5 Operation
3. Go to the search area. Hold the Receiver in a comfortable position in front of you
and sweep the area, moving the Receiver from side to side.
4. If the locator is within range of the signal radiating from the target line, the
compass (line direction indicator) will align itself such that it is pointing in a parallel
direction to the cable. Rotate the locator so that it is pointing forward.
5. Use the Left/Right Guidance, signal strength, and audio tone will guide you toward
the conductor keeping the compass (line direction indicator) pointing forward. The
needle on the Left/Right Guidance meter will move to the right and the tone will
be steady if the conductor is to your right. The needle will move to the left and the
tone will pulse if the conductor is to your left. The signal (or field) strength on the
digital display (LCD) will rise as you approach the conductor.
As you close in on the location of the conductor, the meter needle will move toward
the center, the signal will peak and the tone will be silent. See graphic below.
VM-810/VM-850 Receiver Guidance System
6. To determine the direction of the conductor, touch the Receiver tip to the ground
over the conductor and rotate it on its vertical axis. Stop when the compass (line
direction indicator) is pointing forward. This will also coincide with the highest
signal strength reading.
Continue to trace the conductor in the direction indicated by the compass (line
direction indicator). If the signal strength drops abruptly, the conductor may have
changed direction or stopped.
7. When you have pinpointed the conductor’s location, mark it as required. See
Section 5.7 for APWA color markings.
8. When you have finished the locate, turn the Receiver OFF, loosen the nut and
retract the Receiver stem.
9. Turn the Transmitter OFF and put all components back into the carrying case.
Page 19 of 35
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