Rothenbuhler Engineering 1668 2 1W User Manual
Exhibit H: User Manual
FCC ID: CW21668-2-1W
REMOTE FIRING DEVICE
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
(DRAFT 10/25/99)
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. BOX 708
2191 RHODES ROAD
SEDRO WOOLLEY, WA 98284
1668-A16
10/25/99
©1999 Rothenbuhler Engineering
All Rights reserved
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. Other manufacturers’ equipment that may not be in compliance with
frequency coordination may inadvertently interfere with the operation of the RFD. Be
aware of other operations within the receiving range of the RFD.
The literature accompanying this warning contains information of a general nature for
users of the RFD based upon the Manufacturer’s experience in the design and
manufacture of remote radio frequency devices. In addition, the Manufacturer provides
product literature and technical data sheets periodically which should be consulted for
detailed information on the characteristics, specifications and recommendations for the
RFD. The Manufacturer does not purport to give information or advice on explosives or
their use.
The RFD and related explosive devices are intended for use only by trained
professionals having comprehensive knowledge of the RFD, the explosives being used,
and the application together with all related safety precautions. The Manufacturer of the
RFD is responsible only for the proper performance of the RFD itself and is not
responsible for the performance, safety, or specifications of the explosive used, nor the
suitability of the RFD for any particular purpose other than that expressly described in
the Manufacturer’s literature.
LIMITED WARRAN TY
Manufacturer warrants the Model 1668 Remote Firing Device (RFD) to be free of
defects in workmanship or materials for the period of one year from the date of
purchase. In the event any RFD or component thereof is shown to be defective in
workmanship or materials within one year, the system or component will be repaired or
replaced without charge by Manufacturer at Manufacturer’s place of business.
This warranty does not cover damage or injury to equipment resulting from abuse,
neglect, or use in applications other than expressly described by Manufacturer as fit
purposes for the RFD.
This Limited Warranty is given in lieu of all other legal warranties express or implied and
neither Manufacturer nor its representatives shall be liable for any direct, incidental or
consequential loss or damages arising out of any occurrence or accident involving the
use of this product.
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL ii
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.
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
Special Notice.............................................................................................ii
Warning to Users and Affected Persons .....................................................ii
Limited Warranty.........................................................................................ii
FCC Notice................................................................................................ iii
Table of Contents.......................................................................................iv
List of Illustrations.....................................................................................vii
Safety Summary ...................................................................................... viii
1. Introduction......................................................................................... 1-1
1.1.Purpose. ............................................................................................................1-1
1.2.Explosives Handling Practices...........................................................................1-1
1.3.Storage and Environmental Conditions. ............................................................1-1
1.4.Packaging..........................................................................................................1-2
1.5.Maintenance......................................................................................................1-4
2. Introduction to RFD System Components........................................... 2-5
2.1.System...............................................................................................................2-5
2.2.Controller Unit....................................................................................................2-7
2.3.Controller Unit Switch Operation........................................................................2-8
2.4.Controller Unit Display Operation. ...................................................................2-10
2.5.Detonator Unit..................................................................................................2-12
2.6.Battery Charger Assembly...............................................................................2-13
2.7.Antenna Assembly...........................................................................................2-14
2.8.Carrying Case..................................................................................................2-15
2.9.Vent operation. ................................................................................................2-16
2.10. Antenna / Battery Charger Connector..........................................................2-17
2.11. Connector Dust Cover Operation.................................................................2-19
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL iv
3. System Specifications. ..................................................................... 3-20
3.1.Radio. ..............................................................................................................3-20
3.2.Physical. ..........................................................................................................3-21
3.3.Battery. ............................................................................................................3-21
3.4.Timing..............................................................................................................3-22
3.5.Detonate Output. .............................................................................................3-22
3.6.System Identification........................................................................................3-23
4. Pre-Operational Procedures............................................................. 4-24
4.1.Physical Inspection..........................................................................................4-24
4.2.Battery Charging..............................................................................................4-24
4.3.Battery Discharging..........................................................................................4-25
4.4.Bench Testing The System..............................................................................4-26
5. Operational Procedures.................................................................... 5-29
5.1.Ready the System at Site................................................................................5-29
