D
IGITAL
C
ONTROL
I
NCORPORATED
2
DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual
Pre-Drilling Testing
Before each drilling run, test your DigiTrak guidance system with the transmitter inside the drill head to
confirm it is operating properly and providing accurate drill head location and heading information.
During drilling, the depth will not be accurate unless:
l
The receiver has been properly calibrated and the calibration has been checked for accuracy so the
receiver shows the correct depth.
l
The transmitter has been located correctly and accurately and the receiver is directly above the
transmitter in the drill head underground or at the front locate point.
l
The receiver is placed on the ground or held at the correct height-above-ground distance, which has been
set correctly.
Always test calibration after you have stopped drilling for any length of time.
Interference
The Falcon frequency optimizer selects frequencies based on measured active interference at a given point
in time and space. Active interference levels can change with time and location, passive interference (which
the system does not detect) may be present, and performance may vary as a result. Selections by the
frequency optimizer are not a substitute for prudent operator judgment. If performance drops while drilling,
consider using Max Mode.
Potential Interference Received
Interference can cause inaccuracies in the measurement of depth and loss of the transmitter’s pitch, roll, or
heading. Always perform a background noise check using your receiver (locator), as well as a visual
inspection for possible sources of interference, prior to drilling.
A background noise check will not identify all sources of interference, as it can only pick up sources that are
active, not passive. Interference, as well as a partial list of sources of interference, are discussed in the
section
on page 33.
Never rely on data that does not display quickly and/or remain stable.
If an
A
displays at the bottom left of the roll indicator or frequency optimizer at distances greater than 10 ft.
from the transmitter,
is in effect, indicating the presence of excessive noise that can lead to
inaccurate depth readings. A flashing signal strength indicates the presence of extreme interference; depth
and locate points will not be accurate.
Potential Interference Generated
Because this equipment may generate, use, and radiate radio frequency energy, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur at a particular location. If this equipment does interfere with radio or television
reception, which can be determined by powering the equipment off and on, try to correct the interference
using one or more of the following measures:
l
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
l
Increase the separation between the receiver and affected equipment.
l
Consult the dealer, DCI, or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
l
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit.
