TASER Basic M18/M18L Taser Electrical Theory

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BASIC M18/M18L ELECTRICAL THEORY

Electricity must be able to flow between the probes or the electrodes.
Electricity generally follows the path of least resistance between the probes.
The greater the spread between the probes on the target, generally the greater the NMI effectiveness.
Electricity generally will not pass to others in contact with the subject unless contact is made directly between or on the probes.
Electricity can arc through clothing.
Exposure to water will not cause electrocution or increase the power to the subject (the electrical charge is fixed inside the TASER™ device, and will not increase significantly even with environmental changes).

Modern pacemakers and implanted cardiac defibrillators withstand external electrical defibrillators at least 800 times stronger than the TASER™ conducted energy pulses.

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ADVANCED TASER™ M18/M18L AND CARTRIDGE FEATURES

The M18/M18L is constructed of impact resistant sonic welded polymer and weighs approximately 19 ounces. Various color options are available. See www.TASER™.com for the most current specifications.

	SAFETY SWITCH: Ambidextrous safety switch can be operated from either side. Safety Switch down (SAFE) Safety Switch up (ARMED) and ready to deploy. Do not block the safety switch on one side of the M18/ M18L while attempting to move it on the other side. This can break the safety switch and disable the device.

	SPARK DURATION: When the M18/M18L is deployed, it delivers a 5-second energy burst. The burst can be stopped at any time by positioning the safety switch to the down (SAFE) position.

	BATTERIES The ADVANCED TASER™ M18/M18L uses 8 AA batteries. TASER™ International recommends Duracell® Ultra alkaline batteries, or Energizer® Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries.

	BATTERY COVER The battery cover is released by depressing the metal plunger and then sliding the cover forward.

	POWER INDICATOR The M18/M18L has a red LED to indicate power is available to the device. The LED operates only when the safety switch is in the up (ARMED) position. The LED either flashes or is steady. No illumination in the LED indicates a malfunction or dead batteries. The LED is only an indication of power to the circuit and does not necessarily mean that there is enough power to create an electrical charge, even if the laser appears to operate normally. The only valid indicator of adequate battery strength is the spark test.

	LASER The M18L has a laser sight to aid in aiming.

	TRIGGER SWITCH AND SPARK DURATION Unlike a firearm trigger, the ADVANCED TASER™ M18/M18L trigger is a momentary electrical switch. The switch is operational only when the safety switch is in the up (ARMED) position. Depressing and releasing the trigger will result in a five-second discharge unless the safety switch is moved to the down (SAFE) position. Holding the trigger switch for more than 5 seconds will result in a continuous discharge until the trigger switch is released, or until the batteries are depleted. See the Using the TASER™ M18/M18L section for more information. WARNING: In the event of an accidental discharge, immediately move the safety switch to the down (SAFE) position to stop the discharge cycle.

	MECHANICAL SIGHTS The mechanical sights on the M18/M18L are molded to provide manual aiming of the M18/M18L.

	ELECTRODES The front of the M18/M18L contains two metal electrodes. These electrodes direct the charge to the electrodes on the cartridge to initiate deployment of the probes. In addition, the electrodes provide the ability to use the M18/M18L in a “drive-stun” mode as a traditional stun-gun type device.