SL0008 Hetronic Frequency Set-up

Overview

Hetronic Radios operate between 433.1 MHz and 434.7750 MHz, which is divided into 32 channels. The radio will only operate on one channel at a time. If the radio encounters interference on the channel it is using then it will shut down the system as a safety precaution. This can present a repeated problem in certain locations, or even with certain trucks where the radio shuts down when the operator walks in front of the truck.

This information sheet will help to overcome these issues.

The Hetronic Radio can be set to three different addressing modes. The addressing modes are:

1. MANUAL: This is where the radio is set to a specific channel and never changes frequency. Steelbro does not recommend this setting because Sidelifters move from location to location and repeat interference on the selected frequency is quite likely at one site or another.
2. AUTX (Automatic Channel Change TX) & SCAN-RX: In this mode the transmitter hops frequency between 6 possible channels. A new channel is used every time the radio is switched ON. If interference is encountered on a particular channel then by switching the transmitter OFF and then ON again a new channel is used. This decreases the possibility of having interference on a particular channel. This is the most recommended setting.
3. FCS (Free Channel Search TX) & SCAN-RX: This mode is not available on Steelbro radios. Basically the radio has an additional button, which when pressed, changes the frequency that the radio is transmitting on. Essentially this is a manual version of AUTX so that an operator can manually change the frequency that they are transmitting on.

Procedure for setting the transmitter and receiver to AUTX Mode

If you need to set a radio to MANUAL mode contact the Steelbro Engineering Department.

Locate the DIP switches

DIP switches in the Hectronic receiver and transmitter that need to be set are located as shown below.

Set the DIP swiches

The arrow on the DIP switch block points towards the ON (1) position.

The above DIP switch illustration shows the following settings:

DIP switches 1, 2, and 3 select the AUTX mode. Theses switches should always be set to:

DIP switches 4, 5 and 6 select the frequency group. DIP switch 4 should always be set to:

Set DIP switches 5 and 6 to any of the following settings to select the frequency group:

If you experience problems with one frequency group then select another group.

Do not set DIP switches 4, 5 and 6 to the following frequency groups as doing so will result in a weaker signal strength: