RIDGID SeekTech SR-60 User Manual
SeekTech® SR-60
Record the Serial Number of your unit below and retain for your records. See
Information screen for serial number and software version.
Serial
Number
Software
Version
WARNING!
Read this operator’s manual
carefully before using this
tool. Failure to understand
and follow the contents of
this manual may result in
electrical shock, fire and/or
serious personal injury.
Pipe, Cable and Sonde Locator
SeekTech SR60
Patents Pending
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
2
Original instructions
General Safety Information .................................................................................................................................................................... 3
SR-60 Components ..........................................................................................................................................................................6
Introduction to the SR-60 ........................................................................................................................................................................7
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Display Elements ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Set up .................................................................................................................................................................................................12
Line Tracing with the SR-60 ...................................................................................................................................................................14
Active Line Tracing .........................................................................................................................................................................14
Depth Warnings .........................................................................................................................................................................................17
Operating Tips for Active Line Tracing ....................................................................................................................................18
Passive Line Tracing .......................................................................................................................................................................21
OmniSeek Locating ........................................................................................................................................................................22
Sonde Locating ...........................................................................................................................................................................................23
Location Methods ...........................................................................................................................................................................24
Tilted Sondes ....................................................................................................................................................................................25
Measuring Depth (Sonde Mode) ...............................................................................................................................................26
SimulTrace .........................................................................................................................................................................................26
Custom User Frequencies ......................................................................................................................................................................29
Menus and Settings ..................................................................................................................................................................................30
Optional Features ..........................................................................................................................................................................32
Menu Tree ..........................................................................................................................................................................................36
Operating With the Distortion Line ..........................................................................................................................................36
Informational Locating .................................................................................................................................................................37
Notes on Accuracy ..........................................................................................................................................................................37
A Better Way of Locating ........................................................................................................................................................................39
Advantages of the Omnidirectional Antenna ......................................................................................................................39
SR-60 Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................................................................40
Transportation and Storage ........................................................................................................................................................40
Icons and Symbols .....................................................................................................................................................................................42
Glossary -- Definitions ...................................................................................................................................................................43
Trouble Shooting Guide .........................................................................................................................................................................46
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................................................................47
Frequencies Table ...........................................................................................................................................................................47
Exact Frequency Values (SR-60) .................................................................................................................................................47
Default Settings ...............................................................................................................................................................................47
Standard Equipment .....................................................................................................................................................................47
Optional Equipment ......................................................................................................................................................................47
Manufacturers Frequency Table ...............................................................................................................................................48
Table of Contents
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
3
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Keep this manual with the machine for use by the operator. The
CE declaration of conformity (890-011-320) will accompany this
manual as a separate booklet when required.
Work Area Safety
Keep your work area clean and well lit. • Cluttered
benches and dark areas may cause accidents.
Do not operate electrical devices or power tools in •
explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or heavy dust. Electrical
devices or power tools create sparks, which may ignite
the dust or fumes.
Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while •
operating tool. Distractions can cause you to lose
control.
Electrical Safety
Do not operate the system with electrical compo- •
nents removed. Exposure to internal parts increases
the risk of injury.
Avoid exposure to rain or wet conditions. • Keep bat-
tery out of direct contact with water. Water entering
electrical devices increases the risk of electric shock.
Do not probe high voltage lines. •
Battery Precautions
Use only the size and type of battery specified. Do •
not mix cell types (e.g. do not use alkaline with rechargeable). Do not use partly discharged and fully
charged cells together (e.g. do not mix old and new).
Recharge batteries with charging units specified by •
the battery manufacturer. Using an improper charger
can overheat and rupture the battery.
Properly dispose of the batteries. • Exposure to high
temperatures can cause the battery to explode, so do
not dispose of in a fire. Some countries have regulations concerning battery disposal. Please follow all applicable regulations.
