DigiTrak FALCON F5 Operator's Manual

Directional Drilling Guidance System

Operator’s Manual

[e-mail]

www.DigiTrak.com

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

403-2400-21-B metric,Russia, printed on 5/30/2017

© 2017 DigitalControl Incorporated. Allrights r eserved.

Параметры электромагнитной совместимости соответствуют Техническому регламенту Таможенного союза
«Электромагнитная совместимость технических средств» ( ТС ТР 020/2011).

“ООО РадиоСерт”
ул. Раменки, д. 31, кв. 135, г. Москва, 119607

7.495.669.11.64
[e-mail]

Trademarks

The DCI®logo, F5®, and DigiTrak®are U.S. registered trademarks.

Patents

U.S. and foreign patents applyto the product covered by this manual. For details,please visit www.DigiTrak.com/patents.

Limited Warranty

Allproducts manufactured and sold by Digital Control Incorpor ated (DCI) are subject to the terms of a Limited Warranty. A copy of the
Limited Warranty isincluded at the end of this manual; it can also be obtained at www.DigiTrak.com.

Important No tice

Allstatements, technical information, and recommendations related to DCI products are based on information believed to be reliable.
However, DCI does not warrant or guar antee the accuracy or completeness of such information. Before using any DCI product, the
user should determine the suitability of the product for its intended use. All statements herein r efer to DCI products as delivered by DCI
for use with horizontaldirectional drilling in the or dinary course, and do not apply to any user customizations, third-party products, or
any usage of the DCI product outside of the ordinary course. Nothing herein shall constitute a warranty by DCI nor willanything herein
be deemed to modify the terms of DCI’s existing Limited Warranty applicableto allDCI products. DCI may update or correct the
information in this manual from time to time. You may find the most recent version of this manual on DCI's website, www.DigiTrak.com.
Under Service & Suppo rt, click Documentation and select from the Manu als drop-down menu.

Compliance Statement

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the Rules of the FCC and with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standards and with
Australia Class License 2000 for LIPD ( low interference potential devices). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: ( 1) this
equipment may not cause harmful interference, and (2) thisequipment must accept any interfer ence r eceived, including interference
that may cause undesired operation. DCI is responsible for FCC compliance in the United States: Digital Control Incorporated, 19625
62nd Ave S, Suite B103, Kent WA 98032; phone [phone] or 800.288.3610 (US/CA).

Changes or modificationsto any DCI equipment not expressly approved and carried out by DCI willvoid the user’s Limited Warranty
and the FCC’s authorization to operate the equipment.

CE Requ irements

DigiTrak receivers are classified as Class 2 radio equipment per the R&TTE Directive and may not be legal to oper ate or
require a user license to operate in some countries. T he list of restrictionsand the required declarations of conformity

are availableon DCI’s website at www.DigiTrak.com. Under Service & Support, clickDocumentat ion and select from the CE
Docu ments drop-down menu.

ii DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual

Contact Us

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

United States

DCI Headquarters

Australia

China

Europe

19625 62nd Ave S, Suite B103
Kent, Washington 98032, USA

1.425.251.0559 / 1.800.288.3610

1.425.251.0702 fax

[e-mail]

2/9 Frinton Street
Southport QLD 4215

61.7.5531.4283

61.7.5531.2617 fax

[e-mail]

368 Xingle Road
Huacao Town
Minhang District
Shanghai 201107, P.R.C.

86.21.6432.5186

86.21.6432.5187 传 真)

[e-mail]

Brueckenstraße 2
97828 Marktheidenfeld
Deutschland

49.9391.810.6100

49.9391.810.6109 Fax

[e-mail]

India

Russia

DTJ 203, DLF Tower B
Jasola District Center
New Delhi 110025

91.11.4507.0444

91.11.4507.0440 fax

[e-mail]

Молодогвардейская ул., д.4
стр. 1, офис 5
Москва, Российская Федерация 121467

7.499.281.8177

7.499.281.8166 факс

[e-mail]

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual iii

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing a DigiTrak guidance system. We are proud of the equipment we have been designing
and building in Washington State since 1990. We believe in providing a unique, high-quality product and
standing behind it with world-class customer service and training.

Please take the time to read this entire manual, especially the section on safety. Please also register your
equipment online at access.DigiTrak.com. Or, fill in the product registration card provided with this
equipment and either fax it to us at 253-395-2800 or mail it to DCI headquarters.

Product registration entitles you to free telephone support (in the USA and Canada), notification of product
updates, and helps us provide you with future product upgrade information.

Our Customer Service department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the U.S. to help with
problems or questions. International contact information is available in this document and on our website.

As the horizontal directional drilling industry grows, we’re keeping our eye on the future to develop equipment
that makes your job faster, easier, and safer. Visit us online any time to see what we’re up to.

We welcome your questions, comments, and ideas.

Digital Control Incorporated
Kent, Washington
2017

Watch our DigiTrak Training Videos at www.youtube.com/dcikent

For system component name and model information, refer to Appendix A on page 65.

iv DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual

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Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions 1

General 1
Pre-Drilling Testing 2
Interference 2

Potential Interference Received 2
Potential Interference Generated 2

Battery Pack Storage 3
Equipment Maintenance 3
General Transmitter Care Instructions 3

Getting Started 5

Introduction 5
Using This Manual 6
Powering On 6

Receiver 7
Transmitter 7
Remote Display (Aurora) 7

Setup Summary 7

Select Frequency Optimizer 7
Assign Frequency Bands 8
Interference Check 8
Calibrate 8
Above Ground Range Check 8
Drill 8

Receiver 9

Overview 9
Toggle and Trigger Switches 9
Audible Tones 10
Startup Screen 10
Using the Keypad 11
Your Remote Display 11

Receiver Menus 12

Locate Mode 13
Power Off 13
Calibration and AGR 13

1-Point Calibration 14
In-Ground Calibration 16
View Calibration 17
Above Ground Range (AGR) 17
15 m Calibration (Optional) 18

Height-Above-Ground (HAG) 18
Settings 20

Depth Units Menu 20
Pitch Units Menu 20
Set Time and Calendar Menu 21

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual v

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Telemetry Channel Menu 21
Roll Offset Menu 22
Pressure Units Menu 23
Temperature Units Menu 23
Language Selection Menu 23

Transmitter Selection and Frequency Optimization 23

Frequency Optimization 24
So I Just Paired, Now What? 27
Transmitter Selection 27
View Frequency Optimization 28
Transmitter Information and Runtime 28

DataLog 29

Left/Right Offset 30
Deviation 30
Flags and Pins 30

Diagnostics 31

Perform Level Check 32
Perform System Self-Test 33
Perform Signal Self-Test 33

System Information 34

Locating Basics 35

Locating Screens 36

Locate Screen 36
Locate Screen Shortcuts 37
Depth Screen 37
Predicted Depth Screen 38
Depth Screen, Invalid Location 39

Interference 39

What is Interference? 40
Checking for Interference 40
Roll/Pitch Check 41
Suggestions for Dealing with Interference 42

Locate Points (FLP & RLP) and Locate Line (LL) 43

Effects of Depth, Pitch, and Topography on Distance Between FLP and RLP 44
Marking Locate Points 45

Locating the Transmitter 45

Finding the Front Locate Point (FLP) 46
Finding the Locate Line (LL) 47
Finding the RLP to Confirm Transmitter Heading and Position 49

Advanced Locating 51

Tracking “On-the-Fly” 51
Off-Track Locating 52
Target Steering 54

Feasible Target Steering Area 55
Turning Target Steering On 55
Positioning the Receiver as the Target 56
Steering to the Target with the Remote Display 57
Target Steering in Interference Areas 57
Turn Target Steering Off 57

vi DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual

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Transmitter 58

Batteries and Power On/Off 59

19-inch Transmitters 59
15-inch Transmitters 59
Installing Batteries / Power On (19- and 15-inch) 59
Transmitter Battery Strength 60
Sleep Mode 60

Transmitter Drill Head Requirements 61
Temperature Status and Overheat Indicator 61

Transmitter Temperature Warning Tones 62
Transmitter Overheat Indicator (Temp Dot) 62
Transmitter Warranty Timer 62

Changing Frequency Bands 62

Above Ground (Pre-Bore) Tilt Method 63
Below Ground (Mid-Bore) Roll Methods 63

AppendixA: System Specifications 65

Power Requirements 65
Environmental Requirements 65
Storage and Shipping Requirements 65

Temperature 65
Packaging 65

Equipment and Battery Disposal 65
Transmitter Pitch Resolution 65

AppendixB: Receiver Screen Symbols 67

AppendixC: Projected Depth Versus Actual Depth and the Fore/Aft Offset 69

AppendixD: Calculating Depth Based on Distance Between FLP and RLP 73

AppendixE: Reference Tables 74

Depth Increase in cm per 3-m Rod 74
Depth Increase in cm per 4.6-m Rod 75

WARRANTY

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual vii

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viii DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual

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Important Safety Instructions

General

The following warnings relate generally to the operation of DigiTrak®guidance systems. This is not
an exhaustive list. Always operate your DigiTrak guidance system in accordance with the manual
and be aware of interference that may affect efforts to retrieve accurate data with this guidance
system. Failure to do so can be hazardous. If you have any questions about the operation of the
system, please contact DCI Customer Service for assistance.

To prevent potentially dangerous conditions, all operators must read and understand the safety
precautions, warnings, and instructions before using a DigiTrak guidance system.

DigiTrak guidance systems cannot be used to locate utilities.

Failure to use the front and rear locate points technique described in this manual for locating the
transmitter can lead to inaccurate locates.

Serious injury and death as well as substantial property damage can result if underground drilling
equipment makes contact with an underground utility, including natural gas lines, high-voltage
electrical cable, or other utilities.

DCI equipment is not explosion-proof and should never be used near flammable or explosive
substances.

Work slowdowns and cost overruns can occur if drilling operators do not use the drilling or
guidance equipment correctly to obtain proper performance.

Directional drilling operators MUST at all times:

l Understand the safe and proper operation of drilling and guidance equipment, including proper grounding

procedures and techniques for identifying and mitigating interference.

l Ensure all underground utilities and all potential sources of interference have been located, exposed, and

accurately marked prior to drilling.

l Wear protective safety clothing such as dielectric boots, gloves, hard hats, high-visibility vests, and

safety glasses.

l Locate and track the transmitter in the drill head accurately and correctly during drilling.

l Maintain a minimum distance of 20 cm from the front of the receiver to the user’s torso to ensure

compliance with RF exposure requirements.

l Comply with federal, state, and local governmental regulations (such as OSHA).

l Follow all other safety procedures.

Remove the batteries from all system components during shipping and prolonged storage. Failure to do so
may result in battery leakage, which may lead to risk of explosion, health risks, and/or damage.

Store and transport batteries using a suitable protective case that will keep batteries safely isolated from one
another. Failure to do so may result in short circuits, which may lead to hazardous conditions including fire.
See Appendix A for important restrictions on shipping lithium-ion batteries.

Use of this equipment is restricted to internal use at a construction site.

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Pre-Drilling Testing

Before each drilling run, test your DigiTrak guidance system with the transmitter inside the drill head to
confirm it is operating properly and providing accurate drill head location and heading information.

During drilling, the depth will not be accurate unless:

l The receiver has been properly calibrated and the calibration has been checked for accuracy so the

receiver shows the correct depth.

l The transmitter has been located correctly and accurately and the receiver is directly above the

transmitter in the drill head underground or at the front locate point.

l The receiver is placed on the ground or held at the correct height-above-ground distance, which has been

set correctly.

Always test calibration after you have stopped drilling for any length of time.

Interference

The Falcon frequency optimizer selects frequencies based on measured active interference at a given point
in time and space. Active interference levels can change with time and location, passive interference (which
the system does not detect) may be present, and performance may vary as a result. Selections by the
frequency optimizer are not a substitute for prudent operator judgment. If performance drops while drilling,
consider switching to the other selected band or using Max Mode.

Potential Interference Received

Interference can cause inaccuracies in the measurement of depth and loss of the transmitter’s pitch, roll, or
heading. Always perform a background noise check using your receiver (locator), as well as a visual
inspection for possible sources of interference, prior to drilling.

A background noise check will not identify all sources of interference, as it can only pick up sources that are
active, not passive. Interference, as well as a partial list of sources of interference, are discussed in the
section Interference on page39.

Never rely on data that does not display quickly and/or remain stable.

If an A displays at the top right of the roll indicator or frequency optimizer at distances greater than 3.0 m from
the transmitter, attenuation is in effect, indicating the presence of excessive noise that can lead to inaccurate
depth readings. A flashing signal strength and A icon indicate the presence of extreme interference; depth
and locate points will not be accurate.

Potential Interference Generated

Because this equipment may generate, use, and radiate radio frequency energy, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur at a particular location. If this equipment does interfere with radio or television
reception, which can be determined by powering the equipment off and on, try to correct the interference
using one or more of the following measures:

l Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

l Increase the separation between the receiver and affected equipment.

l Consult the dealer, DCI, or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

l Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit.

2 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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Battery Pack Storage

If you plan to store the battery packs for any period of time, please follow these guidelines:

l Do not store the battery pack at temperatures greater than 45° C.

l Do not store the battery pack in a fully discharged state.

l Do not store the battery pack in the battery charger.

l Do not store multiple batteries together where their terminals or other loose conductive materials may

contact one another and cause a short circuit.

If a lithium-ion battery pack will be stored for an extended period of time, pre-charge the battery to a charge
level of 30% to 50% (two or three LEDs illuminated on the meter). Do not store the battery pack for more than
one year unless it is periodically recharged to the 30% to 50% level.

Equipment Maintenance

Turn off all equipment when not in use.

Store the equipment in cases, away from extremes of heat, cold, and moisture. Test to confirm proper
operation prior to use.

Clean the glass screens on the receiver and remote display only with a cleaner specifically formulated to not
harm the protective coatings on the glass. If in doubt, use only warm water and a microfiber cloth. Do not use
household or commercial window cleaning products that include chemicals such as ammonia, alcohol, or
any acidic liquid; these cleaners can contain microscopic abrasive granules that will damage the anti­reflective coating and may cause the display to spot.

Clean equipment cases and housings using only a soft moist cloth and mild detergent.

Do not steam clean or pressure wash.

Inspect the equipment daily and contact DCI if you see any damage or problems. Do not disassemble or
attempt to repair the equipment.

Do not store or ship this equipment with batteries inside. Always remove the batteries from the equipment
before shipping or periods of non-use.

The battery charger provided with your DigiTrak guidance system is designed with adequate safeguards to
protect you from shock and other hazards when used as specified within this document. If you use the
battery charger in a manner not specified by this document, the protection provided may be impaired. Do not
attempt to disassemble the battery charger, it contains no user-serviceable parts. The battery charger shall
not be installed into caravans, recreational vehicles, or similar vehicles.

General Transmitter Care Instructions

Periodically clean the spring and threads inside the battery compartment as well as the spring and threads of
the battery end cap to ensure a proper power connection with the batteries. Use an emery cloth or wire brush
to remove any oxidation that has built up. Be careful not to damage the battery cap O-ring; remove it while
cleaning if necessary. After cleaning, use a conductive lubricant on the battery cap threads to keep it from
binding in the battery compartment.

For better battery performance, all DCI battery-powered transmitters ship with both
a special battery contact spring and a nickel-based anti-seize lubricant on the
battery end cap to aid in electrical contact.

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Before use, inspect the battery cap O-ring for damage that may allow water to enter the battery compartment.
Replace the O-ring if the one installed becomes damaged.

Do not use chemicals to clean the transmitter.

