REMOTE FIRING DEVICE OPERATOR'S MANUAL The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. In no event shall Rothenbuhler Engineering Company be liable for errors contained herein or for special, indirect, or consequential damages or injuries of any nature resulting from use of information in this document. ROTHENBUHLER ENGINEERING P.0.
SPECIAL NOTICE WARNING TO USERS AND AFFECTED PERSONS. The Remote Firing Device (RFD) is designed to be used in blasting operations. Explosives used in connection with the RFD may be extremely powerful. Improper use of explosives with or without the RFD or improper safety precautions taken with respect to personnel or property may result in death, serious personal injury, or property damage.
FCC NOTICE. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC regulations. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) That this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. FCC Warning Statement This radio can only be used during the course of employment by individuals aware of the hazards, and the ways to minimize such hazards.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. Chapter Page SPECIAL NOTICE .......................................................................................................... II WARNING TO USERS AND AFFECTED PERSONS. ................................................... II LIMITED WARRANTY. ................................................................................................... II FCC NOTICE. ................................................................................................................
2.9. Antenna Assembly. ......................................................................................... 18 2.10. Carrying Case. ............................................................................................ 19 2.11. Vent operation. ............................................................................................ 20 2.12. Antenna / Battery Charger Connector. ........................................................ 21 2.13. Connector Dust Cover Operation. ...........
.4. 7. Maintenance & Equipment Storage. ............................................................... 39 BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING IN THE FIELD. .................................................. 40 7.1. Remote Units. ................................................................................................. 40 7.2. Controller Unit. ................................................................................................ 40 7.3. Radio Shock Tube Initiator..................................
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Figure 1-1 RFD System................................................................................................... 3 Figure 2-1 RFD System................................................................................................... 6 Figure 2-2 Controller Unit. ............................................................................................... 7 Figure 2-3 Remote Unit. .............................................................................................
SAFETY SUMMARY. The following are WARNINGS and CAUTIONS, contained throughout this manual and are repeated here for emphasis. All personnel engaged in the handling, firing, and storage of the system covered in this manual must fully understand these WARNINGS and CAUTIONS, and procedures by which hazardous conditions are to be reduced or eliminated. Also listed are general safety precautions that are not related to any specific procedures and therefore don't appear elsewhere in this publication.
WARNING Ensure that blasting caps are not connected to any of the Remote Units during bench test. WARNING This is a sensitive electronic radio system and it may be damaged. WARNING Do not use the Controller Unit within 100 feet of explosives, blasting caps, or wires leading to them. The controller signal is 5 watts, which can cause detonation of caps if within 100'.
1. INTRODUCTION. 1.1. PURPOSE. 1.1.1. The primary purpose of this manual is to provide descriptive information, operational information, instructions in assembly, and instructions in testing and preparation for operational or training use of the Remote Firing Device (RFD). 1.1.2. The Remote Firing Device (RFD) is used to activate electric detonator devices. The System is strictly an electronic device, containing no explosive.
1.3. PACKAGING. 1.3.1. The RFD Systems are packaged in a hard-shell carrying case. The Controller Unit and all Remote Units have an individual cut-out location in the internal packing. There is a cut-out location in the internal packing for all the Antenna Assemblies. Provided in the Carrying Case Assembly is a cut-out location in the internal packing for the Battery Charger Assembly and optional Test Box Assembly.
Figure 1-1 RFD System. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
1.4. 1.4.1. packs. MAINTENANCE. Periodic maintenance is limited to discharging and charging the battery 1.4.2. Corrective maintenance shall be accomplished at the manufacturer or repair depot. Replacement of parts or repair at the user level and field disassembly is not authorized. 1.4.3. In case of failure of a component of the RFD System, ship the system to the repair depot. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
2. INTRODUCTION TO RFD SYSTEM COMPONENTS. 2.1. SYSTEM. 2.1.1. The RFD is a battery powered, hand held, radio remote controlled system to be used on land as a primary firing mechanism to detonate explosive charges. The RFD system consists of a Controller Unit and 8 Remote Units. 2.1.2. The Controller Unit and Remote Units in one system will not operate with Units from another system. 2.1.3. The RFD is transportable over land, underwater to a depth of 100 feet, and in the air to an altitude of 30,000 feet.
