This document is an Installation & Operation Manual for the Navien Wireless Communication Module, model BCM-40RW. It provides detailed information on the device's function, installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Function Description
The Navien Wireless Communication Module (BCM-40RW) is a central component of the Navien Smart Plus heating control system. It facilitates 2-way communication on an 868 MHz radio frequency (RF) band to manage the heating system. The BCM-40RW acts as the control center, connecting to Navien boilers (LCB700 or NCB-CE) via 2-wire communication (KIW) technology. It enables control of the boiler through this 2-wire connection.
The Navien Smart Plus system typically comprises the BCM-40RW and a wireless thermostat (NRC-10R). These devices are pre-paired at the factory, eliminating the need for an initial pairing procedure during installation. The system is compatible with combi/system and regular boilers. For multi-zone control, additional wireless thermostats (NRC-10R) and a wireless wiring center (VCU-10R) can be integrated. Multi-zone control can be implemented in a combi boiler environment using the S/S+ Plan, and in a system/regular boiler environment with the S/S+/Y/W Plan.
The BCM-40RW also allows smartphone control of wireless thermostats via the Navien Smart Plus app. To use this feature, the smartphone must be connected to the wireless communication module.
Important Technical Specifications
Applicable Devices with BCM-40RW:
- Thermostat: NRC-10R
- Power input: AA batteries x 2
- Radio frequency (RF): 868 MHz
- Wiring centre: VCU-10R
- Power input: 230 VAC, Hz
- Radio frequency (RF): 868 MHz
- Main controller (boiler): LCB700 or NCB-CE
Wireless Communication Module (BCM-40RW) Specifications:
- Main supply: Navien boiler (power line along with communication line)
- Consumption: 10 W
- Radio frequency (RF): 865.15 MHz–867.95 MHz
- Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz, IEEE Std. 802.11b/g/n (20 MHz)
- Permissible operating temperature: 0°C–40°C
- Supplier's name: KDEL (KYUNGDONG ELECTRONICS CO., Ltd.)
- Supplier's model identifier: BCM-40RW (Wireless communication module)
ErP Control Class and Space Heating Energy Efficiency:
- VI (+4%): Weather compensator and room sensor, for use with modulating heaters
- VIII (+5%): Multi-sensor room temperature control, for use with modulating heaters
Safety Information:
- Do not supply 230 VAC to this device; it may result in fire, severe personal injury, or death.
- Designed for indoor use only.
- Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the device, as this voids Navien's Limited Warranty and may cause damage or injury.
- Avoid storing flammable materials near the device.
- Avoid interference with other electronic devices; the device emits RF signals that may interfere with unshielded or improperly shielded electronic equipment (e.g., pacemakers, hearing aids, medical devices).
- Ensure the wall is strong enough to support the device when mounting.
- Use suitable tools and appropriate force during installation to prevent damage.
- Do not expose the device to direct sunlight or high temperatures for extended periods.
- Avoid water and wet areas; keep the device dry.
- Do not clean the device with water or a damp cloth.
- Do not install in very hot or very cold areas (operating temperature: 0°C–40°C).
- Do not use loose or damaged cables.
- Approved for use in the UK and EU only; use in other countries voids the manufacturer's warranty.
- Must be supplied from a power source of less than 8 A, 100 VA.
- Only use accessories provided with the product to avoid signal interference or improper operation.
- The product's wireless power supply follows all related RF standards. Abnormal voltage, temperature, or operation may cause instability.
- The short-range wireless communication function is controlled via software/firmware to meet data transfer security standards. Improper modification may compromise security.
- The wireless communication antenna does not require SAR testing (operating distance > 20 cm, conforms to EN62311).
- Safety/RF/EMC tested by a qualified laboratory.
Usage Features
Device Layout and Indicators:
The device features several buttons and LED indicators:
- Wi-Fi button: Press and hold to enter or exit Wi-Fi AP mode.
- RF button: Press and hold to enter or exit RF pairing mode.
- Reset button: Insert a sharp object (e.g., clip) to reset RF or Wi-Fi connection data.
LED Status Indicators:
- Wi-Fi LED Status:
- Red (On): Booting for Wi-Fi communication, no Wi-Fi network connected, or Wi-Fi AP mode is off.
