HomeMy WebLinkAbout306.027 - Operating Procedure for the Delsar Life Detector
TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT MANUAL
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
306.027 OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE
DELSAR LIFE DETECTOR
EFFECTIVE: NOVEMBER 2010
Current Revision Date: 6/26/19 Next Revision Date: 6/26/24
Author’s Name/Rank: Conor Manning, Firefighter Review Level: 1
Administrative Support
Leslie Oulashian
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide information to familiarize the Fresno Fire
Department (FFD or Department) members with the operational principles and
technical data necessary to properly operate the Delsar Life Detector Model LD3.
APPLICATION
The Delsar Life Detector Model LD3 provides seismic and acoustic sensors
designed to detect and locate signs of a victim’s presence in the voids of a collapsed
building or similar entrapment situation.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
Battery Installation
The battery is inserted into the battery housing located on the right side of the
display indicator (DI) as shown. (See Figure 1.)
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Figure 1
1. Remove the threaded battery cap by turning counter-clockwise.
2. Place a battery pack into the unit, inserting the small-diameter end
first.
Note: The LD3B needs to be stored with the battery removed
from the unit.
3. Replace the battery cap by turning it clockwise.
4. Make sure the battery cap is firmly seated. Avoid cross-threading
and do not over tighten. (See Figure 2.)
Figure 2
Sensor Connection
The seismic sensors detect ultra-low levels of vibration created
within and around the structure. The sensors convert the minute
structure-borne vibrations into an electrical signal which is then
amplified thousands of times.
Note: If only one type of sensor can be used at a time,
seismic sensors with acoustic sensors cannot be run.
The seismic sensors must be placed in direct contact (no dirt/dust)
with the structural members to be effective.
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Note: The importance of this contact or coupling to the
structure cannot be emphasized enough.
The cables are connected to the sensors and vibrations picked up
by the cable can be transferred to the sensor. Eliminate noise by
securing the cable from movement using tape or sandbags, and by
keeping the cable away from anything that generates noise.
Figure 3
A magnetic mount is provided to allow the sensor to be attached to
ferrous metal structural members as required.
A removable spike is provided with each sensor for use in soil and
for placement in suitable cracks. (See Figure 4.)
Figure 4
The LD3 supports the use of up to six seismic sensors. The
sensors are connected by 30-foot (10-meter) cables in a daisy-
chain configuration.
Seismic sensors can be connected to either (or both) of the two
ports on the DI console.
It is recommended the sensors be connected in ascending
numerical order starting with the sensor closest to the DI. For
example, sensor #1 would be the first sensor in the chain, followed
by sensor #2, then sensor #3, and so on. (See Figure 5.)
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Figure 5
See Figure 6 below for examples of deployment.
Figure 6
1. Connect one end of the cable to either of the two 10-pin sensor
ports on the DI.
2. To make the connections on both the DI and the sensors, align the
key on the cable connector and push the connector into the port.
(See Figure 7.)
3. Do not twist the connector.
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Note: Either end of the cable connects to either port of the
sensor.
Figure 7
4. Plug the other end of the cable into the sensor. (See Figure 8.)
Figure 8
5. Once the final sensor in the chain is connected, install a protective
cap on the unused connector port. (See Figure 9.)
Note: If during operation a new sensor is attached and not
detected automatically within 30 seconds by the Auto
ID feature, press and release the power switch. This
will cause the DI to re-identify all connector sensors.
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Figure 9
Acoustic Sensors
The acoustic sensor detects airborne sounds when placed in the
void space of a collapsed building.
The sensor is equipped with a highly sensitive microphone element.
This element picks up low-level sounds and then amplifies the
signal thousands of times.
In addition to the microphone, the acoustic sensor is equipped with
a loudspeaker element used to provide two-way communication
between the operator and the victim. (See Figure 10.)
Figure 10
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1. The acoustic sensor can be connected to either of the two 10-pin
sensor ports on the DI.
