Tactical Technologies TX500 User Manual Manual

Tactical Technologies Inc Manual

Manual

MINDA PERSONAL PROTECTION SYSTEMTX-500 INTELLIGENT KEY-FOB TRANSMITTEROperating InstructionRev 1.3 June 2000Tactical Technologies Inc.1701 Second AveFolsom, PA 19033610-522-0106www.tacticaltechnologies.com
OVERVIEWThank you for purchasing a MINDA Intelligent Transmitter, which uses a low-powermicroprocessor for ‘house-keeping’ and offers the following programmable options:• A Unit Identity Code (TX ID number 1,2,3,or 4) which will allow a single receiver to identify up tofour different transmitters.• A very secure Family Identity Code, enabling secure use of multiple groups of transmitters andreceivers together in the same location - without receiving alarms in ALL receivers.• Full compatibility with other MINDA equipment• Alarm signal repeat at programmable intervals• Automatic transmission of Confidence signals is possible• Transmitter ‘Low Battery’ alert sent to receiver• Very low power consumptionKeep this instruction manual in a safe place - it contains important information and helpful tipswhich will assist you to obtain the best possible performance from your new MINDA system.OPERATING FREQUENCYAll MINDA systems for use in the United States operate on a frequency of 418MHz in the UHFband. The operating radio frequency cannot be changed to suit a specific customer’s needs.BATTERY INSTALLATIONThe MINDA TX-500 transmitter requires an internal 12 volt 33mA/hour battery type GP 23A(Duracell type MN-21).To install a new battery into a key-fob style transmitter, the two-piece case must be pried open byinserting and carefully twisting a flat-bladed screwdriver into the groove formed by the two casehalves. The old battery can then be removed and replaced by a new one, taking care to ensurethat it is orientated in accordance with the polarity markings on the inside of the case. The casetop should then be carefully aligned with the LED and gently but firmly snapped closed just usingfinger pressure.OPERATIONThe TX-500 will only communicate with an appropriate MINDA receiver, such as the RX-400pocket receiver, or the RX-500 portable/mobile/tabletop receiver.The TX-500 is operational immediately upon inserting the battery.The unit is equipped with an On/Off switch that is magnetically controlled. To turn the TX-500OFF, place the unit firmly in its holder. To turn the TX-500 on, remove it from the holder.The TX-500 has two buttons: RED and BLUE. The RED button sends a RED ALARM to aMINDA receiver. The BLUE button sends a GREEN alarm to a MINDA receiver. Press and holdeither button for at least 1 second to transmit your alarm.The TX-500 may be programmed to automatically transmit a GREEN or RED 'confidence alarm'.This signal may be programmed to transmit every few seconds or every few minutes. The timingof this transmission begins upon battery insertion. See the section on CONFIDENCE MODE formore details.The TX-500 has two LED's: RED and YELLOW. The red LED illuminates during transmissions.In use, if the red LED on the transmitter fails to light, or is lit dimly, the transmitter battery probablyneeds to be replaced. The yellow LED depicts the programmed Unit Identity Number.
WHAT IS ACTUALLY TRANSMITTEDWhenever a ‘MINDA’ transmitter operates, the actual digital data message transmitted containsall of the following pieces of information, repeated a number of times:< I am a ‘MINDA’ transmitter >and < My Family Identity is ‘xxx’ >and < I am Unit I.D. ‘y’>and < My alarm status is ‘red/green’ >and < My battery status is ‘OK/low’ >If the first two pieces of data in the above message exactly match the information programmedinto the ‘MINDA’ receiver, then the rest of the information will be decoded and displayed on theLEDs. If they do not match, the entire message is ignored.UNIT IDENTITIESA MINDA TX-500 Intelligent Transmitter can have each of its four possible Unit Identities (1, 2, 3or 4) configured to signal in different ways and with different timings to suit particular operationalneeds.The user can easily alter the pre-programmed Unit Identity Code (shown on the label on the backof the case) whenever required.CHANGING THE UNIT IDENTITYTo change the Unit Identity of a MINDA TX-500 transmitter, carefully open the case as if youwere installing a battery, and locate the small double switch adjacent to the large 18-pin chip. Setthe two switches in accordance with the table shown below in order to determine the initial ‘start-up’ Unit Identity of the transmitter.Unit I.D. Switch 1 Switch 21ONON2OFFON3ONOFF4OFFOFFThe Unit Identity of the TX-500 transmitter can also be temporarily changed by simultaneouslyholding down both push buttons for about 2 seconds. When this is done the yellow LED will blinkan appropriate number of times to show the new identity it has assumed.Each time the two buttons are pressed together the sequence will cycle through all four possibleidentities (ie. 1,2,3,4,1,2,3...) but note that if the power supply is interrupted by switching off orchanging the battery the transmitter will revert to its start-up Unit I.D. once power is re-applied.Please note:This user option can, if required, be modified in format or completely inhibited by suitably re-programming the unit.Note: Check that you know the Unit Identity (1,2,3,or 4) of the transmitter that you intend to useby sending a test signal to a ‘MINDA’ receiver and noting which of its LEDs illuminates. Ifnecessary, change the Unit Identity to the one you require.The transmitter's antenna is the external small black cord. Never attempt to shorten, fold up ormodify the transmitter antenna since such action will seriously degrade the range of the MINDAsystem. When using the key-fob transmitter, hold the case so that the short cord antenna pointsaway from you, and then press the appropriate button for at least one second. The small red LEDshould illuminate.
