HOLATRON SYSTEMS RFLS-6HSXT Operating manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE -
Fixed Channel High Speed UHF Transmitter
HOLATRON SYSTEMS, LLC
833 ILANIWAI ST, STE. 2
Honolulu, HI 9681 3
(808) 372 - 0956
www.holatron.com

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WARNING
Holatron Systems specializes in the design and manufacture of sta ndard and custom electronic
control systems where reliability and error free data communication are critical. The transmitter
described in this manual is part of a system intended to remotely actuate pyrotechnic or other
hazardous devices, and the componen ts of this system have been carefully designed to
minimize the possibility of accidental actuation of such devices. Holatron’s design goal is to
ensure that data communication errors due to radio interference or to insufficient signal strength
due to low b attery, exceeding specified range, or conductive objects in the signal path will result
in failure of intentional actuation rather than unintended actuation. Techniques used to achieve
this design goal are described in section 1. 9 . Though the probability o f unintended actuation is
extremely small, it cannot be guaranteed to be zero. It is also possible for an unexpected
actuation to occur if another Holatron transmitter set to the same digital channel is operated in
the vicinity. Therefore, it is important that the user not enable the receiver until all persons
who might be harmed by accidental actuation are in a safe area .
As a condition of purchase, the user must acknowledge awareness and agreement that
utilization of this product and participation in act ivities utilizing fireworks, rockets, and explosives
is an ultra - hazardous activity carrying implied and explicit risks of injuries and damages to the
user and to other participants. The user assumes the risk connected with the utilization of this
product and all risks of participation in the activities for which this product is sold. User
acknowledges that he/she/it has the necessary and required skill, expertise, training and
licensing, as may be applicable or necessary by custom, usage, trade or law, toengage and
participate in the ultra - hazardous activities connected with the use, purchase, transportation, or
employment of the products sold under this agreement. User acknowledges that Holatron
Systems, LLC, has not and will not conduct any investigatio n into the skill, expertise, training
and licensing, as may be applicable or necessary by custom, usage, trade or law, of the user or
of user’s agents, employees and assigns, to engage and participate in the ultra - hazardous
activities connected with the us e, purchase, transportation, or employment of this product. User
specifically agrees that Holatron Systems, LLC, its officers, employees, and agents shall not be
liable for any claim, demand, cause of action of any kind whatsoever for, or on account of death,
personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind resulting from or related to user’s or user’s
employees’, agents’ or assigns’ use of this product, and user agrees to indemnify, defend in any
action at law, and hold harmless Holatron Systems, LLC, from same, whether brought by the
user, user’s agent, or assigns, or any third party.
Usage of this transmitter is authorized under FCC Rules and Regulations as listed in CFR 47
Ch.1 (10 -1- 96 Edition), p art 15, subpart C, sections 15.209 and 15.231. This equipment has
been tested and assigned FCC ID number: OI4RFLS1XT.
Any changes or modifications to the hardware not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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This manual is divided into two sections. The first is a description of the system hardware. The
second covers the recommended operating and maintenance procedure.
1.0 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION.
The model RFLS -6 HS XT Fixed Channel High Speed UHF Transmitter is a low power
six channel, safety locking, hand - held remote control transmitter which can transmit
commands over any of six different digital channels. The transmitter’s channel setting is
fixed in software and cannot be changed. A label displaying the channel setting i s affixed
to the top of the transmitter next to the antenna. Transmitters fixed to separate digital
channel numbers can transmit simultaneously without interfering with each other. This
permits up to six different receivers or groups of receivers to be controlled by separate
transmitters simultaneously. The transmitter will only actuate receivers whose digital
channel switches are set to select the same channel as the transmitter. Thus, multiple
transmitters may be used to actuate different selected receive rs even though all operate
on the same frequency. Transmitters fixed to the same digital channel number will
interfere with each other and result in failure - to - fire when actuated simultaneously.
When used with RFLS - 96HSRC, RFLS - 96HSARC, RFLS - 496HSRC, RFL S- 496HSARC,
RFLS - 912HSRC, or RFLS - 912HSARC receivers, a range of ½ mile can be achieved. All
inscriptions on the transmitter panel are luminescent to facilitate use of the transmitter in
a dark environment. The panel will continue to glow for two to three hours after being
exposed to a bright light source. The transmitter’s two commands are digitally encoded
and amplitude modulated on a single carrier frequency of 418 MHz (or optionally 433.96
MHz) . This frequency is controlled by a SAW (surface acoustic w ave) device for
exceptional stability. No alignment or tuning procedures are ever required to maintain
optimum performance. The modulated RF output occurs continuously while one of the
two momentary transmit buttons is depressed. Resulting r eceiver output is continuous
while the “A” button command signal is being transmitted, and t he receiver fires outputs
in rapid - fire mode at a rate selected by the FIR E R ATE SELECTION SWITCH while the
“B” button command signal is being transmitted. The command signal is transmitted by
amplitude modulating the carrier to indicate to the receiver which of the transmit buttons
is depressed.
The user has access to the following components:
1.1 THE ANTENNA.
The RF signal is radiated by a quarter - wave flexible whip antenna which screws
onto the top end of the transmitter box. The transmitter should never be
operated without this antenna in place, as damage to the RF components
could result. Such operation will void the warranty.

