Tech IDIntroduction
The Beams Path Light by Ring LLC is designed to enhance outdoor security and visibility for homeowners, seamlessly integrating smart lighting with motion detection and wireless connectivity. As part of Ring’s expanding ecosystem of smart home devices, the Beams Path Light stands out for its ease of installation, battery-powered flexibility, and intelligent automation—making it a compelling solution for illuminating pathways, gardens, and driveways.
A critical milestone for any wireless device in the US is FCC certification, and the Beams Path Light proudly carries FCC ID 2AEUPBHAPB001. This certification is more than a regulatory checkbox; it signifies the device’s compliance with strict RF emission and electromagnetic interference standards, ensuring it is both safe and legal for sale and use across the United States.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Beams Path Light’s key features, technical specifications, wireless operating frequencies, and the advanced technology underpinning its performance. We’ll also explore a detailed internal component analysis, based on teardown images, and examine the regulatory insights gleaned from its FCC filing. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, engineer, or a homeowner seeking reliable outdoor security lighting, this analysis will provide authoritative insights into what sets the Beams Path Light apart.
Key Features & Specifications
The Beams Path Light by Ring LLC is engineered to deliver reliable, intelligent outdoor lighting and security. Its design reflects a balance of user-friendly features and robust technical underpinnings:
Key Features
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Requires Ring Beams Bridge for Connectivity:
The Path Light works in tandem with the Ring Beams Bridge, allowing it to communicate with the broader Ring ecosystem and enabling app-based control and automation. -
Advanced Motion Sensing:
Integrated motion sensors detect movement, automatically activating the light to deter intruders and guide residents or visitors safely. -
Adjustable Sensor Direction:
The motion sensor’s direction can be fine-tuned during installation, optimizing detection coverage for specific outdoor layouts. -
Effortless Installation:
Comes with a ground stake for quick and secure placement in soil or turf—no wiring or complex mounting required. -
App Integration:
The Ring app facilitates easy setup, configuration, and ongoing management, empowering users to customize schedules and motion sensitivity. -
Performance-Oriented Motion Sensing:
Engineered for responsive motion detection, the device is recommended to be spaced 5–7 feet apart from other units for optimal coverage. -
Battery Powered:
Operates on four D-cell batteries, ensuring long-lasting performance without the need for electrical outlets.
Technical Specifications
- Connectivity: Requires Ring Beams Bridge; Bluetooth present (specific details not disclosed).
- Power: Four D-cell batteries for extended, wire-free operation.
- Compliance: FCC/IC compliant (FCC ID 2AEUPBHAPB001), ensuring adherence to US and Canadian RF emission standards.
- Safety: Minimum separation distance of 20 cm from persons during operation, as per regulatory guidelines.
- Recommended Placement: 5–7 feet apart for best motion sensing and area coverage.
- Installation: Ground stake included; direct-to-ground placement.
- App Support: Full integration with the Ring app for setup, alerts, and customization.
Additional Extracted Specifications
- Bluetooth Capability: Present, though specific Bluetooth version and profiles are not detailed in available documentation.
- Battery Installation: Four D-cell batteries, easy-access compartment for tool-free replacement.
Benefits & Practical Meanings:
- Wireless Flexibility: Battery operation and wireless connectivity mean the device can be placed wherever needed, independent of existing wiring.
- Smart Integration: Works within the Ring ecosystem for unified security and lighting automation.
- User-Friendly: Tool-free setup and app-based controls make it accessible to both tech-savvy users and those new to smart home devices.
- Security Enhancement: Motion-activated lighting acts as both a deterrent and a convenience feature for property owners.
Operating Frequencies
The Beams Path Light (FCC ID 2AEUPBHAPB001) operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, as detailed in its FCC filing. Below are the specific frequency ranges and output power levels:
| Frequency Range (GHz) | Output Power (mW) | FCC Rule Part |
|---|---|---|
| 2.402–2.48 | 0.1 | 15C1 |
| 2.402–2.48 | 0.1 | 15C3 |
| 2.402–2.48 | 0.1 | 15C4 |
Key Takeaways:
– The device operates across the full 2.4 GHz band, which is commonly used for Bluetooth and other short-range wireless communications.
– The low output power (0.1 mW) reflects a focus on energy efficiency and minimal RF interference, suitable for battery-powered, short-range operation.
– Compliance with multiple FCC Rule Parts ensures the device meets stringent regulatory requirements for unlicensed wireless operation.
Technology Deep Dive
The Beams Path Light leverages 2.4 GHz wireless technology, most likely Bluetooth, for communication with the Ring Beams Bridge and, by extension, the Ring app. While the FCC documentation confirms the presence of Bluetooth, it does not specify the version or protocol details. The absence of Wi-Fi or cellular radios—supported by both the equipment class and internal component analysis—affirms its reliance on low-power, short-range wireless solutions.
Operating within the 2.4 GHz band offers several advantages:
– Reliable Connectivity: The 2.4 GHz ISM band is globally available and widely used for smart home devices, ensuring compatibility and robust signal penetration through outdoor environments.
– Energy Efficiency: With a maximum output power of just 0.1 mW, the device is optimized for battery life, a critical factor for outdoor, wire-free operation.
