiring

1. Choose the clapboard or straightwall mounting plate. SmartLanternmay be painted to match the wall finish, if desired. Mask the lens areacarefully with the Lens Mask providedor with masking tape before painting.

2. Measure the length of sensorextender needed to give the sensor a clear view below all parts of thelantern. Use hacksaw to cut offexcess extender length, if necessary.

Once the proper length of theextender has been determined,drill through two holes to line upwith the wall mounting plate. Notethat there are drilling guides tomake drilling easier.

3. Bring wires from sensor upthrough the wireways in the extender.Keep wires in place by press fittingthe plastic wire retainers providedonto the posts of the wireways.

4. Fasten the sensor extender to thewall mounting plate with the twoscrews provided.

5. Bring power leads, light fixture andsensor leads into box.

6. Attach ground wire(s) to outlet boxgrounding screw.

7. Strip 1/2” insulation from leads.Connect as shown in Wiring Diagram.

8. Twist on wire nuts. Secure withelectrical tape.

9. Fasten lantern and mountingplate to box using lantern mountingnipple and crossbar provided.Use silicone sealant around allopenings.

10. Screw in light bulbs. Turn onpower.

11. Conduct Walk Test to adjustsensor response.

Hacksaw

Wireways

WireRetainers

DrillingGuides

Insert screwinto wall tohold extenderstationary These 2 holes

will be drilledby the installer

MountingNipple

MountingPlate

Extender

Tilt Set Screw

6

Wiring more than one sensortogether is recommended only forthe experienced installer becauseit becomes difficult to trobleshoot.Single sensors that control theirown lights pinpoint movementmore accurately and operate better.

Sensors should not be installed ona circuit that also feeds motorloads such as HVAC equipment,kitchen appliances, or garage dooropeners. If voltage varies signifi-cantly from 120 volts, sensorsmay malfunction.

Black

Red

White

White

White

Power In

Power In

.1µF400V DCCapacitor

Black

Wiring Diagrams

Basic Wiring Diagram

To switch more than rated load(Relay model only)

Multiple Sensors:

Power Quality:

Relay rated tohandle loadrequired

7

How are the Time, Sensitivity andPhotocell adjusted?• Time Control: Sets the time thatlights will remain on after the DetectionZone is vacated from approximately5 seconds to 15 minutes. Use theadjustment tool provided to turnclockwise to increase the time.• Factory Setting: 5-8 minutes.

• Photocell Control: For night onlyoperation, use the tool provided or asmall screwdriver to turn the PhotocellControl all the way counter-clockwise(to the moon symbol). For operation inlow level lights, turn the knob all theway clockwise (to the sun symbol).Adjust counter-clockwise to have thesensor come on later at dusk, clockwise to have it come on earlier.

Factory setting: Night Only

• Sensitivity: Increases or decreasesthe responsiveness and range.

Control Panel:Turn controls gently. Do not forcepast stops.

How Does SmartLantern Work?

Sensitivity Time Control

Photocell

The SmartLantern infrared sensor“sees” small temperature changescaused by the motion of people orcars within its Detection Zone andturns on lights automatically. It welcomes visitors and may deterintruders.

How long do the lights stay on?Lights remain on as long as there ismovement within the Detection Zone.Once the zone is vacated, lights canbe adjusted to remain on approxi-mately 5 seconds up to 15 minutes.

Will the sensor detect animals?SmartLantern may detect large animals. Having animals trigger thesensor can give property a “lived-in”look.You can limit animal detectionby placing opaque weatherproof tapeon the lower part of the lens or usingthe bottom mask on the Lens MaskKit provided.

What does Manual Override do?Keep lights on by flipping the wallswitch two times within 5 seconds.Sensor resets to auto mode atdawn. No extra wiring needed.

8

Choosing A Location

Location Considerations:

• Choose a location from which thesensor can “see” all the parts ofmovement that will be illuminated byits lights.

• SmartLantern may be painted toblend with existing house color.Carefully apply masking tape to thesensor lens or use the Lens Mask Kitprovided before painting!

• Sensor functions best when thedirection of expected movement isacross its detection pattern, nottowards the sensor.

• If wall mounting, locate 5ʼ-8ʼ high foroptimum range. Lower mountingheight will reduce range.

• The sensor has a “Double LookDown” Lens with one “Look Out”zone and two “Look Down” zones forexcellent detection at both long andclose range.

Top View

Look Down 30ʼZones

30ʼ

8ʼ Side View

60ʼ

Detection Pattern:

• Detection extends out a maximumof 30 feet and is 180º wide.

• To reduce the Detection Patternlength, adjust the tilt set screw under-neath the sensor using the hexwrench provided.

• To reduce Detection Patternwidth, mask the sides of lens withopaque weatherproof tape or lensmask kit.

• If sensor is mounted by a doorwayat the top of stairs, be aware thatthe elevated mounting height mayextend the sensorʼs range.

