What is WOW LINK?
WOW LINK, or Wireless Or Wired Link, is a communication system supported by XCSpec equipment that connects tenant space devices to rooftop RTU control equipment. It enables seamless data transmission for systems such as powered exhaust, economizer controls, current measurement units, and preventative maintenance sensors.

WOW LINK offers two installation options:

1. Wi-Fi Wireless Communication: Transmits data wirelessly from tenant space devices to rooftop controllers, depending on roof construction, building height, and Wi-Fi infrastructure. This method is simple, quick, and cost-effective, especially for single-story buildings without metal roofs.
2. Power Line Communication: Uses thermostat power lines to send control information to rooftop controllers, eliminating the need for additional wiring.

WOW LINK provides a flexible and efficient solution for HVAC system management, with installation methods tailored to specific building needs.

Wireless Communications from Tenant Space to Rooftop
Transmitting information wirelessly from the tenant space to rooftop equipment depends on factors such as roof construction, building height, and the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure. When conditions allow, this method offers a quick and straightforward installation.

Wireless communication is a particularly low-cost and efficient solution for single-story buildings without metal roofs.

The AQ Extender, mounted in the RTU, acts as a stand-alone Wi-Fi Access point. This allows devices in the Tenant space to communicate directly with AQ Extender through its Wi-Fi Access point. In this use case, we are NOT using the Wi-Fi in the building. The AQ Extender is configured to “listen” for data from the tenant space devices – up to 4 units can be zoned to the AQ Extender. As the AQ Extender receives data from specific devices, it is used directly for the DCV output or the Powered Exhaust control.

Like any computer joining a network, the thermostat or AQ Indoor in the tenant space must “join” the access point of the AQ Extender. The installation Application will help with this configuration.

Before installing, we recommend performing the following test to evaluate if the signal will penetrate the roof directly.

1. Place the Thermostat or AQ Indoor unit in the approximate location intended for final installation.  If 24V is required, we recommend wiring a 110 HVAC 24-volt transformer.  This will allow the unit to power up and begin transmitting.
2. Go to the ROOF TOP near the RTU the thermostat or AQ Indoor is intended to operate with. Using your phone, scan the list of Wi-Fi networks your phone can “see” from that location. Most phones show relative signal strength by the number of arcs on the WiFi symbol. Strong Signal is shown as one dot with three arcs. If the phone only shows a dot or a dot with one wifi radio arc, we suggest NOT trying to connect these units directly.

   If your phone sees the Thermostat or AQ Indoor and the WiFi symbol has two or more arcs, then the control unit in the RTU will also be able to “see” the device in the tenant space. NOTE: The RTU unit's antenna is mounted OUTSIDE the RTU.

3. Antenna Mounting:we suggest drilling a ¼ inch hole in the RTU metal housing. The AQ Extender ships with an extender cable allowing you to screw the antenna into the cable. Once mounted, we recommend covering the whole assembly with RTV to protect it from rain and other elements. We also recommend “pointing” the antenna toward the device in the tenant space.
   
   

All XCSpec products are IEE802 b/g/n 2.4G compatible – NOTE: they are not 5.0G compatible. XCSpec products require that the Access Point is configured with the WPA enterprise - TPKI and AES. This allows them to attach to any off the shelf Wi-Fi access point. Joining an external network is outlined in each products commissioning guide. If you are using the installation app, the wizard will lead you through the steps only requiring you to select the desired network and entering it’s password.

The AQ Extender is configured to “listen” for data from the tenant space devices – up to 4. As the AQ Extender receives data from specific devices, this is used for the DCV output or the Powered Exhaust control directly.

Before starting any installation we recommend performing the following test to evaluate if the signal will penetrate the roof directly.

1. Go to the ROOF TOP near the RTU the thermostat or AQ Extender is intended to be installed into. Using your phone, scan the list of Wi-Fi networks your phone can “see” from that location. Most phones show relative signal strength by the number of arcs on the WiFi symbol. Strong Signal is shown as one dot with three arcs. If the phone is only showing a dot or a dot with one wifi radio arc, we suggest NOT trying to connect these units directly.

