HOLATRON SYSTEMS SPREAD SPECTRUM 12V Operating manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE -
SPREAD SPECTRUM 12VFiring System
HOLATRON SYSTEMS, LLC
2800 Woodlawn Dr., Suite 138
Honolulu, HI 96822
[phone]
www.holatron.com

Page 2 of 24
WARNING
This equipment has been approved for mobile applications where the equipment should be
used at distances greater than 20 cm from the human body (with the exception of hands, wrists,
feet, and ankles). Operation at distances less than 20 cm is strictly prohibited.
Holatron Systems specializes in the design and manufacture of standard and custom electronic
control systems where reliability and error free data communication are critical. The receiver
described in this manual is part of a system intended to remotely actuate pyrotechnic or other
hazardous devices, and the components 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 battery, 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 3.0. Though the 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 with its keylock switch until all persons who might be harmed by
accidental actuation are in a safe area.
As a condition of purchase, the user acknowledges awareness and agreement that utilization of
this product and participation in activities 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, to engage 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 investigation 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 use, 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.

Page 3 of 24
Table of Contents
1.0 RECEIVER HARDWARE DESCRIPTION.........................................................................................4
1.1 THE ANTENNA..................................................................................................................................6
1.2 THE POWER & ARM SWITCHES............................................................................................6
1.3 THE “BATTERY” INDICATOR.................................................................................................6
1.4 THE FIRE SIGNAL INDICATOR...............................................................................................7
1.5THE FIRE OUTPUT INDICATOR .............................................................................................7
1.6 THE OUTPUT CONNECTORS.................................................................................................8
1.7 THE CHARGER CONNECTOR................................................................................................9
1.8 THE MANUAL FIRE BUTTON..................................................................................................9
1.9 THE EMERGENCY FIRE TERMINAL ......................................................................................9
1.10 OPTIONAL FIRING CONNECTOR PINOUT..........................................................................10
2.0 TRANSMITTER HARDWARE DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................11
2.1 THE ANTENNA.......................................................................................................................13
2.2 THE BATTERY........................................................................................................................13
2.3 THE BATTERY / RCVR PROGRAM INDICATOR .................................................................13
2.4 THE “RECEIVER SIGNAL” INDICATOR...............................................................................14
2.5 THE “NEXT CUE” NUMBER DISPLAY .................................................................................14
2.6 THE “NEXT CUE” ENTRY BUTTONS ...................................................................................15
2.7THE TEST BUTTON ...............................................................................................................15
2.8 THE FIRE BUTTON ................................................................................................................16
2.9 THE ARM BUTTON ................................................................................................................16
2.10 THE POWER / CLEAR BUTTON .........................................................................................16
2.11 THE MODE / PROGRAM BUTTON......................................................................................17
3.0 RADIO INTERFERENCE REDUCTION ..........................................................................................19
4.0 RAPID-FIRE BURST MODE ...........................................................................................................20
5.0 SPECIFICATIONS. ..........................................................................................................................22
6.0 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ...............................................................................................23
6.1 OPERATION ............................................................................................................................23
6.1.1 Perform range test ...................................................................................................23
6.1.2 Connect devices to the receiver outputs...............................................................23
6.1.3 Fire cues....................................................................................................................23
6.2 MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................................24

Page 4 of 24
This manual is divided into six sections. The first is a description of the receiver hardware. The
second is a description of the transmitter hardware. The third describes possible effects of radio
interference and design techniques used to prevent it. The fourth describes operation of the
system in rapid-fire (burst) mode. The fifth is a summary of system specifications, and the sixth
covers the recommended operating and maintenance procedure.
1.0 RECEIVER HARDWARE DESCRIPTION.
The model 10000RS“Spread Spectrum” Two Way Firing Receiver is a long range
frequency-hopping spread spectrum two way radio transceiver designed to be used for
remote control applications where high reliability is critical. When used with the Holatron
model 10000TS “Spread Spectrum” Two Way Transmitter, a range of two miles (line of
sight operation) is typical, provided there are no intervening conductive objects such as
automobiles, chainlink fences, etc. Range increases as the receiver is elevated above
earth or other conductive objects (such as aluminum bleachers). Range will usually
exceed two miles when transmitting over water. Communication occurs on multiple
synthesized carrier frequencies in the 900 MHz band. Since synthesis is digitally
controlled from a quartz crystal, no alignment or tuning procedures are ever required to
maintain optimum performance.
Power
Switch
ARM
Switch
Emergency
FIRE
Folding
Antenna
Charger
Connector
Manual
FIRE
Fire
Indicators

