Holatron RAPID-FIRE 6 Operating manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE -
RAPID-FIRE 6 Compact Pairable Receiver
(shown with cover removed)
HOLATRON SYSTEMS, LLC
2800 Woodlawn Dr, Ste. 138
HONOLULU, HI 96822, USA
[phone]
www.holatron.com

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WARNING
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 2.0. 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 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 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.
HOLATRON SYSTEMS, LLC
2800 Woodlawn Dr, Ste. 138
HONOLULU, HI 96822, USA
[phone]
www.holatron.com

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This manual is divided into four sections. The first is a description of the system hardware. The
second describes radio interference suppression methods. The third lists transmitter
specifications. The fourth covers the recommended operating and maintenance procedure.
1.0 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION.
The model RFLS-496HSRC “RAPID-FIRE 6” compact user pairable six-shot high
speed UHF receiver is a highly sensitive narrow band superhetrodyne radio receiver
designed to be used for remote control applications where high reliability is critical. This
receiver can be “paired” with the desired cue range, channel #, and proprietary system
code of any Holatron transmitter on a matching frequency via a very simple operation.
The channel # (1-12) can optionally be selected via an internal digital switch, overriding
the paired channel #.
When used with the Holatron model RFLS-1XT, RFLS-6HSXT, RFLS-6HSXTX, RFLS-
12XT, RFLS-12XTX, RFLS-12USXT, RFLS-MK3USXT, XMTR12B, or XMTR12C
remote control transmitters, a range of ½ mile (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 be even greater when
transmitting over water.
The reception carrier frequency is fixed at 315, 418, or 433 MHz by a SAW (surface
acoustic wave) oscillator for exceptional stability. No alignment or tuning procedures are
ever required to maintain optimum performance.
The receiver’s firing signal is digitally decoded from the transmitted digital code which is
amplitude modulated on the fixed carrier frequency. The transmitted digital codes from
the RFLS-1, RFLS-6, RFLS-12, and RFLS-MK3 series transmitters indicate to the
receiver which of the two transmit buttons, “A” or “B”, is being pressed. The “A” button
fires the show cues sequentially. (Each depression of the button fires the next show cue
in sequence.), and “B” button commands fire show cues in fully automatic mode as
explained in the transmitter manual.
The digital code from the model RFLS-12XT or XMTR12 series transmitter indicates to
the receiver which of its 12 random-fire buttons is being pressed and causes that cue to
be fired immediately. The “Next Fire” button transmits a digital code that causes the next
cue in sequence to be fired. After pressing the Rst button, the next depression of this
button will fire cue 1. These transmitters can fire a maximum of 12 cues per channel on
12 channels for a total off 144 cues.
Pressing the Rst button on the model RFLS-12XTX or XMTR12 series transmitter
causes the transmitter to switch to the channel indicated by the following press of one of
the numeric keys (1 –12). This allows manual selection of the communications
channel. See the transmitter manual for a detailed description of channel selection.
There are 12 different communication channels (1-12) and two different cue ranges (1-6
and 7-12) available. The transmitter will control receivers paired to the channel matching
that being used by the transmitter and its 6 outputs will fire the cue range (1-6 or 7-12) it
has been paired with. Receiver pairing and channel selection override can be
implemented by the receiver digital switch setting as shown in the following tables.

