Support: CFTFU-X16

What is the radio range?

800 metres line of sight between a CFTFU-X16 and the CFCIU-1 communications unit.
This means you can have a 1600m span from the CFCIU-1 communications unit.

Why does the unit have internal 9 volt PP3 type batteries?  Why is it not a rechargeable unit?

You can power the unit externally using regarcheables if you like such as 12 to 24 volt SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) batteries - or even from a high current power supply.
The unit can also be powered using 9 volt PP3 type batteries fitted internally too to make it a truly portable unit.
We took this decision because 9 volt batteries are more than good enough - and for the rare times you need more run hours or firing current you can fit additional pairs of 9 volt batteries, up to three pairs.
We also recognise that firing units may sit in your stores for long periods of non-use, but with 9 volt PP3 you can fit fresh energy when they are needed.
Rechargeables have problems with sitting around for long periods of non-use and their capacity dwindles with every charge.
Rechargeables can leave you in trouble if you arrive on site to find your units are not charged enough - charging can take some time, time you may not have.
But 9 volt batteries are available everywhere and low cost too, so sourcing some when you are desperate is not an issue.  And they are readily recyclable.
Small rechargeable lithium battery packs like other units use don't really offer much more in terms of run hours, cold weather performance or even firing current.
But they do cost a lot more, require charging kit, maintenance and periodic replacement which again adds to long term cost.

Can I use rechargeable batteries in this unit?

We recommend using 12 volt SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) batteries and connect them to the EXT BATT terminals of the unit.
This will get you fantastic run time and high current.  You can connect up to two 12 volt SLA batteries in series to supply the unit with up to 24 volts for high firing capability.
We do not recommend using rechargeable 9 volt PP3/6LR61 style batteries with this unit.  We recommend using standard Alkalines especially Energizer batteries which have a high current capability and good Amp-Hour rating.
DO NOT use 9 volt Lithium-Ion or Lithium-Polymer batteries in this unit - these are not true 9 volt batteries, internally a simple 3.7 volt cell boosted to 9 volts.  These batteries have a very low current delivery, the protection circuitry within them abruptly turning off the unit when it draws more current, typicaly only half an amp.
You can use NI-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) but they are very expensive, will give you less than half the run time of Alkalines and will offer no more in terms of firing current delivery.  If the lower run hours are an issue you will have to install more than one pair to make up.  If you want to try them we recommend you look at the Ansmann Max-E 9V PP3 HR22 300mAh battery.

What is the advantage of adding more pairs of 9v PP3 batteries in a unit?

A single pair will give you the same performance in terms of run hours and firing capability as other 9 volt battery powered systems.
Add more pairs to increase run hours and/or higher firing current - this may be useful when you are doing heavier firing scenarios or wanting to control relays / motors etc.
It can be advantageous to add in more pairs at the start of your fireworks season and these will be good for a lot of shows, lowering the need to open the firing unit to replace exhausted batteries.

Do I have to protect the unit?

From the weather: No.  Ensure the lid seals are clean, close the lid securing the screws to 1Nm.  The unit is weatherproof and does not need any protection.
From fire/sparks: If you think the unit may get covered in sparks from nearby fireworks we recommend covering the unit with a simple plumbers soldering mat to shield the unit.  Do not obstruct the antenna.  The soldering mat should be a standard fibreglass based one.  Ensure it contains no metal content.  One that is at least 200mm x 300mm is a good size.
Generally using long leaded igniters means you can site the unit away from the fireworks and avoid the need to cover the unit.

What is the radio frequency?

863 MHz to 870 MHz (aka 868MHz) suitable for use in the United Kingdom and all of Europe. This band is arranged into 70 channels. CATFire hops between these continuously, avoiding noise.

Why not 2.4GHz?

2.4GHz is heavily crowded by WiFi, Bluetooth and other radio users.
Further 2.4GHz does not penetrate obstacles as well as lower frequencies such as 868MHz.
There are also less channels within the 2.4GHz band, about 14, rather than the 70 available to CATFire. Further once a channel is selected hopping cannot occur - this can leave a 2.4GHz system vulnerable should other 2.4GHz users begin transmitting.
Regarding WiFi, bursts of high speed data are spread across multiple channels (so as to gain data bandwidth): obliterating any users of individual channels.

Do I have to use a CFTU-0124 to trigger the unit (as stepper/sequencer or to disarm it)?

No, the trigger can accept up to 60 volts input and requires more than 0.5 amp to trigger.  It is also continuity testable (whether the unit is on or off) and will register as around 12 ohms.  Testing should be with no more than 50 milliampere of current.
So you could trigger it by tapping wires across a 9 volt battery or connect to a cue of another firing unit.
Be sure to test this several times.  Read the section on trigger input debouncing if you do not get the intended behaviour.

Firmware updates available below.