- What are Flair's communication protocols?
- What is the range of the Flair Network?
- How do I check the signal strength of my Flair devices?
- What is the Puck's Infrared Range?
What are Flair's Communication Protocols?
Flair uses two communication protocols:
- WiFi
- Flair network
WiFi is used to communicate with the Flair cloud and integrated smart thermostats. Flair Gateway Pucks are connected to WiFi to bridge Flair devices (Smart Vents and Sensor Pucks) to the internet. Every Flair system needs at least one Gateway Puck.
The Flair network is an ad hoc network used for device-to-device communication in your home to route commands and collect data. The Flair Network uses low wave RF (Radio Frequency) signals in the range of 915 MHz. This is similar to Z-Wave or RedLink. Every Smart Vent and Sensor Puck needs to communicate with a Gateway Puck over the Flair Network.
In this diagram, the Gateway Puck is the hub of the Flair system. It maintains a continuous WiFI connection, bridging Smart Vents and Sensor Pucks to the internet. You can have one or more Gateway Pucks to strengthen the Flair Network in your home.
This diagram shows the Gateway Puck bridging the Sensor Pucks to the internet, and shows the Sensor Pucks relaying IR commands to the mini splits they control.
What is the Range of the Flair Network?
Customers have reported the average range of devices on the Flair Network is 30 feet. This range could be more or less, depending on your home. Make sure Gateway Pucks are centrally located to Smart Vents and Sensor Pucks.
Note: The ultimate range of the Flair Network will depend largely on the layout and construction of your home, and is not necessarily related to distance or line of sight. The Flair Network uses radio signals, so large metal appliances, metal in walls, thick floors/walls and other obstructions can block or interfere with signal strength. These considerations also apply to the Gateway Puck's WiFi connection. Remember, it's not distance, it's the route that's traveled.
How do I check the signal strength of my Flair devices?
Flair gives you a way to check the signal strength of Flair devices using the Flair app. Go to the Home Statistics menu and change "Graph Data" to "RSSI (dB)".
The Puck in the graph below has a great range between -69 and -56 dB. Signal strength below -75 dB is poor and can result in lost signal and offline devices.
What is the Puck's Infrared Range?
The three IR blasters in the Puck each have a maximum range of 15'.
When using a Puck to control an infrared mini split, window AC or portable, it needs to have a direct line of sight to the IR receiver (like pointing the remote).
The Puck's IR blasters are located at 10:00 and 2:00 on the sides, and at 12:00 facing you.