C-SCOPE CXL4, SGA4, DXL4, MXL4, SGV4 Instruction Manual

CXL4 Cable Avoidance Tool
DXL4 Depth Measuring Cable Avoidance Tool
SGA4 Signal Generator
SGV4 Signal Generator
MXL4 Precision Pipe & Cable Locator
MXT4 Transmitter

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

General Warnings 1
Features

CXL4 Cable Avoidance Tool 2
DXL4 Cable Avoidance Tool 2
MXL4 Precision Pipe & Cable Locator 2
SGA4 Signal Generator 3-4
SGV4 Signal Generator 3-4
MXT4 Transmitter 3, 5

Locator Operating Modes

Power Mode 6
Radio Mode 7
All Scan Mode 8-9
Generator/ Transmitter Mode 10

Using the Locator

Batteries 11
Automatic Daily Self Test 12-13
Holding the Locator 14
Searching 15
Pinpointing 16
AlarmZone™ 17
Tracing 18

Using the Signal Generator/ Transmitter 19

Output Power Level and Pulsed/Continuous Output 20
Frequency Selection 21
Batteries 22-23
Automatic Daily Self Test 24-25
Direct Connection 26-27

Street Furniture 28-29
Signal Clamp 30
Signal Injector 31
Searching 32
Tracing 33

Induction 34

Searching 35-36
Multiple Services 37
Inductive Sweep 38

Non-Metallic Pipe Tracing 39

Sonde Batteries 40
Duct Sonde Batteries 41
Tracing a Sonde 42-43
Plastic Pipe Tracers and Flexible Tracer 44-45

Depth Measurement

Metallic Services 46-47
Non-Metallic Services

- Sonde/Plastic Pipe Tracers/Flexible Tracer 48

Signal Current Measurement 49-52
Function Checks

Locator Function Checks 53-54
Signal Generator/ Transmitter Function Checks 55
Depth Measurement Function Checks 56

Data Logging

Locators 57
Signal Generator/ Transmitter 58

GPS and Bluetooth™ 59
General Symbols 60
Technical Specifications

CXL4 Cable Avoidance Tool 61
DXL4 Cable Avoidance Tool 61
MXL4 Precision Pipe & Cable Locator 62
SGA4 Signal Generator 63
SGV4 Signal Generator 63
MXT4 Transmitter 64

Maintenance

Handling/Cleaning/Storage 65

Support Services

Training/Servicing/Calibration/Repairs 65

Contents

ALWAYS EXCAVATE WITH CARE

C.Scope Locators detect services radiating a detectable signal. There may be some services that do not radiate a signal and cannot be located.

Do not use the equipment outside of the temperature range -10˚C to +50˚C (14˚F to 122˚F) as the batteries may cease to function adequately.

Geographical conditions such as hills and mountains may effectively screen signals and prevent a detectable Radio signal.

The Locators alone will not always locate every service. Use a Signal Generator/ Transmitter wherever possible.

Do not touch the metal of the Signal Generator/ Transmitter Crocodile Clips or of the Plastic Pipe Tracer or Flexible Tracer terminals when in use.

The Signal Generator/ Transmitter leads MUST  NOT be connected directly to a live service.

Beware of multiple services. The Locators will not always indicate services that are close together or one above the other.

Do not use the equipment in areas where hazardous gases may be present.

Check for underground services before using the Earth Stake.

Always make sure that the Locator and Signal Generator/ Transmitter are set to the same frequency when used together.

Performance may be impaired by unusually strong electromagnetic fields.

Do not hold the Locator Loudspeaker close to the ear for extended periods.

It is recommended that the operation of the Locator and Signal Generator/ Transmitter is regularly checked (see pages 53-56).

GENERAL WARNINGS

1

On/ Off Switch

Depth measurement button (DXL4/MXL4 only)

Digital display

Detachable Loudspeaker

Sensitivity Control

4 position Mode Switch:

P. Power
R. Radio

G. Generator/ T. Transmitter

A. All Scan

Battery Compartment and

data access connection

Replaceable Wear Foot

CXL4, DXL4 and MXL4 Locators

The CXL4, DXL4 and MXL4 can provide precise information about the position and depth (DXL4 and MXL4 only) of buried services.
The combination of locating modes enables buried services to be detected quickly and reliably.

