RL8873 Receiver/Locator
RT8872 Transmitter
User Manual
Please inspect all products
carefully upon receipt.
Included:
• RL8873 Receiver / Locator
• RT8872 Transmitter
• Grounding Rod
• Transmitter Cable
• Batteries (already installed
in each device)
Note: MyTana sells each of these products
separately, or as a package (RL8800)
You may receive this manual if you have
purchased only one of the products– either
the Locator/Receiver or the Transmitter
Electric shock hazard:
•Toolisdesignedtodetect
electromagneticeldemittedfrom
CameraSondesandburiedmetallicutilities.Thereareburiedcables,pipes,and
utilitiesthisinstrumentCANNOTdetect.
•LOCATINGisnotanexactscience.The
onlycertainwaytobesureoftheexistence,location,ordepthofburiedutilities
istocarefullyexpose(digup)theutility.
•De-energizeanycircuitsinoraroundthe
workarea.
•Donotexposetooltorainormoisture.
•Usetoolonlyforintendedpurposeas
describedinthismanual.Failureto
observethesewarningscouldresultin
severeinjuryordeath.
010418
Manufacturers of Quality
Sewer & Drain Cleaning
Equipment since 1957
www.MyTana.com
746 Selby Ave • St. Paul MN, 55104
fax: 651.222.1739
1.800.328.8170
Factory Direct Customer Service
M –F 7am – 5pm CST
Competent • Polite • Clear
Introduction
Prepare for Use
The RL8873 Locator is specially designed to detect sondes and
camera systems, and with the RT8872 Transmitter is capable of
detecting buried power cables, CATV cables, gas and water pipes,
sewer lines, telephone cables, ber optic cables with sheath.
For Sonde and camera head locating a signal is generated by the
sonde or camera head and the receiver detects the signal giving the
user proximity cue to determine its location.
The transmitter emits a signal that is conducted or coupled to a
conductors. The receiver detects the signal. You can locate the relative position of the buried conductor by following the tracing signal.
As you unpack your Locator and Transmitter, make sure
there is no shipping damage and all the parts are
included.
Both units have batteries already installed.
When you need to change batteries, battery compartments are located the back of the “head” of the receiver
and the back of the transmitter. Open the compartments using a Phillips screwdriver. Install the six C
batteries as marked in the receiver and eight C batteries
in the transmitter.
Changing Operating Program or Program a Preset Frequency Set
uNote: MyTana ships the RL8873 programmed to 512 Hz frequency. If you wish to change frequencies, or store multiple
frequencies (presets), follow the steps below. Programs and frequency sets can be changed at anytime using this process.
To select a new frequency or preset a new set on the
RL8873 LOCATOR/RECEIVER
1. Press, and hold depressed, the POWER ON Button.
2. Pressing the GAIN DOWN Button will toggle through avail-
able congurations. The RL8873 oers the following modes:
u 512 - oers 512Hz Camera/Sonde locating mode only
u CAL- selected for calibration of system
(for authorized use only)
u U3- oers the following frequencies:
(camera/sonde mode) – 512Hz, 640Hz, 8kHz & 33kHz
(line mode) – passive 50hz & 60hz, passive rF, 512hz,
640hz, 8khz, 9khz, 33khz, 65khz, 82khz, 200khz, 478khz
To select or preset frequencies beyond 512, toggle to U3 mode.
3. Once in U3, release the POWER ON Button.
“PRO” will be displayed at the top of the LCD.
4. Short press the FREQUENCY Button to toggle to the
desired frequency.
5. Select the displayed frequency by holding down the
FREQUENCY Button for 2+ seconds. The top of the LCD will
display the preset/program number for this frequency, and
will increase by one each time a new frequency is selected.
If you do not want to program more presets, skip to #7.
6. Short press the FREQUENCY Button to toggle to the next
desired frequency, and repeat #5.
7. Pressing the POWER ON Button will exit the setup menu
and save the selected frequencies for availability during
normal operation.
uIf you ever need to change your Locator from Line mode
to Camera/Sonde mode — follow steps 1 and 2 above to
return to 512 (Sonde) mode. Release buttons.
To select a new frequency or preset a new set on the
RT8872 TRANSMITTER
1. Press and hold depressed the POWER ON Button.
2. Pressing the INFORMATION Button will toggle through
available congurations. Repeat pressing until U5 is
displayed in the Frequency indicator section of the LCD.