5.2.Placement of Detonator Units..........................................................................5-30
5.3.System Operation – Detonator Units Within 1,000 Feet of Controller Unit. .....5-31
5.4.System Operation – Detonator Units More Than 1,000 Feet And Less Than 5
Miles From Controller Unit......................................................................................5-32
5.5.System Operation – Detonator Units Both Within and In Excess of 1,000 Feet
and Less Than 5 Miles from Controller Unit...........................................................5-34
6. Post Operational Procedures............................................................ 6-36
6.1.Securing the System........................................................................................6-36
6.2.Physical Inspection..........................................................................................6-36
6.3.Packaging........................................................................................................6-36
6.4.Maintenance & Equipment Storage.................................................................6-36
7. Basic Troubleshooting in the Field.................................................... 7-37
7.1.Detonator Units................................................................................................7-37
7.2.Controller Unit.................................................................................................. 7-37
8. Optimizing Range............................................................................. 8-38
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL v
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL vi
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1-1 RFD System................................................................................................1-3
Figure 2-1 RFD System................................................................................................2-6
Figure 2-2 Controller Unit............................................................................................. 2-7
Figure 2-3 Detonator Unit...........................................................................................2-12
Figure 2-4 Battery Charger Assembly. .......................................................................2-13
Figure 2-5 Antenna Assembly. ...................................................................................2-14
Figure 2-6 Carrying Case...........................................................................................2-15
Figure 2-7 Vent Operation..........................................................................................2-16
Figure 2-8 Controller Antenna / Battery Charger Connection.....................................2-17
Figure 2-9 Detonator Antenna / Battery Charger Connection.....................................2-18
Figure 2-10 Connector Dust Cover Operation............................................................2-19
Figure 3-1 Identification Label....................................................................................3-23
Figure 8-1 Unit Normal Transmission Location...........................................................8-39
Figure 8-2 Detonator Unit Elevated............................................................................8-39
Figure 8-3 Detonator Unit Tilted.................................................................................8-40
Figure 8-4 Antenna Radiation Pattern........................................................................8-41
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL vii
SAFETY SUMMARY
The following are WARNINGS and CAU TIONS , contai n ed thr oug h out thi s man ual 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. These are
recommended precautions that personnel must understand and apply during many
phases of operation and maintenance.
WARNING Never rely on the equipment for your safety.
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 This system and its components should be stored in a secure area with
no access to unauthorized personnel. This system can be used in conjunction with
explosives as a deadly weapon.
WARNING These radios contain batteries. The potential for activation is always
present whether or not antennas are attach ed to the uni ts.
WARNING Employ standard blasting system safety standards when using this
equipment with explosives.
WARNING Lightning induced energy, caused by electrical storms, can detonate
explosives. In the interest of safety, blasting on land, water and underground should be
suspended and all personnel should be evacuated to a safe distance from the blast
area whenever lightning storms are in the vicinity. Dangerous levels of static electricity
can build up in the atmosphere. These levels can be sufficient to detonate explosives.
WARNING Radio frequency energy of sufficient magnitude can cause blasting
caps to detonate.
WARNING To eliminate long wire runs, and to make the "shoot" from a safe
distance, the Remote Firing Device uses low energy level radio frequency
transmissions.
WARNING The Controller Unit has a 5 watt outpu t power level (5 mile transmit
range). The Controller Unit should be considered DANGEROUS and NEVER be
operated within 100 feet (minimum) of blasting caps, wires connected to blasting caps,
or other electrically initiated explosives devices. Do NOT apply power to the Controller
Unit unless the operator is at least 100 feet from blasting caps, wires connected to
blasting caps, or explosives.
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL viii
WARNING Do not connect a blasting cap to a Detonator Unit unless the green
SAFE light is on, the red ARMED light is off, and the yellow ON/LOW BATT light is on
steady. This indicates there is no voltage on the binding posts, the binding posts are
electically isolated from the firing capacitor, the binding posts are shunted to each other,
and the battery is not low.
WARNING Ensure that blasting caps are not connected to any of the Detonator
Units during bench test.
WARNING This is a sensitive electronic radio system and it may be damaged.
WARNING Detonator Units have been tested and are sa fe to use near explosives
and blasting caps. The low level of transmit power (less than 100 milliwatts) used by
the Detonator Unit will NOT detonate blasting caps, even if they are directly connected
to the Detonator Unit's antenna terminals. The Detonator Unit transmission range is
limited - approximately 1,000 feet. The Detonator Units will receive and will act upon
commands from the Controller Unit which may be located in the line of site up to 5 miles
away. The controller Unit need not and may not receive verification from a Detonator
Unit which is more than 1,000 feet away.
CAUTION Do not assume the Disarm command has been received by the
Detonator Unit unless DISARMED status is confirme d with a steady DISARMED light
for that Detonator Unit on the Controller Unit display panel. If distance appears to be
the problem, move closer to the Detonator Unit following standard procedures for this
type of situation. The “STATUS” and/or “DISARM” switches may be pressed repeatedly
as the Detonator Unit is approached. Maintain a safe distance from the Detonator Unit.
