Radio Systems 3001055 Max Dog Computer Collar User Manual
Radio Systems Corp Max Dog Computer Collar
User Manual
MaxDog™
Computer Collar® Unit
Owner’s Manual
www.invisiblefence.com
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Congratulations on your purchase of the world’s premier pet containment solution, the
Invisible Fence® Brand. When professionally installed, the Invisible Fence® Brand pet
containment system is backed with a one-year, money-back performance guarantee. The
support of your Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer gives you peace of mind that your dog
remains safe at home®. Refer to your warranty card or the back of your sales contract for
complete details.
Table of Contents
Components ……............................................................................................................... 3
How the Systems Works .................................................................................................... 3
Operating Guide ….......................................................................................................... 4
The MaxDog Computer Collar® Unit ……......................................................................... 4
Fitting the MaxDog Computer Collar® Unit ……............................................................... 4
MaxDog Computer Collar® Power Cap Unit Status …....................................................... 4
Changing the Power Cap Unit …....................................................................................... 5
Power Cap Unit Tester …................................................................................................... 5
Troubleshooting Guide ………........................................................................................ 6
Important Warnings ………............................................................................................ 7
Battery Disposal …………………………………………………………………………7
Compliance ...…………………………………………………………………………….7
Important Precautions
1. Read and retain manuals: Read the entire Owner’s Manual and training instructions
before using your new Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment system.
2. Train your pet according to the instructions in the Invisible Fence® Brand training
manuals. Complete all steps before allowing your pet to run free. Do not become overly
confident if your pet has become conditioned to the Invisible Fence® Brand pet
containment system sooner than expected.
3. Adhere to all cautions and warnings contained in any Invisible Fence® Brand manual.
4. Do not attempt to service any Invisible Fence® Brand equipment. Refer all service to
your authorized Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer. Only your authorized Invisible Fence®
Brand Dealer should make adjustments to your pet containment system. Unauthorized
service or repair will void the warranty.
5. All Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment systems are designed for domesticated
animal use only. Never attempt to use this product for any purpose not specifically
described in this manual.
6. Check the Invisible Fence® Brand transmitter periodically to make sure it is operating
properly. Please refer to the chart on page 4 for proper fitting instructions.
7. Check the tightness of the MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit on a regular basis.
Remove your pet’s MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit each night. This will prevent the
possibility of any irritation the collar may cause to your pet’s skin. However, if this is not
possible, please check the tightness of the collar each time you feed your pet by removing
the collar and then replacing it back on your pet. A condition called Pressure Necrosis,
which is a devitalization of the skin due to excessive and prolonged contact against the
Correction Posts, may occur if the steps above are not followed.
8. If you have any questions about any aspect of your Invisible Fence® Brand pet
containment system, call your Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer immediately.
Dealer Name: _______________________ Dealer Phone: _______________________
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Components
• MaxDog™ Computer Collar® Unit
• Power Cap® Unit
• Owner’s Manual
How the System Works
The MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit is compatible with 700/800 Series Transmitters
and Shields®/IFA-12 Indoor units to contain your pet within areas you choose, or teach
your pet to avoid specific areas such as flower beds, gardens, or pools. The transmitter
produces a signal that travels along the signal field wire and back to the transmitter to
produce an Invisible Boundary® barrier.
When your pet approaches the established boundary, the MaxDog ™ Computer Collar®
unit generates a tone and correction to remind your pet of the boundary. With training
and praise, your pet will quickly learn to avoid the established boundary.
Note: A correction is a training term used to describe an action taken to discourage
unwanted pet behavior. The MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit applies a correction
when your pet crosses the boundary of an Invisible Fence® Brand electronic pet
containment system. Corrections are used in combination with rewards to alter unwanted
pet behavior.
Your Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment system will only work when:
a. The transformer is connected to the transmitter and to a functional standard electric
outlet, via an approved Lightning Protection Device. All Invisible Fence® Brand pet
containment systems must be grounded per the National Electric Code to be protected
against lightning (North American customers only).
b. The transmitter is on, connected to the signal field wire, and producing a signal along
the entire length of the wire.
c. The signal field wire is intact, continuous, and the transmitter’s Status Indicator light is
blinking green.
d. The MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit is correctly fitted and worn by your pet. The
MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit must be adjusted so that both of the correction posts
touch your pet’s skin.
e. The Power Cap® unit in the MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit is good and correctly
installed. See page 4 and 5 for proper Power Cap® unit operation.
About Thunder and Electrical Storms: Even though your Invisible Fence® Brand pet
containment system is equipped with a Lightning Protection Device (North American
customers only), it is still possible that it may be damaged during a thunderstorm, or
when an electrical storm is in the area. After a storm has ended, check the signal field
width. See page 6 for periodic maintenance checks.
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Operating Guide
The MaxDog™ Computer Collar® Unit
The MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit is a patented microprocessor-controlled device,
powered by a patented Power Cap® unit.
