Whilst your dog is getting used to wearing the dummy collar (see Training Guide - The Dummy Familiarisation Period), use this opportunity to familiarise yourself with the kit. A tour of the kit and its functions now will almost certainly avoid heartache at critical moments in the future.
During manufacture and test, the batteries (in the collar and the handset) will have been charged and there should be sufficient charge in your new kit to perform the suggested familiarisation exercises in some of the following sections.
1) INSPECT THE KIT AND SPOT THE KEY FEATURES
1a) HANDSET (transmitter)
This has two status lamps (LEDs), an Intensity Control knob, an aerial, a recharging socket and one or more Trigger buttons... But for simplicity, we describe the operation of the AXT1 (with one trigger button - #1)
In systems where each trigger is dedicated to the control of one dog (as in AXT1), the Intensity Control normally operates two functions separately - tone or stimulus. A correction is made only when a relevant trigger is pressed.
For ease of description we liken the dial position to that on a clock face i.e. 7 o'clock = to', 12 o'clock = midway, & 5 o'clock = 'Hi'
When the Intensity Control is set anywhere between 7 o'clock and 9 o'clock, pressing the trigger will send signals to the collar processor, instructing it to give a tone warning,
Likewise, the collar processor is programmed to give electrical stimulation, increasing smoothly in strength as the Intensity Control is turned clockwise from a pin-and-needles sensation (at 9 o'clock)... up to a significant, high-energy deterrent at 'Hi'.
Notice the large arrowhead at the front-bottom of the case. This is the magnetic actuator to turn the collar ON & OFF, and to RESET it.
1b) COLLAR(s)
The Active Collar has a status lamp (LED) and two magnetic switch positions (ON & OFF, and RESET).
The fitted probes are suitable for most dogs... But dogs with thicker coats might need the more pointed probes, supplied with the kit. Use the small plastic spanner to interchange the probes. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the new probes if you need to change them. Just beyond finger tight is all that is required. But, check the probes regularly to make sure they have not become loose.
The Dummy Collar is for initial, PAC collar familiarisation. The dummy has no markings and contains no electronics.
1c) POWER ADAPTOR and (TIMED) CHARGING DOCK
The Power Adaptor plugs into the mains supply, with an output lead that plugs into the timed Charging Dock.
1d) NEON TESTER
The tester flashes orange in the presence of high voltage and is provided soley to demonstrate that the electrical stimulation on the collar is working correctly. Do not confuse this neon lamp with the status lamps (LEDs) on the collar and hanset.
2) TURN THE COLLAR ON AND OFF
Introduce... and touch the magnetic actuator arrow (at the bottom of the handset) to the ON/OFF arrow on the collar.
If turning ON from OFF, the collar LED will flash green, followed by a short confirmation 'beep' from the collar. The collar is now ON and ready for training. The stand-by ON state of the collar is indicated by the collar LED - slow flashing green (@ 1 / second).
If turning OFF from ON, the collar LED will flash red, followed by a short 'beep' from the collar.
NB You must wait for the 'beep' for confirmation that you have completed the ON or OFF operation. You can also check that the collar is OFF by examining the collar LED for about two seconds after you have tried to turn it OFF - There should be no further flashing.
Turning the collar OFF after each training session helps to preserve the battery charge for your next session (otherwise it will exhaust in 3 1/2- 4 days).
3) RESET THE COLLAR
RESET is probably the most important function to understand since it is the single most common cause for apparent system failure.
Introduce the magnetic actuator arrow (at the bottom of the handset) to the RESET arrow on the collar.
Touch them together... and the collar LED will glow steady orange.
Separate the handset and collar, and the LED will change to fast flashing orange (@ 6 / second). Your collar is now in 'receptive' state, awaiting an identity signal from your handset.
Press any trigger button (e.g. #1),. The collar should immediately RESET, identifying with that trigger button.
