Electronic & Electrical Solutions Magic Breed Plus User Manual

User Manual

Revision date: 1/8/2019

Electronic & Electrical Solutions Pty Ltd
3/9 Rawlins Circuit
Kunda Park
QLD 4556
Australia

Phone: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

www.eesolutions.net.au

© Copyright 2019 Electronic & Electrical Solutions

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 1

1. Contents

1. Contents ................................................................................... 1

2. Introduction ............................................................................. 2

3. Legal Information .................................................................... 3

4. Principle of Operation ............................................................ 5

5. Getting Started ........................................................................ 6

6. Setting Up ................................................................................. 8

7. Fitting to the Mare ................................................................ 12

8. User Interface ........................................................................ 16

9. Transmitter Pairing ............................................................... 17

10. Operation ............................................................................... 20

11. Range and Testing ................................................................. 25

12. Settings ................................................................................... 26

13. After Use ................................................................................. 27

14. Specifications ......................................................................... 28

15. Warranty ................................................................................. 29

2 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

2. Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Magic Breed Plus
foaling alarm system. Magic Breed has been the leading name
in foaling alarms for over 35 years and with the release of the
Magic Breed Plus now incorporates many electronic
advancements from during that time.

To ensure that you have the best possible experience with
your Magic Breed Plus system, please ensure that you read
through this manual and understand the operation before
use.

This symbol is used to note instructions that must
be followed to prevent damage to the Magic
Breed Plus system.

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 3

3. Legal Information

3.1. Liability Statement

Magic Breed Plus is intended to aid in the foaling process but
there are limitations to the technology which mean that it
cannot be 100% accurate.

While we have every expectation that the Magic Breed Plus will
work well and be very helpful in the majority of situations,
Electronic & Electrical Solutions can unfortunately take no
responsibility or liability of a negative outcome due to the
failure of the Magic Breed Plus system to detect the foaling
event. The only way to achieve 100% reliability is to have an
awake, alert person physically watching the mare.

3.2. Regulatory Compliance

The Magic Breed Plus system has been designed and tested to
comply with Australian regulations regarding Electromagnetic
Compatibility and radio transmissions. Both the transmitter
and receiver comply with the following Australian/New
Zealand standards:

AS/NZS 4268:2017
AS/NZS CISP32:2015

The RCM mark found on the Magic Breed Plus components is
a confirmation that the equipment meets Australian
regulatory requirements. Always look for this mark when
purchasing new electronic equipment:

4 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

By complying with AS/NZS 4268, the Magic Breed Plus system
is classified as a “Low Interference Potential Device”, or LIPD.
An LIPD device can be operated by any person without
requiring a radiocommunications licence, which is important
for equipment like the Magic Breed Plus which is intended for
operation by unlicensed people.

If you require more information regarding EMC and
radiocommunications legislation please consult the Australian
Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) at

www.acma.gov.au or New Zealand Radio Spectrum

Management (RSM) at www.rsm.govt.nz

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 5

4. Principle of Operation

Typically, in the late term of pregnancy, a mare will avoid lying
flat on its side until it enters labour. The Magic Breed Plus
system uses this well documented behaviour.

A transmitter containing a special sensor called an
accelerometer is attached to the mare’s halter. The
accelerometer allows the transmitter to determine the
direction of the ground and therefore it can detect when the
mare has laid on its side.

When the transmitter detects that the mare is in the foaling
position is will begin timing and after a short delay it will alert
the receiver, which will sound an alarm.

Note however that some mares are very active and will even
temporarily lay in the foaling position prior to foaling. This
results in false alarms, so it’s important to be able to easily
and temporarily silence any foaling alarms. The Magic Breed
Plus makes this easy.

6 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

5. Getting Started

The Magic Breed Plus system is comprised of two main
components: the receiver (base station) and transmitter. The
transmitter is attached to the mare and sends wireless signals
to the base station for reporting when it has detected that the
mare is foaling.

5.1. Receiver

The receiver is a dark grey unit which has a power supply and
antenna connected at the rear. Up to 8 transmitters can be
used with a single receiver.