– Reduced Interference: The low-power design, combined with careful RF layout (as revealed in the internal PCB analysis), helps minimize interference with other household wireless devices.
– Practical Range: While the 2.4 GHz band supports sufficient range for most residential properties, the device’s output power and internal antenna design are tuned for reliable performance within typical yard and garden distances.
Overall, the integration of motion sensing, ambient light detection, and wireless control within a compact, battery-powered device underscores Ring’s commitment to user-friendly, energy-efficient smart home solutions.
In-Depth Internal Component Analysis / Teardown
LED Module & Thermal Management
A close examination of the LED module reveals a purpose-built, circular PCB dedicated to housing the device’s primary illumination components. This white, aluminum-core board is populated with six surface-mount LEDs, arranged to deliver uniform, high-brightness light output. Each LED is clearly labeled (LED1–LED6), and the board itself is marked with a part number and revision identifier, streamlining assembly and maintenance processes. Power is delivered via robustly soldered red and black wires, ensuring reliable operation in outdoor environments. The choice of aluminum-core PCB is a standout engineering decision, optimizing heat dissipation and extending LED lifespan—essential for consistent outdoor performance. The modular separation between the LED board and the main control PCB simplifies both manufacturing and repairs, while the absence of complex components on this board reinforces its singular focus on efficient, reliable illumination. This design aligns perfectly with the Beams Path Light’s emphasis on durability and weather resistance.
Main PCB: Wireless Control, Sensing, and Power Management
A detailed view of the main PCB showcases the technological sophistication underlying the Beams Path Light’s smart capabilities. The board, measuring approximately 6.5 x 3.5 cm, is densely populated with a blend of surface-mount and through-hole components. Central to its function is a prominent QFN/LGA IC, likely serving as the main microcontroller or RF system-on-chip, positioned near a finely routed PCB trace antenna. This antenna, of the meandered inverted-F type, is engineered for efficient 2.4 GHz operation, providing reliable, internal wireless connectivity without the need for external antennas. The PCB layout demonstrates careful attention to RF signal integrity, with controlled-impedance traces and robust grounding. Integrated motion and light sensors—visible as a PIR dome and a light-sensitive component—enable the device’s motion-activated, dusk-to-dawn functionality. Power management is handled by a suite of capacitors, inductors, and voltage regulators, supporting the device’s battery-powered operation. The overall design reflects a cost-optimized yet performance-oriented approach, blending compactness, modularity, and robust wireless performance to deliver a seamless smart lighting experience.
Regulatory Insights & FCC Filing
The presence of FCC ID 2AEUPBHAPB001 on the Beams Path Light is a clear indicator of regulatory compliance and engineering diligence. This certification, registered with the FCC, confirms that the device meets stringent US standards for electromagnetic compatibility and radiofrequency emissions, making it fully legal for sale and operation across the United States.
FCC filings typically encompass a comprehensive suite of documents, including test reports for RF exposure and electromagnetic compatibility, internal and external photographs, user manuals, schematics, and block diagrams. For the Beams Path Light, internal documentation reveals a meticulous design approach:
– The user manual provides clear, step-by-step guidance for setup, including battery installation, physical placement, and app integration, reflecting an emphasis on user experience and safety.
– Regulatory statements in the documentation confirm the device’s compliance with both FCC and Canadian standards, including specific instructions on minimum separation distances and safe installation practices.
– Internal documentation and test reports (as summarized in the FCC filing) detail the device’s low-power RF emissions and robust wireless design, ensuring minimal interference with other devices and safe operation in residential environments.
The thoroughness of these filings not only facilitates legal market access but also provides transparency and assurance to consumers and integrators regarding the device’s safety and reliability.
Potential Use Cases & Target Audience
The Beams Path Light is purpose-built for homeowners seeking a blend of outdoor illumination and smart security, but its versatility makes it suitable for a range of scenarios:
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Residential Pathway & Garden Lighting:
Homeowners can deploy multiple Path Lights along walkways, driveways, or garden borders. The motion-activated feature ensures lights only turn on when needed, conserving battery life and providing both convenience and security. -
Security Enhancement for Perimeter Areas:
The device’s integration with the Ring ecosystem enables coordinated lighting and alerting in response to motion, serving as a deterrent to intruders and increasing situational awareness for residents. -
Flexible, Temporary Lighting for Events:
Thanks to its battery-powered, wireless design and ground stake installation, the Beams Path Light can be quickly repositioned for outdoor gatherings, parties, or seasonal decorations—offering adaptable lighting without permanent installation.
Target users include tech-savvy homeowners, property managers, and anyone seeking reliable, smart outdoor lighting with minimal installation hassle.
Conclusion
The Beams Path Light by Ring LLC (FCC ID 2AEUPBHAPB001) exemplifies the integration of smart technology, robust engineering, and regulatory compliance in a compact, user-friendly package. Its advanced motion sensing, wireless connectivity, and battery-powered operation make it a standout solution for modern outdoor security and illumination needs. Backed by comprehensive FCC certification, the device not only meets but exceeds expectations for safety and performance. For homeowners and technology enthusiasts alike, the Beams Path Light represents a compelling blend of innovation, reliability, and regulatory assurance in the ever-evolving smart home landscape.
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