Placing tape around the fiberglass tube of the transmitter, if space allows, will keep the fiberglass protected
from most corrosive and abrasive environmental wear. Do not tape over the IR port as this will interfere with
IR communication.

Falcon 19- and 15-inch transmitters have a threaded hole (1/4”-20 thread) in the battery cap to allow the use
of an insertion/extraction tool for installing and removing the transmitters in end-load housings. Ensure this
hole remains clear of debris.

Send in the Product Registration Card or register online at access.DigiTrak.com within 90 days of purchase
to enable the warranty on your equipment, including a 3-year/500-hour warranty on your transmitter. Ask your
dealer about our extended 5-year/750-hour transmitter warranty.

4 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

Getting Started

Introduction

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

1. Aurora touchscreen
remote disp lay

2. Receiver

3. Transmitter

4. Li-ion/NiMH battery
charger

DigiTrak Falcon F5®Guidance System with Aurora®Remote

Display

Congratulations on your purchase of the DigiTrak Falcon F5®, the flagship system of the DigiTrak Falcon line
of guidance systems. Falcon technology represents a significant advancement in helping crews overcome
one of the biggest obstacles to completing their underground drilling projects: active interference. Falcon F5
provides crews with Falcon technology alongside all the advanced features of the classic F5 system, like
DataLog, fluid pressure monitoring, and Target Steering.

In today’s competitive underground drilling landscape of deeper bores and more challenging jobsites,
interference has emerged as one of the primary obstacles to completing HDD installations on time.
Interference varies from jobsite to jobsite, at different points within the same jobsite, and even with time of
day. After extensive research and testing in some of the most challenging interference environments in the
world, DCI concluded that selecting a transmitter frequency that sidesteps interference is far more effective
at overcoming this obstacle than simply increasing power.

The Falcon approach involves dividing a wide range of frequencies into bands, then selecting the frequencies
that are least susceptible to the interference in each band. Falcon F5 has eight bands that each use the best­performing of hundreds of frequencies between 9.0 and 45 khz. Optimize one band for best performance on
the majority of the bore and the other for a high-interference segment. The system is easy to learn and simple
to use every day. By following a few easy steps at the beginning of each pilot bore, you will be ready to drill
within minutes.

Competing systems define success in terms of depth and data range. Falcon technology also provides
tremendous range, but that isn’t what makes Falcon great. DCI defines success as enabling crews to
complete the largest number of jobs possible in the shortest periods of time. Falcon technology is designed
around that principle.

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What if I have a question about this topic?

As you read this manual, you may have questions. We've already answered some of them right at
the source in boxes like this. If the topic isn't for you, skip it and read on.

You might need this.

Sometimes it's handy to have some extra information at your fingertips. While it may be
discussed in detail elsewhere in the manual, we've extracted and placed some important data
right where you need it, with a page link if you want to read more.

Go watch some TV.

Subjects with training videos available online will be marked with this icon.

Toggle, trigger, go.Page9

At the Locate screen, toggle down to open the Main menu. Toggle in any direction to reach the
icon you want. Click the trigger to make a selection. In some cases, hold the trigger for
additional information, such as a depth reading at the Locate screen.

The Falcon system comes standard with a receiver, transmitter, batteries, and battery charger. The separate
operator's manuals for these devices are located on the flash drive that accompanied your guidance system
and also at www.DigiTrak.com.

Using This Manual

This manual is an important tool for you as the operator of a Falcon guidance system. You can find it on the
flash drive that accompanied your system or at www.DigiTrak.com. We encourage you to load it onto your
mobile device and keep it handy so the information you need is always close at hand.

When something is worth a little extra attention, we'll mark it with this handy Notebook icon.

To help find those distant details, the manual includes hyperlinks that will take you right there, like this
example:

Prior to use, the receiver must be paired to and calibrated with the
transmitter.

Calibration and AGR

Page13

Powering On

The regional designation number in the globes on the receiver startup screen and transmitter body
must match. If they don’t, contact your DigiTrak dealer.

6 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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Receiver

1. Install a fully charged battery pack.

2. Power on the receiver by holding the trigger briefly.

3. Click to accept the “Read the manual before using” statement. The
subsequent information screen provides useful information such as
software version and compatible transmitters. Click to advance.

4.

First time use: from the Main > Settings menu , set the depth units,
pitch units, date/time, and telemetry channel.

5.

On the Main menu, set the optional Height-Above-Ground .

Transmitter

Do not power on the transmitter until after running the frequency optimizer on
the receiver (see next section). After that, or after resuming work (such as
after lunch) using the same frequency bands, simply install batteries with the
positive end first and completely fasten the battery cap.

Settings

Page20

Height-Above-Ground

(HAG)

Page18

Batteries and Power On/Off

Page59

Remote Display (Aurora)

The Aurora®remote display powers on automatically with the drill rig.

1. Connect the telemetry antenna and connect the Aurora to 10–28 VDC power on the drill rig. It
displays the Home screen.

2.

Tap Main Menu in the taskbar, then Receiver to set your type of receiver, telemetry
channel to match that of the receiver, and region.

3.

Tap to return to the Main Menu, then in the Settings tab, tap Device to set the date, time,
and depth and pitch units. Use the same settings as on the receiver. It is also good practice to use
the same system of units (English or metric) on both devices.

4.

Tap Home to return to the Home screen. If the receiver is receiving data from a transmitter,
that data will now display on the Aurora.

If you are using an existing DigiTrak remote display, select F5 to receive data from the locator, and refer to
the separate operator's manual located on the flash drive that accompanied your guidance system and also
at www.DigiTrak.com.

Setup Summary

Getting started with a Falcon F5 receiver is easy: run the frequency optimizer, walk and scan the bore path,
pair the receiver with the transmitter, calibrate, check Above Ground Range, and check for active
interference. It's all summarized in the following several paragraphs, with links to the details later in this
manual. If you're hungry for the details now, skip to Receiver on page9.

Select Frequency Optimizer

1. With the transmitter off (batteries not installed), take the receiver to the point along the intended
bore that might create the biggest locating challenge, like the deepest point of the bore or where
there is obvious active interference such as a railway crossing, transformer, traffic lights, or power
lines.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 7

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2. Power on the receiver and from the Main menu

> Frequency Optimizer

select Transmitter Selection, then Frequency
Optimizer (FO).

3. With the FO results active, walk the entire intended bore path with the receiver and note areas of
high background noise (active interference). The higher a frequency band's bar is on the graph, the
greater the interference. Note which band remains consistently low, since the band with the lowest
level of interference will likely be the one you want to use.

Assign Frequency Bands

1. On the receiver, use the toggle to move the selector on the bottom of the frequency optimizer graph
to the band you want to use and hold the trigger briefly to select.

2. Assign as the Up or Down band.

3. Optional: select and assign a second frequency band.

4.

Select Pair .

5. Insert batteries in the transmitter, positive end first, install the battery cap, and allow several
seconds for the transmitter to fully power on and begin sending data to the receiver.

6.

Align the receiver and transmitter IR ports within four cm of each other. Select to open the

pairing menu, then again to pair.

Page23

Interference Check

Now that your transmitter is paired with your receiver, walk the bore with
both the receiver and transmitter powered on to check for active
interference on both frequency bands.

Changing Frequency Bands

Interference

Page39

Page62

Calibrate

Perform a separate 1-point (1PT) calibration for each newly optimized frequency
band in a low-noise area with the transmitter in a housing. Always calibrate after
assigning a new frequency band.

If you paired two bands and want to be able to switch between them later, calibrate both bands.

Calibration

Page13

Above Ground Range Check

Perform an Above Ground Range check on the new optimized frequency band (or
bands) before drilling. The AGR screen displays automatically after calibration.

If the above-ground AGR distance at 15 m is not accurate, conduct a 15M

15M Calibration

calibration (which also uses only one point) to improve the accuracy of the above­ground distance measurement. A 15 m calibration is not necessary for drilling.

The AGR check shows the distance between the receiver and transmitter without having to constantly hold
the trigger, as when taking a depth reading at the locate line.

AGR

Page17

Page18

Drill

What are you waiting for? Start drilling. Or read on for more details and cool acronyms to know about the best
locator on the planet.

8 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

Receiver

I know what a trigger switch is; can I skip this?Page12

This section is like shaking hands with your Falcon for the first time. If you and your receiver
already have a solid relationship, you can probably jump ahead to Receiver Menus.

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

1. Screen

2. Toggle Switch

3. Front

4. Infrared port

5. Trigger switch

6. Battery tab

7. Battery compartment

8. Serial n umber

Falcon F5 Receiver – Side and Back Views

Overview

The DigiTrak Falcon F5®receiver (locator) is a handheld unit used for locating and tracking a Falcon
wideband transmitter. It converts signals from the transmitter to display depth, pitch, roll, temperature, and
battery level, plus sends this information to the remote display on the drill rig.

The receiver and transmitter must meet specific operational requirements for
different global regions. A regional designation number is located on the

Startup Screen

Page10

receiver’s startup screen. This number must match the one stamped on the
transmitter for proper communication.

Prior to use, the receiver must be paired to and calibrated with the transmitter.

Calibration

Page13

Toggle and Trigger Switches

The Falcon F5 receiver has two switches for operating the system: a toggle switch located on the top of the
unit and a trigger located under the handle.

l Use the Toggle Switch to access and navigate menus.

l Use the Trigger Switch to turn on the receiver, select (click on) menu options, and change the screen

view for depth readings. Pull and release (click) once, hold briefly and release, or use in combination with
the toggle switch, depending on the desired action.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 9

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Can I change the screen brightness?

No. The display is pre-tuned for optimal contrast and visibility in all conditions.

Audible Tones

The Falcon F5 receiver beeps to signal power on/off, confirm menu
changes, and acknowledge the pass/fail status of actions. The receiver
also beeps with transmitter temperature increases.

Transmitter Temperature Warning

Tones

Page62

Two long beeps indicate a problem with the menu option selected and a failure screen will appear until you
click the trigger or remove the battery (in the case of a critical failure). Verify your setup and try the operation
again or contact DCI Customer Service for assistance.

Startup Screen

Insert a charged battery pack. To power on the receiver, click the trigger. After you have read the warning
screen, click again to acknowledge you have read and understand this manual. The receiver displays the
startup screen:

1. Receiver ID number

2. Software version

3. Customer service phone
numbers

4. Regional designation number
must match that o f
transmitter

Receiver Startup Screen

Click to exit the startup screen and open the Main menu.

If an item of the self-test fails, a warning displays and a failure message appears in place of the
system name. An exclamation mark(!) may also appear in the roll indicator on the Locate
screen. Please contact DCI Customer Service.

Receiver Menus

Page12

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Using the Keypad

Use the keypad for setting the height-above-ground (HAG) value, a target depth for Target Steering, date and
time, and for programming rod lengths and survey points in the DataLog function.

1. Display window

2. Backspace

3. Enter

Standard Keypad

To input a value, toggle to and select the desired digits from left to right. When a decimal value is required
(such as for feet only or meters), then the last two digits entered will be to the right of the decimal point. To
enter a whole value, enter two zeros at the end of the value. Use backspace to delete the last digit entered.
Once the desired number is in the display window, select Enter to lock in the value and turn on the function.

Your Remote Display

The Falcon F5 receiver is compatible with the following remote displays:

Remote Display Minimum Software Version Select on Remote Display

Falcon Compact Display - FCD 4.0 Falcon F5

Multi-Function Display - MFD 3.0, F5 compatible F5

F Series Display - FSD all F5

Aurora - AP8 , AF8, AF10 all Falcon F5, F5

A remote display that accompanied your Falcon F5 receiver will already be set to communicate with your
receiver.

If you purchased your Falcon receiver by itself, your existing remote display may not include the required
option. If so, contact your regional DCI office or Customer Service for a software upgrade.

The operator's manuals for these remote displays are located on the flash drive that accompanied your
Falcon system and also at www.DigiTrak.com. For an MFD, use the FSD manual.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 11

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I am already familiar with DigiTrak receiver menus; can I skip this?Page35

If you have used a DigiTrak F5 receiver, you are well on your way to mastering a Falcon. Read
the section on the Frequency Optimizer, then skip ahead to Locating Basics. Come back and visit
later as needed for reference. If this is your first DigiTrak, keep reading.

Is there a faster way to get to the menu item I want?

Yes, it's called screen wrapping. If you're at the top of a menu page, toggle up to jump to the
bottom, or if you're at the left side, toggle left to jump to the right, and so on. To get from the top­left icon to the bottom right on the next page, you could toggle right-right-down-down, or just left­up. Yeah. Pretty cool.

Receiver Menus

To access the Main menu from the Locate screen, toggle down. The Locate Mode icon is shown selected
below; clicking the trigger would take you to the Locate screen.

1. Telemetry channel

2. Transmitter type an d freq uency
band

3. Band Up or Do wn

4. Receiver battery strength

5. Locate Mode (blue backgrou nd =
selected )

6. Power Off

7. Calibration

8. HAG

9. Settings

10. Transmitter Selectio n and

Frequency Optimization

11. Down arrow ind icates seco nd page
below (toggle do wn to view)

12. Second page

13. DataLog

14. Diagnostics

15. System Information

Receiver Main Menus

The top of the Main menu displays the telemetry channel, transmitter, transmitter frequency band, and
receiver battery strength.

The following sections describe the Main menu items in order. Use the links above to jump straight to a
section.

12 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

Locate Mode

Is it okay to power off by pulling the battery out?

Yes, your Falcon can handle it.

Calibrate each band separately

If you select an optimized band that has not been calibrated yet, appears in the roll indicator.
Calibrate and verify Above Ground Range separately for each optimized frequency band prior to
each job. Calibration affects depth readings, but not roll/pitch.

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

When the receiver is detecting a signal from a transmitter, the Locate screen
provides real-time data about the transmitter’s location, temperature, pitch, roll, fluid
pressure (when a fluid pressure transmitter is used), and signal strength.

Locating Screens

Page36

Power Off

Select Power Off from the Main menu to turn the receiver off. The receiver automatically shuts down after 15
minutes of inactivity, or after 30 minutes when in Target Steering mode.

Calibration and AGR

Use the Calibration menu to calibrate the receiver to a transmitter and to verify the Above Ground Range
(AGR). Calibration is required prior to first-time use and before using a different transmitter, receiver, drill
head, or optimized transmitter band. Calibration is not necessary, however, when switching between bands
on a transmitter that are already paired and calibrated.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 13

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Do not calibrate if:

l You are within 3 m of metal structures, such as steel pipe, chain-link fence,

metal siding, construction equipment, automobiles, etc.

l The receiver is over rebar or underground utilities.

l An A is displayed at the top right of the roll indicator on the locating screen, as

Attenuated Signal

this indicates signal Attenuation is in effect, likely due to excessive
interference. If possible, relocate to a quieter location before calibrating.

l The receiver is in the vicinity of extreme interference, as shown by high

Frequency Optimizer

background noise readings on the frequency optimizer graph or a flashing
signal strength value on the locate screen along with the A icon (calibration is
prohibited when the signal strength is flashing).

l The receiver is not displaying transmitter data.

l The signal strength from the transmitter is less than 300 points (too low) or

Installing Batteries /

greater than 950 points (too high). Outside this range, a calibration failure
screen will indicate low or high signal strength.

The transmitter must be installed in a drill head during calibration.

During calibration, Height-Above-Ground (HAG) is automatically turned

Height-Above-Ground (HAG)

off. After calibration, HAG must be turned back on manually.

1-Point Calibration

Calibrating depth readings is accomplished above ground, prior to drilling.

1. Place the receiver and the transmitter (in a drill head) parallel to each other on level ground, with
both devices powered on.