3. Once in U5, release the POWER ON Button.
“PRO” will be displayed in the LCD.
4. Press the FREQUENCY Button to toggle through the
available frequencies.
5. To select and store the desired frequency press the
INFORMATION Button. The program/preset number of the
selected frequency will be displayed on the LCD.
6. Continue to toggle through and select the desired
frequencies,
7. Pressing the POWER ON Button will save the selected
frequencies for availability during normal operation.
uOnce presets are saved and you want to change
frequency: Power On, and push to select the
frequency you want.
Available Frequencies (Note: LINE frequencies
are available ONLY if using transmitter box)
MODE LINE SONDE
Passive 60Hz
512Hz
640Hz
815Hz
8kHz
8-9Hz
9kHz
•
• •
• •
• •
•
MODE LINE SONDE
33kHz
65kHz
82kHz
116Hz
200kHz
478kHz
Passive RF
Passive 50Hz
• •
•
•
•
•
•
•
2
RL8873 Receiver Controls
and Indicators
Pipe Alignment Indicator
(see page 7)
ON/OFF Button
Press the ON/OFF button to turn the Receiver on or o.
Upon turning the unit on, it will load
the settings from the previous usage.
Note: Unit will automatically shut o if no keys are
pressed within a 10 minute period.
FREQUENCY Button
1. Used to set and store frequency presets (see back).
2. Hold for 10 seconds to change
from feet/inches to metric.
3. BACKLIGHT
Hold the ON/OFF and FREQUENCY buttons together
for 5 seconds for the display to be backlit.
Depth Display
Mode Panel
(will display one)
Line Trace Mode
Camera Head/Sonde
Locate Mode
Absolute Signal
Strength & Frequency
GAIN Buttons (Up or Down)
Use to adjust the gain level for the receiver.
Continually adjust gain to high enough volume to hear.
Also used to select CAMERA/SONDE or LINE mode (see page 2)
Absolute Signal Strength
The RL8873 Locator receiver provides the operator with a
direct measurement of the receiver’s signal strength. The
measurement is displayed with three numerical digits (ex: 485)
located at the bottom of the LCD display. The measurement
range is from -100 to 999 indicating a very week signal (-050)
to a very strong signal (999).
Absolute Signal Strength is independent of the GAIN setting
or meter reading. It gives the operator information about the
actual amount of signal being radiated from the conductor
and received by the receiver.
Measuring Absolute Signal Strength at any time is done by
reading the number at the top of the LCD display. The Absolute Signal Strength is displayed even when the meter reading
is o scale (too high or too low).
Gain Change Indication
The GAIN up and down Buttons are used to increase and
decrease the gain in small amounts. If the meter reading is
very low, pressing the GAIN UP Button will center the meter
reading to mid-scale. Likewise, if the meter reading is very
high, pressing the GAIN DOWN Button will center the meter
reading to mid-scale.
Digital Depth Estimate
The RL8873 Locator estimates the depth automatically. The
depth is displayed at the top of the LCD display in feet or
inches. Digital depth is useful in quickly determining the depth
of the conductor during path locating.
To change the Depth Measurement from CAMERA/SONDE to
LINE Mode, hold the Frequency Key for three seconds and the
next setting will appear.
uCaution must be exercised when using the digital depth
feature, as tilted magnetic elds and adjacent conductors can signicantly inuence this measurement. The
operator should periodically check for adjacent conductors and tilted magnetic elds when taking push Button
depth readings.
Low Battery
The RL8873 Locator will indicate low
battery condition by displaying low battery
icon at the bottom right of the LCD screen.
3
Locating Mode -
Simultaneous Peak and Null
In the line locate mode the unit will operate the audio, the signal
strength and the graph in a peak function, while also displaying
line direction indicators (operating on null antenna).
When the receiver is directly above the cable or pipe, a PEAK
(Highest graph reading and highest audio tone) will occur.
When moving the receiver to left or right of the PEAK point,
the graph reading will decrease. When the receiver is moved
beyond the PEAK, the meter reading will begin to fade. The
3-digit signal strength reading will read the highest when
directly over the target conductor. (see below)
INDICATORS
RT8872 Transmitter
Controls and Indicators
Load Rate Indicator
Indicator symbol ashes
to indicate signal
transmission via coupler
induction or direct
connection.
