- 2 Table of Contents FCC Information .......................................... 3 Introduction ................................................... 4 Installation:.................................................... 5 Transmitter.................................................... 5 Receiver........................................................ 6 Operation Instructions ................................ 7 Battery Monitor (towed unit) ..................... 9 Park Monitor ............................................ 10 Receiver Alarm Codes ........................... 11 Trouble Shooting Guide ........................... 12 Transmitter.................................................. 12 Receiver...................................................... 12 Warranty...................................................... 13 Operators Manual Model TTK 550 Portable Towing Monitor System Read this Operators Manual completely before using the Towing Monitor System. Document No. 550-0019 Rev B FCC ID: VNE001000101 Tattle-Trail, LLC 2008 All Rights Reserved
* Tattle-Trail is a trademark of Tattle-Trail, LLC
- 3 FCC Information This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and Receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the Receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Tattle-
Trail, LLC could void the users authority to operate the equipment. To maintain compliance with FCCs RF exposure guidelines, this equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between radiator and your body. Medical: Consult the manufacture of any personal medical devices, such as pacemakers or hearing aids, to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF (radio frequency) energy. (This product operates in the frequency range of 2.405 GHz to 2.480 GHz). Compliant with RSS-210
- 4 Tattle-Trail Monitoring System*
Introduction The Tattle-Trail monitoring system is designed to sense the amount of vibration on vehicles towed behind a truck, RV or motor home. When monitored parameters on the towed unit exceed what the operator sets as normal, both audible and visual alarms are generated. Once notified, the operator can take action to prevent further property damage. Depending on the sensitivity setting selected and the type of towed unit, Tattle-Trail may be able to detect increased vibration or shock levels. Some failures that might cause these increases are: tire tread separation, flat tire, loose lug nuts, broken suspension components and malfunction of hitch assembly. Additionally, if the Sensitivity knob is placed in the Park mode and the Tattle-Trail system is within communication range, theft detection can be sensed. The portable TTK 550 Tattle-Trail system is not designed to be exposed to the elements. Always ensure that this unit is installed inside both vehicles and not exposed to the weather. If a water resistant Transmitter enclosure is required, Tattle-Trail, LLC offers a weather-hardened enclosure (Model TTK 650) designed for permanent mounting to a towed unit. Check www.Tattle-Trail.com for more details.
* Tattle-Trail is a trademark of Tattle-Trail LLC
- 5 Installation:
Transmitter Tattle-Trail Model TTK 550 is a plug and play system that is highly portable and requires no user calibration. To use, simply follow these instructions:
Remove the unit marked Transmitter from the carrying case and plug one of the power cords into the power input jack of the Transmitter. Locate a mounting area high, and in the center of the towed units windshield (up near the mirror but not obstructing drivers vision). Clean the mounting area with isopropyl alcohol. With the power cord facing down and forward, moisten the suction cups and firmly press the unit to the windshield (see Figure 1). With the Transmitter mounted and the towed unit on level ground, plug the male 12VDC power connector into a powered 12VDC receptacle in the towed unit. A flashing green Link light will illuminate indicating that the Transmitter has power and is self-calibrating. The Link light will quickly turn solid green indicating that the unit has calibrated and is transmitting data. Figure 1: Towed Unit
- 6 Note: During the flashing green calibration mode, minimize any motion in the towed unit. Warning: Both Tattle-Trail units are internally fused, but it is important to protect the wiring going to the unit by utilizing a fused power source. Warning: Do not ever submerge either the Transmitter or Receiver in fluid. Once the Transmitter has calibrated, it tries to Link with the Receiver. After 10 minutes, if the Receiver is not turned On, the Transmitter will go into sleep mode to conserve power. Every 2 seconds, the Transmitter wakes up to look for a signal from the Receiver. If no Link is established, then the Transmitter returns to sleep mode. Receiver Remove the unit marked Receiver from the carrying case. Rotate the Sensitivity knob to the full counterclockwise
(CCW) OFF position. With the towing vehicle parked, plug the second power cord into the power input jack of the Receiver and plug the male 12VDC power connector into a powered 12 VDC receptacle in the towing vehicle. With the towed units Transmitter powered up and calibrated, turn ON the Receiver and set the sensitivity knob to about 12 o-clock. Both the green Link light and the green Alarm light should be illuminated. If the Transmitter is in sleep mode it may take up to 10 seconds to wake up the Transmitter and clear the Receiver red Link alarm. Since dash configurations vary from vehicle to vehicle, hold the Receiver unit up to the dash in a mounting location that is convenient for the operator to reach. If the green Link light remains illuminated, attach the Receiver (with the Velcro supplied) to the selected location convenient for operation. If the red Link light comes on in this location, relocate the Receiver higher up on the dash and closer to a window, until a more favored position is achieved to receive