2. The sensor is identified on either Channel 1 or Channel 2,
corresponding to the sensor’s identification number. (See Figure
11.)
Figure 11
Note: In case of multiple system deployment, duplicate
sensor numbers cannot be used on the same DI.
To use dual acoustic sensors, there must be a sensor
#1 and a sensor #2.
Headphone Connection
The headphones are connected to the DI using the ports on the
right side of the display. (See Figure 12.)
There are two headphone ports to facilitate the use of two
headphone sets.
Note: Experience has shown that two operators listening to
the sensor output can enhance the search process.
The LD3 has an integrated intercom system between the
headphones to allow conversation between the operators while
using the headphones.
The headphones are designed to be worn with protective headgear.
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Figure 12
LD3 Display Interface
The DI controls each sensor and displays the sensor’s responses
on the bar graph while routing the signals to the headphones for
listening. (See Figure 13.)
It also controls the recording and playback of responses.
The numbered sensor selection keys control which sensors are
listened to in the headphones.
Each numbered key corresponds to a numbered sensor.
The LED in the upper-left corner of the key indicates the sensor
channel audio is selected for listening.
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Figure 13
Sensor Selection Keys 1 and 2 are also used when the acoustic
sensors are connected.
If an acoustic sensor is connected, the LED in the lower-right
corner of the key is illuminated. (See Figure 14.)
Figure 14
The POWER key turns the system on or off. (See Figure 15.)
Figure 15
This key is also used to identify newly added sensors.
The RECORD key activates the internal audio recording feature.
(See Figure 16.)
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Figure 16
This feature allows the recording of the sensor audio going to the
headphones.
The system continuously records the audio signal going to the
headphones in a five-minute loop.
Once the five-minute loop is attained, the system begins recording
over the oldest portion of the loop.
The system only records what the operator hears. Microphone
audio is also recorded to allow the operator to make verbal notes.
If two headphones are attached, any conversation between two
operators is also recorded.
If the operator does not want to record microphone audio, the
headphone should be muted.
The PLAYBACK key allows the recorded audio to be listened to in
the headphones. (See Figure 17.)
Figure 17
In the playback mode, the audio feed from the sensors is disabled.
Only audio from the recorded playback is heard.
The green LED bar is used to indicate gain, battery, and zoom
levels. (See Figure 18.)
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Figure 18
The PUSH-TO-TALK (PTT) key activates the intercom feature built
into the acoustic sensors. (See Figure 19.)
Figure 19
This feature allows two-way communication with the victim.
The LED in the upper-left corner of the key indicates when PTT is
activated and the boom microphone is muted.
The ZOOM key changes the resolution of the bar graph to better
differentiate the signals in high signal level conditions. (See Figure
20.)
Figure 20
These conditions usually occur when the sensors are close to each
other during the victim location mode.
Zoom mode makes comparison between sensors easier.
The LOW and HIGH filter keys control the signal filters. (See Figure
21.)
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Figure 21
These filters can be used to reduce the effects of certain types of
noises which can interfere with listening to the seismic sensors.
Filters must be used carefully in order to prevent filtering vital
information. By design, the filters remove information from the
signal spectrum generated by the vibration of the building and
surrounding area. Some of this information may be useful
responses from the victim, while other information is useless noise.
Reducing unwanted noise serves two purposes – to make it easier
to detect the victim’s response and to make using the system more
comfortable for the operator.
Note: The filter cannot distinguish noise from useful
information. Because of this, the operator should only
use filters when he/she is certain no victim response
will be present in the filtered frequencies.
The BATTERY key activates the battery level LED gauge (shared
with the gain level bar graph). (See Figure 22.)
Figure 22
Press the key to get a reading.
The LED in the upper-left corner indicates the gain level bar graph
is in battery mode and begins to flash approximately 10 minutes
before low battery shutdown occurs.
