Operating Tips For Active Line Tracing - RIDGID SeekTech SR-60 Manual

SeekTech SR-60
Current and Signal Angle Reading
The Current Strength (mA) and Signal Angle indicator (
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 indi-
cator 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.
When clipping occurs, the SR-60 will automatically attenuate the
signal to dampen it. When the signal strength received falls be-
low 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:
Note: Measured Depth Display is disabled under clipping
conditions.
Figure 25: Attenuation On
18
) in the
Figure 26: Attenuation Off
Ridge Tool Company

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 an-
other 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 over-
come resistance and inject more current onto the line.