Figure 2-1 RFD System. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
2.2. CONTROLLER UNIT. 2.2.1. Figure 2-2. Provides the physical size, weight, front panel light, and switch locations on the Controller Unit. The unit is sealed at the manufacturer or repair depot and should not be opened during field activity. Figure 2-2 Controller Unit. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
2.3. CONTROLLER UNIT SWITCH OPERATION. 2.3.1. Unit Power Control. Depress the “ON” switch for one second to turn the power on to the Controller Unit when the Antenna Assembly is attached. Depress the “OFF” switch to turn the power off to the Controller Unit. The power is off when the Antenna Assembly is removed. 2.3.2. Display Panel Light Dimmer Circuit. Depress the “DIM” switch to toggle the display panel lights dim or bright. 2.3.3. Select Remote Units.
2.3.6. Disarm the Remote Unit. Depress the “DISARM” switch, the Controller Unit will transmit the Disarm command to selected Remote Units. Selected Remote Units will internally discharge their firing capacitor. Selected Remote Units that receive the Disarm command will become disarmed within 3 seconds of receiving the command. The green DISARMED light for selected Remote Units will begin to flash on the Controller Unit display panel. The Controller Unit will then request status of selected Remote Units.
• Depress “ARM” switch – all eight Remote Units will arm. • Depress the switches for the Remote Units that will not be fired initially. • Depress the “FIRE” switch. Only Remote Units still selected will fire. • Depress the switches for the Remote Units that were just fired. • Depress the switches for Remote Units to be fired next. • Depress the “FIRE” switch. Only Remote Units still selected will fire. • Repeat as necessary.
2.4.6. Remote Unit Armed. A red light next to each of the “1” though “8” switches is used to indicate when the corresponding Remote Unit is armed. The ARMED light for selected Remote Units will flash after the Arm command is sent to the selected Remote Units. The ARMED light will go to steady after the firing capacitor charge time if the Controller Unit is within range of the selected Remote Unit's transmitter.
2.5. REMOTE UNIT. 2.5.1. Figure 2-3. Provides the physical size, weight, and front panel lights on the Remote Unit. The unit is sealed at the manufacturer or repair depot and should not be opened during field activity. The Remote Unit operates in a sleep mode to extend battery life. The Remote Unit turns off the display lights while it is sleeping. The Remote Unit wakes up every 2 seconds to check for a radio signal from the Controller Unit.
2.6. RADIO SHOCK TUBE INITIATOR. 2.6.1. Figure 2-4. Shows the optional Radio Shock Tube Initiator (RSTI) that may be supplied in addition to, or in placement of the standard electric detonator Remote Units. The RSTI operates identical to the standard Remote Unit, but initiates 1/8th inch nonelectric tubing instead of electric detonators. The RSTI develops 2,500V at the igniter tip jacks when firing. No voltage is present at the jacks when armed.
2.6.2. Figure 2-5. Shows the installation of the shock tube onto the igniter tip when preparing for use. Take care when handling the shock tube to prevent the incursion of debris or moisture into the tube. Keep open tube ends capped except during preparation for use. Keep the tip needle clean and dry. Replace the tip every 200 shots or if misfiring occurs. WARNING Do not touch the igniter tip jacks on the Radio Shock Tube Initiator (RSTI) when armed or firing. Lethal voltages may be present. 1.
Figure 2-6 Igniter Tip Installation. 4. Install the loaded igniter tip into the igniter jacks located on the left side of the unit as shown in Figure 2-6. These connections are polarity insensitive. The unit is now ready for use. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
2.7. BATTERY CHARGER ASSEMBLY. 2.7.1. Figure 2-7. Provides the front panel lights, and switch position on the Battery Charger Assembly. The unit is sealed at the manufacturer or repair depot and should not be opened during field activity. Figure 2-7 Battery Charger Assembly. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
2.8. TEST BOX. 2.8.1. Figure 2-8. Provides a drawing of the Test Box. The Test Box is used to program and evaluate the condition of the Controller and Remote Units. The following data is displayed by the Test Box Assembly. • Battery voltage of the Test Box • System Address • Unit ID • Frequency • Battery voltage of unit under test while the battery is being loaded down. • Remote Units under test are armed and fired. The firing voltage is displayed. Figure 2-8 Test Box Assembly.
