Communications Specialists Locator User manual

Pet Tracking
System
Owners Manual
Export Version

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Communications Specialists, Inc.
426 W. Taft Ave.
Orange, CA 92865-4224, USA
Toll Free Phone: [phone]
Local Phone: [phone]
Toll Free Fax: [phone]
Local Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: thecatlocator.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
- MINIATURE TRANSMITTERS
- SECURING THE TRANSMITTER ON YOUR CAT
- SECURING THE TRANSMITTER ON YOUR DOG
OR OTHER PET
- BATTERY
- PR-100A RECEIVER CONTROLS
- ANTENNA JACK
- LIGHTED METER
- RANGE SWITCH
- SPEAKER
- ON-OFF-BATTERY TEST SWITCH
- VOLUME CONTROL
- BATTERY COMPARTMENT
- TUNE CONTROL
- CHANNEL SELECTOR
- HEADPHONE JACK
- DC POWER JACK
- ANTENNA
- USING THE LOCATOR SYSTEM TO FIND YOUR
PET
- ORDERING
- TROUBLESHOOTING
- FCC COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
- ABOUT US
- WARRANTY
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 5
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 8
Page 8
Page 9
Page 9
Page 9
Page 9
Page 10
Page 10
Page 10
Page 10
Page 11
Page 13
Page 15
Page 18
Back
Cover

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
A miniature transmitter is attached to your pet's collar which
emits a pulsed radio frequency signal. This signal is picked up by a
directional antenna attached to a very sensitive handheld receiver.
As the antenna is pointed towards the transmitter on your pet's
collar, the signal becomes louder in the receiver. This allows you to
"home-in" or DF (direction find) the transmitted signal and find your
pet. This is the same system used by biologists to track wild ani-
mals. This system can be used anywhere in the world as it does not
rely upon satellite technology (GPS) which requires a direct view to
the satellites or any cellular or PCS infrastructure which must be in
place and requires monthly fees.
The range is 1-2 blocks in the city and close to 1 mile in open
country. It may be used to locate your cat, dog, horse, or any other
pet. It can also be used to locate a lost child in the park, at the
beach, shopping mall, or amusement park as well as a wandering
Alzheimer's patient.
The uses are only limited by your imagination. The PR-100A
receiver allows reception of 100 miniature transmitters all operating
simultaneously in a single household or neighborhood without
interference to each other. Each transmitter is programmed by the
factory to one of the 100 channels.
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PR-100A Receiver
with FA-3 Antenna

MINIATURE TRANSMITTERS
The transmitters are sold in several configurations to allow simple
mounting. Regardless of mounting type, all are the same. Each
weighs approximately 1/2 ounce including the battery, which allows
it to be used on the smallest of pets. A channel
number is marked on the side of each unit and
also on the transmitter under the battery.
4” Antenna Wire
20
Channel number
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Antenna stitched
into collar
BREAKAWAY
CAT SAFETY COLLAR
TRANSMITTER
PT-1 UNIVERSAL
HANGING TRANSMITTER
(With Attachments Shown)
For use with Larger Pets,
Children or Adults!
SMALL DOG COLLAR
TRANSMITTER
Antenna stitched
into collar

SECURING THE TRANSMITTER ON YOUR CAT
The standard cat transmitter is mounted on a break-away collar
which is available in 7 different colors. The collar should be snug but
not too tight. The collar can be used on the smallest kitten, but be
aware that the break-away collar may not work if the cat is not heavy
enough to snap it apart if the collar gets caught on something. If your
cat has never worn a collar before, it will probably be removed a few
times at first. Just find the collar with the receiver and put it back on
your cat. After a day or two, most cats adjust to the collar and it
should stay on. Replacement collar kits are available to replace worn
or damaged collars (see page 17).
SECURING THE TRANSMITTER ON YOUR SMALL DOG
The small dog collar is also available in 7 different colors. It is the
same size as our cat collar but has a standard buckle and a ring to
hang a dog license or name tag from. An extension piece can
requested for use with a larger dog. It can be used as a secondary
collar for a large dog but do not use the small collar to walk a large
dog on a leash.
SECURING THE TRANSMITTER ON YOUR LARGER DOG,
PET OR CHILD.
The miniature transmitter is also supplied by itself with a loop and
several attachment pieces . Use the split ring to install the transmitter
with your dog's license and ID tags. For other pets, attach it
wherever appropriate, using care not to cut or damage the antenna.
The higher the better as range will be increased the further it is off the
ground. The transmitter can also be attached to a child’s belt loop or
back pack. The possibilities are endless, use it to keep track of loved
ones, recreational equipment and just about anything!
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The breakaway buckle will release if
caught, allowing the cat to free itself.
The plastic hardware will get looser
over time. If it is too tight when new,
you can loosen the buckle by opening
and closing it several times.