Personal Safety
Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use com- •
mon sense. Do not use diagnostic tools while tired or
under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications. A
moment of inattention while operating diagnostic instruments may result in serious personal injury.
Gloves should always be worn for health and safety •
reasons. Sewer lines are unsanitary and may contain
harmful bacteria and viruses.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance •
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
Use safety equipment. • Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Use proper accessories. • Do not place this product on
any unstable cart or surface. The product may fall causing serious injury to a child or adult or serious damage
to the product.
Prevent object and liquid entry. • Never spill liquid of
any kind on the product. Liquid increases the risk of
electrical shock and damage to the product.
Avoid Traffic. Pay close attention to moving vehicles •
when using on or near roadways. Wear visible clothing or reflector vests. Such precautions may prevent
serious injury.
General Safety Information
WARNING
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric
shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury!
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
4
SR-60 Use and Care
Use equipment only as directed. • Do not operate the
SR-60 unless you have read the operator’s manual.
Do not immerse the antennas in water. Store in a •
dry place. This will reduce the risk of electric shock and
instrument damage.
Store idle equipment out of the reach of children •
and other untrained persons. Equipment is danger-
ous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain the instrument with care. • Properly main-
tained diagnostic instruments are less likely to cause
injury.
Check for breakage of parts, and any other condi- •
tions that may affect the SR-60’s operation. If dam-
aged, have the instrument serviced before using. Many
accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the •
manufacturer for the SR-60. Accessories that may be
suitable for one instrument may become hazardous
when used on another.
Keep handles dry and clean, and free from oil and •
grease. Allows for better control of the instrument.
Protect against excessive heat. • The product should
be situated away from heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other products that produce
heat.
Service
Diagnostic instrument service must be performed •
only by qualified repair personnel. Service or main-
tenance performed by unqualified repair personnel
could result in injury.
When servicing a diagnostic instrument, use only •
identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in
the maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a risk of electrical shock or injury.
Follow instructions for changing accessories. • Ac-
cidents are caused by poorly maintained equip ment.
Provide proper cleaning. • Remove battery before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
Conduct a safety check. • Upon completion of any serv-
ice or repair of this product, ask the service technician
to perform safety checks to determine that the product
is in proper operating condition.
Damage to the product that requires service. • Remove
the batteries and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under any of the following conditions:
If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into ·
product.
If product does not operate normally by following ·
the operating instructions.
If the product has been dropped or damaged in ·
any way.
When the product exhibits a distinct change in ·
performance.
CAUTION
Remove batteries entirely before shipping.
Ridge Tool
For information on your nearest RIDGID Independent Service
Center or any service or repair questions:
• ContactyourlocalRIDGIDdistributor.
• Visit www.RIDGID.comor www.RIDGID.eutofind your local
RIDGID contact point.
• Contact RIDGID Technical Services Department at rtctech-
services@emerson.com, or in the U.S. and Canada call (800)
519-3456.
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
5
DANGER
Important Notice
Always insert and connect the earth grounding rods before turning on the transmitter. Never pull out an earth
grounding rod as long as the generator is switched on!
Never pull the earth grounding rod or disconnect the
ground lead if the other lead is connected to a utility.
In any correspondence, please give all the information shown on
the nameplate of your locator including model number and serial number.
DANGER
Important Notice
The SR-60 is a diagnostic tool that senses electromagnetic fields emitted by objects underground. It is
meant to aide the user in locating these objects by recognizing characteristics of the field lines and displaying them on the screen. As electromagnetic field lines
can be distorted and interfered with, it is important
to verify the location of underground objects before
digging.
Several utilities may be underground in the same area.
Be sure to follow local guidelines and one-call service
procedures.
Exposing the utility is the only way to verify its existence, location, and depth.
Ridge Tool Co., its affiliates and suppliers, will not be
liable for any injury or any direct, indirect, incidental
or consequential damages sustained or incurred by
reason of the use of the SR-60.
