Tracker Receiver Classic Receiver Operating Instructions
Have a look at the manual Tracker Receiver Classic Receiver Operating Instructions online for free. It’s possible to download the document as PDF or print. UserManuals.tech offer 1 Tracker manuals and user’s guides for free. Share the user manual or guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
28 Tracker Radio Location Systems 774A Purtle Ave. Springdale, AR 72764 (479) 751-5119 (479) 751-8993 Fax www.trackerradio.com USERS GUIDE Classic Receiver Radio Locations Systems
2 Congratulations! The Tracker Classic Receiver System will provide you with state of the art ra- dio-location technology for hunting dogs and pets. This Users Guide is intended to provide you with information 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. Be careful to keep the receiver dry and mini- mize exposure to rain, snow or other liquids. 2. Never operate the unit with a headset at high volume levels 3. Changes or modifications to this receiver, not approved by Tracker Radio Systems, Inc. could void your authority to operate this re- ceiver 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 no cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation. 27 Record your Collar Information here: Channel/Collar 1 ___________________ Channel/Collar 2 ___________________ Example: Channel/Collar 1 217.000 MHz Channel/Collar 2 217.050 MHz Notes: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
26
CLASSIC RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS
:
Weight with Batteries 10.7 oz (420g)
Dimensions (antenna folded) 8 ¼” x 2” x 1 1/2”
(206 x 48 x 30 mm)
Dimensions (antenna unfolded) 8 ¼” x 2” x 1 1/2”
(206 x 405 x 30 mm)
Spurious emission < 2 pW
Operating voltage 7 – 10 V DC
Battery types (2 pcs) 9V/6LR61 – 6AM6EU
Current consumption Max 70 mA
Sensitivity -130 dB /.078mV
Operating temperature -14 to 131° F
(-10 to + 55° C)
Available Frequencies 216.000-220.000 MHz Tracker Inc. reserves all the rights for any specification change.
The equipment complies the essential require-
ments of EU directive 1999/5/EY.
3
Table of Contents:
Receiver 2
Features 4
Receiver upgrades 5
Integrated Antenna 5
Operating the receiver 6
Controls 7
Turning ON and OFF 8
Changing Channels 8
Setting the Gain 8
NEAR mode 8
Frequency Fine Adjustment 8
Plug-ins 9
Headphone jack 9
Automatic Shut-off 11
Changing the batteries 11
Maintenance 12
Using your system 13
Getting Started 13
Effective Range 19
Advanced Topics and special Situations 20
Obstacles 20
Signal bounce 20
Overhead Utilities 21
Use in and around a vehicle 21
Location of Transmitter 21
Location of Receiver 21
Transmitters 22
Troubleshooting 22
Specifications 26
4 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 function 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, unbreakable antenna elements with 10 year warrantee incorporating steel hinges • Rugged body, CNC milled from a solid alumi- num bar and powder coated • Splash proof design Model number and serial number are on left rear an- tenna. 25 recommended that you send the receiver in for service if you think the unit may have gotten wet inside. How to send in a unit for repair : Package receiver in holster and original box if possible, or box with good padding, and include a note with the following information: Name and Address and phone/e-mail address of sender Copy of warranty paperwork or receipt Brief description of problem. The technicians would appreciate as much infor- mation as you can provide in order to reduce repair time so that they can ship your unit back as quickly as possible. The description “it does- n’t work” is not particularly helpful. We recommend that you insure the unit. Send to: Tracker Radio Systems 774A Purtle Ave. Springdale, AR 72764
24 NOTE: DO NOT put any reflecting tape or stickers on the antennas. Reduced reception 1. If low Battery Indicator is on, change batter- ies in receiver. 2. Replace battery/s in collar (transmitter). If available, compare Receiver with another Re- ceiver with same transmitter. If range is consid- erably less, send unit in for service. Gain control abrupt change 1. Check battery If problem is still present the Gain control Poten- tiometer may be defective and requires service. Other Problems: NOTE: All problems listed below require the Unit to be sent in for service. 1. LED/indicator light that will not illuminate 2. Broken antenna element 3. Broken Battery Clip 4. Squeal from speaker that sounds like a bomb dropping. If this occurs, note the channel this occurred on and send the unit in for service. 5. Unit submerged or soaked: Remove bat- teries immediately, and send unit in for service. Warning! If you allow a wet receiver to dry, the unit may initially function nor- mally, but there will be areas that will con- tinue to corrode and the unit will eventu- ally fail and require service. When the re- ceiver eventually fails the electronic circuit boards may be so badly damaged they will require replacement, costing $300.00 to $500.00 or more, and warranty will be voided . Therefore, it is strongly 5 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 moni- tor a second collar. Charges are assessed for up- grading and shipping. CLASSIC RECEIVER The Tracker CLASSIC receiver is a Directional Re- ceiver marketed primarily locating hunting dogs and pets. The receiver is precision CNC milled from a solid aluminum bar and powder coated. The antennas fold alongside the body of the re- ceiver to create the most easily transportable re- ceiver/antenna combination available anywhere 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 folding antenna. Tracker antennas feature steel hinges connecting the antenna ele- ments 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 signifi- cantly shorter than the required electrical length.
