Instructions
(last update: Jan 2009)
The Flex ECT, from Haunt Master Products, Inc. is an externally triggered, DUAL analog timer for the control of a haunt scare/display event. It is designed to start timing by means of external switch closure. CAUTION: The two "sensor terminals" on the Flex ECT (ref. sketch) MUST BE wired to the EXTERNAL trigger device that acts like a switch. NO source of electrical power should ever be connected to these two terminals - at risk of destroying the timer.
TRIGGERING:
In order to start timing, the Flex ECT
must be triggered by momentary closure of a switch across it's two sensor
terminals. This switch could be anything from a manually
operated push-button, or a mat switch, or a Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensor
that has unpowered switch contacts. When
manually testing (see "D.C. Test Procedure") the timer even a paper clip
can be used to trigger the Flex ECT.
SET TIMING:
The user adjusts the timing of the 1st and 2nd stage
by turning the T1 and T2 knobs, clockwise, from 0.1
sec (minimum) to approx 140 sec (maximum). Timing can
be set
by stopwatch or clock using the LEDs as indicators.
The timing marks on the label aren't accurate and are just for relative
reference. [IF the timing is critical and the pointer/s
should not be moved, a drop of hot glue on the tip
of the pointer that touches the label will hold settings]
TIMING OPERATION:
Once triggered by connecting its two sensor terminals,
the Flex ECT's first stage timer = T1, starts
timing and it's green LED is illuminated. When T1 times out
(ends timing), T2, the 2nd stage timer automatically starts timing,
and its LED is illuminated. After T2 times out, the Flex
ECT will
reset, if the switch across the sensor terminals
is not closed.
If the switch across the sensor terminals remains
closed or becomes closed at the instant the timer attempts to reset, it
will not do so until the switch contacts open. This action prevents
repeat
cycle operation. [If repeat cycle operation is desired,
we have a separate timer (which isn't triggered) called the Repeat
Cycle Timer (RCT) for this purpose.]
D.C. Operation
Return Policy => we do not repair
units that fail this test - we discount a new Flex ECT based on the condition
of the failed one.
The Flex ETC requires a 9-volt battery (alkaline preferred) or a 9-volt AC adaptor (for extended operation over a number of days our 9 volt Battery Eliminator is recommended). Connect the 9-volt d.c. power source to the battery clip on the front of the unit.
Mounted on the front of the Flex ECT is a white plastic terminal strip which has eight terminals. Four of these face UPWARD, and two of these hold the red and black wires of the battery snap and the other two are the 'sensor terminals' where external switch (trigger) wires are to be connected. The four BOTTOM facing terminals are not used by customer.
Brass screws on the terminal strip are tightened to hold wires. Note these screws MUST contact bare wire and not the wire insulation. .
=> Safety Note: there's NO shock danger from touching any part of this terminal strip when the AC line cord of the Flex ECT is plugged in. <=
Test Procedure
As of recently the Flex ECT
has a two (2) position power switch, in place of the three position switch
formerly used.
[older model timers that have a 3-position switch
should use the "test" position instead of "on" position for the following
test]
1) Leave the Flex ECT's power cord UNplugged. Connect a 9-volt alkaline battery or our 9-volt Battery Eliminator to the battery snap of the Flex ECT. Turn the power switch "OFF". Set T1 and T2 knobs to 1 on their dials. NOTE: TIMES shown on the Flex ECT dials are in SECONDS and only approximate. However, with a clock or stopwatch any time interval in the range of the timer (0.1 to 140 sec) may be obtained precisely. [If timing is critical we recommend using a dap of hot glue, or wax to hold the T1 & T2 knobs from moving]
2) Bend a bare metal paperclip so that it forms a
"U" shape. Form the "U" so that the ends of the clip will each touch
one of the metal inserts within the two sensor terminals
(diagram). Lay the paper clip aside for now.