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Antennas with red rings are used for 433 MHz, and antennas with blue rings are
used for 418 MHz. Be careful not to overtighten the antenna when screwing it on,
as this could cause its mating connector to rotate and break its internal
connection. Rotation could also occur, with the same result, when subse quent
removal of an overtightened antenna is attempted. The recommended way to
install the antenna is to grasp it by its small diameter upper part and rotate gently
in a clockwise direction until increased resistance is felt. It need not be tight to
achiev e a good electrical connection. When removing the antenna for storage,
observe the base of the mating connector to ensure that it is not rotating. If the
antenna is so tight that rotation is occurring, grasp the hex base of the mating
connector with long nose pliers, and then unscrew the antenna.
1.2 THE SAFETY LOCKING SWITCH.
The Safety Locking Switch is a miniature keylock with two positions, “Safe” and
“Xmtr Enabled”. In the “Safe” position no RF output occurs even if a button is
pressed. In the “Xmtr Enab led” position modulated RF output occurs
continuously while a button is pressed. Whether transmitting or not, a green
warning indicator near the switch flashes whenever the switch is in its “Enabled”
position and the battery voltage is above the low batter y detect threshold.
Approximately 1 milliamp is drained continuously from the battery while the
transmitter is enabled and not transmitting. So this switch should always be
turned to the “Safe” position while the transmitter is not being used. Keys are
int erchangeable, as all Holatron RFLS - 6HS XT transmitters are keyed the same.
Firing on all receivers set to the transmitter’s digital channel always commences
at cue 1 after the transmitter has first been enabled. Thus all receivers on this
transmitter’s fix ed channel can be reset to cue 1 at any time by turning this switch
momentarily to “Safe” and then back to “Transmitter Enabled”.
1.3 THE “XMTR ENABLED” INDICATOR.
This green lamp, located at the “Enabled” position of the lockswitch, warns the
user that tran smission will occur when a button is pressed, and that battery drain
is occurring. It also verifies that battery voltage is adequate to transmit a signal
over the specified range.
When the transmitter is turned on (transmitter enabled) with the keylock s witch,
battery status is indicated by the flashing of this lamp. It is of sufficiently high
intensity to be visible in direct sunlight and will flash intermittently in bursts of
one, two, or three flashes at a time if the battery has enough capacity to pow er
the transmitter. If no flashing occurs, the battery must be replaced before the
transmitter can be used reliably. Three flashes per burst indicate that the battery
has full capacity, two flashes indicate that its capacity is beginning to diminish,
and o ne flash indicates that it is near the end of its useful lifetime in which case it
should be replaced immediately after the current use. Adequate transmitter
output to achieve the specified range will occur as long as the battery voltage is
above approxima tely 7.0 volts, but the battery voltage will drop rapidly at this
point.

