LittleBird Smart Home Controller Installation Guide

This guide outlines the steps to properly install a LittleBird Smart Home Controller. The following steps should be precisely followed by a qualified technician to ensure system functionality and user safety. All local and national electric codes should be followed.

Supply list

Smart home controller kit

Phillips screwdriver

Wire cutters

3M double-sided tape

Choosing a location

Before you begin to install the LittleBird Smart Home Controller, you’ll need to select a suitable location for the unit. The Smart Home Controller can be installed next to a home router, or in a centralized wiring location. Most applications will allow you to install the system in a centralized wiring location, but in some situations, it may be necessary to install the controller next to a router which may be in plain sight. In these special instances, technicians should use their best judgement to ensure the panel is neatly installed, and displayed in a way that looks orderly and professional. 

Preparing the centralized wiring location

• Locate CAT5 network cable for the resident unit. 

• For installation in a new build, generally an extra CAT5 cable runs from the residence wiring location to a nearby IDF/MDF closet.

• For a retrofit installation, you will utilize existing wiring. 

• Tone each CAT5 cable, and label for proper configuration. 

• Once the CAT5 cable has been identified, trim it with an ethernet connector following the standard “A” or “B” configuration for the wiring.  

• Connect the IDF side of the CAT5 to the network switch in the IDF, and the residence side to the Smart Home Controller.

Figure A - Centralized Wiring Location

Connecting the power

In normal applications, power requirements will be met with the 120v power supply commonly found in the bottom of the centralized wiring panel. 

• To connect the system to the power supply, first measure a few feet of 16-2 wire in the centralized wiring location.  

  • It is important to measure just enough wiring to reach the panel and connect to the included 12v power supply for the controller panel. If measured correctly, you will be able to hide the excess wire along the edges of the wiring panel (see Figure A). 

• Locate the two screw terminals on the Smart Home Controller, labeled DC positive and negative. 

• Locate the positive and negative indicator next to each screw terminal on the power supply.  

  • Be sure to correctly match the wires according to red (+) and black (-). If these wires aren’t matched properly, the panel will not power up correctly, and in some cases can cause issues with the controller.

• Wire the red wire to the positive and the black wire to the negative. 

Fastening the Smart Home Controller

There are 4 included screws with the SmartHome Controller.  It is preferred that you use these to mount the panel, leaving enough space for the cellular antenna (if needed). 

If screws are not preferred, or cannot be utilized, double-sided tape may be used. Apply two strips of 3M double-sided tape to the back side of the controller. The strips only need to be about 1-1.5 inches in length. 

Remove the second backing to the tape, and carefully press the Smart Home Controller onto the back of the central wiring panel. If you are using a Smart Home Controller with cellular backup, leave enough space for the antenna to be screwed onto the panel.