3
2
1
Transmitter Output Jack
The Red/Black Cord, Coupler
and Flexicoupler connects here
to create a direct connect
or coupler inductive circuit
on the buried utility.
Trace the path by walking away from the transmitter at a
moderate pace. Move the receiver to the left and right while
walking, following the indications.
As you trace the path, the meter reading may slowly fade as
you move away from the transmitter. Press and release the
GAIN Buttons as needed to compensate for changes in level
(higher or lower). One of the following may occur:
• a junction where the signal divides and goes several
directions.
• a break in the cable or shield.
• a change in the depth of the cable or pipe.
• an insulated pipe tting.
• a slack loop of cable.
If you can no longer trace the path, even with the GAIN set to
maximum, connect the transmitter to the far end of the path
and trace back to the point where you lost the signal.
• Mark the straight sections of the path every few feet.
• Mark sharp curves, loops, and cable bundles every few
inches.
Sharp changes in the path cause the receiver PEAK and NULL
indications to behave dierently than when tracing a straight
path. Practice on the path that you know has turns and
laterals in it. This will help you to recognize the conditions
within the eld.
CONTROLS
1
2
3
2
3
1
Relative Resistance,
Voltage and Current
The transmitter can display
the resistance, voltage and
amperage of the transmitted
frequency.
NOTE: This is a relative measurement based on the feedback
from the transmitted signal.
Output Signal Level
Adjusts the power output from
the Transmitter.
Frequency
Selects frequencies by toggling
through available frequencies.
8kHz, 65Hz, 200 Hz, 480Hz,
33kHz & 82kHz are standard on
the 8872.
Transmitter
Power ON/OFF
Frequency and
other LCD segments
visible indicates
unit is on.
4
CAUTION
Do not connect to live or
energized power cables
Always turn transmitter OFF before connecting
!
and disconnecting test leads
Direct Connection
Direct Connection is the most reliable method of signal application.
• Relatively free of interference, achieves the greatest amount of signal strength
• All frequencies may be used.
• The far end of the utility must be grounded
Connect the red test cord to an existing ground point or an exposed metallic
section of the utility. Place the ground rod approximately 10 feet from this
point, at an angle of 90º to the buried cable or pipe. Push the ground rod into
the ground 8 to 10 inches. Connect the Black test cord to the ground rod.
Plug the Red/Black test cord into the TX OUTPUT JACK. Select the
FREQUENCY. The Power Output Indicator, Load Rate Indicator and the
Frequency will be displayed.
Flexicoupler Connection
The optional Flexicoupler and hard coupler are very easy to use
• Services do not have to be interrupted
• The operation range is shorter than for Direct Connection methods
• The tracing signal can be aected by neighboring cables and pipes.
• The red/Black test cord or the ground rod are not needed for this method.
Successful coupler operation requires an insulated conductor that is
grounded on both near and far ends.
Black cord
connects
to the
ground
rod
Transmitter
Red cord connects to utility
(unbound this end for
best results)
Buried Utility to locate
Far end of buried
utility must be bonded
Transmitter
Inductive coupler
wraps utility
Loop the Flexicoupler around the cable and connect the two ends, or clamp
the hard coupler around the cable. It is important to connect the coupler
around the cable needing to be traced. Connect the coupler around the wire
closer to the outgoing cable not near the system ground. The result will be
a stronger signal. By connecting near the grounding, the range will also be
shorter, and diculty may arise determining one cable from another.
Plug the coupler test cord into the TX OUTPUT JACK. Always select the
frequency designated by the coupler. The most common is the 82 kHz
FREQUENCY, but coupler are available in multiple frequencies.
Inductive Connection
• This method is convenient to use, and services are not interrupted.
• No test cords or connections are needed.
• The cable or pipe must have good insulation or non- conductive coating,
or the operating range will be short.
Turn the transmitter ON. Select 82kHz Frequency. Place transmitter on its side
as close as possible to the path of the cable or pipe. Align the ARROWS on
the SIDE OF THE TRANSMITTER in line with the cable or pipe. First, locate the
broad transmitter Null, then move toward the expected cable path
while looking for the signal carried by the cable.
