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.
- Pre-Setup Safety Checklist
- Phothera 100/100XL Setup Guide
- Phothera 200/200XL Setup Guide
- Phothera 400 Setup Guide
- Phothera 600/600-3D Setup Guide
- Phothera HF (Hand & Foot) Setup Guide
- Common Setup Issues and Solutions
- 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:
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:
- ✅ Verify all connections are secure
- ✅ Test device stability - gently rock to ensure solid assembly
- ✅ Check lamp integrity - visually inspect for cracks or damage
- ✅ 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
- ✅ Test electrical connection - device should power on normally, ensure device is plugged into grounded household outlet (not GFCI or RCD circuits)
- ✅ Verify protective equipment - goggles included and undamaged
- ✅ Read device-specific manual completely
- ✅ 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...)