TM

Users Guide and System Information

CAT-9 & CAT-12 Air Unit

Colorado Altitude Training

686 S.Taylor Ave. Ste 101
Louisville, Colorado 80027
1 (877) ALTITUDE
+1 303.440.4102
www.altitudetraining.com

2005 Colorado Altitude Training

Table of Contents
Warnings and Cautions.......................................................................... 2
Introduction....................................................................................... 3
Symbols Used in Instruction Manual and on Air unit ...................................... 4
Air Unit Information ............................................................................. 5
Before Operating Your Air Unit ............................................................ 5
Unpacking Your CAT Products .............................................................. 5
Using Air Units ................................................................................. 5
Setting Up Your Air Unit ........................................................................ 6
Operating Your Air Unit ........................................................................ 8
General Precautions .......................................................................... 8
Acclimation for First Time Users........................................................... 8
Determining the Altitude .................................................................... 8
Quick Start ....................................................................................10
Your Handi Oxygen Analyzer .............................................................10
Bag Test ........................................................................................10
Variability in Tent Altitude.................................................................11
Maximizing Comfort... Minimizing Heat, Humidity, and Noise.........................12
Heat and Humidity ...........................................................................12
Noise............................................................................................12
Operating Conditions...........................................................................13
Enhanced Power Management Feature.....................................................14
Maintenance .....................................................................................15
Trouble Shooting Guide........................................................................16
Frequently Asked Questions ..................................................................17
Disposal of Equipment and Accessories.....................................................18

User Guide CAT-9 & CAT-12 Air Unit

PN: 1830 Rev B.

Warnings and Cautions

Read these before unpacking or operating the equipment!
This guide contains useful information for installing and operating your system. It also contains important
safety information that is formatted to stand out. Please read and follow these safety warnings to reduce the
risk of bodily injury or damage to personal property.

Important Safety Instructions are Shown Under the Following Headings:

Caution: Important safety information for hazards that might cause serious injury or damage to
personal property.
Warning: Information for preventing damage to the Air unit.
Do Not: Information to which you should pay special attention.
Important: Clarifying information, specific instructions, commentary, sidelights, or interesting points.
Warning and Caution notices used in this manual apply to hazards or unsafe practices that could result
in personal injury or property damage.

"Read Instruction Manual" Do Not operate this air unit without first reading and
understanding this manual. If you are unable to understand the warnings and
instructions, contact your local CAT dealer or authorized service representative before
attempting to use this air unit.

"Caution or Attention In certain circumstances, hypoxic therapy can be hazardous,

therefore, it is advisable to seek medical advice before using the air unit.

Warning: "No Smoking or Naked Flames" The use of this air unit requires that special
care be taken to reduce the risk of fire. The air unit creates an exhaust stream of air
that is higher in oxygen content. Material that burns in air and even some material that
will not burn in air are easily ignited and burn rapidly in high concentrations of oxygen.
For safety concerns, all possible sources of ignition must be kept away from the air unit
and preferably out of the room in which it is being used. Smoking in the proximity of an
operating air unit is dangerous, and can permanently damage the device and void the
warranty.
"Use No Oil or Grease" Do Not use any lubricants, especially petroleum-based, unless
recommended by Colorado Altitude Training.

Keep air unit and cord away from hot surfaces. Do Not use the air unit if it has a damaged cord or
plug; contact qualified service personnel for examination and repair.

Air intake of the air unit should be located in a well-ventilated area.

Air unit should be located so as to avoid pollutants and fumes.

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If the air unit has been dropped, damaged or exposed to water, contact qualified service personnel
for examination or repair.

Do Not drop or insert any object into any opening.

Do Not block the air openings on the top or bottom of the air unit or place the air unit on a soft
surface, such as a bed or couch, where the bottom air opening may become blocked.

Do Not cover unit with a blanket, towel, quilt, etc. or otherwise impede the ventilation of air
around the air unit.

Do Not place objects (pillow, blanket) under unit. Maintain at least 1 inch clearance under unit.

Warning: Do Not remove the cover. Removing the cover will increase risk of electrical shock.
Cover should only be removed by qualified service personnel. Removal of cover by any
unauthorized person(s) will void the warranty.