- Red (Blinking Slow: 0.5 sec): Device is in Wi-Fi AP mode.
- Red (Blinking Quick: 0.2 sec): Device is entering AP mode.
- Green (Blinking): Wi-Fi AP (router) access trial is being performed.
- Blue (On): Wireless communication module is properly connected to the server.
- Blue (Blinking): Connecting to the server (slow blink) or transmitting/receiving server data (slow or quick blink depending on data size).
- RF LED Status:
- Red (On): Booting for RF communication, no devices paired, or RF pairing mode is off.
- Red (Blinking Slow: 0.5 sec): Device is in RF pairing mode.
- Red (Blinking Quick: 0.2 sec): Device is entering RF pairing mode.
- Green (Blinking): Poor connection between wireless communication module and paired devices.
- Blue (On): Wireless communication module is properly paired with devices.
- Blue (Blinking): Transmitting/receiving RF data (slow or quick blink depending on data size).
Installation:
- Connect the KIW communication cable from the boiler to the wireless communication module. The boiler provides power.
- Install the module on a wall near the boiler in an open area for optimal RF performance.
- Pass the KIW communication cable through the hole in the wall mounting plate.
- Connect the KIW communication cable to the module's power terminal block on the wall mounting plate.
- Set DIP switches on NCB-CE and LCB700 boilers as specified (NCB-CE Panel DIP SW: 4-OFF, 5-OFF; LCB700 Boiler DIP SW2: 6-OFF, 7-ON, 8-OFF).
- Affix the wall mounting plate to the wall using four screws.
- Hang the wireless communication module on the wall mounting plate, aligning the hooks until a "click" is heard.
Pairing with RF Receivers:
- Turn on power to the wireless communication module.
- Press and hold the RF button to enter pairing mode (RF LED blinks red slowly).
- Enter pairing mode on the RF devices (wiring center, wireless thermostats). The module will automatically pair.
- Press and hold the RF button to exit pairing mode. Check RF devices for pairing status (e.g., antenna icon on thermostat LCD).
- Pairing mode automatically ends after ~5 minutes.
- If the module does not exit pairing mode, it cannot communicate with paired devices.
Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network (for App Use):
- Turn on power to the wireless communication module.
- Log into the Navien Smart Plus app on your smartphone.
- When the "Product registration" screen appears, press and hold the Wi-Fi button to enter AP mode (Wi-Fi LED blinks red slowly).
- In your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings, connect to "Navien_Smart+_XXXX" and tap "Next."
- Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password.
- Upon successful connection, the Wi-Fi LED will turn blue.
Resetting Connection Data:
- Wi-Fi connection data: Press and hold the Wi-Fi button and the Reset button simultaneously.
- RF connection data: Press and hold the RF button and the Reset button simultaneously.
- Wi-Fi and RF connection data simultaneously: Press and hold the Reset button for more than 10 seconds.
Maintenance Features
Troubleshooting:
The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues:
- RF LED status is turned red: No devices paired.
- Remedies: Check RF device operation, try pairing again.
- RF LED status blinks green: Poor connection.
- Remedies: Install module in an open area, choose a different installation location if interference occurs, check paired RF device's pairing status, check wiring center operation.
- Wi-Fi LED status is turned red: No Wi-Fi network connection.
- Remedies: Check if Wi-Fi router is on, check router's network connection status.
- Wi-Fi LED status blinks green and red: Poor connection to selected Wi-Fi network.
- Remedies: Try selecting a different available Wi-Fi network.
- Wi-Fi LED status blinks blue and red: No Wi-Fi network connection or poor connection near the module.
- Remedies: Check if Wi-Fi router is operating properly.
Recycling and Disposal:
- Recycling the package: Sort waste (cartons, plastics) for recycling according to local regulations.
- WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Recycling:
- The device must be recycled in compliance with the WEEE Directive, which mandates selective collection, systematic treatment of dangerous components, and reuse/recycling/recovery of collected equipment.
- Do not dispose of the device or accessories with regular household waste.
- Ensure proper disposal of old units and accessories.
- Deposit the product at an appropriate collection point for evaluation, treatment, and recycling.
- Observe all relevant regulations and laws.
Warranty:
- Manufacturer's warranty of 2 years is provided.