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Frequently Asked Questions

There is an assortment of photographs on this website as well as video and there are photos on the packaging on the products.  These can be useful when determining how, for example, a cat door is assembled. 

Q. The magnetic catches have become loose

A.  Use a Phillips screwdriver & plyers to tighten the catches

Q. The flap on a Transcat Cat Door – clear is hitting the magnet on the frame as the flap swings.

A.  The magnet on the flap & on the frame sits in a small black holder which has 2 lugs that keep it in position.  Use something hard such as the handle of a knife to push the magnet & holder back into position.

Q. The Transcat electronic unit is not responding to a magnet

A.  It is not normally necessary to test the electronic unit before use by your cat as they are tested after manufacture & before they are packed but, if necessary you can test them as follows: First make sure that power is going through from the batteries to the electronics.  If power is reaching the electronics a red diode can be seen glowing on the circuit board &, when the 4th battery is inserted, a click can be heard.  If neither of these indicators are present check that the batteries are correctly inserted.  If it is established that power is reaching the electronics place the unit on a table or bench & present the magnet SLOWLY by moving the magnet from about 10cm away at the same height as the top of the unit.  Do not place the magnet on top of the unit because the sensor has a memory function and it will expect the magnet to be as close the next time.

As you approach the unit with the magnet you should hear a click as the unit activates.  This should be heard before the magnet is 4cm from the unit.  If necessary do this 5 or 6 times and note the consistent distance.

Q. The Transcat electronic unit is making a noise

A. The only sound that comes from the electronics, excluding the mechanical click made by the pin, is the battery warning indicator.  This becomes louder as the batteries run down and initially can only be heard when the unit is activated but as the batteries run down the sound can be heard continuously.

Q. The batteries in the Transcat electronic unit need replacing every few weeks

A.  It is essential that only alkaline batteries are used.  Non alkaline batteries will operate the unit for a short time and they will not harm the electronics but they will expire very quickly.  This is because the unit requires short bursts of power in common with smoke alarms and digital cameras.

Q. The Transcat electronic unit is clicking but my cat cannot enter OR the unit is not locking

A.  The Transcat electronic unit has a 2 year warranty but many will last for 10 years or more.  However, sometimes after long periods of use bits of cat hair and other items become clogged around the pin that moves in and out underneath the latch.  This can be observed by turning he unit upside down and presenting the magnet.  If the pin is not moving it may have become clogged.  Use a needle or other pointed tool to carefully remove any clogged material.

Q. The Transcat electronic unit has a red diode glowing on the circuit board but it is not working

A. The Transcat electronic unit has complex electronics and, just like a computer, it can object to repeated actions.  For example, if the 4th battery touches the connection, is then removed and then fitted it might object.  Just like a computer the unit can be re-booted.  To re-boot he unit the most suitable tool is a standard paper clip, i.e. a metal paper clip without a plastic coating.  Take the electronic unit off the cat door and place it down on end with the circular attachment on your left and remove the battery cover.  Looking down onto the circuit board you can be see 6 connectors printed on the edge of the circuit board.  Take the paper clip and short circuit the two connectors on your right.  Press down with the paper clip to achieve a connection and you should hear a series of clicks.  Immediately remove the paper clip.  The unit has then been re-booted.

This action also serves to determine the age of the unit.  The first series of clicks denotes the month of manufacture and, after a pause, the second series of clicks denotes the year of manufacture.

Q. The latch spring on the Transcat electronic unit has broken or become detached

A.  The latch spring on the Transcat electronic unit is robust but occasionally one will break or become detached.  Send us an email with your name and address details and we will send you a replacement.  Fitting the replacement spring is straightforward if you follow these simple instructions.


Instructions for inserting latch spring

Tools Required

A large needle type instrument is necessary to hook the spring into place.

PROCESS

Step 1

Turn the black box, “upside down” and, using the needle type instrument or something flatter, push the pin to allow the latch to swing around.  The hook of the latch should protrude up when the black box is the right way up.

Step 2

Grab hold of the spring with thumb & forefinger and hook one end onto the hook of the latch FROM THE OUTSIDE IN
(ie. From the outside of the black box).

Step 3

Allow the latch to swing back around and turn the black box, “up side down” again.
Using the needle type instrument, hook the other end of the spring over the bar.

