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Who Can Use This Equipment

  

This equipment must only be used by people suitably trained in the use of pipe and 
cable locators.

Work-site Safety

  

Use your company's or other applicable safety codes and rules when using this 
equipment.

  

Unless having the required authorization, license, and appropriate training, do not 
connect any pipe, cable, or conductor.

  

The equipment should not come in contact with corrosive or hazardous chemicals or 
gases, or dust.

  

Do not

 directly connect this equipment to cables or pipes that have a potential 

difference to ground of greater than 25V AC.

Equipment Safety

  

Do not

 open the enclosures (housings) of either the transmitter or receiver.

  

Place the ground stake firmly in the ground before connecting the cable from the 
transmitter.

  

Do not

 hold any uninsulated portion of the connection leads & clips when the 

transmitter is switched on.

Batteries and Environmental Safety

Vivax-Metrotech products use four types of batteries:

  

Alkaline batteries

  

Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries – rechargeable

  

Lithium-Ion batteries – rechargeable

  

Lithium-Metal batteries – (small non-rechargeable button cells for "clock" 
applications)

1.   Alkaline Batteries (Non-Rechargeable)

  

When replacing the alkaline batteries – use only the size and type specified – 

do not

 

mix battery types (rechargeable and alkaline).

  

Do not

 mix partially discharged and fully charged cells in the same battery pack – 

do 

not

 mix old with new.

  

Never

 attempt to charge alkaline batteries.

2.   Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (Rechargeable)

  

When using rechargeable batteries, use only the correct charging device supplied 
or specified by the manufacturer. The battery pack or the battery charger will contain 
circuitry to manage the charging process – other chargers (even if they have the 
same connector, polarity, voltage & current rating will not have the same control 
circuitry and can cause damage to the product, overheating, and in extreme cases 
fire or harm to the individual.

  

Do not

 assume that if the plug fits, it is the correct charger – a charger with the 

correct part number 

must

 be used – just because it is a Vivax-Metrotech charger 

and the plug fits 

do not

 mean it is the correct charger.

  

Before using for the first time, charge rechargeable batteries for six hours. If the 
rechargeable batteries 

do not

 last as long as anticipated – discharge fully and 

charge for six hours.

  

Care should be taken when charging batteries – 

Never

 repeatedly recharge batteries 

(or turn the power off & on) without using the instrument. If used with an inverter in a 
vehicle – charge the product, then unplug the charger and 

do not

 charge again until 

the rechargeable batteries have been used for at least ten minutes. Failure to do this 
could result in the overcharging of the battery, which will shorten the battery's life and 
could, in some circumstances, cause overheating or fire.

  

If the product becomes hot during the charging process, 

immediately

 unplug the 

charger and use the rechargeable batteries for ten minutes before recharging. If this 
reoccurs the next time the unit is charged – return immediately to Vivax-Metrotech 
for repair.

  

Do not

 charge batteries for prolonged periods without using the locator for at least 

ten minutes. Charging for a prolonged period could overcharge the battery, reduce 
battery life and, in extreme circumstances, cause damage to the locator and fire in 
extreme circumstances.

3.   Lithium-Ion Batteries (Rechargeable)

  

Lithium-Ion Batteries – some products use Lithium-Ion batteries – the requirements 
for marking and transportation are still developing. Please contact Vivax-Metrotech 
before shipping products containing Lithium-Ion batteries or Lithium-Ion battery 
packs on their own for any "special instructions.”

4.   Lithium-Metal Batteries (Non-Rechargeable)

  

Commonly known as "button cells," these are small – non-rechargeable batteries 
used to power internal "clocks" within some units (similar to computers). Generally, 
they have a life of three to five years.

  

Under no circumstances should any attempt be made to charge these batteries.

  

Dispose of your company's work practice/environmental standards, the prevailing 
laws, or recognized best practices. Always dispose of batteries responsibly.

5.   General Rules regarding Disposal of Batteries

  

Never

 disassemble a battery or battery pack.

  

Never

 dispose of in a fire or water.

  

Dispose of batteries following your company's work practice/environmental 
standards, the prevailing laws, or recognized best practices. Always dispose of 
batteries responsibly.

