Finder 012.BG.8.230 – 12 Series Time Switches – Accessory – GPS external antenna

Why Choose the Finder 012.BG.8.230 External Bluetooth GPS Antenna?

The Finder 012.BG.8.230 is an advanced external GPS antenna with Bluetooth connectivity, designed to provide accurate, automatic date and time synchronisation for compatible Finder digital time switches. Part of the Finder 12 Series, this GPS synchronisation accessory combines satellite-based time reception with Bluetooth wireless communication, helping maintain consistent time settings across electrical control and automation installations.

Designed for use with compatible Finder Type 12.B2 and Type 12.C1 time switches, the 012.BG.8.230 receives accurate time information from GPS satellites and transmits synchronisation data wirelessly to supported devices. This removes the need for individual wired GPS connections and reduces the requirement for manual clock correction across multiple time switches.

Featuring a 110–230 V AC power supply range, IP54-rated enclosure and Bluetooth 5 Long Range technology, the Finder 012.BG.8.230 is designed for external wall mounting where GPS reception is available. It is particularly useful for building automation, public lighting, school bell systems and other scheduled electrical installations where accurate timekeeping is essential.

Key Advantages

• Automatic GPS time synchronisation helps maintain accurate date and time settings on compatible Finder time switches.
• Bluetooth wireless communication eliminates the need for individual signal cables between the antenna and supported time switches.
• Bluetooth 5 Long Range technology supports communication across suitable building and installation layouts.
• Daily synchronisation helps reduce clock drift and maintain consistent switching schedules.
• Compatible with Finder Type 12.B2 digital astronomical time switches.
• Compatible with Finder Type 12.C1 Bluetooth astronomical time switches.
• Multiple-device synchronisation allows one antenna to serve compatible time switches within wireless range.
• No specified limit on the number of compatible receivers, provided each device is within effective Bluetooth range.
• IP54 ingress protection makes the antenna suitable for appropriately installed outdoor applications.
• 110–230 V AC supply compatibility supports common low-voltage electrical installations.
• Plug-and-play operation simplifies integration with compatible Finder timing equipment.
• External wall mounting allows positioning for improved GPS satellite reception.
• LED status indication helps identify GPS reception and synchronisation activity.
• Optional Bluetooth signal extension using compatible Finder Type 1Y.E8 range extenders.
• Finder 12 Series compatibility supports professional timed switching and building automation systems.

Key Features

• Finder external Bluetooth GPS antenna.
• Manufacturer part number: 012.BG.8.230.
• Finder 12 Series accessory.
• GPS satellite time reception.
• Bluetooth wireless time distribution.
• Bluetooth 5 Long Range communication.
• Automatic daily date and time synchronisation.
• Compatible with Finder Type 12.B2 time switches.
• Compatible with Finder Type 12.C1 time switches.
• Support for multiple compatible receivers within Bluetooth coverage.
• Nominal supply voltage: 230 V AC.
• Operating supply range: 110–230 V AC, as stated in Finder's product literature.
• Supply frequency: 50/60 Hz.
• Power consumption: 2 VA.
• Ingress protection: IP54.
• External wall mounting for suitable GPS reception.
• LED status indication for satellite reception and synchronisation.
• Automatic synchronisation schedule for supported time switches.
• Optional Finder Type 1Y.E8 Bluetooth range extender compatibility.
• Wireless GPS synchronisation without direct signal wiring to each time switch.
• Plug-and-play functionality with compatible Finder devices.
• White enclosure.
• Manufacturer: Finder.

Accurate GPS Time Synchronisation with Bluetooth Long Range Technology

The Finder 012.BG.8.230 Bluetooth GPS antenna provides a convenient way to maintain accurate time settings across compatible Finder digital time switches. Instead of relying entirely on the internal clocks of individual time switches, the antenna receives time information from GPS satellites and distributes synchronisation data using Bluetooth wireless communication.

GPS-based synchronisation is particularly valuable in applications where switching events must occur at consistent times. Over extended operating periods, independent device clocks can experience small timing differences. Automatic synchronisation helps minimise these differences and supports consistent operation across multiple time-controlled circuits.

The antenna is designed to work with compatible Finder Type 12.B2 and Type 12.C1 time switches. These devices can be used for scheduled electrical control, including astronomical switching applications. By receiving accurate time information from the external GPS antenna, supported time switches can maintain their programmed switching schedules without requiring regular manual clock adjustment.

For compatible Finder Type 12.B2 devices, Finder's installation instructions describe an automatic synchronisation process that updates the date and time daily at 04:30. When the antenna is powered, it initially searches for GPS satellites before transmitting synchronisation data via Bluetooth. The exact operating and verification procedures should be followed using the relevant Finder installation manuals.

A major benefit of the Bluetooth wireless connection is that it avoids the need to install a separate signal cable between the antenna and every time switch. The antenna can be mounted externally where GPS reception is available, while compatible time switches remain installed inside electrical cabinets or distribution assemblies.

The Bluetooth 5 Long Range capability also allows the antenna to communicate with multiple compatible receivers. Finder states that there is no fixed limit on the number of Type 12.B2 time switches that can be synchronised by one antenna, provided the devices remain within effective Bluetooth range. Actual communication coverage depends on building construction, installation layout, obstructions and local radio conditions.

For larger installations, compatible Finder Type 1Y.E8 Bluetooth range extenders can be used to extend wireless communication to devices outside the antenna's direct Bluetooth coverage. This can be useful in multi-room installations, larger commercial buildings or sites where the time switches are distributed across several electrical cabinets.

The IP54-rated enclosure is intended for suitable outdoor installation and provides protection against limited dust ingress and water splashes. Finder recommends installing the antenna on an external wall, preferably on the outside face, to support effective satellite reception. The selected mounting position should also take account of electrical safety, cable routing and Bluetooth coverage.

The antenna operates from a 110–230 V AC supply according to Finder's product literature, with a nominal 230 V AC supply designation. Its power consumption is specified as 2 VA. The electrical supply must be installed and protected in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable wiring regulations.

An integrated LED status indicator assists with installation and fault finding. Finder's instructions identify different flashing patterns for GPS reception and synchronisation activities, helping installers confirm that the antenna is receiving satellite information and communicating with the supported timing equipment.

In practical use, the Finder 012.BG.8.230 is an accessory for compatible time switches rather than a standalone programmable timer or switching relay. It does not directly control lighting circuits, motors or other electrical loads. Instead, it supplies accurate time information to compatible Finder time switches, which perform the programmed switching operations through their own outputs.

Typical Applications

• GPS synchronisation of Finder Type 12.B2 digital time switches.
• GPS synchronisation of compatible Finder Type 12.C1 time switches.
• Commercial building lighting control systems.
• Public and street lighting installations.
• Car park and external area lighting schedules.
• School bell and scheduled signalling systems.
• Shopfront and advertising display lighting.
• Building automation and timed electrical control.
• Scheduled irrigation control systems using compatible time switches.
• Multi-circuit installations requiring consistent clock settings.
• Electrical distribution assemblies containing compatible Finder astronomical time switches.
• Installations requiring automatic time synchronisation without individual wired GPS connections.