FAMILY IDENTITY CODEEach MINDA system, when supplied to a customer, will have already been programmed at timeof manufacture with a common default ‘Family Identity Code’ (hexadecimal 94) enabling it to beused with any other of the standard MINDA products. The Family Identity Code for a particularfamily of MINDA units can easily be re-programmed by returning all of the equipment to TacticalTechnologies Inc. or, if a MINDA computer interface package has been purchased, by the user.For a MINDA system to operate with, and recognize up to four independent transmitters, theFamily Identity Code of the receiver and transmitter(s) all have to match AND each of thetransmitters must have a different Unit Identity (1,2,3 or 4).A microprocessor controlled MINDA receiver will only respond to signals from those transmitterssending the same Family Identity Code that it has been pre-programmed to accept. Thiscapability minimizes the risk of interference between similar systems that happen to be operatingwithin radio range of one another. It is absolutely vital therefore, to ensure that all transmitterand receiver units that have to operate together are programmed with the same Family IdentityCode. Signals received from any ‘alien’ transmitter operating within range will not be decodedand, instead, treated by the receiver as radio interference on the channel.LOW BATTERY WARNINGWhen the battery voltage of a MINDA TX-500 transmitter drops to a level where batteryreplacement is desirable, each subsequent transmission made will be ‘tagged’ to indicate this factto the receiving end. When a MINDA receiver recognizes a ‘tagged’ signal from a MINDAtransmitter, the LED indicator appropriate to that transmitter’s Unit Identity will start to ‘blink out’briefly about once per second.BATTERY LIFEThe MINDA TX-500 transmitter consumes about 400 times more power when actuallytransmitting compared to that required when it is dormant. If the unit is programmed to sendfrequent confidence transmissions, or is used manually a great deal, the battery drain will besignificantly increased. The following table shows the typical life that can be expected of atransmitter in relation to the time interval between automatic transmissions made.Time between eachautomatic transmission Typical battery life (hours) Typical batterylife (days)15 seconds 37 1.530 seconds 68 2.81 minute 120 52 minutes 195 85 minutes 309 1315 minutes 418 1730 minutes 458 191 hour 482 20The above times have been calculated on the assumption that the MINDA TX-500 transmitter isprogrammed to send the default (normal duration) automatic confidence signal and that it hasbeen fitted with a new MN-21 alkaline battery and switched on to run continuously. Switching theunit on and off frequently and manually sending a number of alarm signals longer than 1 secondin length both consume additional power from the battery and will reduce its life below theestimated figures shown above.