- 7 the communication signal from the Transmitter. Mount the Receiver in this location with the Velcro provided. (See Figure 2.) Figure 2: Towing Vehicle Operation Instructions With the Transmitter powered up and calibrated in the towed unit, bring the towing vehicle up to normal operating speed. Once at desired speed, turn the Sensitivity knob clockwise (CW) until the knob just clicks ON. The Receiver will beep briefly to indicate power has been applied. Once communication has been established between the Transmitter and Receiver (indicated by a green Link light on the Receiver), the red Alarm light will illuminate and a rapid beeping audible alarm will sound at a progressively faster and louder rate. To silence the audible alarm and establish a baseline alarm threshold for the Tattle-Trail system, slowly rotate the Sensitivity knob further (CW) until the audible alarm and its associated red Alarm light just turn off. At this setting, you have established a new baseline for monitoring the towed unit. Any change in the towed units vibration level that exceeds this operator-selected baseline will result in an audible beep and a flashing red Alarm light. If the out of tolerance condition persists, the intensity and frequency of the audible alarm will increase. If the alarm elevates to the rapid beeping audible mode, the driver should immediately stop the vehicle in a safe area and inspect the towed unit to determine what has caused the alarm condition. During normal driving, single beeps may sound indicating that the towed unit has experienced a rapid change in
- 8 movement, often as a result of hitting a pothole or other variation in the road surface. These are normal, but do give an indication of the abuse that the towed units tires and suspension may be receiving. However, if a beeping alarm sounds repeatedly on acceleration, deceleration or cornering with no apparent road variations, pull to a stop in a safe area and check the integrity of the hitch assembly. Beeping alarms occurring only during deceleration may be the result of the towed units brakes being applied with too much force. The alarm set point for Tattle-Trail can be adjusted while driving to accommodate for variable road conditions. Simply rotate the sensitivity knob (CCW) until the rapid beeping audible alarm sounds, then rotate the knob (CW) till the audible alarm and its associated red Alarm light just turn off. A new alarm threshold has now been established. Further rotation of the sensitivity knob (CW) will raise the baseline alarm threshold limit and minimize the sensitivity of Tattle-Trail to abnormal conditions. Conversely, (CCW) rotation will lower the baseline alarm threshold and make the system more sensitive to abnormal vibration input. After using Tattle-Trail for a brief period, the operator will gain a feel for the appropriate level of sensitivity required for various road conditions and type of towed unit. If the Transmitter becomes detached from the towed units windshield during normal operation, a rapid beeping audible, a yellow Link light and yellow Alarm light will occur (Fall-off alarm). The Tattle-
Trail is no longer monitoring for vibration. The driver should stop the vehicle in a safe area at the earliest opportunity and remount the Transmitter on the towed units windshield. Remove and reinstall the male 12VDC power connector to recalibrate the Transmitter. Note: Tattle-Trail is designed for use only on paved surfaces. Note: Check that the Transmitter is securely mounted to the windshield of the towed unit prior to beginning travel. Note: Loud noises caused by motorcycles or audio subwoofers may cause transient Tattle-Trail alarms. Note: Tattle-Trail does not replace the need for following all safe trailing procedures such as: checking all tires pressures, hitch and ball assembly, safety
- 9 chains, etc. Additionally, Tattle-Trail should not be used as the sole indicator of the status of a towed unit, but rather should be used as a supplemental device in combination with all other safety checks and indicators to monitor for changes in normal operating conditions of your towed unit. It is always the obligation of the operator to set a baseline alarm vibration threshold that the operator deems appropriate for the current road conditions and towed unit. Warning: Due to the fact that the operator can select within a broad range of alarm sensitivity thresholds, it is possible that not all trailed vehicle failures will result in an increase in vibration above the alarm threshold. Do not assume that no Tattle-
Trail alarm always equals no problems with the towed unit. But, do assume that if Tattle-Trail reaches an elevated state of alarm, the towed unit may have a problem that needs immediate attention. Battery Monitor (towed unit) During normal operation the battery voltage on the towed unit is continuously monitored by Tattle-Trail. If the voltage drops below the minimum threshold, a solid yellow Alarm light will illuminate on the Receiver until the towed units low battery condition is corrected. Additionally, a three beep audible alarm will sound every twenty seconds for the first minute of the low battery alarm condition. In the Park mode, if the towed units battery drops below the minimum threshold, a solid yellow Alarm light will illuminate on the Receiver until the towed unit low battery condition is corrected, but no audible alarm will sound. In the low battery alarm condition, the Tattle-Trail system will still be actively monitoring the towed unit. The low battery condition in the towed unit should be corrected at the earliest opportunity.
