First-Time Operation

Your device is ready for use, but FIRST you need to understand device codes, controller types, and safety setup. This section covers everything you need for your very first treatment.

1. Understanding Your Device Code and Unlock Process
2. Initial Device Setup Process
3. Understanding Controller Types
4. Setting Up Your Treatment Area
5. Protective Equipment and Safety Setup
6. Treatment Distance and Positioning
7. Common First-Time Issues and Solutions

Understanding Your Device Code and Unlock Process

Every Phothera device has security features to prevent unauthorized use:

Security/Unlock Code

• Purpose: Prevents unauthorized use of your device
• Factory Default: "0007" for most devices
• Location: Found on the orange label on top of the device
• Required: Every time you turn on the device

Device Code (for Refills)

• Purpose: Identifies your specific device for treatment refills
• Format: "CXXX" (letter C + 3 digits, like C419) - older devices have other code formats (e.g., 4-digits)
• When needed: When you're running low on treatments (under 20 left)
• Important: This is NOT an error - it's your refill request code

Initial Device Setup Process

Power On and Unlock

For DT Controller devices (200, 200XL, 400, 600 DT models):

1. Plug the device into grounded outlet
2. Press any button - display shows "C0dE"
3. Press UP arrow until the display shows "0007" (default unlock code)
4. Press PLAY/PAUSE to unlock
5. Display should show "00:00" (time entry mode)

For ClearLink Controller devices (200, 400, 600 ClearLink models):

1. Plug the device into a grounded outlet
2. Tap blank screen - Phothera logo appears
3. Tap the logo - Lock screen appears
4. Using the keypad, enter "7" (PIN reads "0007")
5. Press Enter to unlock

For Phothera 100/100XL devices:

1. Plug the device into an outlet
2. Display shows "C0dE"
3. Press ▶ (right arrow) - display shows "00 00" with flashing digit
4. Press ▲ (up) 7 times until the display shows "00 07"
5. Press ▶ (right arrow) to move to the next digit and repeat until "0007"
6. Press START/PAUSE - if correct, display flashes twice and shows "00:00"

Understanding Controller Types

Your device may have one of several controller types. Each offers different features:

DT Controller (Digital Timer)

• Found on: Basic models of 100, 100XL, 200, 200XL, 400, 600 series
• Function: Simple time-based control
• Best for: Patients comfortable setting their own treatment times
• Display: LCD with time format (MM:SS)
• Buttons: 
  • PLAY/PAUSE button (►II): Starts/pauses treatment
  • CANCEL button (X): Cancels treatment or goes back
  • ARROW buttons (◄►▲▼): Navigate and adjust settings

• Operation:

• Enter treatment time manually using arrow buttons
• Device runs for set time, then automatically stops
• You control all timing adjustments

ClearLink Controller 

• Found on: Models of 200, 400, 600, and 600-3D series
• Touch screen interface: Tap to select options
• Virtual keypad: For entering codes and times
• Menu system: Navigate through treatment options

Three ClearLink Modes Available

Guided Mode (Recommended for most patients)

• How it works: Device asks questions about your skin's response
• Benefits: Automatically adjusts treatment time based on your answers
• Safety features: Built-in dose tracking and adjustment, including real-time dosimetry
• Best for: Everyone, but especially first-time users or those wanting guided assistance

Guided Mode Process:

1. Device asks: "Were you in pain or red after your last treatment?"
2. Choose response:
   • "No, or < 24 Hrs" (no symptoms or gone within 24 hours)
   • "24 – 48 Hrs" (symptoms lasted 24-48 hours)
   • "> 48 Hrs" (symptoms lasted more than 48 hours)
   • "Still red / pain" (currently experiencing symptoms)
3. Device automatically calculates next treatment time
4. Select treatment distance (0" or 9" for 200 and 20 lamp 400 models only)

Dosimetry Mode

• How it works: Uses built-in sensors to measure actual lamp output
• Benefits: Compensates for lamp aging and room temperature
• Best for: Patients wanting precise, sensor-controlled dosing
• You enter: Prescribed dose (your doctor provides this)
• Select treatment distance (0" or 9" for 200 and 20 lamp 400 models only)

Setting Up Your Treatment Area

Treatment Environment Setup

Privacy and Safety:

• Clear the area of children, pets, and other people
• Ensure good ventilation - adequate room temperature (~77°F)
• Adequate lighting to read device displays clearly
• Stable surface for device placement (if applicable)

Essential Supplies Checklist:

• ✅ UV-blocking goggles (provided with device)
• ✅ SPF 30+ sunscreen (for untreated areas)
• ✅ Lip balm with UV protection
• ✅ Treatment log/notebook for recording sessions
• ✅ Timer or clock for reference
• ✅ Towel or covering for face/untreated areas if needed

Protective Equipment and Safety Setup

Eye Protection (MANDATORY)

CRITICAL: Eye protection is required for EVERYONE in the treatment area

• Always use provided UV-blocking goggles
• 100% UVA and UVB protection required
• Never remove during treatment - even for seconds
• Everyone in view of device must wear protection
• Only use Phothera-approved eyewear

Skin Protection for Untreated Areas

Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to:

• Face (unless treating face)
• Neck and ears
• Genital area (unless treating the genital area)
• Any skin not being treated
• Areas that haven't been exposed to sunlight

Ask your doctor about:

• Alcohol vs. cream-based sunscreen preference
• Special protection for sensitive areas
• Whether to treat previously unexposed skin areas

Treatment Distance and Positioning

Understanding Treatment Distances

9-inch distance (most common):

• Used for: Large area treatments, body treatment
• How to measure: Mark 9 inches from lamps on floor
• Position: Stand/sit so torso is 9 inches from lamps
• Important: Never get closer than marked line

Phothera 100/100XL (hand-help device):

• Use the comb attachment as a distance guide for the treatment
• Hold the device at a consistent distance for all skin areas
• Handheld - you control positioning

Common First-Time Issues and Solutions

Problem: "I can't unlock my device"

• Check: Are you using the correct unlock code from the orange label?
• Try: "0007" if no label visible
• DT Controller: Use UP arrow to change numbers, PLAY/PAUSE to enter
• ClearLink: Use touchscreen keypad, press Enter
• Still stuck: Contact Phothera support with your serial number

Problem: "Device shows CXXX code"

• This is normal: It's your device code, not an error
• Means: You need a treatment (4-digit) code from your provider
• Action: Contact your healthcare provider with the CXXX code so that they can provide your treatment code (4-digits)
• Don't treat: Wait for refill code before continuing

Problem: "Display shows error or won't respond", “Screen appears blank”

• Try: Unplug device for 30 seconds, then plug back in
• Check: All connections are secure
• Ensure: Using grounded outlet (not GFCI protected)
• Contact support: If problem persists

Problem: “I am hearing noises from the device.”

• Normal noises: Cooling fans are a regular part of the device, and lamp ballasts can also make humming sounds.
• Contact support: If you hear excessive noises that persist over time.

We are here to help. Contact Phothera support if:

• Device won't power on at all
• Unlock codes don't work after multiple attempts
• Unusual operating behavior
• Any safety concerns

Before Contacting:

• Have device model and serial number ready
• Note exactly what happens when you try to power on
• Describe any error messages or unusual behavior
• Be prepared to try basic troubleshooting steps

Use this FORM and select the following options: Patient > I am a new patient > I need help turning my device on...