Thunder 200 User Manual
Contents
1. i HUNDE EQUIPM REMOTE MULTI SHOT RETRIEVER TRAINING LAUNCHERS MODELS 200 500 amp 1000 PLEASE READ amp UNDERSTAND THIS OWNERS MANUAL PRIOR TO OPERATION PRODUCT REGISTRATION AND WARRANTY Products must be registered at www thunderequipment com within 30 days of purchase to ensure updated product information information on future product upgrades and proper warranty registration Visit our website at www thunderequipment com for more information on additional products and accessories or to view our training forum and get user training advice techniques and tips In the event of product questions or concerns please visit our website email or contact Thunder Equipment prior to returning to your dealer location FOR PRODUCT QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS CONTACT Thunder Equipment division of Wilson Retrievers Inc 53 Coulter Road Greenville PA 16125 Ph 724 944 2429 info thunderequipment com HOW TO OPERATE YOUR NEW LAUNCHER Complete product manual also located at www thunderequipment com NOTE Launcher requires a MAPP gas cylinder and 8AA batteries not included to operate BEFORE STARTING SEQUENCE BELOW MAKE SURE POWER SWITCH IS OFF AN WARNING NEVER TRANSPORT LAUNCHER WITH MAPP GAS INSTALLED STARTUP AND LAUNCH SEQUENCE The sequence to fire your launcher works just like the hammer on a gun Depressing the transmitter button once releases the safety and readies the system to fire cocking the hammer and the next2. press of the transmitter button fires the system pulling the trigger The timing in between the two steps needs no longer than 2 seconds under average operating conditions WARNING THE LAUNCHER IS IN THE COCKED POSITION WHEN YOU HEAR GAS FLOWING IT SHOULD ONLY BE IN THIS POSITION WHEN YOU ARE PREPARING TO FIRE Neutral Position Small hole between bumper tubes on the rotator is over the combustion port of the launcher Cocked Position Tube that holds the bumper is primarily over the combustion port of the launcher 1 INSTALL 8 AA BATTERIES not included Battery compartment is located on back panel Remove the 4 small black screws and pry off the cover using the slot on the lower right side of the box USE RUBBER BAND OR TAPE TO SECURE BATTERIES IN PLACE Failure to follow will result in sporadic performance due to battery movement 2 CONNECT TRI TRONICS OR DOGTRA ELECTRONICS Systems will operate with most Tri Tronics or dogtra remote launch transmitter receiver systems Make sure to read a follow manufacturer s instructions for installing charging and operating the remote launching system you have chosen Receiver can be attached to outer housing using Velcro adhesive strips not included Insert the plug into the receiver Turn on the remote system FOR MAXIMUM ELECTRONIC RANGE Mount the receiver so its antenna extends beyond the launcher case See Photo Note When using a dogtra receiver be careful not to let the wir
3. product registration Write a short letter describing the problem you have experienced Be sure the letter includes your name address daytime and evening phone number Visit our website at www thunderequipment com for details on return address On the outside of the box in large legible lettering write RETURN FOR REPAIR We recommend UPS Ground Service for return shipping FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Your Thunder Equipment Launcher should require virtually no maintenance assuming it is not misused It may require tuning over time to maintain optimal performance and slight adjustment after the break in period If you notice after initial usage or over time your machine seems to require tuning based on the Frequently Asked Questions call us and we will be happy to help If you have any questions concerning your launcher or if you suspect that it is malfunctioning we will be happy to assist you Before you call check the Troubleshooting Guide Visit our website at www thunderequipment com for additional service information When screwing in the gas bottle I hear gas flowing into the machine e The machine is in the cocked position Refer to Page 2 Item 3 for more information on how to reset Rotator does not turn when I press the Transmit Button e Is the power switch on the launcher turned on Is your Remote Receiver turned on Is the Receiver plug from the launcher inserted fully into the receiver Are the receiver and trans
4. seconds After that time there is no additional benefit except in extremely cold conditions Leaving the system in the cocked position beyond 20 seconds may limit launches under extreme temperature conditions 9 RELOAD PROCEDURE When approaching machine always ensure you do not hear gas flowing in the system This means the system is in cocked position You should stand behind the launcher and press the transmitter button again to pull the trigger before continuing to reload Caution The noise from the shot will be VERY loud Make sure to take proper precautions To reload always approach from the rear turn power switch to OFF position reload bumpers and then turn power to ON position Rotator turns counter clockwise when firing NEVER STAND IN FRONT OF MACHINE WITH POWER SWITCH IS ON FUEL DETAILS Your Thunder Equipment launcher is powered by MAPP gas Propane will NOT work Bernzomatic Weller and Worthington are common brand names The LP Gas 16 oz cylinders are 3 in diameter by 10 long The number of launches will vary from cylinder to cylinder You can estimate the volume of remaining gas by shaking the cylinder If there is minimal liquid install a new cylinder Dispose of empty cylinders appropriately based on applicable local regulations 10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AN WARNING Refilled LP Gas Cylinders Thunder Equipment does not endorse or recommend using refilled LP gas cylinders Always use factory