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 7

5.2. Transmitter

Magic Breed Plus transmitters are battery powered and
contain an accelerometer which enables it to sense the
orientation of the mare’s head. Detecting when the mare is
laying on its side with its head on the ground is how the
transmitter determines if the mare is in a foaling position.

8 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

6. Setting Up

6.1. Receiver Connections

The receiver is powered by USB, either using the supplied USB
plug pack or an alternative USB power source.

The receiver also needs to have the supplied antenna
connected to the screw in connector on the rear.

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 9

The antenna screw connection should only be tightened to
finger tight (do not use a tool to tighten it further).

The antenna and power connections can be
damaged if treated roughly or dropped. Please
take care with them and place the receiver in a
safe location.

The antenna supplied may differ slightly from the one shown
in the diagrams but operation will be the same.

Do not use any antenna other than that which
was supplied with your unit or otherwise
recommended by Electronic & Electrical
Solutions.

10 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

6.2. Transmitter Batteries

Transmitters are powered by a pair or AAA 1.5V alkaline
batteries. Depending on the mare’s level of activity the
batteries in a transmitter can easily last an entire season.

To insert or remove the batteries, the transmitter battery door
must be opened by first removing the battery door screw
using a PH1 philips head screwdriver. When closing the door
don’t forget to reinstall the screw (including the sealing ring).

Note that the batteries must be installed in the correct
orientation, as noted in the bottom of the battery holders:

Do not overtighten the battery door screw as this
may cause damage.

Under typical usage and depending on the movements the
mare makes when not foaling, a single pair of AAA batteries
can last an entire season.

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 11

1. Remove battery door
screw

3. Insert batteries

2. Remove battery door

4. Once batteries are
installed replace battery door
and screw

12 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

7. Fitting to the Mare

The transmitter is secured in place under the mare’s chin
using a halter fitted with a transmitter pouch.

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 13

The pouch is fitted to the halter using the four Velcro straps:

If concerned about the Velcro fasteners coming loose an
optional alternative would be to use cable ties to fasten the
pouch to the halter.

Pouches are manufactured from high quality Weathermax®
canvas and should last many foaling seasons but if required
replacements are available for purchase. The pouch is deigned
to work with both the original Magic Breed and the new Magic
Breed Plus transmitters.

Once the pouch has been fitted to the halter, the transmitter
can then be fitted.

14 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

Insert the transmitter into the pouch in the orientation
indicated in the following diagram:

Note that the transmitter must be inserted into the pouch in
the correct orientation or it WILL NOT WORK. Refer to the
instructions on the transmitter front label for guidance in the
field.

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 15

Then pull the flap over and down, sealing the Velcro so that
the transmitter is held tightly. It’s important that the
transmitter is not able to move around inside the pouch.

16 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

8. User Interface

The Magic Breed Plus receiver features an LCD screen and
three buttons to aid in configuration and user information.

Operation is simple:

Switch between the various menu and status
screens.

Change a setting on the current screen.

Silence the alarm.

Some functions require that the button is pressed and held.

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 17

9. Transmitter Pairing

Before a transmitter can be used it first must be paired with
the receiver. Each transmitter has a unique code that it uses to
identify itself and the pairing process is used to teach the
receiver this code without the user having to enter it.

Up to 8 transmitters can be paired to a single receiver - when
a transmitter is paired the receiver assigns it an identifying
number from 1 to 8.

9.1. Pairing

To perform pairing use the following procedure:

1. Turn the receiver on and place it in learning mode by
pressing SELECT until the option “press CHANGE to pair
a new Tx” is shown:

2. Press CHANGE and the receiver will begin listening for a
new transmitter to learn:

3. Insert the batteries into the transmitter and place it on
its side so that the status indicator is flashing. This
indicates that it is sending an alarm signal.

18 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

4. The receiver should then beep to indicate that it has
paired the new transmitter, and will display the
number that has been assigned to that transmitter:

It is recommended that this number is marked on the
face of the transmitter in the location provided using a
permanent marker:

Note that the pairing must take place while the transmitter
and receiver are in close range of each other – within 10
metres is ideal.

Like all other receiver settings, pairings are retained when the
power is off.