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Colorado Altitude Training (CAT) CAT-9 Air Unit or CAT-12 Air Unit.
Combined with the semi-sealed enclosure that you purchased, your air unit will take you to new
heights. We hope that the results of your altitude training exceed your expectations. This manual
serves as your primary instruction guide and reference to help you operate and maintain the air unit. If
you experience difficulty or have further questions, please contact customer service at 877-ALTITUDE,
ext. 101. If you have not set up your tent, please reference the Users Guide that came with it and set
it up now.
If a Colorado Mountain Room or Colorado Exercise Room was purchased instead of a tent, a CAT
representative will perform installation. You should keep this guide for reference.

Your Entire Order Consists of the Following Components

Box
Box
Box
Box

1: Air Unit
2: Tent Frame
3: Tent
4: Accessories Box, containing:
Handi Oxygen Analyzer
Air Supply Hose
Altitude Conversion Chart and Disc Containing an Electronic Copy
Packaging Checklist from the CAT Quality Assurance Department

CAT-150 Portable Tent Systems may combine boxes 2, 3 and 4 into a single box.

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PN: 1830 Rev B.

Symbols Used in Instruction Manual and on Air unit

Refer to this section for an explanation of the symbols and the warnings that accompany them.
"Read Instructions" This symbol, when used alone or in conjunction with any of the
following symbols, indicates the need to consult the operating instructions provided
with the product. A potential risk exists if the operating instructions are not followed.
"Attention or Caution" Consult accompanying documents This symbol indicates
important information that requires the user to take special precautions when certain
conditions are present.
Warning: "No Smoking or Naked Flames" The use of this air unit requires that special
care be taken to reduce the risk of fire. The air unit creates an exhaust stream of air
that is higher in oxygen content. Material that burns in air and even some material that
will not burn in air are easily ignited and burn rapidly in high concentrations of oxygen.
For safety concerns, all possible sources of ignition must be kept away from the air unit
and preferably out of the room in which it is being used. Smoking in the proximity of an
operating air unit is dangerous, and can permanently damage the device and void the
warranty.
"Use No Oil or Grease" Do Not use any lubricants, especially petroleum-based, unless
recommended by Colorado Altitude Training.
"Electrical Shock Indicates the presence of an electric shock hazard. Warning: To
reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. There are no user
serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to a CAT dealer or authorized service
representative.
"Audible Alarm" An audible indicator that is distinctly different from the sounds
generated by the air unit during normal operation is provided to announce an internal
failure or interruptions in the power supply.
"Normal Operation" Green light is on indicating the air unit is running under normal
operating conditions.
"ON/OFF" (condition) Push button starts air unit running.
"Altitude Control Buttons" The controlled quantity of oxygen increases or decreases in
increments of 0.1 with each press of the "+" and "-" altitude control buttons,
respectively.
Warning: The altitude setting should only be adjusted based on CAT
recommendations in this manual.

"Amperes"
"Alternating Current"

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Air Unit Information

CAT air units are quiet, reliable and low maintenance sources of hypoxic (reduced oxygen) air. The air
unit is designed and constructed to consistently provide hypoxic air in a lightweight, compact cabinet
that is easy to maneuver.

Before Operating Your Air Unit

Inspect Inlet Air Filter - Caution: Always check to see if the inlet air filter is clean.

Air filter cleaning instructions are located in the maintenance section of this manual.

Alarm System - The air unit has an alarm system with a red visual alarm indicator light and buzzer.
The alarm system will activate in the event of an internal fault or power outage.
The red light may stay on for up to ten (10) minutes after start-up. This is a
normal condition during the initial warm-up period.

Unpacking Your CAT Products

Please check the contents of the shipment against the packing slip supplied, and report any
shortages or damages to Customer Service at 1 877-258-4883, ext. 101.
Before you begin setting up the air unit, you should install the tent that came with
your air unit. See the users manual provided with your tent for installation
instructions.
Please unpack the air unit next. Handle and lift the air unit carefully. It weighs about 60 pounds. If
necessary, lay the box gently on its side, slide the air unit out, and then stand it on its wheels. Check
the air unit for damage.

Using Air Units

Warning: "No Smoking or Naked Flames" The use of this air unit requires that special
care be taken to reduce the risk of fire. The air unit creates an exhaust stream of air
that is higher in oxygen content. Material that burns in air and even some material that
will not burn in air are easily ignited and burn rapidly in high concentrations of oxygen.
For safety concerns, all possible sources of ignition must be kept away from the air unit
and preferably out of the room in which it is being used. Smoking in the proximity of an
operating air unit is dangerous, and can permanently damage the device and void the
warranty.