- 10 Park Monitor The Park monitoring function can be enabled when both vehicles are parked and stationary. With the towed units Transmitter powered and the Receiver turned On in the towing vehicle, turn the Sensitivity knob full (CW) to the Park setting. The audible alarm will sound a single beep and the Alarm light will rapidly flash yellow while the unit determines the current position of the parked unit. Once the position is determined, the Tattle-Trail Receiver will store it in memory and dim the indicator lights. A slow flashing green Alarm light will confirm that the towed unit is being monitored for movement. If motion of the towed unit is detected, a red Alarm light will illuminate and a rapid beeping audible alarm will sound for 1 minute on the Receiver. To clear the Park alarm, rotate the knob (CCW) until the audible and visual alarms clear. Additionally, if the Transmitter is moved out of communication range (towed unit stolen), the Receiver audible alarm will sound continuously for a period of 30 seconds. As long as the Transmitter remains out of range, the red Link light will stay illuminated. Note: If there is significant distance or solid objects between the Tattle-Trail Transmitter and Receiver, it is possible that other portable wireless devices can interfere with the Tattle-Trail wireless link. Therefore, when using the Park mode, it is always best to park the towed unit in a line of sight position as near to the Receiver as possible and where vehicle traffic does not pass between the Transmitter and Receiver Note: Some state laws require removal of windshield mounted devices before driving the vehicle. Receiver Alarm Codes Trouble Shooting Guide
- 11
- 12 LED 2
(Alarm) Audible State / Condition Corrective Action Transmitter R G NONE LED 1
(Link) G G NONE NONE No power to Receiver NONE 1/2 sec. Chirp at start-up /
Solid audible for 30 sec. G Flashing NONE R Solid Audible No communication Link to Receiver from Transmitter 1. Transmitter not plugged into 12VDC. 2. Transmitter out of range. 3. Transmitter plugged in but not operational. Receiver and Transmitter are both powered and communicating, but Transmitter is in the process of calibrating. Receiver and Transmitter are both powered and communication Link established, but the Transmitter has not been able to calibrate for 2 minutes. R Flashing Rapid Audible Receiver and Transmitter are both powered and communication Link established, but the alarm threshold controlled by the sensitivity knob is set below the alarm threshold. Receiver needs to be plugged into 12VDC. 1. Plug Transmitter into 12VDC 2. Relocate Transmitter closer to the Receiver. 3. If communication cannot be established, return both units for service. No action required, but during calibration do not move or create any motion in the Transmitting towed unit. 1. Make sure that Transmitter is stationary. 2. Remove transmitter from 12DVC source and then reconnect to 12VDC. If Transmitter still does not calibrate, return both units for service. For initial setting with vehicle moving at normal speed, slowly rotate the sensitivity adjust knob (CW) until the audible and visual alarms are just turn off. At this setting, the system is actively monitoring the towed unit and occasional short alarm beeps may occur. 1. If moving and system goes into alarm safely stop vehicle and inspect towed unit for cause of alarm. 2. If road conditions have changed and you are sure that nothing is wrong with the towed unit, then with vehicle moving at normal speed, readjust the sensitivity knob CW until the alarm just turns off. No action required. System is actively monitoring at the selected sensitivity. G G NONE Receiver and Transmitter are both powered and communication Link established. Additionally, the sensitivity knob is set above the alarm threshold. G G G Y G Y Rapid Flashing G Slow Flashing R Rapid Flashing Y Y NONE Park mode in calibration calibration do not move or create any No action required, but during movement in the towed unit. NONE Park mode with no alarm No action required. System is actively monitoring the towed unit for movement in the Park mode. Park mode alarm. Rapid Audible for 1 min. Rapid Audible 3 Beep /
20 sec Park mode in alarm Take necessary precautions to protect your trailed unit. Transmitter has fallen off windshield while trailing 1. Remove transmitter power 2. Reinstall transmitter on windshield 3. Plug in transmitter Transmitter battery voltage low Charge towed unit battery G = green R = red Y = yellow Link light: ...off Check power. Link light: . flashing green
(for more than 10 seconds) Link light: ...solid red Calibrating, but transmitter movement detected. Stop movement. Cannot calibrate. Movement detected for over 2 minutes. Link light: solid yellow Transmitter battery voltage low. Link light: blinking green
(once every 5 sec.) Transmitter in sleep mode. Receiver Link light: ...off Alarm light: off Check power Link light: ...solid red Alarm light: off Check transmitter power, or transmitter out of range Link light: ...solid green Alarm light: solid yellow Transmitter battery voltage low Link light: ...solid green Alarm light: solid red The transmitter can not calibrate due to movement Link light: solid green Alarm light: .flashing red The alarm threshold has been exceeded Link light: solid yellow Alarm light: .solid yellow Check to see if the transmitter has fallen off the towed units windshield. If, during the operation of the Tattle-Trail system, the system does not perform as indicated in this manual, disconnect and reconnect both power plugs to reset the system. If problems persist, call the service center (open 9am to 5pm EST) at 727- 230-9438. The service personnel will help diagnose your problem and suggest a corrective action.