Signal Strength Indicator

Depth display (DXL4/MXL4 only)

Mode selected:

P Power

R Radio

G Generator (CXL4/DXL4 frequency)

T Transmitter (MXL4 selected frequency)

A All Scan

Battery Condition Indicator

Self Test Warning

GPS

Bluetooth™

2

SGA4/SGV4 Signal Generator and MXT4 Transmitter

Control Panel

Digital display (SGV4/MXT4 only)

Direct Connection Socket

Auxiliary Earth Lead Socket

Auxiliary 10m Earth Lead

Direct Connection Leads

Crocodile Clips

Connection Magnets

Batteries

Earth Stake

Accessory Tray

Accessory Tray Holding Clips

3

Signal Strength Indicator

Output Power Level

Output Frequency Indicator

Connected Mode Indicator

Induced Mode Indicator

Battery Condition Indicator

Audio Level Indicator

Self Test Warning

SGA4 and SGV4 Signal Generator

4

SGA4 Signal Generator

The SGA4 Signal Generator is designed for use
with the CXL4 and DXL4 Locators.

• High (One Watt) and low Power Output settings.

• Pulsed or Continuous output signal.

• Loud or Muted audible output.

SGV4 Signal Generator

The SGV4 Signal Generator is designed for use
with the CXL4 and DXL4 Locators.

• Automatic Daily Self Test.

• Data Logging of all Signal Generator activity.

• Automatic Back-light.

• Four Power Output settings up to One Watt.

• Pulsed or Continuous output signal.

• Loud, Muted or Silent audible output settings.

• Combined Frequency (CF) signal output (33kHz and 131kHz)
applicable using both Connected and Induced methods
of signal transfer.

MXT4 Transmitter

5

MXT4 Transmitter

The MXT4 Transmitter is designed for use with the MXL4 Locator.

• Automatic Daily Self Test.

• Data Logging of all Transmitter activity.

• Automatic Back-light.

• Four Power Output settings up to One Watt.

• Pulsed or Continuous output signal.

• Loud, Muted or Silent audible output settings.

• Six Frequency settings: 512Hz, 640Hz, 8kHz, 33kHz,
CF (33kHz and 131kHz combined), 131kHz (HF).

• All Frequencies applicable using the Direct Connect method
of signal transfer.

• 8kHz, 33kHz, CF (33kHz and 131kHz combined), 131kHz (HF)
frequencies applicable using the Induced method of signal transfer.

In Power Mode the Locator detects power signals. These power signals are present on all current carrying electricity cables
although not all are detectable. Power signals may also flow along other conductors such as metal gas and water pipes,
telecom cables, metal fences and railway tracks.

Limitations of Power Mode

Not all electricity cables can be found using the Power Mode. Here are the most important examples of electricity cables
that may not be detectable in the Power Mode:

l Street lighting cables. When the lights are off, no current flows and so no power signal is created.
l Supplies to buildings or plant using very little or no electricity may not have a detectable power signal.
l Pot-ended or capped cables. These will never have any current flowing through them but are possibly still live.
l Disused or abandoned cables.
l A few high voltage electricity cables. These can be ‘well balanced’, electrically and therefore radiate little or no power signal.
l Direct Current cables (such as those found on railway systems). These do not create their own Power signals.
l Cables more than 3m (9’9”) deep.

Locator Operating Modes: Power Mode

NOTE Locators can only detect services radiating a detectable electromagnetic signal.
There may be some services that do not radiate these signals and cannot be located.

NOTE The absence of a power signal does not mean the service is not live.

WARNING

Generally these services should be detectable using the Radio or Generator/ Transmitter Modes.

6

In Radio Mode, the Locator detects signals from various radio transmitters. These signals flow through the ground
and will tend to follow the line of least resistance such as a buried metallic service. When this happens the service
can often be detected by using the Locator in Radio Mode.

Limitations of Radio Mode

l Not all services will be detectable in Radio Mode.
l A strong radio signal present on one service may be masking a weaker radio signal present on an adjacent service.
l It is not normally possible to determine what the service is in Radio Mode, only it’s position.
l Radio signals do not favour one utility over another.
l The depth of the buried service cannot be judged by the strength of the radio signal alone.
l Normally it is only possible to detect radio signals present on services up to 2 m (6’6”) deep.
l A short service may not have enough signal to be detected.

Locator Operating Modes: Radio Mode

NOTE Locators can only detect services radiating a detectable electromagnetic signal.
There may be some services that do not radiate these signals and cannot be located.