Page 5 of 24
All received commands are contained in transmitted data packets which are digitally
decoded and executed. These packets contain extensive error detection coding and are
transmitted reduntantly multiple times on multiple frequencies to enhance successful
communication even in the presence of severe narrow band interference. All
communication is “two way” for enhanced reliability. After successful command reception
and execution, the receiver transmits a confirmation signal back to the transmitter. The
receiver also continuously transmits status information, such as armed status and
received signal strength, which is displayed on the transmitter panel. This enables the
operator to have confidence that receiver outputs will fire successfully when
commanded.
When a FIRE command is received, the selected output turns on and remains on (even
if the transmitter button is released) until a new FIRE command is received or until a one
second timeout, whichever occurs first. The purpose of the one second timeout is to
prevent firing transistor damage when accidentally firing into short circuits. Maximum
output current is limited to approximately 5 amps. The firing circuitry is also protected
from external short circuits and electronic failure resulting in loss of timeout protection by
automatically resetting thermal fuses.
One transmitter can communicate with multiple receivers to fire large arrays of devices,
up to a limit of 9999 cues, total. Receivers are programmed in advance from the
transmitter panel to sequential cue ranges (so that each receiver fires a selected portion
of the total cue range), or to identical cue ranges (so that multiple receivers fire identical
cues for “fronts” and similar effects), or to any combination thereof.
No more than one transmitter should ever be turned on at the same time, as each
powered up transmitter continually sends out a beacon signal for the receivers to
lock onto, resulting in interference with each other and possible “failure to fire”.
Randomly selected cues are fired by punching in the cue number and then pressing
FIRE on the transmitter panel. Cues can be fired sequentially by simply pressing FIRE
repeatedly since the transmitter advances to the next sequential cue after each
depression of the FIRE button. Cues can be fired in rapid-fire (automatic) mode after
pressing Prgm Rcvr while the transmitter is armed, as indicated by a red Rcvr Signal
light. Cues will then fire at the most recently selected rate, ranging from 1 to 20 shots /
second, while the FIRE button is held down. See section 4.0 for additional details and
the fire rate selection procedure.
Numerous other features, described in detail below, are incorporated in this system.
Despite the complexity of the system’s hardware and software, operation is simple and
straightforward, and reliability is high.

