Pyxis LS-202 Operation Manual

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LS-202 Level Sensor

Operational Manual

Version 1.2 December 2018

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Confidentiality

The information contained in this manual may be confidential and proprietary and is the property of
Pyxis Lab, Inc. Information disclosed herein shall not be used to manufacture, construct, or otherwise
reproduce the goods described. Information disclosed herein shall not be disclosed to others or made
public in any manner without the express written consent of Pyxis Lab, Inc.

Standard Limited Warranty

Pyxis Lab warrants its products for defects in materials and workmanship. Pyxis Lab will, at its option,
repair or replace instrument components that prove to be defective with new or remanufactured
components (i.e., equivalent to new). The warranty set forth is exclusive and no other warranty,
whether written or oral, is expressed or implied.

Warranty Term

The Pyxis warranty term is thirteen (13) months ex-works. In no event shall the standard limited
warranty coverage extend beyond thirteen (13) months from original shipment date.

Warranty Service

Damaged or dysfunctional instruments may be returned to Pyxis for repair or replacement. In some
instances, replacement instruments may be available for short duration loan or lease.

Pyxis warrants that any labor services provided shall conform to the reasonable standards of technical
competency and performance effective at the time of delivery. All service interventions are to be
reviewed and authorized as correct and complete at the completion of the service by a customer
representative, or designate. Pyxis warrants these services for 30 days after the authorization and will
correct any qualifying deficiency in labor provided that the labor service deficiency is exactly related to
the originating event. No other remedy, other than the provision of labor services, may be applicable.

Repair components (parts and materials), but not consumables, provided during a repair, or purchased
individually, are warranted for 90 days ex-works for materials and workmanship. In no event will the
incorporation of a warranted repair component into an instrument extend the whole instrument’s
warranty beyond its original term.

Warranty Shipping

A Repair Authorization Number (RA) must be obtained from Pyxis Technical Support before any product
can be returned to the factory. Pyxis will pay freight charges to ship replacement or repaired products to
the customer. The customer shall pay freight charges for returning products to Pyxis. Any product
returned to the factory without an RA number will be returned to the customer.

Pyxis Technical Support

Contact Pyxis Technical Support at [e-mail]

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Table of Constants

1. Introduction 4

2. Specification 4

3. Unpacking the Instrument 5

3.1. Standard Accessories 5

3.2. Optional Accessories 5

4. Installation 5

4.1. LS-202 Battery Installation 5

4.2. LS-202 Wiring 7

4.3. Tank Top Installation and Precautions 7

5. Instrument Overview 8

5.1. Function Buttons 8

5.2. OLED Display 10

6. LS-202 Setup with uPyxis 13

7. LS-202 with uPyxis Mobile App 14

7.1. Downloading uPyxis Mobile App 14

7.2. Connecting to uPyxis Mobile App 15

8. LS-202 with uPyxis Desktop App 17

8.1. Downloading uPyxis Desktop App 17

8.2. Connecting to the uPyxis Desktop App 18

8.3. Parameter Setting via uPyxis Desktop 19

9. 4-20mA Output Setup 23

10. Output 4-20mA via BTA-100 Adaptor 24

10.1. Peripheral to Central Mode (LS-202 Connection to BTA-100) 24

10.2. Beacon to Observer Mode (LS-202 Connection to BTA-100) 25

11. Communication using Modbus RTU 26

12. Sensor Cleaning and Maintenance 26

13. Regulatory Approval 26

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1. Introduction

The Pyxis LS-202 is a general-purpose ultrasonic sensor. It provides continuous level measurement up to
78 inches (6.6 ft. or 2 m) with a 4-20 mA signal, RS485, and Bluetooth digital output. It can be configured
via the uPyxis® app on mobile phones or computers. The sensor can be powered by 4 AA alkaline
batteries or a 24 VDC external power supply. This battery-powered and Bluetooth-enabled level sensor
is ideally suited for applications where signal/power wiring may be difficult or unavailable to install. A

1.3-inch OLED display and four push-buttons are also included in the sensor for display and setup. This
non-contact liquid level sensor is well suited for corrosive liquids and can be used for cooling tower,
boiler or multiple other chemical feed applications.