7

WARNING Most buried metallic services not found in Radio Mode should be detectable by using Generator Mode
with the Signal Generator/Transmitter.

In All Scan Mode, the Locator detects at ALL frequencies in a wide band. Sometimes a signal that is outside of the frequency
range of the other search modes (Power, Radio, and Generator/ Transmitter) will be present on a buried metallic service.
All Scan Mode is a useful additional search mode to employ as it may detect these ‘extra’ signals as well as the Power, Radio
and Generator/ Transmitter signals.

Using the All Scan Mode is also a good way to confirm the accuracy of the marking of metal pipes and cables previously detected
using the Power, Radio and Generator/ Transmitter modes of detection.

Locator Operating Modes: All Scan Mode

8

P

R

G/T

A

P

R

G/T

A

P

R

G/T

A

P

R

G/T

A

P

R

G/T

A

Limitations of All Scan Mode

All Scan Mode has exactly the same limitations as those listed for the Power and Radio Modes:

l Street lighting cables when the lights are switched off, supply cables to buildings or plant using little or no electricity,

pot-ended or capped cables, well balanced high voltage cables and direct current cables may all be missed on the All Scan Mode.

l A strong All Scan signal present on one service may mask a weaker All Scan signal present on an adjacent service.
l It is not normally possible to determine what the service is in All Scan Mode, only its position.
l All Scan signals do not favour one utility over another.
l The depth of the buried service cannot be judged by the strength of the All Scan signal alone.
l Normally it is only possible to detect All Scan signals present on services up to 2 m (6’6”) deep.
l A short service may not have enough signal to be detected.

Locator Operating Modes: All Scan Mode

9

WARNING Using the Power and Radio Modes may be more effective in areas where there are many services
radiating an All Scan signal.

10

Locator Operating Modes: Generator/ Transmitter Mode

In Generator/ Transmitter Mode the Locator detects conductors radiating
a signal applied by the Signal Generator/ Transmitter or the signal radiated
by a Sonde.

The Signal Generator/ Transmitter provides a way of sending a known
signal along buried metallic services which can then be detected using
the Locator. By detecting this signal it is possible to locate, trace
and identify the pipes or cables that may be carrying it.

There are TWO basic methods by which the Signal Generator/ Transmitter
signal can be applied to buried services:

l Direct Connection - The Signal Generator/Transmitter is attached

directly to the service using either the Direct Connection Leads
or one of the accessories available for use with the Signal Generator/
Transmitter such as the Signal Clamp or Signal Injector.

l Induction - The Signal Generator/ Transmitter can induce a signal

onto a buried metallic service remotely from the surface without
the need to physically connect to that service.

Limitations of Generator/ Transmitter Mode are covered
in the ‘Using the Signal Generator/ Transmitter’ section
of this Manual.

WARNING Locators can only detect services radiating a detectable electromagnetic signal.
There may be some services that do not radiate these signals and cannot be located.

Direct Connection

Induction

11

Using the Locator: Batteries

NOTE A spare battery pack can be carried inside the Battery Compartment.
NOTE Only use alkaline or Nickel-Metal Hydride rechargeable (NiMH) AA (LR6) size batteries.
NOTE Dispose of the used batteries safely in accordance with local regulations.

WARNING Do not change batteries in confined spaces where gas may be present.
WARNING Do not mix old and new or different types of batteries.

NOTE The Locator will carry out an automatic daily Self Test when it is switched on for the first time each day

(see pages 12-13 for full details)

C.Scope Locators can be powered by either eight standard alkaline
or Nickel-Metal Hydride rechargeable (NiMH) AA (LR6) size batteries.

Locator Battery Check

Switch the Locator on by pulling up on the On/Off trigger positioned
on the underside of the handle. The Locator should emit a clear audible
battery check tone for one second and the display should come on.

Check the battery level indicator in the bottom left hand corner
of the display. If there is only one segment or no segments
of the indicator filled in then the batteries will need to be replaced
or recharged before locating work can begin.

Changing Locator Batteries

l Push the two clips back to release the Battery Compartment door.
l Remove ALL EIGHT used batteries and replace with new or recharged ones.
l Be careful to insert the new batteries the correct way round in the holder.
l Replace the holder in the Battery Compartment making sure that the two terminals on the holder make contact with the two

terminals within the Battery Compartment.

l Close the Battery Compartment door securely.

