Device Setup and Assembly

Modified on Sat, 20 Sep at 3:26 PM

In this article, you can find general checklist, and device specific set-up instructions. You can jump to your device by clicking on the link below. After you setup your device go to the post-setup safety verification.

  1. Pre-Setup Safety Checklist
  2. Phothera 100/100XL Setup Guide
  3. Phothera 200/200XL Setup Guide
  4. Phothera 400 Setup Guide
  5. Phothera 600/600-3D Setup Guide
  6. Phothera HF (Hand & Foot) Setup Guide
  7. Common Setup Issues and Solutions
  8. Post-Setup Safety Verification


IMPORTANT: Your phototherapy device requires proper assembly for safe and effective operation. Each device model has specific setup requirements. Follow the instructions for your specific device model carefully.


Pre-Setup Safety Checklist

Before beginning assembly:

  • Read all instructions completely before starting
  • Ensure you have adequate space for assembly and operation
  • Have necessary tools ready (usually just a Phillips screwdriver or nut driver)
  • Choose your final location - devices are heavy and should be moved minimally
  • Verify electrical requirements - grounded outlet, no extension cords
  • Keep children and pets away during assembly and operation

Phothera 100/100XL Setup Guide (Formerly DermaPal)

What's in the box:

  • Phothera 100/100XL device with treatment wand
  • Power cord
  • Protective UV-blocking goggles
  • Comb attachment (for scalp treatment)
  • User manual
  • Carrying case (included with device)

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Choose Your Location

  • Select a dry location away from children and pets
  • Ensure access to a grounded electrical outlet (no extension cords)
  • Use at room temperature (~77°F) - device can overheat if too warm or cold
  • Provide adequate lighting for reading the display

2. Basic Setup

  • Remove device from carrying case
  • Plug device directly into grounded outlet (no extension cords)
  • The display will show "C0dE" when first plugged in

3. Installing the Comb Attachment Essential for scalp treatment and maintains proper distance from skin

  • Place the device on a flat surface
  • Hold the treatment wand firmly at the handle
  • Slide the comb over the wand so the teeth are on the same side as the lamp opening
  • You'll hear a slight click when properly seated
  • Verify alignment: exposure openings in comb should align with lamp openings

4. Removing the Comb (for storage or body treatment)

  • Place device on flat surface
  • Hold wand firmly at the end not covered by the comb
  • Push the wand out using the access hole at the end of the comb
  • Pull comb and wand in opposite directions until separated

5. Initial Device Test

  • Follow unlock procedure (see "Forgotten Access Codes" section)
  • Verify display shows treatment time entry screen
  • Test buttons to ensure they respond properly

Device Specifications:

  • Treatment Area: 1" x 4.5" (Phothera 100) or 3.3" x 5.4" (Phothera 100XL)
  • Weight: 1 lb 12 oz (100) or lightweight handheld (100XL)
  • Portable: Yes, includes carrying case
  • Best for: Scalp, small spots, travel use

Phothera 200/200XL Setup Guide

What's in the box:

  • Phothera 200/200XL device
  • Power cord
  • Protective UV-blocking goggles
  • Stand assembly kit (if purchased separately)
  • User manual
  • Calibration certificate

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Basic Device Setup

  • Remove device and all accessories from packaging
  • Check for shipping damage - lamps are fragile
  • Place device on stable, flat surface with lamps facing up

2. Optional Stand Assembly (if purchased) Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver

  • Separate the 3-piece acrylic stand components
  • For 2-Lamp Model:
    • Place tall, L-shaped sides into rectangular base (two cutouts, one at a time)
    • Stand should be assembled before placing device
  • For 4-Lamp Model:
    • Remove device from packaging and set on stable surface
    • Ensure device is stable before proceeding

3. Power Connection

  • Insert "D" shaped power plug into corresponding receptacle
  • Plug into grounded electrical outlet (no extension cords)
  • Avoid GFCI or RCD protected circuits

4. Position for Treatment

  • For hands/feet: Place device with lamps facing up on flat surface
  • For face/other areas: Position 9 inches away from treatment area
  • With stand: Device can be angled for optimal positioning