 

SPARE PARTS

All Transcat products are available in spare parts however most retailers do not stock spare parts because of minimal demand.

Any retailer that sells Transcat products is able to obtain spare parts.

The Transcat electronic unit is the only product that has a specific warranty, because of the complexity of the product.

All other Transcat products are adequately covered by consumer legislation that requires any product to be fit for purpose.  Breakages can occur at any time just with any products.  Nielsen Manufacturing Ltd takes responsibility for any fault in Transcat products but not from breakages that are outside of the control of Nielsen Manufacturing Ltd.

If you have difficulty in obtaining a spare part please contact us by email and we will direct you to a site or retailer who can assist you.

Transcat Cat Door – clear

PART What is Supplied

FLAP

Replacement flap, packet of 4 hinge screws,

magnet & holder

Hinge

Replacement hinge, packet of 4 hinge screws

Magnet and Holder (for flap and frame)
Frame
Ring
Latch Set

All other parts are also available

 

Transcat Especial Cat Door

PART What is Supplied

Magnet & Holder

Replacement magnet & holder in choice of 2 colours - Cream or Black
for cats collar

All other parts are also available

 

Transcat Cat Door - White

PART What is Supplied

Flap

Replacement Flap

Set of Magnets

All other parts are also available

 

Transcat Dog Door

 
PART What is Supplied

Flap

Replacement Flap & Packet of 6 hinge screws

Hinge

Replacement hinge & Packet of 6 hinge screws

Frame

Replacement Frame

Ring

Replacement Ring

Latch Set (x2) including screws

 

All other parts are also available

 

Instructions for using the Transcat electronic unit

PURPOSE

The Transcat Especial Cat Door is designed to deter nuisance Cats from entering your home.  A latch is positioned behind the flap which remains locked until unlocked by the electronic unit.

METHOD OF OPERATION

Your Cat wears a small magnet cushioned in a soft, light weight holder attached to any type of collar.

 A sensor in the electronic unit will release the cat door latch when your cat approaches, allowing your cat to enter. The latch will remain open for approximately 5 seconds to give your Cat time to enter. 

When batteries start to lose power the unit will emit a quiet beeping sound when the Door is operated.  If the batteries are not changed the unit will begin to beep continuously until the batteries run flat.  4 new alkaline batteries will last for approximately 12 months with one cat.

 

TRAINING

Cats are very intelligent animals with very different personalities but it is necessary to train your cat to use the cat door.  In most cases your cat will work out what happens within a day or two.  The best way to train your cat is to encourage them by tempting them with their favourite food placed on the inside.  Never push your cat through the cat door.  They soon learn to recognize the mechanical click of the latch as a sign that the flap can be pushed open.  If they delay for more than 5 seconds and the door locks they quickly learn to wait for another second or two for the unit to activate again.

 

INSTALLATION

There are two parts to the installation instructions.  The first part deals with the electronic unit (black box) and the second part with the Cat Door only.

 

FITTING OF YOUR ELECTRONIC UNIT

Step 1

The electronic unit (black box) fits onto both the Cat Door & the supporting ring.  If you purchased both the Cat Door and the electronic unit together the place where the electronic unit fits may have already been prepared.  If not, you will need to note the following instructions.

If you have an existing Transcat Cat Door unscrew the four nuts that hold your Cat Door in place. (They should be only finger tight but you may need a spanner or pair of pliers). The bolts will then fall loose and your Cat Door can be taken from where it was fitted.

A section of plastic has to be broken out from both the Cat Door and the ring that holds it against the glass.  (This is where the electronic unit will go.) This section of plastic is next to the magnet on the frame of the Door and in a corresponding position on the ring.

To remove these two pieces of plastic use a pair of pliers to grab hold of the pieces that have to be broken out.  (You will not need them again so do not worry about marking them).  Alternatively a hacksaw could be used to cut down each side and then apply pressure to twist the piece of plastic out.

Once these two pieces have been broken out you will need to scrape off any loose material with a sharp knife.

Before re-assembling the Cat Door try fitting the electronic unit onto the Cat Door frame.  The larger rectangular part goes on the outside, ie. the side that has the writing on the flap.  The unit should fit snugly into the space provided.  If it does not fit it may be necessary to scrape a little more with the sharp knife.