Page67

Page23

Power On

Page59

Page18

2. With the receiver at the Locate screen, verify that roll and pitch values are being displayed and that
a steady signal is being received from the transmitter. The transmitter’s signal strength at
calibration is available under View calibration. A change in signal strength at 3 m later can indicate
you are currently in an interference environment or there is a problem with your equipment.

3. Move the locator within 0.5 m of the transmitter to enable signal attenuation, indicated by an A at
the top right of the roll indicator. Move the locator back to 3 m away and verify attenuation turns off.
If it does not, excessive noise may be present. Due to its higher signal strength, a 19 in. transmitter
must be moved more than 3 m away from the receiver before attenuation will turn off.

14 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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4.

At the Main menu, select Calibration and then 1 pt calibration.

1. 1 p t calibration

2. In-Ground Calibration

3. View Calibration

4. Above Ground Range (AGR)

Calibration Menu

5. Use a tape measure to ensure the distance from the center of the transmitter to the inside edge of

the receiver is 3 m as shown below, then click Continue to begin the calibration.

6.

Do not move the receiver. A successful calibration yields a check mark and four beeps.

Calibration can fail for one of three reasons:

Transmitter signal is

too low (below 300

points)

Transmitter signal is

too high (above 950

points)

Extreme signal

attenuation is in effect

If calibration fails, review the items mentioned in the question titled Why do I keep getting calibration

errors? below, read more about signal attenuation in Appendix B (if it applies), then click Retry to try

calibrating again.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 15

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Why do I keep getting calibration errors?

Carefully review the items under Do not calibrate if at the beginning of this section. Try
calibrating in a different location. Make sure the transmitter is on and paired (data showing on
the Locate screen). If you're still having trouble, give us a call, we'll get you going.

After a successful calibration of one band, before proceeding to the AGR screen
to verify above-ground distances for this calibration, the receiver briefly displays
this icon:

Above Ground Range

(AGR)

Page17

This simply means the Down band (on the left) has been calibrated, but the up band has not. After checking
AGR for the current band, remember to calibrate and check the AGR of the other band.

If depth data does not display, hold the trigger while over the transmitter to display the locate
line. For additional information on obtaining this reference lock (“R”), see step 4 in the
discussion under Finding the Front Locate Point (FLP) beginning on page46.

If you just completed AGR after calibration, don't forget to turn
Height-Above-Ground (HAG) back on, if necessary.

Height-Above-Ground (HAG)

Page18

In-Ground Calibration

This calibration procedure is rarely needed. If you find it necessary to calibrate with the transmitter in the
ground, contact DCI customer service for information on this option, and perform this procedure with caution.

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AGR: It's Just What You Do

Performing an AGR test on both frequency bands at every jobsite is just good practice.

View Calibration

Use this feature to check the most recent calibrations for your transmitter(s). The data will include the model
of transmitter, type of calibration (1-point or in-ground/2Pt), signal strength, and a timestamp. Though this
window lists all transmitters compatible with your receiver, only transmitter bands calibrated to your receiver
will display data in the Signal and Timestamp columns.

View Calibration Window

After calibrating a fluid pressure transmitter, turning the fluid pressure
feature on or off does not require a new calibration. However, a
separate calibration is required for each frequency band if you want
the option of switching between them mid-bore.

Click to return to the Calibration menu.

Changing Frequency Bands

Page62

Above Ground Range (AGR)

After successfully completing a 1-point calibration, the receiver displays the Above Ground Range screen,
which is an active measurement between the transmitter and receiver. You can also access this tool directly

from the Main menu > Calibration > Above Ground Range (AGR) . Use this screen along with a tape
measure to verify calibration of the transmitter at different depths/distances. With the transmitter level, the
depth readings should be within ±5% of the measured distance.

Note that because AGR intentionally does not consider pitch when
calculating range, it displays a symbol indicating "Warning, pitch is
unknown, assume zero". It also ignores any HAG setting.

Note that the 15 m calibration button does not appear when the AGR screen appears immediately after
calibration.

Pitch Assumed Zero

Page37

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 17

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Prior to enabling HAG, verify accurate range/depth readings at a minimum of two points using
AGR (see link above) or a regular depth reading (hold the trigger). If the transmitter is not
properly calibrated, inaccurate depth readings will be made worse by an inaccurate HAG
distance.

1. AGR

2. Pitch assumed zero

3. 15 m calibration

Above Ground Range (AGR)

If you just completed AGR after calibration, don't forget to turn Height-Above-Ground (HAG) back on, if
necessary.

15 m Calibration (Optional)

This feature is primarily used for demonstrations of the guidance system above ground and is not necessary
for drilling. Above ground range (AGR) measurements beyond 12.2 m often read shallower (shorter) than they
actually are due to variations in ground conditions, and this feature calibrates these measurements to
account for these variations. Using this feature is substantially similar to the procedure described for 1 pt

calibration; if you require further information, please contact DCI customer service.

Height-Above-Ground (HAG)

Use Height-Above-Ground (HAG) to set a height measurement on the receiver so you don’t have to set it
on the ground for a depth reading. Raising the receiver above the ground also provides separation from
underground interference that might otherwise reduce the transmitter’s range or cause variable readings.

To prevent incorrect readings, Falcon F5 always powers on with
the HAG function off (disabled). HAG also automatically shuts

Calibration

Page14

off during calibration and is ignored during Target Steering and
AGR tests. Until you enable HAG, the receiver must be placed
on the ground for accurate depth readings.

AGR Test

Page17

1. To determine your desired HAG distance, hold the receiver comfortably at your side, maintaining 20
cm of separation from the front of the receiver to your torso as specified in the Safety section on
page1. Measure the distance from the bottom of the receiver to the ground.

2. From the Main menu, select HAG. The HAG menu displays with Enable HAG highlighted and the
current or 0.51 m default HAG setting shown in the description line at the bottom of the screen. If
the HAG had been enabled, Disable HAG would be highlighted.

Depth Units

Page20

Target Steering

Page 54

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I use HAG all the time; can I set it to turn on automatically?

No. In the name of safety, HAG must be turned on manually for each use. However, the feature
does remember the last height value used.

1. Disable HAG

2. Enable HAG

3. Set HAG

HAGMenu

3. If the HAG value shown at the bottom of the screen is acceptable, select Enable HAG. The
receiver beeps four times as it enables HAG and returns to the Main menu. Skip the next step.

4. To change the HAG value shown at the bottom of the screen, select Set
HAG and enter a new value. After you select Enter on that screen, the

Using the Keypad

Page11

receiver beeps four times as it enables HAG and returns to the Main
menu.

Depth readings (holding the trigger) must now be taken with the receiver held at this height.

As noted above, to prevent incorrect readings, HAG must be turned on manually each time after the receiver
is powered on or calibrated.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 19

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Settings

Use this menu to set the following options:

1. Depth Un its

2. Pitch Units

3. Date/Time

4. Telemetry Ch annel

5. Roll Offset

6. Pressure Units

7. Second pag e

8. Temperature Units

9. Language

Settings Menus

DCI recommends that you program the receiver and the remote display Depth and Pitch settings to use the
same units of measure.

Depth Units Menu

Choose between xx" inches, x'xx" feet and inches, x.xx' decimal feet, and x.xx m metric units (meters and
centimeters).

Pitch Units Menu

Choose between degrees (x°) and percent (x%). Typical HDD bores use percent pitch instead of degrees.

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Set Time and Calendar Menu

Set the time and date on your receiver. This is necessary when you are using the DataLog function.

1. Time value (date displays
here when calendar is the
active function)

2. Time (shown active)

3. Calendar

4. Enter

Time and Calendar Keypad

Setting the Time

The time function runs on a 24-hour clock. To set the time:

1.

Select the time icon so it is the active function .

2. Enter the time one digit at a time from left to right. For example, to set the clock to 13:39 (1:39 pm),
select 1, then 3, 3, and 9.

3. Select the blue Enter arrow.

Setting the Calendar

The calendar function displays the date by month/day/year. To set the date:

1.

Select the calendar icon so it is the active function . The display window on the keypad
changes to show a date format.

2. Enter the date one digit at a time from left to right. The date format is MM/DD/YYYY. For example,
to set the date to January 2, 2016 (01/02/2016), select 0, then 1, 0, 2, 2, 0, 1, and 6.

3. Select the blue Enter arrow.

Telemetry Channel Menu

This menu has five telemetry channel settings (1, 2, 3, 4, and 0). For communication to occur between the
receiver and remote display, both devices must be set to the same telemetry channel. The current telemetry
setting is highlighted when this menu opens.

Select the desired telemetry channel on the receiver. To turn telemetry off and conserve receiver battery life,
select “0”. Channel 0 is also used when there are more than four receivers operating in the same area; using
more than one receiver per channel within telemetry range of each other will cause conflicting signals to be
sent to the remote display on the drill rig.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 21

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Roll Offset Menu

Enable Roll Offset

1. Select Set and enable the roll offset.

Roll Offset Menu

1. Set and enable the roll offset

2. Disable roll offset

2. Ensure the drill head is at its 12:00 position and that the transmitter is on.

1. Transmitter’s true roll position with
housing at 12:00

2. Set th e roll o ffset

Set Roll Offset Menu

3. Select Set the roll offset.

If you need to know the original roll value later (perhaps to change a transmitter frequency in-bore as
discussed on page62), simply toggle to the Roll Offset option in the Settings menu, and if Roll Offset is
enabled, the original roll value displays at the bottom of the screen after "Roll offset enabled".

When the roll offset function is enabled, the roll indicator will change to a circle and RO appears at the bottom
left of the roll indicator. RO will also appear on the remote display.

Roll Offset Enabled

22 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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Disable Roll Offset

Select Disable the roll offset from the Roll Offset menu. The receiver beeps four times as the screen
returns to the Settings menu. The value that displays for roll on the Locate screen will now be that of the
transmitter, not necessarily the drill head.

Pressure Units Menu

Choose between pounds per square inch (psi) and kilopascals (kPa).

Temperature Units Menu

Choose between Fahrenheit (F) and Celsius (C).

Language Selection Menu

This menu has multiple language options. Selecting a new language will cause the receiver to restart.

Transmitter Selection and Frequency Optimization

Transmitter Selection Menu

1. Frequency Optimization

2. Transmitter Selection

3. View Frequen cy Optimization

4. Transmitter Information and

Run time

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 23

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Do I have to optimize every time I power the receiver on?Page59

No, the receiver remembers both optimized bands until you pair it to a new band. Power the
transmitter on horizontally to use the last active band. But don't forget to optimize at your next
bore.

If my optimized band worked great at my last jobsite, can I keep using it at my next one?

Because sources of interference differ at every jobsite, DCI recommends optimizing at every
jobsite to obtain the best selection of frequencies for the current conditions.

Some of my bands are missing on the optimizer. Is my Falcon F2 broken?

No. A maximum of nine bands are available, but some country regulations limit the number of
frequencies and bands available.

Frequency Optimization

This section addresses Falcon technology's ground-breaking frequency optimizer (FO) feature, which finds
the lowest-noise (optimal) group of frequencies available in each of eight bands. When the results display in
graph form showing the levels of active interference in each band, choose the one or two bands you want to
use, pair, and you're ready to calibrate and start drilling.

You can switch the transmitter between the two optimized bands at any time, either pre-bore or mid-bore.
Start in the optimized band that works best for the normal-interference portion of the bore and switch to the
other band that works better for the portion that has higher interference. Or use one optimized band for the
whole bore, or start drilling in one optimized band and switch only if you need to. The choice is yours.

To optimize and select a frequency band:

1. Ensure all transmitters are powered off or are more than 30 m away from the receiver.

2. Take your receiver to the point along the proposed bore that you expect to have the greatest amount
of noise (active interference).

3.

With thereceiver parallel to theborepath, open theMain menu, select Transmitter Selection ,

then Frequency Optimization (FO) .

When frequency optimization is complete, the receiver shows active noise readings in each of the eight
frequency bands using an optimized selection of the lowest-noise frequencies within each band. The
shorter the bar on the graph, the less interference present in that band.

-90 to -72 dB Low interference levels

-72 to -54 dB Moderate interference

-54 to -18 dB Interference will become an issue as depth increases

24 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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Optimize as often as you want. You can't wear it out.

If noise levels rise substantially at any point along the bore, consider selecting and pairing one
band (see next step) that performed well up to this point. Then select Exit and restart FO at this
point to perform a new scan and select and pair a second band for use in this higher-interference
area. Optimize as often as you want and wherever you want before assigning a band.

Are high frequency bands better than low frequency bands?

Interference varies with time and location, and no band works perfectly in all conditions.
Different bands are better for different kinds of interference. Lower frequency bands tend to
perform well despite passive interference. Middle bands can perform better in deeper bores and
may have longer Target Steering capability. High bands have slightly less signal strength but tend
to offer better performance around active interference such as power lines.

1. Maximum noise reading

2. Current Up b and

3. Current Down b and

4. Current optimized noise
readings

5. Att enuation enab led

6. Band number

7. Band selecto r

8. Pair

9. Exit

Frequency Optimizer Results

4. To measure noise readings from the entire intended bore, simply walk the bore with the frequency
optimizer results displayed, keeping the receiver parallel to the bore path. As the receiver continues
sampling background noise, it marks the maximum noise reading of each band at the top of each
bar.

5. Toggle to the band you want to use and click to select. Typically this will be a band with a low
interference level that did not experience high maximum noise readings along the bore path. The
band number represents the approximate middle kHz frequency of each band.

Band Number 11 16 20 25 29 34 38 43

Range in kHz 9.0 – 13.5 13.5 – 18 18 – 22.5 22.5 – 27 27 – 31.5 3 1.5 – 36 36 – 40.5 40.5 – 4 5

6. Select whether to assign this as the Up or Down band (the band the Tx powers on with when facing
Up or Down).

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 25

Up Down

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Can I exit the pairing screen and go back to the optimizer results without running it again?

Yes. Toggle left and select Return to frequency graph . Maximum readings will be reset
and you can continue observing the noise readings of the last optimized frequency bands. Exiting
from the frequency graph will erase optimization results.

If the band number you want to use is already displayed at the right edge of the screen and
marked in red on the bottom of the graph, select it anyway. The band you select now will be
optimized with different frequencies than the last time that band was used.

7. Optional: click to select a second band, then assign as the opposite (Upor Down) band; changing
both bands is not required.

8. The receiver displays the transmitter pairing screen. Insert batteries in the

Transmitter

transmitter, install the battery cap, and wait 15 seconds for the transmitter
to fully power on. The increase in frequency optimizer noise readings
show the transmitter is on.

9.

Select Pair , then Transmitter Pairing Request . If you assigned two new bands, both will
pair at the same time.

10. Position the infrared (IR) port of the transmitter within 5cm of and facing the IR port on the front of
the receiver.

1. Transmitter IR port

11.

Select again (we really like this icon) to pair the transmitter frequency band(s) to the receiver.

Hold the transmitter in place for up to ten seconds for pairing. A blue circling icon indicates the
receiver and transmitter are not yet connected; check alignment and proximity of the IR ports.
Moving the transmitter during pairing may cause an error code to display on the screen; if this happens,
simply restart the pairing process. Earlier generation transmitters may take as long as 20 seconds to
pair.

