SNIF Tag User manual

03Copyright ©2008
welcome to the SNIF® Tag
Dear SNIF Tag user,
We would like to personally thank you for purchasing our product
and welcome you to an exclusive and like-minded pet-owning
community. We share your passion for our beloved four-legged
friends & family members, and we wish you every bit of joy while
using our product.
Sincerely,
The SNIF Team

05Copyright ©2008
contents
welcome to the SNIF® Tag .........................................................................................03
contents ....................................................................................................................04
in the box ..................................................................................................................06
setting up your SNIF® Tag and Base Station ...............................................................07
setting up your Base Station ..................................................................................07
Base Station setup through available ethernet port .................................................08
advanced ethernet configuration ......................................................................08
alternative Base Station setup through USB port on personal computer ..............09
tag charging ......................................................................................................... 10
web registration .................................................................................................... 10
collar clasp ........................................................................................................... 11
rim customization ................................................................................................. 12
tag basics ............................................................................................................. 13
maximizing Base Station performance ................................................................... 13
collar tones ........................................................................................................... 14
engraving ............................................................................................................. 15
LED glossary .............................................................................................................. 16
care instructions ........................................................................................................ 24
caution ......................................................................................................................25
FCC notice ........................................................................................................... 26
RF safety compliance ............................................................................................27
antenna care/unauthorized modifications ..............................................................27
declaration of conformity ...................................................................................... 27
software license agreement ........................................................................................28
no assignment; no reverse engineering ..................................................................29
limited warranty ....................................................................................................29
exclusions .............................................................................................................30
exclusive remedies ................................................................................................30
obtaining warranty service .................................................................................... 31
warranties exclusive .............................................................................................. 31
limitation of liability ..............................................................................................32
disclaimer ............................................................................................................32
compliance with the law ........................................................................................32
term and termination ............................................................................................33
U.S. government rights .........................................................................................33
severability ...........................................................................................................34
entire agreement ..................................................................................................34
important product information..................................................................................... 36

07Copyright ©2008
setting up your SNIF® Tag
and Base Station
Setup of your SNIF Tag and Base Station is done in three parts. First, you will select how to
connect your Base Station to the Internet, and you will get your Base Station online. Second,
you will go online to www.sniftag.com/register to associate your Base Station and Tag
with your SNIF web profile. If this is your first SNIF product, the registration website will
guide you through the profile setup process. Third, you will setup the collar clasp on your
dog’s collar.
setting up your Base Station
The Base Station can be connected to the Internet in one of two ways. The preferred method
is to connect the Base Station directly to your home network through Ethernet. This allows
your Base Station to stay fully connected at all times.
In the event that you do not have an available Ethernet port on your home network, you
can also set up the Base Station to communicate to your personal computer over USB.
However, in this mode your computer must be switched on for the Base Station to connect to
the Internet. Please keep in mind that if using the USB configuration, certain SNIF services
such as real-time monitoring will be temporarily unavailable while your personal computer
is switched off. Data uploads to your web profile may also be delayed.
01. SNIF® Tag
02. SNIF® Base Station
03. Three interchangeable faceplates
04. Three interchangeable rims
05. Instruction booklet
06. Small collar clasp*
07. Medium collar clasp*
08. One SNIF® Tag key
09. One Ethernet cable
10. One AC power adaptor
11. One USB cable
* Please note: Large collar clasps
available through online shop at
www.sniftag.com/shop.
in the box

09Copyright ©2008
Base Station setup through available ethernet port
Locate an available Ethernet port on your home network
or DSL / cable router. (Additional router purchase may
be necessary; please refer to www.sniftag.com/router
for suggestions of which router to purchase.) See
“Advanced Ethernet configuration” below for home
networks that use customized settings.
Connect the Base Station to this Ethernet port using the
supplied Ethernet cable.
Connect the included power supply to the Base Station.
Wait up to 15 seconds for your Base Station to connect
(indicated by the Back Rim turning green).
For best wireless performance, place your Base
Station away from metal objects and clear of other
obstructions.
advanced ethernet configuration
The Base Station is configured to use DHCP for network configuration by default. If you
would prefer to use a static IP address or DHCP is not available, you can download the SNIF
Configuration Wizard from www.sniftag.com/download and follow the instructions for
advanced settings.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Back Rim
Ethernet
USB
Power
alternative Base Station setup through USB port on
personal computer
This setup method requires that you
have a personal computer running
Windows XP, Windows Vista, or
Macintosh OS X 10.4 or later.
Download, install, and run
the USB setup software at
www.sniftag.com/download.
If you are using a USB port that
is not designed to supply power,
please connect the included
power supply to the Base Station.
Refer to your computer’s User
Manual if necessary to determine
your USB port configuration.
Connect Base Station to the computer using the included USB cable.
Follow the Configuration Wizard’s instructions to setup the USB service on your computer.
Refer to the LED glossary (p15) to verify that your Base Station is powered on and fully
connected to the network.
For best wireless performance, place your Base Station away from metal objects and
clear of other obstructions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