TRANSMITTER BATTERY
The battery must be installed in the transmitter before use. The
battery will power the transmitter for approximately 30 days.
The transmitter uses a CR2032 Lithium coin cell battery available
from us in a 12 pack. Batteries can also be purchased at retail stores
that sell photo or hearing aid batteries. Do not use generic brand
batteries. Different brands of CR2032 batteries can vary in
specifications. Generic batteries often have a lower capacity which
can adversely affect the performance of your transmitter.
TO REMOVE THE OLD BATTERY:
1. Remove the collar from your pet.
2. Twist the lid off of the transmitter base.
3. Tip the transmitter upside down and the battery will fall out.
4. Dispose of the battery properly.
TO INSTALL A NEW BATTERY:
1. Insert a fresh battery. Positive (+) side of the battery is facing up.
2. Replace the lid on the transmitter. Check for proper operation with
your receiver.
3. Reinstall the collar on your pet and you are done for another 4 weeks.
The first time the lid is twisted onto a new collar, slightly re-tighten it
after a few days of use. This will force solid contact with the lid contact
springs.
If you reverse the battery, it will be shorted out when the cap is
installed and may not power the transmitter properly until it has had an
hour or so to recover from being shorted.
We suggest replacing the battery as soon as you detect a change in
the sound of the transmitter. Rather than a "beep" that does not change
tone, a weak battery will sound more like a "sweeping" tone. This will
happen after approximately 4 weeks of use, or less if the transmitter is
subjected to cold weather outside. At this point, you should still have a
week or so of battery life left.
BATTERY INSTALLED WITH
+ POSITIVE SIDE FACING UP
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9. CHANNEL SWITCHES
7. BATTERY
COMPARTMENT
10. HEADPHONE JACK
11. DC POWER JACK
CLOSE LONG
RANGE
8. TUNE CONTROL
2. LIGHTED METER
5. ON-OFF-BATTERY
TEST SWITCH
6. VOLUME CONTROL
7. BATTERY COMPARTMENT
1. ANTENNA JACK
PR-100A RECEIVER CONTROLS
4. SPEAKER
Switch Position Distance to Transmitter
Long (Full CW) = 1 Mile or Less
2nd CCW = 1/4 Mile or Less
3rd CCW = 700 Feet or Less
Close (Full CCW) = 100 Feet or Less
3. RANGE SWITCH

