KAR-TECH MICRO User manual

MICRO
RADIO REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
NORTHERN AG
3A4261EJ.doc
September 27, 2021
BF

MICRO REMOTE
1
INDEX
DESCRIPTION ........................................................................... 2
OPERATION .............................................................................. 2
INDICATOR LEDs ...................................................................... 3
TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SYNCHRONIZATION .................. 4
CLONING .................................................................................. 5
BATTERY CHARGING ................................................................. 6
OUTPUTS .................................................................................. 7
INSTALLATION ......................................................................... 7
BEFORE APPLYING POWER! ...................................................... 8
SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING USING OPTIONAL GATE: ............. 9
ACCESSING THE CONTROL PANEL ......................................................... 10
DIAGNOSTICS ....................................................................................... 10
CALIBRATION ....................................................................................... 11
HISTOGRAM .......................................................................................... 12
SOFTWARE UPDATE .............................................................................. 13
GATE CONFIGURATION ......................................................................... 14
GATE UPDATE ........................................................................................ 15
WIRING .................................................................................. 17
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ........................................................ 18
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS ................................................ 18
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................... 19
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART .................................................... 20
ERROR CODES......................................................................... 22
TRANSMITTER PICTORIAL ...................................................... 24
RECEIVER PICTORIAL ............................................................. 25
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................... 26
INSTRUCTION TO THE USER ................................................... 27

MICRO REMOTE
2
DESCRIPTION
The MICRO REMOTE is a state of
the art microprocessor based
Radio Frequency (RF) control
system. It will provide the
operator the ability to wirelessly
operate equipment. The
operator is required to follow all
OSHA www.osha.gov and other
applicable safety standards
when operating the equipment.
Do not use high power radio
devices in close proximity of this
product.
The remote control system
consists of: the radio
transmitter, receiver module,
and associated optional
equipment such as wiring
harnesses and Gate interface
tools.
The transmitter is equipped with
pushbuttons for the various
functions. This transmitter runs
on a 3.7V rechargeable battery.
The system’s radio receiver has
both PWM and ON/OFF outputs
to accommodate the functions
available on the transmitter. All
outputs are current-sourcing. It
also includes RS-232
communication for system
diagnostics.
OPERATION
Power must be applied to the
receiver module for the system
to work.
Pressing the POWER button until
the red and green LEDs appear
will turn on the transmitter.
Pressing and holding the POWER
button until the LEDs turn off
will turn off the transmitter.
Pressing the POWER will turn off
all outputs as a safety feature. If

MICRO REMOTE
3
the transmitter goes out of
range for more than 2 seconds,
all outputs except the BOOM
output will turn off as a safety
feature.
To save battery life, the
transmitter will turn off after 15
minutes if no buttons are
pressed. The user must press
POWER at this point to restore
transmitter operation. To
change the sleep time, use the
following procedure:
1. With the transmitter off,
press and hold POWER and
buttons IDLE LOW, IDLE
HIGH, and BOOM
2. Keep holding until the
green and red LEDs start
blinking together slowly.
Release buttons
3. Press one of the following
buttons for desired sleep
time:
a. ROLL RIGHT - 15
minutes
b. ROLL LEFT - 30
minutes
c. IDLE HIGH - 60
minutes
d. IDLE LOW - 120
minutes
e. BOOM – sleep time
disabled
INDICATOR LEDs
The transmitter has two
indicators, the red BATTERY
indicator and the green
TRANSMIT indicator. The green
TRANSMIT indicator blinks
rapidly whenever there is
communication between the
transmitter and the receiver. It
will blink slowly when there is no
communication (i.e. – no power
to the receiver).
The red BATTERY indicator starts
blinking once every second when

