RIDGID SR-60 manual Operating Tips for Active Line Tracing, Current and Signal Angle Reading

SeekTech SR-60

Current and Signal Angle Reading

The Current Strength () and Signal Angle indicator () in the upper right corner of the screen will display the current detected on the traced line, in milliamps, when the computed angle to the center of the detected field is less than 35° and the SR-60 crosses the center of the field.

When moving across the center of the field the current display will retain the displayed current value until the guidance arrows reverse again, at which point the display will be updated. The update occurs whenever the guidance arrows reverse.

When the angle to the center exceeds 35°, the Signal Angle indicator will again replace the Current indicator, and the display will show the computed angle to the center of the detected field.

Clipping (Tracing Modes)

Occasionally the Signal Strength will be strong enough that the receiver will be unable to process the whole signal, a condition known as “clipping”. When

this occurs, a warning symbol will appear on the screen. It means that the signal is particularly strong. If clipping persists, remedy it by increasing the distance between the antennas and the target line OR by reducing the strength of the current from the transmitter.

Note: Measured Depth Display is disabled under clipping conditions.

When clipping occurs, the SR-60 will automatically attenuate the signal to dampen it. When the signal strength received falls below the clipping threshold, the attenuation stops automatically. The SR-60 screen will indicate the starting of attenuation and the stopping of attenuation by showing these images:

Figure 25: Attenuation On Figure 26: Attenuation Off

Operating Tips for Active Line Tracing

1.The SR-60 quickly identifies distorted fields. If the guidance arrows are centered on the screen, and the Trace Line is not centered (or if the Proximity Signal number and Signal Strength are not maximized), then distortion is creating a complex non-circular field. This is also reflected by the Tracing line dissolving, or growing unfocused in a cloudy pattern proportional to the distortion detected.

2.To improve the tracing circuit:

a.Move the ground stake position away from the line to be traced.

b.Use a larger ground contact surface (such as a shovel blade).

c.Make sure that the line is not commonly bonded to another utility. (Undo common bonds only if safe to do so).

d.Try changing the frequency used.

e.Move the transmitter to a different point on the line, if possible. Try locating from the other direction along the line, for example.

3.Circling the last location of a clear signal at a distance of about 20 feet (6.5 m) can clarify if the distortion is coming from a local turn or tee in the line, and enable the operator to again pick up the line nearby.

4.If the Tracing Line will not center or if it moves across the screen erratically, then the SR-60 may not be receiving a clear signal. The Measured Depth and the Proximity Signal may also be unstable under these circumstances.

a.Check the transmitter to be sure that it is operating and well grounded. Good connection and good grounding can remedy low current problems.

b.Test the circuit by pointing the lower antenna at either transmitter lead. If a strong signal is not shown, improve the circuit.

c.Check that the SR-60 and transmitter are operating on the same frequency.

d.Try a higher frequency, until the line can be picked up dependably. Using lower frequencies can overcome bleed-over problems. Higher frequencies can

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