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1.4 THE FIRE BUTTONS.
These buttons are snap action dome switches under a sealed overlay, labeled
“Fire A” and “Fire B”, respectively. They have a high spring constant which
requires a firm depression for actuation, decreasing the likelihood of accidental
depression. The enabled transmitter can be kept in a shirt or jacket pocket
without fear of accidental button depression.
The transmitter is idle while no buttons are pressed. Continu ous transmission
occurs while a button is pressed .
Output firing pulses are stretched to a minimum duration of 0.6 seconds in the
receivers to ensure that all cues fire reliably, even when the fire button s are
pressed for a shorter period of time. Note th at it is not necessary to wait for the
completion of the 0.6 second firing pulse period before firing subsequent cues.
They can be fired as fast as the operator can press the button, provided that
each button depression lasts at least 0. 1 second , followed by at least 0.1 second
with the button released . If many transmitters are transmitting simultaneously, it
may be necessary to depress a fire button slightly longer than 0.2 second in
order to ensure an output from the receiver.
1.5 THE TRANSMIT INDICATOR.
T his is a high intensity red indicator, visible in direct sunlight, that lights
continuously while the transmitter is generating RF output. It is located between
the two buttons. It will light even if the battery voltage is below the low battery
detect thre shold.
1.6 THE BATTERY.
Power is supplied from an alkaline 9 volt battery, accessible beneath a slide - out
door on the back side of the transmitter. This battery should be replaced when
required by conditions described in section 1.3 above. In order to preve nt the
possibility of damage due to battery leakage, the battery should always be
removed if the transmitter is to be stored for a prolonged period. Damage due to
battery leakage is not covered under the warranty.

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1.7 THE FIRE RATE SELECTION SWITCH.
A 16 p osition miniature rotary switch is accessible from the back of the
transmitter. The switch is on the left edge of the internal printed circuit board. It
can be set to positions 0 – 9 or A – F by rotation with a small screwdriver. The
switch selects automat ic fire rate that will be transmitted while the “B” button is
pressed.
(Transmitter with rear cover removed)
The available fire rates which can be selected are described in the following
table. Holatron Systems can supply cus tom fire rates if required.
NOTE: Automatic firing always commences at the next cue after the last one
fired, whether it was semi - automatic or automatic. Semi - automatic firing
always commences at the next cue after the last semi - automatic cue
fired, even if automatic cues have been fired in the meantime.
Firing on all receivers set to the transmitter’s digital channel always
commences at cue 1 after the transmitter has first been enabled. Thus all
receivers on the transmitter’s fixed channel can be reset to cue 1 at any
time by turning the transmitter’s safety locking switch momentarily to
“Safe” and then back to “Transmitter Enabled”.
Fire Rate Selection Switch

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Firing modes with RFLS - 96HSRC, RFLS - 496HSRC, or RFLS - 912HSRC receivers:
Fire Rate Selection
Switch Setting Fire “A” Action Fire “B” Action
0
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
0.1 shot per second.
(10 seconds per shot)
1
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
0.2 shot per second.
(5 seconds per shot)
2
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
0.3 shot per second.
( 3.33 seconds per shot )
3
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
0.4 shot per second.
( 2.5 seconds per shot )
4
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
0.5 shot per second.
( 2 seconds per shot )
5
Se mi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
0.6 shot per second.
( 1.67 seconds per shot )
6
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential) 1
shot per second.
(1 second per shot)
7
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential) 2
shots per second.
(0.5 second per shot)
8
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential) 3
.03 shots per second.
(0. 33 second per shot)
9
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential) 4
shots per second.
(0. 2 5 second per shot)
A
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single sho t, sequential) 5
shots per second.
(0. 2 second per shot)
B
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
5.88 shots per second.
(0. 17 second per shot)
C
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
7.69 shots per second.
(0. 13 second per shot)
D
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
10 shots per second.
(0. 1 second per shot)
E
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential) 1
4.3 shots per second.
(0. 07 second per shot)
F
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
20 shots per second.
(0. 0 5 second per shot)