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
6
SR-60 Components
Figure 1: SR-60 Components
Battery Compartment
Serial Number Label
USB Connector
Serial Port Connector
DIsplay Screen
Keypad
Handle
Speaker
Antenna Mast
Upper Omnidirectional
Antenna Node
Folding Joint
Guidance Antennas
Lower Omnidirectional
Antenna Node
Headphone Jack
Folding Mast Snap
Note:
USB/Serial Ports are
for loading new software
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
7
IMPORTANT!
Do not snap or whip the SR-60 mast to open or close it.
Open it and close it by hand only.
Introduction to the SR-60
Getting Started
Installing/Changing Batteries
To install batteries into the SR-60, turn the unit over to access the
battery compartment. Turn the knob on the battery cover counter clockwise. Pull straight up on the knob to remove the cover.
Insert the batteries as shown on the inside decal and make sure
they drop to full contact. Fit the cover into the case and turn the
knob clockwise while lightly pressing down to close. The battery
cover can be installed in either orientation.
When the SR-60 is powered on, it takes a few seconds to check
the batteries. Until then the battery level will show as “empty”.
SR-60 Modes
The SR-60 operates in three distinct modes. They are:
Active Line Trace Mode,1. used when a chosen frequency
can be put onto a long conductor using a Line Transmitter,
for locating conductive pipes, lines, or cables.
Passive Trace Mode,2. used for tracing electrical lines that are
already carrying 60 Hz current (U.S.), 50 Hz current (Europe),
or radio frequencies.
Sonde Mode,3. used for locating Sondes in pipes, conduits,
or tunnels that are non-conductive or cannot otherwise be
traced.
Note that the two Tracing modes, Active and Passive, are identical except for the frequencies used. No transmitter is used in
Passive Trace mode.
Display Elements
Beginning operators or experienced operators can use the SR-60
with equal ease. While the SR-60 offers advanced features that
make the most complex locate easier, many of its features can
be turned off or hidden, making the SR- 60 simple to use in basic
locating in uncomplicated situations.
The “basic features” of the SR-60 are on by default. They can be
customized easily to suit the user’s requirements. The use of the
various elements displayed is covered in later sections of this
manual.
Folding Mast
To begin operation, unfold the antenna mast and lock the folding joint into place. When locating is complete, press the red release lever to fold the antenna mast for storage.
CAUTION
Do not allow debris or moisture into battery compartment. Debris or moisture may short the battery contacts, leading to rapid discharge of the batteries, which
could result in electrolyte leakage or risk of fire.
Figure 2: Battery Case
Figure 3: Folding Antenna Mast and Release Button
Release Button
Note: Avoid dragging the lower antenna node on the
ground while locating with the SR-60. It may cause signal
noise which will interfere with results, and may eventually
damage the antenna.
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
8
Display Elements: Line Trace Mode
In Active Line Trace Mode, the following features will also be
displayed:
•
Proximity Signal – Numerical indication showing
how close the signal source is to the locator. Displays
from 1 to 999. (Line Trace modes only.)
•
Signal Strength – Strength of signal as sensed by
the lower Omnidirectional antenna.
•
Tracing Line – The Tracing Line represents
the approximate axis of the detected field. It represents
detected distortion in the field by appearing less focused. (See page 34 for information on setting the sensi-
tivity and how to enable or disable the distortion response
in the Tracing Line.)
•
Distortion Line – If the normal distortion
response of the Tracing Line is disabled, a second line
is shown, which represents the signal from the upper
antenna node. By comparing the two lines, the user can
estimate the degree of distortion present in a signal.
(See page 36.)
•
Guidance Arrows – The Guidance Arrows serve
to steer the operator toward the center of the detected
field, by showing when the signals reaching the left and
right Guidance Antennas are out of balance or equal.