2.9. ANTENNA ASSEMBLY. 2.9.1. Figure 2-9. Provides the physical size, technical requirements and view of the Antenna Assembly. The power to the Controller Unit and Remote Unit is interrupted when the Antenna Assembly is not connected. Figure 2-9 Antenna Assembly. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
2.10. CARRYING CASE. 2.10.1. Figure 2-10. Provides the physical size of the Carrying Case and a view of the storage location for System assemblies in the Carrying Case. The Carrying Case has a pressure equalization vent near the handle. The vent should be opened prior to opening the Carrying Case. The vent should be kept closed during storage and shipment. Figure 2-10 Carrying Case. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
2.11. VENT OPERATION. 2.11.1. Figure 2-11. The Controller Unit and Remote Unit vents are manual and relieve internal pressure due to heat and altitude. When the vent is closed, it will not leak in 100 feet of water or up to 30,000 feet in altitude. CAUTION Unequal air pressure inside the Controller Unit may affect the operation of membrane switch keypad. Extreme pressure differentials may irreversibly damage the keypad and/or cases.
2.12. ANTENNA / BATTERY CHARGER CONNECTOR. 2.12.1. Figure 2-12. & Figure 2-13. The Controller Unit and Remote Unit antenna / battery charger connector accommodates the input requirements for both the Antenna Assembly and the Battery Charger Assembly. The unit electronics and battery pack are only connected together when the Antenna Assembly is connected to the antenna / battery charger Connector. Figure 2-12 Controller Antenna / Battery Charger Connection. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
Figure 2-13 Remote Antenna / Battery Charger Connection. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
2.13. CONNECTOR DUST COVER OPERATION. 2.13.1. Figure 2-14. The Controller Unit and Remote Unit antenna / battery charger connector dust cover protects the connector pins from shorting out and damage when the Antenna Assembly or Battery Charger Assembly is not connected. The connector dust cover should be connected to the connector when the connector is not in use. Figure 2-14 Connector Dust Cover Operation. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
3. SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS. 3.1. RADIO. CARRIER FREQUENCY 150 - 174 MHz * FCC OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE Certified CONTROLLER UNIT -30ºC to 60ºC -22ºF to 140ºF
3.2. PHYSICAL. Controller Unit Remote Unit SIZE(w/out antenna) (in) 8H x 3W x 2.5D SIZE(w/out antenna)(in) 6H x 3W x 2.5D SIZE(w/out antenna) (cm) 20.32H x 7.62W x 6.35D SIZE(w/out antenna)(cm) 15.24H x 7.62W x 6.35D WEIGHT (w/battery) 2.5 lbs., 1.14 kg WEIGHT (w/battery) 2 lbs., 0.91 kg CASE Die cast aluminum CASE Die cast aluminum COLOR Black COLOR Black 3.3. BATTERY.
3.4. TIMING. Controller Unit ARM time: 1/2 ± 0.1 Seconds Remote Unit ARM time: 10 ± 0.1 Seconds Controller Unit Auto DISARM time: 60 ± 0.1 Seconds Remote Unit Auto DISARM time: 60 ± 0.1 Seconds Controller Unit DISARM time: 3 ± 0.1 Seconds Remote Unit DISARM time: 3 ± 0.1 Seconds Controller Unit FIRE time: 1 ± 0.1 Seconds Remote Unit FIRE time:* 20 Milliseconds *This is the delay after the Remote Unit receives the command signal from the Controller Unit to Fire. 3.5. DETONATE OUTPUT.
3.6. SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION. 3.6.1. Each Controller Unit and Remote Unit is marked with an identification label. Figure 3-1 Shows how the identification label should interpreted. The Controller Unit will only communicate with Remote Units from the same system. Remote Unit #7 1 – 8 = Remote Unit Figure 3-1 Identification Label. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
4. PRE-OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES. 4.1. 4.1.1. PHYSICAL INSPECTION. Inspect all components for physical damage. CAUTION Do not use any component that is damaged, suspected of being damaged, or is not able to operate as designed. The safety of the operation could be compromised. 4.1.2. Ensure the antenna / battery charger connector on the Controller Unit and Remote Unit is not Damaged. 4.1.3.
4.2.4. Plug the AC cord into a 110 VAC 60 Hz outlet. The Battery Charger Assembly will operate from 90-135/180-270 VAC, 47-63 Hz. 4.2.5. Connect each Remote Unit and the Controller Unit to the Battery Charger Assembly. The Controller Unit can be connected to any of the nine cables. 4.2.6. Open the vent on each Remote Unit and the Controller Unit. 4.2.7. Turn on the power switch on the Battery Charger Assembly. 4.2.8. The CHARGE light for each connected unit will flash for approximately 5 seconds.
