Door Industry Journal - Winter 2020

Hands on with BBC Bircher’s New Safety Edge Wireless Transmitter/Receiver: ExpertSystem XRF IN2 Access, exclusive UK and Ireland distributor of BBC Bircher Smart Access products, returns to demo the Swiss company’s newest update to their self-assembly safety edge system. It’s been little over a year since Bircher released their first ever self-assembly safety edge, ExpertLine. In that time, IN2 Access has reported good uptake of the product in the market place with positive feedback from customers. The previous Door Industry Journal editorial provided a step-by-step review of assembling the new safety edge. Now, with the release of their integrated wireless transmitter and receiver, we return with another hands-on evaluation. The first thing to go over is the name: the entire range has been rebranded as ExpertSystem, with the self assembly profile (previously called ExpertLine) now referred to as ‘ExpertSystem XL.’ The wireless transmitter and receiver is called ‘ExpertSystem XRF.’ During the rebranding transition, customers may see ExpertLine and ExpertSystem XL used interchangeably. It’s the new XRF transmitter/receiver we will be focusing on here. Once the ExpertLine safety edge is assembled, you are ready to choose which XRF transmitter works best with your application. The modular nature of the system allows you to choose the option that works best with your application. Simple setups that only require a single channel transmitter can use the new XRF-TI, which slides into the aluminium, integrating with the safety edge for the cleanest look. Other transmitter options include two channel versions (mounted externally), available in both white and dark anthracite colours, and wicket door configurations. Receivers are available in single or dual channel flavours, along with DIN-housed versions which incorporate fixed edge inputs as well as wireless (available later this year). As the new XRF has the flexibility of operating under safety category 2 (with the test signal coming from the controller) and category 3, the new system makes choosing between the current RFGate 2 or RFGate 3 unnecessary – XRF will work in both situations. Now that IN2 has stock, production team member Jack Owen is back to go through the process and provide his feedback from an installer point of view. As mentioned earlier, the first step is to put together the ExpertSystem XL self-assembly edge. See our previous story for a step-by-step guide to that process. (figure 1) Once assembled, choose the XRF transmitter appropriate for your application. In this case, Jack will install a single channel XRF-TI integrated transmitter directly into the 49mm ExpertLine profile. Be sure all power is disconnected before proceeding. (figure 2) First step is to pull out the PCB and connect the battery. Loosen screw if necessary. The LED light will flash red five times to indicate it is connected properly. “The transmitter came with a mini screwdriver which was helpful,” Jack said. (figure 3) Slide in the PCB and close the housing, securing with the small screw. Jack points out “after connecting the battery, it’s important to slide the battery back in with the wire aligned diagonally – otherwise it won’t slide back in smoothly.” Note that battery life in the new XRF-TI is up to seven years. (figure 4) You can then connect the transmitter to the contact end piece, eliminating the need to use junction boxes or gel crimp connections, and slide into the profile for integrated installation. (figure 5) Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 90 THE door industry journal winter 2020 Automated Gates & Barriers