The two signals are equal when crossing the center
of an undistorted field. If the signals are unequal, the
Guidance Arrows show which way the field appears to
be relative to the receiver.
mA Current Strength – • Proportional to current on
the line. Switches to Signal Angle when Signal Angle is
greater than 35°.
Guidance Line • Shows the alignment of the target line
and helps determine when the locator is directly over
the target line. It will be longest when directly aligned
with the target line. Rotation Arrows will appear to indicate which way the SR-60 should be turned to align it
with the field.
Common Display Elements
The display screen in Active Line Trace, Passive Line Trace or
Sonde mode will show the following features:
•
Signal Angle – Field tilt from the horizontal; an-
gle toward the field’s center; numeric value displayed
in degrees.
•
Battery Level – Indicates level of remaining
battery capacity.
•
Measured Depth/Distance – Displays the mea-
sured depth when receiver is touching the ground directly over signal source. Displays computed distance
when the antenna mast is pointed at a signal source
in some other manner. Displays feet/inches (U.S.A. default) or meters (European default).
Mode – • Icon for Sonde
, Line Trace , Power
(Passive Line Trace)
, or Radio Frequency
mode.
Frequency – • Shows current frequency setting in hertz
or kilohertz.
+ Crosshairs (Map Center) – • Shows operator’s position
relative to the target center.
Measured Depth/
Distance
Proximity Signal
Guidance Line
Rotation
Arrows
Tracing Line
Guidance
Arrows
Signal
Strength
Figure 5: Display Elements (Line Trace Mode)
Frequency
Mode
Measured
Depth/
Distance
Current
Strength/
Signal Angle
Crosshairs
(Map Center)
Active View
Area
Battery Level
Figure 4: Common Display Elements
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
9
Display Elements: Sonde Mode
In Sonde mode, the screen elements include several features
that are unique to Sonde locating.
•
Signal Strength – Strength of signal as sensed by
the lower Omnidirectional antenna.
| | Pipe Direction – • Represents the approximate di-
rection of the pipe in which the Sonde is lying.
•
Sonde Icon – Appears when approaching the lo-
cation of a Sonde.
• Equator – Represents the mid-line of the
Sonde’s field perpendicular to the axis of the Poles. (See
page 28.)
•
Pole Icon – Represents the location of either of the
two Poles of the Sonde’s dipole field. (See page 28.)
•
Zoom Ring – Appears when the locator moves
close to a Pole.
The use of these features is described in the Active Line Tracing,
Passive Line Tracing, and Sonde Locating sections.
Default Frequencies
The Master Frequency Menu contains a large set of frequencies, but only some of these are made currently available. They
are made “Currently Available” by checking them in the Master
Frequency Menu.
The frequencies which are currently available will appear on the
Main Menu when the Menu Key
is pressed.
Currently available frequencies can be checked in the Main Menu,
in which case they will appear when using the Frequency Key
. If they are unchecked in the Main Menu, they will not appear
when using the Frequency Key to cycle through frequencies.
Note: The Tracing Line reflects the approximate axis of
the conductor being traced, but is modified by a degree
of “distortion” in the form of varying cloudiness, or loss
of focus, in the Tracing Line. The Tracing Line will appear
to grow unfocused in proportion to the distortion in the
field being detected. It ranges from a clear line (no distortion present), through slightly distorted, to moderately
unfocused, growing to a wide, cloud-like band of particles
depending on the degree of distortion in the detected field.
It represents the best possible calculation of the location
and bearing of the line combined with the degree of distortion sensed by the receiver’s Omnidirectional Antennas.
When the distortion response of the tracing line is turned
off, a separate Distortion Line will be displayed. The
Distortion Line can be used to analyze distortion when it
is out of alignment with the Tracing Line. (The dashed line
can be disabled separately, as well, which will leave a single Tracing Line displayed with no distortion response).
The default setting is to have the distortion response enabled
in the Tracing Line. This incorporates the information provided by these two lines into a single, easy-to-read presentation,
making the SR-60 easier to use.