11Copyright ©2008
collar clasp
Select a collar clasp that best fits your dog’s
existing collar. In the box, you will find a
small and medium sized clasp. Larger
clasps are available from our online shop
at www.sniftag.com/shop.
If you have a collar with a tapered
end (some leather collars, for
example), simply thread the end of
the collar through the metal clasp.
For all other collars, slide the collar
halfway into the clasp through the
gap on the bottom of the clasp. Fold
the collar at an angle and maneuver
the second half of the strap under the
left hand corner of the clasp. Feed
the collar through the clasp in a left
to right motion.
Once your tag is fully charged, locate it over the collar clasp and snap it into place
while simultaneously depressing the side buttons. Ensure that the tag snaps in
securely. Simultaneously depress the side buttons to release the tag.
1.
2.
3.
tag charging
If you have completed the Base Station setup
successfully, you are ready to charge your SNIF Tag.
Place the Tag on the Base Station charging tray. Please
refer to the LED Glossary (p16) to verify that the Tag
is charging. The Tag may need to charge up to three
hours for a full charge out of the box, but typically it
will only require between one and two hours to reach
full charge under normal operation.
web registration
Visit www.sniftag.com/register.
Use your unique 6-digit Web registration code
to register and activate the Base Station and
Tag. The registration code can be found on the
bottom of the Base Station and at the back of
this instruction booklet.
Follow the instructions to register your Base Station and Tag.
Go SNIF!
1.
2.
3.
4.

13Copyright ©2008
tag basics
The Tag will typically run for several days on a full charge. A low battery LED warning will
indicate that it needs to be recharged (please refer to the LED glossary). If you would like
to save power while the Tag is not in use, you can turn it off by pressing and holding down
the power button for a few seconds. An LED pattern will indicate that the Tag has turned
off. To turn it back on, simply repeat the procedure. Alternatively, the Tag can be turned
on immediately by placing it on the Base Station charging-tray. If at any point the Tag does
not respond to button presses, the battery is probably fully drained. Allow the Tag several
minutes of charging before expecting it to respond. If problems persist, please go online to
www.sniftag.com/support for troubleshooting. For more detailed information on how the
Tag behaves during basic use, see the LED glossary.
maximizing Base Station performance
The Base Station’s radio has a range of approximately 50ft. In order to get the best
performance possible, locate the Base Station in a part of the house where your dog is likely
to spend most of its time.
NOTE: Your tag will also automatically update if it comes within range of any other active
base station that is connected to the Internet. Conversely, other tags will stream data through
your base station if they are in range.
rim customization
The Tag Ships with one lens and rim already fitted. In order to interchange and customize
your tag, follow these easy steps.
Insert the Tag key into slotted key hole to release rim.
Remove rim and lens and choose which colors and pattern to use next.
Remove protective film from lens.
Insert lens face up into slotted surface and snap the new rim in place. The graphic is
printed on the bottom face of the lens.
1.
2.
3.
4.

15Copyright ©2008
engraving
In order to further customize your SNIF Tag, you have the opportunity to engrave the backing
plate with standard personal information such as your dog’s name, your phone number, or
any other details you might require.
At this time SNIF does not offer engraving services, so we would recommend taking the Tag
to a jeweler in order lay out and engrave the text.
For our mascot Turbo, taking
care we aligned the text with
the embossed logo, we laid
it out as follows:
Name
Address Line 1
Address Line 2
Address Line 3
Telephone Number
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
collar tones
A Collar Tone is a stylish light pattern that can be displayed on the SNIF Tag during certain
events. You can personalize your Collar Tone directly from your SNIF web profile. The full
color LED light on the Tag allows for hundreds of possibilities.
The default Collar Tone is a fade through the color spectrum from green, to red, to blue. You
will notice it at the following times:
When the tag reaches a high activity level (i.e. when your dog runs or when shaking
the Tag).
Upon encountering another SNIF Tag or Base Station.
Upon confirmation of Tag registration.
Upon confirmation of a change to your Collar Tone made on your SNIF web profile.
1.
2.
3.
4.

