Abstract: When an ignition system is installed, the spatial position of an ignition device (5a to 5g) in relation to the surrounding, its geographical position, is as yet not determined. The user is required to exercise extreme caution in order to ensure that the ignition devices (5a to 5g) connect to the ignition system (1) in accordance with a predetermined blasting plan. A specially trained person must therefore systematically carry out the sequential connection (compulsory sequence) of each ignition device (5a to 5g) to the bus line (3) of the ignition system. i.e. logging. The person connecting the ignition devices must execute the ignition of device programming operation in all kinds of conditions, in open country, with utmost caution. This represents a considerable time delay for a blast. If one ignition device is overlooked during logging, the already entered data have to be reprogrammed, which costs time.

Abstract: Errors may occur in a detonating system that consists of several detonating circuits when the connection—the logging-on—of detonators is effected to the buses of a logger which in turn is connected to a blaster. Connecting is effected, particularly in opencast-mining operations, under conditions that may lead to damage, not visible at first, in particular to the insulation of the detonators and also of the detonating lines. Errors may occur in the transmission of data, for example as a result of loss or falsification of the signals to be transmitted or as a result of intrusion of signals from an extraneous detonator. In accordance with the invention it is therefore proposed that a log-on manager is installed which is in bidirectional contact with the loggers, with the blaster and with the log-data communicators of the loggers which signal the data pertaining to the detonators to the logger.

Abstract: When an ignition system is installed the spatial position of an ignition device (5a to 5g) in relation to the surrounding, its geographical position, is as yet not determined. The user is required to exercise extreme caution in order to ensure that the ignition devices (5a to 5g) connect to the ignition system (1) in accordance with a predetermined blasting plan. A specially trained person must therefore systematically carry out the sequential connection (compulsory sequence) of each ignition device (5a to 5g) to the bus line (3) of the ignition system. i.e. logging. The person connecting the ignition devices must execute the ignition of device programming operation in all kinds of conditions, in open country, with utmost caution. This represents a considerable time delay for a blast. If one ignition device is overlooked during logging, the already entered data have to be reprogrammed, which costs time.

Abstract: A triggering unit for initiating pyrotechnical elements includes a control component, a rectifier (12), an energy store (15), a voltage regulator (13), a data coupling device (11), a current limiter and a suppressor circuit (10). To enable an up to now unknown variety of variants pertaining to characteristics and functionality without having to change the hard ware or the design of the chip, the control component is a programmable microprocessor (10) with an integrated program memory.

Abstract: Errors may occur in a detonating system that consists of several detonating circuits when the connection—the logging-on—of detonators is effected to the buses of a logger which in turn is connected to a blaster. Connecting is effected, particularly in opencast-mining operations, under conditions that may lead to damage, not visible at first, in particular to the insulation of the detonators and also of the detonating lines. Errors may occur in the transmission of data, for example as a result of loss or falsification of the signals to be transmitted or as a result of intrusion of signals from an extraneous detonator.

Abstract: Effects of capacitive resistances on the transmission of data between electronic igniters of an ignition system and a device for programming and triggering igniters are avoided by the disclosed method. Prior to a planned communication of an igniter with the device, a dc voltage is applied to the ignition circuit for a predetermined length of time. This voltage is higher than the voltage provided for generating the signals with which the data are generated. Subsequently, the signals that the igniter transmits in response are produced with a lower voltage than the previously elevated voltage and the dc voltage is increased once again prior to the response to an additional igniter.