5. S REMOVED IT IS NORMAL FOR A SMALL AMOUNT OF GAS TO BE EXPELLED FROM THE SYSTEM THIS DEPRESSURIZES THE LAUNCHER FOR TRANSPORT AND STORAGE AN WARNING NEVER SMOKE OR POSITION LAUNCHER NEAR OPEN FLAME OR HEAT SOURCE SYSTEM TIMING ADJUSTMENT Your system is factory set to ensure optimal performance During shipment as the system breaks in or over time it is possible that the launcher timing may need to be adjusted This is evident when the machine seems to skip or stick when pushing the transmitter button You can review FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for more information and we will be happy to assist you with the adjustment process OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE Your launcher will provide reliable operating performance between 20 F 7 C and 90 F 38 C Outside of this range you may experience inconsistent performance REMEMBER MAPP GAS IS THE ONLY GAS GUARANTEED UNDER WARRANTY TO PROVIDE RELIABLE AND CONSISTENT FIRING Optimal performance will be obtained when gas cylinders are stored at indoor temperatures 70 F 20 C If you allow your gas cylinders to fluctuate widely in temperature your system may react erratically In extreme cold weather it is advisable to keep spare gas cylinders in your vehicle where they will stay warm After a period of time if you begin to experience erratic firing replace the cylinder with a warmer one The length of time you can use the cylinder is relative to temperature WARNING NEVER STORE YO
6. UR LAUNCHER PRESSURIZED WITH THE GAS CAN INSTALLED ALWAYS REMOVE GAS CYLINDER BETWEEN USES STORAGE AND TRANSPORT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 1 DO NOT place in tall dry grass or any area that may be a potential fire hazard Never use machine for any reason other than its intended purpose Never smoke within 20 feet of your launcher and keep the launcher away from any spark or flame Never transport with gas cylinder installed Always turn off power switch for transport or storage Stand behind the unit 20 ft minimum Never stand directly in front of the machine or look directly in the front of the bumper tubes DO NOT load or launch any item other than approved bumpers in your Thunder Equipment Launcher Failure to comply could result in property damage injury or death and will void manufacturer s warranty Keep out of reach of children Individuals aged 18 years and older should only use product Store in a safe dry place and remove gas cylinder Never discharge the launcher while holding or transporting 0 Make sure the system is properly set up on the ground and stand a minimum of twenty feet behind the system to fire 11 When the Thunder Equipment launcher fires it makes a loud noise simulating a shotgun blast Verify all applicable city and local ordinances prior to using launcher a Shee a a se i WARNING Failure to comply with applicable safety precautions could cause property damage A injury or death Thunder Equipm
7. e fall inside the machine If it does you will need to remove the case to retrieve BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRIP THE SCREW HEADS WHEN REMOVING COVER 3 MOVE LAUNCHER POWER SWITCH TO ON POSITION AND DEPRESS YOUR ELECTRONICS TO ENSURE THE MACHINE CYCLES PROPERLY AND IS IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION Smaller hole between bumper tubes over firing hole on launcher A WARNING With the launcher in the neutral position not cocked to fire there should be NO indication of continuous gas flow after the canister is installed and the valve is opened If you hear gas continuously flowing smell gas escaping when system is not activated or the tank quickly becomes unexplainably very cold and you are sure the system is in the neutral safe position not cocked unscrew immediately and contact the Thunder Equipment 4 MOVE LAUNCHER POWER SWITCH TO OFF POSITION 5 INSTALL GAS CYLINDER TANK Carefully install the MAPP gas cylinder tank on side of machine see Page 4 for more details Be EXTREMELY CAREFUL not to strip the engagement threads WARNING If you hear gas flowing it is likely the launcher is in the cocked position You must unscrew the gas and return to Step 3 to complete the firing process and return the system to neutral safe position NOTE Gas cylinder heads are not always straight which can cause difficult installation on first use Once tank begins to screw in about 25 you can pull on the bottom lightly to help straighten the neck a
8. ent accepts no liability for personal injury property damage or death sustained while handling same or damage caused during the operation or transportation of this machine FACTORY WARRANTY Registration and or proof of purchase sales receipt are required for warranty claims Your Thunder Equipment launcher is covered by a One 1 year Limited Warranty on parts and labor Extended warranty is available online at www thunderequipment com The warranty does not cover physical abuse or damage and is limited to original purchaser not transferable The warranty does not cover bumpers batteries damage to the internal motor caused by manual turning of the rotator problems with third party remote electronics transmitters or receivers damage due to launching anything other than approved bumpers damage and cross threading of threads to gas cylinder and damage to distance valve due to improper manipulation and is VOID if the launcher has been tampered with in any way or unauthorized service work has been performed The limited warranty does not cover return shipping costs WARRANTY REGISTRATION Warranty can be registered online and is essential to tracking warranty claims and extended warranty SERVICE SUPPORT In the event that your Thunder Equipment launcher requires service call and inform us that you wish to return your launcher for repair Warranty repairs require original purchase receipt serial number and corresponding information from