Page58

When the pairing is successful, the receiver/transmitter icon briefly shows a happy green check mark
and the receiver beeps. Both the receiver and transmitter are now using the new optimized band(s) you

selected. If you assigned two new bands, the system defaults to using the Down band first.

l

If the pairing is unsuccessful, the receiver/transmitter icon shows an unhappy red . Select Repeat

and try pairing a second time. If still unsuccessful, ensure you have the correct transmitter selected
(Page27), remove and reinstall the transmitter batteries (positive end first) and battery cap, realign the
two IR ports, and try again. To verify the receiver can communicate with the transmitter, see Transmitter

Information and Runtime on page 28. If still unsuccessful, give us a call and we'll get you going.

l If the pairing doesn't complete, no new optimized frequency is stored in the receiver. Upon exiting the

Frequency Optimizer screen, the receiver remains paired to the transmitter at the last optimized bands

used. The last frequency optimization is saved and viewable under View Frequency Optimization .

26 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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l As mentioned at the end of step 4, the second band can be paired to a completely different optimization. If

you just paired one band but want to re-optimize at a different location for the other band, simply run the
frequency optimizer at the new location (step1), select a band, and assign as the opposite (Up or Down)
band.

So I Just Paired, Now What?

After pairing, the receiver proceeds to the calibration screen as a
reminder that with the selection of a new frequency band, the transmitter
and receiver need to be calibrated. Install the transmitter in the drill head
and calibrate.

Prior to calibration, "Calibration required" is indicated on the Locate screen by an error symbol in
the roll indicator in place of the roll value. To change between bands mid-bore, both bands must be
separately selected and calibrated prior to drilling.

Calibration

Page13

Before or during drilling, switch between bands any time if interference is
compromising the current band.

After pairing optimized frequency bands, for typical operations your next
steps before drilling would be:

l calibrate

l check Above Ground Range (AGR)

l check for background interference

Changing Frequency Bands

Page62

Above Ground Range

Page17

Interference

Page39

Complete each of these checks on both optimized frequency bands.

Transmitter Selection

Use this option to select between a Falcon F5, Falcon F2, or DucTrak transmitter, as well as select the other
band on your current transmitter.

Transmitter Selection Menu

After you select a different transmitter than is currently in use, the display returns to the previous screen.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 27

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

If you select the same transmitter that is currently in use, the display continues to the Band Selection menu,
where you can switch between the Up and Down bands, as well as enable or disable fluid pressure
monitoring on an FT5p transmitter.

1. Up band

2. Fluid pressu re

3. Down band

4. Current 1-p oint calibration
signal st rength

5. Return to Locate screen

Band Selection Menu

To reach this menu directly from the Locate screen, hold the toggle right for one second.

View Frequency Optimization

Want to see what the active interference is right now on your optimized band? Sure you do.

Select either the Up or Down band icon. Falcon displays the current interference levels for the current
optimized frequencies in that band. You may optionally select and pair a different optimized band from this
screen. If so, remember to calibrate again prior to drilling.

Transmitter Information and Runtime

Select this option to view information about your transmitter, including serial number, maximum temperature,

and active runtime hours . It's also a handy to way to double-check that the receiver is able to
communicate (pair) with the transmitter.

Position the recessed infrared (IR) port of the transmitter within 5 cm of and facing the IR port on the front of

the receiver, then select Transmitter information request .

Transmitter Information

28 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Click to return to the Main menu.

DataLog

The DataLog®feature on your receiver lets you capture and store the rod-by-rod data of your pilot bore. When
used with our mobile phone app LWD Mobile, using DataLog while drilling lets you view a real-time plot of
your bore in progress right on your phone, as well as geo-tag the entry and exit. If you use the DigiTrak Aurora
remote display, its LWD Live app also lets you view the drill profile in real-time as each rod is completed,
whether DataLog is enabled on the receiver or not.

In addition to the rod data DataLog has always captured, with Falcon F5 we’ve added features like left/right
offset and deviation, which let you record with even greater detail precisely where your pilot bore is in relation
to surrounding landmarks. Increasingly, this data is also required by the client to ensure drilling parameters
were met. When you import your DataLog job into our Log-While-Drilling (LWD) 3.0 software for your PC, you
can edit, annotate, and create the precise report you or your client requires.

Use this menu to record pilot hole drill data, set up new drill jobs, view and delete drill jobs from the receiver,
and upload drill jobs via Bluetooth to a computer for analysis with DCI's Log-While-Drilling (LWD) software.
Falcon F5 is not compatible with LWD v2.12.

1. Set up job

2. Upload

3. Delete

4. Enable/disable

5. Survey po int

6. View jobs

7. Second pag e

8. Left/righ t offset

9. Deviation

10. Exit

Drill DataLog Menus

The LWD software has a variety of options for analyzing, editing, and displaying DataLog drill data.
Complete instructions for using the advanced DataLog feature and the supporting LWD software are
provided in the separate operator's manual and quick start guides available for DataLog/LWD at

www.DigiTrak.com.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 29

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

If you are already familiar with the DataLog feature, Falcon F5 includes four new functions requested by
users like you: Left/Right Offset, Deviation, Flags, and Pins.

1. Sidewalk

2. Right offset

3. Right deviation

4. Fire hydrant

5. Pin distance to the rig ht

6. Set pin marking fire hydrant

7. Intended bore path

8. Actual bore path

9. Set flag marking gas lin e
crossing

10. Marked gas line

Left/Right Offset, Deviation, Flags, and Pins

Left/Right Offset

On the DataLog menu, L/R Offset lets you specify a given horizontal distance you intend to maintain from a
feature beside the bore path, such as a curb, guardrail, or surveyed path. Think of this as a "running
waypoint" that is recorded as long as the offset is in effect.

In the image above, the offset is a "right" offset, meaning the intended bore path is to the right of the sidewalk
feature.

Deviation

Also on the DataLog menu, Deviation lets you mark how far the drill head is deviating from the intended bore
path. If an offset is in effect, it is how far the drill head is deviating from the offset.

Each time you log a rod at the Locate screen (hold trigger, toggle right), this feature lets you also record your
current deviation from the bore path. For example, if you know you are supposed to be a certain distance
from a guardrail but locate the drill head at a slightly farther distance, or are following a surveyed path and
locate the drill head slightly to one side of the path, enter the difference as a left or right deviation.

Flags and Pins

While recording a DataLog, at the Locate screen, toggle right to set a Flag or Pin. Match flags and pins later
with entries in your drilling log book to add important detail to your Log-While-Drilling report.

30 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Flags

Select a Flag when crossing any item of interest along the bore path, like a sidewalk, marked utility line, or
river bank. The receiver assigns a sequential flag number starting at 1. Enter the approximate distance along
the current rod (if halfway along a 3 m rod, enter 1.5 m). The receiver will calculate the total horizontal
distance of the flag based on the total number of rods already logged.

Pins

Select a Pin to mark the location of a nearby land feature point (station mark, survey flag, fire hydrant, light
post) that can help locate the bore path later. Setting a pin requires three pieces of data:

1. An identifying number. Use any number, like a survey station mark.

2. The approximate distance along the current rod (if halfway along a 3 m rod, enter 1.5 m).

3. The distance of the drill head to the right or left of the feature (perpendicular). In the preceding
image, because the drill head is to the right of the fire hydrant "feature", the pin is recorded as to the
right.

Diagnostics

This menu lets you check the performance of your Falcon F5 receiver.

Diagnostics Menus

1. Level check

2. System self-test

3. Signal self -test

4. Exit

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 31

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Perform Level Check

This check confirms that the internal sensors that measure the inclination of the receiver are working
correctly. An inaccurate sensor would cause erroneous depth and location readings.

Place the receiver on generally level ground and click Continue . The ground does not have to be
perfectly level.

Level Check Screen 1

Rotate the receiver 180 degrees so it faces the opposite direction, as illustrated by the icon on the screen,

and click Continue again.

Level Check Screen 2

The receiver beeps four times, flashes a confirmation message, and returns to the Main menu.

If the level check fails, the receiver beeps twice and displays an error screen. Click Retry and repeat the
test as described above. If the check fails again, contact DCI Customer Service.

32 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Perform System Self-Test

This self-test performs a system check on internal components. Ensure no transmitters are powered on
during this test. The receiver beeps four times after a successful test and displays the receiver Startup

Screen (shown on page10). Click to return to the Diagnostics menu.

If the receiver returns any other results, contact DCI Customer Service.

Perform Signal Self-Test

This self-test tests antenna gain calibration for all transmitter frequencies.
Ensure no transmitters are powered on during this test. Perform this test only
in a low-noise environment with minimal interference. The transmitter signal
strength as displayed on the Locate Screen must be less than55 counts.

Locate Screen

Page36

The receiver beeps four times after a successful test and displays the startup
screen. Click to return to the Diagnostics menu.

Startup Screen

Page10

If the receiver returns any other results, contact DCI Customer Service.

Potential test failures

Background noise

If the test begins in an area with too much background noise, the test stops and the receiver displays a
warning similar to Background signal is too high. Find a lower-noise area and try the test again.

Test Loop

If there is a problem with the depth antenna in the receiver, the receiver displays the error message Fault:
Depth Antenna Failure on the Locate screen and locks the receiver. Contact DCI Customer Service.

DSP channel failure

In the event of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) channel failure, the receiver displays the error message
Critical: DSP channels on the Locate screen and locks the receiver. Contact DCI Customer Service.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 33

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

System Information

This menu displays technical system information such as ID, region, and numerous firmware versions. The
numbers for BT (Bluetooth®) and ID (serial number) are necessary to move DataLog files to a PC. Click to
return to the Main menu.

System Information Screens

1. Serial n umber

2. Region

3. Primary software

4. Bluetoo th address

5. Second pag e

34 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

Locating Basics

Are you ready?Page39

If you're new to locating and first want to know everything about the locating screens, you've
come to the right place. If you already know locators and want to jump right in and start locating
with your Falcon F5 system, skip to Interference.

Refer to the DigiTrak YouTube site at www.youtube.com/dcikent for helpful videos on these and
many other locating topics.

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Locating in a High-Interference Area

This section covers locating basics:

l Locating screens

l Checking for interference and suggestions for dealing with it

l Performing a roll/pitch check

l Finding and marking front and rear locate points (FLP and RLP) and the locate line (LL) to pinpoint the

transmitter

l The geometry of the FLP, RLP, and LL with respect to the transmitter

l Methods to verify depth readings

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 35

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Do I have to know all this?Page45

Get this down first, then you'll be ready to locate like a professional. If you skip to Locating the

Transmitter and feel like you're missing a little background information, come back here for a

refresher.

How do I check which frequency bands are assigned?

The current band in use is listed at the top of the Main menu (page12). Hold toggle right at the
Locate screen to see and switch between bands.

Locating Screens

The Locate, Depth, and Predicted Depth screens are the primary screens you will use for locating. The type
of depth screen that displays depends on the position of the receiver relative to the transmitter at the time of
the depth reading.

For a description of the icons on the Locate screens, see AppendixB on page67.

Locate Screen

When the receiver is detecting a signal from a transmitter, the Locate screen provides real-time data about
the transmitter’s location, temperature, pitch, roll, and signal strength.

1. Locating ball (FLP or RL P)

2. Yaw indicator

3. Receiver

4. Roll indicator

5. Roll value

6. Roll/pitch update meter

7. Transmitter pitch

8. Transmitter signal strength

9. Transmitter fluid pressu re

10. Transmitter temperature

Locate Screen with Transmitter in Range

If the transmitter is on and there is no roll or pitch data, hold the trigger for five seconds to engage Max Mode
and the data should appear. If it doesn't:

1. The transmitter and receiver may not be on the same frequency band. Hold toggle right at the locate
screen to select the other frequency band.

2. You may have the wrong transmitter model selected, such as FT2 instead of FT5p. From the Main
menu, select Transmitter selection to choose a different transmitter.

36 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

The roll/pitch update meter displays the quality of roll/pitch data being received from
the transmitter. When the meter is empty, no roll/pitch data is being received, and
none will appear on either the receiver or the remote display. Depth and predicted
depth readings may still be taken, but the receiver will assume the transmitter has a
pitch of zero, as indicated by the image to the right appearing on the Depth or
Predicted Depth screen.

Locate Screen Shortcuts

The following shortcuts are available from the Locate screen.

Task Operation Page

DataLog (if enabled) Hold trigger, toggle right 29

Depth Screen Hold trigger at locate line (LL) 37

Flag or Pin during DataLog Toggle right 30

Max Mode Hold trigger at least five seconds 37

Main Menu Toggle down 12

Predicted Depth Screen Hold trigger at front locate point (FLP) 38

Target Steering Toggle up 54

Band Selection Menu Hold toggle right one second 28

Pitch Assumed

Zero

Depth Screen

Hold the trigger with the receiver at the locate line (LL) to display the
Depth screen.

1. Locate po int (front or rear)

2. Bird' s-eye view

3. Locate line (LL)

4. Height-Abo ve-Grou nd (HAG)

5. Ground level

6. Transmitter depth

7. Tx battery strengt h

Depth Screen at LL with HAG On

When the HAG setting is disabled, the receiver will be shown on the
ground and must be placed on the ground during depth readings.

Locate Points (FLP & RLP) and

Locate Line (LL)

Page43

setting on

Height-Above-Ground (HAG)

Page18

Max Mode

Max Mode can stabilize roll/pitch data and depths readings when drilling at the very limit of the ability of the
transmitter due to extreme depth or interference, which will vary by jobsite.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 37

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

The drill head must be stationary when taking readings using Max Mode. If the drill head is
moving, data readings will not be accurate.

Due to the nature of the extreme depth and/or high-interference environment where use of Max
Mode will typically occur, the risk of obtaining unreliable data is higher. Never rely on data that
does not display quickly and remain stable. Max Mode is never a substitute for prudent operator
judgment.

Because both front and rear locate points (see page43) appear identical to the receiver, an
invalid depth prediction can be generated when the receiver is over the rear locate point (RLP).
Only a depth reading over the front locate point (FLP) produces a valid predicted depth.

When the roll/pitch update meter shows low signal level or data is unstable, hold the trigger for longer
than five seconds to enter Max Mode, indicated by a magnifying glass around the pitch icon.

1. Depth

2. Max Mod e icon

3. Max Mod e t imer

4. Tx battery strengt h

Depth Screen in Max Mode

Max Mode replaces the roll/pitch update meter with the Max Mode timer. As you hold the trigger and Max
Mode gathers data readings, the timer slowly fills up. Greater interference or deeper bores will require a
higher number of readings before roll/pitch data displays, or may prevent data from displaying altogether. If
the timer is full and data is not yet stable, release the trigger, move to a different location near the drill head,
and hold to restart. The timer bar will turn green as data is confirmed.

Always take three Max Mode readings; all three readings must be consistent and each reading must
stabilize before the Max Mode timer is full.

Predicted Depth Screen

Hold the trigger at the front locate point (FLP) to display the Predicted Depth screen. The predicted depth is
the depth the transmitter is calculated to be at when it reaches the front locate point if it continues on its
current path.

38 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

To best overcome interference, find and deal with it above ground, before you start drilling.

1. Ball-in-t he-Box at FLP

2. Reference Lock indicator

3. Tx battery strengt h

4. Horizontal distance b etween
transmitter and FLP

5. Predicted depth o f
transmitter

Predicted Depth Screen at FLP with HAG

On

Hold the trigger for longer than five seconds to enter Max Mode, as described in the previous section (use of
Max Mode has special requirements and restrictions). In this example, if the drill head travels an additional

1.12m at -0.6 % pitch, it will be directly below the locator at0.81m.

Depth Screen, Invalid Location

Hold the trigger at any time during locating to display the Depth screen. No depth or
predicted depth will appear if the receiver is not positioned at the locate line or front
or rear locate point. However, holding the trigger more than five seconds to enter
Max Mode may obtain more stable roll/pitch data (use of Max Mode has special
requirements and restrictions).

