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Rothenbuhler Engineering REMOTE FIRING DEVICE Operator's Manual

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REMOTE FIRING DEVICE
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
(DRAFT 10/25/99)
The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice. In no event shall Rothenbuhler Engineering
Company be liable for errors contained herein or for special,
indirect, or consequential damages or injuries of any nature
resulting from use of information in this document.
ROTHENBUHLER ENGINEERING
P.0. BOX 708
2191 RHODES ROAD
SEDRO WOOLLEY, WA 98284
1668-A16
10/25/99
©1999 Rothenbuhler Engineering
All Rights reserved

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  • Page 1 OPERATOR'S MANUAL (DRAFT 10/25/99) The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. In no event shall Rothenbuhler Engineering Company be liable for errors contained herein or for special, indirect, or consequential damages or injuries of any nature resulting from use of information in this document.

  • Page 2: Special Notice

    SPECIAL NOTICE WARNING TO USERS AND AFFECTED PERSONS The Remote Firing Device (RFD) is designed to be used in blasting operations. Explosives used in connection with the RFD may be extremely powerful. Improper use of explosives with or without the RFD or improper safety precautions taken with respect to personnel or property may result in death, serious personal injury, or property damage.

  • Page 3: Fcc Notice

    FCC NOTICE This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC regulations. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) That this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page Special Notice.....................ii Warning to Users and Affected Persons .............ii Limited Warranty ..................ii FCC Notice....................iii Table of Contents ..................iv List of Illustrations..................vii Safety Summary ..................viii 1. Introduction..................1-1 1.1. Purpose......................1-1 1.2. Explosives Handling Practices................1-1 1.3.
  • Page 5 3. System Specifications..............3-20 3.1. Radio......................3-20 3.2. Physical.......................3-21 3.3. Battery......................3-21 3.4. Timing......................3-22 3.5. Detonate Output...................3-22 3.6. System Identification..................3-23 4. Pre-Operational Procedures............. 4-24 4.1. Physical Inspection..................4-24 4.2. Battery Charging..................4-24 4.3. Battery Discharging..................4-25 4.4. Bench Testing The System................4-26 5.
  • Page 6 RFD OPERATOR MANUAL...

  • Page 7: List Of Illustrations

    LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1-1 RFD System....................1-3 Figure 2-1 RFD System....................2-6 Figure 2-2 Controller Unit..................2-7 Figure 2-3 Detonator Unit..................2-12 Figure 2-4 Battery Charger Assembly..............2-13 Figure 2-5 Antenna Assembly.................2-14 Figure 2-6 Carrying Case..................2-15 Figure 2-7 Vent Operation..................2-16 Figure 2-8 Controller Antenna / Battery Charger Connection........2-17 Figure 2-9 Detonator Antenna / Battery Charger Connection.

  • Page 8: Safety Summary

    WARNING To eliminate long wire runs, and to make the "shoot" from a safe distance, the Remote Firing Device uses low energy level radio frequency transmissions. WARNING The Controller Unit has a 5 watt output power level (5 mile transmit range).
  • Page 9 WARNING Do not connect a blasting cap to a Detonator Unit unless the green SAFE light is on, the red ARMED light is off, and the yellow ON/LOW BATT light is on steady. This indicates there is no voltage on the binding posts, the binding posts are electically isolated from the firing capacitor, the binding posts are shunted to each other, and the battery is not low.

  • Page 10: Introduction

    The primary purpose of this manual is to provide descriptive information, operational information, instructions in assembly, and instructions in testing and preparation for operational or training use of the Remote Firing Device (RFD). 1.1.2. The Remote Firing Device (RFD) is used to activate electric detonator devices.

  • Page 11: Packaging

    1.3.5. The Controller Unit and Detonator Unit have a temperature operation from -22 ºF to +140 ºF. 1.4. PACKAGING. 1.4.1. The RFD Systems are packaged in a hard-shell carrying case. The Controller Unit and all Detonator Units have an individual cut-out location in the internal packing. There is a cut-out location in the internal packing for all the Antenna Assemblies.

  • Page 12: Figure 1-1 Rfd System

    Figure 1-1 RFD System. RFD OPERATOR MANUAL...

