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Vivax Metrotech VM-810, User Handbook Manual, Page: 23 / 39

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Vivax Metrotech VM-810 User Handbook Manual Download Page 23

5     Operation

5.5     Determining the Depth and Signal Current applied to a 

Conductor

The VM-810/VM-850 can be used to determine the approximate depth of a conductor 

carrying a signal current. It is also possible to measure the signal current at a particular 

point along the conductor. It should be expected to experience a slow reduction in 

Signal current as the distance from the transmitter is increased. However, a dramatic 

or sudden change can indicate the operator has strayed from the target line or if there 

has been a “T” connection missed.

To determine the depth/current of a conductor accurately, the VM-810/VM-850 field 

strength must be strong enough to provide a stable meter reading. Keep in mind that 

depth and current measurements are affected by, overhead lines, adjacent conductors 

and abrupt changes in direction or depth. In congested areas it is preferable to use 

Direct Connect when determining depth.

1.  First determine the location of the conductor using any of the methods described 

above (Direct Connection, Inductive Coupling, or Inductive Method).

2.  Make sure the Receiver antenna is fully extended; otherwise, the depth reading 

will be incorrect.

3.  Facing in the direction of the conductor, touch the antenna tip to the ground 

directly above the conductor, with the Receiver at right angles to the ground. See 

graphic below.

4.  Press and release the DEPTH BUTTON on the handle of the Receiver. Within 

seconds, the digital display will show the depth of the conductor in inches or 

centimeters, depending on the instrument version.

Page 20 of 35

42in

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Summary of Contents for VM-810

Page 1: ...VM 810 VM 850 Pipe and Cable Locator User Handbook English Edition Version 1 7 P N 4 04 000027 ...

Page 2: ...est to You 6 Introduction 7 3 1 VM 810 VM 850 7 3 2 VM 810 VM 850 Receiver Controls and Indicators 9 3 3 VM 810 VM 850 Transmitter Controls and Indicators 10 Check Out Procedure 12 4 1 Introduction 12 Operation 15 5 1 Transmitter Direct Connection 15 5 2 Transmitter Inductive Coupling 16 5 3 Transmitter Inductive Method 17 5 4 Using the Receiver 18 5 5 Determining the Depth and Signal Current appl...

Page 3: ... the Circuit Path 29 7 10 Common Bonded Conductors 30 7 11 Congested Areas 30 7 12 Locating a Service Lateral 31 7 13 Valves Manhole Covers Tees and Risers 31 Maintenance 32 8 1 VM 810 VM 850 Receiver Calibration 32 8 2 Replacing the VM 810 VM 850 Receiver Batteries 32 8 3 Replacing the VM 810 Transmitter Batteries 32 8 4 Recharging the VM 850 Transmitter Batteries 33 Glossary 34 ...

Page 4: ...ransmitter is switched on 1 4 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 4 1 Alkaline Batteries Non Rechargeable When replacing the alkaline batteries use only the si...

Page 5: ...ry life and in extreme circumstances cause damage to the locator and fire 1 4 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 instruc...

Page 6: ...se If left for prolonged period of time remove alkaline batteries Keep unit clean and free of dust and dirt Protect against excessive heat 1 6 Care When Interpreting the Information Provided by the Locator Like all locators this instrument is locating and providing depth and current readings based on electromagnetic signals that radiate from the buried cable or pipe In most cases these signals wil...

Page 7: ...r a Class B digital device pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarante...

Page 8: ...del number serial number and software revision number when requesting product support They can be found as follows for reference only 1 Model Serial Number NOTE The transmitter Model Serial Number can be found at the front of the transmitter Software Revision Number is displayed on the LCD during the start up Page 5 of 35 1 1 ...

Page 9: ...ianSales vxmt com Central SouthAmerica and the Caribbean Ventas para América Latina 3251 Olcott Street Santa Clara CA 95054 USA Website www vivax metrotech com T Free 800 624 6210 Tel 1 408 454 7159 Fax 1 408 743 5597 Email VentasparaAméricaLatina vxmt com ALLFIND Ltd No 780 Tianshan Rd Shanghai China 200051 T Free 4006 288 062 Tel 86 21 5101 2862 Fax 86 21 5235 8365 Website www allfind com cn Ema...

Page 10: ...ductor becoming weaker as it gets farther away from the transmitter The distance that the signal travels before it becomes too weak to be detected depends on the method of connection the type of conductor surrounding soil and depth of the conductor When positioned over the conductor the receiver will detect the signal from the conductor The Receiver s Left Right Guidance System field strength disp...