Note: ONLY use the post tightening tool to tighten the correction posts.Use of other tools
will void the warranty. DO NOT secure the correction posts in the MaxDog™ Computer
Collar® unit with any kind of glue or adhesive. Correction Post Retaining Strip
Computer Collar Unit LED Status Indicator Collar Strap
Fitting the MaxDog™ Computer Collar® Unit
To work properly, the correction posts on the MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit must
touch your pet’s skin.
1. Position the collar strap high on your pet’s neck with the MaxDog™ Computer
Collar® unit under your pet’s jaw.
2. To avoid having a collar that is too tight on a thick-haired pet, thin some hair away in
order to allow the correction posts to make contact with the skin. Do not shave the pet’s
neck.
3. Tighten the collar strap of the MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit appropriately.
Adjust the collar strap so it is snug enough to slide only one finger between a correction
post and your pet’s skin.
4. Adjust the fi t of the MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit as necessary as your pet’s
coat, weight, and age change. Your pet’s coat may change from season to season.
5. Allow your pet to become accustomed to its new MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit.
The collar must be removed each night during the first month of training. This ensures
proper fit and avoids the possibility of
skin irritation.
6. After training is complete, remove your pet’s MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit each
night if possible. This will help prevent irritation. However, if this it not possible, please
check the tightness of the collar each time you feed your pet by removing the collar and
then replacing it back on your pet.
7. The MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit is waterproof. If the nylon collar strap
becomes wet, it is recommended that it be removed from your pet and be allowed to air
dry before replacing the collar on your pet’s neck.
MaxDog™ Computer Collar® Power Cap® Unit Status
The MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit monitors Power Cap® unit Status. Each time
you insert a Power Cap® unit into your MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit it performs a
battery test. The LED status indicator will show a flashing light, indicating power status.
At Start-Up
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At Start-Up
Color Indicator Status
GREEN 5 flashes Battery strength is good
RED 4 flash Battery strength is weakening; replace Power Cap® unit
NO LIGHT Battery is dead; replace Power Cap® unit immediately
Should the red LED flash continuously while your pet is wearing the MaxDog ™
Computer Collar®, the Power Cap® unit strength is dangerously low; replace Power
Cap® unit immediately.
Replace your existing Power Cap® unit with one supplied via your Power Cap® unit
plan. If a fresh Power Cap® unit is not available, contact your Invisible Fence® Brand
Dealer for a replacement. Once a replacement Power Cap® unit is installed and the signal
field checked (see page 6 for instructions on checking the signal field), put the MaxDog
™ Computer Collar® unit on your pet. The Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment
system is now ready.
Changing the Power Cap® Unit
1. Use a small, thin coin to remove the Power Cap® unit from the MaxDog ™ Computer
Collar® unit. Insert the coin in the slot on top of the Power Cap® unit and turn it 45
degrees counter-clockwise. Do not push down while turning. The Power Cap® unit will
rotate while the spring inside will push the Power Cap unit out of the MaxDog ™
Computer Collar® unit’s battery chamber.
2. Install a new Power Cap® unit using the following steps:
a. Line up the lugs on the bottom of the Power Cap® unit with the grooves in the sides
of the MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit’s battery chamber. Make sure the metal tabs
on the bottom of the Power Cap® unit are not bent.
b. Place the Power Cap® unit into the chamber while gently, but firmly, turning it
clockwise 45 degrees with your fingers.
c. Use a small, thin coin in the slot on top of the Power Cap® unit to turn it clockwise
until the slot on the top of the Power Cap® unit is lined up with the two small raised tabs
on the bottom of the receiver. Do not over-tighten by turning the slot past the tabs on the
receiver.
On average, the Power Cap® unit should be changed every 3 months. Low temperatures,
the number of times the pet challenges the pet containment system boundary, and
improper collar fit can all reduce Power Cap® unit life.
Note: The use of any power source other than a Power Cap® unit will cause a receiver
to operate erratically or fail. Failure of the receiver due to the use of an unauthorized
power source could void the warranty. The use of unnecessary force may damage the
case and render the Power Cap® unit inoperable. NEVER open a Power Cap® unit,
dispose of it in fi re, recharge it, expose it to Alignment Lug (one on each side) heat
above 212°F (100°C), or expose its contents to water. Doing so can cause leakage or
explosion and may lead to personal injury.
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Power Cap® Unit Tester
We strongly recommend that each customer obtain a Power Cap® unit tester.
At least once a month, check the receiver battery with the Power Cap® unit tester.
The Power Cap® unit tester measures the internal resistance of a Power Cap® unit and
shows how much life is left in the battery.
To test a Power Cap® unit with the Power Cap® unit tester, remove the Power Cap®
unit from the receiver and put it into the Power Cap® unit tester the same way that you
would put it into a Computer Collar® unit. If the battery is good, the green and red LEDs
on the tester will both light. If neither LED on the tester lights, or just the red LED lights
dimly, the Power Cap® unit needs to be replaced
Periodic Maintenance Checks
System Device How often What to look for
MaxDog ™ Computer Daily • Check Power Cap® Battery status light
Collar Unit • Review chart for status indicators (see page 5).
