Ridge Tool Company
30
NaviTrack
®
II
Glossary – Definitions
Active Line Tracing
A mode of locating using a Line Transmitter to inject a chosen frequency onto a conductor; the fre-
quency is then detected by the NaviTrack II to trace the conductor.
Active View Area
The area within the circle in the center of the operating screen, where Tracing and Distortion lines
or Sonde Pole and Sonde Equator symbols appear.
Bleed over
Coupling of the signal from the target line onto adjacent conductors by any means (resistive, capacitive or
inductive).
Checked-Active Frequencies
A frequency is said to be “Checked-Active” when it has been checked on the main menu;
this enables it to be accessed by the use of the Frequency Key during operation of the NaviTrack II. The “In Use” frequency
is always one of the Checked-Active set.
Clipping
The condition of receiving a signal too strong to be processed all at once by the signal processor; in the
NaviTrack II this condition will cause a warning signal to flash. The signal peaks are too high and are “clipped”. off.
Crosshair
A symbol in the center of the Active View Area representing the location of the NaviTrack II, relative to the
detected field.
Current Strength
The calculated level of current based on field strength detected by the Omnidirectional antennas of
the NaviTrack II; expressed approximately in milliamps (mA). An accurate depth measure is required for accuracy.
Currently Available Frequencies
Frequencies which have been checked in the Master Frequency Menu are said to
be “Currently Available”; they appear on the Main Menu when the Menu Key is pressed, and can be set to “Checked-
Active” status.
Default
Default values are those settings which the NaviTrack II uses if the operator does not choose alternative set-
tings; they can be restored from the Information Menu.
Distortion
The impact of near-by fields, other conductors, magnetic flux or other interference on a circular electro-mag-
netic field. Distortion is detected by comparing the information from the NaviTrack II’s Tracing and Distortion Lines,
Proximity Signal, Signal Strength, Measured Depth Display and Signal Angle readings.
Frequency
The number of times per second that an electro-magnetic field forms and collapses (or shifts from positive
to negative in the case of alternating current). Expressed in hertz (Hz) (cycles per second), or in kilohertz (kHz) (thousands
of cycles per second).
‘In Use’ Frequency
The frequency the NaviTrack II is currently set to detect. The default ‘In Use’ frequency is 512 Hz
(Sonde Mode) or 33 kHz (Active Line Trace Mode). The “In Use” frequency is selected using the Frequency Key from the
set of frequencies that are “Checked-Active”.
Informational Locating
An advance in the science and art of locating underground utilities and Sondes through the com-
bination of multiple pieces of information in an integrated display. Depends on Omnidirectional antenna arrays for real-
time information.
Level Pointer
On the NaviTrack II, a solid pointer which moves around a circular track indicating the current Signal
Strength being detected. See “Watermark”.
Master Frequency Menu
The set of all frequencies that can be used on the NaviTrack II. It is accessed through the
Frequency Selection sub-menu.
Measured Depth/Distance
The calculated depth or distance to the Sonde or to the apparent center of the conductor
being traced. This is a virtual measurement and may be inaccurate if distortion is present. Physical depth must be ver-
ified by potholing before excavating.
Mode
A distinct operating state or method in which a system can be used. The NaviTrack II has three modes: Active
Line tracing, Passive Line Tracing, and Sonde Locating.
Omnidirectional antenna
A proprietary antenna technology which combines detection of electro-magnetic fields on three
axes simultaneously. The NaviTrack II uses two Omnidirectional antennas.