1. ANTENNA JACK
The antenna jack accommodates the attached FA-3 folding
directional antenna coax with BNC plug. To re-install the antenna
cable, grasp its plug in one hand and the receiver in the other, push
the antenna plug into the receiver antenna jack while turning the
knurled nut clockwise until it locks into place. Twist the knurled nut
counterclockwise until it stops and gently pull the antenna straight
out to remove it.
2. METER
The lighted meter on the receiver has two uses. The first is to
measure the relative strength of the incoming signal from your
transmitter. Use the VOLUME CONTROL to set the meter around
mid scale. Use the changes in upward meter movement in addition to
listening to the transmitter's pulsed signal to determine when the
signal is the strongest. The meter is also used to measure battery
condition when the ON-OFF-BATTERY TEST SWITCH is in the
BATTERY TEST position. The battery indication box on the bottom
part of the meter scale will indicate the battery voltage remaining. A
seven (7) on the meter is seven (7) volts remaining (almost totally
discharged battery), a nine (9) on the meter indicates nine (9) volts
remaining (a good battery). Replace the battery when the needle falls
below 7.
3. RANGE SWITCH
The RANGE SWITCH is a 4 position rotary switch that is used
to attenuate (lower) the signal going from the antenna to the PR-
100A. This is so the PR-100A is not overloaded by a strong signal.
In LONG there is no attenuation, therefore the PR-100A is listening
with full sensitivity. In the second CCW (counter clockwise) switch
position approximately 20dB of attenuation is inserted between the
antenna and the PR-100A. In the third CCW switch position another
20dB is inserted for a total of 40dB. In the CLOSE or full CCW
switch position another 30dB is inserted for a total of 70dB. To DF
your pet, always start in the LONG position to make sure it can be
heard and you are satisfied with the pitch of the received tone (as set
by the TUNE CONTROL). If you are able to hear your transmitter,
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switch positions to the second CCW position and see if it can still be
heard. If it can not, go back to LONG, reduce the volume so the
meter indicates around half scale and turn around in order to find the
strongest signal strength. This will show the direction of your pet’s
transmitter. Walk in that direction until you can move the RANGE
SWITCH to the second CCW position and still hear the signal.
Continue to walk in the direction of the strongest signal strength until
you can change the RANGE SWITCH to the third CCW position.
Finally, when you can change it to the CLOSE or full CCW position,
you should be in sight of your pet.
4. SPEAKER
A large, full audio range speaker is used to provide very good
sound quality. Keep liquids, dirt, sand, and other foreign material
from falling into the small holes in the speaker grill.
5. ON-OFF-BATTERY TEST SWITCH
In the OFF position, no battery current is drawn. This is how the
switch should be left when the receiver is not in use. When switched
to the ON position, the receiver is active and drawing current from
the battery. In the BATTERY TEST position, the condition of the
battery under load is tested and the results are available on the
METER.
6. VOLUME CONTROL
The VOLUME CONTROL is used to raise or lower the audio
level to the speaker and meter circuit. Adjust it to suit your own
preference. Note that it is easier to DF a signal that falls around mid
scale on the METER than one banging against the upper meter stop.
7. BATTERY COMPARTMENT
The BATTERY COMPARTMENT on the bottom of the receiver
houses the 9 volt alkaline battery in a pull-out drawer. To open the
drawer, place one of your fingernails in the slot on the bottom edge of
the drawer and lift up with your finger until the drawer snaps
upward. Then pull the drawer out. DO NOT REMOVE THE TWO
SCREWS HOLDING IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT! With
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the drawer in your hand, pop up the battery and replace it with a new
alkaline battery. Be sure to note the proper battery polarity when
placing the battery back in the drawer. If you force the battery in
with reversed polarity, the receiver will not work but will not be
damaged. Simply remove the battery drawer and flip the battery
over.
Battery life at moderate volume levels is approximately four (4)
hours. To conserve battery life, turn the receiver off when not in use.
Keeping a spare battery in your pocket, carrying case pocket or
vehicle is a good idea.
8. TUNE CONTROL
The TUNE CONTROL allows the PR-100A to be "fine tuned"
over a narrow frequency range aiding in the intelligibility of
extremely weak signals. It only slightly changes the "tone" of the
received beeps and optimizes the receiver to your best hearing range.
9. CHANNEL SELECTOR
The CHANNEL SELECTOR is a two (2) position push wheel
switch. To advance to a higher channel, simply push the + button
located under the switch window. To go to a lower channel, push the
- button located over the switch window.
10. HEADPHONE JACK
A 3.5mm (1/8”) headphone jack is on the bottom panel next to
the battery compartment. When an earphone or headphone is plugged
in, the speaker in the receiver is disabled. If stereo headphones are
used, only one side will be active.
11. DC POWER JACK
The DC power jack is used to power the PR-100A with or without
a battery in the BATTERY COMPARTMENT. Use the CM-1,
12vdc power cable, to connect to the cigarette lighter socket in the
vehicle. If either an alkaline, NiMH, or Li-Polymer battery is
installed, the battery is automatically bypassed and no current is
drawn from it when this jack is used.
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ANTENNA
The PR-100A is supplied with a high gain, directional antenna that
attaches directly to the receiver. In order to find your pet’s direction, the
antenna elements must be fully extended as shown below. You may change
the polarity by rotating the receiver with your hand. The below photos
show both vertical and horizontal polarization. Hold the PR-100A as
shown in the photos and try both vertical and horizontal polarization while
turning your body around in a circle. See which polarity either gives the
loudest signal or the most accurate bearing information.
The directional antenna comes with a removable pistol grip handle. You
can use the receiver with or without the grip. The grip slides into the
bracket beneath the antenna and will lock into place with a small click. To
remove the grip, depress the grip release button slightly and slide grip free
as shown in Figure A.
A holster style carrying case is supplied with the receiver. It can be
attached to a belt and worn while searching for your pet, or used to protect
the receiver and antenna during storage. There is a small pocket on the case
for storing spare 9 volt batteries.
Figure A
Grip Release Button
Horizontal Polarity
RANGE
CLOSE LONG
Vertical Polarity