6 Operating the receiver: To use the receiver, first unfold the antennas before activating the receiver. The receiving antennas are located to the front of the receiver. The reflecting antennas are located to the back and, when fully extended, form a 75 degree an- gle. All four antennas need to be extended when tracking. 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. Do not allow the rear antennas to rest on your wrist, as this can affect the bearing accuracy. Correct way to hold Receiver 23 Antenna/s loose or too tight 1. DO NOT try to tighten or adjust the front antennas, this can damage the circuit board and will void your warranty. Rear Antennas can be adjusted with a #2 Phil- lips screwdriver (screws are located under bat- tery retaining cover.) Antennas should be snug but move smoothly in and out. Note: these are steel screws in an alu- minum body, so please be careful not to strip the threads. If antennas cannot be adjusted for smooth operation, send unit in for repair. DO NOT oil or try to lubricate the antennas, this can possibly damage the internal electronics and void your warranty. Direction Accuracy 1. Insure antennas are fully extended. 2. Insure the back/reflecting antennas are not resting on forearm or any part of you body. 3. If rear antennas are loose, adjust with a #2 Phillips screwdriver for smooth but snug opera- tion (see above for explanation). 4. Check for corrosion on antenna rotating points/hinges. If present, send unit in for ser- vice. 5. If none of the above causes are apparent and the problem persists send unit in for ser- vice. Do not touch antenna elements with any part ofyour body as it may influence direction accu- racy.
22 TRANSMITTERS: For many applications, Tracker markets transmit- ters with the Classic receivers, as a package. For your transmitter type call 800-900-2113 or go to www.trackerradio.com. TROUBLESHOOTING: Receiver will not turn on 1. Make sure you are pressing and holding the ON/OFF button for at least 2 seconds. 2. Remove battery cover and check to make sure batteries are connected and battery clip wires are ok. If wires are broken or frayed, send unit in for service. 3. Use a battery tester, not a Multimeter/volt me- ter to assure that both batteries have sufficient strength. 4. Try replacing batteries. If unit still does not turn on, send unit in for service. Receiver is on but no sound is heard from speaker 1. Make sure gain control is set high enough to be able to activate speaker. 2. Insure the Black Plastic Mute/Silencer plug is all the way in the Headphone Jack. 3. Try removing the Plug. 4. If there is still no sound from the internal speaker, send unit in for service. Distorted Audio or loss of Signal 1. If audio is distorted all the time, send unit in for repair. 2. Check frequency fine adjustment for both channels. 7 Controls: Signal Wheel (Not Volume) Low Battery Light for Reciever 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
8 Operating the Classic Receiver: Turning the receiver ON : Press and hold the ON/OFF switch for approxi- mately 1 to 2 seconds. CH 1 will illuminate when receiver is on. Turning the receiver OFF : Press and hold the ON/OFF switch for approxi- mately 1 – 2 seconds. All lights will be extin- guished 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 de- tect the transmitter and to help in direction find- ing. A gain setting that is too high will make it difficult to determine a bearing to the transmit- ter. 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 at- tenuator (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 re- ceiver. The NEAR button makes it easier to set the gain level by reducing the sensitivity. 21 Overhead Utilities Power lines are excellent re-radiators of radio waves and can complicate radio-location. Like signal bounce, it is all very manageable once you understand the limitations of tracking near power lines especially high volt- age transmission lines. Use in and around a vehicle The receiver can be operated from a motor vehicle, however, many older vehicles produce considerable interference and make signal reception difficult (particularly a weak signal) when the engine is running. When using the receiver without an external antenna it is best to shut off the vehicle and move at least 20 feet away. Be cautious of reflected signals off the vehicle. It might be necessary to take read- ings from different points from around the vehicle to get a good bearing. Location of transmitter There is a reason why TV and radio transmitters are located on hilltops and towers – it provides maximum range for the signal. Conversely, the closer to the ground the transmitter is situated, the shorter the effective receiving range. Locating an object that has fallen into a well or is flat on the ground is more difficult given the reduced effective range of the signal. Location of receiver Similar to the location of the transmitter, any given signal can be received at greater distance if the receiving antenna is high in the air, therefore, a stronger signal may be ob- tained by positioning the receiver higher off the ground. NOTE: It is much worse for the Receiver to be in a depression than the transmitter.