4.3.3. Connect each Remote Unit and the Controller Unit to the Battery Charger Assembly. The Controller Unit can be connected to any of the nine cables. 4.3.4. Open the vent on each Remote Unit and the Controller Unit. 4.3.5. Turn on the power switch on the Battery Charger Assembly. 4.3.6. The CHARGE light for each connected unit will flash for approximately 5 seconds. The flashing CHARGE light indicates that rapid charging is pending. 4.3.7. Press the “BATTERY DISCHARGE” switch.
4.4.6. Press the “STATUS” switch for 1 second. The red TX light on the Controller Unit will start blinking for approximately 15 seconds. During that time the Controller Unit is requesting status from the Remote Units. 4.4.7. When the TX light stops flashing, the green DISARMED light will come on steady adjacent to the switches numbered “1” through “8”. A steady DISARMED light indicates that Remote Unit answered back with its status and it is disarmed.
5. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES. WARNING Use of this system and its components must be restricted to personnel qualified and experienced in the field of explosives and detonating devices. Under no circumstances shall untrained personnel attempt to use this manual as a text for selfteaching. WARNING Employ standard blasting system safety standards when using this equipment with explosives. CAUTION All units must be thoroughly tested and the batteries fully charged prior to operational use. 5.1.
5.1.4. Press the Controller Unit “ON” switch for one second. The yellow light in the upper left quadrant of the “ON” switch will come on steady. If the yellow light flashes, the Controller Unit battery is low and needs charging. Refer to Battery charging section 4.1.6. 5.1.5. Press the “STATUS” switch on the Controller Unit. The red TX light will flash for approximately 15 seconds.
5.2.8. If all Remote Units are located within 1 mile of the Controller Unit, refer to section 5.2.10. 5.2.9. If all Remote Units are located more 1 mile than from the Controller Unit, refer to section 5.3.11. 5.2.10. If some Remote Units are located within 1 mile of the Controller Unit, and other Remote Units are more than 1 mile from the Controller Unit, refer to section 5.4.11. 5.3. SYSTEM OPERATION – REMOTE UNITS WITHIN 1 MILE OF CONTROLLER UNIT.
5.3.6. To fire the Remote Units, press the “FIRE” switch. The operator should get an indication of shot initiation. The ARMED light will go out and the green DISARMED light for each selected Remote Unit will come on solid on the Controller Unit display panel. 5.3.7. If not all the Remote Units were selected for the shot, repeat above steps to initiate the remaining shots. 5.3.8. To disarm any Remote Units that have been armed, select the Remote Units and press the “DISARM” switch.
5.4.3. Press the “STATUS” switch. The Controller Unit will request status from all Remote Units. The red TX light will flash for approximately 15 seconds. The green DISARMED light on the Controller Unit display panel will flash for all Remote Units that the Controller Unit does not receive a status message from. 5.4.4. Select the Remote Units that are to be used in the shot by pressing the corresponding numbered switches “1” through “8”. Press the numbered switches one at a time.
5.4.11. Refer to Post Operational Procedures in chapter 5.5.14. 5.5. SYSTEM OPERATION – REMOTE UNITS BOTH WITHIN AND IN EXCESS OF 1 MILE AND LESS THAN 5 MILES FROM CONTROLLER UNIT. Note: If the distance between the Controller Unit and the Remote Units is in excess of 1 mile, the Remote Units status transmissions may not be received by the Controller Unit. The Controller Unit will command the Remotes from a distance greater than 5 miles, but the Remote status may not be confirmed.
System Safety Feature Once armed, the Remote Units must be sent a Fire command within 60 seconds. If the Remote Units do not receive a Fire command within 60 seconds of being armed, they will automatically disarm. The firing capacitor will be safely internally discharged, the binding posts will remain isolated from the firing capacitor and the binding posts will remain shunted together. 5.5.8. To arm the selected Remote Units, press the “ARM” switch.