Page 11: ... extreme temperature conditions i e below 0ºC and above 45ºC Although Vivax Metrotech batteries include all the required safety related features always immediately discontinue use of the charger and battery pack if the battery pack becomes excessively warm Return both to where they were purchased for investigation Always ensure batteries have at least a partial charge if storing for long periods w...

Page 12: ...rection Indicator 90 line Sonde direction indication 3 Digital Signal Strength Indicator The signal strength is indicated on the LCD display 4 Automatic Backlight Sensor Automatically senses when background light is low and switches on LCD backlight 5 Battery Status Continuous battery level indicator 6 On Off Plus Push Button Depth Current Sonde Press to switch on long press to switch off A short ...

Page 13: ...nput Auxiliary input such as Signal Clamp 5 Rubber Cover Headphone Impedance 8ohms Power rating 1 watt 3 3 VM 810 VM 850 Transmitter Controls and Indicators 1 Rubber Weather Seal Cover 2 Direct Connection and Accessory Socket 3 Output Fuse 4 6 x D Type Cells Page 10 of 35 1 2 3 4 5 3 4 1 2 ...

Page 14: ...t Power Indicator 4 Output Power Select 5 High Output Power Indicator 6 On Off 7 Speaker Volume Select NOTE The battery indicator will flash when the battery level nears a fully discharged state At this time if not already set the output will automatically switch to low output to conserve the remaining battery charge Page 11 of 35 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...

Page 15: ...he receiver on by pressing the ON OFF button Check that there is at least 25 battery life 5 Position the receiver as shown in below The digital signal strength indicator should display 950 or above Position of the Receiver for Checkout Procedure Step 6 6 Now move the receiver back from the transmitter 3 6ft 1 2m Point the receiver at the transmitter as shown above the Left Right Guidance needle wi...

Page 16: ...the DEPTH button A depth reading should appear 11 Turn the Transmitter OFF by press and hold the ON OFF button To test the conductive attachment for loose or broken wires 1 Connect the BLACK and RED ends of the conductive attachment together Lay the connected wires out on the floor in a circular configuration as shown below Plug the conductive attachment into the direction connection socket of the...

Page 17: ... watching the signal strength readout wiggle each connection point on the conductive attachment at the direct connection socket and at the clamp end of each of the conductive attachment wires red and black The signal strength should not change Any fluctuation in the reading indicates a loose or broken wire within the conductive attachment 6 Repeat step 6 on the other conductive wire 7 Turn the tra...

Page 18: ...the transmitter may result There are three different methods of applying the signal to the conductor with one of the transmitters Direct Connection Inductive Coupling and Inductive A description of each method and use instructions follow below 5 1 Transmitter Direct Connection This is the preferred mode of operation because the transmitter is connected directly to a metallic part of the conductor ...

Page 19: ... to trace The Inductive Coupling method uses a signal clamp to induce a signal onto the conductor when direct metallic contact is not possible The clamp is placed around the target conductor The Transmitter then induces a signal through the clamp For best results when using the signal clamp the conductor should be well grounded at both ends When tracing lines that have insulators it is best but no...

Page 20: ...n be picked up by other conductors in the area In this mode the signal radiates from an antenna inside the bottom of the transmitter housing and couples to the conductor by electromagnetic induction 1 Position the transmitter over the target conductor at a place that is at least 30ft away from where you will be searching with the receiver If the transmitter is very close to the receiver more signa...

Page 21: ... transmitter Position of Transmitter for Inductive Use 5 4 Using the Receiver The following describes using the Receiver with any of the three methods of applying Transmitter signal Position of Receiver for Tracing 1 Loosen the nut on the Receiver stem assembly and extend the stem as far as possible Tighten the nut to secure the stem 2 Turn the Receiver ON Page 18 of 35 ...

Page 22: ...al 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 whe...

Page 23: ...meter reading Keep in mind that depth and current measurements are affected by overhead lines adjacent conductors and abrupt changes in direction or depth In congested areas it is preferable to use Direct Connect when determining depth 1 First determine the location of the conductor using any of the methods described above Direct Connection Inductive Coupling or Inductive Method 2 Make sure the Re...

Page 24: ...epends on the quality of the radiated signal being located If the signal is not distorted the depth reading will be accurate to within 5 of the actual depth If the signal is distorted depth readings will be less accurate When taking depth measurement always hold the receiver in line with the line and at 90 to the ground Position of Signal Clamps when Using Two Page 21 of 35 Depth Current 1 9 2 74m...

Page 25: ...he method will work only if there is no cross bonding on the length of the conductor between the conductor and the Receiver The Receiver signal clamp is a useful tool to help identify cables However it should not be used as positive identification before an unused cable is cut Always follow company procedures when cutting disused or isolated cables 5 7 Marking the Conductor The following color mar...