CONFIDENCE SIGNALLINGA MINDA TX-500 intelligent transmitter can be programmed so that for any or all of the fouridentities it can assume a GREEN or RED transmission as an “I’m here and OK” signal.In order for confidence to be transmitted, the transmitter must be in the MODE of theprogrammed signal.The transmitter defaults to GREEN mode upon reset, or when it is turned on.If Confidence mode is programmed for GREEN MODE -Transmitter 'starts up' in GREEN MODE, therefore confidence is automatically enabled upon startup.Confidence signal will be transmitted at each interval.If a RED alarm is pressed manually - confidence mode is temporarily disabled.To re-start confidence mode, press GREEN alarm manually.If Confidence mode is programmed for RED MODE -Transmitter 'starts up' in GREEN MODE, therefore confidence sequence must be STARTED bymanually activating a RED alarm.Confidence signal will then be transmitted at each interval.If a GREEN alarm is pressed manually - confidence mode is temporarily disabled.To re-start confidence mode, press RED alarm manually....Here's an idea...If a MINDA receiver has been programmed (1) to remain silent whenever a valid ‘green’transmission is received, and (2) to signal an alarm if nothing is heard from one or more of itsassociated transmitters within a pre-designated period of time, then the following scenariobecomes possible:When an initial ‘green’ transmission is received from any of its associated transmitters thereceiver will remain silent and one of four pre-programmed internal time-clocks within it will startcounting. Each subsequent ‘green’ transmission from that same transmitter unit will again bereceived silently and reset the time-clock to zero. If, however, the pre-set time period elapsesbefore another ‘green’ signal has been received then the appropriate LED on the receiver willbegin to flash and a ‘Lost Signal’ audible alarm will be signaled. Until the person using thereceiver pushes the ‘RESET’ button to clear the audible and visual alarms, a warning alert tonewill continue to be emitted at the pre-programmed interval(s).If a different transmitter unit (but of the same family) is then received, another time-clockcommences operation independently in the same way as described above. If a valid ‘red’ alarmsignal is received from any of its associated transmitters the receiver will, of course, generate allof the normal audible and switching alarms.In a situation where a receiver and an intelligent MINDA TX-500 transmitter are being used toprotect a person close-by but out of sight, the regular confidence transmission will keep thereceiver silenced all the while it is present. If the transmitter moves out of radio range, its batteryfails, or it is otherwise disabled the receiver will emit an alarm signal as soon as the confidencesignal has been missing for the pre-programmed period of time. This enables, for example, a VIPto be protected at night by a bodyguard in an adjoining room, or a person going into a potentiallyhazardous situation to be supported by a back-up team in a vehicle close-by. The intelligentMINDA transmitter will send the confidence signals entirely automatically without disturbing theuser unless he or she wishes to send a ‘red’ alarm signal in the usual way.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDEIf signals from a TX-500 transmitter are not being received by a MINDA receiver the followingtests should be undertaken:1.) Check that the transmitter is not out of receiver range by temporarily reducing the distancebetween the units to 10 yards or less. Begin to increase the distance again until signalstransmitted are not received reliably. This will give a good indication of the likely maximumworking range that can be achieved in the particular location used for these tests.2.) Observe the red LED on the transmitter. If it fails to light, or is lit dimly, when a button ispressed the battery probably needs to be replaced.3.) If the units still fail to communicate, check that the MINDA receiver is operating correctly bypressing and releasing its RESET button and confirming that the eight LEDs briefly illuminate. Ifthis does not happen, replace the battery in the receiver with a new one and try again.4.) Confirm that interference or another signal is not jamming the receiver. If necessary, move thereceiving location away from the source of the interference.5.) Check that other transmitters (in the same family) are being received OK.6.) Return the faulty transmitter for check-out and/or repair.MAINTENANCEThe MINDA transmitters require minimal maintenance. Problems with the internal electronics areunlikely unless the unit has been subjected to some physical damage. The most likely sources ofdifficulty will be associated with the transmitter battery or its contacts, the mechanical switches, orthe antenna. These items should be inspected regularly and corrective action taken, where foundto be necessary.
TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONUNITED STATES OF AMERICA FCC COMPLIANCE:THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECTTO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS:1. THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND2. THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDINGINTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.U.K RADIO AUTHORITY'S COMPLIANCE:The unit is fully compliant with the U.K. Radio Authority’s Specification MPT1340 for short-rangeradio alarm systems.Operating frequency: 418.00 MHz nominalOverall freq. accuracy: ± 100 kHzOperating range: 50 to 150 metres (depends on the local environment)Transmitter E.R.P.: 0.5 milliwatt (-6dBm) typicalInternal power source: 12 volt alkaline battery (MN-21)Current drain: < 80 µA when on and in stand-by mode< 20 mA while actually transmittingOperating temp. range: -10 to +55 degrees CelsiusBattery life: Depends on number of transmissions - see textGUARANTEETactical Technologies Inc. guarantees these MINDA products from any faults due to defectivematerials or workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. Where the fault isthe result of misuse, negligence or inexpert repair, Tactical Technologies Inc. reserve the right tomake a charge to cover the extra costs involved.RE-PROGRAMMING OF OPTIONSRe-programming of any MINDA equipment - with the exception of the TX-400 key-fob ‘dumb’transmitter - requires specialist electronic knowledge, a PC and peripheral equipment. For thisreason, most customers will find it more convenient to return the equipment to TacticalTechnologies Inc. for re-programming. Customers with a significant number of MINDA units andwho also have their own electronic workshop, with access to a PC and peripherals, may wish toconsider purchasing the special MINDA programming kit which comprises hardware interface,custom software on disk, and full instructions. Further details on this product can be obtainedfrom Tactical Technologies Inc.

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