- 13 Warranty One Year Limited Warranty:
Subject to limitations and exclusions set forth in this Limited Warranty, the Tattle-
Trail system is warranted by the manufacture against defects in material or workmanship that results in product failure during the one-year period following the date of purchase. This Limited Warranty applies to original purchaser, only if the attached Warranty Card has been completely filled out, signed and mailed within 30 days of original purchase. Always retain a copy of the original bill of sale to be submitted with any warranty claims. This warranty cannot be assigned, transferred or conveyed to any subsequent users. Exclusions from coverage:
This Warranty does not apply to any claims arising from misuse, abuse, unauthorized repair or alteration, circumstances where the Tattle-Trail system is improperly installed or improperly wired contrary to Tattle-Trail product instructions, damage or defect attributable to weather exposure, fire, or other casualty, including, without limitation, acts of God or exposure to abrasive or corrosive materials, or liquids, or attributed to collision or other accidents involving vehicles upon which Tattle-Trail is installed. Additionally, this product warranty is automatically void if the device's serial number is defaced or if the Transmitter or Receiver cases have been opened or fasteners tampered with. Limitations:
The manufacturer expressly limits the applicability of the implied warranty of merchantability, the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose and warranty of non-infringement of intellectual property to the one-year warranty period as provided in this limited warranty. To the extent permitted by state law, the remedy of repair or replacement is the sole remedy available to the end user under this Limited Warranty. In no event shall Tattle-Trail, LLC be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages of any nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any such damages for loss of property, time, profits, earnings, commercial loss, loss of economic opportunity, loss of equipment use or other intangible or tangible damages. Additionally, although the Tattle-Trail system may be used as a possible theft deterrent, Tattle-Trail, LLC is not offering a guarantee or insurance against vandalism damage or theft of any vehicle, its parts or contents and hereby expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever, including without limitation, liability for theft, damage and /or vandalism. Tattle-Trail, LLC does not and has not authorized any person or entity to create for it any other promise, duty, liability or obligation in connection with this product. Under all circumstances, Tattle-Trail, LLCs liability for the Tattle-Trail system will not exceed the purchase price paid for the product.
- 14 Notice:
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty will last or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. Exclusive Agreement:
To the extent permitted by state law, this one-year Limited Warranty is a complete and exclusive statement of the warranties, which apply to the Tattle-Trail system; there are no expressed or implied warranties beyond those expressly stated above. No employee, agent, dealer or other person is authorized to give any warranties on behalf of the Seller, except as authorized in writing by Tattle-Trail, LLC. Statute of limitations:
To the extent permitted by state law, in purchasing the Tattle-Trail system, the consumer agrees that any action for breach of contract or warranty must be commenced within one year after the cause of the action has occurred and the consumer agrees and consents that all disputes between the consumer and Tattle-Trail, LLC shall be resolved in Pinellas County, Florida. Florida state laws and applicable Federal laws shall apply and govern the dispute. Return procedure:
Within the limits of this Warranty, inoperative units should be returned to the address listed on the following page, transportation prepaid, to be repaired or replaced at Sellers option, with no charge to sender as long as the sender had filled out and returned the attached Warranty card within 30 days of original purchase. Sender is responsible for all costs incurred in the removal or reinstallation and shipping of the unit returned for repair or replacement. A copy of the sales slip must accompany units returned to the manufacturer. Before returning the unit, call Tattle-Trail, LLC at 727-230-9438 for a return authorization number. For tracking purposes, please include the return authorization number on the address label. Use this address if sending by US Mail:
- 15 Send to:
Tattle-Trail, LLC 7887 Bryan Dairy Road Suite 220 Largo, FL. 33777 Returned goods authorization # _________ Use this address if sending by UPS or Fed Ex:
Send to:
Tattle-Trail, LLC 7887 Bryan Dairy Road Building 200, Suite 100 Largo, FL. 33777 Returned goods authorization # _________ Please fill out, sign and return warranty card below:
- 16 Tattle Trail Accessories
(Note: Only use Tattle-Trail approved accessories.) Hard Wired Receiver Power Cord For permanent installation of Receiver in tow vehicle 12VDC Female Receptacle (panel mount) For DC power connection of portable Transmitter 120VAC to 12VDC Female Power Adapter Remote power for portable Receiver from 120VAC outlet 12VDC Male to Female 6 foot Extension Cord For adding length to Transmitter or Receiver power cord 12VDC Adapter, 2 Female to 1 Male Add additional DC power connection Replacement 12 VDC Power Cord Replace damaged or lost power cord Replacement Suction Cup Kit Replace damaged suction cups TTA 100 TTA 110 TTA 120 TTA 130 TTA 140 TTA 150 TTA 160