6. POST OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES. 6.1. SECURING THE SYSTEM. 6.1.1. Turn the Controller Unit off and remove the Antenna Assembly. This action disables the Controller Unit. 6.1.2. Replace the dust cover on the antenna / battery charger connector on the Controller Unit and replace the plastic cap on the Antenna Assembly. 6.1.3. Remove the Antenna Assemblies from the Remote Units. This action turns off the Remote Units. 6.1.4.
7. BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING IN THE FIELD. 7.1. REMOTE UNITS. 7.1.1. ON and SAFE lights do not illuminate when the Antenna Assembly is installed. a) Check Antenna Assembly and make sure it is seated, “clicks” on to the connector. b) Recharge the battery. c) Try a different Antenna Assembly. 7.2. 7.2.1. CONTROLLER UNIT. ON Light does not stay on. a) Check Antenna Assembly and make sure it is seated, “clicks” on to the connector. b) Press and hold the “ON” switch for 5 seconds.
8. OPTIMIZING RANGE. 8.1.1. When power lines are in the area, the radio transmission distance is reduced. The system can operate at the following distance, when the Controller Unit is elevated to a maximum transmission location angle to the Remote Unit location (see Figure 8-1). Over Minimum Distance Open Land or Water with Power Lines 1 mile Dense Vegetation without Power Lines 1 mile Open Land or Water without Power Lines Greater than 5 Miles Figure 8-1 Unit Normal Transmission Location.
8.1.2. If the Controller Unit and Remote Unit must be placed in a position other than location in Figure 8-1, use Figure 8-2 or Figure 8-3. The minimum transmission will occur when the Controller Unit antenna and the Remote Unit antenna are placed in the line of site. The maximum transmission occurs when the line of site lays in a path of 5 to 25 degrees above unit top plane perpendicular to the antenna.
Figure 8-3 Controller Unit Elevated. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
Figure 8-4 Antenna Radiation Pattern. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
9. TEST BOX. The Test Box allows the user to test Remote and Controller batteries under load as well as test Remote Arm/Fire functions, and test Remote receivers. The Test Box also serves as the programming interface between a computer and a RFD Unit. Figure 9-1 Test Box. 9.1. 9.1.1. TEST BOX DESCRIPTIONS. Antenna / Battery Charger Connector: The Test Box has an Antenna/Battery Charger connector like the Remotes and Controller.
9.1.3. Serial Connection: A serial cable connects the Test Box to a computer serial port operating at 1200 baud. The serial cable must be connected to a computer when the Test Box is being used to program Controller and Remote Units. The serial cable may also be used when the Test Box is in the test mode. While in the test mode, the Test Box transmits the information displayed on the Test Box screen out the serial cable.
Loaded Battery 7.84 Low Battery = 7.00 This message shows the battery voltage for the unit connected to the probe while the Test Box loads that battery. The Low Battery for the Unit is also displayed. The Test Box will automatically step to the next message. Testing Completed This message will be displayed until the probe is removed from the unit being tested. 9.2.2. Remote Messages When the Test Box detects that a Remote Unit is connected to the probe, the following message will be displayed.
The Test Box will arm and fire a Remote Unit connected to the probe. The two leads from the probe must be connected to the Remote binding posts for the arm voltage to be measured. The “015” is the amount of time remaining in the Arm / Fire test. This number will count down to “000”. The Remote will then be fired. The Test Box will automatically step to the next message. Armed Voltage 27.16 Pass Level = 26.
This message will be displayed until the probe is removed from the Unit being tested. Testing Completed 9.2.3. Controller Messages Connect the Test Box probe to the Controller Unit antenna connector. Hold down the ‘3’ button on the Controller Unit while pressing the ‘ON’ button. This puts the Controller in the Program/Test mode. When the Test Box detects that a Controller is connected to the probe, the following message will be displayed. Address 65324 Unit 0 Frequency 154.
Loaded Battery 12.26 Low Battery = 11.75 This message shows the battery voltage for the unit connected to the probe while the Test Box loads that battery. The Low Battery for the Unit is also displayed. The Test Box will automatically step to the next message. Testing Completed This message will be displayed until the probe is removed from the unit being tested. To run the tests again, disconnect and then reconnect the probe to a unit to be tested. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
9.3. SAVING TEST BOX RESULTS TO A FILE USING HYPERTERMINAL A situation might occur where the end users want to be able to record the Test Box results, but they may not be authorized to use the RFDSETUP.EXE program because of its capability of reprogramming. In that case the output of the Test Box serial cable can be captured to a terminal program such as HyperTerminal. Click the Windows “Start“ button, then click “Run…”. The dialog box shown below should appear.
