Explo RX-1K User manual

Explo
Zündtechnik
Harald Kulterer
Völkermarkterstrasse 240
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Austria
Tel: 43 (0) 463 / 32 2 45
Fax: 43 (0) 463 / 32 2 45 75
Mobil: 43 (0) 664 / 51 007 51
www.explo.at
[email protected]
Explo
Zündtechnik
RX-1K
Manual v0.1
As of September 2013

2
Preamble
Dear Explo-Customer,
Please read through this set of instruction before operating your devices. Many of the informations
held within are crucial to learning about- and handling your system.
We ask of you to follow the mentioned safety and user guidelines closely.
Note: This Manual is a pre-version. If you have any questions, or should any vagueness appear, which
this manual cannot answer, please do not hesitate to contact us either by phone, or by E-Mail.
We wish you a lot of fun and success with your Explo-Ignition System!
~ The Team of Explo IGNsystems

3
1 Index
2 Overview/Description of Components ............................................................................................ 4
2.1 Overview of Components ........................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Description of Components ..................................................................................................... 5
2.2.1 Antenna ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.2 Socket for Igniters............................................................................................................ 5
2.2.3 Socket to switch on an programm................................................................................... 5
2.2.4 Display window with status LEDs .................................................................................... 6
3 Using the RX-1K ............................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Activation................................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Switching off ............................................................................................................................ 6
3.3 Controling the Receiver ........................................................................................................... 7
4 Programming ................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Software and Drivers ............................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Using the Steppersoftware ...................................................................................................... 7
4.2.1 Selecting the right template ............................................................................................ 7
4.2.2 Other Functions of the Steppersoftware ........................................................................ 8
4.2.3 Transmitting data to the receiver .................................................................................... 9
5 Technical Data ................................................................................................................................. 9
6 Usage ............................................................................................................................................. 10
6.1 Radio connectivity ................................................................................................................. 10
6.1.1 Overview of Radio wave propagation: .......................................................................... 10
6.1.2 Positioning your devices: ............................................................................................... 10
7 Safety hints: ................................................................................................................................... 10

4
2 Overview/Description of Components
2.1 Overview of Components
Antenna
Status
-
LEDs
Socket to switch on and
programm
Socket for igniters

5
2.2 Description of Components
2.2.1 Antenna
The Antenna is used to receive data (In case of the X2-series also to send). To jam the antenna in case
tops for example, can easily lead to damages, and should therefore be avoided. Please make sure the
antenna is not jammed anywhere, when storing the RX-1K.
2.2.2 Socket for Igniters
The 2 pole terminal block (black with push release or green with screws) is used to connect igniters
to the 2 pole socket of the RX-1K.
2.2.3 Socket to switch on an programm
The 5 pole socket of the RX-1K is used to turn on the device and also to program it, as well as supply
it with an external power source. To activate the device, Pin 1 and 2 (see picture above) must be
connected. For this end, use the 2 pole terminal block with a Cable, that was supplied with the
device.
To program the device with the Steppersoftware, a Steppercable with an adapter (for RX-5K and RX-
1K) is used for the V1 series. The X2 series uses a bootloadercable with a connector for an RX-1K
instead.
The external power supply can be made via Pin 2 (Plus) and Pin 3 (Minus). The device may only be
powered with 12VDC batteries (minimum 9VDC), taking special note of the polarity. Important: The
device will automatically activate when hooked to an external power supply.
1 2 3 4 5

6
Pin 4 (DATA) is used to transmit data during the programming. Pin 5 (MUTE) is used to switch off the
radio module during the programming, and is therefore connected to Mass (Pin3) at the
Programming cable.
2.2. Display window with status LEDs
Beneath the Display window, 2 Status LEDs are visible. The green LED indicates wether theignition
channel is connected, whereas the red LED indicates the battery voltages during startup; during use
it shows if radio signals are received.
(optional) Red LED after activation
5x fast Flashing Switched channel
Red LED during activation
3x Flashing Battery full
2x Flashing Battery still usable
1x Flashing Battery must be changed
Red LED during use
3x Flashing Testsignal received
1x Flashing Ignition signal received
Permanent Flashing Battery must be replaced
Green LED during use
LED on Channel is connected
LED off Channel open
3 Using the RX-1K
3.1 Activation
To switch on the device, use the supplied 2 pole terminal block with attached cable. This terminal
block is attached to Pin 1 and Pin 2 of the programming socket (see 2.2.3).
Alternatively, an external power source can also be used (see 2.2.3)
3.2 Switching off
To deactivate the Device, simply remove the terminal block (or external power supply).

