Signal Golf 010417-0D Smart Pin User Manual Updated manual

Signal Golf International Pte. Ltd. Smart Pin Updated manual

Contents

Updated manual

YardDog Distance MeasurementSystem- Users ManualUSERS MANUAL
2TABLE OFCONTENTSWELCOME 3Important Operator Instructions andCaution 3Unpacking 3Getting acquainted with your system 4Smart Pins 4YardDog Units 7Smartpin Gang Charger 8Batteries 9YardDog Unit Gang Charger 9Preparing for use 10Charging the Smartpin batteries 10Assemble Smartpins 11Charging the YardDog Unit batteries 12Testing and Installation 13System Maintenance 13YardDog Maintenance 13SmartPin Maintenance Changing Pin AddressChanging Batteries At the “Green”141617Battery Charger Maintenance 18Battery Maintenance 19 Storage 20Trouble Shooting Checklist 20Warranty 2324Claims Procedure Welcome
3Note: The Handheld unit is referred to as a YardDog or a Pinpoint Unit depending on country of use.Congratulations. You’re minutes away from becoming one of a growing number ofYardDog Systems enabled golf courses around the world. YardDog Systems by SignalGolf produces immediate yardage calculations accurate up to the pin position on anyhole. These simple instructions will help you install the YardDog system and provideoperating instructions.IMPORTANT OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONSThe Handheld YardDog Unit should be used in the following manner:1. Operator should select correct hole number using up or down cursor.2. Operator should hold handheld at arms length, with antennae pointing straight up. Ensure nomajor obstructions or people are in direct line of sight with the pin.3. Holding the Handheld steady, press send button and release immediately. Continue to holdhandheld steady until reading appears on the LCD display.4. Additional information on changing LCD display readings can be found later in this manual.Caution!The YardDog and Smartpin distance measuring devices are required to comply with FCC RFexposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices. A separation of 20 cm (8 inches) or moremust be maintained between the antennas and all persons during device operations to satisfy RFexposure compliance.FCC NoticeThis device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must acceptany interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.Unpacking:Conduct your component inventory.1. Carefully remove all items from their boxes and discard packingmaterial.2. Match items to your packing slip and order form to ensure you havereceived the appropriate number of handheld YardDog units, Smartpins,flags, batteries and charging units.
4Getting Acquainted with your SystemSmartPinsSmartPins are pre-coded at the factory and labeled 1-18. Spare pins are not labeled. EachSmartpin 1-18 is identified with sticker indicating the hole number each Smartpin should beplaced in. The two spares are not marked, but can be adjusted to read which ever hole is desired.SmartPins consist of three distinct parts.1. BaseThe “base” is the bottom portion of the SmartPin. The base houses the battery pack.
52. MastThe mast is the top portion of the SmartPin. The mast houses the electronics of the flagstick. Donot access the electronics inside the mast without good reason. The only reason to access theelectronics is to change the pin address, and this is done by removing the top cap. See section onChanging Pin Address for instructions. Smartpin mask with top cap removed and the electronics partially out
63. Flag assemblyThe flag assembly is similar to the industry norm with a slightly larger diameter. The flagassembly is fitted over the mast and secured with an acorn nut.
7YardDog Units YardDog unit YardDog unit with leather case YardDog unit battery packYardDog units are the hand held “pager” like units that communicate with the SmartPinsto provide the distance in yards or meters to the golfer. Each YardDog comes completewith a leather carrying case. YardDogs are powered by rechargeable batteries. They arerecharged by placing the YardDog units in the gang charger.There are only 3 buttons on the YardDog. The arrow shaped buttons are used to “cursor”up and down to the selected hole. Pressing the SEND button activates the yardagecalculation and the yardage then appears on the screen.YardDog units are factory programmed to operate at golf courses with different numbersof holes, from 9 to 54 holes and more, and to display distances in yards or metres.To change display between Courses:1. Press and hold the send button until the menu appears, then release the send button.2. Use the up and down cursors to change to Course A, B, C and so on.3. Press and release the send button twice to return to normal operation.To change display units from metres to yards or vice versa:1. Press and hold the send button until the menu appears, then release the send button.2. Press send again. Use the cursor to select between yards and metres.3. Press send again to return to normal operation.