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Setting Up Your Air Unit

If your tent is installed, it is time to set up the air unit.
If you ordered a Colorado Mountain Room or a Colorado Exercise Room, an authorized CAT
installer will configure your space. You should retain this guide for operating and maintaining your
Air Unit.
1. Selecting an Appropriate Location
a. Observe temperature and humidity operating conditions for CAT air units
The following chart represents the MAXIMUM operating temperature and humidity to which the air units
may be subjected, AND the limits for remote air intake (if applicable). Inability to maintain these
limits will void the warranty.

Temperature
Electrical
Placement
Environment
Operating Time
Flow Rate

Recommended Performance Guidelines

39 F to 104 F (4 C to 40 C)
Use no extension cords or electrical outlets controlled by a switch
No closer than 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the wall, draperies and furniture
Smoke, pollutant, and fume free. Relative Humidity: Up to 95%
Up to 24 hours per day
Up to 110 LPM

b. Other important notes regarding location of the air unit:

i. Usage in environments other than those described above may result in the
need for increased air unit maintenance and void the warranty.
ii. Select a location that avoids fumes and pollutants.
iii. The air unit intake filter on the top of the cabinet should not be restricted.
Make sure the air unit is at least three to six (3 - 6) inches (7.6 15.2 cm) away
from walls, furniture and especially curtains or draperies that can impede or
block adequate airflow to the air unit.

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iv.

v.

vi.

vii.
viii.

1. Do Not cover air unit with a blanket, towel, quilt, etc.

2. Do Not place objects under air unit, unless instructed otherwise by an
authorized CAT representative. Maintain at least 1 inch clearance under
air unit at all times.
Keep the air unit at least five (5) feet (1.5 m) away from hot, sparking
objects or open sources of flame. Do Not locate the unit near any heat
source or heat register.
25 (8m) of hose is supplied. The Air Unit may be located in the same room as
the tent, or in an adjoining room. We recommend an adjoining room to reduce
heat buildup and noise in the sleeping room. See page 11 for more details.
The air unit must be located in a well-ventilated room. The air blown into the
tent originates at the air-unit. If the air is warm, it can create an
uncomfortable environment inside the tent, or the air-unit itself can overheat.
Do Not operate the air unit inside an unventilated closet or bathroom.
Choose an appropriate power source. Do Not use an extension cord. Do Not
plug into an outlet operated by a switch. Do Not share the outlet with other
appliances or electric devices.

2. Locate the clear air supply hose used to blow the air from your air unit into your tent.
a. Connect it to the socket on the air unit (use the socket on the left if there are two).
Simply press the gray connector on the end of the hose into the air unit connector
until you hear it click. To remove, press the button on the top of the connector and
withdraw the air supply hose.
3. Route the air supply hose from the air unit to the tent over a low-traffic area, such as along
the baseboard.
4. Insert the air supply hose to the tent through any convenient opening. The air supply hose
should protrude into the tent a minimum distance of 12 inches.
For CAT-315 and CAT-430 tents, wrap the Velcro strap around the hose to get a good seal.
For the CAT-430, you can use one of the round openings that are located at the top of the
tent wall near the corner.
Attention: Ensure the air supply hose is secured in such a way that it will not fall
out of the tent.
Caution: Make sure that there are no kinks in the air supply hose.
5. Plug your air unit into a grounded power socket.
Do Not connect to an extension cord or electrical outlet controlled by a switch. No
other appliance should be plugged into the wall outlet. Voltage requirements are
marked on the label on back of the air unit.
Important: Read "Important Safety Guidelines" section of this manual before pluggingin the power cord. Do Not use the unit if the power cord is damaged. Warning Improper use of the power cord and plug may result in a fire or electrical shock hazard.
Important: CATs products operate safely when used according to their marked
electrical ratings and product usage instructions. The power cord used with the air unit
must meet the requirements of the country where the product is used.
6. The back wheels of your air unit can be locked to prevent movement.

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PN: 1830 Rev B.

Operating Your Air Unit

This manual serves as your primary instruction guide and reference to help you operate and maintain
the air unit. If you experience difficulty or have further questions, please contact customer service at
877-ALTITUDE, ext. 101.