The UP and DOWN arrow keys control the gain level of the system.
(See Figure 23.)
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GAIN
Figure 23
The Up arrow increases amplification, while the Down arrow
decreases amplification.
Gain levels are displayed on the gain level bar graph LEDs.
In ZOOM mode, the arrow keys control the ZOOM level.
Starting the DI Unit
1. To turn the unit on, press and hold the power key on the display
panel.
2. When the unit beeps and the LEDs illuminate, release the power
key.
The system will now identify which sensors are connected.
This process can take up to 30 seconds, depending on how
many sensors are connected.
If a sensor is not identified within 60 seconds, press and
release the power key to identify the sensors.
3. To turn the unit off, press and hold the power key until a tone is
heard and all LEDs illuminate. Then release. (See Figure 24.)
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Figure 24
Reading the Sensor Response Graph
Once the sensor is identified by the LD3 system, the lowest or zero
LED bar will illuminate in the corresponding numerical column of
the bar graph.
For example, if sensors #1 and #2 are connected, the graph bars
labeled “1” and “2” should illuminate.
Usually there will be sufficient sensor activity to cause the bar
graph to respond beyond the zero LED level.
Figure 25
The LD3 will always visually display the sensor responses
whenever sensors are connected. (See Figure 25.)
The bar graph will display the peak signal for approximately one
second to allow easy comparison of sensor responses.
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The Sensor Response scale is relative.
Use the scale as a reference for comparison of sensor responses.
Figure 26
The LD3 will always visually display the sensor responses
whenever sensors are connected.
The bar graph will display the peak signal for approximately one
second to allow easy comparison of sensor responses. (See
Figure 26.)
The Sensor Response scale is relative.
Use the scale as a reference for comparison of sensor responses.
Listening to the Sensor Response
1. To listen to a sensor, press the numbered key which corresponds
to the desired sensor.
2. The sensor’s audio response will be heard in the headphones.
3. To listen to sensor #3, press the number 3 key.
Note: The red LED in the upper left corner of the numbered
key indicates the seismic sensor audio is selected for
that particular sensor. (See Figure 27.)
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Figure 27
Any combination of sensors may be listened to at any time by
selecting or deselecting the appropriate key.
As sensors are selected, their audio signal is added into the overall
audio feed going to the headphones.
This channel summing feature is important to remember during
victim detection operations since each sensor’s audio contribution
is added to others to increase the area covered and has the effect
of creating a much larger virtual sensor.
When using an acoustic sensor, use keys 1 or 2 to listen to audio
picked up by the sensor microphone. The LED in the lower- right
corner of the key indicates which acoustic sensor is being listened
to.
Muting the Boom Microphone
1. To mute the microphone, simultaneously press the L-R headphone
key and the PTT key.
2. The LED on the PTT key flashes when the microphone is muted.
3. The microphone on the headphone set is live by default. This
allows for voiceover recording and allows two operators to
communicate between their two headphones.
Note: When listening to responses from seismic sensors, it
may be desirable to eliminate wind noise or other
ambient noise entering through the microphone.
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Muting the Boom Microphone
1. To mute the microphone, simultaneously press the L-R headphone
key and the PTT key. (See Figure 28.)
2. The LED on the PTT key flashes when the microphone is muted.
3. The microphone on the headphone set is live by default. This
allows for voiceover recording and allows two operators to
communicate between their two headphones.
Note: When listening to responses from seismic sensors, it
may be desirable to eliminate wind noise or other
ambient noise entering through the microphone.
Figure 28
Adjusting the Headphone Volume
Adjusting the gain up or down increases or decreases the audio
level in the headphones. (See Figure 29.)
The green LED bar graph shows the level of amplification.
Note: The gain control does not, however, have a large
impact on the bar graph since the bar graph gain levels
are controlled automatically.
GAIN
Figure 29
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Using Stereo Listening Mode
1. Press and release the L-R headphone key. The left LED will begin
to flash, indicating the system is ready to assign the left channel
audio source.
