Profoto RMI User Manual

Promote RMI

Integration Manual

Promote RMI

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Thank you for choosing Profoto

Thank you for giving us your confidence by investing in the
Profoto Promote RMI. For more than three decades we have
sought after the perfect light. What drives us is our conviction
that we can offer even better tools for the most demanding
photographers. Before our products are shipped we have
them pass an extensive and strict testing program. We make
sure that each individual product meets our high demands
on performance, quality, and safety. For this reason our flash
equipment is widely used in rental studios in Paris, London,
New York, and Tokyo and is also the most rented flash all over
the world.

Some photographers can tell just from seeing a picture,
if Profoto equipment has been used

Professional photographers around the world have come to value
Profoto’s expertise in lighting and light-shaping. Our extensive
range of Light Shaping Tools offers photographers unlimited
possibilities for creating and adjusting their own light.

Every single reflector and accessory creates its special light and
the unique Profoto focusing system offers you the possibility to
create your own light with only a few different reflectors.

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Enjoy your Profoto product!

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Safety instructions

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NOTE ABOUT RF!

This equipment makes use of the radio spectrum and emits radio frequency energy. Proper care
should be taken when the device is integrated in systems. Make sure that all specifications within
this document are followed, especially those concerning operating temperature and supply voltage
range. Make sure the device is operated according to local regulations. The frequency spectrum
this device is using is shared with other users. Interference can not be ruled out.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!

Do not attempt to operate the equipment before studying the instruction manual and the accompanying
safety instructions. Failure to do so may result in serious injuries.
Make sure that Profoto Safety Instructions is always accompanied the equipment!
Profoto products are intended for professional use!
Do not place or use the equipment where it can be exposed to moisture, extreme electro­magnetic fields, or in areas with flammable gases or dust!
Do not expose the equipment to rapid temperature changes in humidity conditions as this could lead to
water condensation in the unit.
Equipment must only be serviced by authorized and competent service personnel!
Any modifications will break the modular certification and require the module to be re-certified.

FINAL DISPOSAL

This equipment contains electrical and electronic components that could be harmful to the
environment.
Equipment may be returned to Profoto distributors free of charge for recycling according to WEEE.
Follow local legal requirements for separate disposal of waste, for instance WEEE directive for electrical
and electronic equipment on the European market, when the product ‘s life has ended!

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Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................6

General Description ..................................................................................................6

System Diagram ..........................................................................................6

Hardware Description ...............................................................................................7

Mechanical Characteristics ..........................................................................7

Electrical Characteristics .............................................................................8

Pin Out ...........................................................................................8

Recommended Operating Conditions ..............................................8

Interface Description ....................................................................................9

UART Serial Interface ......................................................................9

Reset Interface ...............................................................................9

RF Characteristics......................................................................................10

Important Integration Notes ....................................................................................10

Mechanical Integration ..............................................................................10

Electrical Integration ..................................................................................11

Antenna Integration ...................................................................................11

Regulatory Information .......................................................................................... 12

Certification ...............................................................................................12

Europe ..........................................................................................12

EU Declaration of Conformity ........................................................13

United States and Canada.............................................................14

Japan ...........................................................................................15

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Introduction

Promote RMI is the base for Profoto’s versatile modular communication platform, used
in products such as the flash generator Pro-8a 1200 Air. It utilzes communication in the

Promote RMI

2.4GHz ISM- band and has an impressive performance with a range of up to 300 meters.

General Description

The Promote RMI module is powered by an 8-bit micro processor with a radio transceiver
from Chipcon and features a complete feature set for wireless interaction with the Profoto
Air range of professional studio equipment. The module has a 3V UART for interaction with
a wide range of devices including computers and other microcontrollers.

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System Diagram

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Hardware Description

Mechanical Characteristics

Dimensions

46x 18 x 10 mm +/- 1mm [Length, Width, Height]

Weight: approx 10g

Product Image

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Mechanical Drawing

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Electrical Characteristics

PINOUT

PIN Function
1 GND
2 VCC (Transmit)
3 Sync O.C.
4 Test_0
5 Trig
6 N.C.
7 Sync
8 COM TX
9 Reset
10 Test_2
11 Test_3
12 Test_1
13 TTL
14 RMTE
15 COM RX
16 +3V CPU

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Recommended Operating Conditions

Parameter Min Max Unit

DC Supply 2.7 3.5 V
Current 0.15 A
Temperature -10 +65 °C
Humidity 0 90 % rel n.c

Interface Description

The interface to the host system is implemented as a 16 pin male connector.
The part used on the Promote RMI module is an AMP Micro-MaTch (P/N: 8-215464-6).
The recommended matching female connector is P/N: 8-215079-6. It is recommended
to connect the module with a female header mounted in through holes. This allows for
optimum space saving and leaves the antenna connector easily accessible.

UART Serial Interface

The UART is using pins 1, 8 and 15. To connect to an RS232 line you must use a TTL
level converter (a dongle from B&B Electronics is recommended) from 3.3V or use the
Promote USB dongle which mates with an RMI module and provides a USB interface to

a computer.

Serial characteristics: 38400. 8, N, 1 (no flow control)

NOTE!

Connecting the module to an RS232 line without a line level converter may
damage the module.

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For a list of available commands please refer to the RS Toolbox documentation.

Reset Interface

The following conditions will lead to a reset on the Promote RMI module:

• Poweronreset

• Lowvoltage(BrownOut)detectedfrominternalsupervisorycircuit

• ResetbySoftware

• Externalresetthroughresetpin

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RF Characteristics

Parameter Min Typ. Max Unit

Frequency range 2404 2480 MHz

Promote RMI

Frequency stability -25 +25 kHz
Output power EU/US 13 15 17 dBm
Output power Japan 8.1 9.7 10 dBm
Antenna port impedance 50 Ohm

Channel list

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Channel Frequency Unit

1 2403.999 MHz
2 2411.997 MHz
3 2416.995 MHz
4 2421.994 MHz
5 2426.993 MHz
6 2446.988 MHz
7 2453.987 MHz
8 2479.313 MHz

Important Integration Notes

Promote RMI has been designed to allow for easy integration with a wide range of devices.
There are some key factors you need to consider when integrating the module.

