Depth
Measurement /
Frequency
Selection
Sensitivity Control
(increase
sensitivity)
On/Off Control
Long press to switch on/off. Short press to
change speaker volume.
Increment sensitivity up, or auto scale to
50% if off scale. When in frequency select
menu use this button to scroll forwards
through available frequencies.
Short press to initiate depth measurement.
Long press to enter frequency select menu
then short press to exit menu.
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VM-550/VM-560
User Guide V1.0
Introduction
This guide describes the operation of the VM-550 and VM-560 pipe
and cable locators. Both are general purpose locators used to detect
buried pipe and cable services in a variety of situations.
The operations of the two systems are very similar. The main
difference is in the operational frequencies:
• VM-550 Frequencies: 50 or 60Hz, 8 kHz, 83 kHz
• VM-560 Frequencies: 50 or 60Hz, 8 kHz, 480 kHz
The VM-550/VM-560 is supplied with 1 watt transmitter with both
direct connection and induction capabilities. An inductive clamp and
LPC live separation filter are also available as optional accessories.
To make a direct connection to a pipe
or a de-energized cable conductor or
cable sheath.
To make a ground connection to
complete a direct connection circuit.
To make an inductive coupling
connection to a live cable or pipe.
Receiver Display Functions
1
Battery Level Indicator
2
Speaker Level Indicator
3
Percentage Signal Levels
4
Selected Locate Frequency
5
Signal Level Indicator
6
Sensitivity Setting Indicator
Receiver Operational Controls
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
ON/OFF (Long press until Power ON indicator is on, long
press again to turn off)
Power ON Indicator
Low Output Power Selected
High Output Power Selected
Speaker
Frequency Select
Frequency Selected Indicators
Battery Cover Retaining Screws
Battery Housing Cover
Transmitter Operational Controls
Accessories
1
2
3
4
Direct Connection Leads
Ground Stake
Signal Clamp
Power Mode Operation
Switch on the unit by pressing the ON/OFF pushbutton. Allow a few
seconds to switch on.
The frequency selected as shown on the display. If this is not the
desired locate frequency (ie 50 or 60Hz) change as indicated below.
NOTE
The battery condition as indicated on battery icon.
Replace batteries if necessary. See Changing Batteries
Section.
Changing the Locate Frequency
Press and hold the depth measurement/frequency selection
pushbutton until the frequency menu is entered. The display will
show the present frequency selected in large numeric’s in the centre
of the screen. Use the “+” or “–” pushbuttons to select the desired
frequency. Press the depth measurement/frequency selection
pushbutton to re-enter the locate screen.
Locating a Cable in the Power (50/60Hz) Mode
1. Hold the locator vertically in the area that is required to be
searched. Press the “+” or “-” pushbuttons to set the gain so that
the bar graph reads approximately 50%.
2. Hold the locator in front of you in the orientation shown below.
3. Sweep the locator left to right along the suspected route of the
cable. As the locator approaches the cable the meter reading will
increase. Pinpoint the position by detecting the largest signal.
Adjust the sensitivity of the locator by pressing the “+” or “-”
pushbuttons to keep the signal on scale.
4. To confirm the direction of the cable, rotate the locator until the
largest signal is detected. The direction of the cable is then
directly ahead.
5. Continue to locate the cable along the route.
6. Depth measurements are not possible in the power (50/60Hz)
mode, if pressed by accident it will show N/A.
WARNING
The power mode is used to detect signals radiating
from cables or services that are carrying a 50 or
60Hz load. It is possible for a cable to be live but
not carry a load. In this case there may not be a
signal to be detected.
Similarly, if a cable is exactly balanced the
resulting signal radiating from the cable may be
zero and therefore not detectable.
Do NOT use the VM-550/VM-560 to identify if cables
are live. Always dig with caution.
Active Cable and Pipe Locating
Detecting a cable or pipe can be achieved by applying a locate tone
to a cable or pipe from a transmitter. This is called active locating.
The locate tone can be applied by either.
• Direct Connection
• Induction Mode
• Signal Clamp Mode
Direct Connection Mode
This method involves making a direct connection to the Cable or Pipe.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to make a connection to a live
conductor. Only make a connection to de-energized
or dead cables. It is possible to connect to the sheath
of active cables but this should only be attempted by
qualified and authorized personnel.
Method:
Plug the direct connection leads to the transmitter. Connect the red
lead to the cable or pipe and the black one to a suitable ground.
Ideally this should be a ground stake placed at right angles to the
probable route of the target line. If it is not possible to use a ground
stake, connect the black lead to a grounded structure such as the rim
of a manhole cover or other buried metallic structure. Try to avoid
fencing as this will create interference from the return signal travelling
along the fence.
If necessary clean the connection point with a wire brush to ensure a
good electrical connection.
Select the desired frequency by pressing the “f” pushbutton. As a
general rule the higher frequency will have a cleaner more stable
reading and will jump insulation joints on pipes but has the
disadvantage that it is more likely to jump to other utility nearby. The
lower frequency is better for tracing a particular utility as it is more
likely to keep to the utility line the transmitter is attached to. If in doubt,
start with the lower frequency and switch to the higher one if it is not
possible to detect a stable reading.
The same applies to setting the signal level. A short press on the
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83k
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6
To safely inject a trace tone to a live cable
via a domestic mains socket, so that the
cable can be traced from the premises to
the connection in the street.
LPC Separation Filter
8
9
7
1
2
3
4
6
5
Sensitivity Control
(reduce sensitivity)
Increment sensitivity down, or auto scale
down to 50% if off scale. When in
frequency select menu use this button to
scroll backwards through available
frequencies.
1
