The RD8100 marker locator enables users to locate most common RF utility markers. These are also referred to as Electronic Marker System (EMS) and Omni Markers™.

RF markers are used to identify buried utilities and are generally located, at regular intervals, directly on top of the utility they are marking.

The markers are passive devices which resonate at a specific frequency when energized by the marker locator. Each utility is identified by a specific frequency and color.

Marker Mode

Folding down the special marker loop antenna, on the front of the RD8100 locator, activates the Marker mode.

In Marker mode, the locator can be used to locate a specific marker or to locate a buried conductor and a marker simultaneously.

Entering Marker mode

To enter marker mode fold down the marker antenna loop. The locator will enter the Marker mode and display the marker icon and identify the marker selected.

Marker mode

NOTE: The locator defaults to the last marker used.

Changing RF marker type

1. Press the key to select the marker you wish to locate.

The abbreviations for each type of marker are indicated in the table below:

*Use of the red Electrical Power (PWR) marker locate mode is subject to radio licensing restrictions for Short Range Devices in the EU and possibly other countries.

It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the red Power (PWR) marker locate mode is only enabled in countries where radio licensing restrictions do not apply at the operating frequency of 169 kHz. If required and permitted, use the RD Manager software package to enable this frequency.

Markers can be disabled using the Marker setup menu. Disabled markers are not available to be selected and will not be displayed.

Markers can also be permanently disabled in the locator by using RD Manager. Refer to its operation manual for further information.

Combined mode

In combined mode the locator is used to locate buried conductors (pipes or cables) and the selected marker simultaneously.

In this mode, the left/right arrows indicate the buried conductor position while the bargraph, numeric display, and audio response indicate the amplitude of the received marker signal.

To enter combined mode:

1 Press the key to select dual mode. The display will show the guidance locate proportional arrows.

Combined mode

Locating RF Markers

Single mode locating

Use this mode when locating a RF marker only, for example, when locating markers used with water or gas plastic utilities.

Proceed as follows:

1. Select Marker mode.
2. Select the type of marker you are trying to locate.
3. Carry out a sweep of the area in which the markers are located to ensure that all markers are located. (set to maximum sensitivity)

4. Use the orkeys to set the locator’s sensitivity to low and pinpoint the marker(s).

CAUTION: The radio signals generated by marker locators may be reflected by other marker types. This may cause the locator to show a response to a different utility marker type, if it is close enough.

5. Once you have located a specific utility marker, scroll through all available marker types by pressing thekey to ensure that no other marker types display a greater response and to confirm that you have located the correct utility marker type.

NOTE: If you cannot locate the marker ensure that you have selected the correct marker type for the utility you are trying to locate and have the sensitivity set to maximum.

Combined mode locating

Use this mode when locating the marker and conductor simultaneously.

In this mode no null mode sensitivity adjustments can be made whilst marker sensitivity adjustments are possible by using the orkeys.

To set up the system for dual locating proceed as follows:

1. Select the same frequency on the locator as used by the transmitter.
2. Pull down the RF marker antenna on the locator. The marker symbol is displayed.
3. Press thekey to select the specific marker you are trying to locate.
4. Press the key to select dual mode. The display shows the null symbol and location arrows, and the locate frequency is shown in place of the marker type.
5. Locate the conductor using the left/right arrows as normal but sweep the area either side of the conductor to ensure that all markers are located. When an RF marker is approached the volume and bargraph reading will increase and decrease as the marker is passed. Use the or keys to set the locator’s RF marker sensitivity as required to help pinpointing the marker.

CAUTION: The radio signals generated by marker locators may be reflected by other marker types. This may cause the locator to show a response to a different utility marker type, if it is close enough.

6. Once you have located a specific utility marker, switch back to Single mode locating, by pressing the  key, and scroll through all available marker types by pressing thekey to ensure that no other marker types display a greater response and to confirm that you have located the correct utility marker type.

NOTE: If you cannot locate the marker ensure that you have selected the correct marker type for the utility you are trying to locate.

NOTE: A thorough scan of the area is recommended when locating for cable and pipes.