20 HINT! It is generally helpful to know the approxi- mate distance and bearing of the transmitter. To become proficient at judging distance, note the gain setting on the wheel. Remember that gain is a logarithmic scale so a setting of 8 or 9 may indi- cate that the transmitter is 8 to 10 miles away OR the signal is obstructed by topography or build- ings. With practice, you will quickly be able to ac- curately judge distance under most circumstances. ADVANCED TOPICS AND SPECIAL SITUA- TIONS Obstacles Think about what happens to the sig- nal strength of your favorite radio station when your vehicle enters a tunnel. Generally the signal becomes very faint or you lose it altogether. The same effect can be experienced when searching for a cell phone signal in a deep canyon. Radio waves at certain frequencies have great difficulty penetrating rock and other solid objects. There- fore, it is generally more challenging to locate an object in rugged terrain rather that on a flat plain. Signal Bounce The term that professionals use to describe the behavior of radio waves deflecting and reflecting off objects is “signal bounce.” Many different types of substances reflect radio waves including rock (particularly shear cliffs), wa- ter and wet vegetation. “Bounce” has a tendency to complicate radio-location, as the signal will be affected by the composition and shape of the re- flecting object. This phenomenon has the poten- tial to create strong signals in several discrete di- rections. Signal Bounce should not be intimidat- ing – we just need to learn how to manage it. 9 Frequency Fine Adjustment: All transmitters exhibit a certain amount of fre- quency drift based on temperature and atmos- pheric conditions. Tracker has build in an adjust- ment 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 fre- quency, select the correct channel and rotate the wheel to maximize the received signal (as indi- cated 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: In: Sound on Out (1/8”): Sound off Removed: For headphones (internal speaker off when Headphones/external speaker is used) Headphone Jack
10 The Headphone Jack takes a standard mini (1/8) Headphone Plug (Headphones sold sepa- rately) Note that the speaker is OFF when the Headphones are plugged in. The signal is audi- ble in both headphone speakers. When remov- ing the plug to allow the use of headphones, pull straight out. A string fed through the hole in the plug may help with removal. After you become proficient in locating the transmitter in a flat area (line-of-sight), you are ready to practice in more challenging landscape. The speed of the sweep is important. If you sweep too fast, it will be difficult to get a good reading. A steady sweep is best to start in order to get an initial reading. Once you have an ini- tial bearing indication, verify that your bearing is correct by making a few sweeps in other direc- tions. Practice will provide you with the correct technique. In the line-of-sight exercise, you should have noted several characteristics of the signal: - The bearing of strongest signal was consis- tent. - The signal strength diminished in a consis- tent pattern as you varied 30 or more degrees right or left of the true bearing to the transmit- ter. 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 adjacent to the AC power plug to attach re- ceiver to holster, belt, etc. 19 A signal is not required to be line-of-sight to yield a good bearing. In gentle rolling topography with few obstructions, radio waves can follow the con- tour of the ground and provide a good bearing. However, distance estimation is complicated as the signal is attenuated (strength reduced) while following ground contours. Often the bearing will change slightly as you approach the transmitter across rolling landscape. EFFECTIVE RANGE Transmitter and Receiver location will affect the range we can detect the signal from the transmitter. On flat open country with few obstructions (trees, large rocks, homes, etc.) we will get maximum range out of our system. In steep hilly terrain or in a large city, the range can be reduced significantly. Distance can be estimated after you have gained experience tracking in the same terrain using the same transmitter. You may note that a signal re- ceived at a gain level of 6 is much farther away than one received on a gain level of 5 in the same terrain. The gain scale is logarithmic not linear. This means the change in gain from 1 to 2 is very small as compared to the change in gain from 5 to 6, i.e. gain at 1 to 2 is for 50 to 100 ft. while gain at 5 to 6 is for ½ mile to 2 miles. This is not an exact measure, the ranges will be different de- pending on all of the factors involved. NOTE - If the signal is not line-of-sight, distance estimation is not reliable.