tr45b[DB1] -ma6.doc, tr45b-ma6.htm, Revised on 5-11-06.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNDERWATER TIMER RELEASE SYSTEM.

(TR-45 release, TRP-45B programmer, and

LK-40, LK-80 erosion links).

Sub Sea Sonics (www.subseasonics.com)

5485 55th Street, #21A

San Diego, CA 92115-1240

Phone:  619-286-7546

 

1.  BATTERY INSTALLATION FOR PROGRAMMER (Model TRP-45B).

Remove the four screws that hold the cover on the box.  Connect two 9 volt batteries to the two 9 volt battery snaps.  While doing this check each contact individually to insure reliable contact.  If necessary reform the contacts slightly with a pair of long nose pliers to insure reliable contact.  The instant both batteries are connected, the recessed LED display digit should flash in succession 0123456789 repeated five times.  This indicates that the micro computer has been properly reset.  This sequential numbers display can also be used to check to see that each of the 10 digits is displaying correctly.  If this sequence fails to display or if it is desired to repeat it then disconnect the batteries and short out both of the battery snaps at the same time for an instant to discharge a capacitor.  Then reconnect first one battery and when connecting the second battery do it with a quick single touch action so that the micro controller gets its proper POWER-ON-RESET.  This is how the internal micro computer is reset.  Install the two 9 volt batteries and replace the cover.  Upon this battery replacement any prior setting of the hours will be lost and the unit reset to 166 hours.  One set of alkaline batteries should be good for 1000 uses or 3 months which ever occurs first.  At any time the batteries can be checked by programming a release unit.  If error ‘E4’ is displayed then the programmer batteries are low.  In dark conditions a faint flicker on the display will be visible and is normal.  This represents a small battery drain (70 micro amps) and will drain half of the battery energy in 6 months.  It is recommended that if the unit is not going to be used for several months that the batteries be removed.

 

 

2.  OBTAINING THE HOURS DISPLAY ON THE PROGRAMMER.

 Press the "ON" switch to activate the display of hours.  This displays the number of hours that the programmer will use to program a release unit.  It will flash consecutively (dash) (1st digit) (2nd digit) (3rd digit) (dash) and repeat this several times then go off.  The 3 digits are the digits of the number of hours.  For example, the display of -334--334--334--334--334- means that the programmer is set for 334 hours.  When this is sent (see below) to a release unit it will be 334 hours before the internal timer switches voltage to the erosion link and initiates the erosion for the release.

3.  ADJUSTING THE NUMBER OF HOURS.

The number of hours can be changed to any number between 000 hours and 999 hours.  First, obtain the display as described above.  Second, press and hold the switch on the "INCREASE" or the "DECREASE" position.  As the contact is maintained without letup the number of hours will first change by 1 then by 2 then by 4 then by 8 then by 16 then by 32 then by 64.  In other words the longer the contact is held the larger the increase or decrease will become up to a maximum change of 64 hours.  To stop the change simply release the switch.  When near the desired number of hours the switch can be released after each change to keep the change to just one hour.  Once set the number of hours will stay set as long as the batteries are not disconnected.  [Tip: The INCREASE or DECREASE contact is sensed when the two dashes -- occur.  Therefore, this is the instant that the switch must be held on INCREASE or DECREASE to effect the increase or decrease.]