General Precautions
1.
2.
3.
4.

Retain the product's safety and operating instructions for future reference.
Follow all operating and usage instructions.
Observe all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.
To reduce the risk of fire, bodily injuries, and damage to the air unit, observe all safety
precautions.
5. Check to ensure that the power cord is plugged in and there is power to the outlet.
6. Verify that the air unit is not placed near a heat register.

Acclimation for First Time Users

We recommend acclimating yourself over a period of time by increasing your altitude
by a maximum of 1,000-2,000 feet per day until your desired altitude is reached. For
some people, this amount may be too much. If you have a restless night sleep, DO NOT
increase the altitude the next night. Once you have a restful night, you may increase
the altitude by the maximum 1000-2000 feet the next night. Follow the instructions
below for Determining the Altitude to learn how to set the altitude in your tent.

Determining the Altitude

The altitude of the tent is controlled by the altitude controls on the face of the air-unit (shown
below) and/or by adjustable zipper openings in the tent. (You may disregard this section if your
system came with a CAT Digital Controller.)

Digital Altitude
Setting Display

Increase Altitude
Control Button

On/Off Button

Decrease Altitude
Control Button
Model Number

Increase the flow rate by increments of +/- 0.1 by pressing the + or altitude control button. As
the altitude setting increases, the effective altitude of the air being blown into the tent will
User Guide CAT-9 & CAT-12 Air Unit

PN: 1830 Rev B.

increase. Because the natural altitude at which CAT systems are being used can vary
significantly, determining the altitude is a two part process.
Step 1: Referencing the Enclosed Altitude Conversion Chart (or Microsoft Excel file).
Included with your CAT altitude tent should be an altitude conversion chart specifically prepared for
the natural altitude of your location. If the hard copy does not match your natural altitude, please
reference the electronic copy (Excel spreadsheet provided on disk). Enter your altitude in the red
box at the top of the spreadsheet. This will provide an accurate altitude conversion chart for future
use.
Locate the altitude you wish to obtain and make note of the corresponding O2 concentration.
Caution: It is important that you use an altitude chart that has been calculated for
your natural altitude.

Step 2: Determine the air units O2 concentration based on altitude setting. Reference the
chart below:
O2 Concentration Chart*
Altitude
Control
CAT-9
CAT-12
Setting
Air Unit
Air Unit

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

18.8%
18.4%
17.4%
16.9%
15.7%
15.6%
15.2%
-

18.9%
18.4%
17.7%
16.9%
16.5%
15.9%
15.0%
14.0%
13.7%
13.5%

*Attention: These are approximate O2 concentration levels appropriate for quick

setup. O2 concentration will vary from one machine to the next and with varying
environmental conditions. In order to verify the O2 concentration, please refer to
the section labeled Your Handi Oxygen Analyzer.

Now that you are familiar with these two charts, it is time to set the altitude in your tent or room. To
adjust the air unit to a particular altitude, use one of the following two procedures.

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PN: 1830 Rev B.

Be advised, due to differences in natural altitude and other environmental variables, it will take some
limited trial and error to obtain the exact altitude you wish.

Quick Start
1. From the Altitude Conversion Chart, record the O2 concentration that correlates to your
desired altitude.
2. From the O2 Concentration Chart, locate the altitude setting necessary to achieve the O2
concentration that will provide your desired altitude.
3. Turn on your air unit by pushing the on/off button.
4. Using the altitude control buttons, set the air units digital display to desired altitude setting.
5. Confirm the O2 concentration by checking with the oxygen analyzer provided by CAT.
6. During periods of non-use, turn off your air unit by pushing the on/off button.

Your Handi Oxygen Analyzer

The most accurate way to verify O2 concentration is by using the provided oxygen analyzer.
Although this instrument is extremely accurate, you will have to wait for the air inside your tent
to stabilize. Depending on the size of the tent, this may take some time. Alternatively, you can
choose to do the Bag Test (explained below) to determine the actual O2 concentration of the
air coming from your air unit.
See separate enclosed instructions for oxygen analyzer. If no oxygen analyzer
instructions are enclosed, call Customer Service at 1 877-258-4883, ext. 101.
Because of the large volume of some tents, it may take time for your tent to reach the desired
altitude. If you want your tent to be at or near the desired altitude when you enter, please
follow these guidelines. For the CAT-315 and CAT-430 walk-in tents, the air unit should be
switched on about 90-120 minutes before bedtime. For the CAT-150, this can be done just 30
minutes in advance. Please note: These are guidelines. Based on natural variables, times may
be longer or shorter.