8SmartPin Gang ChargerThe battery gang charger has been specifically designed to charge 10 SmartPin battery packs. It isto be placed on a flat surface and protected from excessive dust, dirt and other contaminants. Aminimum clearance of 5 cm (2 inches) must be maintained on both sides of the charging unit forproper cooling and ventilation.The battery gang charger includes 1 (one) desktop power supply that can be plugged into astandard wall outlet. Power supply input voltage is from 100Vac to 240Vac and employs auto-switching technology. Output voltage and current rating is 13Vdc ±5% regulation and 10Ampsrespectively. Using another power supply beyond its rating would result to malfunction ordamage the charger.A discharge button is provided on the gang charger to discharge the battery packs to minimize“memory” effects. Once per week, fully discharge each battery by pushing the dischargebutton. Discharging time is about six hours. Use care not to bend the packs unnecessarily as thebattery tube can be damaged. It is recommended to use two hands to insert and remove thebattery. This charger is configured to insert or remove any of the 10 packs being chargedindependently (without having to remove other packs or covers to gain access, for example).Smartpin gang charger and power supply unit
9BatteriesThe battery packs have been specifically designed to fit both the SmartPins and the charger. Theyconsist of a pack of six-nickel-metal-hydride batteries that may be repeatedly charged for the lifeof your system. The batteries have been shrink-wrapped into a tube that also houses the necessarycontacts. This battery pack has a capacity of 4500mAHr and must be carefully handled with care. Smartpin battery packYardDog Unit Gang ChargerYardDog Unit battery packs are mounted inside the Handheld units. This gang charger isdesigned to charge 10 YardDog units and to should be placed on a flat surface and protected fromexcessive dust, dirt and contaminants. The gang charger also includes 1 (one) desktop powersupply that can be plugged into a standard wall outlet. Power supply input voltage is from100Vac to 240Vac and also employs auto-switching technology. Output voltage rating is 13Vdc±5% regulation and has a 6.15Amps of current rating. Using then power supply beyond its ratingwould result in malfunction or damage to the charger.YardDog unit gang charger and power supply unit
10Handheld BatteriesThe Handheld battery pack is designed to fit inside the back of the YardDog unit. It consists of apack of three-nickel-metal-hydride batteries that may be repeatedly charged for the life of yoursystem. The batteries have been shrink-wrapped into a tube that also houses the necessarycontacts. This battery pack has a capacity of 650mAHr and should be only charged with aSignal Golf supplied charger. This charger is configured to insert or remove any of the 10handheld YardDog units being charged independently (without having to remove other units orcovers to gain access, for example).Preparing the system for useCharging the Smartpin Batteries1. The Smartpin battery charger is ready for use when it is hooked up to the power supply unitplugged on to a standard wall outlet (100vac to 240 vac).2. Battery and charger contacts should be clean before charging the batteries in the gangcharger. When no battery pack is inserted, the LED indication is OFF.3. When inserting the battery pack into the charger, its respective RED color LED will flash andthen glows steadily. The charging cycle is started. If RED color LED does not stop flashing,it means that either there is no contact between the battery and the charger or the respectivebattery pack is not within the allowable temperature limits.4. For new a battery pack, press the discharge button to discharge the battery before new cyclecharging begins. Discharge buttons are provided on the charger and discharging time is about2 - 4 hours depending on the state of battery. Orange color LED indicates that the battery is inthe process of discharging.5. Green indication shows that the pack is fully charged. It takes about five hours to charge upfrom a fully discharge state. Normal charging should be less than four hours.6. The Smartpin batteries should be discharged, on the charger, once a week. This willminimize the “memory” effects and prolong the lifespan and efficiency of the battery.7. Smartpin batteries are to be charged on a daily basis.
