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 RD8200 locator’s digital signal processor. DOP is an integrated feature of all RD8200 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 RD8200 from becoming overloaded. If the RD8200 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 RD8200 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, Passive and Active locate modes.
RD8200 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 Online PC software. Refer to the RD Manager Online operation manual for further information.
WARNING! Muting audio on the locator will disable StrikeAlert Audio alarm.
Swing Warning
The RD8200 locator is equipped with a Swing Warning system.
In order to operate the RD8200(G) locator properly, this must not be swinged or tilted more than a few degrees from the vertical. Swinging or tilting the locator will affect the locate and depth/current accuracy.
The Swing Warning system will alert operators of excessive swinging, to remind them to use the device correctly.
RD8200 locators are shipped with Swing Warning enabled by default; this can be disabled by accessing the Swing Warning (‘SWING) menu and setting it to OFF.
WARNING! Muting audio on the locator will disable Swing Warning Audio alarm.
Vibration (haptic) Warnings
The RD8200 locators are equipped with a vibration system in the handle, providing haptic feedback to the user when an alarm is active. The handle will vibrate to warn the user of shallow cables/pipes, overload condition and swing warning.
The handle will vibrate to warn the user of shallow cables/pipes, overload condition and swing warning.
This is a safety feature that can be useful in noisy environments.
RD8200 locators are shipped with Vibration Feedback enabled by default; this can be disabled by accessing the Vibration Alert (‘VALRT’) menu and setting it to OFF.
NOTE: The Vibration alert may cause the volume to reduce automatically from level 5 or 4 when using alkaline batteries and if their charge is low.
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 RD8200 locators feature a Bluetooth wireless module as standard, providing the ability to connect to compatible devices such as iLOC enabled transmitters (Tx-10B), PCs, laptops or handheld devices running a compatible application.
NOTE: The RD8200 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 RD8200 locators, and lets you control a Bluetooth enabled transmitter 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
- Press the
key to enter the menu.
- Scroll to the OPT F menu using the
or 
keys.
- Press the
key to enter the OPT F menu.
- Scroll through using the or keys until START is displayed.
- Press the
key to start SideStepauto and exit the OPTF Menu.
- 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.