MICRO REMOTE
4
the battery voltage is low and
requires charging. Plug in the
transmitter as soon as possible
after seeing the low battery
indicator. See BATTERY
CHARGING below.
The receiver module can identify
problems with the system in the
form of an error code. Check
the red indicator on the receiver
to diagnose system problems.
Then, refer to the ERROR CODE
CHART in this manual for
explanation of the error codes.
The green LED indicator will
blink on the receiver during
active operation.
TRANSMITTER AND
RECEIVER
SYNCHRONIZATION
Each radio remote system is
designed to operate with a
unique radio ID code and RF
channel sequence. Each receiver
is programmed to respond only
to the transmitter with the
correct ID code/RF channel
sequence for which it is set. This
feature allows multiple systems
to work in close proximity to one
another without interference.
In the event that a transmitter
becomes damaged and a new
one is needed, the receiver can
be reprogrammed to respond to
the new transmitter. To teach
the ID code to the receiver, use
the following procedure. *Please
note that if this procedure is
interrupted before it has
completed, the system may
have intermittent operation:
1. Turn the transmitter and
receiver off
2. Press and hold the POWER
button for more than 10
seconds. LEDs should blink

MICRO REMOTE
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at this point. Release the
POWER button.
3. Apply power to the receiver
4. Only the green LED should
start to blink rapidly on the
transmitter
5. Teach complete
CLONING
Warning! This feature can
pose a safety hazard for
operators if both
transmitters are used
simultaneously! Use with
caution! Occasionally, it is
desirable to have more than one
transmitter work with a single
receiver. This is accomplished
by a process called cloning.
Cloning allows an additional
transmitter (B) to have the
same ID code as the original
transmitter (A). If this feature is
desired, use the following
procedure:
1. Make sure transmitters
and receivers are off
2. On transmitter A, press and
hold POWER button for
more than 10 seconds.
LEDs should blink at this
point. Release POWER
button
3. On transmitter B, press and
hold buttons ROLL RIGHT,
ROLL LEFT, and POWER
until the LEDs start to
blink. Release buttons
4. Wait for a few seconds until
the green LED only starts
to blink on transmitter A
and transmitter B turns off.
5. Turn off both transmitters
6. Synchronize one of the
transmitters to the
receivers
If cloning feature has been
invoked and is no longer
desired, the ID code of one of
the transmitters needs to be

MICRO REMOTE
6
changed. This will unclone the
transmitters. If this is desired,
use the following procedure:
1. Make sure the receiver and
transmitters are OFF
2. Press and hold buttons
ROLL LEFT, IDLE HIGH,
BOOM, and POWER until
the LEDs start to toggle.
Release buttons
3. Press any button again to
select a new ID
4. Uncloning complete
5. Use transmitter and
receiver synchronization
procedure above to link the
uncloned transmitter to
new receivers
BATTERY CHARGING
The battery can be charged by
plugging the AC wall charger or
DC cigarette charger into the
USB port. Red and green LED
indicators near the top of the
transmitter indicate the status of
the charger: A red LED indicates
that the battery is charging and
a green LED indicates that the
battery is fully charged.
IMPORTANT BATTERY INFO
When the battery is new, the
run-time of the transmitter will
be shorter until it has gone
through the drain/charge cycle
several times. After this point,
the unit’s current drain should
allow at least 20 hours of run-
time before a recharge is
needed.
The temperature that the
transmitter battery is exposed to
affects performance and useful
life. It is strongly recommended
you keep within the following
limits:
A. Charging: -4 to +86F
B. Operating: -20 to +122F

MICRO REMOTE
7
C. Storing: -4 to +86F
(lower is better)
OUTPUTS
Each of the outputs from the
receiver module is designed with
built-in short circuit and
overload protection. The
outputs can also detect a no-
load or broken wire condition.
These error conditions are
evident by the red LED indicator
on the receiver module or the
HISTOGRAM page on the
optional Gate.
The outputs will detect a no-load
or short condition WHEN
activated.
INSTALLATION
Refer to the WIRING CHART in
this manual for hookup of the
harness.
To install the receiver module,
use the mounting holes provided
on the enclosure to attach it in a
vertical manner with the wires
facing down. Please take extra
caution not to damage internal
components while installing. It is
advised to mount the unit as
high as possible, keeping clear
of metal obstructions around the
antenna which might affect RF
performance. Antenna extension
cables are available from Kar-
Tech to aid in this, if needed.
During operation, the controller
will generate heat that must be
dissipated. The published amps
rating can only be fully achieved
if adequate cooling is provided.
Mount the controller so that the
enclosure makes contact with a
metallic surface (chassis,
cabinet) to conduct the heat and
nothing protrudes through the