6.   Transportation of Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Metal Batteries

  

The Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Metal batteries used in Vivax-Metrotech products meet 
the required safety standards and include the designated protection circuitry.

  

Recent regulation changes require that when batteries with Lithium-Ion and Lithium- 
Metal batteries are transported, the packaging must include specified warning labels. 

  

Please contact Vivax-Metrotech Customer Service (USA 1-800-446-3392, 

Interna1-408-734-1400 (USA Pacific Time Zone)) for more details.

  

Regulations have also changed regarding the shipping of spare battery packs (battery 
packs that are not inside a product). There are limitations on the weight of the package, 
and the packaging must be marked with the appropriate warning labels. 

  

Please contact Vivax-Metrotech Customer Service (USA 1-800-446-3392, 

Interna1-408-734-1400 (USA Pacific Time Zone)) for more details.

  

Vivax-Metrotech vLoc Series 3 products using Lithium-Ion batteries are classified as 
"not restricted." They can be shipped normally by road/rail/sea & air (passenger & 
freight aircraft) without restrictions.

IMPORTANT
Remember – Batteries contain dangerous chemicals – 

They can be affected by many things such as water ingress 

or heat – In some circumstances, they can explode. They 
also can cause electric shocks!

Care of Equipment

  

Use equipment only as directed in this User Handbook.

  

Do not

 immerse any part of this equipment in the water.

  

Store in a dry place.

  

Keep equipment in the case provided when not in use.

  

If left for a prolonged period – remove alkaline batteries.

  

Keep the unit clean and free of dust and dirt.

  

Protect against excessive heat.

Care when Interpreting the Information provided by the Locator

  

This instrument locates and provides depth and current readings based on 
electromagnetic signals radiating from the buried cable or pipe. In most cases, these 
signals will enable the locator to pinpoint both position depth and current correctly.

  

Beware

 – in some cases, other factors will distort electromagnetic fields radiating 

from the cable or pipe being located, resulting in incorrect information.

  

Always locate responsibly and use information learned during your training to 
interpret the information provided by the locator.

  

Do not

 provide information regarding the depth of cable or pipe to anyone unless 

authorized by your company.

  

Remember

 that depth measurements are to the center of the electromagnetic field or 

pipe – In the case of pipes, this may be significantly deeper than the top.

American & Canadian Safety Notices

USA

  

This transmitter and receiver comply with the general conditions of operation, 
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.

 

ο

CFR 47 Part 2

 

ο

CFR 47 Part 15

  

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the 
user's authority to operate the products.

CANADA

  

Equipment is for use by trained operators only and not for general household or 
consumer use.

  

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause 
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause 
undesired operation of the device.

EUROPE

  

Vivax-Metrotech confirms that the location system is compliant with the relevant 
provision of European directive 1999/5/EC.

 

ο

EN 55011

 

ο

EN 61000-4-2: A1 & A2

 

ο

EN 61000-4-3

 

ο

EN 61000-4-8: A1

 

ο

ETSI EN 300 330-2

 

ο

ETSI EN 301 489-1

 

ο

ETSI EN 301 489-3

General Safety & Care Information

Summary of Contents for vLoc3-9800

Page 1: ...vLoc3 9800 User Handbook English Edition Version 1 6 P N 4 04 000107...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...ternal clocks within some units similar to computers Generally they have a life of three to five years Under no circumstances should any attempt be made to charge these batteries Dispose of your compa...

Page 4: ......

Page 5: ...crete Fourier Transform 11 2 10 Active Locating Applying the Transmitter s Signal 13 2 10 1 Direct Connection 13 2 10 2 Transmitter Signal Clamp for frequencies above 8kHz 14 2 10 3 Induction for freq...

Page 6: ...ransmitter Battery Tray 34 4 4 Removing and Installing the Battery Tray 35 4 5 Transmitting Modes 35 4 5 1 Direct Connection Mode 36 4 5 2 Clamp Mode 36 4 5 3 Induction Mode 5 and 10 Watt Transmitters...

Page 7: ...and transmitter model number serial number and software revision number They can be found as follows 1 1 1 1 Model Serial Number NOTE Software Revision Number The software revision number is displaye...