Tilt Set Screw

Mounting Plates:

To order mounting plates without armextender and sensor:

Catalog # DescriptionDUM1 Straight wall mounting plateDUM2 Clapboard cut mounting plate

If clapboard or straight mounting platesare used without arm extender and sensor, use the white plastic mountingplate cover to close up the opening onthe bottom of the mounting plate.

Technical Tips:Range appears limited

1. Check that the sensor is level fromside to side and pointed at the areayou desire. If unit is tilted, part of theDetection Zone may be high in theair over peoples heads.

Solution: Position sensor exactlylevel from side to side.

2. Check that the sensor is notmounted too high. If mounted above20 feet, much of the usable rangewill be lost.

Solution: Mounting at 4ʼ to 8ʼ allowsmaximum range.

3. If sensor is painted, make surethere is no paint on the lens and thatthe lens paint mask is removed.

4. Check that movement is not direct-ly towards sensor. Sensor will seemovement across its pattern morequickly.To fix, move the sensor.

5. Check that movement far awayand directly towards sensor is notentirely within one Detection Patternfinger.

Problem: Sensor will not detect untilmovement crosses from one fingerinto a second finger.

Solution: “Micro Adjust” sensor by tilt-ing mounting plate 1/16”.This smalladjustment may move the zones toallow earlier detection.

11

Lights Turn OffToo Quickly

1. Check if sensor is being “tricked”by reflected light. If lights shine orreflect into the photocell, (locatedbehind the lens), the unit will go onbriefly and turn off thinking it is daytime.

Problems:Lights reflect into photocell or lightsshine directly into photocell.

Because the SmartLantern can fit awide variety of lanterns, it is possiblesome lanternʼs shiny metal or glasssurfaces will allow reflections to beseen by the sensor.

Solution: Adjust Photocell Controlslightly clockwise, toward the sunsymbol. This allows the sensor tofunction in brighter ambient lightconditions. Alternatively, move thelights or mask the lens in the direc-tion of the lights or reflections. If theproblem persists, it may be necessaryto increase the length of the sun shieldover the sensor using weatherprooftape or some other material.

Technical Tips:Lights Do Not Turn On

1. Check that lightbulbs and fixtureswork. Compare wiring to the WiringDiagram in this manual. Check thatthe power is on.

2. If installing during daylight, remem-ber that the sensor will provide a 3minute Test Period after power isturned on. After 3 minutes, the sensorwill switch to Automatic Mode and willnot work during daylight if thePhotocell Control is turned to or nearthe night only position (fully counterclockwise to the moon symbol).

If you require another 3 minute TestPeriod, turn the power off for at least10 seconds and back on again.

If you require the sensor to operateboth in low level light and at night,turn the Photocell Control knob fullyclockwise to the sun symbol.

3. Check that lights from othersources, such as adjacent porchlights, garden lights, streetlights orlights from inside the house are not inthe sensor s̓ view. See #1 under“Lights Turn Off Too Quickly”.

4. Was sensor wired hot? If so, circuitry may have been damaged.

5. If sensor is painted, make surethere is no paint on the lens and thatthe lens paint mask is removed.

12

Technical Tips:Range appears limited

1. Check that the sensor is level fromside to side and pointed at the areayou desire. If unit is tilted, part of theDetection Zone may be high in theair over peoples heads.

Solution: Position sensor exactlylevel from side to side.

2. Check that the sensor is notmounted too high. If mounted above20 feet, much of the usable rangewill be lost.

Solution: Mounting at 4ʼ to 8ʼ allowsmaximum range.

3. If sensor is painted, make surethere is no paint on the lens and thatthe lens paint mask is removed.

4. Check that movement is not direct-ly towards sensor. Sensor will seemovement across its pattern morequickly.To fix, move the sensor.

5. Check that movement far awayand directly towards sensor is notentirely within one Detection Patternfinger.

Problem: Sensor will not detect untilmovement crosses from one fingerinto a second finger.

Solution: “Micro Adjust” sensor by tilt-ing mounting plate 1/16”.This smalladjustment may move the zones toallow earlier detection.

11

Lights Turn OffToo Quickly

1. Check if sensor is being “tricked”by reflected light. If lights shine orreflect into the photocell, (locatedbehind the lens), the unit will go onbriefly and turn off thinking it is daytime.

Problems:Lights reflect into photocell or lightsshine directly into photocell.

Because the SmartLantern can fit awide variety of lanterns, it is possiblesome lanternʼs shiny metal or glasssurfaces will allow reflections to beseen by the sensor.

Solution: Adjust Photocell Controlslightly clockwise, toward the sunsymbol. This allows the sensor tofunction in brighter ambient lightconditions. Alternatively, move thelights or mask the lens in the direc-tion of the lights or reflections. If theproblem persists, it may be necessaryto increase the length of the sun shieldover the sensor using weatherprooftape or some other material.