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Rcvr Digital
Switch Setting
Action
0
Pair with xmtd cue range (1-6 or 7-12), channel, & system code
1
Fire paired cue range, channel 1, and paired system code.
2
Fire paired cue range, channel 2, and paired system code.
3
Fire paired cue range, channel 3, and paired system code.
4
Fire paired cue range, channel 4, and paired system code.
5
Fire paired cue range, channel 5, and paired system code.
6
Fire paired cue range, channel 6, and paired system code.
7
Fire paired cue range, channel 7, and paired system code.
8
Fire paired cue range, channel 8, and paired system code.
9
Fire paired cue range, channel 9, and paired system code.
A
Fire paired cue range, channel 10, and paired system code.
B
Fire paired cue range, channel 11, and paired system code.
C
Fire paired cue range, channel 12, and paired system code.
D
E
Pair with xmtd cue range (1-6 or 7-12), channel, & system code .
F
Fire paired cue range, paired channel, and paired system code.
Transmitters that are set to separate channels can transmit simultaneously to separate
receivers or groups of receivers without interfering with each other, permitting up to 24
separate receivers or groups of receivers (144 cues) to be controlled by up to 12
separate transmitters simultaneously. Transmitters set to the same channel will interfere
with each other and possibly result in failure-to-fire if fired simultaneously.
Multiple receivers can be used to fire more than 6 sequential cues from a single
transmitter. For example, two receivers set to cue ranges 1-6 and 7-12, respectively,
can fire 12 cues (cues 1-6 from the first receiver, and cues 7-12 from the second
receiver), and 24 receivers can be used similarly to fire 144 cues using cue range 1-6
and 7-12 on each of 12 channels. Multiple receivers can be configured to fire
simultaneously by setting their cue ranges and channels to the same numbers.
Combinations of sequential and simultaneous receivers can also be used.
Receiver channels are selected by pairing or by switch position. Cue range and system
code are selected only by pairing. Refer to section 4.2 for a detailed description of the
pairing procedure.

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FIGURE 1
(top view)

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FIGURE 2
(bottom view)

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The user has access to the following components (refer to figures 1 & 2):
1.1 THE ANTENNA.
The RF signal is received by a quarter-wave bendable antenna consisting of a
permanently attached piece of 20 AWG solid insulated wire. If this wire should
ever be damaged, it should be replaced with a similar wire of exactly 7 1/8”
length (from top of circuit board to tip of wire) for optimum reception and range
on 418 MHz. The exposed tip of the wire must be bent over with needle-
nose pliers to avoid the possibility of injury in case of accidental contact
with eyes.
The antenna wire may be attached to either the top or the bottom of the circuit
board. Bottom attachment is used if the receiver is to be mounted underneath an
aircraft, and top attachment is used when the receiver will be sitting on ground or
other objects. Note that reception is better when the receiver is elevated at least
12” above ground level.
1.2 THE POWER & ARM SWITCHES.
These slide switches are located on the top side of the PC board. The “POWER”
switch turns on power to the receiver. The “ARM” switch has “Safe” and “Armed”
positions. In the “Safe” position, output firing current is limited to 200 microamps
so that no outputs can be fired, although the firing position will advance each
time the transmitter button is pressed, and the firing indicators will glow faintly. It
is recommended that the receiver always be powered up in “Safe” mode if
devices are already connected to the outputs. The operator can then verify
that the green “RCV / BAT” light does not indicate that any radio reception
is occurring before arming the receiver.
1.3 THE “RCV / BAT” INDICATOR.
While the power switch is on, this green indicator, located on the top side of the
circuit board, 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 battery must be replaced 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 lifetime in which case it should be replaced immediately
after the current use. Adequate receiver power is available as long as the battery
voltage is above approximately 7.0 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 replaced at the very next opportunity.
This green indicator will light while a signal is being received that matches the
expected preamble and sync code of the system communication protocol, even if
it is from a transmitter set to a different digital channel. This feature is useful for
warning of reception of signals before the arm switch is turned on and for
indication of activity on other digital channels.