   If your phone sees the Building WiFi and the WiFi symbol has two or more arcs, then the AQ extender in the RTU will also be able to “see” the building WiFi. NOTE: The Antenna for the unit in the RTU is mounted on the OUTSIDE of the RTU. Antenna Mounting: we suggest drilling a ¼ inch hole in the RTU metal housing. The AQ Extender ships with an extender cable allowing you to screw the antenna into the cable. Once mounted, we recommend covering the whole assembly with RTV to protect from...

In the RTU: The AQ Extender is installed inside the RTU, positioned near a 24 VAC/DC power source and close to the devices it will control, such as the economizer, DCV, or powered exhaust system.

If controlling a Powered Exhaust, the pressure tube must be installed. This tube should be routed to the bottom of the RTU in an area with minimal impact from rain.

For Demand Controlled Ventilation, the output from the AQ Controls has a Rate of Change control algorithm, so it will not cause hunting or wear on the motorized actuator. The Rate of Change steps can be configured at installation time.

RTU to Building Communications: Wi-Fi communication enables seamless connectivity between the rooftop unit (RTU) and the building. The AQ Extender should be mounted outside the RTU, facing toward the building for optimal signal strength. We recommend testing your phone's Wi-Fi signal to ensure the AQ Extender is visible. Once all units are connected to the building’s Wi-Fi infrastructure and properly commissioned, communication between devices will function as intended.

In The Building: The devices in the building building must be tested to see if they are receiving this Wi-Fi Beacon from the AQ Extender. If not, we suggest putting all the units on a common Wi-Fi access point.

Sending information over the thermostat power lines requires the use of the AQ Bridge.

Wiring at the Thermostat: The AQ TstatProPlus is wired to the back plate per the installation instructions. There are no changes, and the thermostat should be wired as normal. All relays, Y1, Y2, W1, W2, G, B, and O are wired per the installation requirements. Power and common are also wired as normal.

Wiring in the RTU: All relays are wired to the terminal unit as normal. There are no changes to the standard terminal hook-up. The AQ Bridge R and C inputs are wired to the Power and Common coming from the RTU. The Power and Common Terminals to the Thermostat at the terminal strip are wired to the R and C outputs from the AQ Bridge.

The Thermostat does have to be configured to communicate over the Power Lines. Please reference the thermostat Commissioning Guide. This illustrates how to set the Thermostat up to communicate with an AQ Bridge via the Network page on the thermostat.

The thermostat will now modulate the tenant space data onto the Power Lines connected to the AQ Bridge. The AQ Bridge will demodulate this data and send it to the AQ Extender over a wireless connection.

In the RTU: The AQ Bridge is installed near the thermostat relay terminals on the RTU control unit. The 24 VAC/DC power from the terminal is connected to the C and R terminals on the AQ Controls for proper functionality.

For Over-The-Wire Communications, wire the Rh and Rc terminals of the thermostat to the R and C terminals on the AQ Controls. This configuration enables power line communication between the RTU and the tenant space.

The AQ Extender is installed within the RTU, positioned near the 24 VAC/DC power source and close to the devices it will control, such as the economizer, DCV, or powered exhaust.

Powered Exhaust: If controlling a powered exhaust system, the pressure tube from the AQ Extender must be installed. Route the tube to the bottom of the RTU, ensuring it is placed in an area minimally impacted by rain to maintain functionality.

Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV): The AQ Extender includes a rate-of-change algorithm to prevent hunting and minimize wear on motorized actuators. These rate-of-change steps can be configured during installation. The AQ Controls communicate the necessary data for the powered exhaust and DCV to the AQ Extender over Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless operation and control.

RTU to Building Communications: Over-the-wire communication connects the building to the rooftop unit (RTU), eliminating radio frequency concerns. The AQ Controls include indicators to confirm successful communication with the thermostat, ensuring reliable operation.

In The Building: In this configuration, zone devices are integrated into the XCSpec Thermostat, which collects and processes sensor data from the connected zone devices. This processed data is transmitted to the AQ Controls for system management and control.