4.  PREPARING A RELEASE UNIT.

To prepare a release unit (TR-45) first remove the old erosion link by unscrewing the retainer cap and removing the expired erosion link (save one for use during TR-45 storage).  Second, inspect the stainless steel contact on the top end of the release unit by pressing on it with a metal tool such as a screwdriver.  Verify that it has not been damaged (turned into a weak sponge-like piece of stainless by electrolysis).  This will not happen if the O-ring is in place and does not leak excessively.  The O-ring can leak a little without damage but if it leaks a lot then after the water leaks in electric current can flow through the leak hole and this may damage this contact by electrolytic erosion, the same erosion upon which this release system is based.  Third, reassemble with a new erosion link and an O-ring (11/16" OD x 1/8" cross-section, durometer 70).  The O-ring gets positioned between the top end of the release body and the erosion link.  In its correct position the O-ring will surround the contacts.  The retainer cap is tightened hand tight on the heavy side to maintain electric contact, keep the O-ring squeezed, and hold the erosion link in place for handling its load.  THE O-RING MUST BE CORRECT AND IN THE RIGHT PLACE.  IF IT IS NOT ELECTROLYTIC DAMAGE TO THE TR-45 POSITIVE CONTACT MAY OCCUR DURING RELEASE.  Do not obstruct the outside part of the erosion link from making contact with the salt water.  Salt water must be able to reach the two small unpainted sections of the stainless steel painted loop on the erosion link.  Tests have shown that oil on the two small exposed stainless points of the link is no problem.  Oil rinses off immediately upon immersion in water.  Fourth, program the release unit.  FAILURE TO PROGRAM THE RELEASE UNIT WILL RESULT IN FAILURE OF RELEASE.  The time to release starts when the release unit is programmed.  Fifth, deploy the release unit.  There are many possibilities for deployment.  It is best to keep the pull on axis.  Do not permit side-to-side pulling since it could bend the erosion link back and forth until it breaks off.  Consider releasing a work line pulled by powerful rubber band or bungee.  Use the work line to releases a coil of line and a float or some other desired action.  This gives a definite release force that is consistent in strength and direction compared to the variable and sometimes weak tug of just a float (especially that of a small float or one that has been compressed by depth).

5.  PROGRAMMING A RELEASE UNIT WITH A PROGRAMMER.

 The number of hours set in the programmer (see above) can be transferred (sent) to any one or more release units as follows.  First, press the "SEND" switch to start the sending action.  A flashing dash will show at the bottom of the LED display.  Second, make dual contact between the programmer contacts and the release unit contacts.  Hold the blade shaped probe in contact with the small exposed stainless steel sections at the base of the erosion loop.  Simultaneously, hold the shorter flat contact in contact with the coil of stainless steel wire wrapped around the body of the release.  Once dual contact is initiated maintain it without interruption for a few seconds for the transfer of the number of hours, number of hours verification, and battery checking.  Watch the LED display.  Within 3 seconds the display should change from the slowly flashing dash to a quickly circulating dash that makes several circles and then changes to display the number of hours that the release unit was just programmed.  CIRCULATING DASHES FOLLOWED BY NUMBER OF HOURS ALWAYS INDICATES COMPLETE SUCCESS.  If there is a problem the LED display will flash "E" followed by a number (for example, E2E2E2E2E2 for bad contact, try again).  This programming procedure can be repeated on any release unit at any time.  The release unit just programmed starts timing form the moment it is programmed.

ERROR CODES FOLLOW:

E1E1E1E1E1 = No connection.  Check both wand contacts.  Try again.  Check contact between erosion link bottom and release unit top located inside O-ring.

E2E2E2E2E2 = Intermittent contact during programming.  Simply try again.  (The two micro controllers did start talking to each other but were interrupted by an unsteady dual contact.)

E3E3E3E3E3 = Release battery is low.  It will probably work for another 1 to 5 releases but don't count on it.  Programming was successful and all else is okay.

E4E4E4E4E4 = Programmer batteries are low.  Programming was successful and all else is okay.  The release has been reliably programmed and can be used.  Change the programmer batteries as soon as possible.

E5E5E5E5E5 = Both the release batteries and the programmer batteries are low.  (see E3E3E3E3E3 and E4E4E4E4E4 above).

EXTRA NOTES:

1.  METAL TOUCHING EROSION LINK STAINLESS STEEL LOOP.  WARNING: DO NOT LET METAL TOUCH THE EROSION LOOP.  If something metallic  rubs through the epoxy paint on the erosion link and makes electrical contact it will cause the voltage to get to it as well as the erosion link stainless steel.  If the extra metal in question is small it will simply be eroded away with extra drain on the batteries shortening their life.  If it is large it may prevent the release and completely drain the batteries in the release unit.  The piece itself will also be damaged.  If it is desired to use a hook to clip onto the erosion link loop then be sure it is nonmetallic or adequately insulated to prevent electrical contact.