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To collapse the antenna elements, slide the
numbered buttons shown in Figure B. Start with
position 1 as you gently fold in the elements.
Repeat for positions 2 through 4. When opening
the antenna it does not matter which order the
elements are unfolded.
Optional CA-4
Coax Assembly
Figure B
The directional antenna can be used in
two ways. The PR-100A receiver can be
mounted on the FA-3 antenna for one
handed operation or the CA-4 coax
assembly can be attached so that the
antenna and receiver can be separated.
To attach antenna, align the dovetail
antenna slide from the receiver or cable
assembly with the dovetail base on the
antenna. Slide and push forward until a
slight click is heard or felt. Pull back to
make sure the latch is fully engaged.
Install the BNC plug attached to the
antenna coax.
To remove, depress the release button
as shown and slide either backwards off
the antenna slide.
Release
Button
Dovetail
Base
7
6
RANGE
CLOSE LONG

USING THE LOCATOR SYSTEM TO FIND YOUR PET
1. As soon as you put a transmitter on you pet, make sure it is
operating properly by listening to it with your receiver set to the
proper channel. This will insure that the battery was properly
installed and that the transmitter is functioning.
2. Momentarily put the ON-OFF-BATTERY TEST SWITCH on the
receiver in the BATTERY TEST position and see if the battery tests
O.K. on the meter. If questionable, be sure to carry a spare with you.
3. Unfold the FA-3 directional antenna. Turn the ON-OFF-
BATTERY TEST SWITCH to ON and set the VOLUME
CONTROL to a comfortable listening level.
4. Set the CHANNEL SELECTOR to the channel of your pet's
transmitter. Use the TUNE CONTROL to fine tune the pitch of the
received audio tone. You should be able to hear the pulses from the
transmitter with the RANGE SWITCH in the LONG position. If you
can not, hold the receiver level in your hand, use vertical antenna
polarity to start with and turn around in a full circle and see if you
hear the transmitter. If you do not, try horizontal antenna polarity
and try again. Make sure your cell phone and cordless phone are not
on if you are carrying them.
5. If you still do not hear the transmitter, you will have to change
location to get closer to your pet. Try walking outside, then up and
down the block pointing the antenna in different directions as you go.
If your pet is more than a block or two away, use your vehicle to get
closer. Have the passenger, not the driver, hold the receiver while
pointing the antenna out the window until your pet's pulsing
transmitter is heard. Range will be shorter with the antenna inside
the vehicle, so stop now and then, get outside, and turn around in a
full circle to increase it. If you are in hilly terrain, get as high as
possible, get outside the vehicle, and turn around in a full circle until
the transmitter is heard. Some vehicles generate considerable
interference even with the key off. Get outside the vehicle if this is a
problem.
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6. When you hear the transmitter, note its direction, and head towards
it. As the signal gets stronger, turn the RANGE SWITCH counter
clockwise to the 2nd and 3rd positions. Raise or lower the VOLUME
CONTROL to keep the meter indication around mid scale.
7. Recheck for proper direction and continue. When you get close to
the transmitter, you can change the RANGE SWITCH to the CLOSE
position and generally walk towards the strongest signal until you
find it.
8. It is a VERY good idea to try a few dry runs having someone else
hide the transmitter with you finding it using the above method.
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PR-100A RECEIVER $249.95
Model PR-100A includes the FA-3 antenna, FA-3-C carrying case and
a 9 volt alkaline battery.
ORDERING
1. Order a PR-100A receiver.
2. Order one transmitter for each pet.
3. Order a battery 12 pack for each transmitter for over one year of
uninterrupted operation (10 year shelf life). See page 17.
4. Order using VISA, MasterCard, Discover, check, or
money order by toll-free phone, FAX, mail, web (PayPal or credit
card) or E-mail.
FAST SAME DAY SHIPPING
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CAT TRANSMITTERS
$49.95 each
(Battery Included)
CT-Y
Bright Yellow
CT-M
Multi-colored
CT-BLK
Black
CT-B
Blue
CT-P
Pink
CT-O
Bright Orange
CT-G
Green
DOG TRANSMITTERS
$49.95 each
(Battery Included)
DT-Y
Yellow
DT-V
Violet
DT-BLK
Black
DT-P
Pink
DT-B
Blue
DT-R
Red
DT-G
Green
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PT-1 UNIVERSAL TRANSMITTER FOR LARGER PETS,
CHILDREN OR ADULTS
$49.95 each (Battery Included)
Supplied with Attachments Shown.