MICRO REMOTE
8
potting material to damage
internal electronic components.
The main power to the receiver
should be connected through a
switched, fused line capable of a
minimum of 100 amps. For best
results, connect power (+) to
the motor driver via an auxiliary
terminal of the ignition switch,
PTO switch, or ignition relay.
Connecting the ground (-)
directly to the BATTERY –
terminal is preferred for optimal
performance.
All connections must be properly
insulated to protect against
shorts.
Seal all connections with a non-
conductive silicone grease to
prevent corrosion.
BEFORE APPLYING
POWER!
 Check power and ground for
proper polarity.
 Check the wiring harness for
possible shorts before
connecting to output devices
(i.e., valves and relays) by
checking each mating pin
terminal.
 Verify that the transmitter
battery is fully charged.
 Read the rest of this manual.

MICRO REMOTE
9
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING
USING OPTIONAL
GATE:
The Kar-Tech GATE connects
to the receiver/controller thru
the RS232 diagnostic port.
Note: To prevent electrical
shorts and damage turn
Receiver power off. Plug
gate to the receiver then
turn power on to the
receiver.
The GATE creates a Wi-Fi
access point which allows you
to connect to any device with
Wi-Fi and web browser such
as smart phones, pads or
personal computers. It
supports Google Chrome,
Internet Explorer, Firefox and
IOS Safari and allows user to
configure, diagnose and
troubleshoot the system.
The GATE’s POWER LED will
start to blink if the battery is
low. Charge the GATE as
soon as possible after seeing
low battery indicator using a
Kar-Tech cable. After being
plugged in, the GATE will turn
off after 1 minute if no
receiver or Wi-Fi is connected.
If the receiver or Wi-Fi is
connected, the GATE will turn
off after 5 minutes of no Wi-Fi
and receiver connection
otherwise it will stay on.
Gate Diagnostic Tool

MICRO REMOTE
10
ACCESSING THE CONTROL
PANEL
1. Turn off power to the
receiver.
2. Plug in the GATE to the
receiver.
3. Turn on the power to the
receiver. The power LED
on the GATE will turn on
at this point
4. Use your device and look
for the available WiFi
networks. A network
under the name of
“NORTHERN3A426”
should be available at
this point. Connect to
the network, the
password is 3A4266A1.
5. Once the connection is
established, open a web
browser on your device.
Kar-Tech recommends
using the Firefox
browser.
6. Enter the address
http://192.168.1.1 in
the address bar
Address Bar
7. The following options are
available from the main
screen.
Main Screen
DIAGNOSTICS
Tap the Diagnostic button to
see the diagnostic screens,
which shows the present state

MICRO REMOTE
11
of remote communications,
and system I/O.
When the round circle next to
a label is dark, the
corresponding ON/OFF input
or output is sensed to be
active or ON.
Diagnostics
CALIBRATION
To change the configuration of
the unit, tap the Calibration
icon.
Calibration
The password to gain access
to the calibration screens is
1262.
To adjust a proportional
output’s configuration, use
the following procedure:
1. Select the output to
change from the first
drop-down menu
a. ROLLOVER LEFT –
Select to adjust

MICRO REMOTE
12
this PWM output
b. ROLLOVER RIGHT –
Select to adjust
this PWM output
c. IDLE LOW – Select
to adjust this PWM
output
d. IDLE HIGH –
Select to adjust
this PWM output
2. Select the parameter of
the output to change
from the second drop-
down menu
a. Min – Minimum
percent (%) of PWM
b. Max – Maximum
percent (%) of PWM
c. Ramp Up – Time in
seconds to go from
Min to Max PWM
d. Ramp Down – Time
in seconds to go
from Max PWM to
zero
e. Frequency – Dither
frequency to valves
in Hz (Change
affects all outputs)
3. Enter the new value in
the new value box
4. Tap the Save button to
send the setting to
memory
The lines to the right of the
parameter indicate the
present value of the output (if
active).
Tap the Factory Settings
button to return all outputs to
standard values. Tap HOME to
quit calibration and return to
the main menu.
HISTOGRAM
Tap the Histogram icon to see
a set of screens that show
which error codes are active
and how many times the