2.  BATTERY REPLACEMENT IN THE RELEASE UNIT (TR-45).  The TR-45 release unit uses four alkaline AA batteries wired in series.  It is not recommended that the user replace the batteries.  They are connected in series utilizing either welded tabs or a special battery-specific soldering technique.  However, if field replacement is decided upon access is obtained by cutting off the bottom end just above the bottom ¾” slip cap, being careful to not cut the wires inside.  A new ¾ slip PVC cap and some PVC cement is required.  After repeated replacements a new coupling and some 3/4 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe will also be required.  The four AA alkaline batteries make up a 6 volt pack.  The red wire goes to the positive end, the black wire goes to the negative end.  (Do not connect the battery pack in reverse as this will damage batteries and may damage the release electronics.)  At this point stop and perform the POWER-ON-RESET described in the next paragraph.  Then return to here.  A nine inch long piece of ¾ inch shrink tubing works well to slip over the battery train to help hold the batteries together.  If not available consider forming a splint out of folded writing paper or stiffer manila folder and use tape to hold the batteries to the splint.  This gives them some integrity when pushed in or pulled out.  Insert the positive end first and keep the bulk of the wires outside until the batteries are inserted all the way.  Tuck in a small piece of wet suit rubber (1” x 1.5”x ¼”).  Tuck in the wires.  Tuck in another small piece of wet suit rubber.  Check the tube end to insure that the new PVC slip cap will fit.  Last, glue on the slip cap.

3.  SPECIAL POWER-ON-RESET REQUIREMENT WHEN CONNECTING NEW BATTERIES.  Immediately upon connection of the new batteries and before slipping them into place in the PVC tube perform a POWER-ON-RESET.  The easiest way to do this is to short out the batteries briefly.  Alkaline batteries have enough internal resistance that if the battery pack is shorted out for one second then only 0.03% of the energy is drained from the batteries.  Shorting them with a quick touch lasting much less than one second is fully adequate to achieve a correct POWER-ON-RESET.  After this and before gluing on the new slip cap test the unit with a programmer.  Verify that the unit does accept a delay to release time (indicated by the circulating dash on the programmer).

4.  USE OF AN ‘AM’ RADIO TO AID IN CHECKING THE OPERATION OF A UNIT.  An AM radio set on about 550 kHz can be used as an aid to checking out  the operation of a release unit.  Hold it touching the body of the release unit near the battery end (the end away from the erosion link).  Hold it there while programming it.  During the one second of programming, pulses will be heard on the AM radio.  If programmed for 000 hours (immediate release leaving unit in release mode) pulse sounds will be heard precisely once per second.  This can be used with a stop watch to check the time base of the release unit.  When programmed for 001 hours or any non 000 hours (unit in timing mode) it is usually possible to hear a steady sound from the release unit if the AM radio is held very close and all other AM signals are made low enough by careful positioning of the AM radio to minimize interference pick up.  When finished, program the unit to 000 hours (puts it in release mode) and protect the contacts from accidental contact to something in the environment for at least the four hours that the unit is in release mode.  In any case the installation of an expired link or a dummy link is recommended for protection when not in use.

5.  IMMEDIATE STORAGE OF TR-45 RELEASE UNIT.  Keep an old erosion link with O-ring installed on the end to protect the erosion link contact (located inside the O-ring) from accidental erosion.  This also protects the batteries from accidental drain.

6.  GENERAL STORAGE OF ALL COMPONENTS.  Store out of direct sunlight in a moderate temperature environment.  Keep a dummy or an old erosion link installed on the TR-45 release unit during storage.  The batteries inside the release unit are not being drained when the unit has timed out and release mode four hours have elapsed.  The batteries inside the programmer (TRP-45B) are being drained slightly all the time and so its advisable to remove them if stored for more than a few months.

7.  INFORMATION ON THE STAINLESS STEEL COIL.  This coil is the negative contact and is high quality stainless steel alloy 316.  When erosion is occurring tiny bubbles will form on it and rise off of it at the same time the erosion link is eroding away.  Minerals may deposit on this coil at the same time.  These may either be left alone or be occasionally scraped off.  Accidental contact between this coil and other steel should not erode this coil or interfere with the operation of the release.

8.  DURATION OF EROSION MODE: The release unit shuts off after exactly four hours in erosion mode and goes to sleep.  In this sleep state no battery drain is occurring.  In addition to saving battery this stops the erosion from continuing through the plastic base of the erosion link and into the contact cavity.  This prevents damage to the release center top link contact.