9.2. Unpairing

If for some reason you wish to unpair a transmitter use the
following steps:

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 19

1. Press SELECT until the corresponding transmitter
information page is displayed:

2. Press and hold the CHANGE button for 5 seconds. The
following will be displayed:

3. When the unpairing is complete, the buzzer will beep
twice and a confirmation message will be displayed:

20 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

10. Operation

10.1. Transmitter Communication

While a transmitter has batteries inserted it sends periodic
messages to the receiver every 10 minutes. These “status”
messages inform the receiver that the transmitter is
operational and provide information such as signal strength
and battery power level.

10.2. Receiver Power On

After power on, the receiver can make no assumptions about
the status of the paired transmitters until it receives a status
message from each one. To give the user a visual
confirmation, after power on the screen will momentarily
report the number of learned and active transmitters:

Once the receiver receives a status message from a
transmitter this will change to the normal idle screen:

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 21

10.3. Transmitter Information

For each paired transmitter a screen is available showing its
current status. Pressing the SELECT button will cycle through
these. The content of the screen is shown as follows:

The two icons on the right hand side of the screen indicate the
signal strength and the battery level of the transmitter:

Battery full

Battery half-full

Battery low

If the battery level reaches “battery low” then the transmitter
batteries should be changed as soon as possible to ensure
reliable operation.

If a weak signal is shown the system will still operate correctly
but there is a chance of “offline transmitter” alarms occurring.

Full signal

Moderate signal

Weak signal

10.4. Foaling Alarm

The transmitter will detect when the mare enters a foaling
position (laid on its side, head flat against the ground), and
begin transmitting this information to the receiver. After the
alarm delay (default 10 seconds), the siren in the receiver will
begin to sound. The receiver display will indicate which
transmitter number has caused the alarm:

22 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

If more than one transmitter is detecting an alarm then the
additional transmitters will be listed:

If the mare returns to an upright position for 20 seconds then
the alarm will automatically cancel.

10.5. Mute

Any time an alarm is sounding the MUTE button on the
receiver can be pressed. This will silence the buzzer for a set
period of time (the default is 5 minutes but this can be
changed), after which it will resume sounding.

The mute applies individually to each transmitter: if another
transmitter creates an alarm during the mute period then the
mute will cancel and the buzzer will begin to sound again.

10.6. Offline Transmitter Alarm

If the receiver does not receive a status report from a paired
transmitter for more than 20 minutes then an offline
transmitter alarm will sound. This alarm differs from the
foaling alarm in that when muted, the alarm will remain quiet
until the receiver has heard from the transmitter in question
again.

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 23

As with the foaling alarm, this screen will provide a list of the
transmitters that are currently offline.

10.7. Empty Battery Alarm

The transmitter is able to measure its battery level and sends
this information to the receiver. If the battery level is being
measured as critically low and the transmitter goes offline
then a “Battery Empty” alarm will be triggered:

As with the foaling alarm, this screen will provide a list of the
transmitters that have an empty battery.

10.8. Multiple Concurrent Alarms

If multiple alarms are occurring at the same time then they are
displayed based on priority: foaling alarms are displayed first,
followed by empty battery alarms and offline transmitter
alarms. The status of individual transmitters can be viewed by
pressing the SELECT button until the desired transmitter
information screen is displayed.

10.9. Power Saving Mode

During the foaling season the transmitter may not need to be
used for periods from a few days up to a couple of weeks.

24 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

Instead of requiring battery removal, it’s possible to put the
transmitter into power saving mode by placing it on its back so
that the label is facing up. This must be on a flat and level
surface:

In power save mode the transmitter will still transmit status
updates but at a much longer interval of 2 hours.

Backlight

The display is backlit so that it can be read in the dark. The
backlight turns off after 7 minutes of inactivity so that it is not
disruptive. Any time a button is pressed or an alarm occurs
the backlight will automatically turn on again.

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 25

11. Range and Testing

The range of RF devices such as the Magic Breed Plus system
is highly dependent on many factors but most specifically on
the path between the transmitter and receiver. Magic Breed
Plus uses the latest modulation technology at 917MHz, which
provides a significant increase in performance over the 27MHz
FM system used by the original Magic Breed design.