7
3.3 Controling the Receiver
Control of the Receiver is made by use of an Explo-transmitter, and Box- and Channelnumber.
Normally, the RX-1K is programmed to Boxnumber 1, Channelnumber 1. Box- and Channelnumber
can be changed using the Steppersoftware.
With the bidirectional X2-series, the RX2-1K can also send its status back to the transmitter. It
features its own ID-number (eg.: 130801), like all other X2 devices. This number can be found
underneath the battery inside the Device. When used in a show, it can be programmed using the "RX
send show" command. Please read through the RX/TX-manual of the X2-series for more information.
Programming
.1 Software and Drivers
Box- and Channelnumber of the RX-1K can be programmed using the current Version of the
Steppersoftware. You can find it in the download area of our homepage
(http://www.explo.at/login.php). The login is as follows:
User: demo
Password: explo
For the USB-Seriell Adapter (use din conjunction with the steppercable) you must download its
drivers and install them. These can also be found in the download area. Should you wish to use the
Bootloadercable to program the device, install the drivers for the Bootloader (in the download area
at "Updates for X2-Series"). The RX-1K is programmed with the Steppersoftware v1.2.1. At the
Selection menu, you can choose between 70 channel, 20channel, and 5 channel.
.2 Using the Steppersoftware
.2.1 Selecting the right template
The Steppersoftware can be used to program many Explo devices. After opening it, you can therefore
choose between different templates. To programm the RX-1K, we recommend using the "5 channel"
template.
To create a new Steppersequence, or to simply change to Box or Channelnumber, select the "Empty"
template below "5 channel".
You can now freely edit the template to your liking.

8
4.2.1.1 Boxnumber of the receiver
Allows you to set the Boxnumber of the device. The receiver will accept ignition and test signals on
this Box.
4.2.1.2 Channelnumber
Indicates the channelnumber, which the Receiver will actually ignite. To change the channelnumber,
simply click into the field, and assign the preferred Channelnumber (from 1-70).
4.2.1.3 Further fields in the Steppersoftware
All further fields of the steppersoftware, have no use with the RX-1K.
4.2.1.4 Special field opening time
The Field of Channel 69 is a special case. It allows you to set the opening time of the RX-1K in
seconds.
.2.2 Other Functions of the Steppersoftware
New Create a new template
Edit Edit the selected template.
Delete Delete the selected template
Help Open Help directory
End Close Steppersoftware
Channelnumber
Boxnumber of the receiver
Steppsequence

9
.2.3 Transmitting data to the receiver
To program the receiver, it must be connected to the PC by use of the Steppercable and its Adapter,
or the Bootloadercable in case of the X2-series. Before programming, the device must be switched
off.
As soon as the device is connected to the PC, the transmission of the steppersoftware can be started.
Click the Transmit-Button (see picture below).
On the right side of the window opening now, you can select the COM-Port.
Activate the receiver now. The red LED should start to flash rapidly now. Should it not, the receiver is
not getting a correct signal from the PC, and the transmission should be restarted.
If the LED flashes correctly, you can continue the transmission by clicking "OK". Wait for the
transmission to finish, which it has as soon as you see the below window.
5 Technical Data
Standby: ca. 8 hours
Range: ca. 800 Meters
Ignition energy: 9 V (max. 1 A-Igniter 10 Ω; max. 1 U-Igniter 8 Ω)
Measurements: 79x60x23mm
Weight: 120g

10
6 Usage
6.1 Radio connectivity
A good radio connectivity is an essential part of having a good performance when using wireless
ignition systems. Taking note of a few simple hints can drastically increase the connectivity between
Transmitter and Receiver.
6.1.1 Overview of Radio wave propagation:
Radio waves are electromagnetic waves, flowing with near light speed (~300.000km/s) .
Radio waves frow freely in the vacuum, or air, but can be reflected by metals, or absorbed by natural
materials like water or wood.
6.1.2 Positioning your devices:
If possible, position the transmitter and receiver in a way, that no objects stand between them.
Avoid objects made of metal especially (eg.: Steelconcrete buildings, metal fences, Tanks, Ships,...) as
well as mountains.
Theoretically, it is possible for a receiver to receive a signal behind such objects, since radiowaves
break or reflect on objects, and thusly an indirect contact can be made, however the full range can
only be used by a direct line.
Under no circumstance should Transmitter or receiver be covered by metals, since this materials
could shield them from radio waves.
Ideally, all devices should be on a heightened position. (eg. Transmitter on a table)
Because of the radiance, all antennas shoudl stand up straight (vertical). If possible we recommend
using magnetic antennas.
7 Safety hints:
The system may only be used for the ignition of pyrotechnical effect, and may only be used by
learned pyrotechnicians. The general rules for the usage of pyrotechnical items are always to follow.
After switching on the device (even in testmode) no persons may linger in the dangerous vicinity of
the effects connected to the devices. Workings at the devices or firing ramps may only be done if the
devices are switched off. During the show, the safety distance to all connected pyrotechnical effects
must be kept. Working on the system during the show is not allowed.
During the setup of the System and the firing ramps, it is recommended to ensure the devices can't
be switched on (taking the key with you). Under no circumstances may a transmitter be left alone
without supervision, except when it is proofed against being switched on by others.