TASER® X3™ ECD User Manual Models 333200, 33201, 33209, 33210 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. Read all warnings and instructions in this manual. Save these instructions.
Contents 5 5 5 Chapter 1: Warnings Important Safety and Health Information Use of Force Policy 6 6 7 7 8 Chapter 2: General Information What is the X3 ECD? Neuro Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) Common Effects of NMI Basic X3 Electrical Theory 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 12 13 14 15 15 16 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 24 24 25 2 Chapter 3: Features & Operation X3 ECD and Cartridge Features CAM-Lock Safety Index Finger Rest Arc Display/Re-Energize/Cartridge Advance (ARC) Switch Enhanced Power Magazine (EPM) Cha
1 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 43 44 45 46 47 48 48 49 49 50 50 51 52 53 Configuring the X3 ECD and Viewing the System Status Configuring the Deployment Modes Setting the Training Mode Configuring the Flashlight Configuring the Top/Bottom Lasers Auto Power Down Viewing the System Information Viewing the EPM Information Warranty Information Language Remove the Shipping Cover from the Smart Cartridge Selecting Cartridges Standard-Range (15 ft/4 m and 25 ft/7 m) TASER X3 Smart Cartridges™ Long-Range (
61 61 61 62 4 Chapter 6: Additional Items Additional Information TASER Training Academy Medical Research Contents
1 Warnings Important Safety and Health Information Read, understand and follow the product warnings and safety instructions contained in the Product Warnings document included with this electronic control device (ECD). The most current warnings are posted on our website at www.TASER.com. Do not attempt to use this ECD until you have completed training with a TASER International Certified Instructor.
General Information 2 What is the X3 ECD? The TASER X3 ECD is a software upgradable, 3-shot ECD manufactured by TASER International, Inc. ECDs use propelled wires or direct contact to conduct energy to affect the sensory and motor functions of the nervous system. The X3 ECD offers a multi-shot capability that previous-generation TASER ECDs do not. The X3 ECD deploys Smart Cartridges one at a time.
Neuro Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) The human nervous system communicates with simple electrical impulses. The command center (brain and spinal cord) processes information and makes decisions. The peripheral nervous system includes the sensory and motor nerves. The sensory nerves carry information from the body to the brain (temperature, touch, etc.). The motor nerves carry commands from the brain to the muscles to control movement and can be involuntary in response to the sensory information.
• Yelling or screaming; • Involuntary strong muscle contractions; • Freezing in place with legs locked; • Dazed feeling for several seconds or minutes; • Potential vertigo; • Temporary tingling sensation; or • Critical stress amnesia (may not remember any pain). For a full list of warnings, visit www.TASER.com. Basic X3 Electrical Theory • Electricity must be able to flow between the probes or the electrodes. • Electricity generally follows the path of least resistance between the probes.
Features & Operation 3 X3 ECD and Cartridge Features Get to know the X3 ECD: Mechanical Sight Mounting Rail Mechanical Sight Top Laser Selector Switch CAM-Lock Safety Trigger Switch Index Finger Rest ARC Switch EPM Wire LED Flashlight Probe Bottom Laser AFIDs Blast Door CAM-Lock Safety Ambidextrous safety can be operated from either side. • CAM-Lock Safety down (SAFE). • CAM-Lock Safety up (ARMED) and ready to deploy.
Down (SAFE) Up (ARMED) Index Finger Rest On each side of the X3 ECD is an ergonomically designed rest upon which to place the tip of your index finger when you are not pressing the trigger switch or the ARC switch. Index Finger Rest Arc display/Re-energize/Cartridge advance (ARC) Switch The ARC switch is used to employ a Warning Arc display, select cartridges, and select menu items during system programming and option selection.
flashlight. The EPM will deplete faster in colder weather than warm weather. Likewise, the EPM will deplete faster with the flashlight active. 1 Remove the protective label from the EPM contacts before installing the EPM battery in the X3 ECD. 2 Inspect the contacts to ensure the adhesive residue has been removed. Contacts For more information on installing the EPM, see the "Changing the EPM" section in this manual. Enhanced Power Magazine (EPM) Changing the EPM 1 Point the ECD in a safe direction.