2. Choose a sensor to listen to by using the numbered sensor keys.
The number chosen will correspond to the sensor that will be heard
in the left earphone.
3. The left LED will switch to a solid illumination and the right LED will
flash.
4. Select the second sensor source to be assigned to the right
earphone.
5. Both LEDs of the L-R headphone key illuminate solid red to indicate
the headphone audio is in stereo. (See Figure 30.)
6. The assigned sensor selection LEDs also illuminate to indicate the
sensors are selected for listening.
Figure 30
7. To cancel the stereo feature, press the L-R headphone key. (See
Figure 31.)
Figure 31
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Note: When using the Stereo Listening Mode feature, make
sure the headset is worn with the microphone boom
coming from the right ear cup.
Using Two-Way Communication
1. Press and hold the PTT key and speak into the boom microphone
to talk to the victim through the acoustic sensor. (See Figure 32.)
2. The PTT key must be released to hear a response.
Figure 32
Record Function
1. Press REC (record) key to activate the internal audio recording
feature. The five-minute loop recording cycle repeats until the REC
key is pushed or the PLAYBACK key is pressed.
The key number 6 bar graph displays a single LED bar to
indicate the location of the recording in the time index printed
on the right side of the bar graph.
Note: If the key number 6 sensor is used, the index will not be
shown until PLAYBACK is selected. (See Figure 33.)
Figure 33
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Playback
1. Press the PLAYBACK button to initiate Playback mode.
Playback is controlled using the sensor selections keys 3, 4,
5, and 6.
The blue symbols on each key indicate the playback
function:
o Key Number 3 is used as a stop function.
o Key Number 4 is used for the reverse function. 5 is
used for the play function.
o Key Number 5 is used for the skip forward function.
Since recorded audio is stored in 15-second increments,
playback can be initiated at the same intervals.
Use the forward and reverse keys to move through the 15-
second recording time blocks. Press the Playback key to
listen to the recorded audio starting in that time block.
Audio playback begins at time index zero when the
PLAYBACK key is pressed. (See Figure 34.)
Figure 34
Filtering
1. Press the LOW key to filter out low-frequency sounds.
2. Press the HIGH key to filter out high-frequency sounds.
Note: The LED in the upper left corner of the key will light
when the filter is activated.
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3. Press each key again to deactivate the filter. (See Figure 35.)
The LOW key activates a low-frequency cut filter which
reduces signal frequencies below 200 Hz.
The HIGH key activates a high-frequency filter which
reduces signal frequencies above 1000 Hz. This filter
reduces background noise like “hiss”.
All filters should be off when conducting initial victim
detection operations.
Once a victim response is observed, it is usually safe to turn
on the filters to eliminate annoying noise. If a filter is used
and the victim’s response disappears, turn off the filter and
attempt to re-acquire the victim’s signal. If the victim’s
response immediately reappears, there is a good chance the
filter was intercepting the victim’s response and should not
be used.
Figure 35
Using the Zoom Feature
1. To operate in Zoom mode, press the ZOOM key.
2. The LED in the upper left corner will light and Zoom mode is
activated.
3. The UP arrow and DOWN arrow gain keys increase or decrease
the amount of zoom used in the bar graph and the green LED gain
bar will flash.
4. Press the key again to return to normal operation.
Note: The system should be operated in the Normal mode
while conducting victim detection operations.
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This is important because the range of signal amplitude is
unknown while performing initial victim search and detection
operations.
Once a victim is detected, Zoom mode can be activated and
should be used during victim location operations.The Zoom
mode only affects the bar graph response and does not
change the audio response. When switching to Zoom mode,
the audio level will lock at the level it was set at in Normal
mode. (See Figure 36.)
Figure 36
Search Operations
Search operations are divided into two modes of operation when
using the LD3:
o Victim Detection.
o Victim Location.