It will now retain that identity, provided its battery is sufficiently charged to enable its processor to hold it in memory. If the collar battery is allowed to run low (whether in the ON or the OFF state), the handset identity information may be lost. Recharge the battery and then perform the RESET operation. Turning the collar OFF does not cause the collar to lose identity with the handset.
N.B. Your active collar can be readily matched (i.e. made to identify) with any of the 4000 different AXT Transmitter / handset frequencies shipped by PAC. But beware... When your collar is in the receptive state (during the RESET operation), it will be receptive to any suitable external signal... the most obvious being that from your own handset... but there is a remote chance that any other handset operating within range (i.e. up to 1 mile away) could do the same thing. It is important, therefore, while it is in this receptive state, that you complete the RESET operation as soon as possible by pressing a handset trigger (e.g. #1 on the AXT1). To confirm that you have successfully RESET your collar to your handset, press the relevant trigger again and watch the collar LED. It should change from the ongoing, stand-by ON state - slow flashing green (@ 1 / second)... to response state - fast flashing green (@ 4 / second). If this is not the case, try to RESET again... and reconfirm that you have been successful.
The RESET operation may be performed with the collar starting from either the ON or the OFF state... But, immediately following a RESET operation, the collar is left in the ON state.
There are, therefore, two normal causes for having to RESET your collar. They are...
1) following a recharge (if the collar battery has run very low) or...
2) when you wish to match a collar to a different trigger (as in multi-dog AXT2, 3, 4 or 6 operations)... or even to another handset.
IMPORTANT... Whenever the collar appears not to respond, always try a RESET as the first remedy.
This tester flashes orange in the presence of high voltage and is provided solely to demonstrate that the electrical stimulation on the collar is working correctly. Do not confuse this neon lamp with the status lamps (LEDs) on the collar and handset.
4) TEST THE FUNCTION OF THE KIT
For the purpose of describing and explaining the function, we have assumed Basic Mode (one button per dog), using Trigger #1 To familiarise yourself with the normal operating functions of the kit, turn the collar ON, plug the collar probes into the sockets of the Neon Tester, and perform the following tests-
Test #1
• Set the Intensity Control dial fully anti-clockwise to Lo
• Press the Trigger button
• Listen to the beep, beep, beep' warning that the dog would normally hear.
• Notice that the collar LED fast flashes green (@ 4 / sec) whilst the button is pressed, showing that the collar is receiving the signal and is responding (I e. in response state).
• Notice that the Neon Tester shows no electrical stimulation |
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Test #2
• Set the Intensity Control dial to about 9 o'clock
• Press the trigger button again
• Notice that there is no longer an audible warning.
• Notice that the collar LED again fast flashes green (@ 4 / sec).
• Notice that the Neon Tester dimly flashes orange (@ 4 / sec) indicating the presence of an electrical potential that should normally felt by the dog as a pins & needles sensation. |
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Test #3
• Set the Intensity Control dial to about 12 o'clock
• AS BEFORE in Test #2, but...
• Notice that the Neon Tester flashes brighter orange (@ 4 / sec) indicating the presence of a higher electrical potential that should be sensed by the dog as a medium level stimulation |
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Test #4
• Set the Intensity Control dial fully clockwise to Hi'
• AS BEFORE in Test #2. but...
• Notice that the Neon Tester flashes very bright orange (@ 4 / sec) indicating the presence of a high electrical potential. The dog will sense this level of correction as a high level stimulation |
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NOTES There is no tone warning with the stimulation correction levels. And conversely there is no stimulation with tone warning
When the Neon Tester flashes orange, this indicates that the electrical stimulation at the collar is functioning correctly.
The stimulation intensity increases smoothly - from low level stimulation - to maximum, shown by the increasing Neon Tester brightness.
