Ridge Tool Company
Tools For The Professional
TM
SeekTech
®
ST-510
5. Adjust Current
Use the up and down arrows to adjust the amount of current
in milliamps (mA).
There are 7 current levels that the user can choose from:
5, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 mA.
Figure 13: Current Selected
When a current level is chosen, the transmitter will adjust the
voltage to try and produce the selected current and lock it
in.
If the transmitter cannot produce the current selected it will
adjust down to the next level.
The transmitter’s maximum current output depends on the
amount of resistance in the circuit. When the transmitter is
putting out the
maximum current possible
for internal and
external conditions,
MAX
will be displayed in place of the
current strength number.
Figure 14: MAX Current
MAX
will also appear if the power output of the transmitter is
at its allowable limit. (See FCC limits in the Useful Information
section on page 14.)
When the current drops below 5 mA, “LO” will appear instead
of a number.
Figure 15: LO Current
WARNING:
If the transmitter is showing low or no current,
the signal may be
too low to be detected
by the receiver
locator and inadequate for tracing.
6. Check the Receiver
Set the receiver’s frequency to match that on the transmitter.
Confirm the receiver is picking up the transmitted frequency
by holding it near the transmitter and observing the increase
in receiver signal.
Useful Operating Points
• To help lower the resistance of the circuit, scrape away
dirt, paint and corrosion before connecting to the target
conductor or grounding spike.
• Moist ground is a better conductor than dry soil. Wetting
the ground can improve a circuit in dry soil.
• The transmitter’s leads can act as antennas, broadcasting
a strong signal. If locating close to the transmitter, keep
the leads as short as possible by stowing the excess
length in the transmitter’s side pockets. This will reduce
the amount of interfering signals from the leads.
• It is usually best to start by using the lowest frequency
and the least amount of current needed to effectively
illuminate the line. Lower frequencies travel farther.
Higher frequencies generally make it easier to illuminate
a line, but they do not travel as far and are much more
likely to couple onto other utility lines. This can distort
the signal and reduce accuracy.
DANGER! ALWAYS HOOK UP LEADS FIRST BEFORE
POWERING THE UNIT ON TO AVOID SHOCK. ALWAYS
POWER UNIT OFF BEFORE DISCONNECTING LEADS.