Signal Field Width Monthly and after a thunderstorm • Verify the signal field wire is
active throughout the property, see Monthly Signal Field Width Test below.
Monthly Signal Field Width Test
You should always be aware of your system’s signal field width. Check the width of the
signal field from only one place on the signal field loop wire. Always check the signal
field width from the same place. Take the MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit off your
pet to measure the signal field width.
1. Hold the Invisible Fence® Brand MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit so it is parallel
to the signal field wire.
2. Hold the collar so it is about the same height and at the same angle as it will be when
the pet is wearing it.
3. Walk slowly toward the signal field wire. The receiver will activate when you reach
the edge of the signal field. Do NOT touch the correction posts at this time!
If the receiver does not sound a warning tone where the edge of the signal is supposed to
be, immediately call your Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer for service. Use a leash (lead)
or other means to contain your pet until all necessary service has been completed.
Troubleshooting
Symptom: Pet is getting out. Possible Cause: Power Cap® unit in the MaxDog ™
Computer Collar® unit is dead or weak.• MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit is not fit
properly on the pet. • Signal field wire has a break. • Power is not supplied to the
transmitter or power is out. • Signal field is too narrow. • Pet needs additional training.
Action: • Replace the Power Cap® unit. • See page 4 for properly fitting the collar. •
Contact your Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer. • Make sure transmitter power supply is
plugged in. • Contact your Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer. • Contact your Invisible
Fence® Brand Dealer for additional pet training.
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Symptom: Pet will not enter. Possible Cause: • Signal field is too high. • Pet needs
additional training. Action: • Contact your Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer to check
signal field. • Contact your Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer for additional pet training.
Symptom: MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit not responding to signal field (loop) wire.
Possible Cause • Power Cap® unit in the MaxDog ™ Computer Collar® unit is dead or
weak. • Signal field wire has a break. • Power is not supplied to the transmitter or
power is out. Action • Replace the Power Cap® unit. • Contact your Invisible Fence®
Brand Dealer. • Make sure transmitter power supply is plugged in.
Important Warnings
Your Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer has professionally installed your pet containment
system and ensured it is working properly. You will want to perform periodic
maintenance checks to make sure the system is properly functioning for your pet’s safe
containment.
Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment systems have contained over two million
pets. However, there are some precautions you should take.
Warning 1:
Not every pet can be trained to avoid the established boundary. Sometimes even a
properly trained pet may cross the boundary. Therefore, Invisible Fence®, Inc., as well as
Invisible Fence® Distributors and Dealers cannot guarantee the system will, in all cases,
keep a customer’s pet within the established boundary. Accordingly, if a customer has
reason to believe that their pet may pose a danger to others, or harm itself, the customer
should not rely solely upon the Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment system to keep
the pet from crossing the boundary.
Warning 2:
The control panel component of the system includes visual and audible signals to warn of
a system malfunction. The control panel should be installed where such signals may be
easily seen and heard. If the control panel is installed in an enclosed box, or in a place not
readily accessible to the customer, the customer will not benefit from the system’s
warning functions, for which Invisible Fence®, Inc., as well as Invisible Fence®
Distributors and Dealers assume no responsibility.
Battery Disposal
Separate collection of spent batteries is required in many regions; check the regulations in
your area before discarding spent batteries. Please see page 5 of your manual for
instructions on how to remove the battery pack for separate disposal. The Computer
Collar® operates on 1 Lithium (Li-MnO2) battery with a 3 Volt, 160 mAH capacity,
replace only with an equivalent battery that can be obtained from your Invisible Fence®
Brand Dealer.
Important Recycling Advice
Please respect the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment regulations in your country.
This equipment must be recycled. If you no longer require this equipment, do not place it
in the normal municipal waste system. Please return it to where it was purchased in order
that it can be placed in our recycling system. If this is not possible, please contact your
Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer.
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Compliance
US and Canada
IC: 2721A-3001055
FCC ID: KE3-3001055
This device complies with Industry Canada rules. This device complies with part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION: Modification or changes to this equipment not expressly approved by Radio
Systems® may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
specific installation. If interference does occur to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult customer care, the dealer, or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Australia
This device complies with the applicable EMC requirements specified by the ACMA
(Australian Communications and Media Authority).
European Union
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with relevant EU Low Voltage and
R&TTE Directives. Before using this equipment outside the EU countries, check with the
relevant local R&TTE authority. Unauthorized changes or modifications to the
equipment that are not approved by Radio Systems® Corporation are in violation of EU
R&TTE regulations, could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment, and void
the warranty.
This product is in full compliance with the provisions of the R&TTE - Directive
1999/05/EEC. The Declaration of Conformity can be found at:
http://www.invisiblefence.com/international/declarations-of-conformity.asp
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800-578-DOGS (USA)
(865) 777-5404 (International)
400-xxxx
© 2008 Radio Systems Corporation®
All rights reserved.