5) CHECK THE AERIAL (ANTENNA)
Provided the collar is within range, the chosen strength of stimulation is not affected by distance from the handset or by the function of the aerial. The maximum effective range could be anything up to one mile. This will significantly reduce if working, say, in rough terrain or woods. In the event that system appears to be working with reduced range, detach the aerial from the handset and test whether the range is further reduced. If there is no change (at about 20 ft), this could indicate a fault with the aerial. Otherwise, investigate the environmental or atmospheric conditions (i.e. try elsewhere or at another time).
6) REVIEW THE MODE OF OPERATION
For AXT1 users, it should not be necessary to alter the dipswitch settings (under the handset cover). Indeed, you are strongly advised not to attempt any changes till you are thoroughly familiar with the operation of the kit (as delivered) If you do need to change the settings (or you wish to operate an AXT2, 3, 4 or 6 in multi-dog, enhanced or professional mode), replicate only those shown in the Instructions for Use (see pages 15 & 16).
Continuous mode = continuous pulsing (@ 4 /second), cutting off automatically after 10 seconds maximum or when the trigger is released, whichever is the earlier. All kits are normally despatched in this mode.
Momentary mode = twin pulse tickle for about 7. second (then cut off). Each trigger release and re-press will give a repeat cycle. But, in Basic mode, when the Intensity Control has been set to Hi', the mode temporarily and automatically changes to Continuous for emergency purposes.
7) CHECK THE STATUS OF THE BATTERIES The LED indicator lamps will show you the state of the batteries.
7a) Handset There are two status LEDs (normally OFF), side by side on the front cover. Press any Trigger button to display handset battery status.
• If both red and green lights are lit (and steady), the battery is good for operation now.
• If red light only is lit, you are advised to re-charge the battery now.
• If no lights glow, either the battery is completely exhausted (unusual) or there is a malfunction of the handset... Try recharging now.
7b) Collar There are three possible ongoing states for the collar LED:-
• Fast flashing orange (@ 6 / second) - indicating that it is in receptive state, awaiting RESET (see RESET THE COLLAR)
• OFF - indicating that it is switched OFF (or the battery is fully exhausted)
• Slow flashing (@ 1 / sec) - indicating that it is ON (and in stand-by). In this last state, the colour of the LED indicates the state of the battery - green for an OK operating charge... and shades of yellow to orange to red, indicating increasing degrees of battery exhaustion.
• If the battery status LED shows anything other than green, the battery is low. Charge the battery now and RESET the collar.
8) CHARGE THE BATTERIES
1) Plug Power Unit into mains
2) Plug DC Jack into Charging Dock
3) Plug Charging Dock lead into Handset (if it needs charging)
4) Plug Collar (ideally turned OFF) into Charging Dock, observing correct polarity (i.e. + probe—► to + socket)
5) Press SET TIMER button on the Charging Dock. Failure to SET TIMER will result in unpredictable charging times.
The Charging Dock can charge up to two active collars and a handset simultaneously. There are three red LEDs on the Charging Dock - one for each item being charged. When they glow it indicates that they are being charged. If a Charging Dock LED does not glow as expected, it is possible, for example, that a collar is plugged in the wrong way round (i.e. wrong polarity). The operation is complete when the timer cuts off. Never try to recharge the batteries immediately following a full charge cycle.
Depending on usage, the handset should normally only need to be charged once a month. Likewise the collar could hold its charge for several weeks of light usage, providing it is turned OFF between training sessions. During early training sessions, however, it might be necessary to charge the collar every 2 or 3 days.
Before long-term storage, charge the batteries fully. Store the collar in the OFF state... and recharge every 2-3 months.
9)GENERAL
Ensure that the collar is correctly fitted, and inspect the dog's neck daily for irritation and other physical reactions.
The collar is waterproof to 10 metres, but do not use in saltwater. And remember that if your dog is wet, he might be more sensitive to electrical stimulation... So be prepared to reduce the level of intensity
For more details refer to the 24-page, illustrated Instructions for Use; and please read the Training Guide.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR TRAINING
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