Dogtrace d-control 440 User manual

d–control 440
Electronic vibration training collar –
set for training a single dog
d–control 442
Electronic vibration training collar –
set for two dogs
User’s guide

Thank you for purchasing the product
DOGtrace™ d–control
from VNT electronics s.r.o., Czech Republic.
We would like to ask you for reading this manual carefully before using the unit
and keeping it for future use.
EC Declaration of Conformity
Guideline R&TTE 1999/5/CE
The manufacturer: VNT electronics s.r.o. declares that the below mentioned product:
Electronic training collar DOGtrace™ d–control
complies to all Europe Council Guidelines, Under No. 1999/5/CE of 7. 4. 1999
and corresponds to the following standards:
ETSI EN 300 220
CE
VNT electronics s.r.o. • Němčice 23 • 561 18 Němčice u České Třebové
Phone: [phone] • Czech Republic • www.dogtrace.com
WARNING:
Persons with a personal heart activity support device (pacemaker, defibrillator)
must respect the relevant precautionary measures. The d–control transmitter emits a certain
stationary magnetic field (lower part of the remote controller and RF signals).
Frequency = 869.525 MHz, maximum transmitted performance = 25 mW.
2

Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Delivery contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Optional accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Battery installation and replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Turning ON/OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Programming (matching) of the remote controller and the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
How to use the remote controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
For the best results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Hints for using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3

Introduction
Delivery contents
Optional accessories
Do you need to have your dog under control all the time? Do you want to train and breed it easily,
quickly, precisely, and efficiently? Electronic training system DOGtrace™ d–control consisting of
transmitter and collar will help you train your dog with efficiency incomparable to other methods.
The transmitter (similar to a TV remote controller) enables giving orders at a long distance. There are
two sorts of commands. These are a warning sound signal and several types of vibration. Electronic
systems of the transmitter and collar use state-of-the-art technology based on single-chip micropro-
cessors and wireless communications. Thanks to the ergonomic design and low weight of the collar,
it is possible to use it also for small dog races.
Collar /receiver/ including a strap (2 pcs for d–control 442)
2 pcs CR2 3V lithium battery (3 pcs for d–control 442)
Remote controller /transmitter/ with a fastener
String for hanging the transmitter around neck
User’s guide and warranty certificate
Case
Dummy collars Spare batteries
Woven or plastic straps in various colours Spare seals
Spare screws
4

Product description
REMOTE CONTROLLER COLLAR WITH THE STRAP
LCD PANEL DESCRIPTION
REMOTE CONTROLLER 1– Illuminated LCD display, 2– Vibration button, 3– Light button,
4– Sound signal button, 5– Switch on/off button, 6– Vibration mode selection button,
7– Receiver selection (dog A, dog B) button.
COLLAR WITH THE STRAP 1– Target, 2– Indication lights, 3– Woven strap.
LCD PANEL DESCRIPTION 1– Transmission indication, 2– Battery status indicator,
3– Selected vibration and light mode, 4– Receiver selection (dog A, dog B) indicator.
5
2
1
7
5
3
4
6
7
6
1 2
3
4
3
12

Battery installation and replacement
INSTALLATION (REPLACEMENT) OF THE BATTERY IN THE RECEIVER (COLLAR)
Remove 4 screws of the receiver housing cover plate with a cross-head screwdriver. Install the 3V
lithium CR2 battery. Mind the correct polarity indicated on the receiver PCB with “+“ symbol in the
battery compartment (see photo).
A beep indicating correct installation of battery will sound.
If you do not hear the beep after installation of the battery, remove it immediately. Check the
polarity and try again.
Before putting the plate cover to its place make sure that the rubber seal is correctly seated in its
slot. Tighten the 4 screws on the cover plate of the receiver.
CAUTION: Always switch off the receiver before battery removal, remove the battery and shortcut
battery contacts using a metal tool (screwdriver, a pair of scissors and similar).
Checking the battery status
Look at the indicator on the front panel of the receiver (collar) to check the battery status:
The battery is fully charged: The LED indicator in on-state
blinks slowly in green.
The battery is weak: The LED indicator in on-state blinks in red.
Prepare a spare 3V lithium battery CR2 and follow the section
describing the battery installation.
Make sure that the receiver works correctly.
6
Battery polarity mark

INSTALLATION (REPLACEMENT) OF THE BATTERY IN THE REMOTE CONTROLLER
Remove the cover of the battery compartement and insert a new 3V CR2 battery.
Mind the correct polarity marked in the battery compartement.
Replace the cover and tighten the screw.
NOTICE: you can also use rechargeable batteries in the remote controller. They do not provide
enough voltage for correct battery status indication on the LCD.
Checking the battery status
Look at the LCD display to check the battery status:
Fully charged battery: full battery symbol shines in the LCD permanently in on state.
Weak battery: LCD display indicates battery capacity decrease. In case the battery symbol
is empty, insert a new 3V CR2 battery according to the instructions above.
Make sure that the receiver works correctly.
7
Battery compartment
ADVICE: The battery can be
removed more easily using a small
screwdriver placing it under the
battery edge carefully.
CAUTION: Always switch off the
remote controller before battery
removal! Remove the battery and
shortcut battery contacts using
a metal tool.