If there is a clear line of sight between the transmitter and
receiver than a range of over 1km can be easily achieved.
Unfortunately clear line of sight is somewhat uncommon.
Trees, fences and buildings can have a minimal to moderate
impact on the range. Hills can have a significant impact.
Regardless, even with significant blocking objects a range of
500m should still be easily achievable.

To perform testing, first check the pairing by placing a
transmitter on its side near the receiver. The alarm should
sound and then silence once the transmitter is placed back in
a flat orientation.

Take the transmitter to the foaling location and place it on its
side on the ground. For the most accurate testing place your
foot between the transmitter and the direction of the receiver
(this simulates the blocking characteristic of the mare’s body).
Again, the receiver should sound the alarm (it might be
necessary to have a helper relay this information).

26 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

12. Settings

The menu has two option settings available, which can be
selected by pressing SELECT until the desired setting is
displayed.

12.1. Mute Period

The mute period specifies
how long the receiver will
ignore an alarm for a
specific receiver for after the mute button is pressed. Pressing
SELECT will cycle through each of the available settings

- 5 minutes (default)

- 10 minutes

- 15 minutes

- 20 minutes

- 30 minutes

12.2. Alarm Delay

The alarm delay specifies
how long the mare must
have its head in a
horizontal position until the alarm is triggered. Pressing SELECT
will cycle through each of the options:

- 5 seconds

- 10 seconds (default)

- 20 seconds

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 27

13. After Use

New Magic Breed Plus systems should be stored in a clean,
dry environment between seasons or when not in use.

IMPORTANT: make sure the batteries are
removed from all receiver units prior to storage.
This will prevent the batteries being depleted and
also prevent damage due to the chance of leaking
batteries.

The Magic Breed Plus design features significant
improvements over the old Magic Breed design and as such,
regular servicing is less necessary. For peace of mind however,
many customers may still wish to send their Magic Breed
system in for a factory check from time to time.

28 Magic Breed Plus User Manual

14. Specifications

Operating frequency: 917MHz
Signal modulation: Chirp spread-spectrum

Transmitter
Size: 110 x 58 x 19mm
Weight (excluding batteries): 58g
Power: 2x AAA 1.5V Alkaline

batteries
IP rating: IP54
EIRP output power: 50mW

Receiver
Size: 110 x 110 x 37mm
Weight: 180g
Power: 5VDC 500mA max, micro-

USB

Magic Breed Plus User Manual 29

15. Warranty

15.1. Standard Warranty Terms and
Conditions: Manufacturer’s Warranty

Australian Consumer Law guarantees that regardless of the
manufacturer warranty, products are warranted for a period
relative to the product’s value and intended use. The following
manufacturer’s warranty does not modify or exclude the
manufacturer’s obligations under the Australian Competition
and Consumer Act and other Australian laws.

1. Electronic & Electrical Solutions Pty Ltd warrants that,
during the warranty period this product will be free
from faulty parts, manufacture or workmanship when
used within normal operating conditions.

2. The warranty period for Magic Breed Plus components
is 24 months from the date of purchase.

3. The warranty does not apply where damage is caused
by other factors, including:

(a) abuse, mishandling, accident or failure to follow
operating instructions.
(b) exposure to liquid or infiltration of foreign particles
exceeding the IP rating of the unit.
(c) servicing or modification of the equipment other
than by Electronic & Electrical Solutions.
(d) use of the equipment with other accessories,
attachments, parts or devices that do not conform to
the specifications laid out in this manual.
(e) damage during shipment.

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4. Any repair work carried out will receive a further 12
month warranty. A fresh warranty does not apply to
any parts not repaired.

15.2. Warranty Claim Procedure

1. You must inform Electronic & Electrical Solutions as
soon as the failure becomes apparent.

2. Once authorised, return the unit (at the customer’s
cost) to Electronic & Electrical Solutions to be assessed
and repaired. Ensure that all contact information and a
written fault description are included.

3. The unit will be assessed and, as appropriate, either
repaired or replaced. It is then returned to the
customer at the cost of Electronic & Electrical
Solutions.