User's Manual

Page 10 Lotek Biotracker Receiver User’s Manual
Front Panel Connectors and Controls
Gain Control Knob
Receiver gain is controlled by two keys (marked with loudspeaker symbols) on the
keypad and by a knob on the front of the box. The keypad controls are digital and set
gain to a level shown in the LCD as a whole number between 0 and 99. The knob also
controls gain, but on a continuum between zero and the value shown in the LCD. The
knob does not change the gain level number displayed on the LCD.
Setting gain to 99 using the keypad allows the full gain range to be controlled by the
knob. Setting digital gain to a lower level prevents higher gains being accessible via the
knob, and gives finer control over the available gain range. The main benefit of using
the knob to control receiver gain is that it is quicker to move through the gain range.
The potentiometer under the gain control knob is hermetically sealed, as is its hole in the
receiver box. Unlike analogue controls on most electronic equipment, it is completely
waterproof.
Battery Charger and External Power Socket
Charging must be done in an ambient temperature between 5 and 35°C. This is because
there is a thermal cut-out in the charging circuit to prevent over-charging of the battery
cells (over-charging cells can damage them). The thermal cut-out threshold is set to
50°C, but the heat generated by the charging process can cause this threshold to be
reached in ambient temperatures above 35°C.
The charging state is shown by an LED next to the charging socket. It flashes red during
battery charging and steady green when charging is complete.
The receiver will not be harmed if the external power supply is left attached after
charging is complete, but still it is good practice not to leave the power supply connected
for longer than necessary.
Only the special NiMH 4A battery pack supplied with the receiver can be charged inside
the receiver. The receiver prevents any other form of battery being connected to the
internal charging circuit. This is mainly to safeguard against charging non-rechargeable
(i.e. primary) cells, because if charged they may explode!
If other rechargeable cells are used (i.e. with the AA battery holder supplied), they need
to be charged independently with a separate AA-size battery charger.
Charging LED
This LED flashes red during battery charging and steady green when charging is
complete.