4e Remove the protective label from the new EPM. 4f Install the new EPM. Ensure that the EPM is fully inserted into the X3 ECD. Apply sufficient force to ensure the EPM is fully seated and the tabs on the sides of the EPM are properly engaged. Optional Rechargeable TACOM Power Magazine (TPM) The optional TPM is a rechargeable battery module with integrated TACOM wireless communication capability. The TPM has enough power for approximately 100 discharges depending on temperature.
If no cartridge is loaded in the cartridge bay, the cartridge bay empty icon is displayed. ! If something is wrong with the cartridge, the cartridge bay error icon is displayed. See the "Load the Smart Cartridges" section in this manual for instructions on loading and unloading Smart Cartridges from an X3 ECD. If training cartridges and live cartridges are both loaded into the ECD, the system is designed to lock the live cartridges to keep them from deploying.
! Major Fault indication. A red triangle is probably accompanied by a noticeable failure in the ECD. For example, the flashlight or a laser might not be working. A major fault indicates a subsystem failure. The ECD still may produce an NMI effect, but the ECD is no longer functioning as intended. Shift the CAM-Lock safety to the down (SAFE) position and then to the up (ARMED) position; the fault may clear. If the fault does not clear, it may still be possible to use the ECD for a short time.
The partial/intermittent circuit completion icon indicates that the connection is marginal. If the connection is not effective, the no circuit completion icon is displayed. The probes may have missed the target. Central Information Display (CID) Color Graphic User Interface Operating Mode Icons If the semi-automatic operating mode is selected, this icon is displayed on the CID. If the manual operating mode is selected, the manual icon displays on the CID.
Central Information Display (CID) Color Graphic User Interface Spark Duration When the X3 ECD is deployed with the trigger switch, it delivers an automatic 5 second Precision Shaped Pulse deployment cycle. The CID displays a count from 1 to 5 indicating how many seconds the deployment cycle has lasted. 1 2 3 4 5 If you hold the trigger switch down continuously, for more than five seconds, the ECD will continue the deployment cycle.
Cartridge Type Cartridge Color Indicator (Blast Door) Color Selected Cartridge System Status Indicator – Critical Fault Energy Cell Indicator; Fully Charged ! Operating Mode (Manual) The CID below shows the X3 ECD set to display metric information. The first cartridge is energized and has been cycling for three seconds; the other two (both are 10 m/35 ft cartridges) have not been selected. The battery is fully charged. There is a minor fault in the system.
Cartridge Locked Selected Cartridge 35-Foot Training Cartridge 60% Remaining Training Mode Operating Mode (Manual) The CID below shows an X3 ECD in the semi-automatic mode, with a battery 80 percent full. The first and second cartridges should be ready for use; the first cartridge is selected. The third has a problem, and will not deploy. See"Load the Smart Cartridges" section for instructions on how to unload an X3 ECD.
Top Laser Long-Range (35'/10 m) Laser Standard-Range (15'/4 m) Laser Focused Beam LED Flashlight Mechanical Sights The mechanical sights on the X3 ECD are molded to provide manual aiming of the ECD. The mechanical sights are set to coincide with a top probe’s trajectory at a 15-foot distance.
Selector Switch Press the selector switch on the top of the X3 ECD to configure the system. See the "Configuring the X3 ECD" section in this manual for more information. The selector switch is slightly recessed to ensure that it is not pressed unintentionally during normal operations. Pressing the selector switch when the CAM-Lock safety is in the up (ARMED) position puts the X3 ECD in stealth mode—the flashlight and laser are turned off and "S" is shown in the battery image.
Semi-Automatic Mode WARNING In the event of an unintentional discharge, immediately shift the CAM-Lock Safety to the down (SAFE) position to stop the discharge cycle. In the semi-automatic mode, sequential trigger pulls can deploy an X3 Smart Cartridge. At the beginning of the event, the leftmost active cartridge is selected by default. First Available Cartridge Selected Two Other Cartridges Are Loaded in the ECD Semi-Automatc Mode 80% Remaining 1 Pull the trigger to deploy the selected cartridge.