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1.4 THE OUTPUT CONNECTORS.
Electric matches or other igniters are connected to this miniature terminal block
with 10 screw terminals located on the bottom of the circuit board. A miniature
screwdriver is required to secure the connections. Simply insert one wire from
each of the 6 devices to be fired into its corresponding hole in the FIRE
OUPUTS block. The remaining 6 wires are inserted into the COMMON
OUTPUTS block. Since there are only 4 holes in this block, 2 wires will have to
be inserted into a couple of the holes. Wire gauges should be #22 or higher to fit
2 wires into these “COM+” holes. Solid copper wire is recommended. In order to
minimize the chance of short circuits to other wires or components on the circuit
board, be sure the wires’ insulation is not stripped back too far. Also be sure that
the screw terminals are clamped onto the wires’ conductors and not onto the
insulation. 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.
1.5 THE TEST BUTTON.
Pressing this button, located at the right corner of the exposed circuit board
(refer to figure 1), performs a continuity test on all six outputs simultaneously.
While the button is pressed, a maximum test current of 1 milliamp flows through
each load, and red LED indicators light next to outputs with “open” loads
(resistance > 500 ohms). LEDs next to outputs that see continuity to COM+ (<
500 ohms) will remain dark. Remember that red LEDs during test indicate
OPEN outputs, and such outputs will not fire when actuated. These output
connections should be examined and the electric match and/or wire should be
replaced if necessary. The receiver must be turned on to perform the continuity
test, but the “ARM” switch may be in either position. Normally, the continuity test
is performed before arming the receiver.
1.6 THE BATTERY.
All power is supplied from one alkaline 9 volt battery, contained in a
compartment in the bottom of the black plastic box. This compartment is
accessed by pushing a sliding door to the left with the thumb. Refer to figure 3
below.
The battery should be replaced when required by conditions described in section
1.3 above. In order to prevent the possibility of damage due to battery leakage,
the battery should always be removed if the receiver is to be stored for a
prolonged period. Damage due to battery leakage is not covered under the
warranty.

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FIGURE 3
(bottom view)

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1.7 THE DIGITAL SWITCH.
A 16 position miniature rotary switch is located on the top side of the receiver PC
board (refer to figure 1). It can be set to positions 0 –9 or A –F by rotation with
a small screwdriver. The receiver will only respond to transmitters whose digital
channels correspond to the channel selected by this switch as shown in the table
in section 1.0. Thus, multiple transmitters may be used to actuate different
receivers even though all operate on the same frequency. Simultaneous multiple
transmissions are possible without interference if all transmitters are set to
different digital channel numbers. Transmitters set to the same digital channel
number will interfere with each other and result in failure-to-fire when actuated
simultaneously.
2.0 RADIO INTERFERENCE REDUCTION.
.For obvious safety reasons, 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. This goal is achieved by
transmitting a 64 bit noise-tolerant code repeatedly while a transmitter button is
depressed. 60 of these bits must match the pattern expected by the receiver. Thus,
there is one chance in (2 to the 60th power) of an actuation occurring due to reception of
a random signal. Expressed in decimal numbers, this is (1.1529 times 10 to the 18st
power, or 11529 followed by 14 zeroes). This is a probability of 8.6736 times 10 to the -
19th power (or a decimal point followed by 18 zeroes followed by 86736). Though this
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 315, 418, or 433 MHz as the operating
frequency. These frequencies are 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 also minimal.
No instances of false triggering with this communications technology have been
reported to date.

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3.0 SPECIFICATIONS.
Parameter
Minimum
Typical
Maximum
Carrier Frequency, MHz.
417.96
418.02
418.08
Carrier Frequency, MHz. (optional)
433.86
433.92
433.98
Range (line-of-sight with RFLS-1XT xmtr)
½ mile
Delay from start of transmission to receiver output
75 msec
150 msec
Receiver battery drain, (Rcvr switch on)
Receiver battery drain, (Rcvr switch off)
Receiver battery drain, (Firing)
8 mA
9 mA
0 mA
1100 mA
Receiver battery life, (Not firing)
40 hours
48 hrs
Receiver Supply Voltage
6.5 V
Low Battery Detect Threshold
7.7 V
Battery Input Voltage
7 V
9 V
10.0 V
Output Fire Pulse Duration
0.56 sec
Output Fire Voltage
9 V
Output Fire Current, (Armed)
1 amp
Output Fire Current, (Safe)
200 uamp
Output Continuity Test Current
(while test button pressed, 0 while not pressed)
0.9 mA
1.1 mA
Height of box
1.00 in
Width of box
2.37 in
Length of box
3.75 in
Length of box + terminal extension
4.25 in
Weight of receiver + box (without battery)
3.04 oz
Weight of receiver + box (with battery)
4.71 oz
4.0 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.
This section describes the recommended operating procedure and maintenance for the
transmitter-receiver system.
4.1 OPERATION.
4.1.1 Before connecting electric matches, perform a reception test by
observing the receiver firing lights while pressing the transmitter buttons.
An assistant may be needed for this test. If the receiver location will be
fixed, determine the limits of the range in the current environment, and
position the transmitter and receiver so that their separation does not
exceed ¾ of this maximum range. Verify that the receiver and transmitter
batteries are not depleted by observing the flashing green “RCV / BAT”
and “XMTR ENABLED” lights on the receiver and transmitter,
respectively. Operation of these indicators is as described in section 1.3
above. Turn the transmitter off, and turn off the receiver.