Turning ON/OFF
TURNING THE REMOTE CONTROLLER ON/OFF
Turning on: Press down the On/Off button on the remote controller for 1 second.
Turning on is indicated by lighting up of the LCD display.
Switching off:Again, press down the On/Off button for 1 second.
Turning off is indicated by going out of the LCD display.
TURNING THE RECEIVER (COLLAR) ON/OFF
A magnetic switching system located in the remote controller is used to turn the receiver (collar)
on and off.
Turning on: Place the lower part of the remote controller for 1 second to the target on the
receiver (refer to the Fig.). The receiver indicator will start blinking in green and this indicates that
the receiver is ready for use.
Turning off:Again, place the lower part of the remote controller
for 1 second to the target on the receiver (see the Fig.).
The LED indicator of the receiver will be lit red. The receiver
is turned off.
CAUTION: To save the battery life time, it is necessary to switch
off both transmitter and receiver after training!!! If you do not use
the device for a longer time period, it is recommended to remove
the batteries.
The situation when the receiver is turned on/off
and the transmitter is being matched with the receiver
NOTICE: To save battery life time, the transmitter switches off automatically after
120 min. of inactivity.
8

Programming (matching) of the remote controller and the receiver
Every remote controller has its own RF operational code. Programming of the remote controller with
the receiver (collar) will be accomplished during the first use of the DOGtrace™ d–control set or
with a new remote controller or a receiver (when one or the other is lost). This operation will enable
you to match your remote controller to the delivered receiver (collar).
Turn on your transmitter.
Select dog A on the remote controller.
Touch the lower part of your remote controller to the target on your receiver (see the photo on
page 8). The green LED will be permanently lit and after some 3 seconds, it will switch to the
programming mode, indicated by flashing of the red and green LED at the same time.
Now take your transmitter away and press down the sound signal button on your remote
controller. The codes will be matched in this step and your receiver will produce a sound signal.
Proceed in the same way when programming the second receiver (for the second collar for
d–control 442).
IMPORTANT: Before programming is started (before the first use of your receiver or code
rewriting) make sure that no one else uses his/her d–control or another product made by
DOGtrace™ in your neighbourhood – your receiver could randomly receive the code from
the other remote controller and set itself to it. If this happens, program your receiver
once again using your remote controller.
9

REPROGRAMMING OF YOUR RECEIVER
The receiver can be programmed repeatedly without restraint either using the same remote controller
or with another (see the section Programming (matching) of your remote controller and receiver).
How to use the remote controller
The DOGtrace™ d–control remote controller is designed for cooperation with two separate receivers
independent of each other (dog A or B selection).
Button – sound signal
When you press down the sound signal button, you will be able to send the sound signal to your
receiver at a long distance. There is no time limit for this function: The buzzer will sound for as long
as you are holding the pressed down button and the green LED on your receiver will be permanently
lit. It will be indicated by the transmission symbol on the LCD display of your remote controller.
Button – vibration
By pressing this button, you will send a warning to your dog in the form of vibration.
There are 5 modes of vibration available.
Mode Function
0 short pressing – short vibration
1 long pressing – vibrates as long as you keep the button pressed
2 short pressing – series of interrupted vibrations
3 long pressing – vibrates interruptedly as long as you keep the button pressed
4 permanent pressing – vibrates permanently and releases a sound signal
10
ADVICE: It is possible to program an unlimited number of receivers to one transmitter,
which is possible to use for training of several dogs at the same time.
It is possible to record two transmitters into one receiver, which can be used, for instance,
for a potential correction of the dog’s training by an instructor.