11 Charging Smartpin battery packs Assemble Smartpins1. Place charged battery packs into the top portion of the SmartPin “base” sectionwith the metal contact rings up.2. Screw the “mast” section of the SmartPin onto the base. DO NOTOVERTIGHTEN, the seal is watertight when hand tightened using justmoderate pressure.3. Place the appropriate flag over the mast section. Screw the acorn nut to thethreading located at the top of the mast. Again DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN,hand tighten using moderate pressure.4. Repeat this procedure for all of the SmartPins.5. Each time you insert a new battery pack, check that the Smartpin has power.When screwing in the mask, look into the top cap, a red LED should light upmomentary when contact is made. Alternatively, you can also select the correctpin number on a YardDog unit and while looking into the top cap of theSmartpin, press send. The small red LED light should light up.
12Charging YardDog Unit Batteries1. The YardDog unit batteries charger is ready for use when it is hooked up to the power supplyunit plugged into to a standard wall outlet (100vac to 240 vac).2. Unlike the Smartpin batteries, the YardDog unit batteries are charged without having toremove them from the handheld. Battery and charger contacts should be clean beforedocking the units into the gang charger. When no YardDog unit is inserted, LED indication isOFF.3. When docking the units into the charger, its respective RED color LED will flash and thenglows steadily. Charging cycle is started. If RED color LED does not stop flashing, it meansthat either there is no contact between the battery and the charger or the respective batterypack is not within the allowable temperature limits.4. Green indication shows that the YardDog unit battery pack is fully charged. It takesapproximately 2 hours or less to fully charge a handheld battery.5. YardDog batteries should be charged when “LOW BATT” appears on the LCD, or every 2-3days. Note: Fully charged handhelds will slowly discharge over time. It is advisable to fullycharge handhelds before issuing them whenever possible.Charging YardDog units
13Testing and InstallationSimply place the SmartPins in their corresponding holes, test and you are ready to go! There areno on/off buttons on either the SmartPins or the YardDog. The SmartPin automatically activateswhen a battery pack is inserted. The YardDog automatically activates when the “Send” button ispressed and shut off once the yardage information has been transmitted and displayed.1. Insert the correct Smartpin into the correct golf hole.2. Be at least 75 metres away from the pin and, with the correct hole showingon the display of the Handheld, push the send button.3. You should get a reading displayed on the LCD display on the Handheld.4. If you do not get a reading, ensure the handheld is selected to the properhole, that it is held upright and steady with the antennae straight up, allbatteries (Smartpin and Handheld) are charged and making proper contactand try again. If you still do not get a reading, refer to the troubleshootingsection in this manual.System MaintenanceYardDog Unit Maintenance:The YardDog is an electronic device, not dissimilar to a portable phone, radio, or otherpiece of electronic equipment. As such, it has been designed for ruggedness undernormal use and wear conditions. It is recommended that the YardDog unit be used andstored in the leather pouch provided in order to receive the best possible protection andlongevity. Like any device it is potentially breakable and must be properly cared for. Thefollowing care is recommended:1. Cleaning the Exterior. The exterior may be cleaned periodically with asoft damp cloth, if required. (DO NOT OVERWET). The use ofdetergents is discouraged and should not be necessary. Special careshould be given to the LCD screen, which may be scratched or etched bythe use of rough cloths and/or detergents.
142. Water Resistance. The YardDog unit is designed to be water-resistantif used with the leather pouch provided. This means that it may be usedin rainy or snowy conditions as long as it is reasonably protected fromthe elements. Should the YardDog become wet, dry it off with a softcloth. Do not allow the YardDog unit to ever be completely immersed inwater.Smartpin Maintenance:The SmartPin is a durable unit that contains sensitive electronic components. It isdesigned to stand up to conditions it will face on a golf course and most treatment it willreceive from golfers. However, like most electronic equipment, excessive jarring,dropping on concrete, or exposure to extreme elements can damage it. The followingcare is recommended:1. Cleaning. The SmartPin may be cleaned occasionally by using a gentledetergent and a soft cloth. Care should be taken to limit the amount ofmoisture used in the cleaning process.2. Water resistance. When assembled as a complete flagstick unit, theSmartPin is designed to be virtually waterproof. It will withstandcontinual exposure to the sun, rain, high-pressure sprinkler systems, aswell as a variety of temperature and humidity ranges. However, tt shouldnot ever be intentionally completely immersed in water.3. DIP switches. Each SmartPin is equipped with three white wheelsinside the mast called DIP switches. These DIP switches instructthe SmartPin as to which hole number and course number itrepresents. Care should be taken not to inadvertently jar orchange these switches or allow them to become misstated. Thiswill cause the SmartPin to respond incorrectly.