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Firing modes with RFLS - 96HSARC, RFLS - 496HSARC, or RFLS - 912HSARC receivers:
Fire Rate Selection
Switch Setting Fire “A” Action Fire “B” Action
0
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential) 1
shot per second .
(1 second per shot)
1
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential) 2
shots per second.
(0.5 second per shot)
2
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
3.03 shots per second.
(0.33 second per shot)
3
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential) 4
shots per second.
(0.25 second per shot)
4
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential) 5
shots per second.
(0.2 second per shot)
5
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
5.88 shots per second.
(0.17 second per shot)
6
Se mi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
6.67 shots per second.
(0.13 second per shot)
7
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
7.69 shots per second.
(0.5 second per shot)
8
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
8.33 shots p er second.
(0.1 second per shot)
9
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
9.09 shots per second.
(0.25 second per shot)
A
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
10 shots per second.
(0.2 second per shot)
B
Semi - automatic firing.
( Single shot, sequential)
11.1 shots per second.
(0.17 second per shot)
C
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
12.5 shots per second.
(0.13 second per shot)
D
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
14.3 shots per second.
(0.1 secon d per shot)
E
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
16.7 shots per second.
(0.07 second per shot)
F
Semi - automatic firing.
(Single shot, sequential)
20 shots per second.
(0.05 second per shot)

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1.8 REMOTE FIRE JACK.
Transmitters that include this optional feature can be actuated remotely through a
two conductor shielded cable plugged into a jack located on the left side of the
transmitter box. The jack accepts a standard 1/8” miniature stereo phone plug .
The cable’s shield connects to the plug ’s “shell”, the red lead to the plug’s “tip”,
and the black lead to the plug’s “ring”.
The transmitter is actuated remotely by connecting the tip to the shell (red to
shield) to duplicate the action of the “ FIRE A ” button, and by connecting the ring
to th e shell (black to shield) to duplicate the action of the “ FIRE B ” button. The
transmitter’s FIRE buttons also remain operational while the cable is plugged in.
NOTE: T he transmitter should always be turned off when plugging in or
extracting the remote ca ble to ensure that no fire commands are
accidentally transmitted if jack contacts should be momentarily shorted
during the insertion or extraction .
1.9 RADIO INTERFERENCE REDUCTION.
For obvious safety reasons, Holatron's design goal is to ensure that data
co mmunication errors due to radio interference or to insufficient signal strength
due to low battery, e xceeding specified range, or conductive objects in the signal
path will result in failure of intentional actuation rather than unintended actuation.
This g oal is achieved by transmitting a 64 bit noise - tolerant code repeatedly while
a transmitter button is depressed. 6 0 of these bits must match the pattern
expected by the receiver . Thus, there is one chance in (2 to the 60
th
power) of an
actuation occurring due to reception of a random signal. Expressed in decimal
numbers, this is ( 1.1529 times 10 to the 18
st
power, or 11529 followed by 14
zeroes). This is a probability of 8.6736 times 10 to the - 19
th
power ( or a decimal
point followed by 18 zeroes followed b y 86736 ). Though th is probability of
unintended actuation is extremely small, it cannot be guaranteed to be zero.
Therefore , it is important that the user not arm the receiver until all persons
who might be harmed by accidental actuation are in a safe area .
Additional protection is offered by use of 418 MHz as the operating frequency.
This frequency is sparsely used only by low power transmitters with a maximum
range of approximately 100 yards. It is not commonly used by auto security
systems, garage door openers, radio control models, cordless or cellular
telephones, wireless microphones, or two way communications equipment.
Because this system operates in the UHF region, interference from lamp
dimmers, electrical discharges, and other natural sources is a lso minimal.
No instances of false triggering with this communications technology have been
reported to date.

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1.10 SPECIFICATIONS.
Parameter Minimum Typical Maximum
Carrier Frequency, MHz. 417.96 418.02 418.08
Carrier Frequency, MHz. (optional) 432.9 0 433 . 96 43 4 .0 2
Range (line - of - sight with RFLS -96RC
- 49 6 RC r eceiver s)
½ mile
Delay from start of button depression
to receiver output (fewer than 4
transmitters transmitting
simultaneously)
50 msec 75 msec
Delay from start of button depression
to receiver output (more than 3
transmitters transmitting
simultaneously)
100 msec 400 msec
Button depression time per cue (fewer
than 4 transmitters transmitting
simultaneously)
100 msec
Button depression time per cue (more
than 3 transmitters transmitting
simu ltaneously)
400 msec
Battery current, average, (enabled)
Battery current, average, (xmting)
1.0 mA
4.0 mA
Battery life (enabled, not transmitting) 500 hrs
Low Battery Detect Threshold 7.7 V
Transmitter Supply Voltage 7.0 V
2.0 OPERATION AN D MAINTENANCE.
This section describes the recommended operating procedure and maintenance for the
transmitter - receiver system.
2.1 OPERATION.
2.1.1 With the receiver turned off and its a rm switch set to “ disarm ” ( RFLS -
496 HS RC) or “safe” (RFLS - 96 HS RC & R FLS - 912HSRC ) , connect
devices to the receiver outputs.
2.1.2 With the a rm switch still in the previous position, turn on the receiver.
Verify a flashing green battery indicator on the receiver module . This
indicator will flash intermittently in bursts of one, two, or three flashes at a
time if the battery has enough capacity to power the receiver. If no
flashing occurs, the receiver cannot be used reliably. Three flashes per
burst indicate that the battery is fully charged, two flashes indicate that its
ch arge is beginning to diminish, and one flash indicates that it is near the
end of its useful charge, in which case it should be replaced immediately
after the current use.