2. Specification

Item

Parameter

Power Supply

4 alkaline batteries or 24 VDC, 2W

Output

Bluetooth 4.1, 100 ft. (33 Meters) Line of Sight / RS-485 MODBUS and 4-20
mA

Data Storage

6 months (60 minutes per measurement)

Cable Length

5 ft. (1.5 m), extension cable available

Range

4 – 79 inches (0.01 – 2.0 meter)

Resolution

0.02 inch (0.5 cm)

Accuracy

±0.15% of the range

Dead Zone

4 inches (10 cm)

Measurement Interval

Continuously (5 readings per second), 3 min, 10 min, 60 min, configurable

Installation

1-inch NPT

Weight

1.1 pound (510 g)

Dimension

Height: 6.77 inches (172 mm) Diameter: 3.15 inch (80 mm)

Enclosure Material

Polycarbonate (PC)

Transducer Material

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)

Temperature

Working: 14 - 122 F (-10 - 50 °C) Storage: -4 - 158 F (-20 - 70 °C)

Pressure

14 - 30 PSI (0.1 - 0.2 MPa)

Enclosure Rating

IP65

Regulation

CE

*With Pyxis’ continuous improvement policy, this specification is subject to change without notice.

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3. Unpacking the Instrument

Remove the instrument and find the standard accessories from the shipping container as listed below.
Inspect each item for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. Verify that all accessory
items are included. If any item is missing or damaged, please contact Pyxis Lab Customer
Service at [e-mail].

3.1. Standard Accessories

• LS-202 Sensor P/N: 54001

• 5 ft. (1.5 m) sensor cable P/N: 02.08.01.0001

• Instruction manual (Instruction Manual is also available from https://pyxis-lab.com/support-2/)

3.2. Optional Accessories

• Bluetooth to 4-20mA Transmitter BTA-100 P/N: 50729

• Pyxis Display Panel UC-300 P/N: 51008

• Pyxis Display Panel UC-300B P/N: 51009

• Bluetooth USB Adaptor for PC P/N: MA-NEB

4. Installation

4.1. LS-202 Battery Installation

The LA-202 can be powered by four (4) AA alkaline batteries if a 24 VDC is not available. The measured
level signal can be read by the uPyxis App via Bluetooth or transmitted to a controller via the Pyxis
Bluetooth to 4-20mA Transmitter BTA-100. Do not use rechargeable nickel cadmium (NiCad) or
rechargeable lithium batteries. Typical batter life after replacing a new batter set is about 6 months
when the measurement interval is one hour. The LS-202 battery compartment is show in Figure 1.

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Figure 1. Battery Installation

Follow the steps below to install or replace batteries:

1.

Separate the upper portion of the sensor by loosening the four hex bolts with the screw driver
included in the package. Reach the battery holder by hand and pull it out carefully. Pay careful
attention to the connection wire between the cover and main sensor body when

separating them.

2.

Follow the positive and negative signs and insert batteries firmly into the battery holder. Please
note that 4 batteries need to be replaced, two on each side of the battery holder. Replace the
4 batteries together rather than partially.

3.

Place the battery holder back to the main sensor body and secure it firmly.

4.

Place the upper portion of the sensor back to the sensor main body. Make sure that the sealing
O-ring is lying flat in the groove of the main sensor body. Failure to do so may result
in water/moisture damage to the sensor. To prevent the LS-202 from accidently being turned
on or off due to vibration, please firmly tighten the hex bolts.

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4.2. LS-202 Wiring

The LS-202 can also be powered by a 24V DC power supply and output the result with the 4-20mA
output. When it is 24V powered, the battery set will stop powering the sensor.
If the power ground terminal and the negative 4-20 mA terminal in the controller are internally
connected (non-isolated 4-20mA input), it is unnecessary to connect the 4-20 mA negative wire (green)
to the 4-20 mA negative terminal in the controller. If a separate DC power supplier other than that from
the controller is used, make sure that the output from the power supply is rated for 22-26 VDC @ 65mA.
The clear wire normally is not needed to be wired. In unusual cases, a low-quality power supply may
cause the sensor reading to be unstable. Connecting the clear wire to the earth ground of the controller
may solve the problem.

Follow the wiring table below to connect the LS-202 sensor to a controller.

Wire Color

Designation

Red

24 V +

Black

24 V Power Ground

White

4-20 mA +

Green

4-20 mA -, internally connected to the power ground

Blue

RS-485 A

Yellow

RS-485 A

Clear

Shield, Earth Ground

4.3. Tank Top Installation and Precautions

The LS-202 sensor should be installed to a 1-inch bulkhead fitting on the top of the tank. The major
dimensions of the sensor are shown in Figure 3. If a flat horizontal surface is not available on the top of
the tank, please use a self-aligning bulkhead fitting so that the sensor can be adjusted to be
perpendicular to the liquid surface.

• Install and adjust the sensor to be perpendicular to liquid surface.