Bag Test
The Bag Test is the most accurate way of determining the true O2 concentration of the air coming from
your air unit. Use this test to verify the O2 concentration chart above.
1. From the Altitude Conversion Chart, record the O2 concentration that correlates to your
desired altitude.
2. From the O2 Concentration Chart, locate the flow rate setting necessary to achieve the O2
concentration that will provide your desired altitude.
3. Place the end of the air supply hose, and the calibrated oxygen analyzer into a clear plastic bag
that is two gallons or larger.
4. Hold the bag semi-sealed so that it billows out from the incoming altitude air, but not so tight
that any pressure is built up.
5. Allow a few seconds until the oxygen analyzer stabilizes at the precise oxygen concentration.
6. If necessary, adjust the altitude setting to obtain the exact O2 concentration that correlates to
your desired altitude in the altitude conversion chart.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 until the O2 concentration reaches the level that matches the desired altitude
in the altitude conversion chart.
8. When this process is complete, return the hose to its secured position in the tent.
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Variability in Tent Altitude

Many

factors affect the altitude in the tent, including:

Open zippers
Breathing rate of the occupant(s)
Flow rate of the air unit
Number of occupants in the tent

The tent will usually stabilize before morning at +/- 0.5% from the oxygen concentration of the air
being blown in. If it doesnt, check the seal of the tent. In the morning, measure the oxygen content
inside the tent before you turn the air unit off. If necessary make adjustments to the altitude setting
the next time you turn the air unit on.

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Maximizing Comfort... Minimizing Heat, Humidity, and Noise

Now that your tent is operational, it would be a good time to mention ways to make it most
comfortable. The CAT research and development team has done an excellent job of minimizing the
effects of heat, humidity, and noise; but these three issues cannot be completely eliminated due to the
nature of a semi-sealed enclosure and the air unit. You will find some helpful suggestions for dealing
with heat, humidity and noise below. You may use each suggestion independently, or in combination
with the others.

Heat and Humidity

1. Locate the air unit outside of the sleeping room if possible. This will reduce heat buildup in the
sleeping room.
2. Keep the sleeping room at or below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The air inside the tent will be
warmer than the air around the tent because of the body heat produced by the tent occupants.
However, the air around the tent will affect the temperature of the air inside the tent.
3. Locate the air unit in a cool and dry environment. Air conditioning not only reduces the
temperature, but also removes humidity from the air. The temperature and humidity of the air
at the air unit will be the lowest temperature and humidity that can be delivered to the tent.
4. Feel free to use a fan inside the tent to circulate the air

Noise
1. Great improvements have been made to dampen the noise coming from the CAT air units. If
the noise still affects you, the best solution is to locate the air unit in an adjoining room.
2. If this is not possible, placing a sound barrier such as a piece of furniture between your tent
and the air unit will reduce the noise that you hear inside the tent.
3. If you have a hard floor (hardwood, tile, etc.), place a rug or carpet remnant under the air unit
to dampen the sound of the machine further. Maintain at least 1 inch clearance under air unit
at all times.
Remember not to restrict the air intake of the air unit by placing blankets or other objects
over the unit. See page 6 for a full list of restrictions on location of the air unit.

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Operating Conditions
1.

Control Panel Display Operating conditions are described in the table below.
Yellow Light

Green Light
Digital Altitude
Setting Display

Red Light

Increase Altitude
Control Button

On/Off
Button
Decrease Altitude
Control Button
Model
Number

2.

Operating Conditions
Flow Rate
Shown?

