Conrad FS20 S8-2 Operating Instructions Manual

Version 12/06

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS



4-/8-Channel hand-held
transmitter „FS20 S8-2“

Item no. 61 72 30

2

Introduction

Dear customer,
Thank you for purchasing this product.

This product meets the requirements of both current European and national guidelines.

In order to preserve this condition and ensure the safe operation of the product we kindly ask
you to carefully follow these operating instructions!

Please read the operating instructions completely and observe the safety and operation notes
before using the product!

All company names and product names contained herein are trademarks of the
respective owners. All rights reserved.

Should you have any further questions, please contact our technical advisory service:
Germany: Tel. no.: +49 9604 / 40 88 80

Fax. no.: +49 9604 / 40 88 48
e-mail: [e-mail]
Mon. to Thur. 8.00am to 4.30pm
Fri. 8.00am to 2.00pm



3

Table of contents

Page

1. Prescribed use ............................................................................................................... 4

2. Scope of delivery ........................................................................................................... 4

3. Technical specifications and features .......................................................................... 4

4. Explanation of icons ...................................................................................................... 5

5. Safety instructions ......................................................................................................... 5

6. Notes on batteries/rechargeable batteries ................................................................... 6

7. Inserting/replacing batteries .......................................................................................... 7

8. Control panel ................................................................................................................. 8

9. Operation ....................................................................................................................... 9

a) Basic functions ........................................................................................................ 9

b) Using several transmitters ..................................................................................... 9

c) Timer functions ..................................................................................................... 10

d) Double number of channels ................................................................................. 10

Switching between a single and double number of channels ............................ 10

Operation for a double number of channels ........................................................11

Programming the timer for a double number of channels .................................. 11

10. FS20 address system basics ......................................................................................12

11. Integrating the ‘FS20 S8-2’ hand-held transmitter into the address system ............14

a) Setting the house code ........................................................................................ 14

b) Setting the addresses........................................................................................... 14

1. Setting a single address (address group/subaddress) ................................15

2. Assigning function groups and master addresses ....................................... 15

3. Addressing for a double number of channels .............................................. 16

c) Resetting to the delivery state ............................................................................. 16

d) Example of an address assignment ....................................................................17

12. Handling .......................................................................................................................19

13. Maintenance and cleaning .......................................................................................... 19

14. Disposal ....................................................................................................................... 20

a) General information .............................................................................................. 20

b) Batteries and rechargeable batteries .................................................................. 20

15. Tips and notes ............................................................................................................. 21

16. Declaration of conformity (DOC) ................................................................................. 21

4

1. Prescribed use

The sole purpose of the ‘FS20 S8-2’ 4/8-channel hand-held transmitter is to remotely control
the various components of the FS20 wireless control system.

Make sure that the product does not get damp or wet. No part of the product may be modified
or adapted.

Any use other than the one described above may damage the product and can also increase
the risk of short-circuit, fire, electric shock etc.

All company and product names contained herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
All rights reserved.

2. Scope of delivery

• ‘FS20 S8-2’ 4/8-channel hand-held transmitter

• User manual

3. Technical specifications and features

• Devices are remotely controllable on 4 channels (two buttons per channel) or 8 channels

(one button per channel)

• Very secure data transfer as a result of extensive coding and address assignment options.

These also allow several neighbouring systems to be operated without interfering with each
other

• All settings remain even when the batteries are changed or a power outage occurs

• Power supply: 2 AG13 (=LR44) button cells

• Transmission frequency: 868.35MHz

• Modulation: AM

• Range: up to 100m (in free-field)

• Dimensions: 44mm x 15mm x 106mm (W x H x D)

5

4. Explanation of icons

This icon with an exclamation mark in a triangle points to particular dangers
associated with the handling, function or operation of the product.



The ‘hand’ icon indicates special tips and operational notes.

5. Safety instructions

The product’s guarantee becomes invalid, if the product is damaged as
a result of failure to observe these operating instructions! We do not
assume any liability for any resulting damages!

Nor do we assume liability for damage to property or personal injury
caused by improper use or failure to observe the safety instructions. In
such cases the product’s guarantee becomes invalid.

This product is not a toy and should be kept out of the reach of children. Children could open
the battery compartment and swallow the button cells, which could be life-threatening! If this
happens, seek immediate medical care!

The product is only suitable for use in dry indoor areas. Make sure it does not get damp or wet.
Do not use this product in hospitals or medical institutions. Although the product emits only

relatively weak radio signals, these may cause life-support systems to malfunction.
This may also be the case in other areas.
As switching operations provide no return information, there is no guarantee that all the

switched consumer loads really are ‘off’ or ‘on’.
When switching consumer loads, whose ‘on’ or ‘off’ status could cause damage, you may need

to directly check that their switch state is correct. Do not rely on switching commands that are
transferred by a transmission path!

