FAQ

The magnetic catches have become loose

Use a Phillips screwdriver and pliers to tighten the catches

The flap on a Transcat Clear Cat Door is hitting the magnet on the frame as the flap swings.

The magnet on the flap and 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 and holder back into position.

The Transcat electronic unit is not responding to a magnet

It is not normally necessary to test the electronic unit before use by your cat as they are tested after manufacture and 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 and, 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 and 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.

The Transcat electronic unit is making a noise

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.

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

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.

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

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 the 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.

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

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 the 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 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.

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

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 and 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.

Do you provide a warranty for your products?

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.

What does the warranty for the Transcat Electronic unit cover?

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.

How can I tell if the Transcat Dog Door will fit my dog?

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.

Where in the glass pane should I position my Transcat Dog Door?

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.

My Transcat Dog Door needs to be adjusted. Is it possible?

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.

Can the Transcat Electronic Unit be used for my dog?

The simple answer is no.
The Transcat Dog Door has no break out area to accommodate the Electronic Upgrade. In addition dogs should be in a fenced environment and as such do not have any nuisance dogs entering their homes. Finally, dogs tend to approach doors in a different manner than cats and there is a risk the door will not have had time to unlock if a door is "charged" risking injury and damage.

Can the Transcat Dog Door be used in a sliding door application?

The thickness of the frame and of the ring is 4mm so with 6mm glass the protrusion will be limited to the nut and washer plus the remaining length of bolt that secures the ring & frame to the glass.  That should be about 6mm (4mm for the nut & washer & 2mm of bolt thread).  On the outside the locking device protrudes the most and will clear 8mm.

In double glazing installations (and triple) the thickness of the double (or triple) glazing has no effect on the outside protrusion & little effect on the inside.  We supply longer bolts of 30, 35 & 40mm & it is only if the bolts are too long that would increase the protrusion on the inside.

The thickness of the Transcat Clear Cat Door frame and of the ring is 3mm.  With any glass thickness of 4mm or more the end of the bolt will be the part that protrudes the most on the inside.  In single pane glass this will be 6mm.  (4mm for the nut & washer & 2mm of bolt thread). On the outside, the locking device protrudes the most and will clear 8mm.