Max Mode

Page37

1. Slanted line indicates receiver
is n ot at FLP, RL P, o r LL

Receiver Depth Screen with HAG Disabled

(notatFLP,RLP,orLL)

Interference

Interference can compromise a transmitter's signal even when drilling with an optimized frequency band. It is
important to the success of your bore that, after pairing your transmitter at a newly optimized frequency, you
check how the transmitter's signal will perform along the intended bore path.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 39

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

A receiver cannot detect sources of passive interference; this can only be accomplished with a
visual inspection of the jobsite. A background noise check can only find active interference.

I thought the Frequency Optimizer did all this for me?

The Frequency Optimizer finds the lowest-noise frequencies to use in each band. You choose
which bands to use and pair the transmitter. As best practice, now test those bands above ground
to ensure the receiver can receive data for the entire length of the bore. A good background noise
check is vital to a job free of interference surprises.

What is Interference?

Interference can reduce the transmitter’s range or cause variable readings and possibly result in job
slowdowns. Interference is classified as either active or passive.

Active interference, also known as electrical interference or background noise, can have varying effects on
locating equipment. Most electrical devices emit signals that can inhibit the ability to locate the transmitter
accurately or get good roll/pitch readings. Example sources of active interference include traffic signal loops,
buried dog fences, cathodic protection, radio communications, microwave towers, cable TV, fiber-trace
lines, utility data transmissions, security systems, power lines, and phone lines. Interference at the remote
display may also occur from other sources operating nearby on the same frequency. The following section
describes how to use the receiver to test for the presence of active interference.

Passive interference can reduce or increase the amount of signal received from the transmitter, which
results in incorrect depth readings, a completely blocked signal, or locates in the wrong position. Example
sources of passive interference include metal objects such as pipes, rebar, trench plate, chain-link fence,
vehicles, saltwater/salt domes, and conductive earth such as iron ore. The receiver cannot test for the
presence of passive interference. Conducting a thorough site investigation prior to drilling is the best method
of identifying passive interference sources.

To familiarize yourself with the interference potential along your intended bore path, check for background
noise as discussed in the following section.

Checking for Interference

Ensure the receiver is on, optimized, and paired. Remove the batteries from the transmitter to turn it off and
wait 10 seconds for it to fully power off. Now walk the intended bore path while viewing the current frequency
optimization in the frequency band you intend to drill with. Take note of the bar graph height in the selected
band. With no transmitter on, this “signal strength” is in fact background noise (active interference). Extreme
background noise (interference) may cause signal attenuation.

40 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

An A displayed at the top right of the roll indicator at distances greater than 2.5 m from the
transmitter means signal attenuation is in effect, indicating the presence of excessive
interference that can lead to inaccurate depth readings.

In the following figure, the red flag area denotes an increase in noise detected on the optimized band while
walking the intended bore path.

1. Intended bore path

2. Red flag area

3. Backgroun d noise sign al

One-Person Background Signal Strength Check

(Transmitter Off)

Return to the area of highest interference (between the red flags above) and note the signal strength on the
Locate screen. Power on the transmitter and place it the same distance to the side of the receiver as the
intended bore depth. Verify that the roll/pitch data is consistent and correct in the flagged area. The
transmitter’s signal strength should generally be a minimum of 150 points greater than the background noise
reading. For example, if this area of greatest interference produced a reading of 175, the reading with the
transmitter on at this location, and at a distance from the receiver equal to the maximum intended bore depth,
should be a minimum of 325 (175 + 150).

Areas where the background noise level is too high may make it difficult to obtain roll and pitch data and
accurate locates and depth readings. Conduct a roll/pitch check as described in the following section.

Note that the transmitter’s signal strength will be slightly higher in this test than while drilling because it is
currently not encased in the drill head below ground, which will diminish the signal strength slightly.

Roll/Pitch Check

At the exit of the bore, turn the receiver to face the entry and install batteries in the paired
transmitter to turn it on. Have a coworker hold the transmitter and stand beside you. Walk
together in parallel back toward the entry, keeping the receiver over the bore path and the
transmitter at a distance of 1 to 1.5 times the current intended bore depth; where the bore
is deeper, your coworker will be farther away. Periodically stop and change the
transmitter’s roll and pitch orientation so you can verify the speed and accuracy of these
readings on the receiver. It is good practice to also have a coworker monitor the readings
at the remote display at the same time. Note any locations where the receiver or remote
display information becomes unstable or disappears. If roll/pitch data or signal strength
become unstable, hold the trigger to see if Max Mode can stabilize the data.

Max Mode

Page37

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 41

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

In environments with extreme interference, the signal strength on the receiver may begin to flash
red along with a flashing red A (Attenuation) at the top right of the roll indicator. This will also
occur when the locator is too close to the transmitter (less than 1.5 m). Do not rely on depth,
data, or locate information obtained when the signal strength and red A icon are flashing.

1. Intended depth

2. Red flag area

3. Intended bore path

Two-Person Roll/Pitch Test with Transmitter

If the desired depth/data range in a red flag area is not sufficient, you may able to increase the range by
performing another frequency optimization here and pairing to a new band specifically for use in this high­interference location. If you do this, check for interference in this area again using the newly-optimized band.
Use the other optimized band (Up or Down) for the non-flagged portion of the bore.

Suggestions for Dealing with Interference

If roll/pitch information becomes unstable or is lost while drilling or during a roll/pitch check (see previous
section), try one or more of the following:

l Try Max Mode.

l Move the receiver away from the interference source while staying

Max Mode

Off-Track Locating

within range of the transmitter.

l Physically separate the receiver from both passive and active

Height-Above-Ground (HAG)

interference to reduce or eliminate interference-related problems.

Target Steering

l Switch to the transmitter's other frequency band.

l To overcome interference at the remote display, ensure the

Changing Frequency Bands

telemetry antenna is vertical and that the front of the receiver is
facing the remote display. Set the receiver and remote display to use
a different telemetry channel. An optional extended-range telemetry
antenna may help overcome some forms of interference.

Never rely on the receiver as the sole means of communication between the receiver operator and drill
operator. In cases where data is not available on the remote display, both operators must be able to
communicate with each other.

Page37

Page52

Page18

Page54

Page62

42 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Locate line does not equal the location of the transmitter.

Being over the locate line does not mean you are over the transmitter, which may be to the left or
right anywhere along the locate line. You must find the front and rear locate points to find the
transmitter, as is detailed on the next couple pages.

Locate Points (FLP & RLP) and Locate Line (LL)

The Falcon receiver locates the transmitter by detecting three specific places in the transmitter’s magnetic
field: the front locate point (FLP) ahead of the transmitter, the rear locate point (RLP) behind the transmitter,
and the locate line above the transmitter itself. The two locate points are indistinguishable from one another
by the receiver as they represent similar points in the transmitter’s field in front of and behind the transmitter
(see AppendixC on page69 for more information about the transmitter’s magnetic field).

The locate line (LL) extends 90° to the left and right of the transmitter (perpendicular) when the transmitter is
at 0% pitch. It represents the location of the transmitter between the FLP and RLP. If you think of the
transmitter being the body of an airplane, its wings are the locate line.

The most accurate tracking requires the use of all three locations to determine the position, heading, and
depth of the transmitter. A line passing through the FLP and RLP reveals the heading and left/right position of
the transmitter. The LL determines the position of the transmitter when the receiver is properly aligned
between the FLP and RLP (on the line).

1. Bird' s-eye view (lo oking
down)

2. RLP

3. LL

4. Transmitter

5. FLP

6. Drill rig

7. Bore path

8. Side view

9. Surface of ground

Geometry of FLP, RLP, and LL from Top (Bird’s-Eye) and

Side Views

Note how the RLP and FLP are equal distances from the LL when the transmitter is level.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 43

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

The line marked LL in the bird’s-eye view image suggests the receiver will display a locate line any time it is
positioned on this plane. To prevent inaccurate locates and potentially dangerous conditions, it is imperative
to first find the front and rear locate points. Do not rely on the peak signal along the locate line.

Whenever the transmitter is pitched, the position of the locate line will be somewhat slightly
ahead of or behind the transmitter’s actual position. This slight fore/aft offset will increase with
depth (see AppendixC). In these cases, the depth displayed on the receiver is referred to as
the projected depth.

Effects of Depth, Pitch, and Topography on Distance Between FLP and RLP

The deeper the transmitter is, the farther apart the FLP and RLP will be. The distance between the FLP and
RLP with respect to the location of the LL is also affected by transmitter pitch and the topography.

When the transmitter pitch is negative, the FLP will be farther from the LL than the RLP. When the pitch is
positive, the RLP will be further from the LL than the FLP. If the ground surface or topography slopes
significantly, the locations of the FLP and RLP will also be affected with respect to the LL even if the
transmitter itself is level.

1. Bird' s-eye view (lo oking
down)

2. RLP

3. LL

4. Transmitter

5. FLP

6. Drill rig

7. Bore path

8. Side view

9. Surface of ground

10. Transmitter at negative
pitch

Effect of Pitch on Distance Between FLP, RLP, andLL

For a detailed explanation of how to track the transmitter when it is steep and deep, see AppendixC on
page69.

To calculate depth (for comparison to the receiver’s depth reading) using the distance between the locate
points and the pitch of the transmitter, see AppendixD on page73.

44 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Go watch some TV

You can find a training video on Basic Locating at www.youtube.com/dcikent.

Marking Locate Points

The locate points (FLP and RLP) and the locate line (LL) must be found and accurately marked during the
locating procedure. To mark a locate point, stand with the receiver level at the locate point. Look down the
vertical axis that runs through the center of the display to project a plumb line to the ground. Mark where this
plumb line hits the ground.

1. Plumb line or vertical axis

2. Center o f display

3. Front of receiver

4. Place marker straight down
on g round

Plumb Line for Marking Locate Points

Locating the Transmitter

Falcon can locate the transmitter and its heading while it moves, whether in front of the transmitter, behind it,
or beside it. It can locate the transmitter while facing toward or away from the drill rig.

The standard method described in this section guides the receiver to the transmitter while standing in front of
it, facing the drill rig. This is the recommended method for locating. As you continue to drill or as the bore path
curves, you may be facing the last marked locate point rather than the drill rig.

1. Move forward

2. FLP

3. LL

4. RLP

5. Drill

Standard and Curved Path Locating

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 45

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Finding the Front Locate Point (FLP)

The locating procedure described here assumes that (a) you are facing the drill, (b) the transmitter is below
ground and between you and the drill, and (c) the FLP is in front of you.

1. With the receiver on and in Locate mode, stand in front of the drill head at a distance of
approximately the depth of the drill head.

2.

Observe the position of the locating ball relative to the receiver box on the display. The figures
below show the FLP ahead of and to the left of the receiver; as the drill head gets deeper, the FLP
will be found farther in front of the transmitter.

Drill rig

Bore path

1. Locating “target” ball

2. “Box”

Receiver Locate Screen Actual Position of Receiver

and Transmitter

3. Move the receiver to guide the ball into the box.

4. When the ball is centered in the box (Ball-in-the-Box), hold the trigger for at least one second so the
receiver can lock onto the reference signal. The R icon will appear at the top of the Depth screen.
The locate line (LL) will not display later without this reference.

Drill rig

Bore path

1. Target Ball-in-the-

Box

2. Reference lock
indicator

Receiver Predicted Depth Screen at FLP

with HAGOn

46 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

Actual Position of Receiver

and Transmitter

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

When setting a reference signal, do not hold the trigger unless you are Ball-in-the-Box at the
FLP. If you are ahead of the FLP, you could set an incorrect reference that causes a ghost locate
line. This typically happens when the head is shallower than 1 m. In this case, you must
reference again at the FLP.

If you hold the trigger for longer than five seconds, the receiver will enter Max Mode, which
performs differently than a normal depth reading.

Quick receiver self-test

To verify that the signal is balanced through the receiver’s antenna, carefully rotate the receiver
360° about the center of the display while keeping the receiver level. The locating ball should
stay centered in the box. If it does not, do not continue to use the receiver and contact DCI
Customer Service.

The depth value given at the FLP is the predicted depth, which is the depth the transmitter is calculated
to be at when it reaches the location beneath the receiver. If the pitch or heading of the transmitter
changes before it reaches the location under the receiver, the predicted depth reading will no longer be
accurate.

5. With the ball centered in the box, mark the ground directly below the receiver’s display screen as
the FLP.

Finding the Locate Line (LL)

6. Continue walking toward the drill rig or the last known transmitter location. Keep the locating ball on
the vertical crosshair and observe that the signal strength is increasing as you get closer to the
transmitter.

1. Locating ball movin g along
vertical crosshair

2. Signal strength higher th an
at FL P

Receiver Locate Screen, Moving Toward

LL, FLPBehind

If the signal strength decreases, you may actually have just located the RLP. Position yourself farther
away from the drill and start over at step 2.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 47

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

7. When the locating ball reaches the bottom of the screen, the locate line appears and the ball turns
solid black to indicate your focus should now be on the LL.

If the locate line does not appear and the ball flips to the top of the screen, hold the trigger while moving
the receiver in a forward/backward direction over where the ball flips. This action should re-reference
the receiver to the transmitter’s signal and bring up the locate line. If it does not, return to the FLP to re­reference (see step 1).

Drill rig

Bore path

1. Locate line

2. Locating ball

Receiver Locate Screen, ApproachingLL Actual Position of Receiver

and Transmitter

Do not rely on the alignment of the ball with the vertical crosshair to identify the left/right position of the
transmitter. Accurately locating the front and rear locate points is required to determine the transmitter’s
lateral position (heading) and take accurate depth readings.

8. Position the receiver so the LL aligns with the horizontal crosshair.

Drill rig

Bore path

1. Line-in-th e-Box

Receiver Locate Screen at theLL Actual Position of Receiver

and Transmitter

9. Take a depth reading and mark the LL directly below the receiver’s display screen. If the FLP is to
the left or right of the previous marks—indicating some steering action—locate the RLP as
described in the next steps to verify proper positioning of the LL between the Locate Points.

48 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

If the bore path is straight, do I have to keep finding the RLP for every rod?Page46

No. If a new FLP is directly in line with the previously marked FLPs (a straight bore line), it is
unnecessary to find a new RLP since it will be directly in line with the previous marks. After the
drill head moves forward another rod, find the new FLP and then the LL.

Finding the RLP to Confirm Transmitter Heading and Position

Finding the RLP will allow you to confirm the transmitter’s heading and position. Like the FLP, the RLP is

represented as a ball on the receiver display.

Continue locating:

10. From the LL, facing toward the drill or last transmitter location, walk forward while keeping the ball
aligned on the vertical crosshairs. Notice how the signal strength decreases as you move away
from the transmitter.

Drill rig

Bore path

Receiver Locate Screen, Approaching RLP

fromLL

11. Position the receiver so the ball is centered in the box (Ball-in-the-Box).

Drill rig

Bore path

Actual Position of Receiver

and Transmitter

Receiver Locate Screen atRLP Actual Position of Receiver

and Transmitter

12. Mark the ground directly below the receiver’s display screen as the RLP. A line between the RLP
and FLP represents the transmitter’s heading.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 49

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

13. Position the receiver at the intersection of this heading line with the LL passing through the center of
the box on the display and hold the trigger to take a depth reading. This is the current location of the
transmitter.

Drill rig

Bore path

1. HAG on

2. Corrected depth

3. With L L aligned in
box, receiver may f ace
toward RLP o r FLP
during depth
readings

Receiver Depth Screen atLL Actual Position of Receiver

and Transmitter

Three Methods to Verify Depth Reading

Disable HAG, set the receiver on the ground, and take another depth reading. This reading should be within
5% of the depth reading obtained with the HAG on and the receiver lifted. In the prior example, the reading
should be3.51m.

or

With HAG on, set the receiver on the ground and add the HAG to the depth shown. It should also be3.51m.

or

If HAG is not being used, note the depth on the ground and then raise the receiver exactly 1m. The depth
reading should increase this same distance. In the example above, the depth would be4.42m.