• Installation location shall not be too close to container wall to avoid interference.

• The sensor has a 3.94 inch (10 cm) dead zone (DZ). Raise the probe to avoid the DZ if desired.

• Do not install in a location which will cause the ultrasonic wave to be obstructed.

• Do not install in a location which will cause the ultrasonic wave to be obstructed.

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Figure 2. Installation Illustration

Figure 3. LS-202 Dimensions, inch (mm)

5. Instrument Overview

5.1. Function Buttons

The Buttons on the top of the LS-202 (Figure 3) are used to select one of four display modes, one of
three Bluetooth mode, and one of four measurement modes. These buttons are not used to set up the

sensor. The uPyxis App is used to configure the sensor. (Section 5)

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Power Button:

• Power On: Hold the power button for 1 second.

• Power Off: Hold the power button until OLED display is turned off.

• Display wakeup: Hold the power button for 1 second to relight OLED display. (Only the power

button has this function)

Working Mode Button: Hold the button to switch the probe working mode. Working modes

include the Continue Measurement Mode, the Periodic Measurement Mode, and Stop Mode. In the
periodic mode, the measurement interval can be selected from 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 3 minutes, 30
minutes, and 1 hour. Other measurement intervals can also be configured on the uPyxis App. The
working mode is displayed on the right corner of the OLED screen.

Display Mode Button: Hold the button to cycle through the four display mode options. See details

in Section 5.2.

Bluetooth Mode Button: Hold the button to cycle through three Bluetooth mode options. These

include Connectable Peripheral Mode, Beacon Mode, and Shutdown Mode. The current working mode
is display on the OLED.

B: Represents Beacon Mode
P: Represents Peripheral Mode

The absence of Bluetooth sign represents the shutdown mode and that the Bluetooth communication is
turned off.

Power consumption in the peripheral mode is much higher than the Beacon mode. Please use the
Beacon mode for a long-term Bluetooth connection if the LS-202 is on the battery power.

Delivery Mode Button: Press the Power button twice to enter Delivery mode. When in Delivery

mode the display will read the level of fluid in the tank. When the tank is full in Delivery mode the
display will display Full on the screen. When in Delivery mode the default of the reading will stay on the
screen for 20 minutes before switching back to Beacon mode. To switch back to Beacon mode manually,
press the Power button twice to re-enter Beacon mode.

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Figure 4. Sensor Connection and Indicators

5.2. OLED Display

The OLED display supports four display modes as shown in the following figures. Press the Display Mode
button to switch modes.

Figure 5. Mode 1, General Information

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Figure 6. Mode 2, Level Display

Figure 7. Mode 3, Remaining Volume

Figure 8. Mode 4, Volume Consumed

Figure 9. Device MAC Address, FCC ID, and ERROR Code

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Figure 10. System Time and Software Version (Note 1)

Note 1: The system time will be reset to 2000-01-01 on every power-on operation. Please use uPyxis
app to wireless connect the sensor to a phone or PC before the use. With the connection, the system
time will be automatically set according to the phone or PC’s clock. The wrong system time doesn’t
affect the sensor measurement function, but the time stamp in the data log will be wrong.

The definition of the abbreviated terms and symbols are listed below.

Battery Status

CONT Continuous measurement mode

Bluetooth is ready

P Connectable Peripheral Mode

Bluetooth connected

Dst Distance between the liquid surface and
probe surface

FULL Liquid level reaches the highest setting

In Inch

B Beacon Mode

Vol Liquid Volume

gal Gallon

Bluetooth Mode in switching

Lvl Liquid level

1.0 h Measurement interval, the interval is 1 hour

Strength Indicator of the Received ultrasonic

echo signal

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6. LS-202 Setup with uPyxis

Pyxis LS-202 has four modes Bluetooth modes: Peripheral mode, Beacon mode, Delivery mode, and

Shutdown mode.

Peripheral mode: Connected with another Bluetooth devices via uPyxis app, such as a smart

phone, computer with Bluetooth USB adapter (PN: MA-NEB), or the BTA-100.

Figure 11. Bluetooth in Peripheral Mode

Beacon mode: The advantage of the beacon mode is that multiple Bluetooth enabled devices can read
the LS-202 broadcasting results at the same time.

Figure 12. Bluetooth in Beacon Mode

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Delivery mode: When in Delivery mode the display will read the level of fluid in the tank. When the tank
is full in Delivery mode the display will display Full on the screen. When in Delivery mode the default of
the reading will stay on the screen for 20 minutes before switching back to Beacon mode.

