AutotetherTM Owner’s Manual Autotether, Inc. 3 Inspiration Lane, Unit B3 Chester, CT 06412 Phone: (888) 593-4181 Fax: (860) 526-9886 Email: info@autotether.com www.autotether.com TM US Patent #: 7201619 Revised December 2010 Information found in this document is subject to change without notice. Copyright AUTOTETHER, Inc. 2008 All rights reserved.
Table of Contents Important Instructions 3 Getting Started 4 System Test 7 System Distance Check 8 Controls & Indicators 8 FOBs and Settings 10 Clip Identification & Installation 13 Operation 16 Operation – Detailed Outline 17 Alarm System 19 Troubleshooting 20 One Year Limited Warranty 21 1
Thank you for purchasing AUTOTETHER TM – the most advanced userfriendly wireless lanyard safety system on the water. Your AUTOTETHERTM system is a multifunctional 2.4 GHz radio integrated into an 8 bit microprocessor. This system has been designed to assist you and your guests in having a safer boating experience.
Important Instructions Prior to setting up the system and starting your engine(s) make certain the area around the propeller(s) is clear; AUTOTETHERTM will not prevent drowning or being struck by a propeller. When boating, always wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. If the system is not installed properly it may not stop the boat’s engine(s) as designed. AUTOTETHERTM wireless lanyard is only designed to work with factory installed, fully operational emergency stop (“kill”) switches.
Getting Started Basic Operation. The AUTOTETHERTM wireless lanyard system comes with a transmitter (Host) that is attached to your vessel’s dashboard and one (1) yellow Personal Sensor (FOB) for the operator. Additional white passenger FOBs can be ordered from the AUTOTETHERTM website. AUTOTETHERTM can monitor up to four (4) FOBs simultaneously. Both the Host and each FOB are powered by AAA batteries. AUTOTETHERTM FOBs are worn by the vessel’s operator and up to three (3) passengers.
Install six new (6) AAA batteries in the Host unit. Make certain to install the batteries according to the “+” and “-“ markings on the battery tray. Install three (3) new AAA batteries in the FOB. Make certain to install the batteries according to the “+” and “-“ markings on the battery tray. Once the batteries are properly installed, replace the back covers of the Host unit and the FOB. The Host unit back cover only installs in one direction.
CAUTION DO NOT discard your Original Equipment clip! Store it near the engine start switch; it serves as a back-up to the AUTOTETHERTM System switch. On the end of the host unit cord you will find an actuator clip. Push the actuator clip onto the kill switch. As you push the actuator clip on, note that the plunger pin inside the end clip needs to be fully compressed and locked. You should hear a click when it locks.
System Test A complete system test should be performed before initially getting underway. This check is performed dockside with the vessel’s engine(s) OFF. Once the AUTOTETHERTM system is ready (POWER light GREEN; each active FOB light GREEN; and the Kill Switch actuator in place): Press the recessed ON/OFF button on anyone of the FOBs (operator or passenger FOB) for 2 seconds o The FOB will go to solid green and the corresponding Host LED will go solid RED for full alarm mode.
System Distance Check A system distance check should be performed before initially getting underway. This procedure verifies system range. This check is performed dockside with the vessel’s engine(s) OFF. Once the AUTOTETHERTM system is ready (POWER light GREEN; each active FOB light GREEN; and the Kill Switch actuator in place): Take one activated FOB and walk away from the vessel until the AUTOTETHERTM alarm sounds. There should be a clear line of sight between the host and the FOB.
o If Host is on, press and hold POWER button for less than 2 seconds to start FOB search mode POWER Button Light (Light Emitting Diode (LED)) o Host OFF – LED OFF o o o o o o Host ON, no registered FOBs – LED steady on Host ON, at least one registered FOB – LED blinks If the battery is good (>7V) the LED is green. Flash time 4s. If the battery is low (>6V, <7V) the LED will be amber. 2s If the battery is bad (<6) the LED will flash red. 1.5s If the coil or the CAP is bad, the LED will be steady red.
o If the Host is not found within 3 minutes, the FOB will automatically turn off to conserve battery power The FOB communicates with the Host every 0.5 seconds If the Fob is turned on and the ON/OFF switch is held for more than 2 seconds, the unit goes into an alarm mode. An alarm trips the actuator, audible alarm and flashing LEDs LED will go steady RED NOTE You cannot turn off the FOB with the power button on the FOB.