See AppendixC on page69 and AppendixD on page73 for more information on depth.

50 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

When you're ready to be the expert

Here are some techniques that will help you drill more productively and get past the bore that
had everyone else scratching their heads and calling the home office.

Go watch some TV

You can find a training video on Tracking On-the-Fly at www.youtube.com/dcikent.

Advanced Locating

Tracking “On-the-Fly”

If you are running at 0% (0°) pitch under level ground, the predicted depth will be the actual depth. In this
case, all locating can be done at the FLP while the drill head is moving.

Once the transmitter has been located and it is moving in the correct
direction, place the receiver relatively level on the ground one rod length
in front of the FLP, in line with the path created by the FLP and RLP. Turn
HAG off.

Height-Above-Ground (HAG)

Page18

1. One rod length

2. FLP

3. LL

4. RLP

5. Drill

Tracking "On-the-Fly" with a Straight and Curved Path

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 51

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Go watch some TV

You can find a training video on Off-Track Locating at www.youtube.com/dcikent.

As the drill head advances, the FLP should travel along the receiver’s vertical crosshairs, indicating the drill
head is still on line. Once the FLP is in the box, hold the trigger and confirm that the predicted depth reading is
as expected.

Drill rig

Bore path

Receiver Screen Tracking "On-the-Fly" Actual Position of Receiver

and Transmitter

Move ahead the length of another drill rod and wait for the FLP to continue advancing down the vertical
crosshair.

Off-Track Locating

Use off-track locating when it is not possible to walk above the transmitter due to a surface obstruction or
interference. Using the locate line’s perpendicular relationship to the transmitter, it is possible to track the
transmitter’s heading and also determine if it is maintaining its intended depth. The off-track locating method
is only effective when the pitch of the transmitter is 0% (0°) and traveling under flat ground.

To explain how the off-track locating method works, consider the example of an obstruction that is on the
intended bore path, as shown in the figure below. The transmitter is about to go under the obstruction.

1. Stop drilling and find the locate line (LL) of the transmitter by putting the line in the box.

2. While holding the receiver in the same orientation, step to the side until you reach a predetermined
distance (P1). Move the receiver forward and backward until the ball jumps between the top and
bottom of the screen, then mark this location and note the signal strength. While still holding the
receiver in the same orientation, do this two more times for off-track points P2 and P3.

52 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

1. Obstruction

2. Bore path

3. Path around obstruction

4. LL

5. Predetermined distance 1

6. Predetermined distance 2

7. Predetermined distance 3

8. Drill

Preparing for Off-Track Locating

3. Connect points P1, P2, and P3 with a line. This is the locate line. Because the LL runs
perpendicular (at a 90° angle) to the transmitter when the transmitter is level, you can determine the
heading of the drill head. By comparing the signal strength at the predetermined distances of P1,
P2, and P3 as the drill head progresses, you can verify it is moving away from or maintaining the
intended bore path. It is important to monitor the pitch of the transmitter to ensure the drill head is
maintaining the desired depth.

4. As drilling continues, steer the drill head to maintain a constant signal strength at each of the points
P1, P2, and P3. If the signal strength decreases, the drill head is moving away (to the left in the
image below); if it increases, the drill head is moving closer to the side position (to the right).

Differences in pitch and topology elevations will also affect the signal strength and LL position as the
drill head progresses. Using three (or more) off-track points gives you more information to help
recognize the potential adverse effects of interference at any one point.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 53

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Go watch some TV

You can find a training animation on Target Steering at www.youtube.com/dcikent.

1. Obstruction

2. Bore path

3. Path around obstruction

4. LL

5. Predetermined distance 1

6. Predetermined distance 2

7. Predetermined distance 3

8. Drill

Off-Track Locating

Target Steering

The Target Steering locating method allows the Falcon receiver to be placed ahead of the drill head and used
as a steering target. It works especially well to avoid rebar that is causing signal interference, if the receiver
can be placed beyond the rebar area.

In general, Target Steering should be used to maintain a bore path,
not to correct a significantly off-course bore. If needed, use front
and rear locate methods to get back on course.

In situations with significant pitch changes, such as during the entry/exit or areas with changing topography
and elevations, the up/down steering information on the remote display may not be accurate. In these
situations, only the left/right steering information should be considered accurate.

After learning the concepts of Target Steering, practice its use before using on a jobsite where
time and money are at a premium. If you need further assistance, please contact DCI
Customer Service.

Locate Points (FLP & RLP) and Locate Line

(LL)

Page43

Using the receiver for Target Steering requires a stable signal from the transmitter.

Target Steering will not work properly with passive interference in the vicinity of
the bore.

Interference

Page39

54 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Feasible Target Steering Area

The maximum distance the receiver can be placed ahead of the drill head for Target Steering is 10.7 m.
Beyond this distance, depth information becomes less accurate. Within this range, starting with the drill head
approximately level, the following parameters apply to depth data:

l The maximum depth change is approximately 1.2 m.

l The maximum pitch change is approximately 14%.

For the most conservative Target Steering operation, assume the ideal drill path is a circular arc with a radius
that accommodates the bend radius of most drill strings and products being installed. As shown in the
diagram below, the feasible steering area is limited to the shaded region bounded by the two circular arcs.

1. Surface of ground

2. Current dep th

3. Horizontal distance 10.7 m max

4. Transmitter

5. Target

6. Feasib le target steering area

7. Minimum target depth

8. Depth change 1.2 m max

9. Maximum target depth

Feasible Target Steering Area

The Target Steering procedure requires correct placement of the receiver at less than 10.7m in front of the
transmitter, on the bore path, with its back end (where the battery pack is inserted) facing the drill.

Turning Target Steering On

The target depth is the depth at which you want the transmitter when it reaches the location under the
receiver. To set the desired target depth on the receiver, toggle up at the Locate screen to open the Target
Steering menu.

1. Receiver

2. Programmed target depth

3. Transmitter in ground
pointin g toward target belo w
receiver

4. Turn on p rogrammed target
depth

5. Program new target depth

Target Steering Menu

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 55

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The Target Steering menu displays either the last set target depth or the 0.51 m default value.

l To use the displayed value as the desired target depth, click the trigger.

l To enter a new target depth, select the keypad, enter the value in the appropriate units, and select Enter

.

Any HAG setting in effect is ignored during Target Steering.

Positioning the Receiver as the Target

Setting a target depth on the receiver activates target steering, and the Locate screen on the receiver now
displays horizontal distance from transmitter to receiver. The remote display on the drill automatically
changes to Target Steering mode.

1. Horizontal distance from
transmitter t o receiver

2. Approximate transmitter
depth

Target Steering Data on the Receiver (with

pressure data)

Ensure that the location you would like to steer to beneath the receiver is
feasible for the bend radius of the drill string and product being installed.

Feasible Target Steering Area

Page55

56 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Interference can cause inaccuracies in the measurement of depth and placement of the locating
ball, and loss of the transmitter’s pitch, roll, or heading.

Place the receiver on the intended drill path beyond the FLP but within 10.7m of the transmitter with its back
end (battery pack) facing the transmitter's current location. Position the receiver with the understanding that
Target Steering is designed to ensure the transmitter is perpendicular to the rear of the receiver by the time
the drill head reaches the target beneath the receiver.

1. 10.7 m max

2. FLP

3. LL

4. RLP

5. Drill

Positioning the Receiver

for TargetSteering

Depths are calculated based on the bottom of the receiver. The HAG value is still used in
Target Steering mode when taking a depth at the Locate Line (LL) or Front Locate Point (FLP).

Steering to the Target with the Remote Display

Refer to the operator's manual for your remote display for details on its Target Steering screen. Manuals are
located on the flash drive that accompanied the equipment or online at www.DigiTrak.com.

Target Steering in Interference Areas

In areas of passive and/or active interference, it may help to physically elevate the receiver above the
ground. If raising the receiver above the ground, adjust the target depth to include the elevated height.

Turn Target Steering Off

To turn off Target Steering on the receiver, toggle down from the Target Steering screen to return to the
Locate screen. The receiver will now no longer act as a steering target. This also causes the remote display
to exit Target Steering mode.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 57

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Can I use other DigiTrak transmitters with my Falcon?

No. The technology behind Falcon's use of multiple optimized frequencies requires a DigiTrak
Falcon F5 wideband, DigiTrak Falcon F2 wideband, or DucTrak transmitter.

Can I use DigiTrak transmitters rebuilt by other companies?

DCI recommends avoiding the use of "repaired" or "rebuilt" transmitters for any reason.
Untrained technicians, poor quality of workmanship, and the re-use of stressed electronic
components introduces unnecessary risk to your project that far outweighs any perceived short­term cost savings. DigiTrak Falcon transmitters incorporate recent advances in architecture and
durability that provide an even longer expected lifetime under typical conditions.

Transmitter

This section describes the 15-inch Falcon transmitter for your system. For information on using a DucTrak
transmitter, please visit our website at www.DigiTrak.com.

A transmitter generates a magnetic field detected by the Falcon receiver. The transmitter and receiver must
have matching regional designation numbers to communicate with each other and comply with local

operating requirements. The transmitter’s regional designation number is located inside the globe icon
near the serial number. The transmitter must be paired to the receiver prior to use.

The standard Falcon F5 wideband transmitter measures 38.1 cm long and 3.2 cm in diameter, provides pitch
readings in as low as 0.1% or 0.1° increments at level, and displays roll in 24 clock positions (CP). The
transmitter broadcasts in eight bands encompassing frequencies from 9.0 to 45.0kHz.

1. Battery compartment

2. Infrared (IR) port

3. Front end cap with temp dot,
index slo t, and fluid po rts

Falcon F5 15-inch Wideband Transmitter with Fluid Pressure

Calibration is required prior to first-time use and before using a different
transmitter, receiver, drill head, or optimized transmitter band. Calibration is
not necessary, however, when switching between bands on a transmitter that
are already paired and calibrated.

A detailed pitch resolution table is located in AppendixA.

Calibration and AGR

Page13

58 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Never use damaged or non-DCI lithium batteries. Never use two C-cell lithium batteries
providing a combined voltage above 3.6 VDC.

DCI SuperCell lithium batteries are manufactured to military specifications. The use of damaged
or lower-quality lithium batteries may damage the transmitter and/or housing and will void the
DCI warranty.

Falcon transmitters should be held by the stainless steel battery compartment tube while
installing or removing the battery cap. Holding the green fiberglass tube could potentially damage
the seal between the two sections.

Batteries and Power On/Off

19-inch Transmitters

DigiTrak Falcon 19-inch wideband transmitters require one DCI SuperCell lithium battery providing a
maximum of 3.6 VDC. Due to the higher power requirements of this transmitter, alkaline batteries cannot be
used.

15-inch Transmitters

DigiTrak Falcon 15-inch wideband transmitters require two C-cell alkaline batteries or one DCI SuperCell
lithium battery providing a maximum of 3.6 VDC. Alkaline batteries will last up to 20hours, whereas a
SuperCell battery will last up to 70 hours.

Installing Batteries / Power On (19- and 15-inch)

DCI transmitters power on as soon as the batteries and battery cap are properly installed. To install the
batteries:

1. Remove the battery cap from the transmitter using a large slotted screwdriver or coin and rotating
counterclockwise.

2. Insert the battery or batteries into the transmitter with the positive terminals first. When using two
C-cell batteries, include the battery contact spring that came with the transmitter as shown below:

1. Battery cap

2. Battery

3. Battery contact sp ring

4. Housing

C-Cell Batteries Installed with Battery Contact

Spring

Do NOT use the battery contact spring at either end of a single SuperCell battery.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 59

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Because the battery strength for a lithium battery (SuperCell) will appear full until just before it
is depleted, you must track its hours of use.

3. Select the startup frequency of the transmitter by installing the batteries with the transmitter
pointing either up or down:

Load batteries

with transmitter

pointing

UP

to power on in

the last Up

optimized band

Selecting the Startup Frequency of the Transmitter

To power on the transmitter in the last band used, install the batteries with the transmitter horizontal.

4. Replace the battery cap and maintain orientation for at least 10 seconds. Do not overtighten the
cap.

Starting the Frequency Optimizer will not change the transmitter's optimized frequency bands until
the receiver and transmitter are paired. Once paired, the transmitter automatically begins using the

new optimized frequency band. With two new bands, the system defaults to using the Down band first.

Load batteries
with transmitter
pointing

DOWN

to power on in
the last Down
optimized band

Transmitter Battery Strength

The battery strength icon at the bottom of the receiver’s Depth screen indicates the battery life
remaining for alkaline batteries.

Sleep Mode

All battery-powered DigiTrak transmitters go into sleep mode and stop transmitting to conserve battery
power if they are stationary for longer than 15 minutes. To wake the transmitter, rotate the drill string a half
turn; a transmitter will not awake if it lands on the same roll position at which it went to sleep.

A small amount of charge will continue to drain from the batteries while the transmitter is in sleep mode so it
can monitor roll position. To conserve battery life, do not leave batteries in the transmitter when they can be
easily removed. Always remove batteries when the transmitter is not being used to turn it off.

Sleep time does not count towards the hours-based warranty runtime.

60 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

A transmitter will continue sending data for up to 10 seconds after the batteries are removed. If
you have removed the batteries and intend to restart the transmitter in another frequency, wait
until data has stopped displaying on the receiver before reinstalling the batteries.

DucTrak transmitters do not use sleep mode.

Transmitter Drill Head Requirements

For maximum transmitter range and battery life, the slots in the drill head must meet minimum length and
width requirements and be correctly positioned. DCI's transmitters require a minimum of three slots equally
spaced around the circumference of the drill head for optimal signal emission and maximum battery life.
Measure slot lengths on the inside of the drill head; slots must be at least 1.6mm (1/16in.) wide. DCI
transmitters fit standard housings but may require a battery cap adapter in some cases.

1. Battery cap

2. Slot p osition

3. Front end cap
A. Slot length
B. Distance
C. Transmitter length

A transmitter must fit snugly in its drill head. It may be necessary to wrap the transmitter with tape or O-rings
and/or use a drill head adapter for larger drill heads. Contact DCI Customer Service for more information.

The index slot in the front end cap of the transmitter should fit onto the anti-roll pin
(key) in the drill head for proper alignment. Use roll offset if the transmitter’s 12:00

Roll Offset Menu

Page22

position does not match that of the drill head.

Use only the battery cap that accompanied the Falcon transmitter; other battery caps may look similar but
crush the batteries or make the transmitter too long to fit in a standard housing.

Temperature Status and Overheat Indicator

Most DigiTrak transmitters are equipped with an internal digital thermometer. The temperature displays on

the bottom right of the receiver and remote display screens next to the transmitter temperature symbol .
Normal drilling temperatures range from 16 to 40°C. Suspend drilling when temperatures exceed 36°C to
permit cooling.

A small triangle beside the temperature icon indicates whether the temperature is trending up or down
since the last reading.

Because the digital thermometer is inside the transmitter, temperature increases due to
external drilling conditions will take time to transfer to the transmitter. Resolve increases in
temperature quickly to avoid irreversible damage.

If the temperature reaches 48°C, the thermometer icon will change to show that the transmitter is becoming

dangerously hot . The transmitter must be allowed to cool immediately or it will be damaged.