17Copyright ©2008
Diagram showing the back of the SNIF® TagLED glossary
SNIF® Tag State
Turn On Tag White, Fade In
Hold power button for three seconds.
Turn Off Tag White, Fade Out
Hold power button for three seconds.
Tag Check Green, Blink (slow)
When you tap the power button:
This lets you know that the tag is
awake and operational. Keep the
button depressed to put the tag to
sleep or to wake it up from sleep.
Tag Charging Yellow, Solid
Battery charging when placed
on the SNIF® Base Station;
A full charge requires between
one and two hours of continuous
charging.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Power Button
Reset Button

19Copyright ©2008
SNIF® Tag State
9. Tag Internal Memory low Blue, Blinking
The Tag’s internal memory is nearly
full. This may happen when a Tag
has not been in range of any
connected Base Station for a week or
longer. Please return your Tag to a
Base Station so that its recorded
history can be uploaded. Also, check
to make sure that your Base Station is
powered on and connected to the
network (see Base Station LED
glossary).
10. Tag Reset White, Fade In (Same as start)
When you push and release the reset
button: you have manually reset the
Tag and it is booting up. In a few
moments the start-up LED sequence
should play to let you know that the
Tag is awake and running.
SNIF® Tag State
5. Tag Fully Charged Green, Solid
Tag placed on SNIF® Base Station is
fully charged. Remove the Tag from
the Base Station and place it back
on the metal collar clasp.
6. Low Battery Warning Red, Blinking
Please return the Tag to the Base
Station to charge the battery.
7. Tag Boot Up Green, Blink (fast)
Booting up after reset. If the Tag’s
battery has been fully drained, the
Tag will go through a boot sequence
when it is first starting to charge on
the BaseStation. In a few moments, the
Tag will start charging as normal.
8. Tag Internal Error Red, Solid
Try to reset using the reset button. If
problem persists, contact technical
support at www.sniftag.com/support.

21Copyright ©2008
SNIF® Base Station State LED Color reference
The Base Station has two ambient
display sections. Both the front and
rear light up to communicate different
feedback on the Base Station’s current
state.
11. Base Station Startup Green, Single Blink; Entire Rim
The Base Station has powered on.
12. Base Station Fully Connected Green, Solid; Back Rim
The Base Station has a functional
Internet connection. This is the
desired normal operation state.
13. Base Station Partially Connected Amber, Solid; Back Rim
If using Ethernet, the Ethernet cable
is connected. If connecting to the
Internet over USB, the PC software is
communicating with the Base Station.
14. Base Station Updating Green, Blinking; Entire Rim
DO NOT POWER DOWN OR
DISCONNECT. Base Station will
restart when update is complete.
Diagram of SNIF® Base Station
Ethernet
USB
Power
Back Rim
Front Rim

23Copyright ©2008
SNIF® Base Station State LED Color reference
15. Tag Within Range Green, Solid, Front Rim
Base Station is communicating
with one or more tags.
16. Base Station Needs To Be Green, Blinking, Rear Rim
Configured
Please run the SNIF Configuration
Wizard to update the settings on
your Base Station over USB. If you
have not yet downloaded this
application, you can find it at
www.sniftag.com/download.
17. Base Station Internal Error Amber, Blinking, Rear Rim
Try to reset by momentarily
disconnecting power and USB.
If the problem persists please
contact technical support at
www.sniftag.com/support.

25Copyright ©2008
caution
This product constitutes a choking hazard; keep away from children under the age of
three (3) years.
Notify your vet immediately if your dog ingests part or all of the tag; a punctured
battery may have harmful or even fatal effects.
The SNIF® Base Station contains one (1) magnet; ingesting multiple magnets could
lead to fatal injury.
The SNIF® Tag contains a Lithium Polymer Battery - please dispose of appropriately.
Do not disassemble, puncture, or crush the tag enclosure or battery. Do not expose
the Tag to excessive heat or open flame.
Never attempt to charge your SNIF Tag using equipment that does not bear an
official SNIF logo or has not been explicitly approved by SNIF Labs, Inc. for this
purpose.
Never attempt to use the SNIF Base Station to power any device that does not bear
an official SNIF logo or has not been explicitly approved by SNIF Labs, Inc. for use
with the SNIF Base Station.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
care instructions
Important Notice: Do not wash the Tag under running water; it is splash resistant only. Water
damage will void the warranty.
To clean, use damp cloth and wipe away dirt or dust.
Do not use any solvent-based cleaners with product; it may damage the plastic
components.
Every SNIF® Tag ships with three rims and lenses, allowing for the opportunity to
customize, but also to replace scratched or cracked rims. Additional rim and lens
accessory kits are available at www.sniftag.com/shop.
Keep Tag on the collar or Base Station.
1.
2.
3.
4.