MICRO REMOTE
13
specific error code has been
active.
This feature can be used to
troubleshoot machine wiring
and other problems. Tapping
the Reset button resets the
error code counts. The
password to reset error codes
is 1262. Tap the Home button
to return to the main menu.
Note: the GATE is not a
precision measurement
instrument. There may be
delays.
Histogram Page
SOFTWARE UPDATE
Use the Choose File button
to select new software on
your device with which to
program the receiver. Kar-
Tech will have provided
software in the .kar format.
Once the file is selected, press
the SUBMIT button to upload
the file.
Note: This feature does not
work on Apple mobile or
tablet products.
Note: Do not turn the receiver
or the GATE off during the
upload process.
Software Update
Page

MICRO REMOTE
14
Gate Configuration Page
GATE CONFIGURATION
This page allows you to
change the name (SSID) of
the WiFi network you are
connecting to. Factory
settings will rename the Wi-Fi
to its original name.
If Broadcast SSID option is
selected, the Wi-Fi name
(SSID) is public and it will be
visible to any other Wi-Fi
devices. Otherwise, the Wi-Fi
name (SSID) is hidden and it
would require manual
connection to the network.
If Enable Multiple Connections
is selected, multiple
connections up to 4 devices
could be connected to the
GATE. However, only one of
the connected devices can use
the GATE. If Single connection
is enabled, only one device
can be connected to the
GATE.
NOTE: A reconnect to the new
Wi-Fi connection is needed
after each change. It is
advised to keep a note of the
WiFi name in case if Not
Broadcast SSID option is
selected. Forgetting the WiFi
name after selecting this
option will require the GATE

MICRO REMOTE
15
to be sent to KAR-TECH for
RESET.
GATE UPDATE
This page was designed to
upload software that changes
the product that the GATE
interface works with.
Once the LOAD button is
pressed the application on the
GATE will be deleted.
Gate Update Page
1. Select LOAD
2. Disconnect then
reconnect to
“NORTHERN3A426”
network
3. Press HOME button
4. Screen below should be
shown:
5. Press Gate Software
Update
6. Using Browse select
proper .gat file
7. Press Submit
8. File will upload and say
Success! When complete
9. Disconnect then
reconnect to
“NORTHERN3A426”
network
10. Press HOME button
11. Update complete
Note: the GATE is not a

MICRO REMOTE
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precision measurement
instrument. There may be
some delays.

MICRO REMOTE
17
WIRING
COLOR DESCRIPTION
RED 14GA GXL POWER (9-30V)
BLACK 14GA GXL GROUND
WHITE 14GA GXL ROLLOVER LEFT PWM OUTPUT
WHITE 14GA GXL ROLLOVER RIGHT PWM OUTPUT
BLUE 18GA GXL IDLE LOW PWM OUTPUT
BROWN 18GA GXL IDLE HIGH PWM OUTPUT
WHITE 14GA GXL BOOM OUTPUT
PIN DESCRIPTION
1 POWER (9-30V)
2 RS-232 RX
3 RS-232 TX
5 GROUND
DB9 CONNECTOR

MICRO REMOTE
18
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Clean transmitter regularly with
a damp cloth and mild
detergent.
Inspect electrical wiring for wear
points or other damage. Repair
as required.
Inspect all connections for
looseness or corrosion. Tighten
and/or "seal" as necessary.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
When performing any inspection
or maintenance work on the
remote system, always exercise
care to prevent injury to yourself
and others or damage to the
equipment. The following are
general precautions, which
should be closely followed in
carrying out any maintenance
work.
Do not have hydraulic power
available to the valves when
performing electrical tests.
Never operate or test any
function if any person is in an
area where they could be hurt
by being hit or squeezed by the
hydraulic equipment.
Turn power off before
connecting or disconnecting
valve coils or other electrical
loads.

MICRO REMOTE
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TROUBLESHOOTING
This next section provides basic
operator level troubleshooting
for the MICRO REMOTE system.
If, after following these
instructions, the system still
does not function, contact your
KAR-TECH representative for
further instructions or servicing.