Selecting A Frequency - RIDGID SeekTech ST-510 Manual

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2. Press the POWER ON/OFF button on the keypad to
turn the transmitter ON. As the power comes on, the
transmitter will emit ascending beeps. Press the
Inductive Mode Key. The display screen will read "IN-
DUCTIVE MODE". (See Figure 14). The transmitter
will make a short buzzing sound when shifting into
Inductive Mode, and after that, will make double beeps
during inductive mode operation. If desired turn the
beeping off by pressing the sound key (See Figure 4) .
Figure 14 – Inductive Mode Key
3. Select a frequency as described in this manual. When
using Inductive Mode, higher frequencies tend to get
a better signal at the receiver.
4. Turn on the receiver/locator and follow its instruc-
tions. Make sure to set the receiver to the same fre-
quency as the transmitter.
Transmitter
Field
Target
Conductor
30 Feet Minimum
Figure 15 – In Inductive Mode, Locate At Least 30 Feet
From Transmitter To Insure Tracing Target
Conductor
When the transmitter is in inductive mode, it generates
a field around the transmitter. This field is in both
the ground (towards the target conductor) and into the
air around the transmitter. When the receiver is within
approximately 30 feet (10 meters) of the transmitter,
it will measure the field directly from the transmitter
and not the signal induced on the target conductor.
This is called "Air Coupling". Operate the receiver
10
® ST-510 Line Transmitter
Inductive Mode
Key
Orientation
Mark
Induced Field
On Target
Conductor
Ridge Tool Company
at least 30 feet from the transmitter to prevent this.
(See Figure 15).
One way to confirm that you are tracing the target
conductor and not the transmitter field is to look for a
strong, stable proximity signal and a valid depth mea-
surement on the receiver. While directly over the en-
ergized line you can also raise the receiver a set
distance off of the ground, and verify that the depth
reading on the display equals the distance that you
raised the receiver.
5. Once the locating is completed, press the inductive
mode key again to exit inductive mode, then press the
POWER ON/OFF button on the keypad to turn the
transmitter OFF.

Selecting A Frequency

Select a frequency for locating by pressing a frequency
key on the keypad (See Figure 16) . The frequency will be
shown in the display. For 262 kHz, press the 33 kHz key
twice. (In European versions, this will set the frequency to
93 kHz.) The frequency selected will show on the display.
Frequency
Selected
128Hz
1kHz
8kHz
33kHz/93kHz
or 262kHz
Figure 16 – Frequency Display
It is usually best to use the lowest frequency needed to in-
duce a signal on the target conductor. Lower frequencies
usually travel farther. Higher frequencies generally make
it easier to induce a signal on the target conductor but are
more likely to cause signals on adjacent, non-target con-
ductors causing distortion and reducing accuracy.
The default ST-510 frequency settings are for use with a
RIDGID receiver/locator. If using another manufacturer's
receiver compatible frequencies will need to be loaded.
The ST-510 transmitter has the appropriate frequencies for
a variety of other receiver/locator units available by using
the manufacturer menu in the main menu. For available