Raptor FAQ's and Technical Information
What is a Raptor ?
The Raptor is a 12 volt, 8 Channel Wireless RF (Radio Frequency) Steering Wheel Button System with Digital programmable Relay management.
How does it work ?
The Raptor comes in 2 parts. Part 1 being the Transmitter and Part 2 being the Receiver Module. When you press a button on the Transmitter, it sends an encoded signal to the Receiver Module which then activates a specific Relay. There are 8 Buttons on the Transmitter Plate and 8 programmable relays in the Receiver Module. The technology behind the Raptor is fairly complex, although a good analogy would be that it essentially works in the same way as a car key remote for unlocking doors. Although we have eight discrete channels of operation and a bespoke encryption to ensure no radio cross talk or interference can occur.
What voltages does the system support ?
The Raptor is a 12 volt, negative earth system and the Receiver needs to be connected to your vehicles 12v Live and a Ground (GND) connection. The Live connection can be switched (via Ignition) or can be connected to a permanent live. We suggest that you fuse the live connection to the receiver with a 3amp inline fuse. The receiver also has reverse voltage protection built into the circuit electronics.
The transmitter uses a conventional CR2032 Button Cell Battery which can be replaced at anytime by removing the centre cap. The Raptor has been designed specifically for easy access to the battery compartment on the transmitter assembly. No screws, no fuss !
Should you require the Raptor Receiver to be powered by a permanent live connection (E.g. Activating Hazard Lights with the ignition switched off), the current draw is only 15 Milliamps (15ma). With the Raptor permanently connected, it would theoretically take approximately 10 years to drain an 80ah Car Battery.
What loads can be switched ?
The Raptor CLUBMAN Receiver Modules have a terminal block of 18 connections. 2 of which are for Power and Ground connections to the receiver and the remaining connections are for the 8 integral Relays. There are 2 wires for each Relay (total of 16) and each set of Relay Wires is effectively a ‘Make or Break’ line. This means that each relay acts as an electronic switch on its corresponding wires. Each Relay has been selected to provide a continuous 8 amp load, using any more current than this will damage the relay and can be dangerous. Should you wish to switch a higher current, then a suitable rated Relay should be installed and triggered from this system.
The Raptor PRO has a Solid State Receiver Module with 12v 250ma regulated outputs. This can be switched down to a 5v Logic Level output for connection to PDM's.
How do I know when the Battery has run out ?
The Raptor has a built in Battery Status LED on the transmitter. This can be seen through the transmitter cap. The LED only activates when transmission occurs (when a button is pressed). When the battery is good, the LED is GREEN, when the battery is low, the LED is RED. It is at this point we would recommend changing the battery in the transmitter. The battery used in the transmitter is the same type as you would find in a conventional car key remote and the life of the battery would be determined by the amount of presses (or transmissions) that the system has to perform.
How do I program the Receiver ?
The receiver module comes ‘Paired’ to the Transmitter as part of the factory assembly, although functionality to ‘Re-Pair’ the system is documented in the user guide. All that is required would be to configure the Receiver Module to perform the necessary relay actions based on your specific requirements. Each Relay (1 to 8) can be individually configured to perform either a Momentary Action or a Latching Action, with the option of Flashing on either setting. This is configured directly on the receiver board by the use of clearly marked DIP switches. Please read the instruction manual carefully before making any of these adjustments. ALWAYS DISCONNECT POWER to the Receiver Module BEFORE making any changes or removing the Receiver Housing.
What frequency does the Raptor use ?
The Raptor uses a licence free band of radio frequencies to communicate between the Transmitter and Receiver. The signal is encrypted, and only the paired receiver will react to it’s corresponding Raptor. This ensures that no cross talk can occur when there are many Raptor users in the vicinity of each other, like on a Race Track.
What testing has been done to ensure reliability ?
The Raptor’s predecessors (Club Spec 4, 4S and the ProSpec 8) have been in production since the start of 2013 with 3 years of prototype testing before that. Our systems have been sold to Motor Sport Racers, Track Day enthusiasts, Road users and Kit Car builders all over the world and we have been using the same technology for the entire time in our own Race Cars and sponsored vehicles with continued success. The testing that has underpinned the reliability of the system ensures that we provide an entirely reliable system for you to use with your application. In fact, our previous system, the Club Spec 4S was awarded a ‘Hot Product’ accolade by Japanese Performance Magazine, along with numerous high praise from a variety of different Motoring Enthusiast Magazines. Our systems are in use in a variety of UK and International Race and Rally Championships and used by a number of racers in the UK Time Attack Championship.
Here are some common questions answered.
How water resistant is it ?
The Raptor transmitter components are conformally coated to ensure good water resistance. This process, in conjunction with our IP65 Rated Switch assemblies makes the Raptor very water resistant. Perfect for Open Top Cars or Single Seaters. Take a look at the video to see a demonstration of the water resistance capabilities of our Raptor system.
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