Device Specifications:

  • Treatment Area: 8" x 15" (200) or 13" x 17" (200XL)
  • Lamps: 2 or 4 high-output lamps
  • Best for: Face, hands, feet, localized areas

Phothera 400 Setup Guide

What's in the box:

  • Phothera 400 device
  • Two stability feet
  • Thumb screws (8 total)
  • Power cord with "D" shaped plug
  • Protective UV-blocking goggles
  • User manual and calibration certificate

Step-by-Step Assembly: The Phothera 400 weighs 41-48 lbs depending on lamp configuration

1. Initial Unpacking

  • Carefully cut packing tape and remove device with foam packers
  • Save all accessories before discarding box
  • Remove foam packers from device

2. Positioning for Assembly

  • Set unit on table with lamps facing up
  • Position so the end opposite the controller hangs over table edge
  • Ensure stable work surface

3. Installing Stability Feet

  • Locate four thumb screws on each side of unit
  • Remove all thumb screws (save for foot attachment)
  • Take first foot and align four holes with screw holes on device side
  • Important: Widest part of foot should be level with bottom of unit
  • Lip of foot faces away from the unit
  • Thread thumb screws through foot holes into device
  • Insert all screws before fully tightening
  • Repeat for second foot

4. Final Setup

  • Stand unit vertically and check all screws are tight
  • Insert "D" shaped power plug into receptacle (lower left side)
  • Plug into grounded electrical outlet

5. Treatment Positioning

  • Hand/Foot treatments: Place hands or feet directly on plastic lamp guard
  • Larger area treatments: Position body 9 inches from lamps
  • Mark the 9-inch distance on floor for consistency

Device Specifications:

  • Treatment Area: 26" W x 55" L x 9" H
  • Weight: 41 lbs (10 lamp) or 48 lbs (20 lamp)
  • Lamps: 10 or 20 high-output lamps
  • Best for: Localized areas, hands, feet, moderate body areas

Phothera 600/600-3D Setup Guide

What's in the box:

  • Phothera 600/600-3D device (up to 135 lbs)
  • Two feet (found in foam shock absorbers)
  • Two stabilizer bars (found in middle foam)
  • Safety grid (for units with more than 4 lamps)
  • Power cord
  • Protective goggles
  • Calibration certificate

⚠️ ASSEMBLY WARNING: Device weighs up to 135 pounds - ALWAYS use two or more people for lifting and assembly

Step-by-Step Assembly:

1. Safe Unpacking

  • Choose location close to final placement
  • Minimum 2 people required for all lifting
  • Remove top of box/crate
  • Lift device WITH foam shock absorbers - do not remove yet
  • Set aside on stable surface

2. Inventory Check

  • Protective goggles (1 pair)
  • Feet (2) - found in top and bottom foam
  • Stabilizer brackets (2) - found in middle foam
  • Safety grid - set aside for later installation
  • Power cord

3. Foot Installation

  • Use packing container bottom as worktable
  • Remove top and bottom foam
  • Place device on its back on worktable
  • Locate pre-inserted screws (these attach the feet)
  • Remove screws with #3 Phillips screwdriver
  • Position first foot with longer side toward front (lamp side)
  • Rubber pads face the floor
  • Mount using removed screws - repeat for second foot
  • Do not overtighten screws

4. Standing the Unit

  • With feet attached, use 2+ people to tilt unit upright
  • Both feet should be on floor
  • Remove middle foam shock absorbers
  • Ensure stabilizer brackets are collected from foam

5. Stabilizer Installation

  • Locate pre-inserted screws 14" from bottom (under masking tape)
  • Each stabilizer connects one foot to back of device
  • Remove screws from both foot and back of device
  • Position stabilizer brackets and reinsert screws
  • Tighten completely with #2 Phillips screwdriver

