© 2022 Radiodetection Ltd
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The standard and small clamps have a double spring
action for positive toroidal contact.
WARNING! . The transmitter must only be connected
to live services using the appropriate accessory such as a
plug connector or live cable connector.
9.5 Transmitter external power
supply
The external Mains or vehicle power supplies provides
an alternative and convenient method of powering the
transmitter.
WARNING!. The mains power supply rating are: 100-
240VAC, 1.3A. Always use an adequately rated detachable
mains lead.
WARNING!. The mains power supply is not IP rated
and should not be used in wet locations
Figure 9.7: Transmitter DC Input
To use the mains or vehicle power supply units connect
them to the DC input socket in the transmitter before
connecting them to the mains or vehicle supply socket.
WARNING! The mains PSU supply cable is the
disconnecting method for isolating the unit from the main
supply.
WARNING! The battery compartment lid is the
disconnecting method for isolating the unit from the battery
supply.
WARNING! Do not position the equipment so it is
difficult to disconnect the unit from each supply.
WARNING! Protection will be impaired if used in a
manner not specified
9.6 Sondes
Sonde overview
A sonde is a self-contained battery operated transmitter
used for tracing the paths of pipes, ducts, sewers and
drains and in the precise location of blockages or
collapses. The sonde can be fitted to a flexible rod for
insertion or pushing through pipes etc. and the smaller
diameter sondes can be used in conjunction with jetting
machines and blown through the duct. A suitable
Radiodetection locator can then be used to locate the
sonde. Check that your locator features sonde locating
before starting.
Choosing a suitable sonde
Radiodetection offers a wide range of sonde to suit most
applications: From the ¼” / 6mm diameter S6 33kHz
microsonde which, with a range of 6.6” / 2m, targets
fiber-optic micro ducting or other small non-conductive
pipes, to the 33kHz Super Sonde, which with a depth
range of 50 feet / 15m targets deep sewer pipes.
Consult the precision locate accessory range brochure
all available sondes and their technical specifications.
Check that the sonde has sufficient range for the
application and is dimensionally small enough and
sufficiently robust for the application. Ensure that the
frequency of the sonde corresponds with the locator
frequency; the locator will not locate the sonde unless
the frequencies are the same. Sondes are marked with
their transmitting frequency. Ensure that the means of
propelling the sonde is available together with the
correct fittings and couplings.
Preparation
Insert a new battery into the sonde. A new battery or a
freshly recharged battery should be used at the
beginning of each day and preferably at the start of each
new job.
Before inserting the sonde, check that the sonde and
locator are at the same frequency and working correctly.
To do this, place the sonde on the ground at a distance
from the locator that is equal to the rated depth of the
sonde. Point the locator at the sonde with the antenna in
line with the sonde (the opposite of using the locator to
locate a line) and check that the bargraph reading
exceeds 50% at maximum sensitivity.
Propelling a sonde
Sondes
have
a
thread
at
one
end
for
connecting
to
drain rods, or to other devices for inserting and propelling
the sonde along a drain or duct. Sondes may be floated
along drains at the end of a tether and floats are
available for fitting to the sewer sonde and super
sonde.
Sondes can be strapped to high-pressure water jets or
similar devices used for cleaning, maintaining
and