1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
Enter a name and choose an icon for the connection. Click the “OK” button. The dialog box shown below should appear. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
Click on the “Connect using:” list box and select either “Direct to Com1” or “Direct to Com2”. Select the one that corresponds with an unused serial port connector on the computer. Click the “OK” button. The dialog box shown below should appear. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
Click on the “Bits per second:” list box and select 1200. Leave the “Data bits:” set to ‘8’, “Parity:” set to ‘None’, “Stop bits:” set to ‘1’, and “Flow control:” set to ‘Hardware’ as shown in the following dialog box. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
Click the “OK” button. The dialog box shown below should appear. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
Click “Transfer” and then “Capture Text…”. The dialog box shown below should appear. Enter a file name for the text output from the Test Box and click the “Start” button. The dialog box shown below should appear. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
Connect the Test Box serial cable to the serial port at the rear of the computer. This serial port must match up with the earlier selection of either “Direct to Com1” or “Direct to Com2”. Refer to documentation provided by computer manufacturer for more information on available serial ports. Turn the Test Box on by installing its antenna. The following text should appear in the window. Proceed with testing the 166x system. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
The test results will be saved to a file. Select “File” and then “Print” to print the test results to the computer’s printer. Select “File” and then “Save” to save this configuration. For future tests on the same computer, start HyperTerminal, Select “File” and then “Open”, select the configuration name. Select “Transfer” and then “Capture text…”. If the same capture file name is used, the new test results will be appended to the end of the previous test results.
10. RFD PROGRAMMING GUIDE. 10.1. PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETERS. 10.1.1. • 10.1.2. Controller Unit Operating frequency: Frequency is programmable, but if the new frequency is greater than 4MHz away from factory set frequency, the controller will have to be retuned at the factory for optimum performance.
10.3. DOS CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE OPERATION (RFDUSER). The RFDUSER.EXE program is supplied on a 3.5” floppy diskette. The program may be run from the floppy drive, or the program can be copied to a hard drive and run from there. Change directory and or drive to the drive and directory where the RFDUSER.exe program exists. Type RFDUSER in DOS, or double click on RFDUSER from Windows Explorer. The program starts, and the following text is displayed.
10.3.1. RFDUSER Configuration Commands. Type the following keystrokes to view the current configuration, and change programmable Coefficients. Pressing the ENTER key displays a command description line. Pressing the ESC key exits the program and returns to MS-DOS.
>R >Read Coefficients System Type 92 Version 1.00 Checksum FEFE DOM 08-14-2000 S/N 12345 System Address 57383 Unit ID 2 Tx Freq. 154.5700 MHz > >System Type: The ‘9’ in system type of the above example indicates that it is a unit from a 1669 system. The ‘2’ indicates that the Unit is a Remote. A 1669 Controller would be displayed as 91. Version: This is the version of the firmware for the unit. The system type and version are for information only and are not changeable. 10.3.2.
10.4. WINDOWS CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE OPERATION (RFDSETUP): RFDSETUP is a Windows program designed for depot personnel to determine system information, make permissible changes to the system, and create a log file of test results. 10.5. RFDSETUP INSTALLATION: The RFDSETUP install files are distributed on two floppy diskettes. Follow the listed steps to install RFDSETUP on a computer. • Copy the contents of the two diskettes to a folder. • Run the setup.exe file from the folder.
1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
RFDSETUP is now installed on the computer. 10.6. CONFIGURING RFDSETUP Follow the listed instructions to configure RFDSETUP. • Click on the Windows “Start” button. • Go to “Programs” then “RFDSETUP” and then click on “RFDSETUP”. • The program will start and display the following dialog box. • Click on the Serial Port list box and select the serial port that will be used with the 166x Series Test Box. The serial port selection will be retained for future sessions automatically.
10.7. USING RFDSETUP TO TEST RFD UNITS: The RFDSETUP program may be used with the 166x Series Test Box to test 166x Series Units and record the results of those tests. 10.7.1. Creating A Test Results Log File: • If a log file of test results is desired, click “File” and then “Open Log File…”. The following dialog box will appear. • Type in a file name for the log file or select an existing file to use. Click the “Open” button. • If the file already exists, the following prompt appears.