To cool the transmitter, stop drilling and retract the drill one meter and/or add more drilling fluid.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 61

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Transmitter Temperature Warning Tones

The Falcon receiver and remote display emit the following audible tones to indicate increases in the
transmitter temperature:

Transmitter Overheat Indicator (Temp Dot)

Most DigiTrak transmitters have a temperature overheat indicator (temp dot) on the front end cap. The temp
dot has an outer yellow ring with a 3 mm (1/8in.) white dot in the center.

1. Black temp dot voids
warranty

2. Normal temp dot

Transmitter Temp Dot

If the temp dot changes to silver or gray, the transmitter has been exposed to heat but not in excess of
specifications. If the temp dot is black, the transmitter has been exposed to excessive temperatures and can
no longer be used. The DCI warranty does not cover any transmitter that has been overheated (black dot) or
had its temp dot removed.

Avoid transmitter overheating by practicing proper drilling techniques. Abrasive soils, clogged jets,
inadequate mud flow, and improperly mixed mud all contribute significantly to the overheating of a
transmitter.

The Falcon transmitter stores the maximum temperature, which you can view using
the Transmitter Info function. Note that the external temp dot can overheat and turn
black before the internal temperature reaches the maximum allowed.

Transmitter Information

and Runtime

Page28

Transmitter Warranty Timer

The timer used for the transmitter hours-based warranty is viewable under Transmitter Information and

Runtime on page28 beside the icon.

Runtime hours accrue whenever the transmitter is sending data; they do not accrue when the transmitter is in
Sleep mode. The 3-year/500-hour warranty requires that the transmitter be registered at

access.DigiTrak.com within 90 days of purchase. See the warranty at the end of this manual for additional

information.

Changing Frequency Bands

With the receiver at the Locate screen, hold toggle right to open the Band Selection
menu, where you can switch between the Up and Down frequency bands and

Band Selection

Page28

enable or disable fluid pressure monitoring.

Use these procedures to switch between the two optimized frequency bands, such
as when performing an interference check (page40), or an AGR test (page17) in
both bands with the transmitter in the drill head prior to drilling. Both optimized

Batteries and Power

On/Off

Page59

bands remain stored on both the receiver and transmitter even after a power cycle.

62 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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Above Ground (Pre-Bore) Tilt Method

Do not roll the transmitter more than two clock positions (CP) during this procedure.

1. Place the transmitter on an approximately level surface (0±10°) for at least five seconds
with the receiver at the Locate screen and transmitter data being displayed.

2. Tilt the transmitter up at approximately 65° (over 100%, or nearly vertical).

3. Hold the transmitter steady for 10–18 seconds.

4. Return the transmitter to level within 10 seconds.

5. After 10–18 seconds, all transmitter data disappears from the receiver’s screen, indicating the
transmitter frequency has changed.

6. Select the new frequency band in the receiver's Band Selection menu.

Band Selection Menu

The new band displays at the top of the Main menu. It may take up to 30
seconds for the transmitter to begin sending data on the new frequency;
return to the Locate screen and verify that transmitter data appears on the
display.

Below Ground (Mid-Bore) Roll Methods

Switching between bands on the Falcon F5 transmitter may provide better data results while drilling in a
section of the bore with a high level of interference. Use these methods to switch between transmitter
frequency bands mid-bore. Practice these roll methods before sending the drill head below ground.

Frequency Change, 10-2-7

1. Ensure roll offset is disabled and transmitter roll data is displayed on the
receiver.

2. Position the transmitter at 10:00 (±1 clock position, or CP) for 10–18 seconds.

3. Roll the transmitter clockwise to its 2:00 position (±1 CP) within 10 seconds and remain there for
10–18 seconds.

4. Roll the transmitter clockwise to its 7:00 position (±1 CP) within 10 seconds.

5. When transmitter data disappears from the receiver, the transmitter frequency has changed. This
will take approximately 10–18 seconds.

Roll Offset Menu

Page28

Page22

6. Select the new frequency band in the receiver's Band Selection menu.
The new band displays at the top of the Main menu. It may take up to 30

Band Selection Menu

Page28

seconds for the transmitter to begin sending data on the new frequency;
return to the Locate screen and verify that transmitter data appears on the
display.

7. Re-enable roll offset, if applicable.

Frequency Change, Repeating Roll Sequence (RRS3)

1. Remain at any clock position (CP) for at least 40 seconds to clear all timers.

2. Make a reference mark on the drill string.

3. Complete one full clockwise rotation (±2 CP) of the reference mark within 0.5–30 sec., then wait
10–20 seconds.

4. Repeat step 3 two more times, for a total of three rotations (RRS3).

5. After the third rotation, leave the drill string at rest for a total of 60 seconds, after which the
transmitter changes frequency.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 63

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

A warning symbol in the roll indicator after changing bands on the receiver means the
transmitter has not yet been calibrated in this band. While locate positions and roll/pitch data will
be correct, depth readings will be incorrect.

6. Select the new frequency band in the receiver's Band Selection menu.
The new band displays at the top of the Main menu. It may take up to 30

Band Selection Menu

Page28

seconds for the transmitter to begin sending data on the new frequency;
return to the Locate screen and verify that transmitter data appears on the
display.

If any rotation is not completed within the prescribed time, or if any rotation continues for more than one full
revolution, the transmitter frequency change is canceled.

64 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

AppendixA: System Specifications

Tables in this appendix use English number and punctuation formatting.

Power Requirements

Environmental Requirements

System working altitude: rated up to 2000 m.

Storage and Shipping Requirements

Temperature

Storage and transportation temperature must remain within -40 – 65°C.

Packaging

Ship in original carrying case or packaging of sufficient durability to prevent mechanical shock to equipment
during transportation.

Approved for transportation by vehicle, boat, and aircraft.

SuperCell batteries are regulated UN3090 lithium metal batteries and F Series FBP batteries are regulated
UN3480 and UN3481 lithium-ion batteries. Lithium batteries are considered Class 9 Miscellaneous
Dangerous Goods under International Air Transportation Association (IATA) regulations; IATA regulation and
Ground Transportation regulations 49CFR172 and 174 apply. These batteries must be packaged and
shipped by trained and certified personnel only. Never ship damaged batteries.

Equipment and Battery Disposal

This symbol on equipment indicates that the equipment must not be disposed of with your other
household waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of such equipment at a designated

collection point for the recycling of batteries or electrical and electronic equipment. If the equipment
contains a banned substance, the label will show the pollutant (Cd=Cadmium; Hg=Mercury; Pb=Lead)
near this symbol. Before recycling, ensure batteries are discharged or the terminals are covered with
adhesive tape to prevent shorting. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time
of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure it is recycled in a manner that protects human
health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for
recycling, please contact your local city office, your household waste disposal service, or the shop where
you purchased the equipment.

Transmitter Pitch Resolution

Transmitter pitch resolution decreases with increased grade.

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±% Grade ± Degrees Grade % Resolution

0 – 3% 0 – 1.7° 0.1%

3 – 9% 1.7 – 5.1° 0.2%

9 – 30% 5.1 – 16.7° 0.5%

30 – 50% 16.7 – 26.6° 2.0%

50 – 90% 26.6 – 42.0° 5.0%

66 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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AppendixB: Receiver Screen Symbols

Symbol Description

Attenuated Signal – Indicates signal attenuation is in effect due to the presence of excessive

interference, or when locating within 1 m of the transmitter. The receiver automatically attenuates
the transmitter signal when locating at shallow depths to reduce excessive signal strength. The A

A

,

displays at the bottom left of the frequency optimizer results (page25) or at the top right of the roll

indicator (page36) on the locate screen. Attenuation while locating in close proximity to the

transmitter is normal; attenuation during calibration or frequency optimization is a warning to
relocate to a location with less interference. The receiver will not calibrate when the signal
strength is flashing red, indicating the presence of extreme interference.Page13

Band Up or Down – Indicates whether the receiver is currently using the Up or Down optimized

band. Located in the title bar of the Locate screen.Page12

Calibration Signal High – Displays after a failed calibration, often because the transmitter is too

close to the receiver.Page15

Calibration Signal Low – Displays after a failed calibration, often because the transmitter is not

powered on or is on a different (Up or Down) frequency band than the receiver.Page15

Calibration Attenuation Error – Displays after a failed calibration. If attenuation is in effect due to

only moderate interference, the system will still calibrate; however, it is best practice to relocate to
a quieter location where attenuation is not in effect. If the signal strength on the locate screen is
flashing red, this indicates extreme interference, and a calibration will fail.Page14

Globe Icon – Shown on the receiver startup screen, the number inside (shown blank here)

identifies the regional designation, which must match that on the transmitter battery
compartment.Page6

Ground Level – Represents the ground for the HAG function, depth readings, and the in-ground

calibration procedure.Page37

Locate Line – The locate line (LL) always displays perpendicular to the transmitter. The locate

line (LL) is found between the front and rear locate points only after a reference lock (see below)
has been obtained. May also include the transmitter yaw angle in degrees.Page37

Locating Ball/Target – Represents the front and rear locate points (FLP and RLP). When the

locate line appears, the locating ball will become a solid circle (ball) representing the approximate
locate point.Page36

Locating Icon (the receiver) – Represents a bird’s-eye view of the receiver. The square at the top

of this icon is referred to as the “box” in the terms Ball-in-the-Box and Line-in-the-Box
locating.Page36

Max Mode – Max Mode begins when the trigger is held longer that five seconds during a depth

reading.Page37

Max Mode Timer – Provides a visual indication that Max Mode is active (trigger held). Replaces

the roll/pitch update meter. It will remain red if no stable signal can be found.Page37

Pitch Assumed Zero – Indicates that since no pitch data is currently available, the pitch is

assumed to be zero for depth, predicted depth, and AGR calculations.Page37

Pressure – When using a fluid pressure transmitter, the number next to this icon on the Locate

screen indicates the pressure reading. If the pressure reaches an over-limit condition (from 689–
1724 kPa), the value will appear red. When the pressure reaches the overload condition (over
1724 kPa), the value will display as “+OL”.Page23

Receiver Battery Strength – Shows the remaining battery life of the receiver. Appears above the

main menu. When battery life is low, the icon will flash on the Locate screen.Page12

Receiver Icon – Indicates the position of the receiver relative to the ground for the HAG function,

depth readings, in-ground calibration, and the Target Steering function.Page37

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Symbol Description

R

RO

or

Reference Lock – Indicates a reference signal has been obtained for displaying the locate line.

Displays at the top of the Locate screen.Page46

Roll Offset – Indicates roll offset is enabled. Displays at the bottom left of the roll

indicator.Page22

Roll/Pitch Update Meter – Shows the quality of data reception from the transmitter (specifically,

data rate). A full bar is the best signal. A shorter bar indicates the receiver is in an area of
interference or you are reaching the range limit of the transmitter, relative to interference.Page36

Transmitter Battery Strength/Drill Head – Depicts the remaining battery life of the transmitter

when alkaline batteries are used. Also represents the position of the drill head relative to the
receiver in the Depth screen.Page37

Telemetry Channel – The channel used to communicate with the remote display on the drill rig.

Select whichever channel offers the best performance. Select channel 0 to turn telemetry
off.Page21

Transmitter Pitch – The number next to this icon on the Locate screen is the transmitter pitch

angle. It is also the Settings menu icon for changing the pitch angle units between percent and
degrees.Page36

Transmitter Roll Indicator – Shows the transmitter’s roll position. The roll value appears in the

center of the clock. When roll offset is enabled, the letters “RO” appear at the bottom left and the
indicator becomes a circle.Page36

Transmitter Signal Strength – The number next to this icon on the Locate screen is the

transmitter signal strength. Maximum signal strength is about 1200.Page36

Transmitter Temperature – The number next to this icon shows the transmitter temperature. An

up or down arrow indicates the trend from the last reading. The icon will display steam when the
transmitter becomes dangerously hot, indicating the transmitter must be cooled immediately or it
will be damaged.Page61

Warning – This error symbol indicates a failure in a self-test or a need to calibrate the receiver to
one or both transmitter bands.Page31,13

68 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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AppendixC: Projected Depth Versus Actual
Depth and the Fore/Aft Offset

Tables in this appendix use English number and punctuation formatting.

What Happens When the Transmitter Is Steep and Deep

The signal field emitted by the transmitter consists of a set of elliptical signals, or “flux lines”. The flux lines
indicate the position of the transmitter. When the transmitter is level with respect to the ground, the locate
line (LL) is directly over the transmitter, the depth displayed on the receiver is the actual depth, and the locate
points (FLP and RLP) are at equal distances from the transmitter. The location of the LL is found at the
intersection of the ground and the horizontal component of the flux field; the FLP and RLP are found where
the vertical components of the flux field intersect with the ground. Some of the horizontal and vertical
components are identified below by short yellow lines.

1. RLP

2. LL

3. FLP

Side View of Flux Field and Geometry of FLP, RLP, andLL

Due to the shape of the transmitter’s signal field, when it is at a pitch greater than ±10% (±5.7°) and/or a
depth of 4.6m or more, the position of the locate line will be some distance ahead of or behind the
transmitter’s actual position. In this case, the depth displayed on the receiver becomes what is called the
projected depth. The transmitter’s distance ahead of or behind the locate line is called the fore/aft offset.

The projected depth and fore/aft offset must be accounted for when the transmitter is steep and/or deep. See

TableC1 and TableC2 to determine the actual depth and fore/aft offset when you know the displayed

(projected) depth and pitch of the transmitter.

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 69

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Side View of Actual Depth due to Fore/Aft Offset When

Steep andDeep

1. LP

2. LL

3. Fore/aft offset

4. Projected depth

5. Actual depth

6. 30% (17°) p itch

The above figure shows a transmitter positioned in a drill string that is drilling at either a positive or a negative
pitch—the pitch is positive if you are drilling left to right, negative if you are drilling right to left. The
transmitter’s signal field is also pitched at the same angle as the transmitter. The locate line (LL), which is
where the depth measurement is taken, is the horizontal component of the transmitter’s signal field flux lines.
That is, the LL is found where the flux lines are horizontal, illustrated by short horizontal yellow lines above.

The locate points (FLP and RLP) are also shown above. These points are located at the vertical components
of the signal field illustrated by short vertical yellow lines above. Note how the locate points are not the same
distance from the LL when the transmitter is pitched. Again, this situation requires compensation for the
projected depth and the fore/aft offset.

Using the following tables to find:

l actual depth based on the receiver’s depth reading (projected depth) and the transmitter pitch – TableC1

l fore/aft offset based on the receiver’s depth reading (projected depth) and the transmitter pitch –

TableC2

l projected depth that you will see on the receiver during drilling if you know the required depth (actual

depth) of your installation – TableC3

l conversion factors for determining the projected depth from the actual depth, or the actual depth from

the projected depth at various transmitter pitches – TableC4

These "steep and deep" calculations for projected depth are important when using a bore plan that has
specified target depths on steeper and deeper bores.

70 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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Pitch →

Displayed Depth ↓

1.52m 1.52m 1.50m 1.4 5m 1.37 m 1.32m 1.27m 1.17m 1.07m 0.7 6m

3.05m 3.02m 2.97m 2 .87 m 2.7 7m 2.64m 2.5 1m 2.31m 2.13m 1.5 2m

4.57m 4.55m 4.47m 4 .32 m 4.1 4m 3.96m 3.7 8m 3.48m 3.20m 2.2 9m

6.10m 6.07m 5.94m 5 .74 m 5.5 1m 5.28m 5.0 3m 4.65m 4.27m 3.0 5m

7.62m 7.59m 7.44m 7 .19 m 6.9 1m 6.60m 6.3 0m 5.79m 5.33m 3.8 1m

9.14m 9.09m 8.92m 8 .61 m 8.2 8m 7.92m 7.5 4m 6.96m 6.40m 4.5 7m

10.67m 10.62m 10.41m 10.08m 9.65m 9.2 5m 8.81m 8.13m 7.47m 5.33m

12.19m 12.14m 11.89m 11.51m 11.02m 10.57m 10.06m 9.27m 8.53m 6.1 0m

13.72m 13.64m 13.39m 12.93m 12.42m 11.89m 11.33m 10.44m 9.63m 6.86m

15.24m 15.16m 14.86m 14.38m 13.79m 13.21m 12.57m 11.61m 10.69m 7.62m

±10%
(5.7°)

±20%

(11°)

±30%

(17°)

±40%

(22°)

±50%

(27°)

±60%

(31°)

±75%
(37°)

±90%

(42°)

±100%

(45°)

Table C1: Determining Actual Depth from Displayed (Projected) Depth and Pitch

Use the projected/displayed depth values in the first column and transmitter pitches in the first row to find
actual depth.

