RIDGID NaviTrack Operator's Manual page 11

3� If required, rotate the NaviTrack Line Transmitter on the
conductor's axis to help reduce the chance of air cou‑
pling (See Figure 13)�
Figure 13 – Rotating the NaviTrack Line Transmitter
on the Conductor's Axis
4� Press the Power Key
Transmitter�
5� Select a frequency� After selecting a frequency, press
and hold the same frequency button a second time for
two seconds� The Induction LED and the selected fre‑
quency LED will turn ON to show that the NaviTrack
Line Transmitter is transmitting inductively on the spec‑
ified frequency (See Item 1, Figure 14). The NaviTrack
Line Transmitter will emit group tones instead of single
tones in Inductive Mode�
Figure 14 – Induction LED
NOTE: Frequencies lower than 8 kHz couple poorly induc-
tively. When using Inductive Mode, use higher frequencies
to obtain a better signal at the receiver.
to turn ON the NaviTrack Line
1
Sounds in Inductive Mode
The NaviTrack Line Transmitter emits two beeps when shift‑
ing into Inductive Mode� When operating in Inductive Mode,
the NaviTrack Line Transmitter emits a series of intermittent
four‑tone beeps�
Air-Coupling
In Inductive Mode, the NaviTrack Line Transmitter will gen‑
erate a field through the air around it; including the ground
underneath� If within air‑coupling range of the NaviTrack
Line Transmitter, the receiver will measure this field instead
of the target conductor� Air‑coupling may distort readings
and misconstrue the location of the target conductor�
Air‑coupling can occur over a wide range; greater than 70 ft
[20 m] if the induced utility is deep and poorly grounded�
Very weak induction and deep utilities will result in greater
air‑coupling distances� Always confirm the detection of utili‑
ties and the readings of depth measurements�
Air‑coupling does not depend on the output power of the
transmitter and cannot be reduced by turning down the
power� Air‑coupling only depends on the ratio of the field
from the transmitter compared to the induced field in the
target utility�
Note that air‑coupling can vary continuously� Be aware
of the difference between the transmitter's field and the
induced field of the utility being traced� While both will have
the same frequency, the transmitter's field is limited to the
region around the transmitter itself� Be sure to look over‑
head for power lines that could also confuse the locate�
Testing for Air-Coupling
To test for air‑coupling, tilt the receiver at a 45 degree
angle towards the NaviTrack Line Transmitter and ensure
the lower antenna of the locator touches the ground� After‑
wards, tilt the receiver 45 degrees away from the NaviTrack
Line Transmitter and observe the depth reading� If the depth
reading changes significantly, air‑coupling may be occurring�
Alternatively, test for air‑coupling by standing 20 ft [6 m]
away from the NaviTrack Line Transmitter� With the lower
antenna on the ground, take note of the indicated depth
measurement on the locator� Raise the locator vertically
18 in [45 cm] and observe the change in the depth indication�
If the locator only reads the conductor, the depth should
increase accordingly� If the locator is air‑coupling, the depth
indication will not change by 18 in [45 cm], but will change
disproportionately�
TM
English – 11