15View of the Smartpin PCB showing the DIP switches4. Mast/Base coupling. The coupling is designed using materials thatcreate a rugged waterproof seal when properly assembled. Care shouldbe taken to properly start the threading process when the mast is affixedto the shaft. In addition the best waterproofing is achieved when thecoupling is moderately hand tightened. NEVER TIGHTEN WITHTOOLS, OR OVERTIGHTEN BY HAND. The “softness of thesematerials contributes to its weather resistance and can be damaged whenover-tightened or when the threads are stripped due to misalignment.5. When changing out the Smartpin battery packs, use the battery packcarry case to protect the batteries. Batteries may be color coded withcolored tape to help identify and keep separate a set.Battery carrier case
16Changing the Pin’s AddressAll Smartpin addresses are pre-set at the factory prior to shipping. If forsome reason the address has to be changed or if using the spare units,please follow the instruction below:1. First remove the top nut on the mast, pull off flag sleeve and unscrewthe mast from the base.2. Using a screw driver, remove the four screws at the side of the masthousing and carefully remove clear plastic cap by pulling directly up.3. Carefully pull the electronic board out of the mast housing and remove the three silicon plugs covering the dip switches.4. Hold board so that the “0”s are facing upward. Set the dip switches with a small screwdriver as follows: For hole number one: 0 0 1 For hole number two: 0 0 2 And so on…. For hole number ten: 010 For hole number 18: 018 For more than 18 holes: For Course B hole number one: 1 0 1 For Course B hole number two: 1 0 2 And so on… For Course C hole number one: 2 0 1 For Course C hole number two: 2 0 2 And so on….5. To reassemble, replace back the three silicon plugs by pushing firmly on to the dip switches and carefully slide electronic board back on to the housing. Note : The two bottom holes should fit nicely with the housing screw holes if board is correctly seated.6. Apply some clear silicon gel on to the bottom two holes and tightenscrews back.7. Replace top plastic cap, apply clear silicon gel and put screws back.8. Reassemble the Smartpin on to the base together with flag assembly.
17Silicone plugs are use to cover and sealed openings of DIP switchesChanging Smartpin Batteries at the “Green”Care must be taken when changing Smartpin batteries at the green.1. Use battery carrier case provided to transport newly charged batteries. Placed them in the slots No. 1 – 18 in the case.2. Please ensure that batteries are not dropped or bent in anyway to prevent internal damage.3. At the green, remove the top nut and carefully unscrewed the mast from the base. Remove spent battery and replace with newly charged battery.4. Do not place batteries on the green grass as the chemical elements of the grass can be quite corrosive. Do not bend the pack tubes as they can be damaged.5. Put spent battery immediately back in the respective slot of the case. We recommend that the case be brought along to the green when changing batteries out in the course.6. After replacing with a fresh battery, assemble the Smartpin and check that there is power (by checking for a flashing red LED in the top cap) and in working mode.
18Carrier case with slots for batteriesBattery charger maintenance (Smartpin & YardDog Unit)The battery charger is a durable unit that contains sensitive electronic components. It isdesigned to be rugged but like most electronic equipment, can be damaged by jarring,dropping, or exposure to extreme elements. The following care is recommended:1. Location. The battery charger is intended to be located indoors. TheHandheld gang charger may be wall mounted or rest on its foot pegs on alevel surface. The Smartpin charger should be on a level surface with atleast 5 cm (2 inches) clearance on each side to ensure proper cooling andventilation.Ensure dust, dirt, grass and other contaminants are kept out of thecharger contacts and housing.2. Cleaning. The battery charger may be cleaned periodically to eliminatedust. To clean, unplug the unit, then use a soft damp cloth to wipe awayany dust and/or dirt.
