The features that make the HotShot system unique from other electronic initiating systems are:

Daisy Chaining, Auto Detection, Auto Programmability and Blast Visualisation.

Daisy Chaining describes the process by which the digital signal received by one detonator is actioned and then communicated to the next detonator. There is no longer any need to program each detonator individually using the control equipment.

Auto Detection automatically locates individual detonators and provides a visualisation of the entire blast layout using the hand-held Tagger. Auto Detection determines the number and location of rows and detonators per row, which reduces the time and effort required on the blast.

Auto Programmability assigns delays prior to blasting using a simple, user-friendly menu. The assigned delays are then automatically fed to the detonators, using Daisy Chaining, prior to blasting.

Blast Pattern Hookup Visualisation illustrates the blast pattern in a graphic image, which includes the programmed delay times and the borehole configuration. This ensures the Tagger-generated blast design is identical to the one created by the blaster.

The benefits of the HotShot initiation system are as follows:

Accurate Timing

• The HotShot electronic initiation system enables customers to achieve a variety of benefits through accurate timing

Ease-of-Use and Speed of Deployment

• Hole-to-hole connections are quick and easy, with large, robust, water-resistant connectors.
• No individual borehole logging: the Tagger auto-detects blast layout.
• Different sections of the blast can be connected at the same time by different people.
• A minimum number of key presses are required on the Tagger to design the blast.
• Surface wire layout allows for the visualisation of the firing order along the rows.
• Based on input from the user, the individual detonator delays are calculated automatically and assigned by the system.
• Large screen colour graphics provide easy-to-follow operating steps as well as easy-to-view blast visualisations.

• A constant millisecond delay can be selected between boreholes.
• The majority of common borehole charging configurations can be handled by the system (single column as well as two decks, with either one or two detonators in each).
• Between-row delays can be individually programmed.
• Out-of-pattern holes (e.g., stab holes) can be handled with Branch Controllers.

Safety Features

• Software detects and warns of detonator and harness faults.
• Software highlights blast design and connector errors.
• Multiple levels of hardware and software security.
• Password protected Blast Key and Tagger.
• Designed only to be initiated by firing equipment specifically designed for the HotShot system and for the purpose of blasting.