Page 26: ...oblems arise during a locate 1 Switch on the receiver Double click the on off button to activate Sonde mode Check battery status 2 Switch on Sonde and place on ground away from metal objects such as rebar 3 Position Receiver within one foot or so of the Sonde and check high signal strength reading on Receiver Receiver displays higher signal strength when over the Sonde 5 8 2 Operation in Sonde Mod...

Page 27: ...10 feet along the length of the pipe and relocate Sonde as above Repeat until Sonde is located in desired position 5 Determining the depth of the Sonde Keep in mind that depth measurement is affected by soil conditions overhead lines adjacent conductors such as rebar etc which distort the field produced by the Sonde Position yourself directly over the Sonde make sure the tip of the receiver is par...

Page 28: ...th Measurement is the same as in line location but must be done in the Sonde mode Depth measurements taken from a Sonde in any mode other than Sonde mode will be inaccurate 5 8 4 Using the Sonde Direction Feature to Locate Sondes Switch on the 810 850 by pressing the ON OFF button Then press the button twice quickly to activate the Sonde mode Stand in the approximate vicinity of the Sonde If the s...

Page 29: ...that restricts walking in an arc the following method can be used Position the locator in the approximate vicinity of the Sonde as above Rotate the locator so that the direction indicator is now pointing at 3 o clock Now step to the side keeping the locator pointing in the same direction The direction indicator will rotate slightly Keeps the locator pointing in the same direction and walk forward ...

Page 30: ...ver move in parallel across and then down the survey area The operator with the Receiver must move sideways facing the second operator with the Transmitter The Transmitter operator faces the direction in which he is moving as shown in the picture below The LCD reading on the Receiver will indicate the presence of a conductor under the ground as the operator passes over it Mark the location of each...

Page 31: ...round a cable both ends of the target conductor must be grounded to insure sufficient field strength Power lines and telephone sheaths are assumed to be grounded If the conductor is a pipe which had an insulated joint such as a gas pipe with a meter use the jumper cable Attach each end of the jumper cable on opposite sides of the insulator 7 4 Grounding Safety If you use the Direct Connect method ...

Page 32: ...uctors A ghost trace can be detected by noting the following 1 When the Left Right Guidance needle changes direction and the tone changes from broken to solid or solid to broken and the Left Right Guidance meter needle moves in the same direction as you are moving Normally the Left Right Guidance needle moves in the opposite direction 2 The field strength reading will drop as you move toward the g...

Page 33: ...gested Areas In an urban or otherwise congested locate area it is not uncommon for water gas power or telephone utilities to use common trenching Every congested situation is different there are too many variables for us to cover here Use good judgment and locating skills to carefully determine where other conductors are in your locate area and what effect they may be having on your tracing situat...

Page 34: ...he power on and maintaining a minimum of 100 ft between himself and the Receiver walks parallel but 5 feet from the main on the side he expects to find the service laterals as shown in below The field strength reading on the Receiver will increase as Operator 2 crosses over the service lateral with the Transmitter Each time the field strength reading increases Operator 1 signals Operator 2 and he ...

Page 35: ... Service Center 8 2 Replacing the VM 810 VM 850 Receiver Batteries 1 Have ready two D cell 1 5V NEDA 13A IEC LR20 Int l Std or JIS AM1 Jpn Std type alkaline batteries 2 Unscrew the retaining screw on the rear of the receiver 3 Pull away the battery compartment from the receiver 4 Unclip the two retaining lugs at the top of the battery holder allowing the lid to hinge back 5 Remove the two spent ba...

Page 36: ...crew Hand tightens only 8 4 Recharging the VM 850 Transmitter Batteries Check the VM 810 VM 850 Transmitter batteries by pressing the POWER ON button The BATTERY indicator lights will indicate if the batteries are charged If you need to charge the batteries follow the steps below 1 Connect the charger to the transmitter as shown below Connect the charger to a main 110 or 240V AC socket 2 Switch on...

Page 37: ...ransferring to lines to which they were not originally applied Coupling can be direct where the target line has an electrical connection to another line or induced where the signal radiates from the target line to another line or lines Display The information visually available on the dot matrix display Line A generic term for any buried pipe or cable Null A minimum response to a buried line Passi...

Page 38: ...powered transmitter A receiver tuned to the same frequency can locate the position of the Sonde and hence whatever it is attached to or in Frequently used for locating sewer cameras and the non metallic pipes Target Line The buried pipe or cable to be located Trace Using a locator to following the path of a buried line Illustrations used in the preparation of this manual will inevitably show some ...

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