193. Battery Slots. When placing a Smartpin battery into a slot to be chargeddo not press the middle of the battery. Apply pressure at the metalconnectors until the battery snaps into place. Pressing the middle of thebattery may cause warping and therefore an improper fit into theSmartpin or damage the internal connections of the battery.4. Spillage. Do not expose the battery charger to liquids. If liquid has beenspilled into the charging ports unplug the charger, wipe clean then allowthe area to dry before attempting to charge.5. Battery Contacts. A clean electrical contact ensures proper powertransfer. Occasionally it may be necessary to clean the contacts gentlywith steel wool or light grade sandpaper. Do not over clean the chargercontacts.6. Primary Power. Charger should be operated within specification for anyAC input voltage in the minimum ranges 100V to 240VAC, with a linefrequency of between 47 and 63 Hz.Battery maintenanceBoth battery packs will provide an ample supply of consistent power to the Smartpin andYardDog unit.1. Battery Life. Under normal conditions a battery packs for the Smartpinand YardDog unit will last a minimum of 500 charging cycles.2. Memory. The battery packs are subject to the “memory” effect, but notto the extent of other types of rechargeable batteries. To minimizememory effect, Smartpin batteries should be discharged fully once perweek. Handhelds should be rotated occasionally to ensure that all batterypacks have approximately the same number of discharges and recharges.This will add to the overall life of the battery.3. Contacts. The battery contacts must be kept clean, dry and corrosionfree. If corrosion forms, you may need to clean them to restore their fullability to transmit power. This may be done with steel wool, or VERYlight sandpaper. DO NOT OVERCLEAN THE TERMINALS.
204. Battery pack sleeves (Smartpin)). There are actually 6-batteries ineach battery pack. They are combined in a double shrink-wrappedindustrial sleeve. This adds the rigidity that makes replacement easy.Care should be taken not to stress the battery pack horizontally, or thesleeve may bend, break, or lose contact between batteries. The mostlikely opportunity for the battery packs to be subjected to stress is duringtransportation and changing of the batteries of the SmartPin between themaintenance shop and on the “green”. Therefore it is highlyrecommended that the Battery Carrier Case be used when performingthis task. Additionally, when inserting or removing battery packs fromthe charger be sure to exert pressure near the ends of the battery packs,not the center. DO NOT JAR or PLACE OTHER EQUIPMENTWHERE IT MAY DAMAGE A BATTERY PACK.StorageImportant: Do not store Smartpins and Handhelds and batteries in locations that will fall below32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and 120 degrees Fahrenheit ( 49 degrees Celsius).Trouble shooting checklistsScan the list below to find the area that best describes your problemYardDog UnitOccurrence Possible Cause SolutionYardDog not activated Press any of the buttons on the front of theYardDog.Blank ScreenBatteries Out of Power Recharge Handheld unit.Check the battery contacts.Incorrectyardage feedback Holding the YardDogIncorrectlyMake sure that the YardDog is held steady,straight up and down (parallel to the SmartPin).
