3
Absolute Signal Strength
The RL8873 Locator receiver provides the operator with a
direct measurement of the receiver’s signal strength. The
measurement is displayed with three numerical digits (ex: 485)
located at the bottom of the LCD display. The measurement
range is from -100 to 999 indicating a very week signal (-050)
to a very strong signal (999).
Absolute Signal Strength is independent of the GAIN setting
or meter reading. It gives the operator information about the
actual amount of signal being radiated from the conductor
and received by the receiver.
Measuring Absolute Signal Strength at any time is done by
reading the number at the top of the LCD display. The Abso-
lute Signal Strength is displayed even when the meter reading
is off scale (too high or too low).
Gain Change Indication
The GAIN up and down Buttons are used to increase and
decrease the gain in small amounts. If the meter reading is
very low, pressing the GAIN UP Button will center the meter
reading to mid-scale. Likewise, if the meter reading is very
high, pressing the GAIN DOWN Button will center the meter
reading to mid-scale.
Digital Depth Estimate
The RL8873 Locator estimates the depth automatically. The
depth is displayed at the top of the LCD display in feet or
inches. Digital depth is useful in quickly determining the depth
of the conductor during path locating.
To change the Depth Measurement from CAMERA/SONDE to
LINE Mode, hold the Frequency Key for three seconds and the
next setting will appear.
u
Caution must be exercised when using the digital depth
feature, as tilted magnetic fields and adjacent conduc-
tors can significantly influence this measurement. The
operator should periodically check for adjacent conduc-
tors and tilted magnetic fields when taking push Button
depth readings.
Low Battery
The RL8873 Locator will indicate low
battery condition by displaying low battery
icon at the bottom right of the LCD screen.
RL8873 Receiver Controls
and Indicators
ON/OFF Button
Press the ON/OFF button to turn the Receiver on or off.
Upon turning the unit on, it will load
the settings from the previous usage.
Note: Unit will automatically shut off if no keys are
pressed within a 10 minute period.
Depth Display
Pipe Alignment Indicator
(see page 7)
Absolute Signal
Strength & Frequency
Mode Panel
(will display one)
Line Trace Mode
Camera Head/Sonde
Locate Mode
FREQUENCY Button
1. Used to set and store frequency presets (see back).
2. Hold for 10 seconds to change
from feet/inches to metric.
3. BACKLIGHT
Hold the ON/OFF and FREQUENCY buttons together
for 5 seconds for the display to be backlit.
GAIN Buttons (Up or Down)
Use to adjust the gain level for the receiver.
Continually adjust gain to high enough volume to hear.
Also used to select CAMERA/SONDE or LINE mode (see page 2)