Step 2

To install the batteries remove the battery cover, using a coin if necessary in the slot underneath the unit.  Gently slide the battery cartridge out & fill it with four AA size alkaline batteries.  Replace the cover firmly.

The sensor in the unit responds to a changing magnetic field and so moving the unit will often activate the sensor because the magnetic field around the unit will have moved. It is therefore important to put the unit down on a table or bench or in the Cat Door once the batteries have been connected.

The unit may now be fitted to the Cat Door (when installed) by sliding it onto the Cat Door frame while holding the flap open.  (The part of the unit that holds the batteries must be on the outside).

Thread the collar magnet, supplied, onto your Cats collar.  The magnet should be positioned under your Cats chin but do not be concerned if the magnet moves from that position.  If you have more than one Cat additional magnet & holders are available from your retailer.

The unit does not need testing.  Provided the batteries have been fitted correctly your unit will be ready to respond to the magnet on your Cats collar.

FITTING OF YOUR ELECTRONIC CAT DOOR

Fit your Transcat Cat Door by following the instructions provided on the box containing the Cat Door. The Transcat Especial Cat Door can be fitted into most doors and walls and it is ideally suited to glass applications.  For fitting into other materials proceed as follows.

Non-glass installation

If your Transcat Cat Door is fitted into a material which is more than 6mm thick (such as a wooden panel or door) it will be necessary to use a 3-6mm thick supporting material such as plywood to place the Cat Door into before re-fitting it back into your panel door.  This is because the unit requires no more than 6mm thickness to slot into.

Double Glazing

It is not possible to fit the electronic unit into double glazing if the hole in the glass is the standard 267mm.  However, for new double glazing installations the hole size should be 275mm.  This will allow the electronic unit to be fitted.

 

GUARANTEE OF QUALITY

Nielsen Manufacturing Ltd guarantees the purchaser against any direct defect due to faulty materials or manufacture for a period of two years from the date of purchase.  This guarantee excludes any damage sustained by misuse or normal wear & tear.  This guarantee is in addition to any guarantees which consumers may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act in New Zealand or similar legislation in other parts of the World.

 

Transcat Cat Door- Clear

The Transcat Cat Door – clear is made of polycarbonate which allows the product to be relatively thin but strong.  It fits on the outside of the glass and a polycarbonate ring fits on the inside with 4 small bolts, washers & nuts that join the 2 components.  The 4 bolts do not penetrate the glass but fit just inside the cut.  The cat door has 2 small lugs that connect with the cut at the bottom so that the lower bolt is clear of the glass.  The bolts are secured with only finger tightness & they are easily removed to allow for cleaning (once every 6 – 12 months).  A 4 way locking system allows for locking the door in either direction, both directions or not at all.  It allows for easy control by the owner from both the inside & outside.  Two small magnets, one on the bottom of the flap & one on the frame help stop the flap from swinging.

The Transcat Cat Door – clear is one of the largest cat doors on the market and it is also suitable for miniature dogs.  However, as described below, this cat door can be up-graded into an electronic cat door but this version is not recommended for dogs because their movements are very different to cats & they generally have bigger necks than cats.

The Transcat Cat Door – clear can be used as a standard cat door or it can be up-graded to become an electronic cat door, the Transcat Especial Cat Door.   This is a unique feature that allows first time cat door purchasers, who may be unsure whether they need an electronic cat door, to purchase the electronic component later and only if they need to.  Not all cats require an electronic cat door.  For example owners who also have a dog probably do not need one and a lot depends on the proximity & personalities of neighbouring cats.

The Transcat Cat Door – clear is designed to fit into glass doors and panels from 3 – 6 mm thickness and into double glazed panels of glass.  (It can also be fitted into other materials, see below).  Installation into most ranch slider type doors is possible where there is a clearance of more than 21mm on the inside of the sliding door.

Installation into glass requires the skills of a Glazier to cut the hole in the glass.  Installation into single pane glass requires a circular hole of 267mm (10½”).  Installation into a double glazed panel of glass requires a hole 275mm (10⅞”).  The cut between the two panes of glass is then sealed to maintain the integrity of the double glazing.  Longer bolts are available in lengths of 30, 35 & 40mm.

