Operation: Part 1

Follow Avatar Anthony Caplin
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Dynamic Overload Protection™

Dynamic Overload Protection™ (DOP) allows you to locate accurately in areas with high levels of electromagnetic interference, such as sub-stations and beneath high-voltage transmission lines. DOP works by disregarding signal spikes that would otherwise overwhelm the RD8000 locator’s digital signal processor. DOP is an integrated feature of all RD8000 locators. No action is required by the user.

NOTE: In cases of high levels of electromagnetic interference, the DOP will not be able to prevent the RD8000 from becoming overloaded. If the RD8000 becomes overloaded, users will be alerted by a flashing mode icon. Both the depth and current measurements will be disabled in the event of an overload.

TruDepth™ Measurement

All RD8000 locators use TruDepth™ to measure depth automatically when a good quality reading is established.

NOTE: TruDepth only indicates a locate depth when the locator is correctly oriented above the target line, cable or sonde, or in close proximity of the RF marker.

To help you orientate the locator correctly, you can use the locator’s compass feature on the display - feature not available in marker mode.

Depth readings are displayed according to your preferred units of measurement.

Passive Avoidance

Passive avoidance mode allows you to survey an area quickly by detecting power and radio signals simultaneously. Passive avoidance is available on the PDLM and PTLM models only.

To select passive avoidance mode

1 Press the key repeatedly until you find the PASSIV mode.

Passive avoidance mode is now selected. Perform your survey as required.

Note: In Passive mode depth and current readings will not be displayed.

StrikeAlert™

StrikeAlert detects the possible presence of shallow power signals and warns the operator with a series of flashing asterisks on the display and an audible alarm, characterized by a rapid warbling sound.

RD8000 locators are shipped with StrikeAlert enabled by default; this can be disabled by accessing the StrikeAlert (‘ALERT’) menu and setting StrikeAlert to OFF.

StrikeAlert will activate in Power and Active locate modes.

StrikeAlert can also be disabled using the RD Manager PC software. Refer to the RD Manager operation manual for further information.

WARNING! Muting audio on the locator will disable StrikeAlert Audio alarm.

Antenna modes

The RD8000 locator supports up to seven antenna modes to suit your particular application or the local environment. These modes are:

  • Peak mode
  • Single antenna mode
  • Null mode
  • Combined Peak/Null mode
  • Guidance mode
  • Marker mode
  • Combined Peak/Marker mode

Backlight

The transmitter and locator feature a backlight to improve LCD visibility when required. The locator’s backlight is controlled by an ambient light sensor and does not require adjustment by the user. The transmitter’s LCD backlight is activated whenever you press a key. The backlight will automatically switch off after a few minutes.

Bluetooth wireless

All RD8000 marker locators feature a Bluetooth wireless module as standard, providing the ability to connect to compatible devices such as handheld devices running a compatible application.

NOTE: The RD8000 marker locator wireless features may be subject to national and or local regulations. Please consult your local authorities for more information.

WARNING! Do not attempt any wireless connection in areas where such technology is considered hazardous. This may include: petrochemical facilities, medical facilities or around navigation equipment.

iLOC and SideStep

iLOC is a standard feature of all RD8000 marker locators.

iLOC lets you control a Bluetooth enabled transmitter (Tx-5B or Tx-10B) remotely using your locator. With iLOC you can adjust the output frequency, power settings and use SideStep. SideStep allows you to change the output frequency on the transmitter. SideStep changes the selected frequency by several Hertz and automatically sets the locator’s locate frequency to match the transmitter’s output frequency. iLOC commands are sent over a Bluetooth module that can operate at distances of up to 300m / 1000ft in direct line of sight.

SideStepauto™

SideStepauto allows the transmitter to calculate the optimum frequency based on ground impedance. The transmitter uses this information to optimize the active frequency. SideStepauto helps to improve locate accuracy by determining the best signal. SideStepauto can also help to prolong battery life.

Note: SideStepauto will only work in Direct Connection mode.

Using SideStepauto:

To enable SideStepauto:

Connect the transmitter to the target utility, then

  1. Press the key to enter the menu.
  2. Scroll to the OPT F menu using the or keys.
  3. Press the key to enter the OPT F menu.
  4. Scroll through using the or keys to the START option.
  5. Press the key to start SideStepauto and exit the OPTF Menu.
  6. Press the key to exit the menu.

To disable SideStepauto

  1. Press the key to enter the menu.
  2. Scroll to the OPT F menu using theorkeys.
  3. Press the key to enter the OPT F menu.
  4. Scroll up or down to the EXIT option.
  5. Press the key to disable SideStepauto and exit the OPT F menu.
  6. Press the key to exit the menu.

NOTE: You can also disable SideStepauto just by changing frequency.