3 Cartridge Not Yet Selected The Next Cartridge is Selected Automatically when You Remove Your Finger from the Trigger Cartridge Energized, Connection Status Good Seconds Elapsed in Cycle (3) 3 80% Remaining The X3 ECD energizes the first cartridge. Because the ECD is in the semi-automatic mode, releasing the trigger automatically selects the next cartridge while the first cartridge is deploying. 2 Pull the trigger to deploy the second cartridge.
1 The Next Cartridge is Selected Automatically when You Remove Your Finger from the Trigger Two Cartridges Energized Seconds Elapsed in Cycle for the Second Deployed Cartridge (1) 1 80% Remaining Because both the first and second cartridges are energized, both subjects are under the effect of the ECD. Each of the two firing bays will run for approximately five seconds on its own counter.
1 All Three Cartridges Energized, Connection Status Good Seconds Elapsed in Cycle for the Third Deployed Cartridge (1) 1 80% Remaining Because all three cartridges are energized, all three subjects are under the ECD's effect. Again, the cycle for the first subject is likely to end before the second subject’s, and the second subject’s cycle is likely to end before the third subject’s.
you can apply additional cycles to a continually resisting subject, if needed, without deploying any of the remaining cartridges. Holding the ARC switch down continually will arc the ECD until the ARC switch is released or the EPM is depleted, whichever happens first. Because the ARC switch is ambidextrous, you can press from either side as you hold the ECD in a two-handed grip.
1 Pull the trigger switch to deploy the first cartridge. Deployed Cartridge Two Remaining, Un-Deployed Cartridges 3 Cartridges Not Yet Selected The Selected Cartridge is Energized; Connection Status Good Seconds Elapsed in Cycle (3) 3 80% Remaining The X3 ECD energizes the first cartridge.
2 Quickly press and release (tap once) the ARC switch to select the second cartridge. ARC Switch If the first cycle is still in effect, the CID may look like this: The first cartridge is still energized, but the second cartridge is now selected. Pressing the ARC switch and advancing the cartridge selection before the first cycle ends makes the X3 ECD able to engage a second threat more quickly.
3 Pull the trigger to deploy the second cartridge. Two Deployed Cartridges One Remaining, Un-Deployed Cartridge 1 Cartridge Not Yet Selected Two Cartridges Energized, Connection Status Good Seconds Elapsed in Cycle (1) 1 80% Remaining Because both the first and second cartridges are energized, both subjects are under the ECD's effect. Each of the two firing bays will run for approximately five seconds on its own counter.
4 Press (tap) the ARC switch to select the third cartridge. Arc Switch If the previous cycle still is in effect, the CID may look like this: The first two cartridges are energized, and the third, un-deployed cartridge is selected.
5 Pull the trigger to deploy the third cartridge. Three Deployed Cartridges 1 All Three Cartridges Energized, Connection Status Good Seconds Elapsed in Cycle for the Third Deployed Cartridge (1) 1 80% Remaining Because all three cartridges are energized, all three subjects are under the ECD's effect. Again, the cycle for the first subject is likely to end before the second subject’s, and the second subject’s ycle is likely to end before the third subject’s.
Configuring The X3 ECD and Viewing the System Status WARNING Remove the Smart Cartridges from the X3 ECD before configuring the ECD or viewing its status. See the "Unloading" section in this manual for more information. Before using an X3 ECD, select the deployment mode, language, and set the LED flashlight and laser settings (if necessary) through the X3 ECD’s CID. You also can view status information about your ECD.
SYSTEM MENU MODE SEMI_AUTOMATIC TRAINING OFF MODE SEMI_AUTOMATIC 8 Press the selector switch to go to the previous menu. You now can configure additional settings. If you are done configuring the ECD for now, press the selector switch again to exit. Configuring The X3 ECD and Viewing the System Status Setting the Training Mode The Training Mode option designates all events as training events instead of operational events. This feature is useful in analyzing the X3 ECD’s records.
SYSTEM MENU MODE SEMI_AUTOMATIC TRAINING OFF TRAINING OFF SYSTEM MENU MODE SEMI_AUTOMATIC TRAINING ON TRAINING ON 9 Press the selector switch to go to the previous menu. You now can configure additional settings. If you are done configuring the ECD for now, press the selector switch again to exit. Configuring The X3 ECD and Viewing the System Status Configuring the Flashlight The X3 ECD’s LED flashlight can be turned on or off, or set to adjust its intensity depending on the ambient light (automatic).