6

6. Notes on batteries/rechargeable batteries

• Keep batteries/rechargeable batteries out of the reach of children.

• Do not leave batteries/rechargeable batteries lying around as they could be swallowed by

children or pets. In such a case, seek immediate medical care!

• Batteries/rechargeable batteries must never be short-circuited, taken apart or thrown into

a fire. They might explode!

• Leaking or damaged batteries/rechargeable batteries may cause acid burns, if they come

into contact with skin. Therefore, please make sure you use suitable protective gloves.

• Conventional batteries must not be recharged. There is the risk of fire and explosion!

• Make sure that the polarity (plus/+ and minus/-) is correct when inserting the batteries.

• If the device is not used for a longer period of time (for example, when stored), remove the

inserted batteries to prevent the batteries from leaking and causing damage.

• Always replace the whole set of batteries. Do not mix full batteries with half-full ones.

Always use batteries of the same type and manufacturer.

7

7. Inserting/replacing batteries

• Carefully remove the film cover on the lower side of the hand-held transmitter and the button

layout’s paper strip. The film cover is only clipped onto the side.

• Now open the battery compartment by pressing the upper part of the battery compartment

lid (the straight end with the narrow opening) about half a millimetre towards the centre of
the lid (a small hook holds the lid of the battery compartment in its case), and then remove
the lid.

• Now insert two LR44 batteries, observing the correct polarity (the plus pole has to point

outwards towards you).

• Close the battery compartment again.

• If the LED on the front side of the hand-held transmitter does not light up when you press

the buttons or you find that the range of the hand-held transmitter decreases, then you need
to replace the old batteries with new ones. Make sure you always replace the whole set of
batteries.

8

8. Control panel

A Control indicator/LED
B 4-channel mode, channels ‘1’ to ‘4’

Channel 1 (buttons ‘

1’ and ‘2’)

Channel 2 (buttons ‘

3’ and ‘4’)

Channel 3 (buttons ‘

5’ and ‘6’)

Channel 4 (buttons ‘

7’ and ‘8’)

Left button: ‘OFF’, dim down
Right button: ‘ON’, dim up

C 8-channel mode, buttons ‘

1’ to ‘8’ correspond to channels ‘1’ to ‘8’



The battery compartment is located on the lower side of the hand-held
transmitter, concealed by the film cover or the paper strip.

Figure 1: Hand-held transmitter

1

2
3

4

1

2

3

4

5

6
8

7

A

B

C

C

9

9. Operation



Please note:

In the delivery state the components of the FS20 wireless control system (for
example, a wireless switch socket) do

not respond to remote control com­mands from the hand-held transmitter. They must first be addressed according
to the instructions provided in the respective device’s user manual.

Only afterwards can the functions be controlled.

a) Basic functions

Buttons are pressed quickly (switch) or for longer than 0.4 seconds (dim), as required.



The ON command (or dim up) is globally allocated to the respective right
button of a channel (1, 2, 3, and 4), while the OFF command (or dim down) is

allocated to the associated left button.

The control indicator/LED briefly lights up to signal that a command has been transmitted.
You will find a marker field on the reverse side of the hand-held transmitter where you can

record your own button layout. Remove the film cover, enter your button layout and replace the
film cover.

Now you can program and operate the basic functions of the FS20 components.



Please also read the following sections, if you require an extended system with
several components or you wish to use the additional functions.

b) Using several transmitters

In the delivery state each transmitter in the FS20 wireless control system has its own, randomly
set house code.



If you want to jointly control one or several receivers via different transmitters,
you first need to coordinate the transmitters’ house codes. The same house
code must be set for each transmitter.

10

Make sure you coordinate or set this shared house code for all the
transmitters before programming the receivers for the first time, as the
associated house code is also sent to the receiver during this procedure.

The transmitters’ channels are already set to the same addresses and only need to be changed
if required, for example, if you are using an extensive FS20 wireless control system with
numerous receivers/transmitters.



See the relevant example in section 11. d).

c) Timer functions

In order to program a receiver’s timer function you must simultaneously press the button
combination (for example, buttons ‘1’ and ‘2’ for channel 1) that have been assigned to the
receiver for one to five seconds (1 sec to 5 sec) on the hand-held transmitter.

This command is used to start as well as to stop the programming of the timer.