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2.1.3 Enable the transmitter, and with the receiver’s ARM switch in “safe” or
“disarmed” position , perform a range test by observing the green
activity light on the receiver while pressing a transmitter button . There
should be no intervening conductive objects for most reliable operation.
All receivers must be elevated 12” or more above grou nd level to achieve
specified range. When transmitting over water , range will normally
exceed the specified value.
Range of the receiver is typically ½ mile, and its range can be tested with
the arm switch off by observing the green activity indicator wh ile the
transmitter FIRE buttons are pressed. Verify that the transmitter battery is
not depleted by observing the flashing “Xmtr Enabled” light while not
pressing the FIRE buttons . (See section 1.3) Then turn the transmitter
lock switch back to “Safe” pos ition.
2.1.4 When the area around the devices to be actuated is clear of persons who
might be injured by an accidental actuation, and after verifying that the
receiver’s green activity light is off (no radio signal is being detected), turn
the receiver’s ARM sw itch to its “ Armed ” position. Refer to the receiver
manual for the corresponding ar ming procedure .
WARNING - If the receiver’s green activity light is erratic or on
continuously , its output may be actuated immediately upon changing its
ARM switch to the “Armed” position .
2.1.5 Verify electrical continuity through the devices connected to the receiver
outputs. Continuity is tested on the RFLS -96 HS RC and RFLS - 496 HS RC
receiver s by pressing the test button. On the RFLS - 912HSRC receiver, it
is done by pressi ng the ARM toggle switch down into its “Test” position.
Lighted lamps indicate open circuits. It is recommended this be done with
the Arm S witch in the “Safe” or “Disarmed” position, but the test circuit will
also function in the “Armed” position.

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2.1.6 Turn the transmitter lock switch to its “Enabled” position. Press the
appropriate button to actuate the desired receiver output channel. A
button must be depressed for at least 75 milliseconds to produce a
receiver output. It is never necessary to hold a t ransmit button down
longer than one second , however. If no actuation has occurred in this
period of time, none will occur, no matter how much longer the transmit
button is depressed. The receiver may be attempting to actuate a short
circuit , and damage cou ld result.
The transmitter should be held with the antenna in a vertical orientation,
away from the body and other conductive objects to achieve maximum
range and communication reliability. Generally, the higher the transmitter
is held, the greater the ra nge. Conductive objects such as chain - link
fences , aluminum bleachers, and automobiles in the transmission path
will reduce the range.
2.1.7 When finished, turn off the receiver, and turn the transmitter lockswitch
back to its “Safe” position to stop fur ther drain of the transmitter battery.
You may remove the antenna to make it easier to store the transmitter.
Observe the precautions in section 1.1 before removing the antenna. If
the transmitter is to be stored for a prolonged period, remove the battery
as described in section 1.6 above.
2.2 MAINTENANCE.
Since there are no calibration or tuning adjustments in the transmitter, the only
maintanance required is periodic replacement of the 9 volt battery. This should
be done at least once per year, or at the ne xt opportunity if the “Xmtr Enabled”
light fails to flash when the transmitter is enabled.
The face of the transmitter, which is completely sealed, may be safely cleaned by
wiping with a damp cloth if care is taken not to get moisture into the lock switch .
The battery compartment door and the junction between the front and back
panels are NOT water tight, however. The transmitter must never be immersed in
water.
If further information or service is required, contact:
Holatron Systems, LLC.
833 ILANIWAI S T, STE. 2
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 372 - 0956
www.holatron.com