Page 6 of 24
A detailed description of the receiver components follows:
1.1 THE ANTENNA.
The RF signal is received and transmitted through a half-wave dipole antenna.
This antenna must be folded down in order to close the receiver box. The
receiver may be operated in the folded configuration, but maximum range will be
achieved when the antenna is unfolded and vertical. The antenna may be
partially folded, and the box lid swung down to rest on top of the antenna tip, to
achieve maximum range while still using the lid to provide fallout or rain
protection for the receiver panel. The antenna should always be folded, and the
lid closed, while the receiver is being stored.
1.2 THE POWER & ARM SWITCHES.
These rotary lock switches are located on the lower left side of the receiver
panel. Both switches share a common key which can be removed in either switch
position. The “POWER” switch turns on power to the receiver. The “ARM” switch
has “Safe” and “Armed” positions. In the “Safe” position no firing outputs can be
activated. The receiver TEST function may be performed in either position of the
ARM switch, however. For operator safety, the ARM switch should always be
kept off when turning on the power switch if devices are connected to the output
terminals or rear cable connector. The switch should be rotated from “Safe” to
“Armed” only after verifying that the FIRE SIGNAL indicator is not illuminated or
flashing, indicating that no FIRE signals are being received on the radio channel.
It is important that the operator not arm the receiver until all persons who
might be harmed by accidental firing are in a safe area.
The color of the flashing “Battery” indicator shows the state of the ARM switch as
described in section 1.3 below.
1.3 THE “BATTERY” INDICATOR.
While the power switch is on, this indicator, located immediately above the ARM
switch, will flash intermittently in bursts of one, two, or three flashes at a time if
the battery has enough capacity to power the receiver. It will flash green if the
ARM switch is in “Safe” position, and it will flash red if in “Armed” position. If no
flashing occurs, the battery must be recharged before the receiver 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 one flash indicates
that it is near the end of its useful charge in which case it should be recharged
immediately after the current use. Adequate receiver power is available as long
as the battery voltage is above approximately 11.0 volts, but the battery voltage
will drop rapidly at this point. While this additional time should be adequate to
complete the current firing sequence, it is not absolutely predictable, and so the
battery(s) should be recharged at the very next opportunity.
This indicator will also light momentarily while a valid FIRE or TEST signal is
being received from the radio channel or while the MANUAL FIRE button is
depressed.

Page 7 of 24
1.4 THE FIRE SIGNAL INDICATOR.
This red indicator lights whenever a valid FIRE signal is received from the radio
channel or from the MANUAL FIRE button.
1.5 THE FIRE OUTPUT INDICATOR.
This indicator lights red whenever firing voltage is present on the output
terminals. If lighted and no firing commands are being received, a malfunction is
indicated, most likely a defective firing relay. Verify that this indicator is not
lighted or flashing before connecting devices to the output terminals or
connector, before performing any continuity tests, and before turning on the ARM
switch.
If this indicator is lighted red and the test function is activated, full firing
voltage will appear on the outputs, and devices may be fired during the test
(even if the ARM SWITCH is off).
This indicator will flash green each time a FIRE or TEST signal is received that is
outside of the receiver’s programmed cue range (even if the ARM switch is off).
This feature is useful for detecting reception of signals that are directed to
receivers other than the one being observed.

Page 8 of 24
1.6 THE OUTPUT CONNECTORS.
Electric matches or other devices to be actuated are connected to spring
terminals (pyro-clips) on the receiver panel or optionally to an external firing strip
connector on the rear of the receiver box.
The panel contains 32 red and black terminal pairs for connection to the devices
to be actuated by receiver cues 1 –32 (these cue numbers may be different from
the show cue numbers, depending on the receiver’s programmed first cue
number). Positive is indicated by red and negative by black. To connect a wire to
a spring terminal, simply push down the plastic top of the terminal and insert the
wire into the gap between the metal terminal and the plastic. Release the plastic
top to lock the wire into the terminal. Wire gauge should be #20 or higher to fit
into the gap. #22 is recommended if a firing current of less than 3 amps will be
required and if the source is close (within 20 feet). #20 wire should be used for
higher currents or longer wire runs. Solid copper wire is best. If stranded wire is
used, be careful that no frayed strands (whiskers) extend out and accidentally
contact any adjacent terminals. Also be careful that the wire is not inserted so far
that the metal terminal is contacting the wire’s insulation instead of its internal
conductor. This will be detected during continuity check. Ensure that no exposed
conductors are shorting any black terminals to adjacent terminals, as this
condition will not be detected during continuity check. A short to a red terminal
will result in a failure to fire and possible damage to the firing circuitry. A short to
a black terminal will result in simultaneous firing of the outputs shorted together.
The optional firing strip connector on the rear of the box permits receiver cue
outputs 1 –32 to be connected to 32 pairs of terminals on a standard PyroMate,
FireOne, or Pyro Magic firing strip. These outputs are connected in parallel with
the corresponding receiver spring terminals on the receiver panel. If the rear
connector is a 50 pin connector and is configured for PyroMate strips, additional
receiver cues 33 –45 are also available here with pins 46 –50 used as positive
common. If it is a 50 pin connector and is configured for 48 cues, additional
receiver cues 33 –48 are also available here with pins 49 & 50 used as positive
common. Detailed firing strip connector pinout is shown in the table in section
1.10.