  • Page 13: Maintenance

    1.5. MAINTENANCE. 1.5.1. Periodic maintenance is limited to discharging and charging the battery packs. 1.5.2. Corrective maintenance shall be accomplished at the Manufacturer or Repair Depot. Replacement of parts or repair at the user level and field disassembly is not authorized.

  • Page 14: Introduction To Rfd System Components

    2. INTRODUCTION TO RFD SYSTEM COMPONENTS. 2.1. SYSTEM. 2.1.1. The RFD is a battery powered, hand held, radio remote controlled system to be used on land as a primary firing mechanism to detonate explosive charges. The RFD system consists of a Controller Unit and 8 Detonator Units. 2.1.2.

  • Page 15: Figure 2-1 Rfd System

    Figure 2-1 RFD System. RFD OPERATOR MANUAL...

  • Page 16: Controller Unit

    2.2. CONTROLLER UNIT. 2.2.1. Figure 2-2. Provides the physical size, weight, front panel light, and switch locations on the Controller Unit. The unit is sealed at the Manufacturer or repair depot and should not be opened during field activity. Figure 2-2 Controller Unit. RFD OPERATOR MANUAL...

  • Page 17: Controller Unit Switch Operation

    2.3. CONTROLLER UNIT SWITCH OPERATION. 2.3.1. Unit Power Control. Depress the “ON” switch to turn the power on to the Controller Unit when the Antenna Assembly is attached. Depress the “OFF” switch to turn the power off to the Controller Unit. The power is off when the Antenna Assembly is removed.
  • Page 18 2.3.6. Disarm the Detonator Unit. Depress the “DISARM” switch, the Controller Unit will transmit the Disarm command to selected Detonator Units. Selected Detonator Units will internally discharge their firing capacitor. Selected Detonator Units that receive the Disarm command will become Disarmed within 3 seconds of receiving the command.

  • Page 19: Controller Unit Display Operation

    • Depress “ARM” switch – all eight Detonator Units will Arm. • Depress the switches for the Detonator Units that will not be fired initially. • Depress the “FIRE” switch. Only Detonator Units still selected will Fire. • Depress the switches for the Detonator Units that were just Fired. •...
  • Page 20 2.4.6. Detonator Unit Armed. A red light next to each of the “1” though “8” switches is used to indicate when the corresponding Detonator Unit is Armed. The ARMED light for selected Detonator Units will flash after the Arm command is sent to the selected Detonator Units.

  • Page 21: Detonator Unit

    2.5. DETONATOR UNIT. 2.5.1. Figure 2-3. Provides the physical size, weight, and front panel lights on the Detonator Unit. The unit is sealed at the Manufacturer or repair depot and should not be opened during field activity. Figure 2-3 Detonator Unit. RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 2-12...

  • Page 22: Battery Charger Assembly

    2.6. BATTERY CHARGER ASSEMBLY. 2.6.1. Figure 2-4. Provides the front panel lights, and switch position on the Battery Charger Assembly. The unit is sealed at the Manufacturer or repair depot and should not be opened during field activity. Figure 2-4 Battery Charger Assembly. RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 2-13...

  • Page 23: Antenna Assembly

    2.7. ANTENNA ASSEMBLY. 2.7.1. Figure 2-5. Provides the physical size, technical requirements and view of the Antenna Assembly. The power to the Controller Unit and Detonator Unit is interrupted when the Antenna Assembly is not connected. Figure 2-5 Antenna Assembly. RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 2-14...

  • Page 24: Carrying Case

    2.8. CARRYING CASE. 2.8.1. Figure 2-6. Provides the physical size of the Carrying Case and a view of the storage location for System assemblies in the Carrying Case. The Carrying Case has a pressure equalization vent near the handle. The vent should be opened prior to opening the Carrying Case.

  • Page 25: Vent Operation

    2.9. VENT OPERATION. 2.9.1. Figure 2-7. The Controller Unit and Detonator Unit vents are manual and relieve internal pressure due to heat and altitude. When the vent is closed, it will not leak in 100 feet of water or up to 30,000 feet in altitude. CAUTION Unequal air pressure inside the Controller Unit may affect the operation of membrane switch keypad.