6. Safety Grid Installation (units with more than 4 lamps)

  • Insert perpendicular grid wires into top lamp plate holes
  • Push grid all the way up
  • Swing bottom of grid toward lamps
  • Insert grid wires into bottom lamp plate holes
  • Lower until bracket touches bottom plate
  • Secure with hex-head self-tapping screws (5/16" hex driver) or a #2 Phillips screwdriver 

7. Final Setup

  • Gently slide to permanent location
  • Connect "D" shaped power plug to receptacle (back of device)
  • Plug into grounded electrical outlet

8. Treatment Positioning

  • Recommended distance: 9 inches from lamps
  • Mark this distance on floor
  • Patient should be centered - not closer to any one side

Device Specifications:

  • Treatment Area: 19" x 70.25" (full body)
  • Height: 74.5" - 78" with castors
  • Weight: Up to 135 lbs
  • Lamps: 4, 6, 8, or 12 lamps depending on model
  • Best for: Full body treatment, widespread conditions

For Visual Reference:

  • You can see setup and unboxing videos for Phothera 600 (here), and 600-3D (here)

Phothera HF (Hand & Foot) Setup Guide

What's in the box:

  • Phothera HF base unit
  • Removable hood attachment
  • Power cord
  • Protective goggles
  • Optional table (if purchased separately)

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Basic Assembly

  • Remove base unit and hood from packaging
  • Connect hood to base using provided electrical cord
  • Insert cord from hood into designated receptacle on base

2. Hood Attachment

  • Align hood with base unit properly
  • Secure with #6x1/2" self-tapping screws on backside of device
  • Ensure electrical connection is secure

3. Power Connection

  • Insert "D" shaped power plug into receptacle on back of device
  • Plug into appropriate grounded outlet

4. Optional Table Setup (if purchased) Allows simultaneous hand and foot treatment

  • Dual-tier table accommodates two HF units
  • Hand level: Upper tier for hand treatments
  • Foot level: Lower tier for foot treatments
  • Follow table-specific assembly instructions

5. Treatment Configuration

  • With hood: For hand and foot treatments - place hands/feet in hood opening
  • Without hood: Remove hood to use as panel device for larger areas
  • Hood removal: Unscrew mounting screws and disconnect electrical cord

Device Specifications:

  • Versatile design: Hand/foot unit that doubles as panel device
  • Hood configuration: Enclosed treatment for hands/feet
  • Panel configuration: Open treatment for larger areas
  • Best for: Primarily hands and feet, versatile for other localized areas

Common Setup Issues and Solutions

Problem: Cracked glass/acrylic during unpacking

  • Solution: Contact Phothera immediately - do not use device
  • Prevention: Handle carefully, inspect upon delivery

Problem: Missing stabilizer bars or feet

  • Solution: Check all foam packaging thoroughly before discarding
  • Note: Parts are often embedded in foam and not immediately visible

Problem: Device won't power on after assembly

  • Check: All electrical connections are secure
  • Check: Using grounded outlet (not GFCI/RCD protected)
  • Check: Power cord is not damaged
  • Check: All assembly steps completed correctly

Problem: Unit unstable after assembly

  • Check: All screws are properly tightened
  • Check: Feet are oriented correctly (rubber pads down, lips facing out)
  • Check: Stabilizer bars are properly installed

Problem: Cannot connect power cord

  • Check: "D" shaped plug orientation - only fits one way
  • Check: Receptacle is clean and free of debris

Post-Setup Safety Verification

Before First Use:

  1. Verify all connections are secure
  2. Test device stability - gently rock to ensure solid assembly
  3. Check lamp integrity - visually inspect for cracks or damage
  4. Check correct lamp installation - verify lamp codes match your prescription, lamp codes are listed in your manual and are located at the base of each lamp
  5. Test electrical connection - device should power on normally, ensure device is plugged into grounded household outlet (not GFCI or RCD circuits) 
  6. Verify protective equipment - goggles included and undamaged
  7. Read device-specific manual completely
  8. Contact provider for loading code before first treatment


Remember: Proper assembly is critical for both safety and treatment effectiveness. When in doubt, contact Phothera technical support for assistance (Use the following FORM and select the following options: Patient > I am a new patient > My device has a missing part...)

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