Page 8: ...ebsite www vivax metrotech com Email LatinSales vxmt com Central South America and the Caribbean Vivax Metrotech AUS Unit 1 176 South Creek Road Cromer NSW 2099 Australia Tel 61 2 9972 9244 Fax 61 2 9...

Page 9: ...1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 vLoc3 9800 receiver 2 Mini USB cable 3 Li ion battery 4 Battery charger 5 6 x AA alkaline batteries 6 Alkaline battery holder 7 Power cable for charger one of supplied based on ge...

Page 10: ...to the mains and switch it on The LED indicator on the charger will illuminate red until the batteries are fully charged at which time the LED will change to green WARNING Rechargeable batteries are...

Page 11: ...and holding the On Off key until the start up screen appears The start up screen can be configured to the user s preference and is described later in the manual Otherwise the start up screen will defa...

Page 12: ...types applicable in your application To do this use the enter key to check the boxes on the right Marker types not checked will not appear when using the vLoc3 MLA to locate markers Continuous Info T...

Page 13: ...and Alerts Warning symbols are accompanied by an audible sound and vibration in the handle unless configured otherwise in the MyLocator3 desktop app Warnings can also be switched off in the setup menu...

Page 14: ...gnal current indicator This screen is not available in the Power or Radio passive modes The Left Right Auto mode is ideal when tracing long distance lines in less congested sites It requires no user i...

Page 15: ...deep pipe or cable It can also be used to mask out the signal from an unwanted source To reject an unwanted signal first set the sensitivity to a high value such that the unwanted signal is detectable...

Page 16: ...Information Pushbutton Depth Current Log 1 2 13m 640mA 50 42 59 90570 N 3 26 35 54358 W 27 50m Pressing the i pushbutton will display the depth to the center of the radiated signal and the current me...

Page 17: ...stray power currents traveling along it A typical application would be to check an area before installing a fence post Passive locating can only be done in the Manual Peak Display mode 25dB Power 50 6...

Page 18: ...ll available frequencies and display a progress bar and the list of frequencies assessed will be displayed The frequency under test is shown on the top line Frequency 8 19kHz 491Hz 512Hz 80 dB 74 dB v...

Page 19: ...requencies below 45 kHz authorities such as the FCC allow higher power output to be used frequencies of 45 kHz and above power output for this type of equipment are restricted to 1 watt Therefore more...

Page 20: ...able clipping point WARNING Only authorized personnel should make connections to cables WARNING There may be buried lines nearby when pushing the ground stake into the ground Check using passive locat...

Page 21: ...close them WARNING Always follow the appropriate safety requirements mandated by safety legislation safety practice and your company s safety procedures when applying a clamp coupler to a cable BEWARE...

Page 22: ...e receiver to manual peak mode 3 Match the frequency of the receiver to that of the transmitter 75dB 8 19kHz 726 Manual 3 01mA 4 3 Hold the locator vertically and rotate it on its axis until the compa...

Page 23: ...d frequency Press the i key to select a highlighted choice and return to the locate screen 2 12 Searching sweeping an Area in the Peak Mode Buried utilities may be parallel to each other and frequentl...

Page 24: ...osition as indicated by the largest signal or as indicated by the Left Right indicator Use the Compass Line Direction indicator to confirm the line is exactly forward back 2 16 Depth Current Measureme...

Page 25: ...o check for a distorted signal is to follow the procedure below To check if other radiated fields are distorting the signal First locate the cable in either mode Place the locator on the ground and ta...

Page 26: ...signal in front and behind the Sonde This is normal and characteristic of locating Sondes Ghost Peak Ghost Peak Main Peak 5 Now sweep left and right over the Sonde to obtain a second peak Note that t...

Page 27: ...exit the depth screen either wait for the depth screen to time out or momentarily press the I button returning the vLoc3 9800 to the locate screen 7 Now push the Sonde in a couple of meters and repea...

Page 28: ...he pushbutton to save the data The Log number indicates the number of records stored To exit the screen without logging the data press the button Log 1 0 87m 261mA 50 42 59 90570 N 3 26 35 54358 W 27...

Page 29: ...cancel Are you sure 7 After the deletions are complete the vLoc3 receiver will return to the locate screen Deleting logs 3 1 Bluetooth As an option the vLoc3 series receivers can be upgraded by the us...