  • Page 26: Antenna / Battery Charger Connector

    2.10. ANTENNA / BATTERY CHARGER CONNECTOR. 2.10.1. Figure 2-8. & Figure 2-9. The Controller Unit and Detonator Unit antenna / battery charger connector accommodates the input requirements for both the Antenna Assembly and the Battery Charger Assembly. The unit electronics and battery pack are only connected together when the Antenna Assembly is connected to the antenna / battery charger Connector.

  • Page 27: Figure 2-9 Detonator Antenna / Battery Charger Connection

    Figure 2-9 Detonator Antenna / Battery Charger Connection. RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 2-18...

  • Page 28: Connector Dust Cover Operation

    2.11. CONNECTOR DUST COVER OPERATION. 2.11.1. Figure 2-10. The Controller Unit and Detonator Unit antenna / battery charger connector dust cover protects the connector pins from shorting out and damage when the Antenna Assembly or Battery Charger Assembly is not connected. The connector dust cover should be connected to the connector when the connector is not in use.

  • Page 29: System Specifications

    3. SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS. 3.1. RADIO. CARRIER 135 - 174 MHz * OPERATING -30ºC to 60ºC FREQUENCY TEMPERATURE RANGE -22ºF to 140ºF Pending <freq. diff. 1300 HZ (±650) CONTROLLER UNIT DETONATOR UNIT FREQUENCY ±5PPM OR FREQUENCY ±5PPM OR STABILITY (0.00005%) STABILITY (0.00005%) MODULATION 10K6F2D (AFSK)

  • Page 30: Physical

    3.2. PHYSICAL. Controller Unit Detonator Unit SIZE(w/out 8H x 3W x 2.5D SIZE(w/out 6H x 3W x 2.5D antenna) (in) antenna)(in) SIZE(w/out 20.32H x 7.62W x SIZE(w/out 15.24H x 7.62W x antenna) (cm) 6.35D antenna)(cm) 6.35D WEIGHT 2.5 lbs., 1.14 kg WEIGHT 2 lbs., 0.91 kg (w/battery)

  • Page 31: Timing

    3.4. TIMING. Controller Unit ARM time: 1/2 ± 0.1 Seconds Detonator Unit ARM time: 10 ± 0.1 Seconds Controller Unit Auto DISARM time: 60 ± 0.1 Seconds Detonator Unit Auto DISARM time: 60 ± 0.1 Seconds Controller Unit DISARM time: 3 ±...

  • Page 32: System Identification

    3.6. SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION. 3.6.1. Each Controller Unit and Detonator Unit is marked with an identification label. Figure 3-1. Shows how the identification label should interpreted. The Controller Unit will only communicate with Detonator Units from the same System. Figure 3-1 Identification Label. RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 3-23...

  • Page 33: Pre-Operational Procedures

    4. PRE-OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES. 4.1. PHYSICAL INSPECTION. 4.1.1. Inspect all components for physical damage. CAUTION Do not use any component that is damaged, suspected of being damaged, or is not able to operate as designed. The safety of the operation could be compromised.

  • Page 34: Battery Discharging

    4.2.4. Plug the AC cord into a 110 VAC 60 Hz outlet. The Battery Charger Assembly will operate from 90-135/180-270 VAC, 47-63 Hz. 4.2.5. Connect each Detonator Unit and the Controller Unit to the Battery Charger Assembly. The Controller Unit can be connected to any of the nine cables. 4.2.6.

  • Page 35: Bench Testing The System

    4.3.3. Connect each Detonator Unit and the Controller Unit to the Battery Charger Assembly. The Controller Unit can be connected to any of the nine cables. 4.3.4. Open the vent on each Detonator Unit and the Controller Unit. 4.3.5. Turn on the power switch on the Battery Charger Assembly. 4.3.6.
  • Page 36 4.4.4. Install the Antenna Assemblies on the antenna / battery charger connectors of the Detonator Units. The ON/LOW BATT and SAFE lights will come on steady. If the ON/LOW BATT light is flashing, the Detonator Unit has a low battery. Recharge the battery in accordance with section 4.2.
  • Page 37 4.4.12. Connect a test bulb assembly to the binding posts of each Detonator Unit. Arm the Detonator Units. Press the “FIRE” switch on the Controller Unit. The test bulb should flash brightly. The ARMED light will turn off and the SAFE light will turn on at each Detonator Unit.