• Click “Yes” to append (add to) existing data or “No” to overwrite the existing file. • The following window appears. • • A time and date stamp is added to the window. Notes can be added to the log file by clicking the note card icon and typing the note in the dialog box that appears. Multiple notes can be added as required. Connect the Test Box serial cable to the serial port selected in a previous step. Turn on the Test Box by installing its antenna. The following window is displayed.
• • • Connect the Test Box Probe to a Remote Unit. Connect the Test Box Probe Leads to the Remote Unit binding posts. It does not matter which lead goes to which binding post. The Test Box reads and displays the system information from the Remote Unit, and then executes an arm/fire test followed by a battery test. The results are displayed as shown in the next window. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
• • To test the Remote Unit again, remove the Test Box Probe from the Remote Unit for a few seconds, and then reconnect the Test Box Probe to the Remote Unit. To end the testing and save the log file, click “File” and then “Close Log File…”. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
10.7.2. Printing A Test Results Log File: • The log file must be printed from another Windows application such as Microsoft Word. • Start Word, click “File” and then “Open”. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
• Change the “Files of type:” list box to “All Files (*.*)” • Browse to the folder that contains the log file to print, and select the file. • Print the file by clicking “File” and then “Print”. 10.8. USING RFDSETUP TO PROGRAM RFD UNITS: Follow the listed instructions to use RFDSETUP to Program RFD Units. • Click on the Windows “Start” button. • Go to “Programs” then “RFDSETUP” and then click on “RFDSETUP”. • The program will start and display the following dialog box.
• • Click on the Serial Port list box and select the serial port that will be used with the 166x Series Test Box. Click on “Program” and the following window appears. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
• Connect the Test Box Probe to the Unit to be programmed. • The Unit information is read and displayed. • The “Status” box shows what type of Unit is connected to the Test Box. A connected Controller Unit will have a “Status” of “166x-1”. A connected Remote Unit will have a “Status” of “166x-2”. The “System Address” box displays the system address for the Unit. This number is unique to each system. The “Unit Number” box displays the number for the Unit within the system.
10.8.1. Changing the System Address: The System Address is programmable only on Remote Units. It may not be changed on Controller Units. The System Address should only be changed by personnel having that authority. A possible scenario for changing the System Address is that a Remote Unit in system 12345 has become unserviceable. A Remote Unit from another system may be reprogrammed to have a System Address of 12345 to complete the system.
• Press the “Enter” Key or click the mouse to another box. • Click the “Read” button to re-read the Unit information and confirm that the desired frequency was accepted. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
11. BATTERY MAINTENANCE. The battery packs will provide optimum performance and maximum life when the following recommendations are adhered to. 11.1. BATTERY TEMPERATURE: For maximum efficiency charge batteries when they are between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius. DO NOT attempt to CHARGE BATTERIES that are BELOW 0 degrees or ABOVE 40 degrees Celsius. Permanent damage to batteries and or equipment may result. 11.2.
11.6. BATTERY CAPACITY CHECK: • Fully charge the battery. • Press the “BATTERY DISCHARGE” switch. • Note the amount of time from when the “BATTERY DISCHARGE” switch was pressed until the red DISCHG light turns off. • A good battery will take approximately three hours to discharge. Replace the battery pack if the discharge time is less than two and one half hours and the discharge / charge cycle has been repeated four times. 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
Controller Range 5 miles Detonator Range 1 mile Summary of changes for Rev A 1. Changed ‘Detonator’ to ‘Remote’. 2. Removed ‘Draft’ from Title Page. Summary of changes for Rev B: 1. Changed Low Battery level for controller from 10.00 volts to 11.75 to reflect actual performance. 2. Added information on using the RFDSETUP program to program and test units. 3. Added information on using RFDUSER program to program units. 4. Added information about saving Test Box results with HyperTerminal. 5.
Summary of changes for Rev E: 1. Update Section 3 (System Specifications) to show FCC status as “Certified.” Summary of changes for Ritron Version (“-R”) Rev A: 1. Revise frequency range to 150 to 174 MHz in Section 3 (System Specifications).. 2. Remove not to frequencies below 150 MHz in Section 3 (System Specifications).. 3. Change Controller transmit current to 2.5A, Remote to 1.0 Amp in Section 3 (System Specifications). 1669-R RFD OPERATOR MANUAL REV.