27Copyright ©2008
This equipment is not for use in conjunction with other radio frequency transmitters.
RF safety compliance
In order to comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, a minimum separation distance
of 0.377 mm must be maintained between the antenna and all persons during normal
operation. Do not disassemble the SNIF® Tag to ensure this safe minimum separation
distance.
antenna care/unauthorized modifications
Use only the supplied integral antenna. Unauthorized antenna modifications or attachments
could damage the unit and may violate FCC regulations. Any changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
declaration of conformity
SNIF Labs declares that the above models of SNIF Tag and SNIF Base Station are compliant
with the regulations below:
Manufacturers Name: SNIF Labs, Inc.
108 Lincoln Street
Boston Massachusetts 02111 USA
FCC notice
Part 15.21
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by
unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
1.
2.
3.
4.

29Copyright ©2008
that the Software is used only in connection with SNIF products. You may use the Software
only on one SNIF product. Otherwise, the Software and supporting documentation may
be copied only as essential for backup or archive purposes in support of your use of the
Software. You must reproduce and include all copyright notices and any other proprietary
rights notices appearing on the Software on any copies that you make. Except as set forth
above, this License Agreement does not grant you any rights, whether by license, ownership
or otherwise, in or to the Software.
no assignment; no reverse engineering
You may transfer the Software to another party only by a transfer of the SNIF product and
only if the transferee accepts the terms and conditions of this License Agreement. If you
transfer the Software, you must at the same time either transfer all copies of the Software
as well as the supporting documentation to the same party or destroy any such materials
not transferred. Modification, reverse engineering, reverse compiling, or disassembly of the
Software is expressly prohibited.
limited warranty
SNIF warrants to you only that new SNIF branded products will be free from defects in
workmanship and materials, under normal use, for one (1) year from the original purchase
date. SNIF warrants to you only that the Software created by SNIF will perform in substantial
conformance to their program specifications for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of
original purchase. SNIF makes no warranty or representation that the operation of the products
will be uninterrupted or error free, or that all defects in the Software will be corrected.
Type of Equipment: SNIF® Tag
Model Number: S5A001
FCC ID: VLFS5A001
IC: 7310A-S5A001
Year of Manufacture: 2007
Type of Equipment: SNIF® Base Station
Model Number: S5B001
FCC ID: VLFS5B001
IC: 7310A-S5B001
Year of Manufacture: 2007
software license agreement
CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE USING THIS
PRODUCT. IT CONTAINS SOFTWARE, THE USE OF WHICH IS LICENSED BY SNIF LABS,
INC. (“SNIF”) TO YOU, THE ORIGINAL END USER, FOR YOUR USE ONLY AS SET FORTH
BELOW. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT,
DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE. USING ANY PART OF THE SOFTWARE INDICATES THAT
YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS.
LICENSE: SNIF grants you a limited, nonexclusive license to use the accompanying software
program(s) (the “Software”) subject to the terms and restrictions set forth in this License
Agreement. You are not permitted to use the Software in any manner not expressly authorized
by this License. You acknowledge and agree that ownership of the Software and all subsequent
copies thereof regardless of the form or media are held by SNIF or its suppliers.
The Software is licensed for use on any SNIF product and/or personal computer, provided