SIGHTING MENU FLASHLIGHT AUTOMATIC LASER SINGLE FLASHLIGHT AUTOMATIC SIGHTING MENU FLASHLIGHT OFF LASER SINGLE FLASHLIGHT OFF 7 Press the selector switch to return to the MAIN MENU. 8 You can set the other options. If you are done configuring the X3 ECD, press the selector switch again to exit. Configuring The X3 ECD and Viewing the System Status Configuring the Top/Bottom Lasers 1 Point the X3 ECD in a safe direction. 2 Shift the CAM-Lock safety to the down (SAFE) position.
SIGHTING MENU FLASHLIGHT ON LASER SINGLE SINGLE Upper Laser On Solid (No Blinking) SIGHTING MENU FLASHLIGHT ON LASER DUAL 1 DUAL 1 Upper Laser on Solid, Lower Laser Blinking SIGHTING MENU FLASHLIGHT ON LASER DUAL 2 DUAL 2 Upper Laser Blinking, Lower Laser on Solid 8 Press the selector switch to return to the MAIN MENU. 9 You can set the other options. If you are done configuring the X3 ECD, press the selector switch again to exit.
OPTIONS MENU AUTO_SHUTDOWN ON 8 Press the selector switch to return to the MAIN MENU. 9 You can set the other options. If you are done configuring the X3 ECD, press the selector switch again to exit. Configuring The X3 ECD and Viewing the System Status Viewing the System Information To view information about the X3 ECD system (for example, the serial number, date, time, and revision level), follow these steps: 1 Point the X3 ECD in a safe direction. 2 Shift the CAM-Lock safety to the down (SAFE) position.
Configuring The X3 ECD and Viewing the System Status Viewing the EPM Information To view information about the EPM, follow these steps: 1 Point the X3 ECD in a safe direction. 2 Shift the CAM-Lock safety to the down (SAFE) position. 3 Remove the Smart Cartridges from the X3 ECD. See the "Unloading" section in this manual for more information. 4 Press and hold the selector switch until the MAIN MENU displays. 5 Press the right ARC switch until the INFO option is highlighted.
Configuring The X3 ECD and Viewing the System Status Warranty Information To view the warranty information, follow these steps: 1 Point the X3 ECD in a safe direction. 2 Shift the CAM-Lock safety to the down (SAFE) position. 3 Remove the Smart Cartridges from the X3 ECD. See the "Unloading" section in this manual for more information. 4 Press and hold the selector switch until the MAIN MENU displays. 5 Press the right ARC switch until the INFO option is highlighted.
Configuring The X3 ECD and Viewing the System Status Language To set the X3 ECD’s language, follow these steps: 1 Point the X3 ECD in a safe direction. 2 Shift the CAM-Lock safety to the down (SAFE) position. 3 Remove the Smart Cartridges from the X3 ECD. See the "Unloading" section in this manual for more information. 4 Press and hold the selector switch until the MAIN MENU displays. 5 Press the right ARC switch until you are at the LANGUAGE menu.
Remove the Shipping Cover from the Smart Cartridge Smart Cartridges are shipped with a shipping cover in place. Remove these covers before attempting to load a cartridge into an X3 ECD. 1 Hold the cartridge over a table or other close by surface so the cartridge will not fall to the floor if it is dropped. 2 Hold the cartridge so the blast doors are facing away from you and others. (The blast doors are behind the solid portion of the cartridge cover with the word REMOVE on it.
4 Push against this tab while pulling the cartridge out. You might consider pushing on the cartridge with your thumbs and holding the cover with your fingers. There should be an audible click when the cover releases the cartridge. 5 41 Pull the cartridge out of the cover.
Selecting Cartridges By default, the leftmost active cartridge is selected. Whether your X3 ECD is set up for the semi-automatic or manual deployment mode, you can use the ARC switch to designate which cartridge you want to use. You do not have to start with the left cartridge if the situation dictates otherwise. For example, you can load X3 Smart Cartridges of different ranges into the ECD. You might load two 25-foot cartridges and one 35-foot cartridge.