TRANSMITTER ACCESSORIES:
BP-12B
Battery pack, includes 12 each of CR2032 batteries with 10
year shelf life. $5.95
CR-K Collar Replacement Kit
Collar Kits are available in all standard colors for dogs or cats. The cat
collar kits are available in two different closure styles. We supply the
required tool, parts and instructions to remove the transmitter from a
worn or damaged collar and insert it into a new replacement collar kit.
$10.00 each
FA-3-C Spare receiver/antenna case $10.00
CM-1 12vdc Cigarette lighter power cable $12.95
CA-4 Coax Assembly 5’ long with molded BNC connectors barrel
connector, and clamps assembled on antenna slide so antenna can be
used when detached from PR-100A (see page 12) $11.95
RECEIVER ACCESSORIES:
FA-3 spare directional antenna $59.95
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CR-K
Paw Print Closure
For Cats
CR-K
3-Prong Closure
For Cats
CR-K
Small Dog
Collar

TROUBLE SHOOTING:
The collar is too big for my kitten or puppy:
You can temporarily shorten the collar for a small kitten or puppy
with a cable tie or a piece of electrical tape by gathering the excess
length, folding it over and securing it with the wire tie or tape.
I can’t hear my pet’s transmitter:
-Make sure a fresh battery is installed in both the receiver and the
transmitter. The transmitter battery must be + side facing up.
-Set the receiver to the proper channel.
-Set the range switch to the long position.
-Make sure the antenna elements are unfolded and the connecter
is securely tightened.
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FCC COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
The PR-100A 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. Any changes or modifications to this device will void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
ABOUT US
Communications Specialists, Inc. has been building quality
electronic products that the land mobile, wildlife telemetry, and pet
industries have come to rely on for over 40 years. At our Orange
California factory, we utilize the latest in surface mount assembly
technology to assure consistent quality throughout our entire product
line. All our products are made in the USA.
WARRANTY
The PR-100A and transmitter are both warranted to be free of
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year
from the date of purchase. If you need to take advantage of our
warranty, please follow these steps:
1. Securely repackage the receiver or transmitter. If possible
use the original shipping box.
2. Include a note as to the nature of the problem.
3. Include your shipping address and a daytime phone number or
E-Mail address.
4. Ship to the address below.
Communications Specialists, Inc.
426 W. Taft Ave.
Orange, CA 92865-4224, USA
Toll Free Phone: [phone]
Local Phone: [phone]
Toll Free Fax: [phone]
Local Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Rev. 04-03-2013PL