9.  NOTE ON OUTPUT CIRCUIT:  The release unit is almost short circuit proof.  A complete short of the erosion link or its contact to the stainless coil will do no damage and will not drain the battery.  However, a partial short from a 1 ohm to 10 ohm load might burn out the internal power FET switch.  There is no concern if the unit is used as intended.

10.  BATTERY DRAIN INFORMATION:  The LK-40 erosion link consumes about 25 mA-Hr during release mode while eroding the stainless steel two pieces at the base of the hoop.  Each piece assumed to be 0.100 inch of exposed stainless, 0.025 inch diameter wire.  If the paint gets scrapped off then more energy will be consumed (up to double for the LK-40).  A single set of four alkaline batteries should give 40 releases if paint stays in tack or 20 releases if all paint gets rubbed off).  With the LK-80 about three times the energy (vs. the LK-40) is consumed if the paint stays intact and ten times the energy consumed if all the paint gets scrapped off.  This equates to 13 releases with paint intact and only two releases if all the paint gets scrapped off.  

 11.  EROSION TIME INFORMATION:  With the LK-40 release, erosion time is about 8 minutes at 20 deg C and about 15 minutes at 0 deg C.  This is the additional time required for release after the unit switches to release mode (i.e. after the programmed xxx number of hours completes).  LK-80 erosion times are about double those of the LK-40 for same water temperature.

13.  RE-PROGRAMMABILITY:  At any time an underwater timer release unit (TR-45) can be programmed or re-programmed.  If the unit is already running (in a timing mode for xxx hours or in a release mode for four hours) then re-programming simply cancels the current operation and starts fresh with the new programmed number of hours.  The normal programming verification and battery tests are also performed upon re-programming.  The timing countdown always starts at the moment of programming or reprogramming.

 

SPECIFICATIONS FOR TRP-45B TIMER RELEASE PROGRAMMER:

Description:  The TRP-45B is a programmer for the TR-45 underwater timer release units.  It transfers time until release erosion starts to theTR-45 unit by direct contact.

Programmable times:  000 hour to 999 hour in 1 hour steps.

Re-programmability:  Can re-program at any time.

Start of timing:  Timing starts at the moment of programming (or re-programming).

Data transfer time:  1  second.  (After press ‘SEND’ and make dual contact.)

Reliability of programming:  Virtually certain when user watches to verify a circulating dash followed by the number of hours just programmed as displayed on the single digit LED.

Display:  Single digit LED 0.4 inch high (1.0 cm).  Recessed 2.7 inches (6.8 cm) inside a black tube to aid in viewing in daylight.

Contacts:  Stainless steel  protrusions designed for making temporary connection to the link and coil contacts on the TR-45 unit being programmed.

Battery Life:  Approximately 6 months with 1000 uses.  (Remove batteries for storage).

Batteries:  Two common 9.0 volt alkaline batteries (access by removing four screws to open box).

Size:  5.0 inch x 3.6 inch x 2.2 inch  (12.7 cm x 9.2 cm x 5.6 cm) plus contact protrusions.

Weight:  1.1 pound  (475 gram).

Water resistance:  Splash resistant but not water tight.  Do not submerge.

 

SPECIFICATIONS FOR TR-45 UNDERWATER TIMER RELEASE:

Description:  Unit performs a release action underwater after being programmed for the desired number of hours until release.

Environment:  Must be used in salt water (ocean or bay water).  Will not work in fresh water (e. g. will not work in a fresh water river or lake).

Coil contact:  Serves a dual function.  The coil contact is one of two contacts briefly made to the programmer when the unit is being programmed.  After deployment when the release action starts this contact is the negative contact to the salt water.

Link contact:  Serves a dual function.  The link contact is one of two contacts briefly made to the programmer when the unit is being programmed.  After deployment when the release action starts this contact is the positive contact to the erosion link.  The link exposed stainless is in contact with this positive contact providing the electric current path needed for the accelerated erosion.  This contact must be protected from contact directly to the salt water otherwise it will erode away.  An O-ring must be installed surrounding it.  This O-ring is vital to prevent erosion of this link contact with possible irreparable damage.