31Copyright ©2008
obtaining warranty service
You should refer to SNIF’s website at www.sniftag.com for information on obtaining
warranty service authorization. Methods for obtaining warranty service may vary depending
on whether purchases were made from an authorized carrier or other provider of SNIF
products, or SNIF directly. All requests for warranty service authorization must be made
within the applicable warranty period. Dated proof of original purchase will be required.
Products or parts shipped by you to SNIF must be sent postage-paid and packaged
appropriately for safe shipment. SNIF is not responsible for products received without a
warranty service authorization, which may be rejected. Repaired or replacement products
will be shipped to you at SNIF’s expense. All products or parts that are replaced become
the property of SNIF. SNIF shall not be responsible for software, firmware, information, or
memory data contained in, stored on, or integrated with any products returned to SNIF for
repair, whether under warranty or not. The repair and replacement process for products or
parts in locations outside of the United States will vary depending on your location.
warranties exclusive
The foregoing warranties and remedies are exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, terms
or conditions, express, implied or statutory, including warranties of merchantability, fitness
for a particular purpose, accuracy, correspondence with description, satisfactory quality and
non-infringement, all of which are expressly disclaimed by SNIF and its suppliers.
exclusions
This warranty excludes (1) physical damage to the surface of the product, including cracks
or scratches on the outside casing; (2) damage caused by misuse, neglect, unauthorized
attempts to open, repair, or modify the product, or any other cause beyond the range of the
intended use; (3) damage caused by accident, fire, power changes, other hazards, or acts of
God; or (4) use of the product with any device or service not provided by SNIF if such device
or service causes the problem.
Any third party products, including software, included with SNIF products are not covered
by this SNIF warranty and SNIF makes no representations or warranties on behalf of such
third parties. Any warranty on such products is from the supplier or licensor of the third party
product.
exclusive remedies
Should a covered defect occur during the warranty period and you notify SNIF, your sole
and exclusive remedy shall be, at SNIF’s sole option and expense, to repair or replace the
product or software. If SNIF cannot reasonably repair or replace then SNIF may, in its sole
discretion, refund the purchase price paid for the product. Replacement products or parts
may be new or reconditioned or comparable versions of the defective item. SNIF warrants
any replaced or repaired product, part, or SNIF Software for a period of ninety (90) days
from shipment, or through the end of the original warranty, whichever is longer.

33Copyright ©2008
you are buying for your own internal use only, and not for resale. SNIF has separate terms
and conditions governing purchase for resale. The hardware, Software, and technology
provided to you are subject to the U.S. Export Administration Regulations and may be subject
to similar laws, regulations, or requirements in other countries. You agree to comply with the
U.S. Export Administration Regulations and such other laws, regulations, or requirements
as may apply to your receipt, re-export and use of the hardware, Software, and technology
provided to you. This provision shall survive the termination of this agreement.
term and termination
This License Agreement is effective until terminated. You may terminate it at any time by
destroying the Software and documentation together with all copies and merged portions in
any form. It will also terminate immediately if you fail to comply with any term or condition
of this License Agreement. Upon such termination you agree to destroy the Software and
documentation, together with all copies.
U.S. government rights
The Software licensed under this License Agreement is “commercial computer software”
as the term is described in 48 C.F.R. 252.227-7014(a)(1). If acquired by or on behalf of a
civilian agency, the U.S. Government acquires this commercial computer software and/or
commercial computer software documentation subject to the terms of this License Agreement
as specified in 48 C.F.R. 12.212 (Computer Software) and 48 C.F.R. 12.211 (Technical Data)
of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (“FAR”) and its successors. If acquired by or on behalf
of any agency within the Department of Defense (“DOD”), the U.S. Government acquires
this commercial computer software and/or commercial computer software documentation
limitation of liability
Neither SNIF nor its suppliers shall be liable for incidental, consequential, indirect, special,
or punitive damages of any kind, loss of information or data, loss of revenue, loss of business
or other financial loss arising out of or in connection with the sale or use of this product,
whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict product liability or any other
theory, even if SNIF has been advised of the possibility of such damages and even if any
limited remedy specified in this agreement is deemed to have failed of its essential purpose.
SNIF’s entire liability shall be limited to replacement, repair, or refund of the purchase price
paid, at SNIF’s option.
disclaimer
Some countries, states, or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied
warranties or the limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitations
and exclusions may be limited in their application to you. When implied warranties may not
be excluded in their entirety, they will be limited to the duration of the applicable written
warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may have other rights that may
vary depending on local law. Your statutory rights are not affected.
compliance with the law
You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the various states and of the
United States and other countries that relate to the products or this Agreement. The products
are intended for purchase and use only in the United States. You agree and represent that

35Copyright ©2008
subject to the terms of this License Agreement as specified in 48 C.F.R. 227.7202-3 of the
DOD FAR Supplement (“DFAR”) and its successors.
governing law
This License Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and by the laws of the United States, excluding their conflicts of laws principles. The United
Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (1980) is hereby
excluded in its entirety from application to this License Agreement.
severability
In the event any provision of this License Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any of the remaining provisions
shall not in any way be affected or impaired.
entire agreement
This License Agreement set forth the entire agreement between you and SNIF, supersedes
all prior agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to the Software, and may be
amended only in a writing signed by both parties.

important product information
Unique SNIF® Tag Serial Number
Unique SNIF® Base Station Mac Address &
Web Registration Code