The Transcat Cat Door – clear is designed primarily for glass installation but it can also be fitted into other materials.  Installation into solid wooden panels or doors is very similar to fitting into single pane glass.  The hole size should be approximately 247mm (9 ¾”) but the size and shape of the hole is not as critical as it is for installation into glass, provided that the flap can swing unhindered.  The supporting ring is not required.  Fit the door with self-tapping screws (not supplied) to the face of the panel.  For non-glass installations the Transcat Especial (electronic) cat door requires a 3-6mm thick supporting material such as plywood (instead of glass).  This is positioned over a suitably sized hole cut in the wooden door.

The Transcat electronic unit was introduced to the market in 1996.  The initial model used analogue technology but, since 2003, the device has been digital.  The electronic unit consists of a black box that sits just below the flap on the Transcat Cat Door – clear with the bulk of the box on the outside.  The unit takes 4 x alkaline AA batteries which will last approximately 12 months when used by one cat.  This is based on usage of 8 times per day so the battery life will vary.  Above the batteries is a sensor that responds to a changing magnetic field. 

The cat wears a small magnet in a soft light holder that fits on a collar.  As the cat approaches the cat door the sensor detects the changing magnetic field (the moving magnet) and activates the unit.  There is a pin underneath the latch on the unit that prevents the latch from moving back on itself (thereby keeping the cat door locked).  When the unit is activated the pin recedes in, allowing the latch to move and effectively unlocking the cat door.  The cat then has 5 seconds in which to enter through the cat door.  If the cat procrastinates and does not push the flap within 5 seconds the unit resets itself and becomes available to another changing magnetic field.  In practice cats soon become accustomed to how the unit works.  There is no restriction on exiting the cat door (unless locked manually).  The electronic unit only restricts access. 

The mechanics of the unit are very straight forward.  A strong spring, attached to the latch, keeps the latch up right. The batteries are protected from rain by a lid on the black box but the unit sits on a slight angle and has a small drain hole so any moisture that does enter the black box drains out immediately via the drain hole.  As with any electronic product the electronics are complex but there is little opportunity for problems to occur.  This web site has a troubleshooting section which provides tips and further information on how the product works.

 

Transcat Dog Door

The Transcat Dog Door is a similar shape to the Transcat Cat Door – clear but significantly bigger.  It is suitable for small dogs typically up to Beagle size.  If in doubt as to whether or not a dog will fit the door it is recommended that a template is made out of a sheet of cardboard & see if the dog can fit through reasonably easily.  Make allowances if the dog is not fully grown.  This product is made of acrylic plastic which is tough but thicker than the Transcat Cat Door – clear.  It is also designed primarily for installation into glass but it to can fit into other materials.  A Glazier should be consulted about where to cut the hole (into glass) but owners should also consider factors such as the height of the dog’s legs and whether or not they are fully grown.  The dog should also be able to go through the dog door without having to jump up or crouch down.  The hole should be 385mm in diameter.  For installation into double glazing longer bolts of 30, 35 & 40mm are available.

The Transcat Dog Door can also be fitted into thicker panels or solid core wooden doors or walls using a 358mm diameter hole.

The Transcat Dog Door also has a 4 way locking system that allows for locking the door in either direction, both directions or not at all.  It allows for easy control by the owner from both the inside & outside.  The locking devices are situated one each side of the flap & include magnets that help stop the flap from swinging.  These are quite strong magnets but there is a small amount of adjustment available if necessary.  Ensure that the latch is not too loose and then simply move the latch around so that the magnet moves slightly away from the edge of the flap & the magnet on the flap.  You can go no further than before the top part of the latch begins to impede the flap but that small adjustment on both sides of the flap can make a significant difference in the strength of the magnets.

 

Transcat Cat Door - White

The Transcat Cat Door – white is a smaller but more versatile cat door in that it is equally at home installed in glass or wood.  However, it cannot be up-graded to an electronic cat door.  A circular hole 223mm (8¾”) in diameter should be cut and, as the door consists of two similar parts, it can cover a gap of around 35mm.  This is useful when fitting the cat door into a hollow core door.  If the gap is wider than 35mm a flexible material, such as a thin piece of plywood, can be dove tailed between the two parts.

 

 

 

 
 

 

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