
DESCRIPTION
MOUNTING 
SCREWS
SURFACE 
WIRING 
SLOT
RECESSED 
WIRING 
HOLE
The D-21A(/K), D-24A(/K), and D-26A(/K) are 
digitally coded stationary radio transmitters 
triggered by normally open (N/O) or normally 
closed (N/C) sensors. These transmitters can 
be programmed to activate any of Linear’s 
standard digital receivers that are tuned to the 
same frequency. Each transmitter can perform 
many remote switching tasks and are typically 
used in wireless/hardwire security systems. 
Each unit is powered by a self-contained 9-volt 
battery and can be connected to various 
sensors with the built-in screw terminals.
 NOTE: Transmitters with a /K model number
suffix are Linear’s Canadian models tuned to 318 
MHz. These instructions pertain to both the /K 
and standard 303.875 MHz U.S. models.
D-21A N/O TRANSMITTER
The D-21A is used with various types of security 
sensors that are normally open (magnetic 
contacts, security floor mats, etc.). The D-21A
transmits a signal when the sensor circuit
closes. The transmitter triggers instantly, and 
may be re-triggered after a 30-second reset time. 
A pushbutton is provided for battery/transmission 
test. Pressing the pushbutton with the sensor 
circuit open (after the 30-second reset) triggers 
the transmitter and turns on the red LED if the 
battery is above 7.5 volts.
D-24A N/C TRANSMITTER
The D-24A is used with various types of security 
sensors that are normally closed (magnetic 
contacts, security window screens, etc.). The
D-24A transmits a signal when the sensor 
circuit opens. The transmitter incorporates a
time delay of 1 to 3 seconds, ensuring that the 
sensor circuit must be continuously open for at 
least 1 second before the D-24A will transmit. 
This feature helps prevent activation from 
short-term, spurious signals, and from signals 
made from outside electromagnetic sources. 
The transmitter may be re-triggered after a 
30-second reset time. The transmitter has a 
pushbutton for battery/transmission test.
 NOTE: On the D-24A, the loop input terminals
must be closed for a minimum of 45 seconds 
before the pushbutton will activate the 
transmitter.
D-26A N/O TIME-DELAY TRANSMITTER
The D-26A is used with various types of security 
sensors that are normally open. The 
special-purpose D-26A transmitter has a built-in 
exit/entry time delay. The timer starts when the 
sensor circuit closes. It begins a 5 to 10 second 
countdown. If no action is taken before the time 
delay is completed, the transmitter will send an 
alarm signal to its companion receiver. Pressing
the pushbutton before the time delay period 
has elapsed will prevent signal transmission.
In addition to canceling time-delayed signal 
transmission, the pushbutton is used to test the 
battery. Pressing the button turns on the red 
LED if the battery is in good condition. The LED
does not light upon transmission.
 NOTE: The each transmitter contains a timing
circuit that allows a single transmission of a 
2-second duration to occur, followed by a 
30-second reset time. This means that regardless 
of the number of times the transmitter is triggered, 
it will not send a signal more often than once every 
30 seconds.
CODE SWITCH LOCATION
The digital coding switch is attached to the circuit 
board inside the case. To access the switch, 
unsnap and slide off the back cover as shown in 
Figure 1, exposing the battery, lead wire screw 
terminals, and digital coding switch (see Figure 2).
Figure 1.
Removing
the 
Transmitter 
Back Cover
CODING 
SWITCH
Figure 2.
Transmitter
Components
SCREW 
TERMINALS
9-VOLT 
BATTERY
CODE SETTING
 CAUTION! All transmitters and receivers must be
re-coded by installer prior to operation. DO NOT 
USE THE FACTORY SET CODE!
Among the 256 possible codes, four codes are 
considered invalid, and should not be used. They 
are: all keys ON, all keys OFF, and keys set 
alternating ON/OFF or OFF/ON combinations.
To set a code, select any valid combination of 
ON and OFF positions for the switch keys 
numbered 1 through 8.
Use a pointed object (other than a pencil or pen) 
to set the keys. The ON position is when the top 
of the switch is down, facing the numbers. The 
OFF position is when the top of the switch is up 
and the bottom is down, away from the numbers.