Standard-Range (15 ft/4 m and 25 ft/7 m) TASER X3 Smart Cartridges o BOTTOM PROBE POINTS 7 DOWN Blast Doors Long-Range (35 ft/10 m) TASER X3 Smart Cartridges o Blast Doors WARNING When using the 35-foot Smart Cartridge, be aware that the top probe may hit above the laser. Adjust your aim to avoid hitting sensitive areas. Never attempt to open or modify an X3 Smart Cartridge. Tampering with a live X3 Smart Cartridge could cause it to fire or malfunction (which may result in serious injury).
The X3 ECD can determine whether the Smart Cartridges loaded in the cartridge bays have been expended or not. The ECD also can determine whether all the cartridge bays are loaded or not. This means the ECD will not select an empty bay or an expended cartridge. Cartridge status is displayed on the CID. Empty Cartridge Bay /Loaded/Loaded Expended/Not Deployed/Not Deployed The X3 ECD is designed to distinguish between standard Smart Cartridges and training Smart Cartridges.
Load the Smart Cartridges WARNING Never place your hands or fingers in front of the cartridge. When loading and unloading, always hold the cartridge on the sides or top. Smart Cartridges are shipped with a shipping cover in place. Remove these covers before attempting to load a cartridge into an X3 ECD. See the "Remove the Shipping Cover from the Smart Cartridge" section in this manual for more information. Always treat your X3 ECD as if it were loaded.
Loaded X3 ECD viewed at an angle. Load the Smart Cartridges Loading Smart Cartridges are shipped with a shipping cover in place. Remove these covers before attempting to load a cartridge into an X3 ECD. 1 Point the ECD in a safe direction. 2 Ensure the CAM-Lock Safety is in the down (SAFE) position. 3 Make sure the protective shipping cover is removed from the Smart Cartridge. 4 Keeping your hand away from the blast doors, place the Smart Cartridge into the cartridge bay until an audible click is heard.
5 Verify that the cartridge is secure by pulling on the tabs on the lower and upper part of the cartridge. As shown in the illustrations, the left hand is loading cartridges beginning with the rightmost bay. By loading from right to left (or left to right if the right hand is used) it is less likely the operator will place fingers in front of the blast doors of loaded cartridges. Load the Smart Cartridges Cartridge Release Button X3 Smart Cartridges are held in the X3 ECD after they are loaded.
Load the Smart Cartridges Unloading 1 Point the ECD in a safe direction. 2 Ensure the CAM-Lock Safety is in the down (SAFE) position. 3 Keep your hands away from the front of the cartridges. 4 Press the cartridge release button. 5 Firmly pull the cartridge out of the bay by pulling on the upper tab and lower tab of the cartridge.
Aiming and Probe Placement Hold Level Don't Tilt All TASER ECD deployments should be in accordance with department policies and procedures. Normally, aim the laser at the preferred target areas of the body, which are the lower torso (when the subject is facing you), legs, and the subject’s back. Aiming and Probe Placement Preferred Target Zones Deploying the X3 ECD at the suspect’s back offers several advantages: • Clothing fits tighter. • Surprise factor. • Stronger muscles – even more effective.
The top probe impacts the target near the top laser beam but exact placement can vary depending on distance, type of cartridge, etc. Hold the X3 ECD so that the cartridge is vertical for an upright target. If both the upper and lower lasers are active, you should be able to estimate where each probe will hit. WARNING Avoid head, face, throat, or groin exposure unless officer safety or the situation dictates otherwise.
Although you can use a Warning Arc display when the ECD is unloaded, it is recommended that you always arc display with the cartridges installed. This ensures a consistent display and reduces wear on the ECD’s components. WARNING Use the ARC switch, not the trigger switch, to employ the Warning Arc display. Electrodes The front of the X3 ECD has six metal electrodes. The electrodes provide the ability to use the X3 in a “drive-stun” mode as a traditional stun gun-type ECD.
Drive-Stun Backup Drive-stun capability is available with the X3 ECD. To apply a drive-stun, place the safety in the up (ARMED) position and press the ARC switch, just as you would to employ a Warning ARC display. Use the ARC switch instead of the trigger to activate the X3 ECD for a drive-stun. When you use the ARC switch, energy will spark across all the electrodes or arc deflector metalized labels without deploying the cartridges.