For information on how to program the timer, see the instructions in the
receiver’s user manual.

d) Double number of channels

The hand-held transmitter can be used as a 4-channel hand-held transmitter (default setting;
two buttons are assigned to each channel, for example, buttons ‘1’ and ‘2’ are assigned for
channel 1) as well as an 8-channel hand-held transmitter (each channel now only has a single
button assigned to it and no button combination, for example, button ‘1’, for channel 1, button
‘2’ for channel 2 etc.).

• Switching between a single and double number of channels

You set a

double number of channels (8 individual switching channels) by simultaneously
pressing the ‘2’ and ‘3’ buttons (see chapter “8. Control panel”) for at least five seconds.
The control indicator/LED lights up briefly to confirm the setting.

You set a

single number of channels (4 switching channels, each with two buttons) by
simultaneously pressing the ‘1’ and ‘4’ buttons for at least five seconds. The control
indicator/LED lights up briefly to confirm the setting.



Please note:

Different operating and programming instructions apply when a double number
of channels has been set!

11

• Operation for a double number of channels

A different channel is assigned to each button. The control indicator briefly lights up to
signal that a command has been transmitted.

Switching

Pressing a button quickly (for less than 0.4 seconds) sends a switching command.
Whenever a button is pressed the addressed receiver changes its switch state from ‘OFF’

to ‘ON’ or from ‘ON’ to ‘OFF’.

Dimming

Pressing a button for longer than 0.4 seconds sends a dimming up or a dimming down
command until the button is released (lamp is dimmed up to its maximum and then dimmed
down to its minimum etc.).

Here too, the dimming state (up or down) changes whenever a button is pressed. If, for
example, the last command caused a lamp to dim up, then pressing the button again would
result in the lamp dimming down.

• Programming the timer for a double number of channels

In order to program a receiver’s timer function, proceed as follows:
Press the button that is assigned to the receiver (keep the button pressed!). Press the

button next to it for one to five seconds (1 sec to 5 sec) and then release it. Only afterwards
should you release the button that you pressed first.



This procedure is used to start as well as to stop the programming of the timer.
For information on how to program the timer, see the instructions in the
receiver’s user manual.

12

10. FS20 address system basics

The FS20 wireless control system operates with a ‘house code’. This means that your
neighbour can also use the same wireless control system and the two systems will not interfere
with each other (provided that the house code has been programmed differently).

256 different addresses can be set within a house code. These addresses are divided into four
address types (available number is in brackets):

• Single addresses (225)

• Function group addresses (15)

• Local master addresses (15)

• Global master address (1)
One address from each address type can be assigned to each receiver. This means that each

receiver can respond to up to four different addresses, but only ever to one address per
address type. If you need a receiver to respond to more than one transmitter, you can program
the transmitters to the same address or, if different transmitter address types have been set,
you can program the receiver consecutively to these different addresses.

The individual address types have the following function:

• Single addresses

Each receiver should be set to a single address so that it can be controlled separately.

• Function group addresses

Several receivers are defined as a functional unit by being assigned to a function group
address. If, for example, all the lamps in a house are assigned to a function group, then all
the lamps in the entire house can be switched on or off by pressing one button.

• Local master addresses

Several receivers are spatially defined as one unit and controlled via the local master
address. If, for example, all the receivers in a room are each allocated to a local master
address, then all you need to do is press one button when leaving the room to switch off
all the consumer loads in the room.

• Global master address

Several receivers are assigned to the global master address and are jointly controlled via
this address. All the consumer loads can easily be switched off simply by pressing one
single button when leaving a house, for example.

13



See the example in section 11. d).

This address system opens up a variety of possibilities. For example, you can even implement
access authorisations by assigning three garage doors to different single addresses and a joint
function group (‘garage doors’).

Several people can then each be given a hand-held transmitter with a relevant single address
for one garage door, while all the garage doors can be opened via a hand-held transmitter with
a programmed function group address, or all the doors can be automatically closed in the
evening via an FS20 timer.



The various address types and addresses are only set on the transmitter
and these settings are transmitted to the receivers via the address
assignment. A receiver must be in programming mode in order for this
address assignment to take place.

14

11. Integrating the ‘FS20 S8-2’ hand-held
transmitter into the address system

The house code, an address group and a subaddress are used for coding the hand-held
transmitter and its switching channels. You can also use special address group assignments
to program the hand-held transmitter as a local or global master.



Only the ‘1’, ‘2‘, ‘3’ and ‘4’ buttons are used for entering the eight-digit
house code, the two-digit address groups and the two-digit subaddresses (see
the figure in section ‘8. Control panel’).

