21 BOOM BOX 3 Dynamite Controller
6. Autonomous Decoder Operation
See Autonomous Mode Setup section of this manual
6.1 Autonomous Decoder Operation
The Autonomous Decoder Mode of operation is used to detonate a blasting cap for seismic
dynamite operation. Extreme caution needs to be exercised when working around dynamite and
detonation equipment. Review and follow all safety guidelines.
The Decoder unit is connected to a detonation Cap, an uphole geophone and a battery. Whenever
the Decoder is connected to the CAP or whenever a radio is used, the CAP can fire at any time.
The unit has been designed to only fire the CAP when both the ARM and the Charge button are
held. However, potentially there is a chance that the CAP can accidentally fire from either RF noise
or a hardware failure. The following is the normal operation procedure:
• The Shooter receives a valid GPS position for the new shot point.
• The Shooter verifies that there is no danger in accidental firing of hole and that all
personnel and livestock are clear of the shot hole.
• The “Shooter” connects the unit to the uphole geophone, and Cap at the new shot hole.
• The Shooter normally checks the resistance of both the geophone and the Cap.
• After all tests are satisfactory, the shooter calls in that he is ready(optional)
• The Shooter sets the Line/Station information of the shot either manually or automatically
using the Wi-Fi or Computer interface.
• The Shooter then presses the “Arm” and “Charge” switches to get the box ready to fire.
• The Shooter then presses the Autonomous Decoder Fire switch to initiate the sequence
(For added safety).
• The Boom Box 3 will start looking for the next available GPS time Slot, based on the
preprogrammed Unit List and Record Length.
• The Unit will pick the nearest available time slot, but if the next slot is less than 10 seconds
away, this slot is ignored and the next to next slot (calculated based on units, record length)
is picked instead, for safety reasons.
• The Boom Box 3 display will update the remaining seconds for the Fire Slot.
• The Shot will be fired at the Fire Slot GPS Time if the Arm & Charge button are held.
• The Arm & Charge switch must be held at least for the last 4 seconds before the fire, for
the fire to happen. If not, the shot will be cancelled for safety reasons.
• The shooter then releases the “Arm” and “Charge” switch and disconnects from the hole.
• The Decoder unit automatically saves the GPS Time, Position, Line/Station information,
uphole information in the Flash Card.
• The shot information is updated in the Wi-Fi Interface Software.
• The Shooter can check the status of the Box immediately after the Shot is fired.
o Test LED = Green when Confirmation Time Break is valid.
o GPS LED = Green when Uphole time is valid
o The display will show the Uphole time, CTB value, and battery voltage.
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