Green
Light

Yellow
Light

Red
Light

Audible
Alarm

Unit
State

No

Off

Off

Off

Off

Not
Energized

No

Off

Off

Off

Off

Energized

Yes

On

On

On

On for 3
seconds

Started
Running

Yes

On

Off

Off

Off

Running

Yes

Off

On

Off

Periodic
Beep

Not
Running

Yes

Off

Flashing

Off

Off

Running

Yes

Off

Off

Flashing

On

Running

Yes

Off

On

Off

Off

Running

Yes

On

On

Off

Off

Running

No

Off

Off

Flashing

On

Not
Running

No

On or
Off

On or
Off

On

On

Running

1
2

Operating Condition
Unit not running / Flow
Indicator Display Not Lit
Unit not running / Flow
Indicator Display Lit
Unit is Starting
Normal Operating
Condition
Unit turned
On/Off/On Quickly
O2 Flow Rate Abnormal 10% off target flow1
O2 Flow Rate Abnormal 30% off target flow1
Button Stuck
9V Battery Low Voltage
(if enabled)
Unit is overheating
Compressor Malfunction
Power Interruption
Internal Fuse Blown
System Malfunction2

Call the Service Provider if abnormal conditions are detected and cannot be remedied.
During System Malfunction condition the Green and Yellow lights may be On or Off.

3. Usage - Use recommended air delivery accessories.

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Warning: Use of accessories not specified for use with this air unit may impair the
performance.
4. Non-Usage - When not using the air unit, press the On/Off button to turn it off.

Enhanced Power Management Feature

In the event of a Power Interruption:
If a power outage occurs, the air unit will activate both an audible, and a visual red indicator alarm to
inform you that the air unit is not operating. The air unit must be located where the alarm system can
be seen and heard.
If the duration of the interruption is shorter than thirty seconds, the air unit will resume operation
thirty seconds after the initial interruption.
Important: During the power interruption, you should press the ON/OFF switch to turn
off the air unit. This will silence the alarms. You must press the ON/OFF switch again
after the power is restored to turn on the air unit. Do not use the tent without the air
unit running.

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Maintenance
User-performed maintenance consists of cleaning the filters and checking the air supply hoses at
regular intervals to keep the unit functioning for years. When other than routine maintenance is
needed, contact your CAT dealer/provider or authorized service representative.
Warning: Unplug the air unit from the power outlet before cleaning or routine
maintenance. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do Not directly apply liquid spray cleaners
or aerosol cleaners.

Cabinet and Power Cord - The cabinet and power cord can be cleaned with a mild detergent
solution applied with a damp cloth and towel dried.

Air Inlet Filter - Room air is drawn into the air unit through the air inlet filter located on the top
backside of the cabinet. Cleaning the air inlet filter is the most important activity you will perform
to keep your air unit performing properly. Check this air filter daily and clean it at least once a
week.
Remove the filter from the cabinet.
1. Wash the filter in warm water using a mild detergent solution.
2. Rinse the filter thoroughly and squeeze out the excess water.
3. Allow the filter to air dry. Caution: The filter must be free of liquid water and dry to the
touch before reinstallation, as excess moisture may impair the proper operation of the air
unit.
4. Reinsert the filter in the cabinet.
Warning: The air inlet filter should be replaced as needed. If the air unit is used in a
dusty environment, the filter may need to be replaced more often. Do Not operate the
air unit without a filter installed.

Inspect Air Supply Hose Make sure all air hoses are free from kinks, leaks, and blockages (water
and dirt buildup). If any problems cannot be fixed, contact customer service for replacement hose.

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Trouble Shooting Guide

Table 1: Air Unit is Not Running
Symptom
Cannot Start Unit
Flow Indicator Blank
Back Light Off

Audible Alarm
Blinking Red Light
Flow Indicator Blank
Back Light Off

Probable Cause

Power cord not plugged into wall outlet Plug in power cord
Internal Fuse Blown

Service required

Power cord pulled from wall outlet

Plug in power cord

Power outage

No power at wall outlet

Audible Alarm
Blinking Red Light
Flow Indicator Blank
Back Light On

Remedy

Unit overheating
Compressor malfunction

Push On/Off Button to turn off

unit
Push On/Off Button to restart
unit when power comes back on
Ensure the unit is not plugged
into a wall switched outlet
Check house circuit breaker or
fuse - reset or replace as needed
Remove any obstruction(s) from
air openings and refer to page 6
The Proper Location
Service required

Table 2: Air Unit Running

Symptom

Probable Cause

Remedy

No air flow

Tubing blocked or kinked

Remove tube kink

(see Alarm Indications in

Table on Page 11)
Low air flow
(see Alarm Indications in
Table on Page 11)

Air Inlet Filter blocked

Clean air inlet filter

Internal component malfunction

Service required

Air Inlet Filter restricted

Clean air inlet filter

Internal component malfunction

Service required

Yellow Light On

Button is stuck

Service required

Flow Rate not visible on

Flow Indicator Display

LCD malfunction

Service required

Audible Alarm
Red Light On
Flow Indicator Blank
Back Light On

System malfunction

Remove power cord from wall

outlet.
Service required

Check zipper settings

Adjust if needed.