Replace or Recharge batteries

Battery Levels OK

NOTE The Locator records every Automatic Daily Self Test. The Test results can be retrieved from
the Locator to produce a Product Validation Certificate by using the PC Toolkit (see page 57).

12

Using the Locator: Automatic Daily Self Test

NOTE When turning the Locator on for the first time it is important that no other Locator is situated within 30cm (1’)
and that no Signal Generators, Transmitters or Sondes are operating within 5 m (16’) .
NOTE Try not to switch the Locator on for the first time in an area with unusually high Power signals such as next to
an electricity transformer.

The CXL4, DXL4 and MXL4 Locators have an in-built automatic Daily Self Test function.
This tests the Locator’s circuits and receiving aerials for correct performance.

The Self Test is automatically performed the first time the Locator is switched on each day
and takes approximately four seconds.

The Self Test process is indicated by ‘TEST’ appearing on the display.
In the top left hand corner of the screen a countdown timer shows the progress
of the test.

After the Locator has successfully completed the Self Test
the Locator is ready for use as per normal.
It will not undertake another Self Test that day.

If the Locator has failed the Self Test the Warning symbol
will appear in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.

If the error code ‘OVER’ is displayed alongside the Warning
symbol this indicates that there is a significant external signal
present that has corrupted the actual Self Test process.

The source could be an active Signal Generator, Transmitter,
Sonde or Locator or a nearby transformer or other power
source emitting a strong Power mode signal.

In this situation make sure all nearby Signal Generators,
Transmitters and Sondes are switched off or move
a few metres/feet to a different location. The Locator will
automatically initiate a new Self Test when it is next switched
on and will continue to do this until a successful Self Test
has been achieved.

If the Locator still fails a Self Test then this is indicating
that there is a fault and the Locator should be withdrawn
from service. Contact C.Scope or a C.Scope Authorised
Service Centre for advice.

13

Using the Locator: Automatic Daily Self Test

14

When in use the Locator should always be held upright.
Never swing the Locator such that it moves away from
the vertical. The Locator will emit an audio warning
if the Locator is being swung excessively.

Using the Locator: Holding the Locator

Correct Incorrect

90º

Your middle or little finger should be used to squeeze,
and hold on, the On/Off trigger. Your index finger will
then be free to adjust the Sensitivity Control.

15

There are three stages to the locating process; searching,
pinpointing and tracing.

1. Turn the Mode Switch to the appropriate mode.

2. Hold in the On/Off trigger. The Locator should emit the audible

battery test tone and the digital display should come on.
Check the battery level indicator to confirm the batteries are usable.

3. Rotate the Sensitivity Control fully clockwise to its maximum

setting as indicated by the arrow on the control.

4. Carry out the search using a grid pattern as shown in the diagram.

Walk slowly and keep the Locator upright at all times and stationary
by your side.

5. As you approach the area in which there is a signal the Locator will

emit an audible response and show a visual response on the display.

6. Keep walking until the audible and visual responses disappear.

Using the Locator: Searching

NOTE This search technique applies only to the Power, Radio and All Scan Modes.
See ‘Using the Signal Generator/ Transmitter’ for the correct search pattern when using Generator/ Transmitter Mode.
NOTE Sometimes the Locator will give an audible response and strong (full scale) visual response across
the whole of the search area. In this case turn the sensitivity down slightly and repeat the search using the same grid pattern.

Search Grid Pattern

16

Using the Locator: Pinpointing

NOTE The amount of sensitivity adjustment needed to pinpoint a service can vary depending on the mode being used,
the signal strength and the service depth.
NOTE The word ‘OVER’ will appear on the display if the Locator is detecting a signal that is too strong. This is irrespective
of which mode of detection is being used and can also be caused if the Power Output setting on the Signal Generator/
Transmitter is too high.

NOTE The presence of other signals in the immediate vicinity may result in the visual response not reducing to a minimum
level when the Locator is rotated over the peak response.

NOTE Each time the Locator response reaches its peak
position, a single ‘PeakHold’ line will remain showing
on the bar graph for two seconds to assist you to return to the correct peak position.

Having found a signal the next step is to pinpoint the source.
The closer the Locator is to the signal source the stronger the response.

To Pinpoint a Signal

1. Keeping the Locator vertical, walk through the area of the signal

response. If the visual response goes up off the scale then stop
and reduce the sensitivity of the Locator slightly before continuing.