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4.1.2 Connect devices to receiver outputs as described in section 1.4 above.
The operator should retain possession of the transmitter or transmitter
key while performing the next two tasks. With the “ARM” switch turned
off, turn on the receiver power switch. Verify continuity through the
devices by pressing the “TEST” button. All red indicators should remain
off. Check that the green indicator is only flashing in bursts of one, two or
three to indicate battery status. If this indicator exhibits continuous or
erratic behavior, there is a signal being received which could cause firing
when the “ARM” switch is turned on. Determine the source of the
interference before attempting to use the system.
4.1.3 When the area around the devices to be actuated is clear of persons who
might be injured by an accidental actuation, and with the “ARM” switch
turned off, turn on the receiver. After verifying that the receiver’s green
“RCV / BAT” indicator does not show reception of signals, turn on the
receiver’s ARM switch.
4.1.4 Turn the transmitter to its “ON” or “Enabled” state, arm it if necessary,
and press the appropriate button to actuate the desired receiver output. A
button must be depressed for at least 100 milliseconds to produce a
receiver output. 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 range.
4.1.5 When finished, turn off the receiver POWER and ARM switches, and turn
the transmitter lockswitch back to its “Safe” position to stop further drain
of the batteries. If the receiver and transmitter are to be stored for a
prolonged period, remove their batteries as described in section 1.6
above.
You may remove the transmitter antenna to make it easier to store the
units. The receiver antenna is permanently attached but bendable for
ease of storage.
Be careful not to overtighten the transmitter antenna when screwing it
back on, as this could cause its mating connector to rotate and break its
internal connection. Rotation could also occur, with the same result, when
subsequent 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 achieve 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.

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4.2 PAIRING.
Three parameters determine the transmitters to which the receiver will respond:
Proprietary System Code (0-255),
Digital Channel (1-12),
Cue Range (1-6 or 7-12)
With the digital switch set to position 0 or E, a single transmission will cause the
receiver to grab all three paramaters and pair itself with the transmitter that sent
them. Cue range will be set so that it contains the transmitted cue number. This
pairing will be saved in non-volatile memory even when the receiver power is off.
When the switch is subsequently set to position F, the receiver will continue to
respond to this saved system code, channel, and cue range. Optionally, the
channel number can be selected from the switch by setting it to positions 1-C, as
shown in the table in section 1.0. The paired system code and cue range are still
used in this case.
Paired or switch selected channel number is displayed as a series of green
flashes for each digit at power-on. Paired system code is displayed as a series of
green flashes for each digit during the pairing operation. Zero digits are
represented by a single long flash in this display. Leading zeroes are not
displayed.
When the receiver pairs with a transmitter, it will flash the received system code
number once and then cease flashing the battery level. Be sure to return the
digital switch to position F or to 1-C after pairing with a transmitter to prevent
possible change of the saved parameters on subsequent transmissions, and turn
receiver power off for a few seconds and then back on to restore normal
operation with the newly paired parameters.
4.2 MAINTENANCE.
Since there are no calibration or tuning adjustments in the units, the only
maintanance required is periodic replacement of the 9 volt batteries. This should
be done at least once per year, or at the next opportunity if the battery indicators
fail to flash at least twice per burst while power is switched on.
The receiver should occasionally be vacuumed to remove any dust or
contaminants that may have entered through the opening in the end of the box.
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 and receiver must
never be immersed in water.
If further information or service is required, contact:
Holatron Systems, LLC.
2800 Woodlawn Dr, Suite 138, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
[phone]
[email protected]m