Amprobe AT-3000 User Manual

AT-3000 User guide

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R-3000 Locator features

1 On/Off

Press and hold to use R-3000

2 Loudspeaker

To use in noisy environments
unscrew and hold to ear.

3 Sensitivity control

4 Function switch

Selects locate mode:
Power, Radio, G-3000

5 Battery compartment

To replace batteries, open the
access cover using a screwdriver or
coin. Use eight LR6 or AAalkaline batteries.

Liquid crystal
display

m

Depth
Mode/clockface

Signal
strength

Depth
button

Operation of Power and Radio modes

Regularly check your R-3000 and G-3000 in all modes,
over a cable which gives a response you are familiar
with.

Power mode

For detection of ‘Power’ signals radiated by loaded
cables. These are often found ‘re-radiated’ by other,
nearby conductors. Select Power using the Function
switch. Press and hold the On/Off switch. Replace
batteries if no initial ‘bleep’ is heard to confirm good
battery condition.

Rotate the Sensitivity Control fully clockwise for
maximum sensitivity but reduce if there is a blanket
signal across the site.

Define the area to be excavated and carry out a grid
pattern sweep.

Sweep holding the R-3000 upright and at your side.
Continue the sweep beyond the perimeter of the area
to be excavated.

When directly over the
conductor and with the
sensitivity level set for a
narrow response, rotate
the R-3000 on its axis until
the signal minimum is
found. The blade is now in
line with the conductor.

Trace the conductor out of
the area, marking the
position as required with
chalk or paint

Radio mode

For detection of radio signals originating from distant
radio transmitters. These penetrate the ground and are
re-radiated by buried conductors. However, they are not
always present.

After completion of Power mode sweep, repeat the
procedure with Radio mode selected.

WARNING
The R-3000 will detect almost all buried conductors

but there are some which do not radiate any signal
which the R-3000 will not detect.

Locating with the R-3000 and G-3000

The G-3000 is used to apply a tone to a buried
conductor. This signal can be traced using the
R-3000 locator switched to the G-3000 mode.

Direct connection

Direct connection is the most effective form of signal
application and is suitable for connection to a valve,
meter, junction box or other access point.

WARNING
Connection to a power cable sheath should only

be undertaken by qualified personnel.

Method

Plug the Connection lead into the G-3000 connection
socket and attach the red lead to the target line. If
necessary clean the connection point to ensure a good
electrical contact.

G-3000 Transmitter features

1 On/Off button

The R-3000 and G-3000 combine to make
the perfect general purpose tools for cable

Press and hold to reduce

speaker volume.
avoidance. Their rugged construction
ensures long life and reliability whilst the
simple controls promote effective use with
minimal training.

For those who require pinpoint accuracy
and depth information, the AT-3000 add
visual indiction of signal strength together
with a buried utility depth measurement
capability.

2 Direct Connection socket

3 Loudspeaker

4 Battery compartment

To replace batteries, open

the access cover using a

screwdriver or coin. Use

four LR20 or D alkaline

batteries.

AMPROBE

®

1-305-423-7500

5 Storage compartment

Holding Connection Cable

and Ground Stake.

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The presence of a buried conducting pipe or cable will
be indicated by a tone emitted from the loudspeaker.

Keep the blade of the R-3000 vertical and move slowly
backwards and forwards over the conductor, reducing
the sensitivity for a narrower response. With the R-3000
use the meter deflection to aid pinpointing. Maximum
meter deflection will indicate the position of the
conductor.

There are also some live power cables which the R­3000 is not able to detect in he Power mode.

The R-3000 does not indicate whether a signal is
from a single cable or from several in close
proximity.

Note

The R-3000 will not provide depth information in either
the Power or Radio modes.

Clip the ground lead to the earth stake which should
be placed in the ground 3 to 4 paces away from, and
at right angles to the target line.

Alternatively the ground lead may be clipped to the rim
of a valve box or manhole cover. Use the spool lead to
extend the earth connection if necessary.

Switch the G-3000 on. Agood connection is indicated
by a drop in loudspeaker tone. if there is no tone or it
is a very slow bleep, replace the batteries.

Switch the R-3000 to G-3000 mode and begin to trace
the line from the point of application. Pinpoint using the
same method as described for Power and Radio
modes.

Induction

Induction is a convenient and quick way of applying the
G-3000 signal to a pipe or cable where limited access
does not permit direct connection or use of the Signal
Clamp.

Place the
G-3000 over
the assumed
position of the
conductor in
the orientation
shown.

Start tracing the cable or pipe at least five paces from
the G-3000 with the R-3000 in G-3000 mode. Working
too close to the G-3000 may give false readings as the
R-3000 will detect more signal directly from the G-3000
than from the conductor.

Do not attempt to take depth readings unless the
distance between the R-3000 and G-3000 is greater
than 30 paces (see “Taking depth readings using the
R-3000”).

Active search
using Induction

Placing the
G-3000 on its
side swamps
an area with
G-3000 signal.

Taking line depth measurement using the R-3000

Depth measurement is only possible when using the

R-3000 in the G-3000 mode.

Method

Locate the utility as

described previously.

Ensure that the

depth measurement

position is at least

30 paces from the

G-3000, especially if

signal application is

by Induction method.

Hold the R-3000 still,

vertical and at right angles to the buried line.

Momentarily depress the depth button. The display will

show a moving clock face followed by the depth

measurement.

Taking Mouse depth measurements using the R-3000

Depth measurement is only possible when using

the R-3000 in the G-3000 mode with a Mouse

transmitter.

d

d

min 30 paces

recommended

Method

Locate the main Mouse signal as previously described.

Hold the R-3000 vertically and

Press and

the display. A clock face will appear in the top right

hand corner of the display while the depth calculation is

made. The approximate depth to the Mouse will then be

displayed on the meter.

R-3000 error codes

hold

the depth button until ‘M’ appears on

in line

with the Mouse.

Optional Accessories

Using the optional* Signal Clamp SC-3000

The Signal Clamp applies a G-3000 signal safely to a
pipe or live cable of up to 76mm (3 inches) diameter,
without interrupting the supply.

Method

Plug the Clamp into the G-3000 Connection socket.
Place the Clamp around the pipe or cable ensuring the

jaws are closed. Switch the G-3000 on. Open and
close the Clamp. If the jaws are closing correctly a
drop in speaker tone will be heard.

An earth connection is not necessary but efficient
signal transfer is only achieved if the target conductor
is grounded at both ends. This is usually the case with
power cables.

Using the optional* Mouse Signal
Transmitter M-3000

The mouse is a small self-contained watertight
transmitter which can be detected by the R-3000 when
switched to the G-3000 mode.

Method

Replace the battery in the Mouse. Attach the Mouse to
a drain rod using an appropriate connector.

Place the Mouse on the ground, set the R-3000 to
G-3000 mode and, whilst holding the R-3000 in line
with the Mouse, check that a signal is being received.

Insert the Mouse approximately 1m/yd into the
duct/drain and adjust the R-3000 sensitivity to receive
the signal.

A ghost signal appears before and behind the main
signal position. Reduce the R-3000 sensitivity to
receive only the main signal.

Peak

Replacements

Connection Kit CK-3000

(Includes connection cable and ground stake)

Alternatively, use
a two man technique
to search an
area for buried
utilities.

Indicates very shallow conductor
Indicates conductor out of range
Indicates depth measurement attempted

in R or P mode which is not available.

WARNING

Do not use the R-3000 depth measurement

to decide if mechanical digging over buried

conductor is appropriate.

Ghost Ghost

Amprobe

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Technical Support:

800 327 5060

90/NUG01AMP/0 11.00