Skytech 3301 Fireplace Remote Control

Introduction

The SKYTECH remote control system provides a safe, reliable, and user-friendly method for operating gas heating appliances. It can function thermostatically or manually via the transmitter. The system operates on radio frequencies (RF) within a 20-foot range using non-directional signals. It utilizes one of 1,048,576 security codes programmed at the factory; the remote receiver's code must be matched to the transmitter's code before initial use.

Review the COMMUNICATION SAFETY and THERMO SAFETY sections for critical signal/temperature safety features that shut down the appliance under unsafe conditions.

Transmitter Operation and Setup

The transmitter requires two (2) AAA-size 1.5V batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended for optimal battery life and performance. Ensure batteries are new or fully charged for proper operation. Insert batteries into the compartment on the back of the transmitter, observing the (+) and (-) polarity indicators.

Note: A low battery icon ? on the screen indicates the need to replace batteries within two weeks.

Caution: Due to sensitive temperature-monitoring components, the transmitter may require up to fifteen minutes to stabilize to room temperature after activation from a cold condition for accurate readings.

Transmitter Display Functions (Figure 2)

• 1. BATTERY ICON ?: Indicates low battery power.
• 2. TIMER: Shows remaining time before system shut-off (up to 9-hour maximum).
• 3. MODE: Displays operating mode: ON (manual), OFF (system off), or THERMO (automatic cycling based on SET temperature).
• 4. SET: Displays the desired room temperature for THERMO operation.
• 5. FLAME ?: Indicates the burner/valve is ON.
• 6. CLOCK ⏰: Shows the current time (AM/PM).
• 7. ROOM: Displays the current room temperature.
• 8. °F/°C: Indicates the temperature scale.

Basic Transmitter Functions (Figure 3-6)

Cycle through modes by pressing the MODE button:

• OFF Mode (Figure 4): System is off.
• Manual ON (Figure 5): Press MODE once to turn the appliance ON.
• THERMO Mode (Figure 6): Press MODE a second time for automatic thermostat operation. Pressing MODE a third time turns the appliance OFF.

Setting the Clock

To set the clock:

1. Press and hold the TIMER/TIME button for over 2 seconds. The hour digit(s) will blink (Figure 8).
2. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to select the desired hour (AM/PM).
3. Press and release the TIMER/TIME button again to set the minutes; the minute digits will blink (Figure 9).
4. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to select the desired minutes.
5. Press and hold the TIMER/TIME button for over 2 seconds to save the time. The digits will stop blinking. Alternatively, press the SET button to finalize.

Setting °F / °C Scale (Figure 10)

The factory default is °F. To change to °C, press and hold the UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously. Repeat to change back to °F. The SET temperature will default to the lowest setting (45°F / 6°C) when changing scales. The highest SET temperature is 99°F (32°C).

Remote Receiver

The remote receiver requires four (4) AA-size 1.5V batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended for longer life and performance. Ensure batteries are new or fully charged.

The receiver houses the microprocessor that controls the system. It beeps once for manual ON/OFF commands but remains silent for THERMO mode cycles.

Receiver Slide Switch (Figure 11)

The receiver has a 3-position slide switch:

• ON: The system remains ON until the switch is moved to OFF or REMOTE.
• REMOTE: The system operates only when receiving commands from the transmitter.
• OFF: The system is OFF. Recommended for extended absences and acts as a safety lock-out.

Figure 11 Description: The remote receiver unit shows a LEARNING button, a 3-position slide switch (ON, REMOTE, OFF), and the battery compartment with a cover.

Installation Precautions

WARNING: Follow all instructions carefully. Modifications void the warranty and may cause a fire hazard. Do not connect gas valves or electronic modules directly to 110-120VAC power. Consult appliance manufacturer's instructions for wiring.

Installation Instructions

The receiver can be Wall Mounted into a standard plastic switch box or Hearth Mounted near the fireplace. Wall mounting in a switch box protects components from heat and potential damage. Keep the receiver away from temperatures exceeding 130°F.

Wall Mounting

1. Install four (4) AA-size 1.5V ALKALINE batteries in the remote receiver. Ensure correct battery orientation.
2. Attach the wall mount cover plate to the receiver box (Figure 12). Position the receiver, aligning the lower tab with the groove, then snap the upper tab into place.
3. Position the cover plate with the word "ON" facing upwards (Figure 13). Install the receiver into the plastic switch box using the provided screws. Ensure the receiver's slide button aligns with the switch before final installation. The transmitter's security code must be learned by the receiver first.

Figure 12 Description: Shows the wall mount cover plate and the remote receiver being connected.

Figure 13 Description: Illustrates installing the remote receiver into a plastic switch box, showing the receiver, slide button, wall cover plate, and switch box.

Hearth Mount

The receiver can be placed on the fireplace hearth or under it, behind access panels or louvers. Ensure ambient temperature inside the receiver case does not exceed 130°F. The black Slide Button should be installed for hearth mount applications.

Wiring Instructions

Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician or gas technician. Incorrect wiring can damage the gas valve, electronic module, or receiver.