3) Turn the power switch (upper right hand corner) of the Flex ECT to "ON". Nothing should happen, as there has been no triggering through the sensor terminals.
4) Grasping the paper clip at the base of the "U", insert the ends of the clip so that they each touch a metal insert in the two sensor terminals (diagram). The T1 LED should immediately light and remain lit for the amount of time = T1. Immediately after the T1 LED is extinguished, the T2 LED is lit. It stays on for a period = T2. During this time, if you again touch the two sensor terminals with the paper clip, the T1 LED will NOT light. This shows that no switch action at the sensor terminals will interfere with the timer's operation until it has completed both stages of timing. After the T2 LED goes out, the Flex ECT will RESET as long as the sensor terminals are not connected (via paper clip).
5) Experiment: Perform steps 1-4 above leaving the paperclip connected to the sensor terminals (a continuously closed switch), the Flex ECT does not reset, so it won't automatically re-start. Once the clip is removed, the timer resets and re-applying the paper clip to the sensor terminals will start the timing again.
A 9-volt alkaline battery gives approximately
18 hours of continuous operation.
120 volt A.C. Testing
Electrical
Safety Warning:
As the Flex ECT is housed
in a metal box which is an electrical conductor, its A.C. power cord must
be plugged into a properly grounded 3-prong A.C. receptacle to prevent
this box from ever becoming electrically charged.
1) With its battery switch OFF, plug the Flex ECT's cord into a 3-prong socket. Plug a lamp that's been switched ON into the Flex ECT's socket. Put the handle of the Energize toggle switch toward T1.
2) Turn power switch ON and repeat the D.C. tests (steps: 1-4). Whenever, the T1 LED is lit, the lamp should be also. Lamp loads up to a maximum of 1200 watts may be switched. Motor loads should be limited to 3 amps or less as indicated in the specifications. [use the Email link, below, for any additonal advice as to electrical loads, etc.]
3) Repeat step 2) with the Energize toggle
handle toward T2. Now when the T2 LED is lit, the lamp should
light. It should be evident that with T2 energizing the effect,
an initial delay (T1) occurs first. Putting a delay, first,
gives the "scare effect" triggered by the Flex ECT to someone
other than the first person in a line of people.
Note: The above tests check the operation of the Flex ECT, only. Always test your entire SYSTEM, as well, using the actual sensor/s and A.C. powered equipment to be sure that everything works as planned !!
Please do not exceed the following limits or we'll both be disappointed. Call or Email if you have any further questions.
Timing & socket energization is initiated by
N.O. switch closure
Maximumn switched 120 volt A.C. resistive current
= 10.0 amps
Maximum switched 120 volt A.C. inductive current
= 3.0 amps
Time settings = 0.1 to 140 seconds - continuous
range (dial markings approximate)
Repeat accuracy = +/- 2%
9-volt "Heavy Duty" Battery Life = 12 hours (with
no A.C. switching).
9-volt "Alkaline" Battery Life = 18 hours
(with no A.C. switching).
Maximum current at 9 volts = 48 milliamps (when
timer is timing with LEDs)
A 9-volt battery adaptor (wall wart) may be used
to power the Flex ECT, if it's an unregulated supply it's current rating
should be 200 milliamps or less.
Note: Haunt Master Products, Inc sells our
9-volt
Battery Eliminator for use with the Flex ECT
Sensor Connection
A normally open (N.O.) sensor SWITCH is wired to
the two sensor terminals. DO NOT CONNECT anything that would send
electrical
current through these terminals. This mistake may destroy your Flex
ECT and voids warranty.
Limited Warranty
Haunt MasterProducts, Inc. warrants the Flex ECT, to the original purchaser, against operational failure caused by defective parts or assembly for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. Proof of purchase (original invoice) must accompany the unit's return for In-Warranty repair/replacement.If there any questions or comments about this product, please contact:
Phone: 540- 421-0695
Haunt Master Products,
Inc.
107 Mirandy Court
Bridgewater, VA 22812-9567