While the basic operation of the LD3 remains the same in both
modes, how the sensors are deployed and how the bar graph is
interpreted will be different.
Victim Detection
The primary goal is to determine whether or not there is a viable
victim in the collapsed structure.
In Detection mode, it is best to rely initially on the listening
capability of the LD3 since it is possible to hear very faint audio
signals which may be too weak to be accurately displayed on the
sensor response graph.
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1. Get as many sensors coupled to the structure as quickly as
possible.
2. The sensors should be distributed around the structure as
widely as possible. If it is not possible to spread sensors
evenly about the structure, it is still valuable to have all the
sensors on the structure, even if they are relatively close
together. (See Figure 37.)
3. Activate all sensor selection keys for listening. Keep in mind
the audio from all the sensors will be summed. For detection
purposes, using all available sensors will yield the best
results.
Figure 37
In some situations, the victim’s activity will be heard and seen on
the bar graph as soon as the sensors are placed. (See Figure 38.)
However, it is important to always signal to the victim and request a
response. This can be done by calling into the structure and
requesting the victim tap three times on the structure. It is best to
use a public address system or a bullhorn to call out, but do not
underestimate the victim’s ability to hear normal voice
conversations.
Note: Many building collapse survivors have stated they could hear
people on the surface quite well.
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Once the call is made into the rubble pile, listen for a response from
the victim. If no response is heard, use a hammer to tap three
times on a large portion of the structure and then listen for a
response. Repeat this process several times.
Upon detecting a potential victim, mark the area appropriately and proceed with
victim location techniques.
Figure 38
Victim Location
1. Once a victim is detected, the task turns to identifying the general
location of the victim in the structure by evaluating the relative
response of each sensor.
The highest amplitude on the bar graph or in the
headphones generally means the victim is closest to that
particular sensor.
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Sensor placement is much more critical in Location mode
since the response of each sensor will be compared to
determine the strongest signal.
2. Verify all sensors are placed firmly on solid structural members and
all sensors are orientated in the same position.
3. While it is impossible to cover every potential situation in the
context of this text, it is generally safest and most efficient to start at
the top of the rubble pile.
4. The number of sensors used depends on the size of the building.
The effective location range of a sensor on a concrete slab is
approximately 30 feet (10 meters).
In most rescue situations, speed is most important.
Experience has shown a single line of sensors is most
efficient.
Placing sensors in the middle is best for narrower buildings.
In larger buildings, it may be necessary to start near one
edge of the building and move the line toward the opposite
edge.
At this point, since the readings are clustered in a strong
response range, Zoom mode should be activated for better
discrimination of the response graph readings.
Gradually move the perimeter of the sensors inward toward
the original strongest sensor. (See Figure 39.)
Ideally, the signals from the perimeter sensors should
increase as they are moved closer to the original strongest
sensor indicating the location of the victim.
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Figure 39
If this is not the case, reconfigure the sensors and repeat the process.
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Figure 40
Primary Search
Primary (or Hasty) Search operations may be requested in order to
accomplish prioritization planning.
In Primary Search, victim detection is more important than victim
location. (See Figure 40.)
Typically, the victim’s general location will be marked near the
detection point and on a search map and the search team will move
on in an attempt to detect additional victims. (See Figure 41.)
1. The LD3 can be configured for rapid Primary Search by
using two sensors plugged in two separate sensor input
ports.
2. The most efficient manner to conduct the Primary Search is
to assign one person to each sensor, while a third person
monitors the DI console.
3. Start at one end of the building and logically place each
sensor in a promising section of the building. This is
essentially a grid search.
A Primary Search can be done effectively with
acoustic sensors or seismic sensors.
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Figure 41
Secondary Search
The Secondary Search is a more complete and detailed search
using all sensors in a coordinated pattern.
1. Assign one person to each sensor being used and move the
sensors in a line until a victim response is detected. (See
Figure 42.)
