vLoc3 Series Sonde User Guide V1.0
Sonde Introduction
Sondes are small self-contained battery powered transmitters which are propelled through pipes
and ducts and can be located on the surface by a sonde locator or buried utility locator with a
sonde mode. Sondes are also built into other products such as a sewer camera, robotic crawler
camera, or attached to a jetter hose. Low frequency versions (512Hz/640Hz) can transmit through
some metallic pipes like cast iron pipes, which is why they are frequently used with sewer
inspection cameras.
Sondes come in a variety of sizes which ties into how deep they can be located. Different frequencies
are available which allow sondes to be located in metallic or non-metallic pipes and ducts.
A full range of Sondes are available to suit all applications:
Sonde Range
Model Depth and Dimensions Frequency Battery
D18 Sonde
D22 Sonde
D38 Sonde
D64 Sonde
D23F Sonde
Depth: 15’/4.5m
7” x 3.2”
18 x 81mm
Depth: 16’/5m
0.87” x 4.5”
22 x 114.4mm
Depth: 16.3’/5m
1.5” x 4.1”
38 x 105mm
Depth: 26’/8m
2.5” x 7.3”
64 x 186mm
Depth: 20’/7m
1” x 18”
23 x 456mm
33kHz
9.8kHz
83kHz
9.8kHz
33kHz
83kHz
9.8kHz
33kHz
83kHz
512Hz
640Hz
2 x LR44 or
SR44 button cells
4 x LR43
button cells
1 x AA
1 x 9 Volt
1 x AA
Please visit our website for full specifications on our sonde range.
P/N:4.04.000125
™
Page 1
Locating sondes with a vLoc3 series receiver
Sonde screen icons:
1
Peak signal detector
8 7
3 4
67.2
8kHz
5
1
2 2
25dB
A Sonde is a transmitting coil, the signal radiates in a different manner than that of a line.
2
3
6
4
5
6
7
8
Null Points
Signal strength bar graph
Sonde icon
Null point
Direction to sonde
Frequency selection
Numeric signal level (mirrors the bar graph)
Gain setting
Due to this construction, the sonde gives a different “Peak” pattern note that there are three
distinct peaks – a small peak – a large peak – a small peak with two “Nulls” between the peaks.
The sonde is located under the center of the “large peak”.
The vLoc3 series receivers detects the presence of the two “Null” signals and also the position of
the main “Large Peak”. It uses this information to provide a reliable and efficient method of sonde
location.
™
Page 2
Method
1.
Insert the activated sonde into the pipeline. Push the sonde about 10 – 12 Feet (3-4m) into the
pipe.
2.
Switch on the vLoc3 series receiver and use long presses on the “return key” until the sonde
screen appears.
3.
Press the “f” key to select the sonde frequency being used.
4.
Hold the locator vertically and stationary with the tip on the ground.
5.
If the locator is within the range of the sonde the screen will appear similar to the one below
with an arrow pointing in a particular and steady direction. The bar graphs either side of the
screen are identical and give an indication of the signal strength. Use the + and – keys to alter
the receiver gain to keep the signal within the limits of the bar graph.
25dB
6.
If the bar graph is not steady it will most likely be because the sonde is not within range. In this
case hold the locator at approximately 45 degrees to the ground and rotate the locator around
a full 360 degrees around you.
Note the direction of strongest signal and walk toward it until the bar graph shows a steady
signal. Now revert to step five above.
7.
Walk slowly in the direction of the arrow.
8.
A double circle will appear on the screen. This indicates the position of a null signal. Walk
toward it and position it over the cross hairs of the screen. Now rotate the locator so that the
arrow is pointing forward.
65.3
640Hz
32dB
-----
88.1
32.8kHz
™
Page 3
9.
Keeping the null indicator on the vertical line, walk toward the arrow.
10.
A Sonde icon will soon appear. Keeping the locator vertical, carry on walking toward the Sonde
until it is positioned on the cross hairs. The locator is now directly over the Sonde. The arrow
will flip forward and back as the position is crossed.
-----
22dB
11.
Note that when directly over the Sonde, it may be necessary to confirm the position of the
82.9
32.8kHz
Sonde, left to right. To do this move the locator left to right to identify the position of the
strongest signal as indicated on the bar graph. At this time the depth to the Sonde will be
displayed at the top of the display.
12.
Having pinpointed the position of the Sonde, it can now be pushed in to a new location and the
process repeated. It is advisable to keep the survey intervals to short distances such as six feet
(two meters) as this makes the process of locating easier.
13.
Pressing the Information key allows access measurement data and to data logging capabilities.
Overview
Disclaimer: Product and accessory specification and availability information is subject to change without prior notice.
Vivax-Metrotech Corp. (Headquarters)
3251 Olcott Street, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
T/Free: +1-800-446-3392
Tel: +1-408-734-1400
Email: sales@vxmt.com
Website: www.vivax-metrotech.com
Please visit www.vxmt.com for other locations.
™
Page 4
Loading...