Mode setting is done using buttons (vibration mode setting) on the remote controller.
Transmission symbol appears on the remote controller LCD display.
A red LED diode on the receiver is lit permanently.
Button – lighting the collar
A red LED diode inbuilt in the collar emits very intensive flashes which are stronger than by common
light collars. Your dog can be easily located even in absolute darkness! There are 8 interesting
flashing modes available.
Mode Function
0 pressing shortly – single blink
1 pressing permanently – blinking as long as the button is pressed
2 pressing shortly – blinking 10times
3 after pressing – a blink in every 5 seconds
4 same function as mode 0 with a different flashing frequency
5 same function as mode 1 with a different flashing frequency
6 same function as mode 2 with a different flashing frequency
7 same function as mode 3 with a different flashing frequency
NOTICE: By modes 3 and 6 do not forget to switch off blinking by pressing the light button.
Modes 4–7 can be used for differing dogs in darkness.
11
SETTING THE MODES:
Press a dog selection button A or B (depending on which button the required receiver
is paired) until symbol A or B starts blinking on the LCD.
Set the required mode number (0–7) using the correction impulse setting arrows.
Confirm the selection by pressing button A or B again.


12
Control buttons – vibration mode setting
The buttons are used for quick setting of vibration and light modes which are displayed on the LCD
in numbers 0–4 (vibration modes) and 0–7 (light modes).
Control buttons
The buttons are used for dog selection. A different impulse level can be set for each dog. It remains
saved even after selection switching to the other dog.

For the best results
13
ADVICE: If you attach the receiver on your dog’s neck
laterally, you will extend the range of transmission.

Training orders you send to your dog are transmitted from the transmitting unit to the collar
equipped with the receiver on radio waves. The propagation of radio waves is influenced by a series
of factors and under normal conditions the range of this unit is about 200 m (depending on
geographic conditions and surroundings).
If you want to get the best results with your unit, adhere to the following instructions:
To reach the best range for your communication, hold your remote controller in your hand and
do not cover its antenna.
If you hold your remote controller in front of you with your hand reached out, the range will get
longer.
Before using your training set, always check the batteries in the remote controller and in the collar
and replace them if necessary.
The power of batteries slightly falls down at temperatures below 0 °C. If it is possible, keep your
remote controller warm (e.g. in your pocket) and take it out only for use.
We do not recommend you to leave your dog wearing the collar for several hours in the same place
as it might cause skin irritation. If it is necessary for your dog to wear the collar for a long time,
change its position on your dog’s neck.

Getting started
The trainer’s elementary knowledge in training dogs is the prerequisite for using the training
collar.
If you do not have this knowledge, we recommend you to turn to a training centre, a cynology
club, or a school for dogs where you will learn the basic communication with your dog.
You can start using the collar for a 6-month-old puppy who has undergone the basic training
”SIT“, ” DOWN“, “ STAY“, or at least ”FIE“, “ YOU MUSTN’T“…
Demand these commands along with the sound signal from the collar so that your dog can create
a link between them.
After a command is successfully executed, you should always reward or encourage your dog so
that it can execute your commands with delight and its desire to make you happy could grow.
You must not consider the executed command as the absolute obviousness and punish only
disobedience – your dog would soon fall away from you.
If you are not sure that your dog will obey you after recalling, start training, e.g. using a tracing
dog-lead.
Your dog will have to get used to the collar; let the dog wear the collar for a few days, but
do not use it so that your pet does not discover the connection with its attachment and effects.
Affirmative and efficient training requires some time: do not hurry!
Select a well-known environment your dog is used to.
Select the right moment for pressing the button; exactly at the moment when your dog
is doing something forbidden.
Do not hesitate to contact a professional trainer for more advice and in the event of any problems.
We do not recommend you to use the collar for the dogs not being in good physical health state
(e.g. heart problems, epilepsy, etc.) or having behaviour disorders.
14

Sound signal
It is only up to you how you use it. It depends on the method you wish to train your dog with.
With the sound signal you can:
Send a sound warning to your dog when it is doing something inappropriate.
Catch the attention of your dog.
Teach it that this signal means the command ”Come“, ”Stay“, wherever the dog is (the sound
signal replaces your dog whistle).
The sound signal forgoing the pulse is very efficient; your dog will soon create a link between its
incorrect behaviour, the sound warning, and its unpleasant feeling.
It is very important to always use the sound signal in the same way to avoid your dog of being
confused.
Button – vibration
Very interesting function for attracting your dog’s attention. The vibration function is used as:
Discreet command “come” which cannot be heard in the surroundings
Distraction from an undesired activity using a surprise element
Clear signal – cannot be mistaken, unlike a sound signal (similar to phone sounds etc)
Communication with deaf dogs which is almost impossible by other means
Praising a dog (instead of stroking) followed by a reward (toy or titbit)
To improve communication efficiency, you can teach your dog different meanings of the
5 vibration modes (“don’t do that”, “come” etc)
You can also use it instead of a “clicker” – your dog comes for a reward after you press
the vibration button
15

