BW Technologies Rig Rat III User manual

User Manual
Rig Rat III Controller
Wireless Gas Detection Communication Center
D2135/1 English
iERP: 113189
©
2003 BW Technologies. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

Limited Warranty & Limitation of Liability
BW Technologies Ltd. (BW) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of two years,
beginning on the date of shipment to the buyer. This warranty extends only to the sale of new and unused products to the original buyer. BW’s warranty
obligation is limited, at BW’s option, to refund of the purchase price, repair, or replacement of a defective product that is returned to a BW authorized service
center within the warranty period. In no event shall BW’s liability hereunder exceed the purchase price actually paid by the buyer for the Product.
This warranty does not include:
a) fuses, disposable batteries or the routine replacement of parts due to the normal wear and tear of the product arising from use;
b) any product which in BW’s opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation,
handling or use;
c) any damage or defects attributable to repair of the product by any person other than an authorized dealer, or the installation of unapproved
parts on the product; or
The obligations set forth in this warranty are conditional on:
a) proper storage, installation, calibration, use, maintenance and compliance with the product manual instructions and any other applicable
recommendations of BW;
b) the buyer promptly notifying BW of any defect and, if required, promptly making the product available for correction. No goods shall be
returned to BW until receipt by the buyer of shipping instructions from BW; and
c) the right of BW to require that the buyer provide proof of purchase such as the original invoice, bill of sale or packing slip to establish that the
product is within the warranty period.
THE BUYER AGREES THAT THIS WARRANTY IS THE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. BW SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS
OF DATA, WHETHER ARISING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR RELIANCE OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the
limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
BW Technologies Ltd. BW Technologies Inc. (America) BW Europe Ltd.
2840 – 2nd Ave. SE 3279 West Pioneer Parkway 101 Heyford Park,
Calgary, AB T2A 7X9 Arlington, TX 76013 Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire OX25 5HA
Canada USA United Kingdom

Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction............................................................................................................................................1
Contacting BW Technologies................................................................................................................2
Safety Information - Read First.............................................................................................................2
Getting Started......................................................................................................................................5
Installation...........................................................................................................................................10
Guidelines....................................................................................................................................10
Antenna Location ........................................................................................................................10
Antenna Installation.....................................................................................................................11
Controller Location......................................................................................................................11
Controller Installation...................................................................................................................11
Grounding Instructions................................................................................................................12
Wiring ..........................................................................................................................................15
Options and Accessories Installation..........................................................................................16
Setting the Transceiver and Detector Channels.........................................................................16
Operation.............................................................................................................................................17
Activating the Controller..............................................................................................................17
Setting Up the System.................................................................................................................17
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User Manual
Title Page
Normal Operation........................................................................................................................17
Temporary Disable of Relays and Audible Alarm .......................................................................17
Backup Battery Power.................................................................................................................18
Deactivating the Controller..........................................................................................................18
External Features................................................................................................................................18
External/Internal Power LED.......................................................................................................18
Test Switch..................................................................................................................................18
Channel Enable Switch ...............................................................................................................18
Alarms .................................................................................................................................................19
Common Latching Alarm Switches .............................................................................................21
Storage and Transporting ...................................................................................................................22
Prior to Storage or Transporting..................................................................................................22
Storage........................................................................................................................................23
Maintenance........................................................................................................................................23
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................24
Replacement Parts and Accessories..................................................................................................26
Specifications......................................................................................................................................27
ii

List of Tables
Table Title Page
The Rig Rat III Controller .......................................................................................... vi
1. International Symbols.................................................................................................4
2. The Rig Rat III Controller ...........................................................................................6
3. Internal Components..................................................................................................7
4. Display Elements .......................................................................................................8
5. Switches and Keys.....................................................................................................9
6. Transceiver and Detector Channel Example...........................................................16
7. Alarms......................................................................................................................19
8. Troubleshooting Tips................................................................................................24
9. Replacement Parts and Accessories.......................................................................26
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iv

List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. The Rig Rat III Controller ...........................................................................................6
2. Internal Components..................................................................................................7
3. Display Elements .......................................................................................................8
4. Controller Dimensions..............................................................................................11
5. Bonding Controller ...................................................................................................12
6. Bonding with Bonding Cable....................................................................................13
7. Grounding Rod Installation ......................................................................................14
8. Power Connections..................................................................................................15
9. Transceiver...............................................................................................................16
10. Latching Alarm Switches and Alarm Relays............................................................21
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User Manual
CAUTION: FOR SAFETY REASONS, THIS EQUIPMENT
MUST BE OPERATED AND SERVICED BY QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL ONLY. READ AND UNDERSTAND THE
USER MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING OR
SERVICING.
The Rig Rat III Controller
Order
Number Description
RR-3C04 Wireless gas detection
communication center
vi