Start tracing the path with the receiver 25 feet from the transmitter. Search
in the 90º zone as shown right. Locate the cable or pipe, and follow the
path. If the signal becomes weak, move the transmitter to a point 25 feet
behind the last strong signal, and continue searching.
Near end
of buried
utility
must be bonded
25'
45°
Locate utility with Receiver
outside of a 25' radius from
the Transmitter and within
Buried Utility to locate
Far end of buried
utility must be bonded
Align arrows on
Transmitter pack above
and parallel to the utility
Utility
Direction
Transmitter
45º of either side of utility
5
Blind Search
The Blind Search locating
technique is used if the operator is not aware if a buried
utility exists. Two people are
needed for this technique.
The transmitter and the
receiver are Held 25 feet
away from each other. Each
operator walks at the same
speed keeping a distance
of 25 feet from each other.
When the receiver gives an
audio response, then a buried
utility is present between the
receiver and the transmitter.
Transmitter
25' (7.5 meters) between
Transmitter and Receiver
Receiver
Locating a Sonde or Camera Head
Before you begin, you must choose a Sonde or camera head
that will match the same frequency as the receiver. You will
need a Sonde with a frequency of 512Hz to use with the
RL8873 Receiver.
The key to Camera/Sonde locating success is practice and
patience. Before going out on your rst locate, it is a good idea
to take your receiver and Sonde out and try locating the Sonde
and calculating the depth.
Side
Back
Sonde
Front
Side
Selecting the Tracing Signal
The choice of LOW (512hz, 640hz), MIDRANGE (8khz, 9khz,
33khz), HIGH (65khz, 82khz, 200khz, & 478khz) frequency is
dependent on the conditions of the locate.
The frequencies each have their advantages. It is recommended to begin by using the frequencies, and continue as
long as you are condent in the results. If the signal is very
weak try to adjust the connection or grounding. If there is no
improvement in signal then try 8 kHz, 9kHz or 33kHz. Repeat
adjustments of ground and connection point again before
switching to 65khz, 82khz, 200khz, & 478khz.
Lower frequency signal is usually preferred to the high
frequency signal, because it is much less susceptible to
locating errors caused by nearby cables or pipes. The low
frequency locating range is also much longer than the high
frequency. The low frequency signal will not travel well
through disconnected shield bonds or insulated pipe bushing.
Mid-range frequencies take the best of both high and low
frequency. The mid-range frequency is not very susceptible
to bleed o or coupling, but it can jump impedance on the
utility better than the low frequencies. It is still best to use low,
but mid-range frequencies are some of the most common
frequencies used to locate.
Attaching a Push Device to the Sonde
Attaching a push rod to the Sonde can be accomplished by
using the coupling on the end of the Sonde. A spring coupling
is recommended to allow the Sonde to move easier. Or, if you
need to attach the Sonde to a sewer auger, it is recommended
you use duct tape and apply as the shown in the gure below. If
taping the Sonde on a metal pushing device, it is recommended
to place the battery side of the Sonde closest to the device. This
will allow for the best performance. Wrap the snake for approximately 1 foot in the location where the Sonde is going to be
attached. Also attaching the Sonde 18 inches behind the cutting
head is recommended. First, wrap the Sonde in the duct tape
and then attach the Sonde to the snake
using the duct tape.
Push-Rod
Adapter
Use the supplied 3/8” x
Pre Tape
Push Rod 12”
Attach 18"
from end
16 unc and 5/16" x 18
unc push-rod adapters or
pre-tape the push device for
12" leaving 18" from the end
The high frequency signal is also better for “jumping” disconnected shield bonds or grounds, or tracing signal may indicate one of these characteristics. The locating range is quite
short for the high frequency signal so the transmitter must
be repositioned more often during the tracing operation. This
Frequency is also useful for applying a signal using transmitter
induction and for coupler application using the Flexicoupler or
the hard coupler.
6
Wrap tape completely
around sonde
Attach wrapped sonde to
pre-taped section of push device
Locating a Sonde
Hold the receiver antenna directly above and in line with the Sonde, as shown
below. The receiver sensitivity needs to be adjusted for a meter reading indication between 60% to 80%.
The radiation pattern of the Sonde is shown below. The PEAK signal is when
the receiver is held directly over the Sonde with the antenna in line with the
Sonde. Both Ghost signals can be located behind and in front of the Sonde. By
locating the ghost signals, the user is conrming the accuracy of the locate.