Figure 13. Reading Volume and Full Volume

Shutdown mode: Cannot be connected icon display is absent in OLED screen.

7. LS-202 with uPyxis Mobile App

7.1. Downloading uPyxis Mobile App

Download uPyxis Mobile App from Apple App Store or Google Play.

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7.2. Connecting to uPyxis Mobile App

Turn on Bluetooth on your mobile phone. (Do not pair the phone Bluetooth to the LS-202) Open uPyxis
Mobile App. uPyxis App connects to the Meter and click on the LS-202 meter.

When connected, Mobile App will default to the Overview screen. Second figure below reference
parameters for tank.

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To set the parameters Click on Setting. Enter Installation Height, Tank Volume, and Max Level

Height (Max Level Height must be less then Installation Height) then press Set to save.

To verify your readings after setting your parameters click on Reading.

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To download data history press Data tab. To get reading records, press on Read Records, then Read Last

100 (for last 100 readings) or Read Overview (for overview readings). To download records, press
Export/Share.

8. LS-202 with uPyxis Desktop App

8.1. Downloading uPyxis Desktop App

Download the latest version of uPyxis Desktop software package from: https://pyxis-lab.com/support-2/
This setup package will download and install the Microsoft .Net Framework 4.5 (if
not installed on the PC before), the USB driver for the USB-Bluetooth adapter, the USB-RS485 adapter,
the USB-RS485 adaptor, and the main uPyxis Desktop application. Double click the uPyxis.Setup.exe file
to install.

Figure 14. uPyxis Desktop App Installation

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Click Install to start the installation process. Follow the screen instructions to complete the USB driver
and uPyxis installation.

8.2. Connecting to the uPyxis Desktop App

Connect the LS-202 to a Windows computer using a Bluetooth/USB adapter (PN: MA-NEB)
according to

the following steps:

1. Connect the Bluetooth/USB adapter to the computer USB.

2. Hold the key on LS-202 until the Bluetooth mode changes to the peripheral mode. Double

click the uPyxis.exe icon to launch the program on your Desktop.

3. On uPyxis Desktop, click menu Device -> Connect via USB-Bluetooth as show in Figure 15. If the

connection is successful, the LS-202 figure and its Serial Number will be displayed in the left
pane of the uPyxis window as shown in Figure 16.

Note: After the sensor and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth is powered up, it may take up to 10 seconds for the adaptor
to establish the wireless signal for communication.

Figure 15. Connect uPyxis Desktop App to LS-202

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Figure 16. Definition of terms

8.3. Parameter Setting via uPyxis Desktop

Click Setting to set the LS-202 parameters as show in Figures 16 - 18. The LS-202 sensor measures the
distance between the liquid surface in the tank and the bottom sensor surface. Converting this
measured distance to other parameters such as the tank level, the remaining liquid volume in
gallons, or the consumed liquid in gallons, requires the tank dimensional and volume capacity
information. Common vertical tanks have a uniform horizontal cross section. As such, the liquid
volume is proportional to the liquid level. To convert the measured distance to volumetric information,
the LS-202 requires the user to enter three parameters via the uPyxis app for Smartphone or uPyxis
Desktop as shown in figure 16.

The maximum height (figure 16) is the liquid level measured from the tank bottom when the tank is
filled to the rated volume capacity. The installation height is the distance between tank bottom and the
sensor surface. Please make sure that the difference of the installation height and the maximum height
is greater than 4 inches, the sensor dead zone.

For horizontal or other tanks that have a non-uniform cross section, please contact Pyxis
Technical Support team ([e-mail]) for assistance.

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Figure 17. Illustration of Term and Tank Capacity Setup

Figure 18. Installation Height, Max Height, and Sampling Interval

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Figure 19. Set button to save settings

Definitions figures 17 – 19. (After entering any setup parameter, click the Set button to confirm the setting.)

• Volume: Volume of the tank

• Max Height: Liquid level measured from the tank bottom as filled to rated capacity

• Installation Height: The distance between the tank bottom and the sensor surface.

• Sampling Interval: Continuous, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 3 minutes, 30 minutes, 1, 4, 8, 12

Hours, or stop

• LCD Screen Off Time: 10 – 3600 seconds

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Click Reading menu to display LS-202 real-time measurement data in a trend chart shown in figure 20

Figure 20. Level Trend Chart

Click DataLog to enter DataLog screen. Then you can click on Read Overview Value or Read Recent 100

Datalog to upload the historical measurement data as shown in figure 21.

Figure 21. Datalog Upload

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Click System to upgrade firmware as shown in figure 22. The latest firmware can be downloaded from

http://www.pyxis-lab.com/support.html.

