Tracker Classic User manual

Classic Receiver

Notes

Congratulations! The Tracker Classic Receiver System will provide
you with state of the art radio-location technology for hunting dogs
and pets. This User’s Guide is intended to provide you with informa-
tion on the functions of the equipment as well as the basics of radio-
location techniques in order to get the most out of your system.
IMPORTANT:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY before operating the receiver.
Warnings:
1. Never operate the unit with a headset at high volume levels
2. Be careful to keep the receiver dry and minimize exposure to
rain, snow or other liquids.
3. Changes or modifications to this receiver, not approved by
Tracker Radio Systems, Inc. could void your authority to operate
this receiver under FCC regulations.
FCC ID: MWBFTV-466
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any
interference that may cause undesired operation.

Table of Contents:
Features 1
Receiver Upgrades 2
Integrated Antenna 2
Operating the Receiver 2
Controls 4
Turning ON and OFF 5
Changing Channels 5
Setting the Gain 5
NEAR Mode 5
Frequency Fine Adjustment 5
Plug-ins 6
Automatic Shut-off 7
Changing the Batteries 7
Maintenance 8
Using your System 9
Getting Started 9
Effective Range 13
Advanced Topics and Special Situations 14
Obstacles 14
Signal Bounce 14
Overhead Utilities 15
Use in and around a Vehicle 15
Location of Transmitter 15
Location of Receiver 15
Transmitters 16
Troubleshooting 16
Specifications 19

Features:
• Fixed crystal receiver capable of monitoring a maximum of
two frequencies
• Available in Frequencies ranging from 216 MHz through 220 Mhz
• Manual gain control mode
• Row of 11 LEDs indicate strength of signal
•Near button (attenuator) to assist in locating transmitters at
short distances
• Low battery indicator
• Toggle channel selection button with indicator lights
•Automatic shut-off
• Headphone jack/mute plug
• Patented, virtually unbreakable antenna elements incorporating
steel hinges with 10 year warranty
• Rugged body, CNC milled from a solid aluminum bar and
powder coated
• Splash proof design
Model number and serial number are on left rear antenna.
1

Receiver upgrades:
The Classic is sold as a one or two dog unit. If your receiver was
purchased to monitor a single frequency, you can return the
receiver to Tracker Radio and have a second crystal installed to
monitor a second collar. Charges are assessed for upgrading
and shipping.
CLASSIC RECEIVER
The Tracker CLASSIC receiver is a directional receiver marketed
for a variety of applications including hunting dogs, falconry, pet
tracking, remote control airplanes and model rockets. The anten-
nas fold alongside the body of the receiver to create the most
easily transportable receiver/antenna combination available any-
where in the world.
Below is a review of the important features of the Classic receiver.
Integrated Antenna:
A key feature of the Tracker CLASSIC receiver is the integrated fold-
ing antenna. Tracker antennas feature steel hinges connecting the
antenna elements to the receiver. You will notice that the antennas
are made of virtually unbreakable circuit board material. The
patented design allows the mechanical length of the antenna to be
significantly shorter than the required electrical length.
Operating the receiver:
To use the receiver, first unfold the antennas before activating
the receiver. The receiving antennas are situated on the front of
the receiver and, when fully extended, are perpendicular to the
axis of the receiver. The reflecting antennas are located to the
back and, when fully extended, form a 75 degree angle to the
axis of the receiver. All four elements need to be extended
when tracking.
2

Grasp the receiver in one hand with your thumb close to the
gain wheel. For best results, be careful not to touch the antenna
as you track. In particular, do not allow the rear antennas to rest
on your wrist or forearm, as this can affect the bearing accuracy.
3
Correct way to hold Receiver

4
Signal wheel (not volume)
Low Battery Light for Receiver
Channel Indicators
Channel 1 = red
Channel 2 = green
Channel Button
Signal Strength Lights
OFF Switch
Speaker
Silencer Plug
Not In Use
Near Light
Near Button
ON Switch
Collar Fine Tuner
Controls:
front
back

Operating the Classic Receiver:
Turning the receiver ON:
Press and hold the ON/OFF switch for approximately 1 to 2 sec-
onds. CH 1 will illuminate when receiver is on.
Turning the receiver OFF:
Press and hold the ON/OFF switch for approximately 1 - 2 sec-
onds. All lights will be extinguished when unit is off.
Changing Channels:
Use the CH button to switch between Channel 1 and Channel 2.
The CH1 indication light is red and the CH2 light is green.
Setting the Gain:
The gain should be set carefully in order to detect the transmitter
and to help in direction finding. A gain setting that is too high
will make it difficult to determine a bearing to the transmitter. To
set the Gain, turn the gain wheel to the lowest level where an
audible beep is heard and only green LEDs are illuminated in the
direction of strongest signal. This will provide the most precise
indication of bearing to the transmitter.
Near Mode:
Pressing the NEAR button will activate the attenuator (red light
above button will illuminate). Near mode is useful when seeking
to locate a dog that is less than a 1/2 mile from the receiver.
The NEAR button makes it easier to set the gain level by reduc-
ing the sensitivity.
Frequency Fine Adjustment:
All transmitters exhibit a certain amount of frequency drift based
on temperature and atmospheric conditions. Tracker has incor-
porated an adjustment wheel on the left side of the receiver to
fine-tune the frequency in order to assure maximum distance
tracking and adjusting the pitch of the beep to make it more
audible. To adjust the frequency, select the correct channel and
5

rotate the wheel to maximize the received signal (as indicated by
the LEDs or speaker). The adjustment wheel will modify the
frequency reception for each channel. If tracking two dogs, try to
set the wheel so a strong signal is heard on both dogs.
Headphone Plug/Sound cut-off:
6
Headphone Jack
In: Sound on
Out (1⁄8”): Sound off
Removed: For headphones (internal speaker off when
Headphones/external speaker is used)
The Headphone Jack takes a standard mini (1⁄8") Headphone
Plug (Headphones sold separately) Note that the speaker is OFF
when the Headphones are plugged in. The signal is audible in
both headphone speakers. When removing the plug to allow
the use of headphones, pull straight out. A string fed through
the hole in the plug may help with removal.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not attach a ring or other attachment to
plastic plug for purposes of a safety strap. This may cause the
plug to break off requiring factory service. Use metal flange adja-
cent to the headphone jack to attach receiver to holster, belt, etc.