Robotex AVATAR User manual

2014
Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator Manual
www.robotex.com

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Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator User Manual A3-0714-01
Safety Information
Read this manual carefully before operating an Avatar® Robot or any related accessories.
THIS IS A DANGEROUS HIGH VOLTAGE DEVICE. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES OPEN UP THE
DEVICE.
Carefully inspect the Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator before each use.
Ensure that all parts are secured in place and properly installed. Do not try to make repairs yourself. Parts
may not work properly if they have been repaired by a party other than RoboteX, Inc.
Do not modify any components on the robot yourself. Doing so may cause permanent damage not
covered by your warranty.
Do not place fingers in between the tracks or flippers when the unit is powered on. Keep fingers and
other body parts away from moving parts at all times.
Care should be taken when running the robot near pedestrians, small children, or objects that can be
harmed. Be aware of your and the robot’s surroundings at all times.
AC Adapter Handling: Use only the supplied AC adapter. Do not use any other unauthorized AC adapters.
Damage to robot and battery may occur from use of alternate AC adapters.
FCC Caution: This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and may cause interference to
external reception if not installed and used properly in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Before switching payloads/accessories on the robot, make sure the battery is unplugged and the unit is
powered down.

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Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator User Manual A3-0714-01
Introduction to the Avatar® Universal Shock
Tube Initiator
The Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator allows the user to mount and wirelessly
fire shock tube on the Avatar® Robot and Manipulator Arm. Using the robot and
arm as a mobile base, the initiator is mounted on the arm for remote manipulation
and control.

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Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator User Manual A3-0714-01
Setup & Use Instructions
Please read the main Avatar® User Manual BEFORE proceeding with use of this device.
The manual was included with your robot purchase.
A) Mount Initiator on the Arm
1. The Universal Shock tube Initiator comes with the following components: Initiator, (4) Stainless Steel Standoffs, &
USB Avatar Firing Key, an alan wrench, and a spare bracket (last two not pictured).

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Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator User Manual A3-0714-01
Your RoboteX Shock Tube Initiator is supplied with a high angle (-10 degree) shock tube mounting bracket and a
low angle (0 degree) shock tube mounting bracket. Users can choose the bracket that is most appropriate for the
situation they are dealing with.
High Angle (-10 degree)
Low Angle (0 degree)

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Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator User Manual A3-0714-01
2. Make sure the Avatar Robot is not powered up (take the battery out). Then make sure the Avatar Manipulator Arm
is installed properly on the Robot (See Manipulator Arm User Manual).
3. Remove the Arm Payload Cover from the side of the Manipulator Arm.

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Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator User Manual A3-0714-01
4. Install the (4) Standoffs onto the side of the Arm. Make sure they are tightened down securely with a ¼” wrench or
flat head screw driver.
5. Slide the Initiator over the standoffs and tighten down the (4) Payload screws down to secure the initiator onto the
Arm using a flathead screw driver.

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Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator User Manual A3-0714-01
B) Install shock tube
1. Obtain the shock tube and cut a 3ft length.
2. Loosen the spanner nut on the back end of the Initiator. Note: you do not need to remove the spanner nut, only
loosen enough to slide in the shock tube
3. Slide in the shock tube until you can see the end of the shock tube insert over the end of the firing tip. Then tighten
down the spanner nut to hold the shock tube in place.

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Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator User Manual A3-0714-01
4. Loop the other end of the shock tube and secure with a small piece of electrical tape to the initiator to keep it out
of the way of the robot and so it will easily uncoil when shock tube is fired.
5. Couple the other end of the shock tube as indicated close to the initiator side when firing.
6. Now the battery can be inserted to power on the Robot.

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Avatar® Universal Shock Tube Initiator User Manual A3-0714-01
C) Operate the Initiator
1. Once the Initiator and shock tube are installed correctly, the robot and controller can be powered on.
2. When device is set up for the use case and ready to fire the shock tube, insert the USB Avatar Firing Key into the
controller USB port and follow the screen prompts. The robot functions will freeze the moment the USB stick is
inserted into the controller. Removing the USB will abort the initiator commands and robot functions will resume.