2. The sensor emanating the strongest signal should be left in
place while the other sensors are positioned in closer
proximity to the potential source.
This takes more time, but produces a more accurate location.
Secondary or detailed search operations are the preferred method
to conduct the search; but in large-scale disasters, limited US&R
resources can preclude the initial use of the detailed search
methods.
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Figure 42
Battery Care and Charging
The single most important maintenance issue with the LD3 is
battery care.
The LD3 uses a lightweight lithium ion (LI) battery capable of
powering the system for six to ten hours.
It is best to recharge the battery after ANY use.
The LI battery pack will not develop a memory like other types of
batteries.
Frequent partial discharge and recharge cycles are better than full
discharge and recharge cycles.
Note: The battery should never be stored in the DI console.
A normal maintenance recharge cycle should be about every 90 to
120 days.
If the batteries are stored in temperatures higher than 80 degrees
Fahrenheit, the batteries should be recharged every 60 days.
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Charging the Battery
1. Plug the AC adapter cord into the power supply and plug the power
supply cord into the battery charger. (See Figure 43.)
2. Remove the threaded cap on the battery charger and insert the
battery.
3. Replace the threaded cap and plug the AC power cord into a power
source.
4. The charger will automatically charge the battery once the cap is
replaced and power is available.
5. The LED on the end of the charger will illuminate RED when the
battery is charging.
6. Remove the battery when the LED turns GREEN, indicating it is
fully charged.
The battery requires approximately five hours to fully charge.
7. Once the charge is complete, remove the battery for proper storage
or use. Do not leave the battery n the charger without power.
A small amount of silicone grease should be maintained on the battery cap O-ring
seal and threads.
Figure 43
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Cable Care
Use protective rubber connector caps when the cable is not connected.
Do not drop the connectors or allow them to strike the ground.
If the connector body becomes deformed, it will not mate.
How to wind the cable on the spool:
1. Attach the Velcro strip at the center of the cable length to the Velcro
in the spool.
2. Start turning the spool and wind the cable in parallel. Use one hand
to align the cable during wind-up to prevent twisting.
3. Pull the slider on the cord down to hold the cable and connectors in
place. (See Figure 44.)
Figure 44
Acoustic Sensor Debris Removal
1. Unthread the dome-shaped headpiece only. (See Figure 45.)
2. Clean away any debris.
3. Reinstall the headpiece.
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Figure 45
Routine Maintenance
Test the system after each use to assure there are no repair
concerns.
Clean the cables, sensors, and DI unit with a dry cloth or
compressed air. W ipe with a damp cloth using a mild soap solution
if necessary. Do not immerse any of the components.
Apply a small amount of silicone grease, if needed, on the battery
cap threads to protect the O-ring and reduce the chance of
corrosion.
Note: Assure no battery is stored in the DI unit.
Charge all batteries.
Inventory system components, making sure easily misplaced items
are accounted for.
Do not remove screws on the DI console or sensors. These
components contain no serviceable parts. No calibration
adjustments are required on the sensors or the DI. The sensors
must be maintained as a sealed unit to avoid moisture
contamination.
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Wet Weather Maintenance
After using the system in wet weather, dry the equipment
thoroughly. A 48-hour dry time is recommended. If the case foam
contains any moisture, remove all equipment and leave the case lid
open to dry.
Remove the main unit from its pouch and remove the battery pack,
leaving the battery cap off.
The microphone in the acoustic sensor is water-resistant and
exposure will not cause any permanent damage. However, the
microphone is not designed to work underwater. If the microphone
gets too wet, it can become temporarily non-functional until allowed
to dry.
Remove all protective caps from the sensors and cables for drying.
Do not seal the case until all components are thoroughly dry. The
case is airtight and moisture in the case can cause severe damage.
INFORMATION
For more information, see the following link:
http://cartrescue.com/Docs/DelsarLD3Manual.pdf
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
No cross-references recognized.
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