9. lignment and make installation easier 6 STABILIZE UNIT AT PROPER LAUNCH ANGLE AND PLACE BUMPERS ON FRONT BUMPER TUBES Unfold legs from launcher Place launcher at desired location and angle normally 30 45 Legs extend from base position and rotate away from centerline as required for stability Make sure system is located in a stable position Bumpers slide over metal tubes on the front rotator Caution NEVER ROTATE BUMPER TUBES BY HAND This will result in internal damage Ld and is not covered under warranty WARNING Never place any object other than approved Thunder Equipment bumpers in on rotator tubes Failure to follow this precaution will severely damage the machine and could lead to property damage injury or death 7 MOVE POWER SWITCH TO ON POSITION If the machine rotates ensure it is in the neutral position before proceeding AN WARNING NEVER STAND IN FRONT OF MACHINE WHEN THE POWER SWITCH IS ON 8 LAUNCH SEQUENCE Always shoot a test shot to confirm proper launcher operation and bumper flight prior to remote usage Move behind machine a minimum of 20 feet and depress launch activation button on transmitter This releases the safety cocks the hammer and readies the launcher to fire Press the transmitter button again to pull the trigger and the bumper will fire Caution Never fire launcher if not in the upright 30 55 launch position Shooting a launcher lying on the ground can lead
10. mitter batteries fully charged Are the batteries secured tightly in the battery case using either tape or supplied rubber band Do the AA batteries in the launcher need replaced Multiple button presses are required for launcher to rotate properly e Do the AA batteries in the launcher need replaced e Check to see if receiver is mounted per recommendation and antenna extends beyond side of launcher When I press the fire button the unit launches but continues to sound like gas is flowing Do the AA batteries in the launcher need replaced This is a primary indication that batteries are not fully charged Are your transmitter and receiver batteries fully charged Are the AA batteries fully installed into the plastic battery holder Tape around the batteries can help them hold in position Is this unit brand new If you have checked all of the above items it is likely the timing has changed due to shipping and needs readjusted Give us a call and we can walk you through the procedure Did this change over time If the unit previously worked correctly and all of the above items have been checked it is likely the timing has changed due to break in period and needs readjusted Give us a call and we can walk you through the procedure Rotator turns but the bumper does not launch Is the MAPP gas cylinder threaded fully into the launcher Does the MAPP gas cylinder have fuel Are you using the propane instead of MAPP gas Is the distance valve o
11. new MAPP gas cylinders for best performance and safety Varying pressures of refilled containers yield sporadic and unreliable field results and may result in property damage injury or death Thunder Equipment accepts no liability for performance reliability or safety using these cylinders VARIABLE DISTANCE CONTROL REMOTE There are two ways to vary launches with your system In combination they can provide infinite variability for shot distance arc and sound 1 SIDE DISTANCE VALVE The valve located on the side of your machine can be loosened or tightened to produce variable shot distances and volume It is factory set open to provide the longest loudest shot Rotating clockwise toward OFF position will reduce the shot distance Be careful not to force the valve or pry to hard It should be easy to move with a small regular screwdriver 2 LENGTH OF TIME LAUNCHER REMAINS IN COCKED POSITION If you want to vary the height velocity or launch noise remotely you only to vary the length of time the launcher is in the cocked position PUPPY MARK IMMEDIATE Depress the transmitter button the cock and depress again immediately This will result in a shorter quieter throw NORMAL MARK 1 2 SECONDS Depress the transmitter button the cock pause 1 2 seconds and depress again This results in a normal throw NOTE If you time the training process this is the average time between a bird thrower cocking the hammer on a training gun and sho
12. oting EXTENDED MARKING 3 SECONDS Depress the transmitter button pause 3 seconds and depress again This results in maximum throw height and distance and is can be used for extremely long marks AN WARNING Closing the distance valve does not depressurize the launcher Gas bottles should be removed for vehicle transport EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS Hints for optimum performance Extremely warm temperature and humidity Under these conditions the distance valve should be set below 1 2 open and the machine should not be left in the cocked position for more than 5 seconds Cold Temperature winter training In very cold conditions the distance valve should be opened to 100 and leaving the machine in the cocked position for a little longer period 5 10 seconds may help shot reliability BUMPERS Thunder Equipment launcher bumpers have been designed exclusively for use on the Thunder Equipment Model 5000 Thunder Bird 400 800 and 1200 launchers Pro Max 7000 and Max 5000 remote Launchers USE ONLY FACTORY BUMPERS ON YOUR LAUNCHER Extra launcher bumpers and colors are available for purchase Visit our website for more information www thunderequipment com LAUNCHER SHUT DOWN 1 Switch power button to off position 2 Remove gas cylinder and store in cool dry place 3 Turn off the Remote Receiver AN WARNING NEVER STORE OR TRANSPORT YOUR SYSTEM WITH THE GAS CYLINDER INSTALLED ALWAYS REMOVE AFTER EACH USE WHEN THE GAS CYLINDER I
