Alliance Field Notes from Jason “Turbo” Thibeau
First published in Alliance Field Notes. Your regional reps, your real-world lighting experts.
The Importance of Bluetooth® Range Extenders for Outdoor Lights
As I often emphasize, it is essential to use bt Range Extenders (BTREs) with every Alliance bt system. Despite this, it’s easy to overlook them during installation—especially when everything seems to connect perfectly right out of the box.
Our company has been at the forefront of integrating Bluetooth® mesh technology into our fixtures. It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since we introduced the BL200-BT, one of our flagship products. Through this journey, we have experienced and learned from the challenges that come with not including BTREs in every installation.
Common Challenges and Solutions
I've heard numerous comments from installers, such as, "It worked great when I first installed it, but now it doesn't communicate with my homeowner's phone." In many of these cases, the system initially performs well but becomes inconsistent later—especially once it’s transferred to the homeowner’s device. That’s when communication can become unreliable, and the fix is often simpler than people think: add range extenders.
I've visited many job sites with 30 or more fixtures and only two range extenders. While the system may function part of the time, intermittent issues can still appear. Even when voltage is checked and confirmed to be between 10V and 14V at each fixture, a lack of consistent Bluetooth coverage can still cause problems.
The solution is clear: plan for more range extenders up front. On larger properties, or where fixtures are split between the front and back yard, spacing is key. As a rule of thumb, each BTRE should be able to “see” at least two others. If not, space them roughly 35 to 75 feet apart across each section. Since each extender is only one watt and affordably priced, additional units can easily be added wherever the signal needs a boost. BTREs come in stake or wall-mount versions, as well as a 110V plug-in model, making them adaptable to any type of installation.
Ensuring Reliable Connectivity
As I often emphasize, it is essential to use bt Range Extenders (BTREs) with every Alliance bt system. Despite this, it’s easy to overlook them during installation—especially when everything seems to connect perfectly right out of the box.
Our company has been at the forefront of integrating Bluetooth® mesh technology into our fixtures. It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since we introduced the BL200-BT, one of our flagship products. Through this journey, we have experienced and learned from the challenges that come with not including BTREs in every installation.
Known to many as “Turbo,” Jason’s always ready to tackle tough lighting challenges and find solutions others might miss. With over 30 years in the landscape lighting industry, he’s seen it all. When he’s not helping contractors and distributors, he enjoys the quiet life in Southwest Florida — spending time with his wife and pets, relaxing by the pool, hitting golf balls at the range, or heading to the beach for the day.
Alliance Field Notes is a regular series we publish, featuring insights from our regional lighting experts.
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