Page 30: ...that no Bluetooth module is installed A Black GPS icon indicates that the Bluetooth module is installed Bluetooth pairing with external devices 1 Switch on the external device 2 Switch on the vLoc3 r...

Page 31: ...ing a security dongle MyLocator3 is a free downloadable App available at www vivax metrotech com in the Apps section Follow the instructions to download and install the application A MyLocator3 icon w...

Page 32: ...sion from the Vivax Metrotech server which the user can install 3 3 2 3 Locator Firmware update Each time a locator is connected to the PC its firmware version is checked against the latest version av...

Page 33: ...e stepped through by using the controls on the right hand side The user can upload a selection of logs from the locator to the PC using the upper right hand side controls The data in the data log can...

Page 34: ...n the image is centered vertically and white bars are used as padding If the scaled image height is greater than the LCD height then the image can be re positioned vertically by clicking and dragging...

Page 35: ...ata Logging The Splashscreen download area To remove a startup screen and revert to the default Vivax Metrotech screen click on the Clear button and download the cleared screen The default factory loa...

Page 36: ...user control over which menu items appear on the locator and the menu item s initial setting when the locator is first used after configuration The menu items with a right pointing arrow can be expand...

Page 37: ...r computer via a standard USB socket the icons for the Splash Screen page Frequencies page and the Menu Settings page will change color to green This color indicates the page is unlocked Levels of Don...

Page 38: ...6 Mini USB lead 4 1 1 The Transmitter Display 1 2 5 6 7 8 3 4 8 19 kHz 1 0 2 mA 9 1 Mode indication icon 2 High Voltage Warning 3 Active frequency 4 Speaker level 5 Battery status 6 Output step bar gr...

Page 39: ...Resistance Multi Frequency LCD Contrast Receiver Link Disabled Frequency Menu About When the i pushbutton is pressed the display will show the volume level Use the and pushbuttons to increase reduce...

Page 40: ...are fully charged the LED will change to green Follow the instructions detailed in the General Safety Care Information section of this document Dispose of batteries following your company s practice a...

Page 41: ...ch and pull to unlock 2 Lift the catch and repeat for all four catches 3 Lift the transmitter base from the battery tray Installing the battery tray The battery tray and transmitter base have a matchi...

Page 42: ...10 watts or 25 watt output depending on your transmitter but frequencies over 45kHz are restricted to 1 watt Using direct connection and the higher power at the low frequencies helps significantly in...

Page 43: ...ated with the Induction mode is generally much less than that achieved with a direct or clamp connection The Induction mode is only available from 8kHz and above Induction frequencies are available ba...

Page 44: ...no increase in the currently displayed This is not a fault with the transmitter The transmitter will always revert to first level output when switched on as a power saving feature In most circumstance...

Page 45: ...n by pressing the f pushbutton until the wanted frequency is displayed at the top of the main screen 4 6 3 Multi Frequency Mode for Direct Connection This feature can be used to energize two or three...

Page 46: ...is only available in the 5 watt and 10 watt transmitters The Loc3 series transmitters can be remotely operated from the vLoc3 receiver This option requires the Transmitter radio Link to be installed i...

Page 47: ...ntil Transmitter Link is highlighted Note that the transmitter and receiver sides of the radio links can be switched on in any order Menu Imperial Metric Continuous Information Auto Power Off Warnings...

Page 48: ...status are listed below No radio module or it is disabled Always disable in the User Menu when not in use No link and no signal No link and poor signal No link but good signal Is linked to the transm...

Page 49: ...pes the faults consist of coating defects In cables faults are usually caused by insulation damage allowing the metallic sheath or internal conductor to contact the earth 5 3 vLoc3 MLA Marker Locator...

Page 50: ...signals come from various sources in the environment and couple to the buried overhead lines Typical examples are 50 60Hz and LF VLF radio Peak A maximum response to a buried line Pinpoint Using a re...

Page 51: ...Notes Vivax Metrotech Corporation 3251 Olcott Street Santa Clara CA 95054 USA Toll Free 1 800 446 3392 Phone 1 408 734 1400 Website www vivax metrotech com...

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