Batt-Latch Automatic Gateway Release Timer User Guide
- June 13, 2024
- Batt-Latch
Table of Contents
A Batt-Latch Owner’s Care Guide
November 2021
Automatic Gateway Release Timer
Battery Saving
If storing for long periods of time, be aware that the solar model Batt-Latch
has limited capability of re-charging the internal battery pack from dead
flat, (about 3 months max. in storage). Always remove all Jobs from the
display, and either store the unit with the solar panel facing some sunlight,
or take out of storage every month or so to charge in full sunlight for a day.
Check the battery status at any time by just pressing a keypad button to wake
it up.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Panel protection
We have added a 1mm thick clear strip plus neoprene padding (trampoline
effect) to protect this delicate but necessary part – in normal use this is
very effective. Try to avoid dropping the unit onto hard surfaces, throwing
tools on top of it, running over it, or allowing it to drop onto sharp objects
when the gate is released. Always attach the Batt-Latch to the side of the
gateway least likely to bear any damage from the released herd, and set the
strap length so on release it just hangs loosely on the post.
Gearbox damage
(broken, bent or loose shaft, stripped gears, broken motor mounts) Usually
caused by external forces too strong for the shaft or gearbox to handle. We
allow up to 7kg of direct in-line force on the cam itself. Our supplied spring
gates use 1.5 length (XL) springs, capable of spanning 8m gateways. If you use
standard spring gates at full stretch, you may be causing excessive strain on
the gearbox. Similarly, if using a bungy shock cord adjust it for wide gates
to make sure it still has some stretch left. You may need to energise the
gates at the start of the milking season. Never use pliers or vice grips to
move the blue release cam to a different position; it will only result in
stripped gears. A badly bent shaft will eventually allow water in around the
cam area.
Overlay (Keypad) care
Avoid excessive heat of any kind, and protect it as much as possible from
sharp objects including barbed wire. When transporting on say a quad bike
tray, wrapping in an old towel or similar will prevent it scuffing on hard
objects. If a hole occurs, or the overlay cracks or lifts, and especially if
condensation appears in the screen window after rain, send the unit in to us
for immediate repair, this will save more extensive repairs later.
Solar Panel
The new blue cases have full protection for the solar panel around the
outside. Protect these panels (as above) and you will avoid dents, scratches
and chipping which degrade their solar efficiency.
Blue Case (Solar)
Upgrade If your Batt-Latch has been used continuously outside in all weathers,
you can expect the outer case to need replacing at some point. We “transplant”
your existing circuit board, battery and gearbox into a prepared outer shell
with solar panel and keypad already installed. This will be done on all units
if case parts are too damaged, or if we cannot guarantee a quality seal around
the internal parts we have repaired. While new timer units have a warranty of
24 months, outer case replacements get 12 months and standard repairs have a
6 months warranty. See our Repairs Guide.
Spares
We carry spare straps, springs and spring gates, manuals, energizer clip
leads, battery packs etc at all times, just ring for prices and speedy
delivery.
Cleaning
Use water and a cream cleanser (Ajax, Jif) on soiled areas, then use Inox MX3
spray or Armor All Protectant for a new-look finish. Please clean the unit
before returning for service or repair.
Novel Ways Limited
Unit 3/6 Ashwood Avenue, PO Box 2340, Taupe)
3330 New Zealand Phone 0800 003 003
+64 7 376 5658
Email [email protected]
www.novel.co.nz