iLOC™

Follow Avatar Anthony Caplin
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iLOC is a standard feature of all RD8100 Marker locator models. iLOC lets you control a Bluetooth transmitter (Tx-5B or Tx-10B models) remotely using your locator. With iLOC you can adjust the output frequency, power settings and use SideStep. iLOC commands are sent over a Bluetooth module that can operate at distances of up to 450m / 1400ft in direct line of sight.

To use iLOC, the transmitter and locator must be paired.

NOTE: Operating in built up areas and in areas with high electromagnetic interference may reduce iLOC’s performance.

Using iLOC

Locator and transmitter need to be switched ON and paired to use iLOC.

For optimum performance:

  • Minimize obstructions in line of sight.
  • Raise the transmitter off the ground by 30-60cm (1- 2ft).
  • Point the screen of the locator towards the transmitter.

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Using iLOC

 

NOTE: If any iLOC commands fail, move closer to the transmitter and repeat the process.

 

iLOC Functions

Changing frequencies

Once the transmitter and the locator are paired, you can change the transmitter’s output frequency remotely using the locator:

  1. On the locator, select the frequency you want by pressing the key until the frequency is displayed on screen.
  2. iLOC commands are sent using the key, press it to send the new frequency to the transmitter.
  3. The locator’s LCD will display SEND momentarily and then OK if the transfer is successful.
  4. If the transfer is unsuccessful, the LCD will display an error code. 

Bluetooth Error codes: Bluetooth wireless connections

 

If the process fails, you may be out of range or there may be an error in the connection. Move closer to the transmitter and retry the procedure. If the connection continues to fail, return to the transmitter and reset the connection.

NOTE: If you are locating a sonde frequency, an iLOC command to a paired transmitter will automatically set that transmitter to standby to eliminate interference from the transmitter.

 

Adjusting power

iLOC lets you adjust the transmitter’s power output remotely; you can also put the transmitter into standby mode and then wake it remotely.

To adjust the power output:

  1. Transmitter power options are located in the TXOUT menu on the locator. Press and hold the key to display the TXOUT menu.
  2. Press the key to enter the TXOUT menu.
  3. Scroll up or down through the power output options; these are:
  • STDBY: Transmitter standby mode, the connection is still active but the output is disabled.
  • LOW: Low power output.
  • MED: Medium power output.
  • HIGH: High power output.
  • BOOST: Temporarily boosts transmitter power output to its maximum level.

4. Once you have selected the mode you want, press the key to confirm.

5. Press and hold the key to select the new setting and exit the menu.

6. Press the key once to send the settings to the transmitter.

NOTE: Once you have stored the transmitter power setting in the locator, the locator will change the transmitter to that setting when you change the frequency with the locator.

Sleep / wake the transmitter

To help you prolong battery life you can put the transmitter in standby mode (sleep), and reactivate it again, using the locator.

To put the transmitter into standby mode, set the TXOUT menu on the locator to STDBY using the “Changing transmitter power output” procedure as described above.

This will disable the transmitter output.

To re-activate the transmitter output, select any power mode from LOW to BOOST using the same procedure.

If the process fails, you may be out of range or there may be an error in the connection. Move closer to the transmitter and retry the procedure. If the connection continues to fail, return to the transmitter and reset the connection.

SideStep™

If you are using a preferred locate frequency and having difficulty locating the utility, interference could be affecting the locate signal. SideStep allows the locator to change the locate frequency by several Hertz. This ‘new’ locate frequency can be sent via the Bluetooth connection to the transmitter and will automatically change the transmitter frequency to match the ‘new’ locate frequency.

To step the frequency:

  1. On the locator, select the frequency you want by pressing the key until the frequency is displayed on screen.
  2. To step the frequency, press and hold the key until STEP appears on the LCD.
  3. Press the key to send the SideStep command to the transmitter.
  4. If the command is sent successfully, an asterisk (*) will appear on the locator next to the frequency and STEP will appear on the transmitter below the frequency.
  5. Repeat this process to disable SideStep.