Wiring Millivolt Valves (Figure 14)

Connect the receiver to the millivolt valve's TH & TH/TP terminals using 18-gauge stranded or solid wires. The receiver operates similarly to a thermostat, controlling the gas valve based on signals from the transmitter.

Figure 14 Description: Depicts wiring the remote receiver to a millivolt gas valve's terminal block (TH, TP, TH/TP) and the thermopile/pilot light.

Wiring Electronic Spark Ignitions (Figure 15)

Connect the receiver in series with a 24VAC transformer to the ELECTRONIC MODULE's TR terminal. Connect the hot wire from the transformer to one receiver terminal, and the other receiver terminal to the ELECTRONIC MODULE's TH terminal.

Figure 15 Description: Shows the wiring connection between a 24VAC transformer, the remote receiver, and an electronic module (TR, TH terminals).

Learning Transmitter to Receiver (Figure 16)

Each transmitter has a unique security code. To pair the transmitter with the receiver:

1. Ensure the receiver's slide switch is in the REMOTE position.
2. Gently press and release the black LEARN button located inside a small hole on the receiver's front face. The receiver will emit a "beep".
3. Within a few seconds, press the transmitter's MODE button. The receiver will emit several beeps, confirming the code has been accepted.

If unsuccessful, wait 1-2 minutes and try again. The system has a timing function that may require a reset.

Figure 16 Description: Shows the receiver with its slide switch (OFF, REMOTE, ON) and the location of the LEARN button.

System Check

After installation, perform the following checks:

Millivolt Valves

• Light the appliance, ensuring the pilot flame is ON and the gas valve knob is in the ON position.
• Receiver ON: Slide the receiver switch to ON. The main gas flame should ignite.
• Receiver OFF: Slide the switch to OFF. The main flame should extinguish (pilot remains ON).
• Receiver REMOTE: Slide to REMOTE, then press the transmitter's MODE button to ON. The main flame should ignite. Press MODE to OFF; the flame should extinguish (pilot remains ON).
• THERMO Mode: Press MODE to THERMO. Adjust the SET temperature. The system ignites if SET is at least 2°F (1°C) above ROOM temperature and extinguishes if SET is at least 2°F (1°C) below ROOM temperature. It will cycle approximately every two minutes based on the temperature differential.

Electronic Ignition Systems

• Light the appliance, ensuring the pilot flame is ON and the gas valve knob is in the ON position.
• Receiver ON: Slide the switch to ON. Spark electrode should activate to ignite the pilot. Once lit, the main gas valve opens, and the main flame ignites.
• Receiver OFF: Slide the switch to OFF. Both main flame and pilot should extinguish.
• Receiver REMOTE: Slide to REMOTE, then press the transmitter's MODE button to ON. Spark electrode activates to ignite the pilot. Once lit, the main gas valve opens, and the main flame ignites. Press MODE to OFF; both flames should extinguish.
• THERMO Mode: Press MODE to THERMO. Adjust SET temperature. The system ignites if SET is at least 2°F (1°C) above ROOM temperature and extinguishes if SET is at least 2°F (1°C) below ROOM temperature. It will cycle approximately every two minutes based on the temperature differential.

General Information

Thermo-Safety Feature in Receiver

This feature is temperature-activated to enhance safety. If the receiver's ambient temperature exceeds 130°F, it will automatically shut down the appliance and emit 3 "beeps" every 4 seconds. If the temperature drops between 120°F and 130°F, the appliance can be reactivated by pressing the transmitter's MODE button to ON. The "beeping" will continue if the temperature remains between 120°F and 130°F, indicating the receiver should be repositioned to a cooler location. Beeping stops when the temperature drops below 120°F after the system has been reset.

Battery Life Note: High temperatures (above 115°F) can cause alkaline batteries to lose up to 50% of their power.

Transmitter Operating Distance

The transmitter operates on RF signals. It is recommended to keep the transmitter within the 20-foot operating range, preferably in the same room as the appliance.

Thermo Updating Feature

In THERMO and PROGRAM MODES, the transmitter reads the ROOM temperature every 2 minutes and sends signals to the receiver.

Communication Safety Feature

This feature provides safety when the transmitter is out of the normal 20-foot range. The transmitter sends an RF signal every 15 minutes. If the receiver does not receive a signal for 15 minutes, a 2-hour countdown begins. If no signal is received within 2 hours, the receiver shuts down the fireplace and emits beeping warnings.

Additional Programming Features of the Transmitter

Setting the Desired Room Temperature

In THERMO mode (ensure THERMO is displayed on the screen), press the MODE button to enter THERMO mode (Figure 17). Use the UP or DOWN buttons to select the desired room temperature (45°F to 99°F).

Operational Note: Room temperature updates are automatically sent to the transmitter every two minutes to conserve battery power.

The Thermo Mode operates based on a "SWING" or TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL setting, which determines how much the ROOM temperature must vary from the SET temperature to activate the system. A smaller swing number results in more frequent cycles for a more constant temperature; a larger number saves energy by reducing cycles. The factory setting is 2, representing a ±2°F (±1°C) differential. Values range from 1 (+1°F) to 3 (+3°F).

