Connection Cable
Red cable connects the Transmitter signal
directly to target line. Black cable provides
the ground return via Ground Stake.
Connect cable plugs
lock in place in
socket. To unlock
cable, grip the
black sleeve on
the outside of the
plug. Do not pull
the wire as this may
damage the cable
and/or socket.
Ground Stake
This is for making a ground
connection to provide a return signal.
Locating with the RD2000 and T1 transmitter
Induction
The Transmitter has an internal aerial that will induce a signal
onto a line (or lines) directly below it, without the need for
access to the line. Generally, induction can only be used to
depths of 2m(6ft).
Induction is only available with frequencies 8kHz and above.
Procedure
Set down the Transmitter over the approximate position of the
line with arrows pointing parallel to the line. Set Receiver
sensitivity to mid-way and start locating line at least 10 paces
away from the Transmitter. Mark the ground where each peak
response is detected by the Receiver.
Pinpoint the sonde. Move the receiver in front of the Sonde
still in line with it, increasing the sensitivity slightly to find the
ghost signal. Between the main peak and ghost there is a Null
or minimum, mark this position for reference. Now move
behind the Sonde and repeat, find the null between the ghost
and main peak. See points “A” and “B” on the diagram. The
higher the sensitivity of the receiver the sharper the Null’s
appear.
Measure the distance between points “A” and “B” and
multiply by 0.7 to give an approximate depth measurement.
Live Plug Connector (optional extra)
Applies the Transmitter signal to a live domestic power socket
and via the domestic wiring system on the service cable and
the supply cable in the street. The signal should be detectable
on the supply system to a few hundred paces each side of
the point of application.
Note
Do not connect the Transmitter to live cables without using a
Plug Connector or Live Cable.
Procedure
Connect the Live Plug Connector to the Transmitter and to
the live domestic power socket. Switch on the socket.
Note
Live Plug Connector contains a protection unit to protect the
user and the Transmitter from mains voltage up to 250V.
Note
Induction cannot be used to apply a signal to a line below
reinforced concrete. The Transmitter signal may be detected
directly and not from the target line, so do not attempt depth
measurements when closer than 15 paces from the
Transmitter.To check, point the Receiver directly at the
transmitter. If the Receiver signal strength increases, either
reduce the transmitter power or increase the distance from
the transmitter.
If the Receiver signal strength decreases, the received signal
is from the buried line.
Direct Connection
Suitable for use on continuous tracer wire, water and gas
distribution systems, a telecom cable, and pipeline at a CP
test or other access point.
Procedure
Plug the Connection Cable into the Transmitter and to the
target line. If necessary clean off paint, rust or scale to ensure
good connection.
Clip the ground cable to an independent grounding point a
few paces away and preferably at right angles to the probable
route of the target line. Do not attach ground to water pipe or
buried line which could carry the signal.
Start with the low power setting. A good connection is
indicated by a change in loudspeaker tone. If there is no tone
change, check the electrical contact and ground. If necessary
change the position of the ground or tip water over the
ground contact if placed in dry soil or sand. If there is still no
change in tone increase the power setting to high.
Note
A Receiver can detect a signal many times weaker than that
necessary for a Transmitter tone change and short distances
can be traced without a tone change from the loudspeaker.
Attach the Sonde to the rod and insert it into the Drain or
Duct to be located. Keep the sonde just in view. Hold the
receiver vertically directly over the sonde with the blade in line
with the sonde.
Adjust the sensitivity
of the receiver to give
a bar graph reading
between 60-80%.
A sonde radiates a peak field from the centre of its axis with
ghost signals at each side of the peak. Move the receiver a
little way to one side and then along the axis of the Sonde
forwards and backwards to detect the ghost signals.
It is a good idea to locate the ghost signals as finding them
positively confirms the position of the main peak. To loose the
ghost signals reduce the sensitivity of the receiver a little,
leaving only the main peak signal detectable.
With the receiver sensitivity set as desired, propel the sonde
along three or four paces and stop. Place the receiver over
the supposed position of the Sonde and…
(a) move the receivers
(a)
backwards and
forwards with the
blade in line with the
Sonde and stop when
the bar graph
indicates a clear peak.
WARNING!
Should only be used on a power cable sheath by qualified
personnel.
Signal Clamp (optional extra)
The Signal Clamp applies a signal to a pipe or a live cable
without interrupting the supply. It applies a very discriminating
signal with reduced coupling to other conductors.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of electric shock, the signal clamp must
be connected to the transmitter before being placed
around the pipe or cable.
Procedure
Connect the Signal Clamp to the Transmitter.
Place the Signal Clamp around the pipe or cable,ensuring the
jaws are closed. Switch on the Transmitter.
A disconnected pipe or cable cannot generally be located
using a signal clamp.
Locating a Sonde
A new battery of freshly recharged battery should be used at
the beginning of each day and preferably at the start of each
job. Check that the sonde and receiver are operating at the
same frequency and working correctly.
As a quick test for both Sonde and receiver - position the
Sonde at a distance equal to its rated Depth range from the
receiver. Point the receiver at the Sonde with its blade in line.
Check that the bar graph shows more than 50% at high
sensitivity
Note the blade of the new receiver must be in line with the
sonde, the opposite to Line locate.
7
6
8
9
10
11
Regularly check your RD2000 and T1, in all modes over a
cable which gives a response you are familiar with.
(b) rotate the receiver
(b)
as if the blade were a
pivot, stop when the
bar graph indicates a
clear peak.
(c) move the receiver
(c)
from side to side until
the bar graph
indicates a clear peak.
(d) during (c) the depth reading will begin to show up.
Observe the depth reading when moving the receiver from
side to side, the lowest reading will be the correct location.
Repeat (a), (b) and c in smaller increments with the receiver
blade resting on or near the ground. The receiver should now
be directly above the Sonde with the blade in linewith the
Sonde, mark this position.
Propel the sonde a further three to four paces along the drain
or duct and pinpoint and mark. Repeat the procedure along
the route at similar intervals. It should only be necessary to
change the receiver sensitivity while tracing the Sonde if the
depth of the drain or duct, or the distance between receiver
and Sonde changes.
Measuring depth to a Sonde
Pinpoint the sonde as previously described and rest the
receiver on the ground and in line with the sonde. Adjust the
sensitivity to give a meter reading of 60% to 80%.
Remember the depth reading is from the bottom of the
receiver blade to the centre of the Sonde and not to the drain
or duct being located.
CAUTION: Ensure Depth readings are taken at the main
peak readings, a depth reading taken at the ghost signal
position will be incorrect.
Depth measurement is automatic. Depth reading will be
displayed when the receiver is moved slowly across the
Sonde. The shallowest depth reading displayed on the LCD is
also the correct position directly above the Sonde (always
ensure you always follow steps a - d).
If the signal is too weak or unstable the receiver unit will not
calculate depth. In this case use a more powerful Sonde and
proceed as instructed above.