Pitch →

Displayed Depth ↓

1.52m 0.10m 0.20m 0 .28 m 0.3 8m 0.48m 0.5 3m 0.64m 0.74m 0.7 6m

3.05m 0.20m 0.41m 0 .58 m 0.7 6m 0.94m 1.0 7m 1.27m 1.45m 1.5 2m

4.57m 0.30m 0.61m 0 .89 m 1.1 4m 1.40m 1.6 3m 1.91m 2.16m 2.2 9m

6.10m 0.41m 0.79m 1 .17 m 1.5 2m 1.85m 2.1 6m 2.54m 2.90m 3.0 5m

7.62m 0.51m 0.99m 1 .47 m 1.9 1m 2.31m 2.6 9m 3.18m 3.61m 3.8 1m

9.14m 0.61m 1.19m 1 .78 m 2.2 9m 2.79m 3.2 3m 3.81m 4.32m 4.5 7m

10.67m 0.71m 1.40m 2 .06 m 2.6 7m 3.25m 3.7 8m 4.47m 5.05m 5.3 3m

12.19m 0.81m 0.69m 2 .36 m 3.0 5m 3.71m 4.3 2m 5.11m 5.77m 6.1 0m

13.72m 0.91m 1.80m 2 .64 m 3.4 5m 4.17m 4.8 5m 5.74m 6.48m 6.8 6m

15.24m 1.02m 2.01m 2 .84 m 3.8 4m 4.65m 5.3 8m 6.38m 7.21m 7.6 2m

±10%
(5.7°)

±20%

(11°)

±30%

(17°)

±40%

(22°)

±50%

(27°)

±60%

(31°)

±75%
(37°)

±90%

(42°)

±100%

(45°)

Table C2: Determining Fore/Aft Offset from Displayed (Projected) Depth and Pitch

Use the projected/displayed depth values in the first column and transmitter pitches in the first row to find
fore/aft offset values.

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Pitch →

Actual Depth ↓

1.52m 1.52m 1.57m 1 .60 m 1.6 8m 1.73m 1.8 0m 1.91m 1.98m 2.2 9m

3.05m 3.07m 3.12m 3 .23 m 3.3 3m 3.45m 3.5 8m 3.78m 3.96m 4.5 7m

4.57m 4.60m 4.70m 4 .83 m 5.0 0m 5.18m 5.3 8m 5.66m 5.94m 6.8 6m

6.10m 6.12m 6.25m 6 .45 m 6.6 8m 6.91m 7.1 6m 7.54m 7.92m 9.1 4m

7.62m 7.67m 7.82m 8 .05 m 8.3 6m 8.64m 8.9 7m 9.45m 9.91m 11.43m

9.14m 9.19m 9.37m 9 .68 m 10.01m 10.36m 10.74m 11.33m 11.89m 13.72m

10.67m 10.72m 10.95m 11.28m 11.68m 11.18m 12.55m 13.21m 13.87m 16.00m

12.19m 12.24m 12.50m 12.88m 13.36m 13.82m 14.33m 15.11m 15.85m 18.29m

13.72m 13.79m 14.07m 14.50m 15.01m 15.54m 15.90m 16.99m 17.83m 11.43m

15.24m 15.32m 15.62m 16.10m 16.69m 17.27m 17.91m 18.87m 19.79m 22.86m

±10%
(5.7°)

±20%

(11°)

±30%

(17°)

±40%

(22°)

±50%

(27°)

±60%

(31°)

±75%
(37°)

±90%

(42°)

±100%

(45°)

Table C3: Determining Projected Depth from Actual Depth and Pitch

Use the actual depth values in the first column and transmitter pitches in the first row to find projected depth
values.

Pitch →

From Actual to Projected Depth 1.005 1.025 1.0 6 1.105 1.155 1.212 1.31 4 1 .42 6

From Projected to Actual Depth 0.995 0.975 0.943 0.905 0.86 6 0.825 0 .761 0.701

±10%

(5.7°)

±20%

(11°)

±30%

(17°)

±40%

(22°)

±50%

(27°)

±60%

(31°)

±75%

(37°)

±90%

(42°)

Table C4: Conversion Factors for Calculating Exact Projected Depth or Actual Depth

Table C4 helps calculate the exact projected depth reading as well as the actual depth using a multiplier
(conversion factor) at different transmitter pitches.

For example, if you have a required (actual) depth of 7.32m and want the receiver’s projected depth reading
at a 30% (17°) pitch, use the first row of conversion factors to select the corresponding value for a pitch of
30%, which is 1.06. Multiply this value by the required depth of 7.32. The result, 7.75m, is what the
receiver’s projected depth reading should be at the locate line.

Using the projected depth displayed on the receiver, you can calculate the actual depth of the transmitter
using the second row of conversion factors. For example, if your pitch is 30% and your projected depth
reading is 7.32m, multiply depth 7.32 by conversion factor 0.943. The result, 6.90m, is the actual depth of
the transmitter.

72 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

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AppendixD: Calculating Depth Based on
Distance Between FLP and RLP

Tables in this appendix use English number and punctuation formatting.

If you know the transmitter pitch, the positions of the front locate point (FLP) and the rear locate point (RLP),
and if the ground surface is level, you can still estimate the transmitter depth even if the depth information
displayed on the receiver becomes unreliable.

To estimate the transmitter depth, first measure the distance between the FLP and the RLP. The pitch of the
transmitter must also be reliably known. Using the Depth Estimation Table below, find the divider that most
closely corresponds to the transmitter pitch. Then use the following formula to estimate the depth:

Depth = Distance between FLP and RLP / Divider

For example, if the transmitter pitch is 34% (or 18.8°) then the corresponding divider value (from the table) is

1.50. In this example, the distance between the FLP and the RLP is 3.5 m. The depth would be:

Depth = 3.5 m / 1.50 = 2.34 m

Pitch (% / ° ) Divider Pitch (% / ° ) Divider Pitch (% / ° ) Divider

0 / 0.0 1.41 34 / 18.8 1.50 68 / 34.2 1.74

2 / 1.1 1.41 36 / 19.8 1.51 70 / 35.0 1.76

4 / 2.3 1.42 38 / 20.8 1.52 72 / 35.8 1.78

6 / 3.4 1.42 40 / 21.8 1.54 74 / 36.5 1.80

8 / 4.6 1.42 42 / 22.8 1.55 76 / 37.2 1.82

10 / 5.7 1.42 44 / 23.7 1.56 78 / 38.0 1.84

12 / 6.8 1.43 46 / 24.7 1.57 80 / 38.7 1.85

14 / 8.0 1.43 48 / 25.6 1.59 82 / 39.4 1.87

16 / 9.1 1.43 50 / 26.6 1.60 84 / 40.0 1.89

18 / 10.2 1.44 52 / 27.5 1.62 86 / 40.7 1.91

20 / 11.3 1.45 54 / 28.4 1.63 88 / 41.3 1.93

22 / 11.9 1.45 56 / 29.2 1.64 90 / 42.0 1.96

24 / 13.5 1.46 58 / 30.1 1.66 92 / 42.6 1.98

26 / 14.6 1.47 60 / 31.0 1.68 94 / 43.2 2.00

28 / 15.6 1.48 62 / 31.8 1.69 96 / 43.8 2.02

30 / 16.7 1.48 64 / 32.6 1.71 98 / 44.4 2.04

32 / 17.7 1.49 66 / 33.4 1.73 1 00 / 45.0 2.06

Depth Estimation Table

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 73

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AppendixE: Reference Tables

Depth Increase in cm per 3-m Rod

Percent Depth Increase Percent Depth Increase

1 2 cm 28 81 cm

2 5 cm 29 84 cm

3 1 0 cm 30 86 cm

4 1 3 cm 31 91 cm

5 1 5 cm 32 94 cm

6 1 8 cm 33 97 cm

7 2 0 cm 34 99 cm

8 2 5 cm 35 102 cm

9 2 8 cm 36 104 cm

10 30 cm 37 107 cm

11 33 cm 38 109 cm

12 36 cm 39 112 cm

13 38 cm 40 114 cm

14 43 cm 41 117 cm

15 46 cm 42 117 cm

16 48 cm 43 119 cm

17 51 cm 44 122 cm

18 53 cm 45 124 cm

19 56 cm 46 127 cm

20 61 cm 47 130 cm

21 64 cm 50 137 cm

22 66 cm 55 147 cm

23 69 cm 60 157 cm

24 71 cm 70 175 cm

25 74 cm 80 191 cm

26 76 cm 90 203 cm

27 79 cm 1 00 216 cm

74 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

Depth Increase in cm per 4.6-m Rod

Percent Depth Increase Percent Depth Increase

1 5 cm 28 124 cm

2 1 0 cm 29 127 cm

3 1 3 cm 30 132 cm

4 1 8 cm 31 135 cm

5 2 3 cm 32 140 cm

6 2 8 cm 33 142 cm

7 3 3 cm 34 147 cm

8 3 6 cm 35 150 cm

9 4 1 cm 36 155 cm

10 46 cm 37 157 cm

11 51 cm 38 163 cm

12 53 cm 39 165 cm

13 58 cm 40 170 cm

14 64 cm 41 173 cm

15 69 cm 42 178 cm

16 71 cm 43 180 cm

17 76 cm 44 183 cm

18 81 cm 45 188 cm

19 86 cm 46 191 cm

20 89 cm 47 196 cm

21 94 cm 50 203 cm

22 99 cm 55 221 cm

23 102 cm 6 0 236 cm

24 107 cm 7 0 262 cm

25 112 cm 8 0 284 cm

26 114 cm 9 0 305 cm

27 119 cm 100 323 cm

DigiTrak Falcon F 5®Operator's Manual 75

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76 DigiTrak Falcon F5®Operator's Manual

19625 62nd Ave S, Suite B103

Kent Washington 98032, USA

425.251.0559, 800.288.3610

[e-mail], www.DigiTrak.com

DCIStandard Warranty

DCI warrants that it will either repair or replace any product that fails to operate in conformity to DCI’s published specifications at the time of
shipment due to a defect in materialsor workmanship during the warranty period for that product, subject to the terms set forth below.

Category Warranty Period

Falcon Transmitters (19” a nd 15”) Three yea rs from da te of p urchase or first 500 hours of use , whichever o ccurs first.

All Other Transmitters Ninety da ys from date o f purchase

Receivers, Remote Displays, Battery
Charge rs and Rechargeable Batteries

Software* One ye ar from d ate o f purchase

Other Accessories Ninety da ys from date o f purchase

Service/Repair Ninety da ys from date o f repair

* For software products, in lieu of the warranty set forth above, DCI warrants that it will either update any defective software to bring it into material

compliance with DCI’s specif ications for such software, or refund the purchase price paid for the software.

One ye ar from d ate o f purchase

Terms

l The 3-yr/500-hr warranty period for a Falcon transmitter is conditioned on registration of the purchase with DCI within 90 days of the date of

purchase. If the customer fails to register the purchase during this time frame, the warranty period for the transmitter will instead be ninety
days from date of purchase.

l Warranty coverage for a warranty replacement tr ansmitter shalltie back to the originaltransmitter(s) submitted for war ranty coverage. For

example, if a F alcon transmitter is owned for one year and used for 250 hours, the warranty coverage for the replacement will be an
additional two years or an additional 250 hours of use, whichever comes first.

l “Hours of use” for pur poses of the Falcon transmitter warranty means active run-time hours, as measured internallyby Falcon transmitters.

l In the event of a valid warranty submission, the choiceof remedy (for example, to repair or replace a defective product or, in the case of

defective software, to update or refund), shall be at DCI’s sole discretion. DCI reserves the right to use remanufactured replacement parts
for repairs.

l The above warr anties only applyto new products purchased directlyfr om DCI or from a DCI-authorized dealer.

l The ultimate determination of whether a product qualifiesfor warranty replacement shallbe at DCI’s sole discretion.

Exclusions

l Transmitters that have exceeded the maximum temperature, as indicated by the system.

l Defect or damage caused by misuse, abuse, improper installation, improper storage or transport, neglect, accident, fire, flood, use of

incorrect fuses, contact with high voltagesor injurious substances, use of system components not manufactured or supplied by DCI, failure
to follow the operator’s manual, use other than that for which the pr oduct was intended or other events beyond the control of DCI.

l Any transmitter used with an improper housing, or damage caused to a transmitter from improper installation into or retrieval from a

housing.

l Damage during shipment to DCI.

Any modification, opening up, repair or attempted repair of a product, or any tampering or removalof any serial number, label or other
identification of the product, will void the warranty.

DCI does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or completenessof data generated by HDD guidance/locating systems.The accuracy or
completenessof such data may be impacted by a variety of factors, including (without limitation) active or passive interference and other
environmental conditions, failure to calibrate or use the device properly and other factors. DCI also does not warrant or guarantee, and disclaims
liabilityfor, the accuracy and completeness of any data gener ated by any external source that may be displayed on a DCI device, including
(without limitation) data received from a drill rig.

DCIStandard Warranty 1

DIGITALCONTRO LINCORP ORATED

DCI may make changes in design and improvements to products from time to time. DCI shallhave no obligation to upgrade any previously
manufactured DCI pr oduct to include any such changes.

THE FOREGOING IS THE SOLE WARRANT Y FOR DCI PRODUCT S (OTHER THAN THE 5-YR/750-HR EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR
FAL CON 15/19” TRANSMITT ERS). DCI DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANT IES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND F ITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING FROM COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, COURSE
OF DEALING, OR USAGE OF TRADE, ALL OF WHICH ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED.

In no event shall DCI or anyone else involved in the creation, pr oduction, sale or delivery of the DCI product (“partners”) be liable for any damages
arising out of the use or inability to use the DCI pr oduct, including but not limited to indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, or for
any cover, loss of information, profit, revenue or use, based upon any claim for breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict liability, or
any other legal theory, even if DCI has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shallDCI or its partners’ liability exceed the
purchase price for the product.

This warranty is not assignable or transferable. T his warranty is the entire agreement between DCI and purchaser, and may not be expanded or
amended in any way other than in writing by DCI.

Product demonstrations

DCI personnel may be present at a job site to demonstrate basic usage, features, and benefits of DCI pr oducts. DCI personnel ar e present only to
demonstrate a DCI product. DCI does NOT pr ovide locating services or other consulting or contracting services. DCI does not assume any duty to
train the user or any other person, and does not assume responsibility or liability for the locating or other work perfor med at a job site at which DCI
personnel or equipment are or have been present.

Translations

This document may be a translation of the original English language version. The purpose of thistranslation is to assist the product user.
However, in the event of any discrepancy in meaning or interpretation between the translation and the original English language version, the
original English language version shall control. A copy of the original English language version of this document may be found at

www.DigiTrak.com. Under Service & Support, clickDocumentat ion and select from the Manuals drop-down menu.

2 DCIStandard Warranty