Mechanical Integration

The module needs at least 10 mm clearance in order to fit. This is the maximum height with
consideration to the connector pins. The module has an RF-shield made of nickel silver which
protects all RF-parts (transceiver, power amplifier and VCO). On the module’s backside
there is a test point underneath the antenna which must be protected from user access.
The module should arrive with a label with the serial number printed on it, which should
cover the test point.

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Electrical Integration

The minimum connections needed for operation are:

PIN Function Comment

1 GND Digital ground
2 VCC Transmit mode
5 Trig Active high
7 Sync Active high

In order to update the firmware the following pins is needed in addition to the ones
mentioned above:

8 COM TX Transmit to host
9 Reset
15 COM RX Receive from host
16 +3V CPU CPU power supply

Antenna Integration

The Promote RMI module is available in two configurations, one with an integrated chip
antenna and one with an external antenna connector. Special care has to be taken when
choosing which option to use and should be done in connection with Profoto. The module
has been certified with an external antenna which is orderable as an option. The use of any
other antenna is not approved and will break the modular approval.

The connector part used on the module is an Amphenol U.FL series, type U.FL SMT,
reference no. A-1JB.

Ready made cable sets are available with the Amphenol connectors already mounted.
Please contact Profoto for accessories. Antenna design is a crucial topic during integration
and design of radio systems. The antenna must provide good omni-directional radiation.
Poor antenna integration may lead to significant degradation of system performance
and / or affect the reliability.

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Regulatory Information

World-wide Usage of Radio Spectrum

The Promote RMI operates on the license-free 2.4GHz ISM band for SRD (Short Range

Promote RMI

Devices). This band may be used in most parts of the world. Regional restrictions may
apply.

NOTE!
Refer to national regulations for the region where the Promote RMI module
shall be operated and make sure that they are followed.

Europe

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Promote RMI has been tested towards ETSI EN 300 328. For each end product- it is required
to perform EMC testing according to ETSI EN 300 489-3. Only limited radio tests will be
required since the modules test report can be applied. Once approved and CE marked,
the system may be sold and used in EU/EEC countries without the need to have country­specific approval tests. However, a notification procedure is necessary in the member
states of the European Union, this has already been done by Profoto. Please contact Profoto
and we will assist you with conformance testing, approval, and notification procedures.

EU Notification

The Promote RMI has been notified in the EU member states and can be used without
further actions in those countries.

All data are to be considered as nominal and Profoto reserves the right to make changes without further notice.

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EU Declaration of Conformity

In accordance with the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Act

and Directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE Directive)

Manufacturer: Profoto AB
Address: Box 2023, 128 21 SKARPNÄCK, Sweden
Product: 2.4GHz SRD communication module
Type: Promote RMI

Profoto declares that the product complies with the essential requirements of §3 and the other relevant provisions
of the FTEG (Article 3 of the R&TTE Directive) when used for its intended purpose.

Harmonised standards applied:
Air Interface of the radio systems pursuant to article 3(2)
EN 300 328

Protection requirements concerning electromagnetic compatibility according to article 3(1)b:
EN 301 489-1, EN 301 489-17, EN 61000-4-3

Skarpnäck, 2009-01-20

…………………………………………

Bo Dalenius, VP Technology and QA

Profoto AB

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Unites States and Canada

F.C.C. and Industry Canada

Compliance Statement ( Part 15.19)

Promote RMI

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1) this device may not cause harmful interference and,

2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Warning (Part 15.21)

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Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for

compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Ce dispositif est conforme aux normes RSS-210 d’Industrie Canada.
L’utilisation de ce dispositif est autorisée seulement aux conditions suivantes :

1)il ne doit pas produire de brouillage et

2)l’utilisateur du dispositif doit être prêt à accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu,
même si ce brouillage est susceptible de compromettre le fonctionnement du dispositif.

The term ‘IC’ before the certification/registration number only signifies that the Industry
Canada technical specifications were met.

Les lettres ‘IC’ n’ont aucune autre signification ni aucun autre but que d’identifier ce qui
suit comme le numéro de certification/d’enregistrement d’Industrie Canada.

Profoto AB
Transmitter / Receiver
MODEL: Profoto Air RMI
PRODUCT NO: PNZ1808-0000
FCC ID: W4G-RMI
IC: 8167A-RMI
Made in Sweden

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Japan

The module has been granted modular approval for sale and operation in Japan.

特定無線設備の種類

Classification of specified radio equipment:
Article 2, Clause 1, Item 19

2.4 GHz Wide Band Low Power Data Communication

上記のとおり、電波法第 38条の 24第 1項の規定に基づく認証を行ったも
のであることを証する。

This is to certify that the above-mentioned certification by type has been granted in
accordance with the provisions of Article 38-24, Paragraph 1 of the Radio Law.

In order to comply with Japanese regulations the output power must be limited to 10 dBm
and any user access to the RF-parts must be hindered by using:

• Anenclosurethatneedsspecialtoolstoopen

• AnRF-shieldthatprotectsthetransceiver,amplifierandVCO.

The product must be labelled with the following registration number:

R 202WW08109201

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Profoto AB

P.O. Box 2023

SE-128 21 Skarpnäck

SWEDEN

Phone [phone]

[e-mail]
www.profoto.com

344091-1-319. Printed in Sweden.