  • Page 38: Operational Procedures

    5. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES. WARNING Use of this system and its components must be restricted to personnel qualified and experienced in the field of explosives and detonating devices. Under no circumstances shall untrained personnel attempt to use this manual as a text for self- teaching.

  • Page 39: Placement Of Detonator Units

    5.1.4. Press the Controller Unit “ON” switch for one second. The yellow light in the upper left quadrant of the “ON” switch will come on steady. If the yellow light flashes, the Controller Unit battery is low and needs charging. Refer to Battery charging section 4.2.

  • Page 40: System Operation - Detonator Units Within 1,000 Feet Of Controller Unit

    5.2.8. If all Detonator Units are located within 1,000 feet of the Controller Unit, refer to section 5.3. 5.2.9. If all Detonator Units are located more than 1,000 feet and less that 5 miles from the Controller Unit, refer to section 5.4. 5.2.10.

  • Page 41: System Operation - Detonator Units More Than 1,000 Feet And Less Than 5 Miles From Controller Unit

    5.3.6. To Fire the Detonator Units, press the “FIRE” switch. The operator should get an indication of shot initiation. The ARMED light will go out and the green DISARMED light for each selected Detonator Unit will come on solid on the Controller Unit display panel.
  • Page 42 5.4.3. Press the “STATUS” switch. The Controller Unit will request status from all Detonator Units. The red TX light will flash for approximately 15 seconds. The green DISARMED light on the Controller Unit display panel will flash for all Detonator Units that the Controller Unit does not receive a status message from.

  • Page 43: System Operation - Detonator Units Both Within And In Excess Of 1,000 Feet And Less Than 5 Miles From Controller Unit

    5.4.11. Refer to Post Operational Procedures in chapter 6. 5.5. SYSTEM OPERATION – DETONATOR UNITS BOTH WITHIN AND IN EXCESS OF 1,000 FEET AND LESS THAN 5 MILES FROM CONTROLLER UNIT. Note: If the distance between the Controller Unit and the Detonator Units is in excess of 1,000 feet, the Detonator Units status transmissions may not be received by the Controller Unit.
  • Page 44 System Safety Feature Once Armed, the Detonator Units must be sent a Fire command within 60 seconds. If the Detonator Units do not receive a Fire command within 60 seconds of being armed, they will automatically Disarm. The firing capacitor will be safely internally discharged, the binding posts will remain isolated from the firing capacitor and the binding posts will remain shunted together.

  • Page 45: Post Operational Procedures

    6. POST OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES. 6.1. SECURING THE SYSTEM. 6.1.1. Turn the Controller Unit off and remove the Antenna Assembly. This action disables the Controller Unit. 6.1.2. Replace the dust cover on the antenna / battery charger connector on the Controller Unit and replace the red plastic cap on the Antenna Assembly. 6.1.3.

  • Page 46: Basic Troubleshooting In The Field

    7. BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING IN THE FIELD. 7.1. DETONATOR UNITS. 7.1.1. “ON” and “SAFE” lights do not illuminate when the Antenna Assembly is installed. a) Check Antenna Assembly and make sure it is seated, “clicks” on to the connector. b) Recharge the battery. c) Try a different Antenna Assembly.

  • Page 47: Optimizing Range

    8. OPTIMIZING RANGE. 8.1.1. When power lines are in the area, the radio transmission distance is reduced. The System can operate at the following distance, when the Controller Unit is elevated to a maximum transmission location angle to the Detonator Unit location (see Figure 8-1).

  • Page 48: Figure 8-1 Unit Normal Transmission Location

    Figure 8-1 Unit Normal Transmission Location. 8.1.2. If the Controller unit and Detonator Unit must be placed in a position other than location in Figure 8-1, use Figure 8-2 or Figure 8-3. The minimum transmission will occur when the Controller Unit antenna and the Detonator Unit antenna are placed in the line of site.

  • Page 49: Figure 8-3 Detonator Unit Tilted

    Figure 8-3 Detonator Unit Tilted. RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 8-40...

  • Page 50: Figure 8-4 Antenna Radiation Pattern

    Figure 8-4 Antenna Radiation Pattern RFD OPERATOR MANUAL 8-41...

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