This addressing makes 225 single addresses, 15 function groups, 15 local master addresses
and 1 global master address available within each house code to the hand-held transmitter.

a) Setting the house code

Once the batteries have been inserted the hand-held transmitter selects a random house code.
If required, this house code can be changed as follows:

• Keep the ‘

1

’ and ‘3’ buttons on the remote control pressed for five seconds until the

control indicator/LED blinks every second.

• Now use the ‘

1

’, ‘2‘, ‘3’ and ‘4’ buttons to enter your system’s eight-digit house code.
This must be identical for all the remote control transmitters in the FS20 wireless control
system (as a precaution, make a note of this code and keep it safe).

Example: 23141342

• The programming mode ends automatically once you have entered the eighth digit. The
control indicator/LED goes out.

b) Setting the addresses

A channel’s address is comprised of a two-digit address group and a two-digit subaddress (for
example, 1131, address group 11, subaddress 31).



The address group ‘11’ is factory set for all channels.

If several transmitters are to be operated at the same time and control different receivers, then
different addresses need to be set on the transmitters.

15

The following address combinations (address group/subaddress) are preassigned to the
button combinations of the hand-held transmitter:

Button combination: 1234
Address: 11 11 11 12 11 13 11 14



See the ‘Addressing for a double number of channels’ subsection below for
information on addressing for a double number of channels.

1. Setting a single address (address group/subaddress)

To set the address group/subaddress proceed as follows:

- Press both buttons from the respective button combination

simultaneously for at least

five seconds (for example, the buttons ‘1’ and ‘2’ for channel 1).
The control indicator/LED will now blink every second.

- Enter a two-digit address group and a two-digit subaddress using the ‘

1

’,‘2’, ‘3’ and

‘4’ buttons.
Example: 1431 (address group 14, subaddress 31)

- The programming mode ends automatically once you have entered the fourth digit. The
control indicator/LED goes out.



Please note:

The address group 44 and the subaddress 44 both have a particular meaning
(see the following item)!

2. Assigning function groups and master addresses
Function groups (44xx)

If you enter 44 as the

address group, then the subaddress (provided this is not also set to
44; see the following section) is defined as a function group. 15 different function groups
between 4411 and 4443 can then be defined.



Possible are: 4411, 4412, 4413, 4414, 4421, 4422, 4423, 4424, 4431, 4432,
4433, 4434, 4441, 4442, 4443

Local master (xx44)

If you only set the

subaddress to 44, then this channel functions as a local master within
the set address group. All receivers that are programmed with this local master address are
controlled simultaneously.

16



Possible are: 1144, 1244, 1344, 1444, 2144, 2244, 2344, 2444, 3144, 3244,
3344, 3444, 4144, 4244, 4344

Global master (4444)

If you set the

address group and subaddress for a channel to 44, then this channel functions
as a global master. All receivers that are programmed with this global master address are
controlled simultaneously.



The only global master is 4444.

3. Addressing for a double number of channels

To change the address group and subaddress for a single button proceed as follows:

- Press and hold the button to be programmed.

Now

also press the button next to it. Keep both buttons pressed simultaneously for at

least five seconds!
The control indicator/LED blinks every second, indicating that the programming mode

has now been activated.

- Now enter a two-digit address group and a two-digit subaddress using the ‘

1

’,‘2’,

‘3’ and ‘4’ buttons.
Example: 1112 (11 = address group, 12 = subaddress)

- The programming mode ends automatically once you have entered the fourth digit. The

control indicator/LED goes out.

c) Resetting to the delivery state

In order to reset all the transmitter’s settings to the delivery state you need to first simultane­ously press and hold the ‘2’ and ‘4’ buttons (for at least five seconds) until the LED Indicator
lights up.

Now release these two buttons and then press any button. As soon as the LED goes out, the
transmitter returns to its initial state.

17

d) Example of an address assignment

When you require a large, extended system it is advisable to select addresses systematically
so that you have an overview of the addresses that have already been assigned and so that
you can jointly control the programmed receivers simply and meaningfully in groups.

1111
1144
4411
4444

1122
1144
4444

1131
1144
4444

1211

1212
4411
4444

1311
4411
4444

1411
4411
4444

1412
4444

A

B

C

D

Global

master address

4444

Local

master address,

e.g., 1144

House code, e.g.,

1234 1234

Function group 44xx,

e.g., 4411 ceiling lamps

Figure 2: Example of an address assignment

A different address group has been assigned to each room:

• Room A: 11

• Room B: 12
An awning is also allocated to room B.