21Incorrect Flagstick The flagpole may be in the wrong green. Notifygolf shop.Incorrect Hole No. Change YardDog unit to read correct hole.Interference Large object/objects directly in front of path ofmeasurement or radio interference. Step aside ormove a few feet left or right and try again.SmartPinOccurrence Possible Cause SolutionBattery sleeve drainedor battery lost contactwith Smartpin contactsRemove and replace battery. Try again. If still noresponse, replace battery pack with a fully chargedpack.Dirt or corrosion onbattery contactsOpen SmartPin and gently clean battery contactswith steel wool. Remove and reseat battery pack.Handheld malfunction Try several YardDogs to ensure that the problemis with the SmartPinNo ResponseSmartPin identificationerrorCheck the Dip switch in the mast to make sure it isset to the desired hole location
22Battery ChargerOccurrence Possible Cause SolutionNot plugged in walloutletCheck to see that power cord is correctly inserted intowall electrical outletWall electrical Outletnot workingTry plugging in another electrical appliance into the sameoutlet to ensure power flowBatteries insertedincorrectlyBatteries must be inserted with the metal rings touchingthe metal battery contacts of the charger.Charger SlotMalfunctionTry the same slot with several batteries. If the problemremains only with one slot contact Signal Golf for animmediate replacement.Charger not turned onThere should be a red light illuminated to indicate thatthe charger has been turned on and that there is powerflow.Not ChargingBattery pack(s)Bad Battery Try another Battery in the same slot. If the new batterycharges contact Signal Golf for a replacement battery.
23Warranty YardDog ComponentsYardDog components including the SmartPins and battery chargers are subject to a fullLifetime warranty under the yearly lease agreement. Signal Golf will repair or replace,including related labor and travel, any of these components, which prove to be defective as toworkmanship or materials. Upon notification of inoperative product, Signal Golf willimmediately send replacement product to the customer at its own expense. The customer agreesto return ship the defective product to Signal Golf, in the prepaid shipping container provided bySignal Golf.OWNERS RESPONSIBILITIES:! Provide any defective part to SignalGolf! Provide proof of purchase! Provide normal care and maintenance,including cleaning as instructed by theuser manual! Make product accessible for serviceWARRANTY LIMITATIONS:! Begins at date of purchase.! Applies to product used within theUnited States or Canada.WARRANTY IS VOID IF:! Serial plate is defaced! Products are altered by customer! Product is not installed or used according tomanufacturers instructions (see UserManual)ITEMS NOT COVERED:! Consumables such as batteries and flags! YardDog (see YardDog Warranty)! Damages which occur in shipment! Normal product maintenance andcleaning! Failures caused by:! Unauthorized service! Material buildup due toimproper cleaning ormaintenance (rust, dirt, etc.)! Accidental or intentionaldamage! Acts of God! Reception problems unlessrelated to materials orworkmanshipIN NO EVENT SHALL SIGNAL GOLFPRODUCTS BE LIABLE FORINCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGESSignal Golf makes no other warranties or representations in terms of the YardDog components.Signal Golf employees, agents or distributors my not amend the terms of this warranty agreement.The remedies outlined in this agreement are the sole and exclusive remedies for breach of thewarranty.For answers to questions regarding any part of this warranty or to locate a Signal Golf salesrepresentative contact:For Europe:Signal Golf International Pte. Ltd.Abbey House Wellington WayWeybridge Surrey KT13 OTT
24United KingdomTel: 01932 268335Fax: 01932 268500For USA :Signal Golf International Pte. Ltd.11043 E. 75th StreetIndianapolis, IN 46236United States of AmericaTel : 317 823 0814Fax : 317 823 6894For Asia Pacific:Signal Golf International Pte. Ltd.750D Chai Chee Road #03-03Technopark@ Chai CheeSingapore 469004Tel: 65 244 5715Fax: 65 242 4555Or Visit our Website at:www.signalgolf.comClaims ProcedureThis section will outline the steps that need to be taken to ensure that a defective unit is replaced.Defective SmartPin1. Refer the Trouble Shooting guide first to identify and then to confirm a defective unit.2. Replace defective SmartPin with spare unit, changing address on DIP Switches.3. Notify Signal Golf of the defective unit and arrange for replacement unit.4. Return defective unit to Signal Golf.
25Defective YardDog1. Refer to the Trouble Shooting guide first to identify and then to confirm a defective unit.2. Notify Signal Golf of the defective unit and arrange for replacement unit.3. Return defective unit to Signal Golf.Battery Charger1. Refer to the Trouble Shooting guide first to identify and then to confirm a defective unit.2. Notify Signal Golf of the defective unit and arrange for replacement unit.3. Return defective unit to Signal Golf.

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