(For more information about distortion, see pages 34 and 36.)
Note: The screen elements in Passive Trace Mode are the same
as those seen in Active Line Trace mode. Mode is determined
by the type of target source (Sonde or Line). For example, selecting the 512 Hz frequency from the Sonde mode section
of the frequency menu puts the SR-60 into Sonde mode. (A
frequency which appears in more than one category, such as
33 kHz, must be selected from the correct category.)
Signal
Strength
Zoom
Ring
Pipe
Direction
Pole Icon
Equator
Sonde Icon
Figure 6: Display Elements: Sonde Mode
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
10
Keypad
•
Power/Right Key – Powers SR-60 on. Powers the
SR-60 down after a 3-second countdown. The countdown can be interrupted before shutdown by pressing
any key. Used to move to the right in some screens.
•
Up and Down Keys – Used for locating choices
during menu selection; used for setting volume level
when the Volume Control Key has been pressed. If
Signal Focus is activated, the Up and Down Keys will
change the Signal Focus setting up and down.
•
Select Key – Used to make a choice during Menu
selection; in normal operation, to force a Measured
Depth reading and re-center audio tone. Can be used
to force a “quick-check” trace-line and Measured Depth
display.
•
Menu Key – Used to display a “tree” of choices in-
cluding frequency selections, display element choices,
brightness and contrast, and restoring default settings.
In a menu, will move up one level.
•
Volume Control Key – Used to raise or lower the
volume setting; will cycle the volume by steps, increasing to maximum and then mute. Pressing the Volume
Key opens the volume control panel if it is closed. When
open, the control panel will close after ten seconds if no
keys are pressed. Volume can also be raised and lowered using the Up and Down Keys when the Volume
screen is open.
Frequencies which appear in the Main Menu and are checked for
activation are called “Checked-Active”.
Frequencies that are “Checked-Active” can be cycled through
simply by pressing the Frequency Key
(See figure 7). A frequency chosen by pressing the Frequency Key becomes the “In
Use” frequency.
Frequencies currently available by default include:
Sonde Mode
512 Hz* •
Active Line Trace Mode
128 Hz* •
1 kHz* •
8 kHz* •
33 kHz* •
93 kHz* •
50 Hz* •
Power (Passive Line Trace Mode)
60 Hz (9 •
th
)*
<4 kHz* •
Radio Frequency
4 kHz – 15 kHz (L)* •
15 kHz – 35 kHz (H)* •
OmniSeek (multi-range <4 kHz – 35 kHz)*
(* = Checked-Active Frequencies)
Figure 7: Keypad
Menu Key
Power ON/OFF
Key/Right
Down Key
Menu Navigation/
Signal Focus
Item Select/PushButton Depth Report
Up Key
Menu Navigation/
Signal Focus
Volume Control Key
Light Sensor
Frequency Key/Left
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
11
•
Frequency / Left Key – Used to set the In-Use
Frequency of the SR-60 from the set of CheckedActive frequencies. Each short press cycles to the next
Checked-Active frequency. (The list of frequencies that
have been set to Checked-Active status can be modified via the Menu Key.)
A long press on the Frequency Key
will display a scrollable list of all currently active frequencies to choose
from, by highlighting and pressing Select again.
Light Sensor – • In Automatic mode, the light sensor
controls when the backlight goes on or off depending
on ambient light. Placing a thumb over the light sensor
will force the backlight on.
Operation Time
Using alkaline cells, typical operation time is from about 12 to 24
hours depending on sound volume and how often the backlight
is on. Other factors that affect the operation time will include
chemistry of the battery (many of the new high performance
batteries, such as the “Duracell
®
ULTRA” last 10%-20% longer
than conventional alkaline cells under high demand applications). Operation at lower temperatures will also reduce battery
life.
The SR-60 display can also show random symbols when the battery power is too low to drive the internal logic circuits correctly.