Tent is not going to

altitude

Air Unit not set to correct flow rate .

Tube entry ports may not be sealed.

Check recommended flow rate

and adjust appropriately
Make sure that the Velcro is
tightly wrapped around the
tubing.

If abnormal operating conditions are detected and cannot be remedied, contact your Service Provider

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Can I exercise in my Walk-In style tent?

No. Heat, condensation, and CO2 build-up prohibit exercise. If you want to exercise at
altitude, use the CAT Exercise Mask Kit. (CAT Exercise Mask Kit included with CAT-12
Air Unit, available for purchase with the CAT-9 Air Unit.)

2.

Can I have a fan in my tent? Yes.

3.

What can I do if my tent gets too hot inside?

Having the tent and air unit, in an air-conditioned location will reduce the temperature and
humidity inside the tent. You may also use a fan inside the tent. For other suggestions,
please read the section entitled Maximizing Comfort...Minimizing Heat, Humidity, and
Noise on page 12.
If none of these low cost options work, you can purchase a split air conditioner (cubiclestyle tents only). This kind of air conditioner has a box-fan shaped evaporator unit that you
place outside the tent, connected to a quiet, cool condenser that you place inside the tent.
The AC unit effectively pumps the heat and humidity out of the tent.

4.

Can I use my tent more than 10 hours per day?

Yes. However, your body uses more iron when at high altitudes compared to lower
altitudes. We recommend that you consult with your doctor about taking an iron
supplement when using an altitude tent, even if you will be spending less than 10 hours
per day in the tent.

5.

I want to clean the outside of my air unit. What should I use?

We recommend the use of a mild detergent or a cleaning spray.
Do not, however, spray any liquids through the air filter opening. We suggest cleaning the
outside of the cabinet, and then removing and washing the filter to rinse it of any cleaning
materials. (See maintenance section on page 15 for full details.)

6.

Can I use an uninterruptible power supply [UPS] with my air unit? Yes. However, because
of the current draw of your air unit, the UPS will not operate your air unit for longer than
approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the specific UPS used. We recommend using a
1000 watt UPS. These are available at electronics stores.

7.

How does the exposure to simulated altitude compare with natural elevation? Altitude
acclimatization is due to the amount of oxygen in the environment. Whether you are at 9000
above sea level or in a CAT simulated altitude system, the common factor is the density of
oxygen. The same number of oxygen molecules per cubic meter exists in both scenarios.

8.

How long do I need to sleep at altitude to notice the benefits of Altitude Training? While
individual response varies from one person to another, two to three weeks for eight hours per
day is generally sufficient to produce benefits. However, this is just the start of the
performance gains; ongoing use will continue to provide additional benefits.

If you have any unanswered questions, please call Customer Service at 1-877-ALTITUDE (877-258 4883).
Outside of USA call: (1) 303-440-4102.

User Guide CAT-9 & CAT-12 Air Unit

17

PN: 1830 Rev B.

Technical Data
Altitude Settings

CAT-9 Air Unit: 0.1 to

9.0

CAT-12 Air Unit: 0.1 to

12.0

Electrical Power

115V AC 10%, 60Hz, 5.0A or 230V AC 10%, 50 Hz, 3.0A

Temperatures generated

1900 BTU

Effective Operating Temperature

39 F to 104 F (4 C to 40 C)

Hypoxic air flow

CAT-9 95 L/min

Dimensions (H x W x D)
Back-up Alarm Power

26.5 in. (66 cm) H 14.7in. (37 cm) W 19.5 in. (50 cm)
D
9V Battery

Filters

Cabinet Air Inlet, Compressor Inlet (not user serviceable)

Transport/Storage Requirements

Temperature: -4 F (-20 C) to +140 F (+60 C)

Humidity: Up to 95% Non-Condensing

CAT-12- 110 L/min

Disposal of Equipment and Accessories

Follow local governing ordinances and recycling plans regarding disposal of device components.

User Guide CAT-9 & CAT-12 Air Unit

18

PN: 1830 Rev B.