WARNING!! Covering a registered FOB with clothing, a flotation device, towel, with your arm or legs, another body of a person, or pet may cause a disruption in communication and inadvertently trigger the alarm and kill switch actuator After the AUTOTETHERTM system is installed and before getting underway for the first time, it is recommended that you check onboard Host/FOB communication by carrying a registered FOB around all parts of your vessel – including below deck and into the head.
a Passenger type to an Operator type and vice/versa. factory for instructions on how to do this. . Contact the FOB Dipswitch # 4 FOB Dipswitch #4 has four (4), two position sliders that control the channelization of the FOB. For the AUTOTETHERTM system to work properly, each FOB and the Host must be set to the same channel. There is an identical four (4) position Dipswitch in the Host unit The Host and the FOBs channels are pre-set at the factory.
Using the tip of the Phillips screwdriver, carefully re-position the Dipswitch sliders to set the same new channel in each of the FOBs and the Host. Check the gasket around each FOB and the Host and re-install the back covers. Test the AutotetherTM system for proper operation. Clip Identification and Installation Instructions 1.) Carefully match your existing clip from our lanyard to the ones supplied by AUTOTETHER TM. 2.
Clips which are not included: Suzuki, Mercury with side mount or tiller mount or tiller mounted kill switch. These clips are specials and are available at no charge by calling AUTOTETHER at 888-593-4181 If you have a clip which does not match any of the clips supplied by AUTOTETHER please contact us MERCURY CLIP For side mount or tiller mount. This clip is similar to the center mount clip but will not work in that application. SUZUKI CLIP This clip looks very much like the Honda clip.
3.) Apply pressure to compression tool to push tabs in, at the same time apply pressure to wedge tool. The clip will release. 4.) Remove clip. 2a 2b 2c 2d Wedge Seam Pushers Tabs OPTIONAL: The loop on the actuator case is used to attach your existing red lanyard. This can provide an extra measure of security should you decide to use it this way. To use it: 1.) Attach the spring clip (provided) to the end of the red lanyard then place the spring clip onto the loop. 2.
Operation Once your AUTOTETHERTM system has been installed, turned on and tested, it’s ready for operation. The following scenarios are provided to give you an appreciation of the safety features provided by AUTOTETHERTM. Scenario # 1 – You are alone on the boat and getting ready to get underway. AUTOTETHERTM is ON and you are the operator and wearing your yellow FOB. The Host has registered the FOB, all system indicators are flashing GREEN and the kill switch actuator clip is installed.
Operation – Detailed Outline OPERATION – SEARCH When the host is turned on it searches for FOBs. As soon as at least one FOB is registered, the system will be armed. If the host finds a FOB during its search, it will register the FOB and light up its associated LED. If the host finds all four FOBs it will stop searching After 3 minutes of searching, the host will stop searching. FOBs have been found it will turn itself off. If no FOB SURVEILLANCE OPERATION FOB and host will communicate every 0.
If a missing white (passenger) FOB is registered, the audible alarm and flashing LEDs will be energized upon entering alarm mode. The RESET LED will be flashing red. (0.5sec on, 0.5sec off) If the RESET button is pressed, the audible alarm will be turned off, the missing FOB will be unregistered and surveillance will continue of the remaining FOBs. If the Power switch button is pressed (less than 2 s) during the alarm state, it will be ignored.
“The Screamer” Autotether Wireless Man Overboard Alarm System Operation All directions outlined above for the Standard Wireless Lanyard System apply to the Alarm System. The exceptions are: There is no kill switch clip. All FOBs have the same function. There is no function for FOB Dipswitch 2 or 3. FOB dipswitch 4 functions by changing channels in the alarm system. Operation (page 13) see below for the alarm operation.
initialize the system and register all of the FOBs. Troubleshooting The AUTOTETHERTM system is designed to be maintained by factory trained representatives. The system has extensive self-test capabilities. o The system will alert you when the batteries require changing. WARNING NEVER use partially discharged batteries. NEVER mix partially discharged batteries with new batteries Two AUTOTETHERTM systems operating close to each other on the same communication channel can cause erratic behavior.
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.
not cover or provide for the reimbursement or payment of incidental or consequential damages. Legal remedies: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Procedure for obtaining performance of warranty: If after following the instructions in the owner’s manual you are certain the product is defective, call customer service, toll free at (888) 593-4181 to obtain a Return Authorization Number (RAN).
their purchase excluding shipping and handling costs. The guarantee set forth above is the sole and entire money back guarantee pertaining to the product and is in lieu of and excludes all other guaranties of any nature whatsoever, whether express, implied or arising by operation of law, including, but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Call customer service, toll free at (888) 593-4181 to obtain a Return Authorization Number (RAN).
AUTOTETHERTM BOAT SAFER. BOAT SMARTER. Questions? Please contact us using our toll free number or through email. We look forward to hearing from you! Autotether, Inc. 3 Inspiration Lane, Unit B3 Chester, CT 06412 Phone:(888) 593-4181 Fax:(860) 526-9886 Email: info@autotether.com www.autotether.
