CatMate C500 Digital Automatic Pet Feeder User Manual
Components:
Feeder lid D. Base unit
B. Food bowl E. Battery cover
C. Ice packs
LCD Display / Buttons:
- ADJ/SET button
- Low battery indicator
- Clock display (states current time)
- AM/PM indicators (12 hour clock mode)
- 8. MEAL 1 – 4 indicators
and feeding times - UP arrow button
- DOWN arrow button
Battery installation
- Remove feeder lid by pressing down lid and pushing in the sprung clips on both sides (Fig. 3). Lift the food bowl off the feeder base and remove the battery cover by releasing the retaining clip (Fig. 4).
- Insert 3 x AA batteries using the orientation symbols marked on the inside of the compartment. Replace the battery cover.
- Good quality alkaline batteries should normally last approximately 12 months (dependent on use). You may use all popular batteries including rechargeable and 1.5v lithium batteries but the low battery indicator will only work correctly with standard alkaline batteries.
- After a short period of self testing, the clock showing 12:00 AM outlined by a highlight frame will be displayed at the top of the LCD panel with all of the feeding time indicators showing –:– beneath.
Setting the clock
NOTE: To change clock between 24 hour and 12 hour (AM/PM) formats, press and hold the ADJ/SET button. Within 5 seconds press and hold the DOWN arrow button until the format changes.
If at any point during setting a button is not pressed within 30 seconds, all digits will stop flashing and any adjustments made will revert to default/previous settings.
- If necessary, move the highlight frame to outline the clock display using the UP arrow button. To set the clock, press and hold the ADJ/SET button for 5 seconds until the hour figure starts to flash. Press the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to adjust the clock to the correct hour.
- Press the ADJ/SET button and the minute figure will flash. Adjust using the UP and DOWN arrow buttons. Press ADJ/SET to save the setting.
Meal time setting
The C500 feeder will automatically serve meals at the same time(s) every day once you have set the required meal times. For example, if you require one meal a day you need only set the time for MEAL 1 to allow feeding up to 4 days. If you require 2 meals each day you will need to set the times of MEAL 1 and MEAL 2 to allow feeding up to 2 days. You may set up to 4 meals per day. Set your pets required daily meal times as follows:
- Press the UP or DOWN arrow buttons to move the highlight frame to MEAL 1. Press and hold the ADJ/SET button for 3 seconds until the MEAL 1 hours starts to flash. Set the hours for MEAL 1 using the UP and DOWN arrow buttons. Press ADJ/SET to save setting.
- Press the ADJ/SET button and the minute figure will flash. Adjust using the UP and DOWN arrow buttons. Press ADJ/SET to save setting.
NOTE: Meal times can only be set in 10 minute increments. - Repeat 3.1 and 3.2 for remaining daily meals if required.
- To cancel a meal time setting use the UP/DOWN arrow buttons to highlight frame the relevant meal time. Press and hold the ADJ/SET button until meal time flashes. Then press the UP and DOWN arrow buttons together until setting is cancelled.
Testing your C500 feeder
Your C500 feeder is manufactured from top quality materials and is assembled to comply with rigorous quality standards. Consequently, it should give you many years dependable use. However, we recommend you ensure its correct operation with your cat(s) while you are in attendance by completing set up as follows:
- Fill the required number of bowls, starting clockwise from ‘1’ (only fill bowl ‘0’ if an immediate meal is required). Take care not to overfill the food bowls in order that the rotating lid is not fouled.
- Insert two pre-frozen ice packs and replace food bowl aligning ‘0’ on food bowl (B1, Fig. 1) with ‘0’ on base unit (D1, Fig. 1). (If the ‘0’ on the food bowl does not align with the ‘0’ on the base unit, press the ADJ/SET and UP arrow buttons together for 3 seconds to achieve alignment.)
- Finally, replace feeder lid and place unit in required position. The meal in the bowl numbered ‘1’ will be served at the next programmed meal time.
- Always turn feeder off after use (see Section 9 below).
Especially for cats
When leaving your cat, do not forget to make adequate toilet arrangements for it. Cats and particularly kittens, should not be left alone for long periods without someone to check periodically that all is well. We also recommend the use of a CAT MATE fountain for supply of fresh water.
Especially for dogs
Most small dogs will readily adapt to an automatic feeder, but you are recommended to supervise your dog’s first few encounters to ensure that it is unlikely to damage the unit – which may be a problem with puppies. When leaving your dog, do not forget to make adequate toilet arrangements for it. Dogs, and particularly puppies, should not be left alone for long periods without someone to check periodically that all is well. We also recommend the use of a DOG MATE fountain for supply of fresh water. For extra stability the feeder may be attached to a wooden baseplate as follows:
- Remove the feeder lid and food bowl. Place feeder in desired position on wooden board, locate the moulded-in retaining clips (Fig. 5) and mark a screw hole using a suitable screw down through the centre of each hole. (Fig 6).
- Break out the retaining clips by carefully cutting retaining webs with a sharp knife (Fig. 7).
- Replace clips in holes with the flat side of the clip uppermost and screw to board at marked screw positions using suitable screws (Fig. 8).
- Turn clips to lock/unlock feeder to wooden base (Fig. 9).
Hints on food storage
- Your C500 feeder is designed for use with all pet foods. The C500 should always be used with its ice-packs unless the surrounding temperature is less than 5°C. (40°F.). To freeze the ice-packs before use, place in a freezer for at least 6 hours. Spare ice-packs are available from your dealer or directly from www.pet-mate.com.
- When using your C500 feeder with wet food, ensure that the food comes from a freshly opened can/pack. If the weather is very warm, you are advised not to leave wet food for long periods and may prefer to serve dry food, which has better keeping qualities. If in doubt, please consult the manufacturer of your cats’ wet food.
Positioning of feeder
The C500 feeder should be used indoors or in a garage or outbuilding and should be placed in a cool corner, shaded from sunlight and away from moisture.
Turning the feeder off and on
To turn off the feeder and keep the programmed settings, press and hold the UP and DOWN arrow buttons together until ‘OFF’ is displayed on the LCD. Repeat the procedure to turn the feeder back on.
Changing the batteries
When the low battery indicator ( 2 , Fig. 2.) flashes on the LCD, alkaline batteries need replacing.
IMPORTANT:
- To keep the clock and all the meal settings, you must remove and replace all of the batteries within 60 seconds!
- DO NOT press any buttons during the removal or replacement of the batteries. Doing so will reset the unit and you will need to re-programme your settings.
- It is recommended to remove the batteries when the feeder is not to be used for prolonged periods.
Cleaning
The C500 feeder is very easy to clean. The lid and bowl may be washed in a dishwasher. The base unit can be wiped with a damp cloth. Under no circumstances should the base unit be immersed in water.
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