This is remedied by simply putting fresh batteries into the unit.
To preserve battery life, the SR-60 will automatically shut down
after 1 hour of no key presses. Simply power the unit on to
resume use.
Low Battery Warning
When the battery gets low, a battery icon will periodically appear in the map area on the screen. This indicates that the batteries need to be changed and that the unit will soon shut down. A
tone will sound at ten-minute intervals.
Just before complete shut down there will be a non-interruptible
power down sequence. An extended buzz will sound when the
SR-60 is about to go into shutdown sequence.
Starting Up
After pressing the Power Key on the keypad, the RIDGID logo
displays, and the software version number will appear in the
lower right corner of the screen.
Make a note of the software version in the box on page 1.
If technical support from Ridge is needed, it will be helpful to
have it available.
Figure 8: Scrollable List of Frequencies
Figure 9: Low-Battery Warning
Note: Voltage on rechargeable batteries may sometimes
drop so quickly that the unit will just shut down. The unit will
power down and restart. Just replace the batteries and power
the unit back on.
Figure 10: Start-up Screen
Figure 14: Main Menu
Figure 15: Highlighting a Desired
Frequency (8 kHz)
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
12
Set up
Once the SR-60 is up and running, the next step is to set up the
frequencies needed to match the transmitter frequency being
used, or the frequency of the line to be located. Each frequency
is selected for use by choosing it from a list in the Main Menu.
If the box on the Main Menu for that frequency is checked, the
frequency is “Checked-Active”.
Checked-Active frequencies are already selected for use and appear in sequence when pressing the Frequency Key
. (For example, the line trace frequency of 33 kHz is available by pressing
the Frequency Key and advancing through the list until 33 kHz
is reached.)
A long press on the Frequency Key
will bring up a scrollable
list of all Checked Active frequencies.
Activating Frequencies
Frequencies can be chosen for the set of Checked-Active frequencies so they will become available using the Frequency Key
Frequencies can also be deactivated to keep the frequency
set smaller.
Each frequency is activated by choosing it from a list in the Main
Menu (See figure 14). Frequencies are grouped by category:
SimulTrace (512 Hz + 33 kHz)
(if active)
Sonde
Active Line Trace
Power (Passive Line Trace)
Radio
OmniSeek (multi-RF bands)
Push the Menu Key 1.
:
The Main Menu screen is then activated:
Using the Up and Down Keys, highlight the frequency 2.
desired (Figure 15). In this example, the operator is activat-
ing the 8 kHz frequency.
Note: When a frequency is highlighted in the Main Menu,
pressing the Frequency Key will display its exact frequency
value. For example, 8 kHz = 8192 Hz.
Figure 11: Frequency Key
Figure 12: Line Trace Frequency Selected with
Frequency Key
Figure 13: Menu Key
Figure 16: Select Key
Figure 17: Desired Frequency Checked
Figure 18: Menu Key
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
13
Press the Select Key3. (shown below) to check the box
for each frequency to be used.
Frequencies that have been selected for use will show a check in
the box next to them.
Press the Menu Key 3.
again to accept the choice and
exit. Letting the unit countdown and exit automatically will
have the same effect.
The Main Menu lists all frequencies available for activation. For
information on adding additional frequencies to the Main Menu
so they can be chosen for activation, see Frequency Selection
Control on page 34.
A long press on the Frequency Key
will bring up a list of all
Checked Active Frequencies. To use one, simply scroll down to it
and press the Select Key
.
If you find that your transmitter signal at 93 kHz cannot be detected by the SR-60, set the locator’s frequency to 93-B kHz,
which is set to the older value. Both 93 and 93-B frequencies
can be found under the Line Trace category of the Frequency
Selection sub-menu.
Sounds of the SR-60
The sound level is driven by the proximity to the target. The closer to the target, the higher the sound pitch will be. A rising tone
indicates increasing signal.