Advice
With the DOGtrace™ collars it is extremely easy and quick to teach the dog:
To walk along without a dog-lead.
To call in reliably (”To me“, ”Come to me“ commands).
To interrupt an inappropriate activity (”Fie“, ”You mustn’t“).
To unteach bad habits during daily coexistence with people, such as taking food from the table,
jumping at people, pawing, undesirable barking, etc.
Precise training of virtually every skill whereas the dog must do it precisely and reliably as if it
were on a lead (as many as hundreds of meters long!) – with the removal of the undesirable
dependence on the lead which the dog knows very well and adapts its behaviour to it.
To unteach chasing animals and running away from its master in the country – and thus being
exposed to problems and risks related to them, so the solution bringing more freedom for your
dog who now can move freely also across patches where it would not otherwise be possible or it
would be dangerous.
Special activities and commands for business, hunting, sports or other training.
Using directly during hunting for communication with the dog.
A series of other activities and applications which the owner of this unit will soon discover in daily
common life with his/her dog.
16

Hints for using
Maintenance
Do not place your remote controller close to objects sensitive to magnetic fields that might get
damaged and be out of repair.
Do not put your d–control in places exposed to high temperatures.
It is necessary to replace the batteries every two years and also in the case that the set is not used
for a long time. Never leave a flat battery in your unit; it might leak and damage your unit.
Never use volatile agents such as thinners, petrol, or various cleaners to clean your DOGtrace™
d–control. Use a soft damped cloth and a neutral clearing agent if necessary.
The receiver (collar) DOGtrace™ d–control is water-tight only on condition of a good state of
the seal and after its treatment with silicone vaseline. If this is fulfilled, your dog can even swim
with that. In order to maintain the water-tightness of your receiver, we recommend to replace the
rubber seal under the receiver’s cover and treat it with silicone vaseline.
After every replacement of the battery in the collar, make sure that the seal is properly cleaned and
settled and that the screws are adequately tightened. Check them regularly and tighten them only
adequately!
The remote controller is dustproof and moisture resistant! It is definitely not suitable to expose it to
rain or spraying water. Protect it against water and moisture however it is possible. If it is dropped
into water, it will certainly be irrecoverably damaged or destroyed.
If you do not use the unit for a long time, remove the batteries from your remote controller and
receiver.
The collar will remember the preset configuration (auto encoding). When you turn it on next time,
it will be in the mode you selected last time.
17

Before you start considering your unit to be faulty:
Read this Service Instruction manual once again and make sure that the problem is not caused by
weak batteries or by incorrect application.
Check to see if the batteries are positioned correctly with regard to their polarity.
If a problem persists, try to initialize the system by removing the battery from the battery holders
in the receiver, then use a metal tool (e.g. a screwdriver, scissors, etc.) and short-circuit both
contacts – battery holders for about 2 seconds. Reinstall the battery. The unit emits a beep
confirming that the battery is installed with correct polarity.
Unless this helps, program your receiver again. Clear the previous code in the memory and then
match your receiver with the remote controller according to instructions in this manual.
If the problem persists, contact your supplier.
Troubleshooting
18

DOGtrace™ provides the product with warranty for possible manufacture faults to the extent of two
years from the date of purchase.
The manufacturer does not take responsibility for damage to the instrument caused by incorrect use,
unauthorized repairs and dismantling.
The warranty does not cover the following items:
Batteries
New straps
Direct or indirect risks during transportation of the product to the seller
Damage to the product caused by user’s negligence or by an accident (e.g. by masticating,
breaking, impacts, etc.) and by interventions of unauthorized persons.
The information contained in this manual may be subject to alterations without prior notice.
Warranty
19

TRANSMITTER
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 grams (without battery)
Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . about 200 meters in a free area
Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lithium 3V CR2 battery
Battery life time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–12 months, based on usage
Frequency (output) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 869.525 MHz (25 mW)
Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . internal
Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IP 20
Radio communication safety and coding . . . . . . . . . . . by a microcontroller
Number of modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 vibration, 8 light
Operating temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –10 °C to + 50 °C
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 × 52 × 30 mm
RECEIVER (COLLAR)
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 grams (without the strap and the battery)
Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CR2 3V lithium battery
Battery life time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 months, based on usage
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 869.525 MHz
Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Integrated
IP code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Against submersion
Radio communication safety and coding . . . . . . . . . . . by a microcontroller
Operating temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –10 °C to + 50 °C
Adjustable neck circumference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 to 75 centimetres
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 × 42 × 30 mm
Technical data
20