FAQ's
Q. What is Z-LYNK?
A. Z-LYNK is a system capable of transmitting a data over the existing power line network to manage and control any equipment / electrical loads.
Q. Can I use Z-LYNK across a wide geographical area such as town or city?
A. Yes, if the system is connected at a suitable High Voltage point it will cover all points on that network.
Q. Can I use Z-LYNK just within a building or campus etc?
A. Yes, a very compact version of the system is designed specifically for this, i.e. operation across Low voltage only.
Q. Can the localised and wide area system work together, I might want to install a discrete system within a building when there already exist a system across the wide area?
A. Yes, both system are compatible and will not interfere with each other.
Q. If I use the system for public lighting management can I still use it for other applications?
A. Yes, once your network has been fitted with a transmitter any device can be controlled by a receiver. Many current installations mix different control applications.
Q.Do I need licenses to run the system?
A. No, the system does not require licencing to operate.
Q. If the system can cover a wide area surely it is costly to run?
A. Not at all, once installed the system requires no regular attention or maintenance. The system takes virtually no energy to run no matter how often it is used.
Q. What is the difference between Z-LYNK and Distribution Line Carrier (DLC)?
A. Z-LYNK operates at the fundamental frequency of the power itself (50 or 60 Hz) without any additional carrier frequency and therefore no radiated emissions whatever. DLC operates by adding a high frequency carrier.
Click on the icon to download the 'Power Frequency Communication' information sheet. (140kb)
Q. Is Z-LYNK two-way?
A. No, the system is designed to send from a single point to any number of simultaneous recipients. Two-way can be achieved in conjunction with another communication medium such as our low power radio.
Q. Will Z-LYNK interfere with other sensitive loads such as computers?
A. The inherent design of the technology prevents disturbance to sensitive loads, e.g. computers, fluorescent lighting etc. The system has been deployed extensively over a number of years. There have been no reports of problems caused to any other correctly designed equipment.
Q. Will the signal penetrate transformers?
A. Yes, if applied on the high voltage network the signal will propagate to all points on the network and will penetrate low voltage transformers.
Q. Is there a limit to the number of receivers that can be connected on the network?
A. No, however, the individual addressing range is approximately 65500 units per transmitter with any number of end points within each address group.
Q. Will the Z-LYNK signal cause radio interference?
A. No, there are no high frequency carrier to cause problems.
Q. What is the data rate of the signal?
A. Half of the power line frequency.
Q. Can the system operate on the high voltage network?
A. Yes, via a coupling transformer.
Q. Are repeaters needed?
A. No, if the transmitter is sited at the transformer the signal will cover the whole of the network. Tests and in practice show no attenuation of signal across open feeders in excess of 100 kilometers.
Q. Will the system work on any power network?
A. Yes, both 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
