2.2. Identifying Parts and Controls

The SL-RAT® device is composed of two parts. The transmitter (TX) component is identifiable by its bulkier speaker housing containing a heavy-duty marine-grade speaker, and its heavier weight (see Figure 1). The receiver (RX) is identifiable by its smaller sensor housing containing a high-quality microphone, and its lighter weight. Each component is also labeled with a “TX” or “RX”.

Figure 1. Major sub-components of the SL-RAT® device’s Transmitter (TX) Component

Figure 2. Major sub-components of the SL-RAT® device’s Receiver (RX) Component

1. User Display and 3-Button Control: (TX and RX) Provides the user interface for making acoustic measurements and obtaining status information from the RX and TX components.
2. ON/OFF Switch: (TX and RX) Turn on by moving the toggle switch forward. This provides battery power to the component. When in the on position (forward), the user display and 3-button control will be operational. If you are not planning on using the RX and TX components for an extended period (more than one hour), turn off the power by moving the toggle switch back.
3. Battery Charger Plug and Cap: (TX and RX) The battery is recharged by connecting the provided AC adapter’s battery charger jack into the plug. To comply with the SL-RAT warranty, only use the provided battery charger which has been specifically engineered to support the SL-RAT device. When not being charged, the battery charger plug cover must be securely fastened to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the RX and TX components and to comply with the SL-RAT warranty.
4. Speaker: (TX only) Is a rugged heavy-duty marine-grade speaker used for generating the sound signal received by the RX component. It needs to be inserted below the plane of the manhole but never into waste flow during acoustic measurements. Care should be taken to make sure the speaker is not fouled with debris.
5. Microphone: (RX only) Is a rugged harsh environment microphone used for detecting the sound waves generated by the TX component. It needs to be inserted below the plane of the manhole but never into waste flow during acoustic measurements. Care should be taken to make sure the microphone is not fouled with debris.
6. Lock Knobs: (TX and RX) Two lock knobs per RX and TX component which allow the TX speaker or RX microphone to be transitioned from the open/measurement position to the closed/transport position.
7. Frame Cushions: (TX and RX) Used to support the RX and TX component during measurements. Provides limited protection to the electronics case and speaker or microphone during transportation when transporting directions are correctly followed.
8. USB Plug and Cap: (RX only) Allows acoustic measurements conducted in the field to be uploaded to the SL-DOG® portal via USB cable. This allows secure historical archiving and additional analysis. When not being used, the USB plug cover must be securely fastened to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the RX component and to comply with the SL-RAT warranty.
9. Control Box: (TX and RX) Enclosure component that integrates user display and 3-button control, ON/OFF switch, and battery charger plug and cap.