Null
Null
Start by following the suspected path of the pipe and use the RL8873 Locator
to locate the Sonde. Stop locating when the PEAK reading is found. Then
rotate the receiver as shown in the gure right. When pivoting the receiver, do
not change the vertical position. The receiver will indicate a PEAK when the
receiver antenna is in line with the Sonde. (Figure A)
Now move the receiver side to side (across the path of the pipe) as shown
right. When the PEAK if found, the receiver is directly over the Camera/Sonde.
Mark this location. Next, check for ghost signals in front of and in back of the
Sonde to conrm the location. (Figure B)
Figure A Figure B
Pivot the receiver so the
antenna rotates—not
changing the vertical
position
Pipe
Pipe
Move the receiver side
to side and when a
peak signal is found, the
receive is over the sonde
Side
Path
Ghost
Bad Signal:
Rotate the receiver
until it aligns
Peak
Ghost
Good, Aligned
Absolute Signal
Depth Measurement of Camera Head or Sonde
Once the line has been located, the depth can then be found. Refer to the
gure below for a reference. Start by moving the receiver along the path
behind the Sonde with the antenna in line with the Sonde and nd a NULL
between the PEAK ghost signals. Mark this point (A). Then move the receiver
along the path in front of the Sonde and nd another NULL. Mark this point
(B). Next, measure the distance between these two points. The depth of the
pipe is 0.7 times the distance between the two points.
Ghost
Null
Peak
Distance between
A and B times 0.7
equals depth of sonde.
Null
Ghost
7
Receiver Specifications
Transmitter Specifications
Operating
Frequency
Passive 50Hz & 60Hz, Passive RF, 512Hz,
640Hz, 8kHz, 9kHz, 33kHz, 65kHz, 82kHz,
200kHz, 478kHz
Antenna Mode Peak & Null (horizontal & vertical coil)
Audio Indication Variable pitch audio
Operating
-4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC)
Temperature
Battery Type 6: C alkaline batteries
Battery Life
Continuous 40 hours
Intermittent 82 hours (10 minute auto shut o)
Dimensions 30.3” x 3.75” x 9.4”
Weight 3 pounds
Signal Strength Analog LCD bar graph
Absolute Signal Strength readout 0 - 999
Gain Control
Up/down button for automatic centering
and manual control
Dynamic Range
126 dB
Operating
Frequency
Passive 50Hz & 60Hz, Passive Rf, 512Hz,
640Hz, 8Khz, 9Khz, 33Khz, 65Khz,
82Khz, 200Khz, 478Khz
Operating
-4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC)
Temperature
Hook-up Method Direct Connection, Inductive Coupling
(with optional coupler), Transmitter
Induction
Load Matching automatic from 5 Ω to 30,000 Ω
Battery Type 8: C alkaline batteries
Battery Life Greater than 30 hours*
*depending on load, frequency and
power setting
Dimensions 8.4" x 5.57" x 2.6"
Weight 2.2 lbs (0.99kg)
Depth
Measurement
Automatic
Auto 3 digit readout to 30 feet
Manual Bubble level triangulation for verication
of automatic readout in congested
environments
Warranty
This instrument is under warranty for one year from the date of
delivery against defects in material and workmanship (except
batteries). We will repair or replace products that prove to be
defective during warranty period.
This warranty is void if after having received the instrument in
good condition, it is subjected to abuse, unauthorized alterations
or casual repair.
No other warranty is expressed or implied. the warranty described in
this paragraph shall be in lieu of any other warranty, including but not
limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or tness for
a particular purpose. we are not liable for consequential damages.
Factory Service
If your Locator or Transmitter is not working properly,
call MyTana Support at 651-222-1738 for assistance. If the product is
in need of repair, MyTana will provide instructions and a
Return Goods Authorization (RGA) for returning
the product to the service center.
RGA:
________________
Send it prepaid to:
MYTANA
Attn: Repair (include RGA #)
746 Selby Ave
St. Paul, MN 55104
Note: There is a minimum
charge for repair and handling.
www.MyTana.com
746 Selby Ave • St. Paul MN, 55104
fax: 651.222.1739
1.800.328.8170
Factory Direct Customer Service
M –F 7am – 5pm CST
Competent • Polite • Clear
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