Link retaining cap:  A modified ½ inch threaded PVC cap holds the LK-xx erosion link in place.

 Batteries:  Four alkaline ‘AA’ batteries are wired in series for 6.0 volts.  These are sealed inside by gluing on a ¾ inch slip cap after inserting new batteries.  Access to replace the batteries is only by cutting the cap off.  (See ‘Instructions’ above for battery replacement suggestions).

Battery drain:  About 70 micro Amps is the drain on the four AA batteries while in timing mode.  About 70 micro Amps plus whatever the link draws is the drain when in release mode.  In release mode an LK-40 link draws an additional  100 mA during the first high current part of the erosion phase (at 20 deg C).

The following number of releases are based upon 1000 mA-Hr available from a set of four alkaline AA cells wired in series for 6.0 volts initial.  It is assumed that 250 of the 1000 mA-Hr go to 5 months of running the release timer and the  other 750 go to the erosion of the links.  [Basic information:  Battery ‘energy’ of 250 mA-Hr will supply the timer drawing 0.070 mA for 5 months.]

Battery life with LK-40, full paint:  typical 40 releases if link paint stays mostly intact.  [Basic information:  ‘Energy’ consumed per release =  17 mA-Hr]

Battery life with LK-40, no paint:  worst case 12 releases if link paint gets fully scraped off.  [Basic information:  ‘Energy’ consumed per release =  61 mA-Hr]

Battery life with LK-80, full paint:  typical 18 releases if link paint stays mostly intact.  [Basic information:  ‘Energy’ consumed per release =  43 mA-Hr]

Battery life with LK-80, no paint:  worst case 6 releases if link paint gets fully scraped off.  [Basic information:  ‘Energy’ consumed per release =  128 mA-Hr]

Battery life in storage:  Same as shelf life of alkaline batteries.  (i.e. there is no battery drain when unit is not in use).  Estimate 15% battery energy loss per year.  The possibility of a single cell going bad increases with time making it a good idea for critical applications to replace the batteries every 2 or 3 years even if used little.

Time to start of erosion:  Set by being in contact with a programmer (TRP-45B).  Can set for 000 hours through 999 hours in one hour steps.  000 hours used for testing during which unit switches to release mode immediately upon being programmed.

Start of timing:  Timing starts at the moment of programming (or re-programming).

Time from start of erosion to release:  5 minutes typical with LK-40 (20 deg C).  10 minutes typical with LK-80 (20 deg C).  Multiply these times by 1.5 for time at 0 deg C.  Additionally multiply these times by up to 2.0 for very weak batteries.

Duration of release erosion action (battery voltage applied to link):  4.00 hours.

Operating Depth:  Zero to 800 feet ( 244  meters).

Size:  1.3 inch max diameter x 17 inches long.

Weight in air:  0.80 pound (363 gram).  Includes internal batteries.

Weight in sea water:  0.20 pound (90 gram).  Includes internal batteries.

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS FOR LK-40 and LK-80 RELEASE EROSION LINKS:

Operation:  Release by means of accelerated electrolytic erosion.  When a positive voltage is applied to the two exposed pieces of stainless steel wire on the erosion link the exposed places erode rapidly.

LK-40 rated at 40 pounds (18 kg) on-axis pull.  Breaking point measured at 160 pounds typical.  Note:  Pull should be steady in one direction.  If there is a significant side-to-side pull then the stainless steel wire hoop might be made to bend side-to-side and break off prematurely.

LK-40 line acceptance size:  1/8 inch line minimum, 3/16 inch typical.

LK-80 rated at 80 pounds (36 kg) on axis pull.  Typical breaking point estimated above 200 pounds (91 kg).  Note:  Pull should be steady in one direction.  If there is a significant side-to-side pull then the stainless steel wire hoop might be made to bend side-to-side and break off prematurely.  The LK-80s heavier wire (0.035” vs. 0.025”) should handle significantly heavier side-to-side loading.

LK-80 line acceptance size:  1/8 inch line minimum, 3/16 inch typical.

Number of releases on one set of batteries:  See ‘Battery life …’ above.

Erosion time once TR-45 times out and switches to erosion mode:  See ‘Time from start of erosion to release:’ above.

 [DB1]