SECTION III : OPERATION & ACCESSORIES
Operation
1)
Determine which is the best method to induce the transmitted signal into the cable or pipe. The
choices are one of the active modes (conductive, inductive, or inductive clamp) or the passive mode.
Technically in the passive mode the signal is not transmitted by the TraceMaster’s transmitter, but it is
already there due to AC power lines. Whenever possible use the conductive mode, which provides
the strongest and best coupled signal.
2)
For Conductive Mode plug the conductive clips into the transmitter jack BEFORE TURNING THE
POWER ON. Connect the red clip to the access point for the cable or pipe. Connect the black clip to
the ground stake, which should be buried on a line perpendicular to the utility to be traced and as far
from it as possible.
3)
For Inductive Mode make sure nothing is plugged into the transmitter jack. It is recommended that the
conductive clips or the inductive clamp be removed while the transmitter power is OFF. Place the
transmitter case over the buried cable or pipe in the direction indicated by the arrows on the transmitter
case.
4)
For the optional Inductive Clamp Mode insert the plug into the transmitter jack BEFORE TURNING
THE POWER ON, open the jaws of the clamp and place it so that it completely encircles the desired
cable or pipe. Make sure the clamp can fully close so that both ends touch.
5)
For Passive mode it is not necessary to turn the transmitter on. However, the receiver always
remembers the last frequency it was operating at when it was turned off. Therefore it is possible for the
receiver to power up in a frequency other than "Passive". If that is the case it is necessary to turn the
transmitter on to allow the RF link to be established and the receiver frequency to be changed to
"Passive". Alternatively, the RF link can be defeated as explained later in this section.
6)
Turn on the transmitter power by pressing the ON/OFF button on the transmitter and waiting for the
power on indicator to glow.
7)
Verify that you are operating in the desired operating mode by pressing and holding the "SHOW
STATUS" button on the transmitter and observing the STATUS/MODE LED's.
8)
Verify that you have a good circuit by checking the output power LED as described in the “LED
Indicator” section.
9)
Make sure the master ON/OFF switch built-in the volume control is ON, and pick up the receiver by
its handle. The hand pressure action on the trigger switch will turn its power ON.
10)
Fold up the transmitter's RF antenna so that it is perpendicular to the panel. Make sure the receiver's
RF antenna is also in the vertical position.
11)
Verify that you have established a good remote link by observing the antenna symbol on the receiver's
LCD display and the "Link" LED indicator on the transmitter front panel (remember to press and hold
the "SHOW STATUS" button). The "Link" LED should glow green after 10 seconds, indicating that
you have established a link with the receiver.
NOTE: Depress the FREQ control on the receiver a couple of times, as described in Section II, to
verify correct operation of the RF link.
12)
Frequency changes - The frequency of both the receiver and the transmitter can be changed from the
receiver by pressing the FREQ button on the receiver. Alternatively the SELECT button on the
transmitter can be used to manually select the frequency, but after the first status request from the