Improving And Confirming Accuracy - RIDGID SeekTech SR-20 Operator's Manual

Depth Alerts
Under normal operating conditions, using Depth Average
can improve the accuracy of the locate by displaying av‑
eraged data� However, conditions such as distortion,
noisy environments, and clipping may affect accuracy�
A Depth Alert appears if conditions with the potential to
affect accuracy are encountered�
SR-24 Depth Alerts
Image Condition
Excessive motion during sampling
Depth varying significantly
Signal strength varying significantly
Extreme offset between Guidance Line
(right or left) and Tracing Line
Clipping (signal too high)
Too much distortion
28 – English
Improving and Confirming
Accuracy
DANGER
Exposing the utility is the only way to be certain of
its location. If excavating a utility, periodically re-
check the measured depth and position to avoid
damaging the utility and to identify additional utility
signals that may have been overlooked.
Factors Affecting Accuracy
The following conditions can affect the accuracy of a lo‑
cate:
• Distortion due to local interference or poor signal
strength. Distortion is caused by the impact of nearby
fields, nearby conductors, magnetic flux, or other inter‑
ference on the circular electromagnetic field� Distortion
is detected by comparing the information from the
Tracing Line, Proximity Number, Signal Strength,
measured depth, Signal Angle readings, and Upper
Antenna measurements�
• Bleed over from the presence of other cables or
utilities. Bleed over happens when the signal from
the transmitter couples onto nearby non‑target lines�
The SR‑24 can receive the same frequency on multi‑
ple non‑target lines� Bleed over can distort fields and
illuminate unwanted utility lines� If possible, use lower
frequencies and eliminate connections between other
utilities�
• The presence of tees, turns, or splits in the line.
Turns or tees can cause a sudden increase in the
Tracing Line Distortion Response� If following a sig‑
nal that suddenly becomes distorted, circle the last lo‑
cation of a clear signal at a distance of approximately
6 m [20 ft]� Find the line nearby, to determine whether
or not the distortion is coming from a local turn or tee
in the line�
• Varying soil conditions. Very wet or very dry soil
can affect signal coupling� Saturating the soil with very
salty water may strengthen the circuit� Very dry soil
may weaken the circuit, if grounding is reduced�
• The presence of large, metal objects. The presence
of large, metal objects can cause unexpected increas‑
es or decreases in Signal Strength� This type of distor‑
tion appears stronger at higher frequencies�
• Low Signal Strength. If the signal is low, attempt to
improve the signal as specified in the following section