Grip the locator’s handle. Press and hold the trigger and listen for the bleep indicating the batteries are OK. Replace both batteries if there is no bleep or if the battery icon is flashing.
When required, use the frequency selection button to cycle between operating frequencies.
Hold the locator with the blade vertical and with the lower edge just above the ground. Do not swing it or tilt it more than a few degrees from the vertical.
Swinging the locator will affect locate accuracy.
Depth Measurement
The locator will automatically measure and display the depth in Active Line, sonde and CPS modes.
NOTE: The locator does not measure depth in Power or Radio modes.
Method: Locate the utility as follows. Hold the locator still and vertically centered above the detected line and across the line of the pipe/cable.
NOTE: A depth measurement will not be displayed where environmental conditions are poor (e.g. weak signal or interface).
The measurement is to the center of the pipe/conductor or to the center of the sonde, which may rest at the bottom of the pipe.
Do not use the depth measurement function to decide if mechanical digging is appropriate.
Dynamic Overload Protection
All SuperCAT4+ locators incorporate Dynamic Overload Protection, a powerful signal processing tool that identifies and automatically
rejects electrical interference that may otherwise overload the locator’s electronics. Dynamic Overload Protection allows the operator to locate pipes and cables in electrically noisy environments such as near power sub stations or near overhead high-voltage cables. Note that Dynamic Overload Protection will not overcome very high levels of interference. In this situation the Signal Overload Warning will appear (see Warnings).
Power and Radio mode location
NOTE: After completing a power mode sweep we recommend that you repeat the procedure in radio mode; the procedure is the same.
Power mode
Power mode detects power signals radiated by loaded power cables. To select Power mode, rotate the function switch until the LCD displays a P icon. Rotate the sensitivity control fully clockwise for maximum sensitivity but reduce if there is a blanket signal across the site. Define the excavation site and carry out a grid pattern sweep. Note that sometimes the signal may be re-radiated from other conductors.
Sweep the site holding the SuperCAT4+ upright at your side. Continue the sweep beyond the perimeter of the site. The presence of a buried conducting pipe or cable will be indicated by a tone emitted from the loudspeaker and a kick on the LCD’s bar graph.
Keep the SuperCAT4+ blade vertical and move slowly backwards and forwards over the conductor. Reduce the sensitivity for a narrower response; this will allow you to pinpoint the conductor. With the SuperCAT4+ use the meter deflection to aid pinpointing. Maximum meter deflection and audible volume from the speaker will indicate the position of the conductor.
When directly over the conductor and with the sensitivity level set for a narrow response, rotate the SuperCAT4+ on its axis until the signal minimum is found. The blade is now parallel with the conductor.
Trace the conductor beyond the site and mark the position as required.
Radio mode
Radio mode detects broadcast signals that originate from radio transmitters. These signals penetrate the ground and are re-radiated by buried conductors. However, depending on your location, these signals may not be present.
StrikeAlert™
The StrikeAlert feature warns the operator of shallow pipes and cables.
When a shallow cable or pipe is detected in Power or Active line Mode, StrikeAlert flashes an asterix and sounds a distinctive warbling audio tone. StrikeAlert is not activated when tracing sondes or Radio signals.
Data acquisition / log
On-board memory allows over a year’s worth of data2 to be stored on SupergCAT4+ series products. This data can be backed-up to a PC at any time, giving virtually unlimited record keeping for the life of the product. Retrieved data can be analysed, either locally or remotely, to aid in ensuring compliance and identifying training requirements.