Setting the Temperature Swing (Temperature Differential) (Figure 18)

1. To change the "SWING" setting (1-3), simultaneously press the TIMER/TIME and DOWN buttons. The current "SWING" setting will appear in the SET TEMP frame, and "S" will display in the ROOM TEMP frame.
2. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to select the desired swing value (1, 2, or 3).
3. Press the SET button or wait 15 seconds to store the setting.

Manual Check of "Swing": Adjust the SET temperature ±2°F from the room temperature to test system activation. Manual changes typically activate the system in under 10 seconds.

Setting the Countdown Timer

The countdown timer can be used in ON or THERMO modes. Press the TIMER/TIME button; "TIMER" will appear, and "0:15" will blink (Figure 19). Use UP/DOWN buttons to select a time from 15 minutes up to 9 hours. Press SET to confirm. In ON mode, the system stays ON until the timer expires. In THERMO mode, it cycles until the timer expires, after which THERMO operation resumes.

Figure 19 Description: Shows the transmitter's LCD displaying "TIMER" and a blinking time value.

Low Battery Indicator (Figure 20)

A low battery icon ? appears in the upper left corner of the LCD screen when battery power is significantly depleted, indicating approximately two weeks of remaining battery life.

Childproof "Lock-Out" (CP) (Figure 21)

This feature prevents manual operation of the appliance from the transmitter. To activate, press and hold the UP and TIMER/TIME buttons for 5 seconds; "CP" will appear on the LCD screen. To disengage, repeat the process; "CP" will disappear. Engaging "LOCK-OUT" does not cancel the current operating MODE (ON or THERMO). To completely disable transmitter signals, set the transmitter's MODE to OFF.

Figure 21 Description: Shows the transmitter's LCD displaying "CP" to indicate the lock-out feature is active.

Battery Life and Troubleshooting

Battery Life

Alkaline batteries should last at least 12 months; replace annually. If the transmitter's range decreases or the receiver stops functioning, check batteries. The remote receiver requires a combined battery output of at least 5.3 volts. The transmitter requires approximately 2.5 volts.

Trouble Shooting

If you encounter issues, first consult the fireplace manufacturer's manual. Then, check the SKYTECH remote system:

1. Receiver Batteries: Ensure they are installed correctly and provide at least 2.5V output.
2. Transmitter Batteries: Ensure they are installed correctly and provide at least 2.5V output.
3. Communication: The receiver beeps when the transmitter's MODE button is pressed (only in ON/OFF modes). If no beep occurs, learn the transmitter code (see page 5).
4. Range: Ensure the transmitter is within the 15 to 20-foot operating range.
5. Receiver Positioning: Metal surrounds can affect RF signal strength and working distance. Consider a heat shield. High ambient temperatures (>130°F) inside the receiver case will activate the THERMO-SAFETY feature, requiring repositioning.

Specifications

• Batteries: Transmitter: 3V (2x AAA 1.5V Alkaline); Receiver: 6V (4x AA 1.5V Alkaline).
• FCC ID: Transmitter – (K9L3301TX); Receiver – (K9L3301RX).
• Operating Frequency: 303.8MHZ.
• Canadian IC ID: Transmitter – 2439-3301TX; Receiver – 2439A-3301RX.

FCC Requirements

The manufacturer is not responsible for radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications.

Contact Information

For Technical Service, call U.S. inquiries at (888) 672-8929 or (260) 459-1703, or Canadian inquiries at (877) 472-3923. Visit skytechsystem.com.

Manufactured exclusively for SKYTECH II, INC.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

SKYTECH II warrants the SKYTECH REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM for the limited lifetime of the original owner. This warranty is non-transferable. SKYTECH II will repair or replace defective parts due to faulty workmanship or materials.

Replacement parts are free for the first five years and available at market cost thereafter. If parts are unavailable, a replacement system will be provided (free for 5 years, market cost thereafter).

The owner must provide proof of purchase (bill of sale, cancelled check). The owner is responsible for travel, diagnostic costs, service labor, and freight charges. SKYTECH is not liable for installation/repair damage or incidental/consequential damages. Batteries and damage caused by them are not covered.

This warranty excludes damage from accident, misuse, abuse, installation error, or modification.

To Obtain Service: Contact SKYTECH II or your SKYTECH Dealer with owner information, proof of purchase, model name, date code, and details of the issue.

Return Address: Skytech II, 9230 Conservation Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46809. Phone: (888) 672-8929.

A warranty claim form is provided for return, requiring purchase details and owner information.

Santa's Helper Exclusive Offer

This special offer is for Skytech II Hearth Product owners. The Santa's Helper system can control any 110-Volt appliance, such as Christmas tree lights. Simply plug the receiver into a wall outlet, your appliance into the receiver, and use the transmitter's ON button.

Offer Details: The Santa's Helper (Model 1310) is available for $15.00 USD (regularly $29.95), plus $5.00 S&H. Payment can be made via check, money order, Visa, or MasterCard. Include warranty information from your Hearth Product remote control. Send to Skytech II, Inc., 9230 Conservation Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46809. Contact: 1 (888) 672-8929, Fax: 1 (888) 672-8024, Email: support@skytechsystem.com.