The Flex ECT, from Haunt Master Products, Inc. is an analog dual timer for the control of a haunt scare/display event. Like all haunt timers it is designed to start timing with switch closure from any Normally Open (N.O.) sensor switch. However, unlike other standard haunt timers, the Flex ECT does not have to energize the effect at the same instant the sensor switch closes.

The Flex ECT incorporates an "energize" selector toggle switch that allows the user to select either of its two internal timers: T1 or T2 to energize the event. When T1 is selected [ENERGIZE toggle switch handle is thrown toward T1] the 120 volt A.C. socket on the Flex ECT is energized during T1. This will cause the AC socket to be energized for the time T1, with T2 being a time delay afterward that prevents immediate re-activation. In this case T1 is the operate time, and T2 is the disable time. However, if T2 is selected [ENERGIZE toggle switch handle is toward T2] T1 becomes an initial time delay that starts when the sensor switch closes. The A.C. socket is energized during T2. This creates a time delay before the effect is energized and the event occurs to someone other than the first person in a line of patrons.

Note: Sensors with an A.C. output, like Passive Infra Red (PIR) motion detecting spotlights may also be used with the Flex ECT using a relay that provides the required N.O. switch closure. The Haunt Master Products, Inc. "Interface" is a relay that comes already wired for this purpose. [For more see INTERFACE at http://HauntMasterProducts.com/12.html ]

The Flex ETC requires a 'heavy duty' or alkaline 9-volt battery or a 9-volt AC adaptor (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 are UPWARD facing, two hold the wires to the battery clip and the other two are the 'sensor terminals' where an external switch (sensor) wires are connected.

Brass screws on the terminal strip are tightened to hold wires.  Note that the brass screws MUST contact bare wire and not insulation. .

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 three position power switch of the timer into its "OFF" or center position   Set T1 and T2 knobs to 5 on their dials. Put the "energize toggle switch" handle toward T1. 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 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
(see graphic).  Lay the paper clip aside for now.

3) Gently move the battery power switch back and forth, through it's positions. Nothing should happen, since there is no closed circuit across the sensor terminals.

4) Leave the battery switch in Test position. Holding the paper clip in your hand, place it so that the ends just touches the metal inserts in the two sensor terminals (see graphic). The T1 LED should immediately light and the stay lit for the amount of time = T1. Immediately after the T1 LED is extinguished, the green 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. After T2, with both LEDs off, the Flex ECT may be started again.

5) Experiment:  Try leaving the paperclip connecting the sensor terminals of the Flex ECT  (a continuously closed switch),  the Flex ECT will not re-start itself.  The paperclip
must be removed after the T2  LED goes out in order to re-start the timer.

Comment:  On the timers with a three position power switch, the center position is "OFF" and the "Test" position allows the T1 & T2 green LEDs to illuminate.   The "On" position kept these LEDs from being lit so this position was a battery saving power position, once the timing knobs had been set.
However, some 2007 timers now have a two position power switch, "ON" and "OFF".    It was found that having a "battery saving position" for the power switch was not that useful.  Most folks use our 9 volt Battery Eliminator to overcome battery depletion  problems.

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. Place the Energize toggle switch handle toward T1.

2) Turn the battery switch to Test position and repeat the D.C. tests. 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 4 amps or less as indicated in the specifications. [Email Haunt Master Products for advice if more than this current is to be switched.]

3) Repeat 2) with the Energize selector 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, and so the effect can be delayed until some time after the sensor has detected someone.

4) Repeat tests 2) and 3) with the battery switch in the ON position. Remember that with the battery switch in the ON position, no LED indication is given. Closing the sensor switch (using black wire) won't have any effect until T2 has timed out. (This step not used with a two position power switch)

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 = +/- 1.5%
9-volt "Heavy Duty" Battery Life = 12 hours (with no A.C. switching).
9-volt "Alkaline" Battery Life = 24  hours (with no A.C. switching).
Maximum current at 9 volts = 48 milliamps (when timer is timing with LEDs)
A 9-volt battery eliminator may be used to power the Flex ECT, provided it's current rating is 50 milliamps or more, and does not subject the unit to more than 15.0 volts d.c.
Note: Haunt Master Products, Inc sells our 9-volt Battery Eliminator for use with the Flex ECT

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.

Haunt Master Products, Inc.
107 Mirandy Court
Bridgewater, VA 22812-9567
 

Congratulations! In the Flex ECT you have purchased the most economical, versatile, discrete haunt timer in the industry.

Prior to this, event control timing always followed the pattern shown in the diagram below. A sensor closes a Normally Open (N.O.) switch that triggers T1 which simultaneously applies power to the effect for the set time. After T1, times out, and turns off the effect, T2 prevents system reset for a preset "disable time".

Now, with a Flex ECT, the user selects which timer T1 or T2, operates the effect. In other words, with a toggle selector switch [encircled area on diagram below] eitherT1or T2 can energize the event/effect.

The advantages of this flexiblity become more obvious with use. In a moving line of haunt patrons you can now "catch someone" other than first in line. In a stationary group, a surprise scare can be rigged to fire with no one moving (i.e. using T2 to trigger a delayed scare effect ).

At this point experiment with your Flex ECT and its "Energize selector switch". Use a lamp plugged into its A.C. socket, and trigger it by either the black wire method (used in test procedure) or an actual sensor.

If the Energize toggle switch handle is thrown toward T1, the Flex ECT will energize its A.C. socket, instantly, when the sensor switch closes; this behavior duplicates our standard ECT and all other discrete haunt timers. However, if the Energize switch is thrown toward T2, then its A.C. socket is powered when T2 starts timing. This means that T1, is an adjustable delay before the effect, is powered.

With the introduction of the Flex ECT a new scare technique is possible. Using two or more Event Control Timers (at least one of which must be the Flex ECT) , you can now create multiple, time delayed, effects from one sensor signal, commonly known as a "sequential scare".

All you do is wire the two sensor terminals of each event control timer in tandem with the sensor itself as shown. When the Normally Open (N.O.) sensor switch closes, the T1 timer of each unit is triggered. With two Flex units wired as above, a time delay can be inserted between sensor switch closure, the first effect, and the second effect.

Using only one Flex ECT and our older model ECT wired as above, the ECT will set off the first effect simultaneously with sensor switch closure, but the Flex unit can fire a second effect some time later, energizing on its T2.

published March 2000