Drive-Stun Backup Recommended Drive-Stun Areas for Maximum Effect When officer safety is at risk, drive the X3 ECD into the following areas for maximum effectiveness. • Carotid (sides of neck) (see warning below). • Brachial plexus tie-in (upper chest). • Radial (forearm). • Pelvic triangle (see warning below). • Tibialis (calf muscle). WARNING Use care when applying a drive-stun to the neck or groin.
Maintenance/Troubleshooting 4 Spark Test TASER International recommends conducting a spark test every 24 hours or prior to the start of your shift for your individually issued X3 ECD. The spark test is done to verify that the ECD is working properly. Unlike previous TASER ECD systems, an X3 ECD can be spark tested with the cartridges loaded. In fact, it is recommended to perform the spark test with cartridges installed to reduce stress on the ECD’s components.
What to Do Following ECD Use Considerations for Handling Used Probes Each agency will establish its own procedure for probe removal and collection. Treat probes that have penetrated the body as contaminated needles (biohazard). If the probes must be removed from the subject, follow all department policies and procedures for handling biohazards. • Grab the probe firmly and quickly pull it straight out. Do not twist the probe as the barbed tip may cause additional injury.
Uploading Firmware Revisions The X3 ECD internal firmware provides functionality for all aspects of the ECD. The firmware can be upgraded to the most recent version by using an X3 ECD Dataport Download Kit (purchased separately) and an Internetconnected PC connected through EVIDENCE SYNC software or connected to EVIDENCE.COM CAUTION: Do not remove the USB cable or shift the CAM-Lock Safety to the up (ARMED) position during the reprogramming cycle.
TASER Online Troubleshooting Guide A troubleshooting guide is available by visiting EVIDENCE.COM. If you need product support on accessories or have any other questions, please contact customer service at: U.S.: 1.800.978.2737 or 1.480.905.2000 International: +1.800.978.2737 or +1.480.905.2000 Product Returns To return a TASER product for service, first follow the procedures at EVIDENCE.COM.
The Event Log also stores System Configuration Change Events. This is any time a system configuration is changed. For example, if the date, time, language, laser or flashlight on/off settings are changed, then the System Log records when these changes occurred. The Event Log also records when the X3 ECD is set to the semi-automatic, manual, or training modes. System configuration also refers to firmware updates.
The deployment log includes the following information for the most recent 1,500+ discharges: • Date, time, and duration of each discharge in both GMT and local time. Temperature and EPM percentage remaining at each discharge. • Record of any time changes made to the X3 ECD’s memory. • X3 ECD serial number and current software version. The X3 ECD uses a USB adapter to connect to any Windows 98, 2000, XP or ME computer. The simplicity of USB makes using the dataport download kit an easy, fast process.
Optional Accessories 5 Magnesium Transporter Holster The TASER X3 ECD comes standard with a Magnesium Transporter Holster optimized to provide maximum security and reliability while reducing overall size and weight. The magnesium alloy frame and spring-loaded locking jaws provide excellent retention in an ultra-light-weight yet rugged design. You have the option of installing the Full Cover and Minimum Cover configurations.
Additional Items 6 Additional Information New TASER brand products are under development. Visit our Web site at www.TASER.com for the latest information. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for lithium batteries are available by contacting TASER International. TASER Training Academy The TASER Training Academy is designed to provide training on the use of TASER-brand ECDs.
• TASER Master Instructor Course • TASER Technician Course • TASER Evidence Collection and Analysis Course • TASER Use of Force, Risk Management and Legal Strategies Seminar • TASER Use in the Correctional Environment Medical Research TASER ECDs are among the most extensively studied ECDs. More than 280 medical and field studies have been published. For more information go to www.TASER.com.
AXON, Charge Diffusion, Engineering Log, Event Log, EVIDENCE.COM, Precision Shaped Pulse, Pulse Log, Rotational-Pulse Drive, Smart Cartridge, TACOM, TPM, Trilogy Log, Warning Arc, X3, X-Connect and ø are trademarks of TASER International, Inc., and TASER® is a registered trademark of TASER International, Inc., registered in the U.S. All rights reserved. © 2010 TASER International, Inc.