13. pen Is the weather extremely hot amp humid or cold In colder weather open the distance valve fully In hot humid weather close the valve to about 4 open Are your AA batteries old and need replaced Is your machine lying flat on the ground The launcher is made to only operate consistently and reliably in the upright position You should never fire with the launcher legs retracted or with the machine lying on the ground Are you trying to test in shotgun launches The system needs to vent for a short period between shots Rapid firing for multiple successions can cause some misfires Is your gas tank cold from long term exposure outdoors I have to press the Transmit Button multiple times to get the launcher to rotate or fire Do the AA batteries in the launcher need replaced This is a primary indication that batteries are not fully charged Are the AA batteries fully inserted into the battery compartment Are the batteries secured tightly in the battery case using either tape or supplied rubber band Have you checked the battery snaps on the battery pack are secured tightly Are the transmitter or receiver batteries holding a charge or do they need replaced Is this unit brand new If you have checked all of the above items it is likely the timing has changed due to shipping and needs readjusted Give us a call and we can walk you through the procedure Did this change over time If the unit previously worked correctly and all of
14. the above items have been checked it is likely the timing has changed due to break in period and needs readjusted Give us a call and we can walk you through the procedure Launcher does not work at long range Do the batteries in the remote receiver and or transmitter need to be charged or replaced Are the transmitter or receiver batteries holding a charge or do they need replaced Is the receiver positioned toward the top of the machine in launch position Is reception of the transmitter blocked by the machine case Are there significant factors trees hills rocks buildings etc between you and the receiver Launcher fires inconsistently in COLD weather Are you using MAPP gas Is the distance valve turned fully open Do the AA launcher batteries need replaced Is the gas cold from being stored outside Have the batteries been stored in a cold environment for long periods Have you let the system remain in the cocked position for a few extra seconds Launcher fires inconsistently in extremely warm and or humid weather Are you using MAPP gas Is the distance valve set below 50 If not turn the gas valve down Are you letting the system remain in the cocked position for an extended period of time beyond 20 seconds This can cause misfires and inconsistent ignition You should only leave the system cocked for a few seconds Launcher sound seems muffled or is not extremely loud e Are you using MAPP gas e Are you le
15. to fire hazard personal injury and damage to the launcher A new system may seem a little tight or rotate a little slower after ignition This will not impact performance system timing and is normal in new systems The system is designed to exacting tolerances and can require a break in period STANDARD TRAINING SEQUENCE USING YOUR LAUNCHER Remember that the procedure closely mimics what a bird boy would do in the field during a marking setup When the dog reaches the line and begins to mark a gun station press the transmitter button to cock the system When the dog is ready to mark press the transmitter button again and the bumper will fire If you have additional launchers in the field for multiple mark setups just press the transmitter button to cock while you are moving your dog from one bird to another When the dog is ready for the mark press the transmitter button again to fire NOTES 1 Sometimes the electronic transmitter receiver may not always get the signal to cock the system This is not a problem because the launcher only requires second to reload If you press the transmitter button and the system doesn t fire don t panic just press the transmitter button again to cock and press again in 1 second 2 Under extreme heat and humidity conditions it is possible to cause variation in shot reliability by leaving the launcher cocked for extended periods The maximum shot distance is about 3
16. tting the system remain in the cocked position for an extended period of time beyond 20 seconds This can cause misfires and inconsistent ignition You should only leave the system cocked for a few seconds e Is there high temperature combined with high humidity Turn the distance valve below 50 e Is the combustion port behind the rotator flush with the front plate If it is pressed back behind the front plate contact Thunder Equipment for assistance Bumpers fall off machine during operation e Do the bumpers show visible signs of wear due to use e Is the machine at an optimal angle 30 45 e Although rare intermittently some bumpers may fall from the machine due to wear usage angle and excessive vibration Remote variable distance will not function properly e Is the gas flow valve set to 4 turn open e Are your receiver and transmitter fully charged
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