Technical Tips:Lights Do Not Turn On

1. Check that lightbulbs and fixtureswork. Compare wiring to the WiringDiagram in this manual. Check thatthe power is on.

2. If installing during daylight, remem-ber that the sensor will provide a 3minute Test Period after power isturned on. After 3 minutes, the sensorwill switch to Automatic Mode and willnot work during daylight if thePhotocell Control is turned to or nearthe night only position (fully counterclockwise to the moon symbol).

If you require another 3 minute TestPeriod, turn the power off for at least10 seconds and back on again.

If you require the sensor to operateboth in low level light and at night,turn the Photocell Control knob fullyclockwise to the sun symbol.

3. Check that lights from othersources, such as adjacent porchlights, garden lights, streetlights orlights from inside the house are not inthe sensor s̓ view. See #1 under“Lights Turn Off Too Quickly”.

4. Was sensor wired hot? If so, circuitry may have been damaged.

5. If sensor is painted, make surethere is no paint on the lens and thatthe lens paint mask is removed.

12

13

Technical Tips:Lights Turn On and Off Incorrectly

6. Heavy rain, snow or high windsmay activate the sensor occassionally.

Solution: Reduce sensitivity controlsettings, mount in a more protectedarea and/or mask the lens if this is aconstant problem.

7. Make sure sensor is not aimedwithin 30ʼ of a road or sidewalk.Passing cars will activate sensor.

Solution: Mask the top of the lens toreduce Detection Pattern Length.

8. Self ballasted PL lamps maycause cycling (on-off).

9. Check solutions 1,2,3,5 & 6 under“Lights Do Not Turn Off” (Page 10).

1. Make sure the sensor is installedon its own dedicated circuit free ofmotor loads such as HVACequipment, kitchen appliances orgarage door openers.

2. It is not recommended to wiresensors in parallel. More than onesensor wired together makes themdifficult to troubleshoot. Disconnectmultiple sensors and test separately.

3. Keep all people completely out ofthe detection pattern to make surethe sensor is not detecting them.

4. Make sure sensor is locatedbelow and as far as possible from itslights. Heat from the lights may trig-ger the sensor.Solution: Move sensor below andaway from the lights.

5. Make sure lights are not visiblefrom or reflecting back into sensor.Check for white or reflective surfacesclose to the sensor.

Solution: Aim sensor away fromlights and reflective objects or maskthe lens in the direction of the lightor reflection.

14

Technical Tips:Lights Turn On For Unknown Reasons

1. Lights may turn on occassionallyduring rain, snow and windstormsbecause the sensor is detectingchanges in temperature.

2.You may not be aware that animalshave triggered sensor. Check sensoraiming to reduce nuisance triggeringor mask the lower part of the lenswith opaque weatherproof tape.

3. The sensor may turn on occassionally during voltage surges.

4. A possible source of “mysterious”sensor activations are strong localradio signals. Check for nearby CB,Ham, VHF radio transmitters orCellular telephones. The sensor maybe activated, but will not be perma-nently impaired by these signals.

5. See pages 12 and 13 for additional sensor troubleshooting.

15

Limited Warranty

Your SmartLantern will be promptlyreplaced or repaired, at our option, ifit proves to be defective in workman-ship or materials within 5 years ofmanufacture.

For repair or replacement, please callthe Tech Help Line at 888 RAB-1000for instructions.

If the sensor is out of warranty ordamage is unrelated to its originalmanufacture, return your unit freightprepaid to the address below. Pleaseinclude a description of the problemand a check for $20.00 (made out toRAB Electric). We will repair orreplace your unit promptly.

Under no circumstances shall RABElectric be liable for any incidental orconsequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use orperformance of this product or otherindirect damages with respect to lossof property or revenue or cost ofinstallation, removal or re-installation.This warranty gives you specific legalrights and you may also have otherrights which vary from state to state.SmartLantern is designed to detect people or cars in the detection area.It should not be construed as a theftor crime prevention device. RABdoes not accept responsibility for anydamages resulting from intrusion orother crimes.

Toll FreeTechnical Assistance

If you need technical assistance,please do the following:

1. Re-read the Technical Tips sectionsof this manual.

2. Call the Tech Help Lineat 888 RAB-1000, 8AM to 4PMEastern Time M-F and we will be gladto help you. Before you call, pleasehave the following information handy:

a) Catalog number of your unit;b) Wattage, types and locations oflights connected to the sensor;c) The electrical circuit on which thesensor is installed.What else does itfeed? How is the sensor powerswitched?d) Serial Number (4 digits) on theback of the sensor.e) This installation Manual

Note: RAB Electric cannot give electrical wiring instructions byphone. Please consult a qualifiedelectrician.

RAB ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, INC.170 Ludlow Avenue, Northvale, NJ 07647 USAOver 25 warehouses nationwide.

Tech Help Line Fax Back Website e-mail888 RAB-1000 888 RAB-1236 www.rabweb.com sales@rabweb.com©RAB Electric, 9/01