Page 9 of 24
1.7 THE CHARGER CONNECTOR.
This connector is used to attach the battery charger. The battery charger can
charge a fully discharged battery in about 4 hours, after which it switches
automatically from high rate mode to trickle charge mode. It can be left
connected indefinitely in this mode. A second red indicator on the charger
illuminates when the charger is in high-rate mode. In trickle charge mode, only
the charger’s power indicator is illuminated. When the charger is not plugged in,
the attached rubber cap should be placed over the receiver panel connector.
An optional remote firing trigger (pickle) is available which can be plugged into
the charger connector to enable the operator to manually fire the receiver in
sequential mode where outputs are fired in ascending sequence. Manual firing
can be programmed from the transmitter to occur in semi-automatic (single-shot)
mode, where each press of the trigger fires the next receiver output in sequence,
or in automatic (machine-gun or rapid-fire) mode, where outputs are continually
fired in ascending sequence at selected rates from 1 to 20 shots per second
while the trigger is activated. See section 2.11 for this programming procedure.
Operation with this remote trigger is identical to that described with the manual
fire button in the following section. Radio reception is not required for this mode
of operation.
1.8 THE MANUAL FIRE BUTTON.
This button can be used to manually fire the receiver outputs in the event of radio
link failure. Each time it is pressed, the receiver fires the next output in sequence,
starting with output #1 if the ARM switch is on. If the ARM switch is off, the
selected output advances with each button press, but no outputs are generated.
This button can also be programmed to fire the receiver in automatic (rapid-fire or
machine-gun) mode at selected rates from 1 to 20 shots per second. See section
2.11 for this programming procedure.
1.9 THE EMERGENCY FIRE TERMINAL.
This provides a second backup method for firing in the event of electronic failure
that disables the manual fire button function. Emergency firing can be
accomplished by connecting a wire to this terminal and, while holding the
MANUAL FIRE button down, touching it to the black terminal of the output that is
to be fired. Outputs can thus be fired as if by a pin board and wand. Be careful
not to touch the wire to the red terminals as this will place a short circuit across
the battery. The shorted output is protected by automatically resetting fuses, but
a large spark will still be produced.

Page 10 of 24
1.10 OPTIONAL FIRING CONNECTOR PINOUT.
Connector description:
50 position SCSI-I .085" female panel receptacle.
Digi-key part number: 1050F-ND
Mating connector: 50 position male Centronics cable connector with boot
Digi-key part number: T1504-ND
Pin #
1 Output 1
2 Output 2
3 Output 3
4 Output 4
5 Output 5
6 Output 6
7 Output 7
8 Output 8
9 Output 9
10 Output 10
11 Output 11
12 Output 12
13 Output 13
14 Output 14
15 Output 15
16 Output 16
17 Output 17
18 Output 18
19 Output 19
20 Output 20
21 Output 21
22 Output 22
23 Output 23
24 Output 24
25 Output 25
26 Output 26
27 Output 27
28 Output 28
29 Output 29
30 Output 30
31 Output 31
32 Output 32
33 Output 33
34 Output 34
35 Output 35
36 Output 36
37 Output 37
38 Output 38
39 Output 39
40 Output 40
41 Output 41
42 Output 42
43 Output 43
44 Output 44
45 Output 45
46
47
48
49
50
COM +12V
COM +12V
COM +12V
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to positive side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to positive side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
Description
Notes
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
COM +12V
(connects to positive side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to positive side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to positive side of 12 volt source while firing)
COM +12V
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)
(connects to negative side of 12 volt source while firing)