2. The width of the signal response will shrink as the sensitivity

is reduced. Once it is reduced enough then a clear peak response
will be seen on the display as the Locator traverses the service.
The Locator is positioned directly above the buried service
when the display is at its highest (peak) reading.

3. Carefully rotate the Locator over the peak reading until the visual response falls to a minimum.

The Locator will now be roughly IN LINE with the direction of the buried service.

4. Mark the position of the buried service.

The CXL4, DXL4 and MXL4 Locators feature an Alarm Zone™ which is a form
of automated depth measurement intended to alert the user to the presence
of unusually shallow pipes or cables.

The Alarm Zone™ warning will be triggered if the Locator measures a Power,
Generator/Transmitter or All Scan signal as being less than 0.3 m (12 ”) away.
The Locator will give an audible alert and the Alarm Zone™ warning symbol
will flash on the display of the Locator.

The Alarm Zone™ depth setting is shown each time the Locator is switched on.

The Alarm Zone™ is factory set to be triggered at 0.3 m (12”).
This distance can be altered using the PC Toolkit.

The Alarm Zone™ feature can be temporarily disabled by switching between the Generator/
Transmitter mode and All Scan mode three times in quick succession. If you have disabled
the Alarm Zone™ feature, each time the Locator is switched on the display will read ‘OFF’.

AlarmZone™ will remain disabled for 30 minutes at which point it will be automatically reactivated.

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17

Using the Locator: Alarm Zone™

WARNING There may be some pipes and cables that are not radiating a signal so the Alarm Zone™ warning will not appear.
NEVER presume there are no shallow pipes or cables present simply because Alarm Zone™ has not been triggered.

18

Using the Locator: Tracing

Having pinpointed a service it should now be possible to trace its route.

1. Carefully follow the direction of the signal holding the Locator at right

angles to the line of the signal. It is necessary to constantly ‘slice’
the Locator from side to side in order to be sure of still being over
the peak signal response.

2. Stop and mark the position of the signal at regular intervals.

As more marks are recorded the precise direction of the service
will become more apparent.

Lost Signals

This can be because of a curve, or bend in the route, change in depth
of the service, a T connection or the end of the service.

Finding Lost Signals

1. Walk in a circle at least 1 m (3’3”) around the point where the signal

was lost. This should locate the service if the signal has been lost
because of a curve or bend in the route of the service, or a T connection
into another service.

2. If you find nothing then increase the sensitivity and repeat the circle.

This should find the service if it has continued but at a greater depth.

NOTE It may be necessary to re adjust the sensitivity to maintain the optimum response.
NOTE After tracing, return to the original search grid to search for further buried services.

WARNING Never rush the tracing process. Small and unexpected changes in the service’s route will be missed

if care is not taken to follow the signal’s path every step of the way.

19

Using the Signal Generator/ Transmitter

Using the Locator in Power and Radio Modes will only allow you to locate and mark the position
of buried services that are producing a Power signal or re-radiating a Radio signal.

Use of the Signal Generator/ Transmitter should enable most, if not all, of the remaining buried metallic
services to be detected and traced. This section explains the various ways in which the Signal
Generator/Transmitter can be used.

It also shows how to use those accessories that allow the Signal Generator/ Transmitter to be directly
connected to specific services.

Direct Connection - Physically connecting the Signal Generator/ Transmitter to a service is the most
effective way to transfer the signal onto that service and the best way to trace the route of that service.

Signal Clamp - The Signal Clamp is an accessory that allows the Signal Generator/ Transmitter signal
to be applied to a specific cable without having to make electrical contact with that cable.
Although the Signal Clamp is not physically fixed to the cable we still consider it as
a Connection method because it is using the Signal Generator/ Transmitter in Connection Mode.

Signal Injector - The Signal Injector is an accessory that allows the Signal Generator/ Transmitter
signal to be safely applied to an electrical system via a conventional 3-pin power socket.
This signal will then be detectable on the buried supply cable outside the building.

Induction - Induction is a method of applying a signal to a service to which there is no direct access.

NOTE The Locator should always be handled and operated according to the instructions
shown in the ‘Using the Locator’ section unless specifically shown otherwise in this section.

NOTE SGA4 Signal Generators will always switch on at higher power output, continuous signal and loud audio setting.
NOTE SGV4 Signal Generators and MXT4 Transmitters will switch on to the last used settings.
NOTE SGV4 Signal Generators and MXT4 Transmitters have a display backlight that is activated

each time any control button is pressed. The display will remain illuminated for 15 seconds.