Do not approach the Detonator Unit until Disarmed status is confirmed with a steady
DISARMED light for that Detonator Unit on the Controller Unit display panel. Under no
conditions should the “FIRE” switch be pressed as the Detonator Unit is approached.
Do not bring the Controller Unit closer than 100 feet to blasting caps, wires connected to
blasting caps, or other explosives.
CAUTION All units must be thouroughly tested and the batteries fully charged
prior to operational use.
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.
CAUTION Vents in all units should be momentarily opened and closed
immediately before use.
CAUTION Do not open a vent if there is water on or near the vent. Take
necessary precautions to ensure water does not enter the vent.
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.
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL ix
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. The
Controller Unit shall be operated from 100 feet to five miles from the explosive. The
Detonator Unit shall be placed at the explosive site, with a two-conductor firing line
running to the explosive. The Controller Unit communicates to the Detonator Unit
through a two-way RF transmitter data link, for a line of site distance of 5 miles. The
Detonator Unit can return communication for a distance of 1,000 feet.
1.2. EXPLOSIVES HANDLING PRACTICES.
1.2.1. The transmitting output power of a Detonator Unit is limited to less than 100
milliwatts. The Detonator Unit’s radio frequency power output level is well below the
safe energy limits cited by the IME (Institute for Manufacturers of Explosives) to
detonate a single blasting cap via radio frequency energy. This safe power level has
been established by IME in Pamphlet 20, titled “Safety Guide for the Prevention of
Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards In the Use of Commercial Electric Detonators
(Blasting Caps).”
1.3. STORAGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
1.3.1. The Controller Unit and Detonator Unit have manual operated vents. The
vents should always be CLOSED during air transport, underwater transport, storage
and operational use to prevent moisture intake. The operator should momentarily open
and close the vent after the unit has been subjected to changes in elevation or depth.
This equalizes pressure within the case to the outside environment. DO NOT open the
vent if there is water on or near the vent. Towel dry prior to opening vents. The vents
should be OPEN, when stored in a dry hot environment.
1.3.2. The Controller Unit and Detonator Unit (with vents closed) are airtight to an
altitude of 30,000 feet and watertight to a depth of 100 feet.
1.3.3. The Controller Unit and Detonator Units are shock resistant, drop tested from
5 feet onto concrete.
1.3.4. The battery pack and unit electronics are electrically isolated from the unit
case.
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 1-1
1.3.5. The Controller Unit and Detonator Unit have a temperature operation from
-22 ºF to +140 ºF.
1.4. PACKAGING.
1.4.1. The RFD Systems are packaged in a hard-shell carrying case. The Controller
Unit and all Detonator 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 Carrying Case Assembly is a cut-out location in the internal packing with the
Battery Charger Assembly. Do not damage or throw away the Carrying case Assembly,
this is used to store and ship the RFD System.
Table 1-1 RFD System
Figure Index No. Description Units Per System
Figure 1-1 1 Controller Unit 1
Figure 1-1 2 Detonator Unit 8
Figure 1-1 3 Battery Charger Asse mbly 1
Figure 1-1 4 Antenna Assembly 9
Figure 1-1 5 Carrying Case Assembly 1
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 1-2
Figure 1-1 RFD System.
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 1-3
1.5. MAINTENANCE.
1.5.1. Periodic maintenance is limited to discharging and charging the battery
packs.
1.5.2. 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.
1.5.3. In case of failure of a component of the RFD System, ship the System to the
Repair Depot.
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 1-4
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 Deton ator Units.
2.1.2. The Controller Unit and Detonator 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. The units are shock resistant (5 feet to concrete)
and impervious to static discharge.
2.1.4. The RFD will operate in a temperature range of -22 ºF to + 140 ºF.
2.1.5. The system has two modes of operation; the one-way (out of range) and the
two-way (in range) mode.
2.1.5.1. Range for one-way mode is up to 5 miles in the line of site.
2.1.5.2. Range for two-way mode is up to 1,000 feet in the line of site.
2.1.6. The RFD System consists of the component parts in Table 2-1. The total
system is shown and identified in Figure 2-1.
Table 2-1 RFD System.
Figure Index No. Description Units Per System
Figure 2-1 1 Controller Unit 1
Figure 2-1 2 Detonator Unit 8
Figure 2-1 3 Battery Charger Asse mbly 1
Figure 2-1 4 Antenna Assembly 9
Figure 2-1 5 Carrying Case Assembly 1
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 2-5
Figure 2-1 RFD System.
RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 2-6
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