Figure 22. Firmware Upgrade

9. 4-20mA Output Setup

The 4-20mA output of the LS-202 is scaled as:

4 mA = (Tank is Empty) = (Level is 0) = (Distance is Installation Height),
20 mA = (Tank is Full) = (Level is maximum height) = (Distance is Installation – Maximum Height).

The 4-20 mA analog signal can be converted to one of four values (Level, Distance, Volume Remaining,
or Volume Consumed) in the controller receiving the output according to the above scale. For example,
a nominal 100-gallon vertical tank, the maximum height is 36 inches and installation height is 42 inches.
The tank volume is 100 gallons when it is filled up to the maximum height 36 inches. The controller
should be set up to convert 20 mA to 100 gallons, at which the tank is full and the tank level is 36 inches
and the distance measured is 6 inches.

Note: The nominal capacity provided by the tank manufacturer may be greater than the maximum safe
(net or effective) capacity that can be practically filled. Please keep this in mind as you configure your
LS202 for practical purposes.

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10. Output 4-20mA via BTA-100 Adaptor

The BTA-100 adaptor can be switched among three modes, Connectable Peripheral (pairing), Observer
(beacon reader), and Central. Reference the BTA-100 manual for details. The LS-202 sensor can be
wirelessly connected to the BTA-100 in two ways as listed in the following table. The 4-20mA output
from the BTA-100 adaptor can be wired to a controller per manual.

LS-202 to BTA-100

LS-202 Mode

BTA-100

Comment

Peripheral to Central

Peripheral

Central

LS-202 can be only read by BTA-100 and cannot
be discovered by other Bluetooth devices. The
Bluetooth mode indicator “P” on LS-202 power
consumption on this mode is high. It is not
recommended for a long-term connection.

Beacon to Observer

Beacon

Observer

LS-202 can be read by other Bluetooth devices
while being read by BTA-100. Bluetooth mode

indicator “B” are displayed on LS-202’s OLED
screen and “O” on BTA-100.

The user does not need to do any configuration before using the BTA-100. The BTA-100 can read the
related parameters from the level sensor and automatically outputs a 4-20 mA signal accordingly.

10.1. Peripheral to Central Mode (LS-202 Connection to BTA-100)

Figure 23. Connect with LS-202 in Central Mode

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Follow the following steps to pair the LS-202 sensor with the BTA-100 adapter.

• Turn on the LS-202 and switch to the peripheral mode (Bluetooth mode indicator “P” on the LS-

202 screen).

• Use the Bluetooth button to switch the BTA-100 to the Central mode (Bluetooth mode

indicator “C” on the BTA-100.

• The BTA-100 will search Pyxis Bluetooth devices that are in the peripheral mode and display the

MAC address of the discovered devices figure 23.

• Use the selection button to scroll to the MAC address that belongs to he LS-202 sensor and

press the enter button to establish the peripheral-to-central connection.

Power consumption on this mode is much higher than the Beacon mode. It is recommended that
the Beacon is used for a long-term Bluetooth connection while the LS-202 is on the battery power.

10.2. Beacon to Observer Mode (LS-202 Connection to BTA 100)

Figure 24. Connect with LS-202 in the Observer mode

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The advantage of using the BTA-100 adapter reading the LS-202 in the beacon mode is that
multiple Bluetooth enabled devices including a phone app can read the LS-202 beacon messages at the
same time. Follow the steps to establish the LS-202 to the BTA-100 connection in the beacon-to­observer mode.

• Switch LS-202 to the beacon mode (Bluetooth mode indicator “B” on the LS-202 screen).

• Use the Bluetooth button to switch the BTA-100 to the observer mode (Bluetooth mode

indicator “O” on the BTA-100).

• The BTA-100 will search Pyxis Bluetooth devices that are in the beacon mode and display the

MAC addresses of the discovered devices (figure 24).

• Use the selection button to scroll to the MAC address that belongs to the LS-202 sensor

and press the enter button to establish the beacon-to-observer connection.

11. Communication using Modbus RTU

The LS-202 can be configured as a Modbus slave device via RS-485. In addition to the level, volume, and
distance, many operational parameters, including warning and error messages, are available via a
Modbus RTU connection. Contact Pyxis Lab Customer Service ([e-mail]) for more
information.

12. Sensor Cleaning and Maintenance

For best performance, keep the sensor ultrasonic surface clean using a soft cloth or towel.

13. Regulatory Approval

United States

The LS-20x sensor has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in an installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

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• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canada

This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit
pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible