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 RD8100 locator’s digital signal processor. DOP is an integrated feature of all RD8100 locators. No action is required by the user.

Overload Warning: In cases of high levels of electromagnetic interference, the DOP will not be able to prevent the RD8100 from becoming overloaded. If the RD8100 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 RD8100 locators use TruDepth™ to measure depth automatically when a good quality reading can be assured.

NOTE: TruDepth only indicates a locate depth when;

• The locator is correctly oriented above the target line, cable or sonde.

• The local signal conditions are assessed as be good enough to ensure an accurate reading.

To help you orientate the locator correctly, you can use the locator’s compass feature on the screen

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.

To select Passive Avoidance mode

• 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 utilities, and warns the operator with a series of flashing asterisks on the display and an audible alarm, characterized by a rapid warbling sound.

StrikeAlert will activate in Power and Active locate modes.

RD8100 locators are shipped with StrikeAlert enabled by default; this can be disabled by accessing the StrikeAlert (‘ALERT’) menu and setting StrikeAlert to OFF.

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.

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 RD8100 locators feature a Bluetooth wireless module as standard, providing the ability to connect to compatible devices such as iLOC enabled transmitters (Tx-5B or Tx-10B), PCs, laptops or handheld devices running a compatible application.

NOTE: The RD8100 locator wireless features may be subject to national and or local regulations.  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 RD8100 locators, and lets you control a Bluetooth enabled transmitter (Tx-5B or Tx-10B) remotely from your locator.

With iLOC you can adjust the frequency and 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.

SideStep changes the selected frequency by several Hertz and automatically sets the locator’s locate frequency to match the transmitter’s output frequency. This can be used to eliminate unwanted interference.

SideStepauto™

The transmitter can be used to recommend a general purpose locate frequency for the intended locate task by measuring the impedance of the target cable or pipe.

SideStepauto™ helps to improve locate accuracy by determining the best signal. SideStepauto can also help to prolong battery life.

SideStepauto™ operates only 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 until START is displayed.
5. Press the key to start SideStepauto and exit the OPTF Menu.
6. Press the key to exit the menu.

NOTE: SideStepauto has to be enabled for each Direct Connection using the START option. At any time the user may manually change the frequency using thekey.