
AT-3000 User guide
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.
4 
3
1 
2 
5
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: 305 423 7500 
Fax: 305 423 7554
Technical Support:
800 327 5060
90/NUG01AMP/0 11.00