FarmTek MD-300, User Manual

MD-300 User’s Manual                                                      Page 10

MD-300 User’s Manual                                           Page 10 (Cont’d)

If the batteries in the Transmitter are not used for long peri-

ods of time, they should be given a full charge every three

months or so. Note that even if you always run the Transmit-
ter from electricity, but never charge it, the batteries should

still be given a full charge every three months and when you

first receive your timer.

Checking Rechargeable Battery Condition

A lamp on the rear panel of the Transmitter provides an in-

dication of battery condition. The lamp is brightest when

viewed from straight-on (not above, below, or to the side).

This is important when trying to view the lamp in bright

sunlight. The following notes apply to use of the battery con-

dition lamp:

• The Transmitter must be on to check battery condition.
• The most accurate indication of battery condition is

provided after the Transmitter has been on for at least

30 to 60 seconds.

• If the lamp is blinking steadily, the batteries are still op-

erational.  Irregular blinking indicates the battery is on

its last breath – assume the battery is dead.

• If the lamp is off, the batteries are dead and need re-

charging. The Transmitter will not operate unless

plugged in or recharged.

As with any battery, when the Transmitter is first turned on

after being off for a period, even discharged batteries may

temporarily exhibit a high enough voltage to indicate "good."

However, a discharged battery will quickly drain and indi-

cate "dead."  For this reason, leave the Transmitter on for at

least 30 to 60 seconds before checking battery condition.

Infrared Light Detector - Receiver

The Receiver is labeled "Receiver" on its rear panel. The Re-

ceiver detects the infrared light beam emitted by the Trans-

mitter. The infrared light passes through the solid black

front panel.

The Receiver is connected to the Timer Console by the 125

foot cable provided. This cable provides a signal to the Timer

Console when the light beam is broken. In addition, this ca-

ble provides power to the Receiver. The Receiver requires

neither A/C or batteries to operate. To connect the cable,

insert either end of the cable into the jack labeled 

CONSOLE

on the rear of the Receiver. Insert the other end of the cable

into the jack labeled 

RECEIVER

 on the rear of the Timer Con-

sole. When using a second pair of electric eyes (OE-205

Electric Eye Package) for jumping events, dashes, etc., the

electric eyes which stop the timer plug into the 

AUX

 jack.

More information about using two pairs of electric eyes is

provided in the user's manual supplied with the OE-205

Electric Eye Package.

Tripods

For use in the arena, the electric eyes should be mounted on

the tripods provided. As you read this section, try the ad-

justments mentioned to familiarize yourself with the tripods.

The tripod has latches on its legs to adjust them to the de-

sired length. Open the latch to extend or shorten a leg, then

close the latch to lock the leg in place.

Near the top of the tripod where the three legs come to-

gether, a center tube (neck) can be raised or lowered to fur-

ther adjust the height of the tripod. Loosen the collar latch

by turning it counter-clockwise, and then raise or lower the

neck as desired. After adjustment, tighten the collar latch by

turning it clockwise.

The very top of the tripod is called the "head". Two ad-

justments allow the head to turn left to right, and to tilt for-

ward and backward. The long handle is used to adjust the

forward and backward tilt. Turn the handle counter-

clockwise to loosen, and then use the handle to adjust the

tilt. Turn the handle clockwise to tighten the head in the

new position. The knob at the very top of the neck can be

loosened to allow you to move the head left and right. Turn

the knob counter-clockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten.

A 1/4 inch screw protrudes through the top of the head. To

mount the Receiver or Transmitter on the tripod, position

the hole on the bottom of either unit over this screw. Turn

the knob under the head counter-clockwise (when viewed

from the top) to tighten the screw into the Receiver or

Transmitter. Tighten the screw firmly, but do not over-

tighten. Turn the knob clockwise to loosen the screw and