In Active Line Trace or Passive Line Trace mode, sound is on one
continuous curve and does not re-scale.
In Line Tracing modes, the default distortion response also activates an audio signal proportionate to the distortion in the detected field. When there is no distortion present, the sound of
the SR-60 is a clear warbling sound when on the left side of the
detected field, with a slight click added when on the right side
of the detected field. If distortion is detected a sound similar to
AM radio static sound can be heard, which gets stronger as the
degree of distortion increases, similar to the unfocusing that signals distortion visually around the Tracing Line. If the distortion
response feature is disabled, the static sound does not occur.
In Sonde Mode, if the sound level reaches its highest point, it
will “re-scale” to a medium level and continue signaling from the
new starting point.
In Sonde Mode, the pitch will “ratchet” upward. That is, it will rise
and then re-scale (fall) in pitch while approaching the Sonde.
Moving away from the Sonde, it will drop to a lower pitch and remain there as long as one moves away from the Sonde. Moving
back toward the Sonde again it will resume rising in steps starting from the level it had reached previously. This serves as an
indication when the locator receiver is getting closer or further
away from the Sonde.
Note on 93 kHz Frequency Use
The SR-60 offers two 93 kHz frequencies for Line Tracing.
The default 93 kHz frequency has an actual cycle count of
93,623 cycles per second.
But some older transmitters use a different value for the
nominal 93 kHz frequency, 93,696 cycles per second. This
is found in the SR-60 listed as “93k-B”.
Figure 19: Count-Down Screen
(Shutting Down)
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
14
Line Tracing with the SR-60
There are two major ways to look for lines underground with the
SR-60. They are called Active and Passive. The difference is that
in Active Line Tracing, a current is placed on a conductor using a
transmitter, and that specific signal is then sought for using the
locator. Passive tracing does not use a transmitter and seeks for
any signal that may be picked up at particular frequencies.
Active Line Tracing
In active line tracing, underground lines are energized with a
Line Transmitter. This active signal is then traced using the SR-60.
A Line Transmitter is different from a Sonde in that it is used to
energize a conducting target line, rather than acting as a target
for a locate itself, the way a Sonde does. Line transmitters energize lines by direct connection with clips, or by directly inducing
the signal using a clamp, or by inducing the signal using inductive coils built into the transmitter.
If desired, force the sound to re-center at a medium level (in any
mode) by pressing the Select Key during operation. See also the
Directional Sound section, below.
Key Items in Using the SR-60
PROXIMITY SIGNAL reflects the proximity of the locator to the
target utility; the closer the locator moves to the center of the
detected field, the higher the Proximity Signal number gets. The
Proximity Signal is calculated from the ratio of the signals received at the lower and upper antennas, adjusted for scalability.
SIGNAL STRENGTH represents the strength of the field being
detected by the lower antenna node of the SR-60, converted
mathematically for scalability. In a clear and undistorted field,
you can locate based on Signal Strength alone.
DISTORTION is the degree to which the field detected is deformed. In an undistorted environment, current on a long conductor produces a field which is cylindrical, down the conductor. If multiple fields are present, the detected field is pushed
or pulled out of shape and the different antennas will pick up
different field strengths. On the SR-60, distortion is reflected by
the Tracing Line growing unfocused instead of sharp, or by disagreement among the Guidance Arrows, Tracing Line, and Signal
Strength.
TRACING LINE indicates the direction and degree of distortion
in the detected field.
GUIDANCE ARROWS are driven by the signals received at the
guidance antennas of the SR-60. When the fields detected by
these side antennas are equal, the arrows will center. If one
is receiving a stronger field signal than the other, the arrows
will point toward the probable center of the target conductor.
Moving in the direction indicated by the arrows will bring you
closer to the center of the detected field. A small “guidance line”
at the end of a guidance arrow indicates the degree of alignment
with the conductor’s field. It will be at its maximum length when
correctly aligned with the conductor, with the guidance antenna
axis crossing the field at 90°. Rotational guidance arrows on the
perimeter of the screen will indicate the direction you need to
turn to align with the detected conductor.