Rig Rat III Controller
Introduction
aWarning
To ensure your personal safety, read “Safety
Information” before you use the controller.
The Rig Rat III Controller (“the controller”) is a wireless
communication center for the Rig Rat III gas detection
system. The controller is a monitoring device and does not
control the Rig Rat III Detector. The controller warns when
hazardous gas levels exceed the user-selectable alarm
setpoints of the detectors. A complete system can contain
one controller and up to four detectors.
The controller is an area safety device. It is your
responsibility to respond properly to the alarm.
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Rig Rat III Controller
User Manual
Contacting BW Technologies
To contact BW Technologies, call:
USA: 1-888-749-8878
Canada: 1-800-663-4164
Europe: [phone]
Middle East: [phone]
China: [phone]
South East Asia: [phone]
Australia: [phone]
Anywhere in the world: [phone]
Address correspondence to:
BW Technologies Ltd.
2840 – 2 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB T2A 7X9
CANADA
Or visit us on the World Wide Web: www.gasmonitors.com
ISO 9001
Safety Information - Read First
Use the controller only as specified in this manual, otherwise
the protection provided by the instrument may be impaired.
International symbols used on the controller and in this
manual are explained in Table 1.
Read the Warnings and Cautions on the following pages
before using the controller.
e cNote
This instrument contains batteries. Do not mix
with the solid waste stream. Spent batteries
should be disposed of by a qualified recycler or
hazardous materials handler.
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Rig Rat III Controller
Safety Information - Read First
a Cautions
⇒ Do not use the controller if it or any system components are damaged. Inspect the system on a regular basis
and keep a log.
⇒ If the controller is damaged or something is missing, contact BW Technologies immediately.
⇒ When installing cables, ensure they are protected from possible damage. Secure the cable(s) in place and fasten
any excess. Do not exceed a 65-degree bend allowance when installing the cables.
⇒ Ensure that all plug-in connectors are clean and fully seated when installing them.
⇒ Confirm that the weatherproof ring on the connector(s) is fully screwed down.
⇒ Confirm that all ports not in use are fully screwed down and have cover caps installed.
⇒ Ensure that the latch on the external hinged door is fully engaged and that the handle has been turned the full 180
degrees to complete the weather seal.
⇒ Do not expose the unit to electrical shock and/or severe mechanical shock.
⇒ Use only parts specifically designed for the Rig Rat III Controller system. See the section Replacement Parts and
Accessories.
⇒ Do not allow liquids to condense and/or use high power sprays on the instruments.
⇒ Do not attach system components that do not meet specified criteria (such as alarms, relays, cabling, etc.).
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a Cautions (cont.)
⇒ Electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals may cause incorrect operation of the controller.
⇒ Do not attempt to disassemble, adjust, or service the units unless instructions are contained in the manual for that
procedure and/or that part is listed as a replacement part. Use only BW parts.
⇒ The controller warranty will be void if the unit is disassembled, adjusted, or serviced by non-BW Technologies
personnel.
Table 1. International Symbols
Symbol Meaning
nApproved to both U.S. and Canadian Standards by the Canadian Standards Association
4