In the example shown in Figure 3, keys 1,4,6 
and 8 are ON; keys 2,3,5 and 7 are OFF.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
O
N
O
F
F
Figure 3. Example
Coding Switch
Figure 4. Transmitter
Back Cover Mounting
INSTALLATION
To mount the transmitter, proceed as follows: 
STEP 1: Select a location for the transmitter and
drive screws through the two countersunk holes of 
the back cover to mount the cover (see Figure 4).
 NOTE: Generally, the higher the transmitter is
mounted above ground level (minimum of 3 
feet) the better the radio range should be.
STEP 2: For recessed switches with hidden 
wiring, fish the sensor wires through the wire 
access hole on the back cover. With surface 
wiring, route the wire leads through the wire slot 
on the back cover (see Figure 4).

STEP 3: Attach wires from the sensor switch to 
the transmitter screw terminals. Wire normally 
closed switches in series, and normally open 
switches in parallel (see Figures 5 & 6).
 NOTE: A maximum of wire run of 50 feet with
a total of four switches may be used with one 
transmitter.
Figure 5. 
Normally
Open 
Switch 
Wiring
Figure 6. 
Normally
Closed 
Switch
Wiring
STEP 4: Slide the transmitter onto the back 
cover until locked into place to complete 
installation (see Figure 7). 
CHECKOUT AND TEST
After installation, the transmitter and receiver 
should be checked out as a system.
Activate the transmitter by triggering the sensor. 
Verify that the LED lights when the sensor is 
triggered (except for D-26A). Receiver 
activation indicates that the transmitter is
Figure 7.
Typical
Installation
(Door and
Window)
operating properly, and that the transmitter’s 
digital code is correctly matched to the code set 
in the receiver.
CAUSES FOR NON-OPERATION
If the transmitter fails to activate the receiver, 
first check the coding switches to see that the 
switch keys in the transmitter and the receiver 
are correctly matched. Next, check the battery 
and replace it if it’s weak.
If the code is set correctly, the battery is good, 
and the LED lights but the receiver dosen’t 
activate, check for hidden metal obstacles or 
large metal appliances between the transmitter 
and receiver that may be blocking the radio 
signal. Re-location of the transmitter or receiver 
may be necessary
 CAUTION: The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you test security equipment 
frequently. From the time of installation, it is 
absolutely necessary to test the system at 
least once a week. Although the 9-volt battery 
should last about a year, it is good practice to 
change the battery every six months.
LINEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This Linear product is warranted against defects in material and 
workmanship for twelve (12) months. The Warranty Expiration Date is 
labeled on the product. This warranty extends only to wholesale 
customers who buy direc t from Linear or through Linear’s normal 
distribution channels. Linear does not warrant this product to 
consumers. Consumers should inquire from their selling dealer as to the 
nature of the dealer’s warranty, if any. There are no obligations or
liabilities on the part of Linear corporation for conseq uential damages 
arising out of or in connection with use or performance of this product 
or other indirect damages with respect to loss of property, revenue, 
or profit, or cost of removal, installation, or reinstallation. All implied
warranties, including implied warranties for merchantability and implied 
warranties for fitness, are valid only until Warranty Expiration Date as 
labeled on the product. This Linear Corporation Warranty is in lieu of
all other warranties express or implied.
For warranty service on Linear equipment return product, at sender’s 
expense to:
U.S.A. Canada 
Linear Corporation Linear Canada Inc. 
2350 Camino Vida Roble, Suite A 673 Consortium Court 
Carlsbad, CA 92009 London, Ontario, Canada N6E 2S8 
Attn: Repairs Department Attn: Repairs Department
IMPORTANT !!!
Linear radio controls provide a reliable communications link and fill an 
important need in portable wireless signalling. However, there are some 
limitations which must be observed.
For U.S. installations only: The radios are required to comply with 
FCC Rules and Regulations as Part 15 devices. As such, they have 
limited transmitter power and therefore limited range.
Receivers may be blocked by radio signals that occur on or near 
their operating frequencies, regardless of code settings.
A receiver cannot respond to more than one transmitted signal at a time.
Infrequently used radio links should be tested regularly to protect 
against undetected interference or fault.
A general knowledge of radio and its vagaries should be gained 
prior to acting as a wholesale distributor or dealer, and these facts 
should be communicated to the ultimate users.
Copyright © 1992 Linear Corporation 200105 C
D-21A, D-21A/K, 
D-24A, D-24A/K, 
D-26A, D-26A/K
Digital Security 
Transmitters
Code Setting and
Installation Instructions
A NORTEK COMPANY