DIRECTIONAL SOUND from stereo speakers will let you follow a
line by sound, while staying visually alert for nearby traffic or obstacles. The Sound Pointer speakers are designed to be clipped
to a jacket or vest on either shoulder.
Stereo sound from the speakers will fade to the left or right. The
louder side indicates the direction toward the center of the detected field. Sound will balance when over the center of the line.
The operator can stay centered on the line using sound signals
instead of the visual cues on the screen. The SR-60 comes withclip-on speakers designed to be attached to the left and right
shoulders of a safety vest for this purpose.
Shutting Down
Pressing the Power Key at any time during operation will start a
count-down of 3 seconds, during which the shut-down tone will
sound. At the end of the count-down, the SR-60 will shut down.
Figure 20: Line Trace Frequency Chosen with the
Frequency Key (This screen will flash briefly when a new
frequency is chosen)
Figure 21: Tracing Line Showing
Low Distortion
SeekTech SR-60
Ridge Tool Company
15
Direct Connect Mode: The transmitter is attached by direct metal-to-metal connection to the target conductor at some access
point such as a valve, a meter, or other point. Important: The
connection between the transmitter and the conductor must
be a clean, firm connection. The transmitter is also connected
to a ground stake providing a strong open path to ground.
Important: A weak ground connection is the most frequent
cause of a poor tracing circuit. Make sure the transmitter is well
connected to ground, and has enough exposure to the ground
to allow current to flow through the circuit.
Inductive Clamp Mode: The transmitter is connected to an inductive clamp which is then closed around a pipe or cable. The
transmitter energizes the clamp, which then induces a current
in the conductor. Important: Make sure the SR-60 is set to trace
mode and set to the same frequency as the transmitter. Do not
clamp onto a live conductor. This mode works best when both
ends of the conductor are grounded.
Inductive Mode: The transmitter is placed over the conductor.
There is no direct connection; the internal coils of the transmitter generate a strong field through the ground which induces
a current in the underground conductor of interest. Important:
If the transmitter is too close to the SR-60 in this mode, it can
cause “air-coupling” which means the locator is reading more on
the signal from the transmitter’s field, than on the target conductor. (See page 15.) Note: When using Inductive Mode, it is always
possible to move the transmitter to a different point along the
target line. This will sometimes improve the circuit and provide
a better signal.
Energize the target conductor according to the transmit-1.
ter manufacturer’s instructions, using one of the methods described above. Select the transmitter frequency.
Set the frequency on the SR-60 to the same frequency
used on the transmitter, using the Frequency Key
.
Be sure the frequency has a line trace icon . Push the
Menu Key
to return to the operating screen. To activate
frequencies not yet made active, see Frequency Selection
Control on page 34.
Observe the Proximity Signal to ensure that the receiver 2.
is picking up the transmitted signal. The Proximity Signal
should peak over the line and drop off on either side.
When tracing, the direction of the detected field will
be shown on the screen by the Tracing Line. The Tracing
Line will be a clear, single line if the field being detected is
undistorted.
If other fields are interfering in some way, the distortion
caused by those fields will be reflected by a blurring of
the Tracing Line. The more distorted the detected field, the
broader the cloud around the Tracing Line will be. This alerts
the operator that the apparent axis of the line may be influenced by other fields, and requires careful evaluation.
The Tracing Line has three important functions. It repre-
sents the location, and the direction, of the signal being
traced. It reflects changes in direction of the target utility—
when the utility makes a turn, for example. And it helps recognize signal distortion. It does this by becoming cloudier
as distortion increases. Disagreement between different indicators can also indicate distortion.
WARNING
Connect ground and power leads of the transmitter
before powering the transmitter on, to avoid electric
shock. See warning on page 5.
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