Rig Rat III Controller
Getting Started
Getting Started
The items listed below are included with your controller. If the
controller is damaged or something is missing, contact the
place of purchase immediately.
The controller comes complete with the following:
• Security key
• Power key
• Slot-regular screwdriver
• User manual
Note
An antenna and antenna cable are needed in order
to operate the controller. To order the antenna,
antenna cable, or any replacement part, see the
Replacement Parts and Accessories section.
To become familiar with the features and functions of the
controller, study the following figures and tables:
• Figure 1 and Table 2 describe the controller’s main
external components.
• Figure 2 and Table 3 describe the controller’s main
internal components.
• Figure 3 and Table 4 describe the controller’s Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD).
• Table 5 describes the controller’s switches and keys.
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Figure 1. The Rig Rat III Controller
Table 2. The Rig Rat III Controller
Item Function
A Carrying handle
BTNC antenna connector
CChannel enable/disable switch
DAudible alarm
EExternal tension latch
FSecurity key
GPower entry
H Low, High, Fault alarm relays
I External/Internal power indicator LED
J Relay option port
K Alarm bar accessory port
L Mounting bracket
M Power switch
N Test/reset
O LCD display panel
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Rig Rat III Controller
Getting Started
Figure 2. Internal Components
Table 3. Internal Components
Item Function
A Main board
BBatteries
CTransceiver
DPower board
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User Manual
Figure 3. Display Elements
Table 4. Display Elements
Item Function
A Sensor(s) monitoring gas
BXMTR disabled icon
CChannel on LED
DSensor 2 identifier icon bar
ESensor OK
FSensor FAIL
G Fault alarm LED
Item Function
H High alarm condition
I Low alarm condition
J Numeric value (ppm or %)
K Sensor 1 identifier icon bar
L High alarm LED
M Battery level indicator
N Low alarm LED
O Battery level bar icon
P Flashing danger alarm
Q Channel label
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Rig Rat III Controller
Getting Started
Table 5. Switches and Keys
Switch/Key Description
POWER • To turn on the controller, turn the POWER switch clockwise.
• To turn off the controller, turn the POWER switch counterclockwise.
TEST/RESET
• To reset the controller, turn the TEST/RESET switch clockwise.
• To test the controller, turn the TEST/RESET switch counterclockwise.
• To acknowledge a latched alarm, turn the TEST/RESET switch clockwise.
ENABLE • To activate a channel, turn the ENABLE switch clockwise.
• To disable a channel, turn the ENABLE switch counterclockwise.
LOCKED • To lock the controller enclosure, turn the LOCKED key counterclockwise.
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User Manual
Installation
Guidelines
a Caution
Qualified personnel should perform the
installation according to applicable electrical
codes, regulations, and safety standards.
When installing the controller, adhere to the following
guidelines:
• This system is rated for General Purpose Area
installation only.
• A circuit breaker is included in the building installation
as a disconnect device for the equipment. The
disconnect device is installed in close proximity to the
equipment and is marked as a disconnecting means
for the equipment.
• The terminals for all external circuits are used only with
equipment that have no live parts that are accessible.
Antenna Location
When finding a location for the antenna, it is important to
notice your surroundings. A variety of factors should be kept
in mind when selecting a location for the antenna:
• The terrain;
• The line-of-sight to the detector antenna;
• The proximity to any radio frequency interference
(RFI).
BW recommends the following when finding a location for the
antenna:
• Do not locate the antenna near water.
• Ensure the antenna is as high and clear of
surrounding objects as possible.
• There is a clear line-of-sight between the antenna
of the controller and the detector. (There are no
obstructions between them.)
• The controller’s antenna should be placed as far as
possible from other antenna systems in order to
avoid possible RFI.
aWarning
Use extreme caution when working near
telephone and electrical power lines. Always
mount antennas at least twice the length of the
antenna away from power lines.
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Rig Rat III Controller
Installation
Note
Atmospheric conditions may cause signal loss.
Antenna Installation
The controller is equipped with a TNC antenna port. Install
the antenna and any extension cables required. For
transmission distances see Specifications and any
applicable accessory manuals.
Antenna cable runs should be kept short (less than 20 ft/
6 m). If the distance is greater, use a cable such as the
LMR 400. See the section Replacement Parts and
Accessories.
The use of connectors should be minimized.
Controller Location
When selecting a location to install the controller, do not
place it where it can be exposed to electrical shock and/or
severe mechanical shock.
Controller Installation
The controller should be powered by a minimum 3 conductor
AWG 18 wire with a flexible cord suitable for area use
depending on the local regulatory requirements.
The controller is equipped with pre-drilled mounting flanges
for permanent installation.
Figure 4. Controller Dimensions
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Grounding Instructions
The importance of grounding is fundamental to safety and
system operation. Choose the best place to mount the
controller and then select the situation that best suits the
location and ground accordingly.
The ground from the AC power line should be satisfactory for
the system, but if it is not, refer to the applicable situation.
Note
All system components (plug-in accessories and
options) are bonded to the main system through
their cables.
Situation 1: Mount is metallic and at earth ground
potential (Figure 5)
1. Investigate the condition of the bond between the
mount and the earth ground.
2. System bond can be achieved by mounting the
system components using toothed lockwashers
(refer to the following figure).
Figure 5. Bonding Controller
12