• Room C: 13

• Room D: 14

18



Possible address groups are:
11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 43

In order to be able to separately control each receiver, you need to program each receiver to
a single address. A subaddress is also required in addition to the address group that is already
selected (room A: 11, room B: 12, room C: 13, room D: 14).



The following 15 subaddresses are possible for each address group:
11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 43

In the example the awning is programmed to the single address 1211, which is comprised of
the address group 12 and its subaddress 11.

All the receivers in room A have also been programmed to a local master address (1144 in the
example).



For the local master address 44 is always set as the subaddress, while one of
the 15 local master addresses (11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34,
41, 42, 43) can be selected via the address group.

Example: 1144, address group 11, subaddress 44

All the lamps in the house can be controlled via the global master address 4444.
The awning was deliberately not programmed to this address and can therefore only be

addressed via its single address (1211). It must be operated separately in this example.
The ceiling lamps in all the rooms are also combined in a function group (4411 in the example,

address group 44, subaddress 11) and can therefore be jointly controlled.
To select one of the 15 function groups, you need to set 44 as the address group and a value

between 11 and 43 (11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 43) as the subaddress.

19

12. Handling

• Protect the product against humidity, cold, heat, dust, and direct sunlight.

• Never dismantle the product. Only have the device repaired by a skilled technician
otherwise the device’s licence will become invalid.

• The buttons on the hand-held transmitter may be inadvertently pressed when transporting
it in a bag or pocket. This may cause switching operations to be triggered or its programming
mode to be accidentally activated.

• Even a fall from a low height can damage the product.

13. Maintenance and cleaning

The product requires no servicing except for battery replacement.
Clean the product with a soft, clean, dry and lint-free cloth. To remove heavier dirt, use a cloth

which is slightly moistened with lukewarm water. Make sure that no liquids get inside the
device!

Never use solvent-based cleaning agents, as these may damage the surface of the plastic
casing and its inscription.

20

14. Disposal

a) General information

When the product is no longer usable, dispose of it in accordance with the
applicable statutory regulations.

b) Batteries and rechargeable batteries

As the consumer, you are legally obliged (regulation on the disposal of batteries) to return all
your used batteries and rechargeable batteries. Do not dispose of your used batteries via

the household rubbish!

Batteries/rechargeable batteries containing harmful substances are marked
with the following icons, which alert you to the fact that disposal via the
household rubbish is prohibited. The identifiers for the respective heavy metals
are: Cd=cadmium, Hg=mercury, Pb=lead (identifier is on the battery/recharge-
able battery, for example, under the rubbish bin icons on the left).

You can return your used batteries/rechargeable batteries free of charge to any
authorised disposal station in your area, in our stores or in any other store
where batteries/rechargeable batteries are sold!

By doing so you comply with your legal obligations and also make a contribution to environ­mental protection.







21

15. Tips and notes

Ranges and interference

• The FS20 wireless control system works in the 868MHz range, which is also used by other
radio services. Therefore devices that operate on the same or neighbouring frequency may
restrict both its operation and its range.

• The specified range of up to 100m is the free-field range, which means the range with visual
contact between the transmitter and receiver. In practice, however, walls, ceilings, etc.
between the transmitter and the receiver may affect and reduce the range.

Other causes of reduced ranges:

• All types of high-frequency interference

• Any buildings or vegetation

• Conductive metal parts that are located near the devices or within or near their transmission
path, for example, radiators, metallised insulation glass windows, reinforced concrete
ceilings, etc.

• Influence on the radiation pattern of antennas due to the distance from the transmitter or
receiver to conductive surfaces or objects (also to human bodies or the ground)

• Broadband interference in urban areas that reduces the signal-to-noise ratio; the signal is
no longer recognised due to this ‘noise’

• Interference radiation resulting from insufficiently shielded electronic devices, for example,
operating computers or similar

16. Declaration of conformity (DOC)

We, Conrad Electronic, Klaus-Conrad-Straße 1, 92240 Hirschau (Germany), hereby declare
that this product complies with the fundamental requirements and other relevant regulations
of directive 1999/5/EG.



You can find the declaration of conformity for this product at www.conrad.com

22

23

CONRAD IM INTERNET http://www.conrad.com

http://www.conrad.com

Imprint

These operating instructions are published by Conrad Electronic SE,
Klaus-Conrad-Str. 1, D-92240 Hirschau/Germany.

No reproduction (including translation) is permitted in whole or part e.g.
photocopy, microfilming or storage in electronic data processing equipment,
without the express written consent of the publisher.

The operating instructions reflect the current technical specifications at
time of print.We reserve the right to change the technical or physical
specifications.

© Copyright 2006 by Conrad Electronic SE. Printed in Germany.

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